Chapter Text
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Toiling fields anew
The earth commends nobility
It takes a village
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Autumn 1st, Year One
Longingly, she inhaled the steam, her back trickling off in brooks parting a clean soul. She licked her lips deliciously at the heat which pierced and soothed her skin.
Rubbing the morning stiffness onto course, he was on a trip to the moon and back, landing over a path lined with flocculent blossoms like clouds of the richest Heavens. He rested his hands at her shoulders for a moment, holding on dearly to a desire to stroke the wispy cirrus from her neck. Between the stones, he kneaded the bend, staggered by his own ability to soothe her at a grasping touch.
"Is this okay? Please let me know if you're in any pain."
"No, that feels great."
He smiled to himself, adjusting his palms and circling her skin as far as the towel's horizon allowed. He locked eyes with her hair again before deciding a quick maneuver would be acceptable. He set two fingers gently to part the clouds, a full neck of tension exposed to the clear sky laid before him. The stones held her into a comfortable embrace, which he attributed to his observations paying off.
Kaguya moaned, a sound alerting Kusatsu that perhaps he was becoming too comfortable with the session himself.
"Oh, you like that? Or--?"
"Mhmm, those stones feel heavenly," Kaguya breathed, her shoulders dropping by the minute.
Kusatsu's hands, despite persistent effort, began to freeze up. He took the opportunity to back into the hallway and let the rocks do the talking.
"Right! So uh -- I'm just gonna let those babies sit there a sec', and I'll be right back!"
"Huh?" Kaguya lifted her head up at first, then fell back at the rest, unshaken; the hot stones stirred runes into a dance of prosperous routine, her blood boiling and begging to loiter.
Kusatsu paced the hall, his hands bent at tenugui atop a head of sweat and a body coated in bright joviality.
GRAHHHHH! What am I doing? Kaguya -- KAGUYA is in there!
Why would I think for even a second that letting her volunteer to be my first client was a good idea?
Kusatsu winced, clutching his apron and bending over.
And the hot stones? Could have started with a basic anma routine, but nooope! You just had to go testing out the basalt! And I can't even be upset at Lady Matsuri for suggesting it when she brought back the rocks herself, AND because she's out cold right now. Who else would I try massaging?
Kusatsu stood again, smacking his head silently against the doorframe. Hey Tsubame! Wanna get undressed for me so I can put these hot rocks on your back? I'd probably get a black eye...
When the time had come, Kusatsu re-emerged into the private bathhouse with a new method in mind:
"Alright, Kags, time to put your clothes back on!"
"What? Awww no! It feels so good this way! Can't I just lay as I am while you finish?"
Kusatsu nearly choked on his spit. "Uh, well, I suppose you could keep them off, yeah -- I guess that would be alright," he mumbled profusely into a scarlet tongue.
"I mean wouldn't it be more efficient on raw skin? You can really drive your hands into me, y'know?"
Kusatsu was gratefully out of range, so when his face went frazzled to the remark, he took a deep, rattling breath. "Right!"
"Great! Get rubbing, Kusatsu, I've got places to be today!" Kaguya giggled from the floor.
How can she be so calm and collected right now? My heart's racing a mile per minute...
I'll just try to redirect the conversation to her busy schedule. Yeah! That'll take my mind off things!
"So, where do you have to be today, our highly esteemed Earth Dancer?"
Kaguya breathed a savoring hum. "Oh, after this, I believe I am going to drop off some food for Matsuri. Then I suppose I might see if my dear friend Subaru is awake yet."
"Oh, right, that guy..."
Kusatsu caught himself.
"...is a cool guy! At least, he sounds it, by the way you've described."
Good save buddy.
"Oh, he's amazing, Kusatsu! I think you'll really like him! I so appreciate you reserving a room for him to stay. You're a great friend to us both already."
"Friend! Yeah! I sure hope I can give him a warm welcome to the village." Kusatsu's fingers faltered.
"I bet he'd like a massage too after what he's gone through... in fact, the gods might be flocking to you too after that Tagesanbruch ambush."
"Yeah, that was wild huh? So, Lady Matsuri is still..."
"Still recovering, yeah. I'm going to do all that I can to bring everybody back to good health," Kaguya assured him in a soft voice.
Kusatsu smiled. "You've worked so many miracles already."
Kusatsu removed the stones from her back, setting them at the edge of the spring exposed to the blind's warm breeze travelling by way of the sea to the mountains beyond. The room was coated splendidly in wood and daylight. Kaguya peeked across the room, where windswept papers had caught her attention.
"Kusatsu, your papers are getting away!"
"Oh shoot!" Kusatsu reached for the sheets, weighing them safely beneath his slippers at the door before returning to the Earth Dancer's side.
"What's written on those?" Kaguya wondered.
