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Once upon a time, a fair boy was born into one of the prominent noble houses of Inazuma. Not only was he trained in both martial and fine arts as the next head of his clan, but he was also born with the ability to perceive the truths of nature. But fate was not kind, and by the time the boy had become a young man, his family was embroiled in controversy and had all but collapsed. The young man didn’t lament his situation, however, and did his best to live his life to the fullest as a wandering samurai.
Kazuha knelt before a tall sword that was sticking out of the ground, hands clasped in prayer. Butterflies fluttered through the air and a white cat curled up on a rock nearby. The air was slightly warm and Kazuha could taste the humidity on his lips; it would rain soon.
“I wish you were here right now,” Kazuha muttered. Even though it had been over a year since his best friend Tomo’s passing, Kazuha still felt the loss as keenly as the day it happened.
Kazuha was no stranger to death–inheriting the leadership of the Kaedahara Clan at a young age–but this was one loss that he hadn’t expected. The support of his best friend has been crucial in getting through much of the hard times that had fallen on his family, but now he no longer had that comfort while things continued to spiral downwards. So instead, Kazuha kept his memories and Tomo’s words close to his heart, as well as those of his family.
It had been a while since Kazuha had returned home. There was no longer a need to fulfill any duties for the clan, and no servants remained, so he had been free to wander the land to his heart's content in recent years. But recently Kazuha had been wondering if there was more he could do. If he could find a way to restore his clan’s legacy, it would honor his parents and allow him to support all of the families that once worked under him.
An idea had come to him when he had heard the local gossip in town recently. Kazuha overheard some of the locals talking about the Irodori Ball that was happening soon, which was a huge event where locals and nobles would attend an extravagant dance together. Apparently, this year the head of the Kamisato Clan, Kamisato Ayato, would be in attendance. This was highly unusual since the Yashiro Commissioner was usually so busy with his duties, and everyone was very excited to get a chance to see him. There were even rumors going around that he would be attending to look for a bride, although Kazuha brushed those away as idle gossip.
The Kamisato Clan had overseen the Kaedehara Clan in the past, and Kamisato Ayato had a great deal of influence over all of Inazuma, so Kazuha wondered if he might be able to beseech the Commissioner to help him in some way. Kazuha wasn’t really sure what Kamisato Ayato could do to help–short of restoring his family’s name, which seemed impossible–but it seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up.
While the ball was open to everyone, Kazuha couldn’t show up without proper attire, so he had returned to his old estate to find some formalwear. It definitely wasn’t his favorite, mostly due to how restrictive and stuffy he found the clothes, but he could tolerate it for one night for the sake of his clan. Most of his family’s expensive possessions had been sold when their financial situation had become dire, but Kazuha had kept one outfit for use in case there was a necessary occasion. Now he was grateful for that foresight.
It was evident no one had visited the estate in some time, as Kazuha carefully avoided cobwebs and dust to make his way inside. It was like a trip down memory lane, and everything was as he had left it. Opening a chest in his old room, Kauzha located his old kimono. The fabric had a few holes in it from moths, as well as specs of dirt in a few spots, but it was nothing that couldn’t be fixed.
There was only one day left before the Irodori Ball and Kazuha was busy making preparations. Although sewing wasn’t exactly his forte, he was able to manage thanks to the myriad of other skills he possessed. The last hole had been patched and the kimono was laid out over a chair nearby.
It was a humble outfit, featuring solid reds, browns, and white, but Kazuha felt that it suited him well. Even though he wasn’t able to acquire the exact same colors of fabric, the colorful patchwork worked well with the existing design. If he fixed up his hair in a ponytail and minded his manners the way he had been taught growing up, he was sure to fit in with the nobles and find a way to speak with Commissioner Ayato.
A knock at the door startled Kazuha, bringing his attention away from his work. Constantly traveling, he was never really expecting any visitors, so he wondered if maybe the inn owner needed something.
When he opened the door Kazuha came face to face with some military officers from the Tenryou Commission. “Kaedehara Kazuha?”
“Yes, can I help you?”
“A new investigation has been opened concerning the Raiden Gokaden incident, of which your family is the primary suspect. You will surrender your possessions to inspection immediately.”
“What?” Kazuha blurted out. The Raiden Gokaden incident had begun the downfall of his clan, but he thought that all of that drama had ended. What could anyone hope to gain by digging back into this now?
Kazuha didn’t want to cause any more drama, but at this point, he didn’t trust the Tenryou Commission or the Shogunate. His only chance would be to get to the Irodori Ball and speak with Kamisato Ayato. Making a split-second decision, Kazuha summoned his blade and looked for a way to escape.
