Fantasy Tales of Nakashigata

[Kaerri]

Prior to the exams, the judgmental stares of the professors hung like weights from Hoshiko's shoulders, keeping her even more withdrawn than usual in class, and fervently studying outside of class. It was a good thing music was one of her classes and therefore practice was as necessary as books, or she might have neglected her flute entirely in her desperation to avoid failing the other exams. As it was, both her flute practice and her archery classes provided a much-needed respite. In fact, except when the instructor's eye was directly on her (and for archery at least, it was more often friendly Koan-senpai than the older and more intimidating Sensei), she was even able to meditate, and lose herself in the purely physical focus of archery, and the dream-like musical world of her flute. As a result, despite her agonizing over the results from the moment she sat to take every exam to the moment she finally learned her score, every score was high! She wanted to dance about, and did in the privacy of her own room, but with an effort kept herself properly decorous while in public. Especially around Matsumoto-senpai, who had not done as well, it seemed. She tried her best to be sympathetic and encouraging for his sake, not wanting to make him feel bad by celebrating her own scores too blatantly in front of him. Long letters to home, full of gratitude for the familial wisdom that had encouraged both archery and music as well as her academic studies, and joyous writing to Rui-sama in her journal, were her private celebrations instead.

It couldn't last, of course. Once classes had returned to normal after the exams, Hoshi didn't have the intense focus on studying that had carried her that far, and anxiety over the contraband and criminal activity returned in full measure. She hadn't forgotten that disturbing chat in the tea room, though it had been pushed back while her attention had been centered on exams. Now it too returned to her mind, as reports spread of criminal materials discovered throughout Nakashigata. The Emperor's silence was almost as disturbing, but Hoshiko rationalized to herself that they were, after all, just students, and surely the Emperor was acting to investigate and restore safety to the land, whether they heard about it or not. Even so, she couldn't help recalling Ashikaga-senpai's words about a snake in the grass, and wondering whether she ought to be doing more. But what more could be done?

It was with this thought lingering in her mind that she read one of the ubiquitous haiku that had sprung up in various places all over campus.

IN BLIND COLD WINTER
THE SILENT GATHERING CLOUDS
BRING RELENTLESS STORMS

Hoshiko paused and stared at the wall-papered display of flyers. Absently she tugged one down and held it before her, as if closer view would make it more understandable, as if understanding would make it less disturbing. She drifted into the courtyard, alternately rolling up the flyer to put it away, then unrolling it to look at the haiku again. A half-familiar voice, calling out to one of her classmates, caught her attention.

"Miura-san!"

It was Ashikaga-senpai, in a most careless state of dress that she tried not to notice, and she followed his gaze to Miura-san. One good thing had come out of that tea-room conference, as far as Hoshi was concerned, and that was that she felt she had, if not exactly a friend, at least a friendly acquaintance, in the other young woman. It had made her Chemistry classes much easier, despite Washi-sensei's daunting stares, to be able to glance over and think that one at least of her fellow students wasn't also watching for mistakes.

She hesitated now, watching Ashikaga-senpai and Miura-san talk, and wishing for the courage to join them. She wanted very much to know what they thought of the criminal reports and of the ominous haiku. Ashikaga-senpai's great laugh heartened her, and she approached in time to hear him offer to meet with Miura-san in the student lounge once he had tidied his appearance.

"Please excuse me," she said, bowing to them both. "But -- may I join you also?" She thought of his emphasis on purely academic, and added, fluttering the flyer in her hand, "To discuss literature?"


(mentions Purr Koan, StormWolf Tora; interacts with dr xenon Shinjo, Pepsionne Kiku)

 

[Pepsionne]

The air of glee and amusement that washed over Ashikaga was infectious, the sound of his laughter eliciting a light chuckle of her own. The sight of him dancing with a carefree attitude, the fabric of his yukata dipping down to expose his bare skin made her blush furiously. She couldn’t help but laugh once more at each added event that stacked the levels of awkwardness in their encounter.

Her expression brightened at the mention of a koi pond, she had always enjoyed sitting near them to work or simply relax, and it made her happy to know Ashikaga had made such efforts to restore one to its former peace and tranquility.

“I would very much enjoy your company in talking about purely academic matters,” Kiku responded, matching her tone with his. “There is no need for repayment, however, your cheerful dance was already enough to lift my spirits.” She flashed him a grateful smile as proof of her statement. The foggy look in her eyes now completely vanished, the grey color underlined with a spark of gleefulness.

The figure of Hoshiko appeared next to Ashikaga with a hesitant, unsure stride. Kiku’s gaze halted on the flyer that her classmate held up. It seemed she was not the only one troubled by the ominous flow of the words.

“Hoshiko-san,” Kiku said, returning Hoshiko's bow, “It would be a pleasure for you to join us. I’ve been a prisoner to finding out the meaning of that haiku as well. It would do me a great service to hear of another’s perspective on it.” She offered her a light smile in the hopes to convey her welcoming demeanor. It had been nice to know a familiar face among her classmates, to know that there was someone else bearing the same weight she was. It helped to keep Kiku from pushing too far into the cold, numbed state she found herself slipping into on some of the harder days she had experienced.

Interacts: dr xenon Kaerri

 

[dr xenon]

"I concur," Shinjo adds with a bow to the other student. "I welcome continuing our conversation on the matters at hand, Hoshiko-san. I will be but a moment to refresh myself in the baths and perhaps then I can meet you in the study lounge?"

Waiting a polite beat Shinjo bows out of the conversation and heads for the baths, with every intention of speeding through making himself presentable to the minimum of his parents' expectations, at least.

interacts: Kaerri , Pepsionne