Fantasy koi no yokan

[Aster]

The sense one can have upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall in love. Differs from “love at first sight” as it does not imply that the feeling of love exists, only the knowledge that a future love is inevitable

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characters​

 

[Aster]

• Sumire Chen •​

x

x

Interactions: Chouko
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Fukami

Travel was not something foreign to the raven-haired heir.

As a child, Sumire could fondly recall the number of times her family had brought her thorough East Kai. From the peaks of Raiva's Temple down to the base of Ido's falls, their trips had been more for training and educational purposes more than recreational.

She remembered how her father and her sword instructor, who was also her father's right hand man, would train her siblings and her in battle. Their bodies had to adjust to each of East Kai's terrain. Her mother would teach her the types of plants which were edible and stories of folklore and mythical beasts supposedly living in the uninhabited territory. Her brother would give her piggy back rides when her feet were sore and alternate between Chouko and herself. Most of all, Sumire remembered seeing the sight of a thousand twinkling lights, beauty rivaling the stars in the sky. Whether man-made or natural, it served to light up the many different cliffs and mountains which scattered across the land she knew.

East Kai was her home. She knew it like the back of her hand, and if she closed her eyes, she could map it out almost flawlessly in her mind.

Tengoku Temple, located in the heart of Central Kai, was a place far out of her comfort zone.

Despite the similarities to Raiva's Shrine, the younger twin was intimidated both by new change in location as well as what was to happen next: she was going to meet her husband to be. A wretched Fukami nonetheless.

The thought alone brought a surge of apprehension to her gut but any visible signs failed to show on her features. Her hands were folded neatly in front of her and she wore a stony look, unreadable save for the few who knew her well. There was a tenseness in her jaw which was detectable, probably only by Chouko and her brother. Her twin sister walked beside her and despite them being chatty on the ride to Tengoku, they were now in a dreary silence, fore-brooding their inevitable future.

Even as they chatted, they had avoided the subject of their marriage. Pitying one another would've only made their grief worst and they had sobbed in each others arms the night after they had found out of their forced engagement. Their brother was furious and their father even more so; but The Usagi was the Exalted and going against his orders (few and rare as they are) was like unspoken treason.

Right now they were being lead by one of the shrine maidens to separate rooms where they would meet their fiance. The Fukamis had arrived earlier than the Ashurans for reasons unspoken and like their black-haired foe, they were waiting on The Usagi.

The shrine maiden stopped, gesturing for Sumire to step into the room ahead. Inside, she supposed was where her husband-to-be would be, alone with only the bare minimum furniture to keep him company. Before turning to face her destiny, she grabbed Chouko's hands in hers and gave them a small squeeze: it was the only comforting gesture she knew. With a short-lived wry smile, she wished her sister the best. Words were not spoken for the twins to understand each other.

Taking a deep breath in, Sumire opened the sliding door before her and entered the room.

• Kosei Tsukasa •​

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x

Interactions: None
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Ashura

The room Tsukasa was isolated in was almost a bit unnerving. On the tatami floors sat two seat cushions. One for him and the other meters apart and directly across for him, undoubtedly meant for his bride-to-be. Each alternative corner of the room was adorned with a porcelain vase and inside were long branches which grew tiny ovals of fluff.

The plant or branches were nothing he had seen before and even with his knowledge, he couldn't tell if the puffs were to grow into flowers or fruit. He had half expected Central Kai to be more or less like West considering its location. Both regions were lush in resources except one was a valley while the other an estuary.

The lit lamps flickered dimly in the room; its light paling to the morning sunlight which poured him from the outside. Tsukasa had left the door on his side half opened. Right outside was a pond where koi fish darted back and forth in blissful ignorance to the cruel fate The Usagi had bestowed the Fukami heir. The sound the shishi odoshi clunked each time it was filled, serving to be Tsukasa's only form to count the time which past by. Each 'thonk' created a rippling effect of perturbation, and the parted doorway only tempted the male to escape, to run while he still had the chance.

The only keeping him back was consequence. If he ran, The Usagi could very well blame his actions on his family and they might suffer for his choices. The guilt of which kept him rooted in his seat, but that didn't keep him from thinking of the hundreds of possibilities of escape. His mind had already conjured up a detailed plan on what he'd do if he did.

He'd survive and he'd live out his life in the forests of Central Kai. He'd find a simple paying job as a trader and work his way up until he could afford a homely cottage in the woods. He'd start up his own village there or join one if he finds one. Maybe he'd fall in love with the village chief's daughter where they'd live happily together with two sons and a daughter. They'd grow up and Tsukasa would grow old, choosing to spend his time after retirement playing go. It would've been a short simple life, away from all that he was raised to be. It was a delusion.

Right now, in this room where he awaited his fiancee, where his actions carried consequence, where his pride and duty outweighed his own personal feelings: that was his reality.

Another "thonk" from the odoshi signaled another minute past, but as footsteps neared the doorway, Tsukasa did turn to look until someone had stepped in and the door behind them closed. The fire light in the lamps flickered once more and Tsukasa silently swore, it had never been so dark.

 

[Polaris.]

Yuichi Yohei
Interactions: Tsukasa, Sumire Aster
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Ashuran​

To say that Yuichi was solicitous would be the understatement of the year. The male was a melting pot of emotions and he couldn’t even think straight. Before the entire ordeal, he had joked with Tsukasa. “We should have ran when we had the chance to.” His fingers were trembling but not out of fear. It was out of realizing that he was going to be forever tied down to a strange woman who isn’t even a Fukami. They are brutes his parents would remind him every day. We do not associate with them. The history of how the two Kai regions became to be was unclear to him as he knew the overall story but not the actual narrative.

