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Rushed footsteps and muffled voices are always heard outside of the Yashiro Commission Headquarters. The people of Inazuma City and Konda Village pass by the Kamisato Estate whenever they want to climb to the Grand Narukami Shrine to pray for their god. After all, those who are brave enough to take the path through Chinju Forest are said to have gained a favor of the Shogun, for the forest remains under an eternal blanket of a sunless sky, where many strange occurrences can happen to trespassers.
The distinguished lady of the Kamisato clan seldom believed in such rumors. To Ayaka, Chinju Forest was a tranquil place, with occasional chants of ancient stories flowing through the streams and gaps of abandoned shrines. How truly peculiar did she find that nobody would pay attention to those shrines and only head to the mountains, and how no one but her would cherish the forest as a setting for a private dance.
No matter. Limited times like those were the ones Ayaka cherished the most, where she no longer had to be Lady Kamisato, but for a little while, she could just be herself.
Today could also be a day of a similar fate. There was no sound of footsteps anywhere near the Estate. The staff was off duty for the day, to enjoy themselves later during the evening for the Summer Festival and celebrate happier times for the Nation of Eternity. Ayaka could be doing the same for herself, but she never denies the importance of her own duties and wellbeing of the people of Inazuma. Despite her brother’s considerate words and her heart’s desire, she must always push forward for the sake of everyone.
As such, she took her sword and headed to the dojo, unsure of how exactly to practice on her own for her next session. With Ayato usually being busy with his work and absent from home, she always relied on her trusted sparring partner, Thoma, to practice honing her swordsmanship. But like everyone else, he was offered a day off for the festival.
Ayaka could barely hear her own hum as she was drowning in thoughts about what to do, but it seemed that it caught the attention of someone passing by. Ayaka did not expect any visitors for the day. It wasn’t rare that the gate guards of the Commission received requests from citizens wanting to seek an audience with the heads of the clan. However, that only happened on ordinary days or urgent matters. Despite her brother’s warnings, she couldn’t afford to abandon someone in need. The absence of the guards was not a bothersome issue – she believed in her capabilities in case behind the gates stood the face of an enemy, and she prepared herself for a most courteous welcome for her esteemed guest.
She didn’t need to take more than one step towards the gate before meeting the gaze of her visitor. The heir of the Kaedahara clan stood before her and offered her a polite greeting. She froze for a moment, then made haste to approach him and return the greeting, inviting him in.
“I apologize for the intrusion, Lady Kamisato.” – he said. “I heard your tune from afar, and sensed it masked a troubled heart. Could I ask what is bothering you?”
Ayaka smiled softly. Everyone had heard about the deeds of this powerful samurai blessed by the wind, In the past, she couldn’t help but wonder why someone like him was destined to be born into tragedy, and face so many hardships during his youth. In another life, perhaps they could be in each-other’s places, given how similar they were. What would Ayaka do if she was in his position? Could she handle any more losses, or staying so far from home?
“You’re too kind, Lord Kaedahara. I was just thinking of how to busy myself before the festival begins. I’m in no trouble at all.”
“In that case, allow me to help.” – he replied, pointing at the sword Ayaka was holding. “Do you need a sparring partner?”
“Oh!” – Ayaka exclaimed, looking at the blade in her firm grip. How rude must she have looked to him. “Yes, please. I’ve been looking forward to opportunities like this.”
Kazuha nodded and backed slightly further away, to create distance. Ayaka handed him a bokken and did the same herself. Shortly after, they both bowed, and Ayaka dashed in first without wasting a second. Had he not had his battle experiences in his previous travels, Kazuha would think his eyes were playing tricks, as Lady Kamisato seemingly vanished right in front of him, leaving a blurry frost trail behind. He successfully timed his parry as she emerged instantly and went for a hit to his jaw, a small gust of wind and ice surging from the point the swords met and hitting her face.
Ayaka didn’t shake, and she didn’t seem hurt at all. In fact, her heartfelt laughter filled the air. She slashed downwards, regaining control of her weapon, backing off when Kazuha slashed forward, evading the attack. She then went for another high hit, twirling around and positioning with her back straight as if she was performing a dance instead of an attack. Kazuha simultaneously plumped for a low hit to dodge her strike and catch her off guard, but she reacted quickly and dashed back.