"Oh, just some old notes I found in the counter from years back. My sister was studying up on the effect of Blight poisoning and the potential healing properties found in our hot springs. Of course, back then, we didn't have any water flowing in, so there wasn't exactly an experiment worth her time here."
"Experiment? Is your sister some sort of scientist?"
"Uh," Kusatsu's gaze veered outside uncomfortably. "She's a pretty smart scholar, yeah. Does this spot hurt?"
He felt for Kaguya's muscles, closing his eyes and digging an elbow near one shoulder blade and the other. The energy steered by way of his gracious force, worries scattering hurriedly away from her heart and into his own. He was shattered by the feel of it, his breath running dry.
"Kusatsu, you okay?"
"Sorry Kags... I've never actually tried this on anyone before."
"Want to wrap it up for today?"
"Um," Kusatsu's face was red, and he turned his head each time Kaguya lifted her own from the pillow. "Yeah, sure. I'm a little rusty. Maybe I can practice on someone else another day?"
Kaguya drew in concern. "...Oh? Was I not a good client?"
"No, of course not! I mean--!" Kusatsu stood up, racing to the tub, bumping a warm rock in with a splunk, and frenetically falling head over heels to retrieve it from the bottom.
"Kusatsu!" Kaguya stood up, racing to catch his feet.
When she had tipped him by one heaping splash of the shoulders, the two became keenly aware of Kaguya's missing top, a fluffy towel shielding only her lower extremities.
"Urp!" Kusatsu choked when the fall freed his sights and he was involuntarily gazing at the chest's skyline.
Kaguya's cheeks flushed like the ruby blossoms of spring, and she jerked away for her robe. "S-sorry!"
Kusatsu turned back to the water. "Uh, that was my fault! I'm--"
"N-no! That was all me! No wonder you don't want me as a client! I'm already breaking the rules," Kaguya giggled, all of her sugary shame layered with a hint of that infatuating assuredness everyone loved so much. Her eyes breathed lilac like a dream framed in silver clouds.
Kusatsu gulped, his eyes back on the ground after the glance.
Kaguya stepped into her slippers, motioning a see-you-later, "If Subaru is feeling better today, I'll be back in a bit to introduce you!"
"Y-yeah, okay!" Kusatsu squeaked. "Thanks for your help today!"
Kaguya blinked sweetly. "Always, Kusatsu! And I'm so sorry! I really hope I didn't scare you off just now! Please consider me for a practice candidate with your massage career again! My towel might tell you I enjoyed the experience a bit too much!"
Kusatsu nearly melted in the steam, an eruption of unrestrained laughter. "HA! I'm really happy to hear you say that, Kaguya! Your opinion of my services means the world! I think I must have gotten intimidated." the man fumbled.
"There's no reason to be scared around me, silly," Kaguya said with a giggle, any closer and she would have ruffled his matted bandana with her dinky, dancing fingers. "But I would be happy to come back. You're doing great work here, Kusatsu!"
The two shared another nod before Kaguya changed and Kusatsu met her back at the inn's counter with a tray of grilled onigiri.
"For both you and Lady Matsuri. Please give her my respects!"
"I will, Kusatsu!" Kaguya bowed to him.
Waves lapped gently at the brink of noon, offsetting the plume of fiery clouds clutching the mountainside ahead. The beach was familiarly tranquil, expectantly awaiting its weekend explorers. Workers and tourists alike would be commuting like clockwork to bustling stalls for the afternoon. Many began to perch umbrellas between dunes, wading in the shallows and gasping for a glimpse of the volcano's rebirth. Likewise, Summer Village was never truly awake until the God of Swords herself was bouncing from shop to shop, blue eyes wide as the afternoon sea as she sought a thrilling adventure in her day-to-day. Unfortunately, given the circumstances of late, Matsuri's energy was at rest within a shrine of fiery reds at the end of the sandbar. The structure was elevated above the sea between a gentle pool of waves, a bundle of boulders fencing in the landmark comfortably from behind.
Kaguya, pale and delicate as a plum in white sleeves, brought the crispy onigiri to the god's doorstep with a benevolent knock.
"Matsuri, I hope you're feeling better soon. I brought you something to eat."
She backed away silently, a look of concern across her crinkled eyes. Matsuri was never one to hide a remark nor a thank-you, but she was huddled away in her shrine somewhere this fair day, suffering the brunt of the damage from last week's key mission. Kaguya felt deeply for Matsuri, and the other gods no doubt; she made her rounds daily to check up on their conditions following the attack by the Tagesanbruch woman coated in ebony.
Kaguya headed back for her quarters within the grand Dragon Shrine to check on Subaru -- the prominent reward of such a deadly mission as this. Sure enough, there was a man dressed in intricate white and red sleeves just between the looming statue dragon and the taiko drums -- and he was standing on two feet!