He had arrive first with Tsukasa before they were unwillingly split up and locked kept in two separated rooms. The distance never felt colder and he took quick glances at his ill-fated cousin just as he entered the room. The entire room was rather bare for his liking as the male preferred miniature monuments and portraits as decoration. There were minimal vases kept the place looking neat, pristine, and absolutely more dreadful. It sang, ‘welcome to doom’. The small wooden table serves as the only barrier with the cushions laying on the tatami mat on each side. Yuuichi found himself sitting down, trying to imagine how his future wife would look and at other times, he would lay down in wonderment. However, truth be told, the male was getting bored and impatient.

Yuichi craved company at this point, not being used to complete isolation but at the same time, what if their first impression was the worst? What if he was manhandled by his future wife? Minute sounds such as the smooth stream of water or even a little splash in the pond became his only comfort. He wasn’t truly alone.

While the marriage wasn’t on his list of entertainments, Yuichi was an optimist in a way where he believed that if he smiled through it, things will get better. Nothing went according to plan but it was still frustrating nonetheless that the marriage bound his soul with someone he had never met before. However for his family, for his clan, and for himself, he would bare through with this. Locking down his emotions, Yuichi sat up even straighter as the door slid open and a raven hair female stepped foot into the room. Her presence was soft, delicate, yet overwhelming at the same time. She was taller than he unexpected and he stood up to greet her with a forty five degrees bow.

“I’m Yohei Yuichi. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” When he stood up straight, he noticed the lavender hues and possibly the most stoic features he had ever seen in his life. Yuichi waited until she took a seat before sitting down in a kneeling position restricting the blood flow to his legs. “So how was your trip here?” he asked, deciding to keep things rather simple and on the surface. An immediate friendly smile reached his face and as irony as it seems, it’s like his natural facade.

Chouko Chen
Interactions: Sumire, Tsukasa
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Fukami​

Chouko had always been a little dreamer at heart. She dreamt that to have her own family, to have a loving husband, and to live a content life. She never had big dreams but she always loved traveling, exploring new areas with her family. It didn’t matter that she learned how to wield a katana by the age of five alongside with Sumire, Chouko enjoyed new interesting things. While she was an expert on spears, she loved fighting with different weapons and any difficult challenge was always accepted. Spars were frequent and she held her own as expected of an Ashuran. However, when the news spread like wildfire, her hopes were ultimately crushed the moment she learned that she’ll never experience that heart racing moment the first time she falls in love and that her husband was a borned-schemer no less. Chouko was easily tricked and marrying into a Fukami clan seemed like The Usagi was punishing her.

Yet Chouko loves family more than life itself and thus the female resigned to her destiny but not without bitterness and cold resentment. The trip to central Kai had been a fairly pleasant one with lighthearted conversations as Chouko pushed the lingering guilty thoughts about the upcoming marriage down. When they finally arrived, the shrine maiden led them to separate rooms to meet their own personal unwanted Fukami for life.

The small sign of comfort from Sumire left a soft smile on her face and she closed her eyes, wishing all the luck on the world could fall upon her younger twin. May your husband be the best. However best a Fukami can get. A deep inhaled was taken to prepare herself for what to come before she gently ease the sliding door open, taking her first step inside. Her eyes immediately locked with his.

His hair was white as snow, he must have been stressed out at home was her immediate thought. Chouko’s initial impression was lacking as he resembled a silver wolf she had killed during her training trip but she put on a brave front, an smile and dimples graced her cheeks albeit a weak one. Her parents had taught her better than this but she was still sour that not only she but her twin sister was bind to their unwanted fate. As rancorous about the marriage as can be, Chouko still remembered etiquettes immediately grasping her hands together and bowing in respect. “I’m Chen Chouko, the first daughter of the eighth Ashuran clan,” she remembered the exact words by heart. She had repeated the same introductions so many times that it’s now an automatic response. She made her way over to sit down on the cushion across from him.



“And you must be?”

 

[Aster]

• Tsukasa Kosei •​

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Interactions:Chouko
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Usagi

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It only took a glance to tell that pull of the raven heir's lips was one forced, not because of how it sat perfectly on her evenly symmetrical face but because of the situation she was put in. Involuntarily, Tsukasa had mimicked the babe's countenance, putting on a warm smile of his own.

Pale mercury took in the sight of midnight tresses. The color ebony was rare, especially in the Fukami household. Although it wasn't shunned the way light-colored hair was in the Ashuran clan, it was a color to avoid, quite similar to the misfortune a black cat is said to hold.

He stood in greeting, giving a short bow that was neither too low to consider himself beneath her nor too high to cause any disrespect. Her introduction was stiff and formal, unintentionally emphasizing the fact that she was a stranger, someone Tsukasa barely came to know and yet was fated to be his other half til the end of his days.

Divorce, despite being something legal in West Kai, is still something frowned upon. For nobles, it was an unspoken taboo which lead to more affairs than break ups; and being the emotionally stunted person he was, Tsukasa was hardly the kind of man to find to bother himself with trifles like secret flames.

"Tsukasa," he answered, giving his surname instead of his first. Fiancée or not, he was not going to have an Ashuran address him with such informality right off the bat; even Tsukasa knew where to place his pride.

