Academic Encounter
[Akademia, bedroom]
Scara:*writing*….Hmm?
Like a sixth season, he quickly gets up to close and lock his window before returning to his desk.
Scara:….
Door flings open
Nahida:Wanderer!
Scara:Siiiiiggghhh. So you actually chose the door this time? Knocking would’ve b-
Nahida:No time for that! *closes door* This is of the upmost importance! I just need to tell you I believe in your growth, in no way did I see this coming, and it’s too late to run.
Scara:What the heck did you sign me up f-
With no time to spare, Nahida frantically runs over to his window, unlocking it and flying away. Suddenly…Scara is unnerved. Nahida was never the picture of composure, but what could possibly make her run away like someone in a slasher film?
Knock Knock Knock
Scara:…Don’t tell me it’s the sages? What, was this het way of telling me not to kill them or go overboard?
Entertaining his curiosity, Scara walked over to the door with the intent to give his guest a hard time. He wasn’t doing electives or taking lip from anyone’s own incompetence. His hand twisted the knob and swung the door open arrogantly. It took less than a second for something in his chest to drop and his eyes to widen.
Ei:Greetings. Are you who they call, “Hat Guy?”
Scara:…Y-You’re…
Ei:Please, I come here as a guest. No need for formalities or to be alarmed. Although, now that I’ve seen you with my own eyes…things begin to make sense.
Scara:…..
Ei:May I come in?
Though she asked, Ei’s foot was already halfway through the door. Not that Scara stopped her or said anything! Why was she here!? What did she mean by “make sense!?”
While his thoughts whipped up a storm, the curious Archon looked around the well kept room and pulled an Inazuman folktale back off the boy’s shelf. Quite the childish read from someone who radiated hostility through the door moments ago.
Ei:So many books. Some more fantastical than others. Is this why your writing has such passion?
Scara:My what? You’ve seen my papers!?
Ei:Yes. Is that strange? A deep dive and seemingly retrospective look at Inazuma’s history is nothing less than eye catching; especially when the work not only comes from a far off land, but given so much praise that it whispers in the ears of my people. I must say that certain parts were rather…bruising.
Scara:Heh, are you telling me a god can’t take criticism?
Ei:Oh? Your confidence is back? Or rather, your discontent.
Scara:*folds arms* Excuse my tone.
Ei:Fret naught. You have no need to hide your true feelings. Your studies alone speak volumes of your dissatisfaction with Inazuma. At first I couldn’t see why, but now it’s obvious the one writing them is one of our own.
Scara:I do not claim that place. I was never one of you.
Ei:Hmmm, so then why dress like a vagrant? Clearly not all strings are severed. If you would enlighten me, what is your story.
One moment stretched into eternity. This couldn’t be real. Before him stood the source of so much confusion, and it was asking him why? Not with a condescending eyes or disinterest, but a real gaze or curiosity attention. Ei, his mother, she was looking at him. All he could do though was look away towards the ground, his hat hiding the tempest in his eyes.
Ei:Hmm, it’s fine. You don’t have to tell-
Scara:I was abandoned and lied to, constantly. That’s all there is to it. I’m nothing special.
Ei:I disagree. You’re quite interesting. It’s what brings me here while I have the chance. Opinions like these that are rich in depth, facts, and scrutiny don’t come by often. Considering this is your main topic of study, I wanted to personally ask if you would like go to Inazuma.
Scara:Go? Didn’t we establish I was from there?
Ei:Yes, but I couldn’t help but notice more could be said about the Inazuma of today. It’s clear to see from your work that it’s been some time since you’ve returned. New discoveries could make for better comparisons and topics of discussion.
Scara:You came all this way for that? You want to read another paper!?
Ei:I actually had other business here and took this opportunity to indulge my own curiosity. As for your second question, I could always wait for another paper. I’m here because I want to speak to you; to see my nation through eyes that care in ways I didn’t consider.
Scara:….
Ei:Of course, your time there will count as school credit. There’s also plenty of at Tenshukaku for whatever you need alongside food. But personally, the street vendors are tastier.
Scara:Tensh-You would house me with you?!
Ei:Of course. It would irresponsible to make you one of the other tri-commissions’ duty. Not to mention from the looks of it…you prefer your own space. I wouldn’t bother you. I’m busy myself after all, but meals, tea time, and the stillness of night leave plenty of opportunities to discuss your thoughts. Well then, do you find that worthwhile? Of course you wouldn’t drop everything you’re currently doing. I’ve heard you do something called “spring break” and “independent studies.”
He could only hold his head gently as all this processed. Was this…really the same person? Then again, it’s not like he hasn’t changed. The concept of eternity was easily the biggest lie told to humanity and gods alike.
Scara:I…would like some time to consider this proposal.
Ei:As you wish. The purpose of this meeting was just that, to meet. I still things to get in order, so your response will mostly likely have to come through the Lessor Lord, or by mail. Whatever comes first. Although…hmm, if you do send a letter… “Hat Guy” most likely won’t make it through the guards. Tell me, what is your real name.
Scara:…I wouldn’t know. That is something that has long since been forgotten.
Ei:I see. My apologies. No doubt further reasoning for your unique perspective. A name isn’t only something given, but the foundation of someone’s roots.
Scara:Yeah well, I’m a wanderer. I’ve been uprooted for a long time.
Ei:…Fujin.
Scara:!?
Ei:I think it suits you. *smiles* Much more than calling you something that you can take off at any moment. I’ll make sure that’s the name that’s recognized if you ever send me a letter. And if you don’t mind, it’s what I’d like to call you; at least until you find a name you’d rather go by. Fair warning though, a friend of mine is as good with names as she is with light novel titles. I recommend finding one before she does. Anyways, Fujin, take care.
And just like that, Raiden stepped out, closing the door in the process. Scara walked to the edge of the bed and sat down in a daze. Needless to say, Nahida came back through the window almost immediately.
Nahida:I didn’t know she was showing up! I’m sorry! On the bright side, that went way better than I imagined.
Scara:Did you expect me to lash out on someone who doesn’t remember? I lost the right to do that.
Nahida:Just because nobody remembers, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. I also didn’t expect you to lash out at all. I honestly expected a panic attack but you-
Scara:*tearing up*…..
Nahida:…*rubs his back* Well done.
xxxxxxx
Ei:*walking* Hmmm. How unexpected. I was going to offer him a feather or charm if he wished to see me. Yet somehow…
She pulled out the charm she made, noticing how it was identical to the one the boy was already wearing on his chest. That also wasn’t the only similarity she noticed. It was impossible not to notice his eyes and face; especially when they mirrored guilt and anguish all too familiar.
Ei:Fujin…I hope you come to visit, at least once.
