c h a p t e r  t w o

—STANDING BEFORE THE RAIDEN SHOGUN'S MIGHTY ABODE MADE YOU FEEL ODDLY SMALL. The flights of stairs all the way to the Tenshukaku almost intimidated you, that is saying from someone who's accustomed to climbing all the stairs to the Narukami Shrine. It does not help with the amount of times you'd had the opportunity to enter the lofty architecture—which is, if you count, only five—your stomach still does that flip when you crane your neck to stare.

The Raiden Shogun, the archon of Inazuma and Thunder. It's only befitting for her excellency to reside in a place such as the Tenshukaku, an architecture resembling the might of the owner. You almost feel out of place ; this was an important building where high ranked nobles and officials treaded, not for a humble artisan to be dwindling about. You closed your eyes, trying to get your resolve straight.

Breath in, breath out.

Normally, you would not even think about coming near the heart of the city, preferring to stay by the outskirts or in the Grand Narukami Shrine. But, ettiquette calls more urgently than personal comfort and a friend's duty only makes it louder.

You kept your head low, nodding to any officials who paid more than just a passing glance's attention. You were well aware of eyes drilling, scrutinizing you from all directions. Yet, you kept your posture unfettered and steps even to a degree, even some of the nobles marvelled.

As you came face to face with the fitting giant entrance, you were stopped by two guards.

“Prove you have permission to enter her excellency's abode.” they snap, sternly, almost mechanically. You didn't judge, this was their job and you hadn't come unprepared either.

You handed the letter that had been tucked in your sleeve to one of the guards and he took a hard look at it finished by a sharp nod.

He handed you back the letter and both of them held open the grand entrance doors for you.

“Welcome, honored guest.” they bow to which you return with one of your own before finally entering Tenshukaku. The interior of said court did not betray the expectation the exterior builds up. The floors are clean to the point you could even see your own reflection on them and furniture and decorative pieces aligned flawlessly. You should be amazed, you should be. But something in you does not feel any need to, it whispers the strange lifelessness of this picture perfect building instead.

Ah, that's right. You cover your mouth with your sleeve as you recall the reasoning—there was no need to in truth, you weren't smiling in mockery or frowning which would need to be veiled because again, ettiquette.

Ettiquette, noblety.....they've always been so fake.

In your bittersweet musings, you failed to notice that you'd reached your destination ; the chambers of the Shogun's personal attendant to be precise. There were already two maids situated outside, likely expecting your visit. They bow in respect and motion you to enter.

As per expectation, her excellency's personal attendant's chambers were no less refined than all the other sections of Tenshukaku. Your [e/c] orbs surveyed the room before finally settling on the centerpiece of it, in other words, the purpose of your ‘visit’.

Snow like hair tied high, clad in pristine silk ; she appeared to be engrossed in reading, likely a poem. She still held that elegance your eyes were used to but her presence was slightly different now, more than the shrine maiden who'd cling to your person.

As you were about to curtsy in greeting, it seemed she was cut from the object of her attention snapping her head to you at the entrance.

“Greetings, Lady Sumi—” now, this action surprised you. Before you could even finish saying her name, Sumizome ran over and engulfed you in a sweet embrace. You stumbled at first but returned the gesture nonetheless. Her embrace was that of an old, dear friend, lost and at long last, reunited.

Huh, she never did change.

“...I missed you,” the actions of the Shogun's personal attendant now were nothing bound within court ettiquette. No formality, no honeyed words and definitely not faux actions. This would no doubt be frowned upon by elders who had no better job than judging. Not that the white haired maiden cared, rather, she'd much more like for her...adoration for you to be known by everyone.

(That is, if she'd ever say her intentions out loud.)

You're no fool to the genuine emotions in her words, so you run your hand up and down her back in a gesture of comfort and she only holds you tighter.

“Mm, I missed you, too.”

For a transient eternity, you two just stayed like that, comforted in each other's embrace, no one (one a little more than other) willing to let go. Until, you took the initiative, much to Sumizome's dismay.

“Good to see you doing well, Sumi.” said female almost zones out at the angelic smile that follows your good wishes. You rose a brow at her dazed expression before she finally recollects herself.

“I-I'm very glad to see you, doing well, t-too!” she internally cringed at the stutters and sudden high pitch of her voice, if her teachers witnessed this, she'd not live to tell the tale. You, however, let out an amused chuckle which made blood rush to her cheeks.

It was so unfair, how you made her feel all these strange emotions, how you filled her otherwise hollow heart with desire. Sumizome was a perfect maiden in the eyes of many, as such, she has had many suitors asking for her attention. But what shame, she saw right through them. The things people could do for power, for desire, for beauty ; she was a first-hand witness to them and yet, unaware of the abyss she had fallen into, herself.