While Kazuha was very skilled with his sword, the confines of the room he was in didn’t make things easy. By the time he had escaped with a few of his important belongings, he had gotten a little banged up. Most notably though, the kimono he had worked so hard on had gotten ripped in several key spots. There was no time left to repair it any further before the ball.
Kazuha lost his pursuers eventually, and although he didn't have a destination in mind, his feet had taken him back to the area of his friend's grave. Finding a rock nearby to lean on, Kazuha collapsed while clutching the fabric in his hands and tried not to cry.
Normally he was able to handle whatever came his way with a positive attitude, despite so many misfortunes that had already happened. But this seemed like the last straw. Any hope he had of getting to the Yashiro Commissioner for help had gone out the window. At this point, he would be lucky to make it to the harbor to escape the country without being caught. Personally, he didn’t mind traveling, but this wasn’t what he wanted. How would he honor his family if things were left like this?
A cat's meowing brought Kazuha out of his lamentations. Tama, the white cat who lived in this area, had apparently noticed something. Looking up, Kazuha was met with a tall man in a red jacket and blond hair tied in a ponytail carting a small bag.
“Um…is everything okay?”
“I’m alright, please excuse me,” Kazuha mumbled quickly, standing up. He needed to be in a more defensive stance in case the person was an enemy, although they didn't appear to be so by the way they were dressed. Still, it wouldn't be good to be seen by the general public. Kazuha assumed a wanted poster would be issued for him soon.
“Well, if you say so,” the stranger replied. “But I couldn’t help noticing the kimono you’re holding. It looks like it was a very nice design. Were you planning on attending the Irodori Ball tomorrow night?”
“Yes, but it seems like it’s not in the cards,” Kazuha laughed bitterly.
“That’s a shame, it’s sure to be a festive event.”
“Indeed, although I was really only hoping for an opportunity to speak with the Yashiro Commissioner.”
“Oh? I think I can help you if you’re interested.”
Kazuha narrowed his eyes. Although he didn’t sense any malice from the man, the words sounded too good to be true, and Kazuha was understandably on edge after his earlier scuffle. “And what are you expecting me to do in return?”
The man laughed while digging in his bag. Kazuha was mildly surprised when he pulled some cat food out and laid it down for Tama. It must have been the reason he had come here in the first place. “You catch on quick. But helping you to achieve your goal will help me as well. Meet me here tomorrow before the ball!"
Kazuha scratched his head as he watched the man leave. He didn't really have anything more to lose, as long as he wasn't caught within the next day, so he figured he might as well wait and meet the man tomorrow as requested. In the meantime, he'd sleep in a tree, since the weather was agreeable and it would help keep him hidden. It would also be a good vantage point to assess anyone approaching, lest the stranger brings officers back with him next time.
"Just sit tight for a little longer."
"Is this really necessary, Thoma?"
"Absolutely. You wanted to meet Commissioner Ayato, right?"
Kazuha was starting to have doubts as to the helpfulness of his new friend, who he had learned was named Thoma. The outfit was one thing, but Thoma was also helping him with hair and makeup, which seemed a bit excessive. However, Kazuha did know the importance of a nice appearance when it came to clan dealings. Perhaps this was the only way to approach the Yashiro Commissioner.
"Alright it's perfect," Thoma exclaimed.
Although he didn't have a mirror on hand, Kazuha was fairly confident that Thoma had done a good job. "Thank you, I am in your debt."
"Don't mention it," Thoma said, before jumping up quickly. "Oh, look at the time. I'd better get going, and you should too."
"Wait, will I see you at the ball too?"
"Probably," Thoma chuckled. And then he was off.
Kazuha didn’t have time to think any further about Thoma’s identity or agenda. He had the outfit he needed; now to get to the ball!
Although he was hurrying to the venue, Kazuha couldn’t help stopping to check his appearance in a stream he passed by. The kimono Thoma had given him was a beautiful shade of blue, with white and red flowers spread in an asymmetrical pattern along the lower left. Normally blue wasn’t Kazuha’s color, but somehow this worked perfectly to compliment the red in his eyes and streaked in his hair as well as his pale blond hair. Speaking of his hair, Kazuha’s normally messy and windswept hair had been curled and fashioned into an elegant crisscrossing pattern that ended in a wavy ponytail laying to one side. Thoma had even given him makeup, which wasn’t overly noticeable but served to bring out his scarlet eyes, pale skin, and small pink lips.
