Chapter Text
Compadre!" The booming voice of the Arataki Gang Leader strikes you as odd to hear as you enter the grounds of the Kamisato Estate. "I've been expecting you!"
"You have?" You inquire as your brow knits quizzically as you study the overzealous Oni standing before you.
As your curiosity weaves unfathomable reasoning you spot spot the head of the Kamisato Clan heading your way.
"Why of course I have." Itto declared, "You are here for the organized competition, are you not?"
"Competition?" You reiterate trying to see how the piece would mesh into the rest of the puzzle. "I thought it was just..."
"My man!" Itto's exclamation came out as Ayato came to rest forming the small group you became a part of, the gang leader you watch then moves to throw an arm around the elder Kamisato's shoulder forcing his frame to buckle slightly, "My dude, my ultimate buddy Ayato sent this all up!"
"If I'm not mistaken," Ayato countered while moving to stand upright as he was released, "It was all thoroughly planned out by the 'temporary, only for three days boss of the Arataki Gang."
As if on cue you find Paimon popping up beside you causing you to jump slightly before you correct yourself and give her a look along with a slight shake of your head to show your disapproval.
"Oh hey there, Traveler," Paimon beamed while giving you a simple wave, "It sure did take you long enough."
"Paimon nearly starved!" Your floating companion claimed with a confident nod and arms crossed in her foreground.
"No way,José" Itto countered while brandishing the comb he was using for his hair,"Don't let the Lavender Melon fool you. We've been eating like kings here."
"Eeeettoooo," Paimon released through her teeth. Behind her you're pretty sure you see Ayato stiffle a laugh with his hand raised to cover the lower half of his face. "You're supposed to play along."
Once the group recovered you find Ayato moving to humbly take the focus. He explains how he was approached by Paimon as he was planning out the details surrounding the day Ayaka had declared was the day you had agreed to meet up to spar.
As he continues, your mind brings up the details you know and takes into account the way he told you how he also wound up meeting with Paimon and Itto. When he tells you about how Paimon wasn't sure how to spend her time as the boss of the Arataki Gang his influence is easily spotted.
Instead of the intimate event you were hoping for it was turning out to be a huge event. Having Ayato take a part makes you wonder if Ayaka wanted to be a focus or if it was one of those things she had shared and he stepped in to make sure it was grand enough for what he felt his sister deserved, and if it was, you knew she wouldn't say no to allowing her brother the right to show his affections for her in one of the many ways he was famous for.
You fall into step beside Ayato as you head into the heart of the courtyard while hearing Itto and Paimon bicker back and forth. Your attention falls over to where Thoma can be clearly seen giving instruction to the gang members who are hanging banners covered in crude depictions.
You exhale deeply at the picture you see of Ayaka that Thoma straightens out. The pointed teeth in her larger than life smile has you wondering if she had to pose for them and how she may feel at being the subject for their particular form of art.
Moving to pay more attention to Paimon you see she's paying no heed to where she's hovering to. You cringe as you watch her bump straight into Ayato who catches her by the shoulders to right her trajectory. Her thankful outburst comes as you shake your head and place the palm of your hand to your forehead.
Having her then go straight back to the argument she was having makes you wonder if either her or the rightful boss of the gang would ever back down. If they didn't, you were sure the next few days would be one to remember, for many years to come.
☆'+･｡*
Once everything had settles down, Paimon takes the center of attention. She announces as loudly as possible to you and the group that had gathered the event that would be taking place.
Instead of just a duel between you and Ayaka, it would be a no holds barred, best out of three match, where one would reign supreme.
The first challenge you learn will be the ultimate match testing your skills as a leader. The beetle bash, brought to the Kamisato Estate, where horned onikabuto would fight until one was declared the victor.
The second, taking place the next day, would be the much anticipated duel where you would face off against the beautiful Kamisato Ayaka.
And the third would challenge your culinary arts. With a surprise recipe, each of you would replicate to see who has the superior skill at the hearth. As you barely listen to Paimon embellishing details you glance over.
