shiningworld | THE TANABATA FESTIVAL

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event

THE TANABATA FESTIVAL

[ It's a breezy summer day on Isle Bermuda. There are gulls crying, a few lazy clouds, and plenty of sunshine with a cooling wind.

Today also happens to be a special event! It's time for Tanabata, and seemingly out of nowhere, a thicket of bamboo has sprung up in the trees near the shoreline. Speaking of the beach, a festival seems to be underway; there are lanterns strung up, fresh food, and plenty of goat-people selling fresh food and games.

The festival goes long into the evening, so don't miss it!

The tradition of Tanabata, as you will notice, is to write a wish on a tag and hang it from a bamboo tree. So make a wish and hope for the best! ♥ And what's this? A mysterious, female voice is drifting along, carried by the wind; ]

The bamboo leaves rustle,
shaking away in the eaves.
The stars twinkle
on the gold and silver grains of sand.
The five-colour paper strips
I have already written.
The stars twinkle,
they watch us from heaven.

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[ Well, he's much taller than her--so her eyes sparkle a little when he offers. ]

Is that okay?

Yup! Just tie it on the highest spot.

[He bents down.]

Hop on!

[ With a bit of a blush, she nods, and climbs onto Kaito's shoulders. It takes her a moment to scramble up and find herself in a comfortable position, but soon her legs are over his shoulders and she's found herself in a sitting position. Her wish tag is still tightly held in her hand. ]

...Okay, I'm ready!

[Kaito's arm hold on her legs, just to make sure she won't fall behind.]

Up we go!

[Then he stands up carefully, as he balances himself with the new weight. Ib isn't that heavy after all. Then he approaches to the nearest bamboo tree and Ib will find out it is high to place the tag on the empty spot.]

[ The hold on her legs makes her feel secure, and she smiles at his approval. At least he doesn't seem too inconvenienced with her on him.

As they near the bamboo tree, Ib looks for the closest branch. They're high enough now that she can reach almost any branch on the tree, and she reaches to pull the branch to her. After a moment, she's tied her wish tag on the tallest bamboo branch she can see around, and with a confident smile, she looks at her handiwork. ]

I think that will work.

May your wish come true!

[When she's done, he takes step back, watching the rest of the tags hanging on the bamboo trees.]

I don't see many people here, but there's a bunch of tags hanging on the trees. They look pretty!

I hope yours comes true, too...

[ She saw him trying to hang a wish tag earlier, but doesn't know what he wished for. ]

It's so pretty from up here, though! [ She doesn't quite want to admit it, but it's really nice being on your shoulders, Kaito. She can see everything that she couldn't before, and the lights dance in her eyes. ]

[His wish was ice creams, but he doesn't want to spoil that.]

Isn't it? I don't mind walking around like this for awhile.

[Because today's festival. He wants his friends enjoy as much as they can. Although, he has to warn Ib not to touch any hot lanterns on their way.]

[ A smile crosses her face, and she holds on tightly to Kaito so they can begin to survey the festival together. Being held like this reminds her of her father. ]

Yeah! I can see all the lights. [ She points one out in front of them. ] I've never seen so many lights before... Do you want to walk around together?

[Kaito is going carry her all the way!]

Of course! I've been busy lately, so why not having fun for one day! I can see they serve very nice treats too.

[ Ib doesn't mind that at all--in fact, she's pretty happy like this. ]

They do? I haven't seen them. [ But sure enough, when she looks to the right, stands serving traditional food appear. ] Oh, there they are... Should we get something to eat?

I do enjoy tako balls. Do you want them?

[Since they're one of favourite foods of all time. Kaito scans arounf the place to find them.]

I've never had one, but it sounds good.

[ Ib puts her hands on Kaito's head for a moment, squinting to find a stand--and then, off in the distance, she can see something that looks like it could be it. ]

I think that says "tako" over there!

[Looks at where Ib points, then he beams. Being gives advantage after all.]

Good work, Ib!

[He rushes to the stall and get themselves two pack of tako balls. Kaito offers one pack to Ib, while she's still sitting on his back. He has to make sure he's not moving at all so Ib could eat them without problem.]

[ She's sure that it looks a little odd to the shopkeeper (whatever he might be--she can't quite see him from that high up), both of them together, but she doesn't mind. Once they're bought, she graciously takes one and puts it in her mouth.

First reaction? It's hot

Second reaction? It's delicious. After a little bit of fumbling with her nearly-burned mouth, she smiles. ] They're really good! Thank you, Mr. Kaito!

[Robot like Kaito can endure heat. Slowly swallows one of the tako balls and it does taste good! He looks up at Ib as he draws a cheerful smile.]

Of course they are! And thanks to you too! Keeping me as a company.

Would you like something else too, Ib? Perhaps candy?

[They can have more food around, but usually kids like candy.]

[ ...Ib can't lie, she does quite like sweet things. There's one candy that she has at home that she's kept safe, but she's always been curious about the taste. Maybe they have it here. ]

Okay! I'd like to try lemon candy, if they have it...

They must have one. Let's look around.

[Hope you enjoy the ride for a moment, Ib. While Kaito is busy to find any stall which sells candy.]

[ She holds on tight after an affirmative hum, and the two venture together. So far, the bamboo branches, wish tags drifting in the wind, are all that she can see. ]

I can't see any yet.

It could be around somewhere.

[Kaito stops where he finds a stall selling candy sticks. There are various flavors but he cant tell which is lemon, since they could be honey, orange and others.]

We have to figure out the flavors by ourselves, huh?

[This time, Kaito decided to put her down.]

[ Aww, she liked the view. Oh well, she'll ask him to pick her back up later.

After her feet touch the ground again, Ib's eyes meet the signs around the stall. The name of the stall is clearly marked, along with the items sold, but the flavors aren't. ]

Maybe it's... that one? [ She points to the pastel yellow-colored candy. ]

[Kaito doesn't mind at all if Ib wants to have a ride again, as long she knows how to eat the candy properly.

He glances to the candy where Ib pointed. As he askes the seller whether it's lemon or not, the seller offers not just lemon, but more candy sticks to the young Ib. She's cute after all.]

Well, even the seller likes you, Ib.

[ It's okay! She can multitask. Or at least, try to.

She takes all the candy in her hands, and it's almost a little bit overwhelming. Of course, she blushes a bit when she's offered so much candy, and her eyes look up to Kaito. ]

I-is it really okay for me to take this much?

[Kaito nods confidently.]

Of course! They're certainly yours! You should be thankful. Or maybe that's too much for you, do you want me to keep them?

[He has his pocket to offer though.]

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THE TANABATA FESTIVAL

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