At night, she couldn't sleep. Images of your smiles and kind gestures would haunt her dreams. At daylight, she'd find herself zoning out from time to time, imagining how she could spend her time more wisely (with you). Her brush would move on its own, fine strokes narrating your laugh in refined words. Sometimes, she wondered if you put a hex on her—the thought should leave her horrified. But what's horrifying is, how she didn't care.

She could come up with hundreds of poems just about you. Oh, how heavenly it'd be if there was only you two in this wretched world. Then, she could finally confess her eternal devo—

“Sumi, are you listening?” the snap of your fingers brought her back to the waking world. The realization that you'd asked her a question and were expecting a reply struck her along with the fact that, no, she was not listening at all.

“Um, c-could you please rephrase it?” you didn't have the heart to scrutinize the reason for her lack of attention, not when she was acting so shy and... cute.

“Well, I asked why you wanted to see me so urgently, is it something.. serious?” you asked, unsure.

“Oh! I wanted to commission you for a painting, if that's alright?”

“Ah, it's no problem at all. And you needn't commission me, think of it as a favor. We're friends after all.”

“But—”

“No buts, no objections. I won't be receiving money from a dear friend and that's final.” you crossed your arms for further emphasis as the Splendor of Inazuma sighs.

“Alright then, since you insist.” she agreed half-heartedly. Although, not from what would appear to be superficially the reason, no. The term might be a badge of honor and a lable to your connection to the white haired female, but to her, the word friend felt like a fish bone stuck in the throat.

“Ah, you did not tell me of the topic of the painting...”

“O-oh! Right, apologies. The topic is... a bamboo forest,”

You quirk an eyebrow, “Bamboo forest? That's it?” you honestly expected her to think of something far more detailed but to ask of one of the most simple things was definitely unexpected.

“Yes! Oh and also, could you paint it as if it's from a dream?”

Bamboo forest... and from a dream perspective. You put your index and thumb on your chin in a thoughtful manner, pondering.

Perspective drawings were not that popular in Inazuma. Ukiyo-e (1), were rather the ones on demand. But, regardless, you were always accepting of unique requests.

“Hmm, interesting request. I'll try my best.” Sumizome beamed at your reply and thanked you.

You do a satisfied nod before—to Sumizome's horror—preparing to take your leave. In realization, she immediately grabbed your forearm and the sudden action doesn't fail to confuse you.

“Um... Sumi?” you turned around to face her just as she hid the shadow threatening to fall upon her visage.

“Won't you...stay a while longer..?” her hold shifted to your sleeve, voice barely above a whisper and it sounded as if she would cry any second.

“It's been so long since we've had the chance to spend time. D-do you know, it gets so suffocating sometimes within the Tenshukaku.. I-I just want our mundane days beneath the sakura trees back...”

Guilt seeps in your heart, any resolve or rational reasoning you had had before to bid her farewell leaves you. It was true, after Sumizome became her excellency's personal attendant, there were little bonding between you save for the few times she personally seeked out your presence.

And you, with your too-good-for-the-world heart would never let her heart be broken, so you smiled.

“So, what shall we do, m'lady?”

Her teary eyed gaze vanished a little too instantly upon hearing your words, a bright and excited smile made itself known on her pristine face.

“How about we read my recent poems together first? Oh oh, I'll order a maid to bring some tea and sweets—there are freshly made dangos today and I know how much you love them! And then we can take a walk in the garden and—” the white haired female kept on rambling about all the things you could and would do together. You shook your head with an affectionate smile and let yourself be dragged all around.

Sumizome, one of the five poetry immortals of Inazuma and currently the Raiden Shogun's personal attendant. A dignified and desired maiden in all of Inazuma. But how many notice what she desires?

⚝

Time with your closest friend had passed sooner than you had expected. As you walked through the corridors of Tenshukaku after bidding Sumizome farewell, you noticed the early afternoon rays coming from the windows. It had been early morning when you arrived but you did not expect to spend this much time here.

Not to mention, the gifts that lay heavy in your sleeves were certainly unexpected although, if you thought about it, befitted Sumizome's attitude towards you. Not that it made matters easier though.

You finally gave the painting that Sumizome wanted you to draw some thought. The corridors of Tenshukaku were mostly empty as court officials had most likely retired for the day—which settled the perfect atmosphere for brainstorming.

You were walking as quietly as possible, eyes fixated on the wooden boards which, frankly, weren't the most interesting things in the world. So, imaging your surprise when you lifted your head on reflex only to be met with a person regally dressed in navy blue.

You blinked, the person across from you blinked in return before alarm bells started ringing in your mind.

Wait, that's...Aoi no Okina!

You quickly dip your head in courtesy because, unlike a certain green-clad poet ; you actually had respect for the scholar. On the other hand, the noble let out a charming chuckle—somehow startling you.

“Rise, there is no need to be so formal, Lady [Y/N].” he told gently, no wonder the shrine maidens talked so much of him.