Your gaze locks onto Ayaka's and you find yourself offering a grin that she looks away from as her face takes on a slight blush.
You're able to approach after the declaration of the full challenge is complete. Ayaka, you see has her eyes on you as you move and as you come to a halt at her side greets you warmly.
"It's an honor to see you again so soon, Traveler," her usual formality warms your heart as it always does, "though all of this attention was not intended."
"That's okay," You say, attempting to show how much you care while taking consideration in for her current situation."I do remember how Ayato wouldn't let how much you practiced rest....I think he's proud of you, Ayaka. You've really come a long way with your skill."
"He tells me every time I see him," you share which you notice paints a warm smile on her face, "and reiterates that he's not saying it just because you're his sister."
"That doesn't surprise me, " Ayaka admits, "but I'd still have rather it be down played a bit."
As the gang members move to set up the arena for the onikabuto match Ayaka tells you how everything ended up as it was.
Ayato did indeed learn that the date of the deal was set. Ayaka claims she was as vague as possible but once he became interested he was able to gather it was you she was up against and at that point had only offered her assistance in practicing.
It wasn't until he and Thoma had gone out to lunch that they had run into Paimon and Itto, and from what she said Itto had been begging for Ayato to assist in increasing his brand by backing one of his events. She then explains how it's obvious that the Kamisato are so busy with the years plans going into the books, but how her brother had spotted that alone as an opportunity.
He had chosen to make am offer to the Oni to not only host the event, but to let him utilize the Estate and advertise all he wanted on the Kamisato property alone.
You had to agree that it all made sense with understanding, but you still had a doubt in your mind it would leave a wanting for both you and Ayaka and you find her moving to voice that opinion before you can translate your thoughts into spoken words.
"I agree," you claim with a weak smile before Paimon's loud voice takes the forefront of everyone's attention.
Paimon you find is gesturing wildly towards Itto who proudly holds an oversized red onikabuto in his hand. She tells everyone about how Crimson Cyclone is the ultimate champion and Ayaka giggling at your sidehas you chancing a glance to see the light sparkle in her eyes.
Right after Paimon finished Ayato clears his throat and and begins his form of introduction for a massive onikabuto Thoma carries on a broom handle that was given the name Kamisato Thunder. As if inspired by the speech the brutish insect lifts its head where light reflects off of the horn adding to the momentum of the crowd that cheered.
☆'+･｡*
As you urge Crimson Cyclone on you notice the intricate Kamisato design had been added to the elytra of the competition. The level of attention spent on a simple beetle brawl doesn't shock you and your thoughts touch briefly on the expense you could count on a multitude of events the siblings had invited you to and the extravagance you took as lavish.
The Kamisato Thunder, the large onikabuto who moved into a special spin attack has you worried for only a second when Crimson Cyclone took a hit that sent him rolling backwards.
Seeing your onikabuto bounce back up and rush back into battle has you fired up enough to make the right call. With one well placed rush attack Crimson Cyclone is declared the winner.
Kamisato Thunder remains on his back with his feet bicycling in the air as a means to return right side up as you look over to see Ayaka moving to mask her smile in reaction to defeat.
☆'+･｡*
As anticipated on the second day, the 'Flying Terror of Inazuma Skies,' the temporary boss of the Arataki Gang lays into the crowd to foster their excitement to the event ahead.
The duel between the winners against the infamous Maguu Kenki would battle it out. As the rules were explained to those gathered you find Ayaka gently nudging you to gain your attention.
The sheer cryo depths you see in her eyes as she greets you touches upon feelings you knew you had to mask in the open. Her kind words you take for face value as your heart unravels them for their true understanding.
'I'll see you on the battlefield' plays through your mind as you take your sword from the boisterous Itto. While hearing him call out the multitude of titles he had given you your mind is at work. Thoughts on your opponent takes precedence and as soon as you spot her your emotions threaten to take over.
