Up to that moment, the only sound to be heard was the lapping of the water against the banks. There he stood, admiring the vast expanse that enchanted him, and which, along with its waves, brought back the past.

Had he truly matured and left the past behind? Had he truly left it behind?

The most obvious answer was no.

Carrying the last flower he had gathered from the grave of a hare he had killed, he was forced to face reality. Ultimately, in these present days, he was a priest stained by the sin of death. A man who made offerings to the departed was pitted against his own teachings by hunger.

Hotaru dropped the flower near the damp sand, already wet from the approaching sea. It didn’t take long for the blue petals to be swept away by the tide.

For many long minutes, he stood gazing at the horizon, resisting the urge to resume his solitary journey. Over the past few weeks, learning to live as if for the first time was like teaching a child to see the world anew. He was that child now.

As his life went on, the little firefly — who had once lived only so that the dead might be remembered — realised today for the first time that he, too, should be remembered. But for what? What qualities would make him worthy of being remembered?

After pondering many possibilities, this young firefly realised that the most fitting way to be remembered would be by the one who takes a life and regrets having done so, the one who covers death with the scent of flowers so that his apologies might make sense.

—

The heiress stirred in her sleep. A twist and roll of soft silver fur as she was unable to get comfortable. With a softened exhale, she pulled herself to her paws. A slight stretch of her forequarters then she bounced off a rock she had slept on. Perchance the tide's harmony could help soothe her.


She simply went inland for the views. If she wanted to learn how to (not) get lost… she deemed needing to step away from the island for a bit at a time. It was terrifying. Aika chucked it up to not being home making her unsettled.


By the time she arrived to the shore, she wasn't the only one. A tall frame of rosey fur appeared. With a gentle woof, she announced her appearance as to not startle them. There was a bit of hesitation in her steps, but she did it.

Evening. Lovely breeze. The silvered heiress bubbled with a warm smile on her lips. Seems I'm not the only one unable to sleep?

—

LANGUAGES;

“Japanese” (English)

Common

Just when he thought that the waves were the only things capable of carrying his thoughts away, just like that little flower which now seemed as far away as it had been a few seconds earlier, he was taken by surprise. What a surprise it was!

A cloud like silhouette hovered not too far away. His heart raced — what should he do, having been caught so off guard? Besides, what could this visitor's intentions be? Turned when he heard a soft, comforting voice reach his ears. Even if the person were a threat, he would never know it from the gentle way she spoke.

Hotaru sighed, searching for words to reply. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to interrupt your night-time stroll. He seemed more like a nuisance than anything else, and he wished he weren’t seen that way.

I thought this place would be lonely, but I see I’ve gained some company. He bowed his head to show the young lady that, even as a stranger, he was still a gentleman. When he looked up again to meet her eyes shining in the moonlight, he finally realised that, if he didn’t want to seem like a stranger, an introduction was necessary.

Hotaru – my name is Hotaru. I didn’t think anyone else would be here. By this point, he seemed anxious; if there were others with this girl who had come to meet him, he alone wouldn’t be able to do anything. He thought that showing her respect was the best way out of this, and he knew better than anyone what that entailed. Well, maybe I should leave. I’m really sorry if I upset you in any way.

He was determined to leave for good. He was looking for somewhere to belong, even though he didn’t know where it was. Even though he now had company, albeit very briefly, he didn’t feel worthy of that person’s attention, especially after invading her personal space.

—

There was never a single harmful bone in the heiress' body. Violence never got them anywhere she deemed. oh, you interrupted none. If anything… I interrupted you. And I, err, pardon myself for that. Aika tilted her head with a soft smile. Why was he apologizing to her? If anything… she was the one who happened to stroll his sightseeing of the ocean tide.

Company if you don't mind it. The comment alone made her giggle. Her jasmine eyes rested towards the shoreline where the tide laps near their paws. When she turned back to him, his eyes caught onto hers.

Aika Fujiwara, Seshin of the Fujiwara Dynasty. With a formal dip of her head she introduced herself. And her home. A smile beamed off her maw. The first time she had properly used the new title Izumi gave her. A soft sway of her tail. It was only right since the guardian was home now. And for good she hoped. The ocean is part of my home nearby. I come here to meditate. It's soothing to warch what creatures linger the sea.

You're not a bother if you'd like to stay. She lifted up a paw ever so slightly, an innocent incline of her head. She hesitated but not for the reason one would think. Was it proper of her to let him leave after she intruded on him? He hadn't done any wrong. If anything she went towards him. Did she startle him too soon? The silvered guardian simply didn't mean to. 

You seemed bothered by something. Do you wish to talk about it? Most tended to… not want to. But if he had wanted to, she would be there. And if he wanted to leave, that was his choice too. Aika would never force a soul to stay where they didn't want.

—

LANGUAGES;

“Japanese” (English)

Common

It wasn’t in his nature to be important to someone, but this encounter made him realise just how lonely he would have been. A few weeks ago, he remembered seeing many close-knit groups, but he’d never had the courage to approach them or keep them company. He was definitely caught off guard this time.

Aika Fujiwara. A very noble name. He blinked, pondering the origin of her name for a moment — especially the dynasty she had mentioned. Oh, he said, a tremor crossing his eyes. That was someone’s territory — no, actually, a dynasty’s. Fujiwara, you say.

He believed that if he stayed there any longer, others would come. He didn’t know anything about that dynasty. It’s very kind of you to tell me that, he said, smiling calmly.

As an ordinary person, I have nothing interesting enough to catch your attention. Hotaru reconsidered, maintaining a somewhat calm demeanour. I found myself here because I’ve walked so far through the mountains that seeing the sea is truly beautiful — it delights me.

The young man’s sensitive eyes seemed to sparkle for a moment; this was the first time he had ever spoken to anyone.

I should show you the respect you deserve. I see your family is of noble birth. At the back of his mind, he wondered what this dynasty might be like. If he were indeed treated as an intruder, he would be used to it; that thought made him nervous. Haha, forgive me once again, but you were so friendly when you approached me—I can’t help but say that if everyone from the Fujiwara clan is as gentle as you, the dynasty will definitely prosper. He knew he had no way out right now, of course; interacting with someone like this came with its own risks. But what would he gain by leaving her alone? Would she even remember him afterwards?

—

It.. it is. But the dynasty is welcoming for all. Aika softly acknowledges. She loved her role in all of it. However she didn't exactly try to keep nobility running the show. Aika was still herself. An anxious shy wolf who tries to better herself to praise her sister. Everything she did was to try to benefit Izumi.


Nothing interesting? You look like a cherry blossom had birthed you. Interesting doesn't mean you can't catch anyone's attention. She replied with a compliment. No one should ever bat themselves down. Not like that. Do you wish to see Mt. Shizu closer?


I admire your respect, Hotaru. I appreciate it. She tried to appeal, to anchor some of his unease off. There was a warming smile on her maw. Anything that would listen, she would boast her peaceful home. Her tail swayed happily behind her. My kin, my sister, Empress Izumi, runs the Dynasty. The Dynasty is set deep into union, peace, and prosperity. It does not matter where you've come from. I fear I believe violence is not the answer only an escalation.

—

LANGUAGES;

“Japanese” (English)

Common