Kazuha was slightly taken aback by the transformation. Thoma had certainly done an amazing job, but Kazuha wasn’t sure if he was worthy of such kindness. Still, it would help instill within him some confidence as he now looked just as nice as any of the other nobles. Surely this way the Yashiro Commissioner would be more likely to notice him and actually have a conversation during the night.
Little was known about the Yashiro Commissioner to most people, except for the occasional rumor that you didn't want to cross him. Kazuha wondered what sort of person Kamisato Ayato was. He had seen enough positive change instigated by the Yashiro Commission to lead him to believe the man in charge would help him. But he could only hope until it actually happened.
Kazuha was a little late arriving at the ball, owing to his new outfit which he hadn’t wanted to accidentally get dirty on the way there. Still, there was plenty of time left in the night for his mission, so he slipped into the venue and began searching the crowds.
It was fortunate that an invitation wasn't required because Kazuha probably would have been arrested on the spot. As it was there were plenty of guards around, but thanks to the makeover Kazuha wasn’t immediately recognizable. However, he didn't want to find out how long his luck would last, so he hurriedly pushed further through the crowds and scanned the nearby groups of people.
Ironically, it was Thoma once again who saved the day. Kazuha noticed him easily amongst the crowd, thanks to his bright honey-colored hair, which stood out against the usual shades of Inazumans. And when Kazuha followed his eyesight from Thoma to who he was talking to, he finally found the man he had been searching for.
Kazuha hadn’t known exactly what Kamisato Ayato looked like now, but he had seen the Yashiro Commissioner once many years ago when they were both still young and knew instantly that it was the same person. The man had light blue hair that fell asymmetrically along his shoulders and was wearing a white kimono with purple accents that perfectly highlighted his features. Kamisato Ayato was tall, slender, had broad shoulders, and had a unique air of sophistication about him that stood out from anyone else in the room.
For a moment Kazuha forgot why he was there. He didn't realize Kamisato Ayato would be this attractive, or that it would even matter to him. Normally Kazuha wasn’t affected that greatly by another person's appearance, though he was no stranger to noticing the attractive features of others. But now he couldn't think of anything else and stood frozen in place as Kamisato Ayato's gorgeous lavender eyes scanned the room and fell on him.
Kazuha had prepared a whole speech for when he got the chance to speak with the Yashiro Commissioner, with both short talking points in case he would only get a few seconds to make his case and a longer explanation when he hopefully got the man’s full attention. But that all went out the window as Kamisato Ayato approached him and took his hand.
“May I have this dance?”
“Certainly,” Kazuha found himself saying, all the while screaming internally. He should be talking about the reason he was here, not casually agreeing to dance.
Kazuha tried to reason with himself that he was accepting the dance because it would allow him several minutes alone to speak with the Yashiro Commissioner, but he knew that wasn’t why he had accepted. If it was, he wouldn’t currently be distracted by the feel of Kamisato Ayato’s gloved hand in his, the pressure of the hand resting on his back, or the way the man’s shoulder muscles flexed under his touch as they swayed back and forth. It took a lot to get Kazuha this riled up or tongue-tied, but this was one of the most powerful and beautiful men in all of the country, and he was dancing with Kazuha as if there was something much more intimate going on between them.
There was no reason for Kazuha to be nervous in such a setting though. He had been raised to be familiar with these sorts of events after all. Mingling and dancing with others, being in the presence of people with power, even proper courting techniques. But there had never been an opportunity for Kazuha to use any of those skills, his clan having fallen from grace before he had reached maturity. And truthfully, Kazuha had never really been interested in such things to begin with, preferring to skip out on lessons and climb trees when he was able to sneak away. So why did this feel so different?
“Relax,” Kamisato Ayato said in a low voice, leaning down near Kazuha’s ear. “No one will arrest you as long as you are with me.”
Kazuha would have been embarrassed that his nervousness was so plain to see in front of the gorgeous man, but at least it was a decent excuse. In all honesty, Kazuha had completely forgotten about all that while they had been dancing though.
What Kazuha found more surprising was the fact that Kamisato Ayato knew who he was before he had introduced himself. Sure they had met before, but it was so long ago. What reason would the Yashiro Commissioner have to remember him? Kazuha had thought his makeover made it less obvious who he was, but perhaps he still looked too similar to his wanted poster, and that was why he had been recognized so easily. He was relieved to be safe for the moment at least but seeing as he was now dancing with the most talked-about man of the event, all eyes were now on him.