You can see that she chose to honor the battle you fought together by returning to the tailored outfit. The softer fabrics lend wonders to her natural beauty, the floral designs add to her dainty charm and the cut of the garment itself accents the curves of her natural form that her normal garb usually hid from view.
Once she has her sword in hand you watch the way she thanks her brother and you find you're lost to the announcement Paimon makes. You eyes desire the sight of your target. The adoration you have for her you feel readies you for the fight ahead.
Once you see her approach you note her calm demeanor. The heavily practiced stance you know is second nature and part of the dance she performs out of love for the art.
You accentuate her movement and your counter strkes are your accompaniment. Every parry, another step in the private waltz, every attack, just another step in the routine.
As you respond to the swing of her sword you catch a glimpse of surprise on her face. The moment you feel you have the upper hand you find her moving to come at you full force. To correct this you move to block her blade while taking a few steps in retreat.
You're forced to focus more on your footing as your ankle comes into contact with a rock and while attempting to hold back her blade you overstep leaving the two of you standing in ankle high water.
You nod your appreciation for her allowing you time to correct your posture. You offer her the warmest of smiles as you decide to finally take the upper hand.
As you begin to lead this dangerous dance the two of you are a part of you find her ready and waiting. The blows of your weapons accentuates the air around you and the two of you are as one in a unified entity.
The last attack you send out in hope to gain you favor you see gave your opponent a moment of surprise. You see the way Ayaka dashed back to where she had fallen back from and moving to protect yourself you find your feet sliding out from below you.
Your mind goes to the rules, and the forbidden usage of the elements. As you attempt to regain your footing your thoughts move to the knowledge you have of your foe. The effect, despite landing you in a defensive posture was one she couldn't help. It was a part of her, just as much as her smile, and you couldn't count it against her.
You found yourself proud of the way she chose not to back down. The cry she releases makes your heart soar for the growth she displays and despite the death grip you have on your weapon you find it falling from your grasp with her solid strike.
You can hear nothing of the crowds outburst around you as you marvel at your loss. The gracious victor you find moving as gracefully as ever as she collects her trophy. She then approaches to hand it back over and you fall into a bow to pay homage.
You know isn't the best because of the rising emotions within and the way she blushes at your hands touching when you reach out makes you wish you had been alone.
On the eve as you eat dinner with your competition and the ones who had organized the event you're greatful for their company despite the lack of privacy you and Ayaka have.
You enjoy watching the Kamisato siblings interact. You find Itto and his gang a heartwarming addition with the way he was trying to persuade Thoma to join their ranks, and as for Paimon, there was no way you'd want her to miss out on the amazing food that was served.
☆'+･｡*
On the following day right after breakfast it's explained that the two of you will be head to head in a competition to create a confectionery treat in celebration for the esteemed guest of honor.
Her excellency, Sangonomiya Kokomi, you learn is to arrive as your time draws to a close. The winner of the round will be the decided with a blind taste test between what you and Ayaka create, and the weight of the event being a cake for her birthday.
Baking along side of Ayaka you find most enjoyable. She's perfection to a fault as you watch her carefully measure. She's adorable as she gasps with a jump at the way the flour created a cloud when she paid no heed to the way she poured it freely into the mix.
The battle paint of ingredients she wears on her face as she continues on has your adoration of her growing. The care she takes while accepting a taste test of your icing has you wishing Paimon wasn't watching.
Having her express her confusion and offer you a try was exhilarating. You adored the effort she had put in, and the dainty way she held the spoon that you moved to take into your mouth, but the taste that hit your tongue had you wondering what she had done.
It was hard to swallow, and hard to keep a straight face that didn't show disgust or confusion. You had to move swiftly to grasp her wrist when she went to try it and the honorable way you expressed your concerns you hope would gain her favor.
☆'+･｡*
Sangonomiya Kokomi was the most gracious guest and shares profuse gratitude to the crowd as you find Ayaka watching you.
You focus on the lean she performs and ignoring all else you mirror her actions to meet in the middle.