As Ayaka repositioned herself and felt ice engulfing her sword once again, Kazuha launched into the air, his eyes seemingly infused with fire, and her sensing herself being pulled closer to him. For a split second, she forgot where she was, and what she was doing – a mistake for a warrior. As he could resonate to his surroundings and listen to the wind guiding him, Kazuha had naturally recognized her determination and followed the path that led to her this very day, as theirs had seldom crossed before, despite what they both knew and felt towards each-other. He met her eyes mid-air, and let himself have a free fall before her.
Not a word was spoken as Ayaka clenched her fist around the tsuka of her sword.
“Floating?” – she shouted. “Why, allow me! Take flight!”
Sharp iced blades emerged from the ground and found their way to Kazuha’s body. He covered his eyes right before they pierced through his bandages, but not a drop of blood was shed. He was pushed back, and then he chuckled. They kept going with more strikes, attacking, parrying, dodging and dashing. Ayaka kept her chin up, more determined than ever to perform in this so-called sparring session, now more of a duel between the two. On the contrary, mischief danced in Kazuha’s eyes – he briefly analyzed the situation and wanted to push her a little harder. Physical activity is always deemed good for a troubled mind, and perhaps that’s what the determined Shirasagi Himegimi needed right now.
However, he also wanted more.
“You’re holding back, my lady.” – he pointed out.
Ayaka paused fighting to reposition herself. She raised her arm and turned her back to him, shooting a gentle look.
“Kamisato Art…” – she retorted.
Kazuha quickly gained control of his elemental prowess, preparing himself.
"Soumetsu!”
“Slash!”
A snowstorm unleashed from Ayaka’s side as the winds surrounded Kazuha attempting to deflect it. Ice infused in the currents and showered the Kamisato Estate in a glorious rain of frost, cooling off Ayaka’s skin and reflecting the bright sunlight on the ground and walls of the dojo. She regained herself and never felt more alive than this moment. Once again, she asked herself if it was wrong to wish for moments like these to last just a while longer.
Feeling drained of energy, Ayaka lowered her sword. Normally, after a duel she would repeat to herself that for each failed strike, she must strike again fifty times, that nobody can parry an attack unleashed a thousand times. But, she couldn’t shake off the feeling of inner peace she was experiencing after their clash. There was no conflict or confusion within the myriad of glacial flowers carried by the storm. She raised her hand to feel the sprinkles of ice on the air, and her eyes to find Kazuha. He too, had lowered his sword, absorbing the coolness of the atmosphere created.
The duel was over, indeed.
“Lord Kaedahara…”
He slowly opened his eyes and turned to her.
“I’m no lord, my lady.” – he hushed. Her face grew warmer. “Your fighting skills are exceptional. It is truly my honor to be able to witness the finest sword art of Inazuma in action.”
“You wield your sword like a seasoned warrior, Kaedahara.”
“Your blade is one to slice through snowflakes in the night, lady Kamisato.”
“Please,” – Ayaka shook her head, “you told me you were no lord. In that case, call me Ayaka.”
“Would it be fair for an intrinsic samurai to oust the revered princess?”
“Does her crown matter when her blade falters against him?”
The wind had stilled, and frost flakes gave in to the bright summer sun.
“When she’s a master of both the pen and the sword, she’s achieved countless victories to sustain an entire nation on her shoulders.”
“As a wanderer who’s seen other nations, does he accept himself as a subject within the borders of her land?”
Kazuha smirked. “Does the princess not accept him as one, in that case?”
Ayaka froze, questioning whether she got carried away. Kazuha had always emphasized he saw himself as no noble, but a wandering samurai. However, he never left Inazuma for good, even when he was a wanted man, but rather came back to fight for the aspirations of the people fearlessly. She was delighted to finally have the opportunity to spar with someone as outstanding as him, without having to make do with a wooden sword alone. How could she act high and mighty in front of such a formidable opponent – and perhaps, a dear friend?
She was no princess of a nation. She was Ayaka, but by no means anything less. Their blades stood on equal ground.