The song ended and Kazuha was still relishing in Kamisato Ayato’s embrace. However, the taller man began to look around and Kazuha worried he had wasted his chance without even getting to the point of why he was there. “If you’ll allow me to speak with you for just another moment about-”
“Let’s find a more suitable location. You can talk to me all night if that is your wish.”
Kazuha tried not to blush as he was led by the hand towards some nearby doors. Was this a dream? If so, he didn’t want to be woken up any time soon.
As they were walking out the Yashiro Commissioner spoke to the person holding the door open for them. “Thoma, I will be out in the garden. Make sure no one else interrupts us.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
Kazuha looked up, surprised to see Thoma. He actually worked for the Yashiro Commission? It made sense now that Kazuha thought about it, although he still didn’t understand why Thoma had helped him out. Thoma gave him a small thumbs-up as he stepped outside to follow the Yashiro Commissioner. Surely it was just for good luck for the important conversation he was about to have, but Kazuha couldn’t help feeling some butterflies in his stomach at other implications.
The chat couldn’t have gone any better. Kazuha was able to speak of everything that had been weighing on his heart, and Kamisato Ayato turned out to be a receptive listener. The change of scenery also helped to calm Kazuha’s heart, as he took in the feel of the breeze and the smell of the plants.
Still, Kazuha’s heart did beat a little faster whenever he looked over at his companion. Kamisato Ayato’s posture and demeanor were constantly elegant and alluring without the man even having to try. The way he would fold his arms as he listened or bring a hand to his chin while thinking left Kazuha wishing they were still dancing. And looking straight into his dazzling eyes was a trap that kept Kazuha almost fumbling for his next few words.
And although there weren't any immediate plans worked out, Kazuha was glad that he finally had an ally.
“It is regrettable there was not more done in the past, but the Raiden Gokaden incident was before my time. Still, if they insist on bringing it up again I won’t stand idly by.”
Kazuha would be lying if he said that he didn’t find the Yashiro Commissioner’s tone to be extremely attractive.
The discussion seemed over and Kazuha wondered if he should leave, but he didn’t want to go quite yet. He had found another purpose for being at the ball, although this new reason was much more personal and wishful.
The Yashiro Commissioner didn’t seem to mind, as he resumed a new conversation. “And what of you Kaedahara? What will you do once this is resolved?”
“I suppose I’ll have some work to do restoring my clan,” Kazuha chuckled. “Truthfully though, I'd prefer to travel.”
“Hmmm, that’s a lovely ambition. Although it would be a shame to lose you.”
Kazuha tried not to appear too flustered under the gaze of those charming lavender eyes. He wondered if he was just delusional or if Kamisato Ayato really was interested in him. It was definitely unexpected, as were his own blossoming feelings this evening, and he hadn’t had enough time to process it all.
Before Kazuha could work up the courage to take things any further, they were interrupted. "My lord, apologies for the interruption, but the Tenryou Commission are here and I believe they’re looking for Kazuha,” Thoma said as he came running over to them.
Kazuha’s heart sank. It was probably to be expected but he had wanted to stay a little longer. It was already midnight though and he had tempted fate by remaining this long in the first place. His mission was accomplished for now, so there was no reason to stay. He especially didn’t want to get Kamisato Ayato involved in this and cause any harm to the man’s reputation. It seemed like misfortune followed Kazuha wherever he went and he shouldn’t get involved with others lest he bring them down too.
The Yashiro Commissioner began to relay some instructions to Thoma, but Kazuha didn’t stay to listen, instead turning to run through the garden to find a back exit out of the venue.
“Wait!”
Kazuha steeled his resolve and didn’t stop, though his heart ached as he ran. He had to concentrate not to lose his footing in the outfit he was wearing, especially as the terrain became more uneven. The only thing he could focus on right then was getting as far away as possible from the ball. Although his movement was slightly restricted, he still managed to scramble over a fence quickly and race off into the nearby forest.
By the time Kazuha had gotten far enough away to slow his pace and catch his breath his beautiful outfit was in shambles. That was two kimonos in two days that he had ruined. Kazuha felt terrible that he had ruined such a precious gift from Thoma. Kazuha had even lost one of his shoes along the way while running and decided to kick the other one off to make things easier. He didn't know where he was headed, but as long as he kept moving it would be okay.
Ayato knelt down to retrieve the shoe that had been left in the dirt. He was no slouch when it came to physical ability, but Kaedehara Kazuha proved to be extremely quick. Fleeing might have been the best call to make, but it didn’t sit right with Ayato. He wanted to do more for the beautiful young man he had spoken to that night.