"Tsukasa Kosei, eldest son of the first branch of Fukami," he continued, words as gentle and firm as the smile on his face. He stood tall but lax, confident despite the lack of stiff formality in his posture; somehow his casual demeanor drew out levels of comfort, putting most people at ease. A stray lock of ashen curled against his cheek, only to be tucked behind his ear.

"Pleasure to meet you."

There was warmth in his voice but his eyes were as cold as the pale shade of silver.

He sat back on his cushion, not having moved from his place and found himself sitting only an arm's length away from his betrothed. Smile still in tact, he poured himself and the raven head some tea provided. It had went untouched while Tsukasa had waited alone; the clay teapot and two matching teacups were placed on the low table between them. The bitter tea inside had cooled enough not to scald one's tongue at first sip, but contained just enough heat to fill one's inside with warmth.

With the grace of a nobleman, he handed Chouko her cup before sitting back with his legs tucked beneath him. In his mind, he calculated the possibility of her drinking the tea offered. Considering how she was an Ashuran known to doubt the ways of his people, he doubted she would unless he did so first. His own cup was brought to his lips and he took a small sip, just to prove that he hadn't done something absurd like poison it.

Setting it back down, he wondered just how long they were to be alone in this room. The shrine maidens had informed them that they were to wait until the Usagi himself made his appearance but Tsukasa had half expected the damned Exalted to have came in with Chouko. Wishful thinking was discouraging.

"So Lady Chouko," Tsukasa started, shifting into a more comfortable position. "I pray that your trip down to Tengoku was a pleasant one? You must be weary after your journey. Do you think the Usagi's going to leave us with some time to rest?" he asked, making small talk with ease. Tsukasa sure hoped so.

(**I'm going to be answering in separate posts bc I only have time to reply to 1 rp a day atm ;;; )​

 

[Aster]

• Sumire Chen •​

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x

Interactions: Chouko
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Fukami

She should've expected it given the rumors she's heard and the people she's seen and yet even though she had believed herself to be mentally prepared, it turns out she was far from it. Her surprise was barely detectable and quickly concealed as the ravenhead returned the bow.

"Sumire Chen. Second daughter of the eighth branch of Ashura," she answered, expression indifferent and unreadable, just the way her family had trained her to be. His added comment was puzzling but she took it as nothing more than a cultural slang the Fukami used. How could it be pleasure? They were sworn enemies.

She sat down across from him, feet tucked underneath her legs as her hands were kept folded in her lap. Her eyes took in the male before him. He was tall, almost radiating with a kind of charisma that unnerved her. Why was he so friendly? Were all Fukamis this opened? And that hair.

It was the color of the sunflowers, just as warm and bright as the sun itself. She knew that the Fukami royals were known to have light colored hair but throughout her journey to Central Kai, she had not seen any shades lighter than brown. It was new to her and initially that had been the thing which caught her off guard upon entering.

She studied him unabashed, not realizing how unnerving her staring could be. While it might have been normal for a person to return his smile, Sumire did not. She wasn't trying to be unfriendly but everything about her was unwelcoming, save for her clear violet eyes.

"It was fine," she answered, cutting the conversation short. There was a short pause and if Sumire had wanted to return the question, she had clearly missed her chance. The pregnant silence was stiff and instead of starting another topic up, Sumire looked around the room, keeping her movements minimum.

Once she had taken in her surroundings, she sighed a sigh which was barely audible. It would've went undetected to one who wasn't paying attention, and easily taken for something more offensive.

 

[Polaris.]

Yuichi Yohei
Interactions: Sumire Aster
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Ashuran

Smiling at her was like smiling at a white wall and trying to read her was as if he was wishing for the rain to fall on a hot summer day. He heard about the aloof nature of the Ashura but this female was the embodiment of the rumors. His smile never faltered, remaining on his face as if he actually enjoyed their awkward conversation and his hands squeezing his thigh as his brain tried to come up with more topics to talk about. If he was to marry this woman, Yuichi wanted to make sure at least they would be cordial with one another if not happy. Her aura was intimidating and while Yuichi claimed to be a people person, he had the hardest time reading her expression. Why? Because she had none. She was beautiful like a doll with the straightest of hair and the lightest of purple. If his fiance was like this, he feared for his cousin Tsukasa.

Their monotonous conversation was cut short when Yuichi twitched at how daunting a stare could be but even with a strong smile, he still received nothing back. This woman seemed as if she was created from a rock. The unsettling sentiments never faded but Yuichi was determined to be a stronger person. If she can’t smile then he’ll smile for the both of them. Finally when she replied, it felt forever and brief at the same time. He waited for a moment for her to ask him the same thing as what normal individuals would but all he received in return was a cold brush off the shoulder. Her attention was suddenly elsewhere but when she sighed, one would be offended yet Yuichi was elated. She does have emotions after all. Whatever her sigh meant didn’t matter but at least he could somehow get this arrangement to work after all.

Optimism was his best trait and his only trait when faced in dire situations. If she couldn’t talk, he would share meaningless topics about himself. It was better than the deafening silence. “The trip here was fairly long,” he began reminiscing about what happened just earlier. “There are so many things that I did not recognize along the way. I admit, it’s fascinating to see a new world outside of Western Kai. The vegetation is surprisingly different.” Fascinating or not, Yuichi was just recounting a few experiences, forgoing the mention of Tsukasa. While his words held no substance, he was waiting for some type of response. A smile would be nice but silence held itself tight. Now, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious about who Tsukasa was marrying. If she was anything like Sumire, they would have to communicate telepathically and that amused him to no end.