"I see you're the champion here, Traveler." She claims in a soft tone that melts your heart as you think about the lumpy half iced cake she was forced to present due to the time limit set."I am greatful to lose to you of all, but...how do I properly congratulate you?"
You claim it as simple and then you guide her hand holding her fan to block the two of you from view from those who are gathered. Knowing they're more focused on the speech Ayato is presenting for the special guest you spot the knowing smile Ayaka gives you. You close your eyes following Ayaka's lead and your heart pounds as you finally get to savor the taste of sweet victory.
☆'+･｡*
I know that wasn't the rematch you were hoping for, " you explain to the one who posed as your rival through the competition as you ignore the sound of Paimon and Itto settling a disagreement in the distance, "but I thank you for the invitation, and the event."
"It was mainly my brother's doing," Ayaka explained with a serene look on her face, " I carved out the date we had set on my calendar and then he approached me and asked if I minded that it grew enough to include a previous agreement he had made with Itto, or should I say bet he made before losing the beetle brawl."
"I figured it would help everyone out, so to speak," She continued and as soon as she glanced over and caught the way you were studying her casts her gaze downwards, "and not until after I agreed did I learn that it also got Itto out of a bind with his agreement with Paimon, and a time limit given to him by Kujou Sara on when he could set foot in Ritou again."
"You always sacrifice yourself for the greater good Ayaka, " you state gaining her attention once more. "Why is that?"
"Why...I'm a Kamisato," she explains and places one hand over her heart, " and I could have said no and been selfish, but what would that have gained me?"
"Yes it would have been nice to have you all to myself for that rematch, " she relates with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes, " but if I know you, you'd be up for a rematch at anytime, am I wrong?"
"So instead, " she continues after you shake your head to agree, "The event ended up benefiting so many others, and seeing them and their personal growth makes me feel as though I am the ultimate winner."
"Sharing the blessings I have," Ayaka releases with a proud look going into play, "is a small price to pay to see the positive impact it had on others."
"But this time, just like the battle we won," the younger of the Kamisato siblings claims in a bolder tone,"I am left wanting."
"How can I help?" You ask just as you see the blush taking on her delicate features.
"Why, Traveler?" She asks coyly bringing up her fan to cover the lower half of her face for but a moment, "whatever do you mean?"
"Well, if it's a battle you want," you say moving to grasp the hilt of your weapon,"I'm ready and willing."
"But," Ayaka lets out as she reaches to gently rest her fingers over your hand, "What if it wasn't a rematch that I wanted?"
A smile crests over your face as you gain understanding. Simultaneously her hand retreats as you release the sword, and then with a clear opening you pull the fan from the opposing hand she held it in.
"Why, Ayaka, " you say while opening the fan and drawing it up and over your features. You watch the way she studies you. As graceful as possible replicating the way you have seen her maneuver the object, "Whatever do you mean?"
"What I mean," she releases as you watch her hand take your wrist as she inches closer.
You find her pausing her answer while guiding your manipulation of the fan in the space in front of you. As this continues you turn your attention to her in profile closer than the two of you often are. As soon as you notice she's realized your hand is no longer following her suggestions easily you finally get her icy blue eyes meeting your gaze.
"Um," she releases before retreating hastily, "excuse my forwardness."
"You don't have to apologize Ayaka," you reiterate before stepping up to return the closeness you had lost,"I was enjoying myself. Plus, I'd like to hear your answer."
"Um," Ayaka continues as you find her taking your wrist once more, but this time to pull you in closer, "what I mean, Traveler, is that I may need a chance to redo that unfortunately small exchange we had earlier, but...only if you're willing, of course."
"I never thought you'd ask," you respond while anticipation puts you on pins and needles until you find her wrapping her arms around you, "Of course I would, Ayaka. You did claim my sword, did you not?"
"And ever since then," you continue as you move to embrace her, "I have been dying to experience what you said you'd do to me."
"You're in good hands, Traveler, " Ayaka says as her forehead moves to rest against yours,"Trust me."