Infatuation wasn’t the only reason Ayato wanted to help, of course. It was the duty of the Yashiro Commission to support all of the clans under them, which included the Kaedehara clan. Honestly, he wished he had done something sooner, but his busy life didn't leave extra room for frivolous pursuits. However, this situation had now escalated to a point where he needed to act.
And maybe eventually Ayato could spend another evening to himself like this. Those close to him were always trying to get him to take a break and enjoy his own life. Usually, he brushed it off, not even wanting to go to the ball tonight originally. But it had been pleasant; Fun even. He just had to sort out a few details first.
“Hisashi,” Ayato called out. He watched as one of his personal Shuumatsuban ninjas appeared next to him.
"Yes sir?"
"Find out where Kaedehara Kazuha went and report back. Before the Tenryou Commission finds him.
"I'm on the case."
Ayato swiftly returned to the garden where Thoma was waiting for him. There was still one more mystery left to be solved. "Thoma, you wouldn't happen to have something to do with Kaedehara Kazuha showing up tonight would you?"
"I guess it was obvious, huh? I was hoping you would enjoy the night and maybe find someone special. "
"Hmmm…well done."
Of course, it had started to rain. Kazuha could tell it was coming but he didn’t have the choice to stop. Hopefully, it would mean his pursuers would be hindered as well though.
He had traveled for over a day, taking an inefficient path, but one that would hopefully hide his trail as he made his way towards his true destination. The harbor was close enough to be seen in the distance now if the view wasn't obscured by the rain, but Kazuha was confident that he knew where he was.
All that he needed to do now was avoid the guards at the docks and find a ship willing to take him. Easier said than done.
Kazuha resumed his steps but he didn’t get far.
"Halt!" cried a Kanjou Commission officer as he was quickly surrounded. Apparently, they had been waiting for him, no doubt informed by the Tenryou Commission to be on the lookout.
Kazuha sighed. It wasn’t like his plan was hard to guess, given his limited options, but it was still a disappointing outcome. Readying his sword, Kazuha swiftly spun to knock the guards off their feet. Unfortunately, the combination of bad weather, fatigue, and a tattered outfit caused Kazuha himself to slip.
The guards closed in with their weapons at the ready as Kazuha’s sword clattered to one side. “You’re under arrest!”
"Stop this at once."
Kazuha’s head whirled around at the familiar voice. “It’s the Yashiro Commissioner!” one of the guards exclaimed as Kamisato Ayato casually walked by the guards and approached Kazuha. He was carrying an umbrella and his outfit was in pristine condition despite the weather, a complete contrast to Kazuha’s disheveled appearance.
Kazuha looked to the ground, unable to make eye contact, as the umbrella fell over him.
“Are you alright?”
"I'm fine," Kazuha said in a low voice.
"Can you walk?" Kamisato Ayato extended an arm to help Kazuha to his feet. Kazuha couldn’t help but remain holding on to the man’s hand after he was standing. "Let's get you inside so we can check for any injuries."
"S-stop. We can't let you take him. He's a wanted criminal."
The Yashiro Commissioner calmly turned to face the guards. "I don't think so. I have proof that these accusations are false."
"You do?" Kazuha gasped.
"After we spoke I did some digging. I am sorry it took so long." Kamisato Ayato quickly reached into his sleeve and presented a scroll. He then turned back to address the officers. "You will find that this document, which has remained undisturbed in the Kamisato Clan's possession since the Raiden Gokaden incident, has been tampered with. It is proof of the Kaedahara Clan's innocence."
The head of the Kamisato Clan didn't wait for the men to figure out what to do, he simply walked off confidently, whisking away Kazuha to safety.
"Thank you…I don't know what to say," Kazuha said after he had washed up and gotten a change of clothes.
"Don't worry about it. As long as you are safe." Kamisato Ayato watched him carefully with his arms folded. There was a long pause as neither of them seemed to know where to go from here. "Do you still intend to leave?"
"I'm not sure."
"If needed, you can stay at the Kamisato residence until you come to a decision."
Kazuha was taken aback by the generous offer. To be invited to such an exclusive place was practically unheard of. He bowed and whispered, "thank you."
"And perhaps we can have another dance." Kazuha’s eyes grew wide and he straightened back up to look at Kamisato Ayato, whose eyes sparkled with a mixture of affection and delight.
It felt like a dream come true. Kazuha had weathered the storm and finally things were starting to look up again.
"I'd like that."
In time the name of the Kaedehara Clan was restored and was referred to with great reverence by the people of Inazuma. As for the young heir of the Kaedehara Clan, however, he took on the last name of Kamisato when he married the head of the Yashiro Commission. And they lived happily ever after. <3