If statements weren’t going to an effective way to converse, he figured questions would be his best bet. “If I may ask, what is your favorite part of Eastern Kai?” Trying to hold a conversation one oneself has demonstrated to be exhausting and while he yearned for company, Sumire had proven to be a terrible one.

​

Chouko Chen
Interactions: Tsukasa
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Fukami

She waited for his answer and with a brief smile before fading to nothingness. Instead of repeating his kind gesture, she nodded once. “Of course.” Fake etiquettes were exchange between the two because there was no love or pleasuring in meeting one another. She was only formal because duties required her to be. She sat straight and tall yet no matter how much, she was no match for the incredible height difference.

He seemed nice yet she could sense something was different. She just didn’t know what but pushing her sixth sense aside, Chouko tensed at the sudden distance between them. She was tempted to pull her cushion backwards but that would be fairly rude and manners disallowed her to do so. At least their silence was preoccupied with actions as Tsukasa began to pour tea in the pot provided. While she managed to keep hesitation off her visage, her hesitation sang through her movements as she made none. As an Ashura and especially with someone who believed easily, she was extra cautious around a Fukami, trying not to fall back to old habits. At least with other Ashurans, she didn’t have to take extra precautions but she heard rumors about their cheats. However, she made sure to thank him once he took a sip of tea. However, while she held the cup within the grasps of her two palms, she had no plan to drink it. At least not yet.

Her dilemma caused her head to tilt downwards, her attention completely focused on the cup of tea. What if it wasn’t the tea but her cup? It was ridiculous to think a stranger would do something so silly like poisoning royalty but could she put it pass him? A Fukami, no less? He looked unsettlingly sweet but isn’t it always the sweetest that turned out the be the most deadly? Sumire had always been better at reading people and she wished her twin was next to her because overthinking was simply exhausting. She just wanted to drink the tea. Chouko subconsciously touched her flower pin for good luck before tightly holding the cup, gently bringing towards her lips before taking the tiniest of sip.

“Mm?” she lifted her eyes up towards him at the mention of her name. “My trip was fairly decent,” she answered curtly. The trip surely wasn’t the problem, it was what came after the trip that haunted female. “I’m rather used to traveling throughout Eastern Kai. Traveling far distances has never been a problem. And you?” She half expected him to admit his exhaustion since he looked more fragile than other male Ashura. She felt that if he went on a hunting trip with her family, he wouldn’t make it out alive.

“I believe he will give us some time to unwind before our arduous journey. Have you been informed of the itinerary?” Since Tsukasa arrived earlier, she figured he might have heard more from the shrine maidens unlike Sumire and she who were ushered into the room.

With a few more glances to take a look at their surrounding, Chouko turned her attention back to Tsukasa meaning to ask more about his clan but her words were cut short when the door slid opened showing shrine maidens behind the screen.

“The Usagi has arrived and requests your presence. Please follow us.” ​

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[Aster]

• Sumire Chen •​

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x

Interactions: Yuichi Youhei
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Usagi

He talks a lot, is the first thing Sumire notices about her future husband. She is seated tall in her seat, back straight and hands in her lap. Her expression is as barren as the desert, no famine can compare. She listens to his story and takes note to the light atmosphere he carefully constructs, falsely luring those with weaker minds into comfort. His words are simple and easy to catch, easy to answer, but Sumire remains vigilant and tight-lipped. Her father would've been proud.

He talks about his trip down to Central Kai and Sumire finds it odd that he would so willingly share without being asked to. She wonders if all Fukamis were the same, if they enjoy the mindless chattered or are always this excited about seeing new sights. She can, however, relate to what he was saying. The flowers which grew are vibrant in color and plentiful; their aromatic scents pungent in the warm air. In East Kai, the air is thin, cold and dry. On better days, it is crisp and fresh, filling ones lungs with clean, cold air and never failing to wake one up. During winter, it is merciless and beating. She finds the change refreshing, if not fairly strange.

Her lips remain sealed and her only movement is the bat of her eye. She gets the feeling he wants her to talk back, but she fails to understand what. There are many things she can talk about, but none that she finds worthy of sharing. They are trivialities, most thoughts leading to her mixture of feelings on her marriage, on her sister, on the Usagi, and so forth. The last thing on her mind is home, so when she's asked to give her opinion on it, her eyes narrow in questioning. Is he teasing her? Does he really want to know her opinion on landscape?

Her stare is intense but not glaring and she parts her mouth to speak, not quite yet speaking even after she opens them. There is a short pause as Sumire contemplates what to share and what not to. She decides to tell him about the view, expecting him to have some general knowledge on East Kai's geography. Most of its land is elevated, in the form of cliffs, hills or plateaus. In a monotone, she answers, "The sunrise." And closes her mouth, elaborating the rest in her mind. She remembers vividly how the sun's rays breaks in pale shades of violet and pink over the horizon, how it spills and reflects off the white cliffs of East Kai, glittering off empty pools and stirring life to everything it touches.

She doesn't tell him how she thinks the ordinary, every day phenomenon feels magical; especially when you're seated alone, at the cusp between the day and the night. It isn't necessary, she tells herself; her father's voice echoing her words. But neither are the things Yuichi were saying. Maybe she'll give him a chance. His discomfort, though invisible to the naked eye, is sensed through the delicate threads of her subconscious. Her gut tells her he's trying to fill the void, as though silence was a monster he is afraid of. The realization makes her smile, but something like the minuscule quirk of her lips can hardly be considered as that.

