My Blue Hydrangea

2

16 years later

Cling Cling

The swords keep clashing with each other as the sunset in the background with a soft breeze blowing. Both of them drenched in sweat.  On one hand, is the loyal Tengu general Kujou Sara while on the other hand, a girl with a very fierce determined look in her blue orbs. She activates the hydrovision granted to her

"Enough" A thundering voice stops them. They turn around to see Raiden shogun standing there. Both of them quickly bow down to their God

"Princess Aera, Your swordsmanship has improved a lot in the past few years. You have been continuously keeping up with Kujou Sara and it is very impressive" The shogun says

Both of them bow to the shogun

"Thank you," Aera says. The shogun walks away and both of them decide to retire for the day

Aera is welcomed into her chambers with the scent of fresh roses.

"My lady your bath is ready," Kotono says

She undresses herself from the battle suit she is wearing and gets into the bath that has been prepared for her. 

"My Lady, do you wish for anything tomorrow?" Kotona asks her

"Maybe I might ask Mother permission to visit the city. It has been like forever since I have visited the city" Aera answers. Aera is dressed in a night kimono and she retires to bed

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In the night sky's darkness, a shadow passes the gates evading the guards at Tenshukaku and goes towards Chingu forest.

"My lady" a voice calls out. Aera turns around to see one of her friends Kuki Shinobu.

"Kuki how many times have I told you to Call me Aera, we are friends" Aera says

"Can't help it now can I, Boss doesn't understand them"

"Aera" A loud voice call out to her and Aera understandingly turns around to face the boss of the Arataki gang

Itto rushes towards Aera.

"My Bro will be here in a while and then we can start our beetle fight," Itto says enthusiastically to which Aera nods her head

"Who is this bro that Itto keeps talking about" Aera asks Shinobu

"The Yashiro commissioner - Kamisato Ayato" Shinobu answers. Aera chuckles at what Shinobu say. Aera and Shinobu start walking away to a more secluded place to talk

"How is everything going on with Itto? How has he been after his vision was taken away" Aera asks

"Boss has been quite normal. I guess it is because he is an oni" Shinobu says

"Hey Shinobu, Aera join us. My bro Ayato is already here" Itto calls for us from the other side

We go towards where the arataki gang is crowded

Aera's PoV

Upon arriving at the Arataki gang stronghold, my attention was caught by an individual who had an air of sophistication and charm. His blue hair and confident demeanour made him stand out from everyone else. He was of great character, with a hint of mischief that added to his charisma.

"My bro Ayato - you are finally here" Itto addresses the Yashiro Commissioner.

"Shinobu I have got to go before anyone notices I am gone from my chamber" I tell Shinobu and slip away from the crowd towards the city

I quietly reach Tenshukaku and quickly get to my chambers after removing my cloak and changing into the night suit. I retire.

Next day

The sun had just begun peeking through the clouds in the sky when Kotona decided to wake me up. Uninterestingly I wake up and start getting ready for the day. As usual, I practised my koto lessons for some time and then decided to ask Shogun permission to visit the city

I go towards the Shogun's chambers and ask for permission to enter

"Enter" I hear the Shogun's booming voice. I slowly enter the chamber and bow down to the Shogun

"I would like permission to visit the city today," I ask the Shogun

"Permission denied, You should be practising " the Shogun responded

"Your Excellency I have finished my practice for today and I have turned of age so-"

"She is right, Shogun. She should be permitted to visit the city" Aunty Yae's voice comes from behind

"Stand here my child. I'll talk to Ei and try and change her mind" Aunty Yae says as she goes into the Plane of Euthymia

After a few minutes

Aunty Yae had stepped outside the plane of Euthymia with a smile and said

"You are officially taking your place in society today my dear" She smiles at me and asks me to get ready.

Before walking away I bow to both and go to my chambers to change into my outfit and go to visit the city

I walked out of Tenshukaku and the first thing I see is the Statue of the Omnipresent God with visions placed all around the statue. It didn't matter whether or not I supported Mother in her choices for Inazuma. She didn't listen to me or Auntie Miko at any point we have tried countless amount of times to make her revoke these decisions. Knowing how much a vision held importance to people. I was granted my hydrovision at birth. The Shogun now believes that the individual ambition that Visions represented would only cause loss and suffering and is incompatible with her ideal of eternity.

I tear my stare away from the statue and look at the path ahead. As a soft breeze blew across taking along with it a few sakura petals along its way, I made my way across the bridge to the city. We make our way to Ogura Textiles and Kimonos. As we enter the store  the owner Ogura notices Kotona and says

"Kotona it's been a while since I have seen you around the city. How are you?" 

"I am fine Ogura. I am with My lady to visit the city today.," Kotona says. Ogura looks at me and her eyes widen for a second before bowing and welcoming me

"It is an honour to have you here my lady. How may I be of service to you?" Ogura asks me 

"It's my first time in the city and I have heard a lot of praise of you from Kotona. I was wondering if you would make something for me" I ask as I browse through the shop

"My Lady it would be my honour" Ogura says and we go into the design, measurements, and the cloth.

"We will get it to you as soon as possible My lady" Ogura says to me

"Please take your time. I know there have been orders placed before mine, So please take your time" I say as I give her a bow and take my leave 

We continue on our journey down a pathway next to the Ogura textiles. As we go down I notice a teahouse and walk up to the tea house wanting to enter it. 

"Sorry We don't serve the general public, I'm afraid you will have to leave," The lady at the door said

"I don't think My Lady can be said to be general public," Kotona said with an angry tone

"Kotona, It's fine maybe it is someone's private teahouse"I tried to calm her down

"I believe Kotona is right, My Lady, you can not be classified into the general public" A guy with blonde hair coming from inside the teahouse. I curiously look at him...

"It is the Yashiro Commission's pleasure to have the Princess of the Nation visit the Komore Teahouse. I am the Housekeeper of the Kamisato clan - Thoma" the blonde haires guy said giving me a bow