You were quick at the attempt to deny him, no way would you disrespect or in this case, be apathetic to such a noble figure.(2)

“No no, I couldn't possibly—”

“It's really alright. Oh, pardon, but may I know of your presence here at the Tenshukaku? In no offending way, of course.” he continues in a soothing manner, smoothly changing the subject which didn't go unnoticed by you.

Regardless, you indulge him because what else could you do anyway? Pointing that out to him would only make this encounter even more awkward.

“..A friend wanted me to do a painting for her, that's all.”

Aoi no Okina nods in understanding, “I see... if I may, when would you be starting to draw said painting?” you chewed on your bottom lip in hesitation, why was he prolonging a simple ‘greet and carry on with each others' business’, anyway? An inkling of suspicion made its way to your mind but when you discreetly stole a glance, he showed no sign of any malicious intention—just patience.

“Preferably, as soon as I exit Tenshukaku.” there were still quite some time before the sun would set, you thought of utilizing the time instead of idling away. The scholar took a look at the sun's rays and hummed. It seemed like he was having a mental debate with himself, on what, you could only wonder.

After some time, he finally returned his attention to you as if remembering you were still there. It was strange, everything from the beginning to this point of this ‘conversation’ were almost outlandish. Did scholars and high ranked nobles always indulge in the presence of the common folk for this long? From your experience, you've seen most nobles looking down on the people who were bellow in social standing, eying them like they were filth.

Although, Aoi no Okina's attitude towards you was anything but rather, he had been polite and gentlemanly. That was precisely what confused (and alarmed) you ; starting from his strange comment to dismiss formalities which he also dismissed so quickly, then asking the reasoning of your visit in a way that'd almost sounded as if he scrambled for the correct words and then calling you lady—

Did he...call me Lady [Y/N]?

Your heart jumped at the thought. You cursed yourself for not noticing earlier, for letting down your guard. And if matters couldn't get worse, came his next comment, “Would you allow me to accompany you while you paint?”

You had no reprise to veil your disbelief this time. What had gotten onto the Kasen? Did he hit his head or ate something weird for luncheon? Him, a pure blooded noble, asking to accompany you, a nobody? So many thoughts came rushing to your mind, had he no fear for his reputation?

“Ah, please don't take it the wrong way. You see, I'm currently running low on inspiration, so I'd figured that if I witnessed something artistic and preferably amongst nature, I'd be able to compose my next poem. Not to mention, your company must be lovely, too.”

Oh. So that was why it was all about. Definitely not making matters better and causing you a headache came his reasoning. Now, the hesitation was evident in your bodylanguage. All talk about reputation aside, if you thought about it, you really didn't have any choice. Rejecting a noble could have some serious consequences.

Frankly, you did not know what kind of person Aoi no Okina was apart from what you'd heard in hearsays. What was the guarantee that he wasn't like those two-faced people who called themselves noble? That he wouldn't change his skin, if you displeased him? Your jaw clenched subconsciously, chest becoming tight. You hated this fragile hierarchy, where people were judged by their so called social status, how they coveted for more power and wealth and how willing they were to over throw and frame others to climb the ladder.

Thinking of everything, you didn't want to indulge the scholar—who was showing nothing but patience as you fidgeted and tried your best to remain composed. You still had some of that pride left, some self-respect. Begrudgingly, you looked up to Aoi no Okina's navy blue orbs and the patience in them took you aback. Was that true sincerity in his visage?

So came your (still hesitant) reply, “I do not mind but, wouldn't it stir up unwanted rumors if you were seen with me..?” you incline, trying to send the message but it appeared that the Kasen had already thought of that.

“Oh, worry not. We'll be taking a secluded path in that case and if anyone were to stir any preposterous rumors...I'll have them dealt with.” you think you saw something flicker in his eyes, a part of you knew it did. But when you looked again, there was nothing, just his serene and assuring smile.

“Alright then, as you wish.” you muttered, already dreading.

Aoi no Okina's smile never did change, however. Instead, his mood appeared to have lightened. He scrutinized your being for a fleeting moment, so hesitant yet unable to refute...

Until, in a flourishing voice he proposed, “Please, lead the way, m'lady.”

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

(1)  “Pictures of the Floating World," Ukiyo-e refers to a style of Japanese woodblock print and painting from the Edo period depicting famous theater actors, beautiful courtesans, city life, travel in romantic landscapes, and erotic scenes.

(2) in the original tales of The Five Kasen, Aoi no Okina is referred to as a ‘wise old man’ but for the sake of the story, I'll be writing him as a young Shogunate official and heir to-be of an esteemed noble family.

i'll be taking a lot of creative liberties to strengthen the plot as we weren't given much information about the The Five Kasen except what was introduced in the Irodori Festival. A lot of the information you see here is scarfed off of the wiki and my own understanding from the Irodori Festival—so, reader from future, please forgive me if I get something horribly inaccurate :'D

prepare your brains for the next chapter.