"You'll understand when you see it," she adds, pitying the male for his struggle for conversation. Her sympathies are cut short and there is a soft knock at the screen door. "The Usagi has arrived and requests your presence," the door slides opened and sunlight filters in. The couple are greeted by the entourage of shrine maidens who bow in greeting as Sumire and Yuichi stand to their feet.

"Please follow us," they tell them and Sumire has never been more glad to leave.

---

They are led to one of the main rooms, deeper inside the temple. The place is small, isolated from the rest of the temple. The sight of it reminds Sumire of a slightly larger shrine, too big to be considered one but too small to be a miniature temple. The floors are swept clean and the tiles polished, gleaming in the sun. It is definitely a place well-kept. Though there are no signs of decay, Sumire finds the place ageless, as though time seem to come to a halt the moment they step foot onto its premise.

If the Usagi's shrine is ageless, then the man (could he be considered one?) himself is timeless. He stands at the back of the room, a black fan covering the lower half of his face while a large rabbit's mask veiled the top. His title, or name, suddenly makes sense to her now. But while bunnies were known to be soft, cute and cuddly, the man who stood before them eludes as sense of eternity, like an ethereal being.

For a moment, her stoned expression is broken. She is wide-eyed and surprised, but quickly collects herself when footsteps from behind join her side. She doesn't have to turn to know that it is her sister and she can't explain why she knows. Maybe it was a twin thing.

The fan snaps to a close in the Usagi's palm and he offers them a strained smile, tired as though he had journeyed miles down like they have. His voice is earthy, nothing like the form he takes and Sumire wonders why it feels out of place. He sounds human, she thinks. And he probably is.

Probably.

 

[Aster]

• Tsukasa Kosei •​

x

Interactions: Chouko Chen, The Usagi
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Meet the Usagi

x

The mention of travel reminds Tsukasa of his would-be, could-be escape; the carriage ticket to the farthest part of West Kai, albeit torn up, still sits in his back pocket. He tucks away the information, wondering if such a mountainous region like East Kai had vehicles for transport. He is certain they would at least have wooden carts. They don't happen to ride in them do they? Judging from Chouko's strong yet slender figure, Tsukasa thinks otherwise.

"My trip down was fine. It's cooler here than down in the West and the new sights are a breath of fresh air. We stopped by one of the shops in Central Kai for breakfast. The food was... new," he tells her, smile growing hard in the memory. His head shakes at her question and silently, he comments to himself that their time right now is probably their 'rest time'. "No, but I am told that we'd be traveling down to Ido for one of the engagement ceremonies," he answers, trying to recall the Ashuran custumal. "Arainaga, the cleansing ceremony."

After resigning to his fate, Tsukasa did his own research on East Kai. He had no plans to venture into the marriage (even if it was a forced one) ignorant. He was put at a disadvantage, however. There were few books on the Ashurans (none which did not contain any derogatory remarks) and tales of them were frightfully exaggerated. He was told all Ashurans had dark hair and maroon eyes, indicating their lust for blood; but Chouko's was a deep shade of hazel, reminding Tsukasa of roasted chestnuts.

Their conversation is cut short when the shrine maidens enter to guide them to where The Usagi awaits. Tsukasa is strangely calm as they're left alone in the room with the Exalted. Four chosen stood in a row with his cousin standing at one end and Tsukasa at the other. With Chouko standing beside him, Tsukasa can't help but notice how small she is next to his looming height. His attention is on the Usagi and he bows with the others in greeting and respect.

"I thank you all for coming. I'm sure you have your questions and as much as I'd love to answer them, I fear we do not have enough time," the Usagi says, sitting himself down on the steps of his dais. "As you know, strange things have been happening throughout Kai. Concerning things which have been brought to my attention." The look on the Usagi's face (or well lower face) suggests that he is troubled. Tsukasa is almost certain he's furrowing his brows underneath his mask, but he keeps his own expression neutral. "We can't afford to have the land divided if we are to stand a chance against this threat. You four understand that, don't you?"

No, Tsukasa thinks, but he lies and nods instead. He thinks about the strange occurrences the Usagi is talking about and wonders which few he's referring to. Was it the sudden increase in disappearance cases - most claiming that the person was 'spirited away'. (The idea makes Tsukasa scoff. There is always a logical explanation to phenomenon and 'spirited away' is not one of them.) The random earthquakes and trembles? (Science has explained earthquakes. It was rare but nothing new.) The strange markings appearing at odd, random places? (Surely the work of a troublemaker). Reports of the sea turning the color of blood at night? (Must be a trick of light or maybe there is an undiscovered species of algae which reflect red in the moonlight.) The list goes on, but all the so-called 'strange occurrences' can all be explained if given time and research. It doesn't make sense to him how marrying his mortal enemy is going to fix things.

Sure, matrimony was the quickest and easiest way to join two countries but how exactly was that going to stop the problems happening throughout Kai? They could've resolved things on their own or if they really needed to, hold a treaty instead. The whole thing was illogical and nothing irked him more. In his opinion, the wedding, the Usagi, all of this, was super extra.

Tsukasa holds his tongue, but if anyone from his family saw him now, they'd know he's ready to debate. Luckily, the male has enough sense than to ruin his clan's name by verbally arguing with the Usagi in front of the Ashurans. Everyone from Kai trusts in the Usagi's decisions. He was one to give few decrees but those who followed prospered while those who chose to ignore his warnings suffered grave consequences. The last time Kai had disregarded him, West Kai was thrown into a famine and East Kai suffered years of war between clans and tribes. Though the consequences seemed unrelated, the elders found that things could have been avoided if they had just followed the Usagi's strange commands.

(In theory, if East Kai had lent a hand to the West while the West was going through a famine, it would've kept a balance of peace as East Kai was growing overly abundant in goods. The people of West Kai would not have had to starve whereas the people of East Kai may not have fallen into greed, and start pillaging and attacking other tribes for more wealth and power. The West was too proud to accept help and the East was not willing to lend a hand to their enemies. Both suffered from their actions and this led to many great clans and tribes dying out all throughout Kai. The Fukami and the Ashura survived and are now the main leading clans in Kai. This story was passed down to them by their great grandparents and recorded in history.)

The Usagi catches Tsukasa's look and smiles hard as though he knows what the male is feeling. It is suppose to be a comforting gesture but somehow, this only serves to irritate him more.

"Even if you don't understand now, I hope you will later on. The full moon will cast overhead Mizuha for the next three nights. You will have to make haste if you want to catch it in time. Your carriages will be waiting for you outside," the fan flicks open and the Usagi turns to dismiss them. Over his shoulder, there is a gleam in the eye of his rabbit's mask. "I will see you four soon."

 

[Polaris.]

Yuichi Yohei
Interactions: Sumire Aster
Location: In the Carriage
Objective: Meet the Usagi

A hand sweeping through the light hue of vermillion locks was the only thing keeping Yuichi distracted from the suffocating cloud of silence. His eyes rose up to meet hers noticing a small parting of her lips but as expected, nothing came out. Maybe now would be a good time to make a dash for it. Joking thoughts fluttered through his mind yet he remained completely still, making no movements or indications how much he wished someone would interrupt them. This arrange marriage felt more like an interview with Yuichi trying to make light conversations, or inquiring more about Sumire. She was failing this interview and while many would assume it was intentional, he had a small gut feeling that it was just who she was inside.

She finally crippled the incessant silence only to give him a two word response. How lovely. His optimism didn’t fail him though and he took the chance to comment on just the sunset. While it wasn’t an everyday thought as its occurrence happens daily, the sinking sun and its magnificent hues and high chroma painted all across the sky was a sight to behold. However, as a Fukami, he suppose it was harder to see the sunset in the eyes of an Ashuran. The geographical layout could make a normal phenomenon increasingly more vivid and awestruck for the other. His own wandering thoughts lost track of time as Sumire added more into the conversation much to his surprise. Although not much at all, it still tugged a smile from his visage. “Is that right? Then you should take me —” he answered but they were impeded abruptly by a light sound from the screen door.

"The Usagi has arrived and requests your presence.” The door was gently swept aside and a retinue of shrine maiden directed them to come along. Yuichi made no haste to stand on his feet looking more than pleased that he could leave the room.

---

The aura of the shrine was alluringly sophisticated as he was led into one of the bigger room. Anything new held his fascination and he was relieved to see a new sight. His eyes flickered around, noticing the smaller details he usually would have ignored but the pace was slow enough for Yuichi to notice the reflections of the sun and the separation from the current location to the former place of detainment.

They were then graced by the presence of the man himself. The almost mocking rabbit mask sat firmly on his face masking all the hidden points of emotions or visage from behind. They stood just like that until soft pitter-patter steps were heard behind them. At the sight of Tsukasa allowed Yuichi relaxed the shoulders he hadn’t noticed were incredibly tensed until now. His attention flickered back to the Usagi when a crack in the air was accompanied with the snap of his fan. All eyes were on him with Yuichi wondering what the other was thinking when he suggested the marriage. Wouldn’t marriage just create a rift among the families? Especially if neither of them prefer each other’s presence? There were so many unanswered questions but he couldn’t allow himself to speak, not with their reputation on the line.

His eyes hardened as the Usagi began to speak.

"I thank you all for coming. I'm sure you have your questions and as much as I'd love to answer them, I fear we do not have enough time," the Usagi said. "As you know, strange things have been happening throughout Kai. Concerning things which have been brought to my attention." It has been brought to everyone’s attention but Yuichi suppose that the Usagi would have it the hardest with everyone coming to him to question the peculiarities. "We can't afford to have the land divided if we are to stand a chance against this threat. You four understand that, don't you?"

Was there no other way to reunite the land other than through marriage? If it was this easy from the beginning, then why didn’t this happen earlier? Yuichi bit his tongue, remaining still in silence as if the Usagi could read through him.

"Even if you don't understand now, I hope you will later on. The full moon will cast overhead Mizuha for the next three nights. You will have to make haste if you want to catch it in time. Your carriages will be waiting for you outside. I will see you four soon."

He suppose they were dismissed and questions were put to halt as the shrine maidens assembled once more, almost like magic, to escort them to their carriages waiting outside. His footsteps faltered into a slower pace, matching Tsukasa almost as if his sword dancer cousin was going to protect him from imminent threats. The only threat around was Sumire’s deadly silence. He felt comforted by the knowledge that he wasn’t alone in this. They retraced their steps, passing past the room from earlier. The sun was radiating its sheer heat down at them and the only comfort was the small brief wind rolling by. One of the shrine maiden, with her head lowered just a bit, opened the door for all of them to enter. The footman was in front with the reins tightly secured in his hand. The three chocolate brown horses stood tall and obedient, the hooves firmly against the earth waiting for instructions.

“Please head in. I wish you a safe travel.” Yuichi was the first one in, inspecting the interior. It was made for comfort with cushioned seats but hard wooden back rest. It was a rectangular in structure on top but more of an oval curve on the bottom. The windows were covered by silk curtains filtering the direct sunlight coming through. The carriage was neutral in color, he suppose not to attract any attention. It most likely would been a terrible idea to paint their traveling in gold in case of robbers. His assessment stopped as Chouko, the last one, stepped onto the carriage and the shrine maiden snapped their fate shut just as she closed the door. Nothing else was audible except for the sounds of their breathing.

In almost an instant, Yuichi saw his wings clipped, his freedom vanished, and this was it. The beginning of an end.

​

Chouko Chen
Interactions: Tsukasa, Sumire, Yuichi
Location: In the Carriage
Objective: Meet the Usagi

She stood up as directed as they were led from their room deeper into the depths of the temper, entering the area three other presence were already awaiting them. Noticing her younger twin was already present before her, Chouko picked up the pace slightly standing next to Sumire with Tsukasa by her side. She did stop momentarily to notice Sumire’s fiance and no one could forget the bright orange hair that stood out just as the eerie presence of the Usagi. She wondered about his personality and how suitable he would be with Sumire. Was he the quiet type who reads books for fun? Recites Haiku and go hunting as a hobby? She definitely could see her little sister with someone as such. Their life together would be quiet, peaceful, yet accommodating and fun. There was no better way to bond than to kill a boar together. Maybe she and Tsukasa can find a common meeting point. Could he get his stand dirty? For a male, he looked more graceful and fragile than an Ashuran. Despite his looks, she was hopeful-ish that he enjoyed hunting as his past time. Although Chouko knew her hopes would be dashed since her father has tremendous distaste of the way of life for a Fukami. They’re the lazier souls with no way to protect themselves other than maybe using a paintbrush as a weapon if their life was in harms way.

They took a bow just as the Usagi firmly closed his fan shut, a signal that he was about to bestow them his wisdom. Chouko turned her head slightly to give Sumire a comforting smile. We’re in this together.

"I thank you all for coming. I'm sure you have your questions and as much as I'd love to answer them, I fear we do not have enough time," the Usagi began. He left little for questions as he continued. “As you know, strange things have been happening throughout Kai. Concerning things which have been brought to my attention." Chouko withheld a sigh, her eyes looking impassive but inside, her modestly downcast eyes hid a feeling of minor irritation. Everything was happening so fast and not even one minute spared for any questions. She was giving up her entire life and the Usagi couldn’t answer a single worry. “We can't afford to have the land divided if we are to stand a chance against this threat. You four understand that, don't you?"

But if the Usagi says it, it must be and it was her duty. Chouko nodded once at his words. His orders hold such weight and there was no way to go against it. Internal feelings churned inside as the female listened repressively. "Even if you don't understand now, I hope you will later on. The full moon will cast overhead Mizuha for the next three nights. You will have to make haste if you want to catch it in time. Your carriages will be waiting for you outside. I will see you four soon.”

Nothing more was said and they were excused by the wave of his fan. She closed her eyes momentarily. A future with Tsukasa. Is it really possible? Her thoughts didn’t make it too far as more shrine maids came forward to escort them out of the main room and outside to where their carriages awaited. She followed close behind everyone, trailing last as if she was in deep thoughts. Not noticing her surroundings or what was ahead, Chouko bumped into Tsukasa when the three stopped in front of the carriage yet she didn’t. A bashful smile tugged on her lips as the female cleared her throat. “I apologize, I wasn’t paying attention.”

She waited for all to climbed in and when she followed in last, the door was firmly closed with prayers for safe travels. She would have to make the best of her marriage. If she was being optimistic about this, Chouko always wanted to see more of Kai and this was the only chance to except she was giving up more than she wanted to for this one opportunity. The slap of the reins and the horse hooves galloping away was their only indication that they were now making strides away from the temple.

The orange hair lad spoke first, introducing himself to her with a downward tilt of his head. “I didn’t get to introduce myself earlier. I’m Yohei Yuichi,” he greeted, all smiles.

“I’m Chen Chouko, the first daughter of the eighth Ashuran clan,” Chouko answered calmly, confused how he could find his smiles in such a situation. From her seating, thankfully she was next to her sister and facing Tsukasa.

“It’s rather hot today,” Yuichi commented and to his surprise, Chouko replied back although short as it is, it was rather than Sumire’s cold stares and curt words. It seems as if the Ashurans are only capable of one to two word syllables.

“Quite.” Chouko said wistfully. The carriage fell into a nice peaceful silence to Chouko that is. She didn’t mind it, the other sounds were good enough. The soft galloping brought in some kind of false sense of comfort. She was slightly surprised at the random comment coming from Sumire’s to be.

“Have you ever watch a sword dance?” the male questioned out of nowhere. Not sure where this was leading, Chouko shook her head unless one considers using a sword and a dance to kill, she couldn't fathom how useful it is or why one would want to learn how to dance with a sword.

“No. Have you, Sumire?” ​

 

[Aster]

• Sumire Chen •​

x

x

Interactions: Everyone
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Travel to Ido

Sumire had never been one to find silence a foe. If anything, she preferred the minute sounds a quiet space had to offer. A small one, shared by people she could hardly be fond of was an entirely different story. While there was more than enough room in the carriage, there was no place to move, stand, or fight (should the situation ever be needed). Her sister's, though her presence was comforting, safety was also on the line. As Ashurans, they are trained to protect themselves in the face of danger and Sumire has no doubts of being able to protect herself against the golden-haired Fukami. One glance at Tsukasa--Chouko's fiance--told her that he shouldn't be a problem either.

No, the problem lied with the Ashurans who value honor over all else. The agreement to this matrimony was a stain on that very honor and Sumire was certain there would be a good deal of 'purist' Ashurans willing to go through lengths to prevent the marriage; even if it meant murdering one of their own. If they were to venture deeper into East Kai, the Ashuran's home base, Sumire would need to remain extra vigilant. Once they were truly 'home', it'll be a battle of tiptoeing around potential land mines.

Of course, the younger twin had realized this before her older sister could. She had noticed the delicate situation her parents and older brother had tried to hide from them. They must've been facing backlash from the rest of the clan, but it wasn't their choice. Her fists clenched in her lap. It was the Usagi's decree and what right did her family, the eighth branch of Ashuran no less, deny it? The situation was helplessly hopeless and the lack of answers from their so-called 'Divine' proved no less frustrating.

While she had half-expected the group to continue their journey in silence, Yuichi had cut the possibility off with the start of a simple introduction. Part of her wanted to sigh but she knew that this was a good opportunity to get to know her future brother-in-law as well as her (Sumire grimaces) future husband.

When introductions were given, Sumire wondered if Yuichi noticed that Chouko and her shared the same surname. The connection that they were possible siblings would've been made if he did. Most would not assume they were twins unless under scrutiny. Chouko, despite being the older twin, was smaller and shorter than Sumire.

"I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier. I'm Tsukasa Kosei," the male with white hair spoke. Unlike Yuichi who was all smiles, Tsukasa's smile was more faint and there out of courtesy.

Judging from looks alone, Sumire did not think he'd be someone to cheat or hurt her sister but he looked like someone who was far smarter than one would give credit to. That aside, his hair color was atrocious. Having grown up with Ashuran traditions, light-colored locks were consider a blemish worse than any scar or mark one could have. With Tsukasa's being the lightest shade possible, it was not only ignominious but a huge culture shock; albeit even Sumire had to admit that the color looked good on him (in a non-insulting way).

When it was her turn to introduce herself, she made a short nod and repeated her lines from earlier, "Chen Sumire. Second daughter of the eighth branch of Ashura."

"Oh, you two are sisters then?" Tsukasa asked. Sumire mentally noted that he was perceptive. She nodded in response, unsure if she should add in the fact that they were twins.

“It’s rather hot today,” Yuichi commented.

"Quite," Chouko added wistfully.

Sumire looked over to her side, glancing at the sky through the curtain's parting. It was cloudy overhead and the weather was humid. Central Kai and West Kai proved to be far more stuffy compared to the East. Sumire had assumed that the heat was something normal. Looking at the sky now, it seemed like the clouds were ready to give in any moment. Maybe it'll rain soon.

A peaceful silence clinched after introductions were given. The ravenhead was content in this but Yuichi started up with another conversation topic, leading Sumire to wonder if the male feared silence. Why was he so keen to know trivial things about them? Is it because they were to be wed? Was he actually trying to get to know them? But that would mean he's came to terms with the engagement---something Sumire was still trying hard to do. What was his motive?

She was instantly suspicious but her stoic features did not betray her wariness. She shook her head at the question.

Art was not a subject the Ashurans ventured deep into. Most considered it a waste of time which was why Sumire kept her hobbies in tea making a secret. Sword dancing was something she's never heard off but the mention of it brought a change in Tsukasa, making her all the more suspicious. Was 'sword dancing' some code word in West Kai?

 

[Aster]

• Kosei Tsukasa •​

x

x

Interactions: Everyone
Location: Tengoku Temple
Objective: Travel to Ido

Feeling the bump against his back, Tsukasa flinched (and he wouldn't have had done something so unrefined if the person behind him was not Fukami) and turned with a wry smile. It was rare to catch him off guard but the sudden touch had surprised him. His unwanted paranoia did not help either.

'She's just a normal girl,' Tsukasa told himself, chiding.

"It's alright," he replied, wondering if he should step aside to allow Chouko in first. It was only manners if he did but seeing how she made no move to enter, Tsukasa reluctantly entered first and sat himself down. If he thought sitting in a room with only Chouko was awkward, this situation was far more strange. The only thing that made the situation slightly better was Yuichi's presence. He wasn't particularly close to his cousin, but they used to play and train a lot as kids growing up.

After introductions were given, the four fell into silence until Yuichi brought up the topic of sword dances. Tsukasa jolted (for the second time that hour) in his seat. His movement was barely noticeable but caught under a watchful violet eye. The white-haired man tried his best not to shy away. Chouko's sister's ("Protective elder sister, perhaps?" he thought) stares were boring holes into him.

"Why?" she questioned, looking straight at Tsukasa instead of Yuichi, as though already making the connection that the golden boy was making a reference to him. If she did, she was sharper than he could give her credit.

Tsukasa decided to spare himself the spotlight and reply before Yuichi made a show of his mediocre skills.

"It's a popular art form in West Kai. I heard weaponry is something your people value," he added, keeping the conversation shallow.

(since their just chatting, we could prob turn this part of the RP to smth casual instead of detailed LOL)