"Subaru!" Kaguya cried. "You're up!" She ran as fast as her slender legs would carry her, sultry air no match at holding her back in dainty armor. "I'm so glad you're finally off the floor! How are you feeling today?"
Subaru's eyes were heavy from sleep. "Thank you, Kaguya. Just a lingering rash is all. Probably allergic to something in the air here," he managed a smile, accepting her heavenly embrace. Subaru wielded a patchy, horned bow in one hand, fastening it on his spine once Kaguya pulled away.
"Oh, you poor thing! No wonder. This place is overrun with humidity and pollen compared to the Old Village. You can get a soak at the inn later. Might help with your skin." Kaguya ran a finger through Subaru's bangs, greased from several hours of sleep." Perhaps a wash would do you nicely!"
Subaru was rubbing the last of the clouds from his weary lids. He waited groggily -- expectantly even -- for Kaguya's guidance, not a clue where to walk on his own following the miracle of his mere existence.
"Oh right!" Kaguya was peering at him admiringly for several seconds before realizing his stillness was expectant on further instruction. "I suppose introductions are in order! Come with me! Summer Village is as easy as any to get adjusted to."
"Alright." Subaru's voice was still overrun by fatigue as noted by his bouncing companion.
Kaguya gripped Subaru's arm protectively as though he might blow away. She guided him through many shops in in the summer settlement. The pair met a few visitors from the seasonal villages who made way for Kusatsu's. Kaguya insisted she feed Subaru lunch from the local izakaya. As she watched him eat, her affection persisted even greater than the pair's hunger combined. They stopped again to pay a visit to Matsuri's shrine before the grand volcano itself, and Kaguya was relieved to find her plate had made it safely inside. Kaguya shook the sand from her boots, while Subaru quietly braved sticky air, the sun warm on his neck.
"We have a few more villagers to meet yet!" Kaguya said, prompting Subaru to follow.
Kaguya was sure to let go of Subaru's arm in the presence of Hisui at the fortune shop down the stone lane. Hisui's piercing violet gaze sprinkled Subaru with musings, but she was delighted nonetheless to see such a dapper man.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance!" Hisui said, her hood slipping in the summer wind, revealing gray braids and lime beads adorning the dark cape which wrapped her hunched shoulders. "Kaguya has told me all about you, young man. You are welcome to visit any time you need fortune in your favor!" She winked, waving her farewells at the pair.
"Lovely to meet you." The gallant Subaru bowed before Hisui.
Kaguya latched onto Subaru again, guiding him up the path beyond a stall where a villager was just beginning to set up for the day. Just behind that, the grand silhouette of dark beams and steaming fountains trickled into a base of lily pads encased by stones. Kusatsu's Inn was by far the largest in town. Subaru marveled at the glistening entrance, almost crashing into a sturdy woman dressed in a quilt of violets, jets, and roses as she exited its impressive frame at a brisk pace.
"S'cuse me! Coming through!" She said, marching with an empty box which once contained shipments from the capital.
Crimson hair sticks nearly took out an eye during the woman's pivot towards Subaru. "Oh hey! You're Kaguya's special friend! Glad to see you're awake and well. I'm Tsubame. I would shake your hand, but I'd drop my wares," her lashes shot endearingly at the pair. Tsubame's lips were split pink diamonds gleaming beneath emerald eyes. The heat of the sun itself paled in comparison to Tsubame's bold taste in fashion. "Drop by my stall later and we can chat!"
"Will do!" Subaru smiled.
Kaguya turned for the inn, which welcomed her once again, Subaru a stunning shadow behind her.
Kaguya waved again to the innkeeper clothed ridiculously in pink, two red banners tucked within an entanglement of tiger-striped fabric. Every inch of him sported an onsen logo.
"Hey Kusatsu! I'm back with my friend, Subaru!"
Kusatsu flapped his arms eagerly from the counter. After all, he had the honor of beholding Kaguya for the second time that day, a spotlight of graceful beauty. Kusatsu's visions jumped past any prior nude musings once they located the new figure. He stood face-to-face with his first impressions of Subaru: a feather of a man garbed in a red and white shell that flew gently in any whisper of a draft. A long, shiny ponytail spiraled behind his soft shoulders, though it carried a growing scent requiring a good scrub. Subaru's eyes were a beautiful shade of amber pairing elegantly with the gold that bespeckled him. Strangely, the sparkle in those eyes was somehow dim.
"You must be Subaru!" Kusatsu cheered, though he wasn't sure how long he could play off of a performance. Kusatsu was not yet adjusted to the news of this arrival. Subaru's recent contributions were gravely effective towards the village's decline, and his family inn's hardships, no less. "I suppose you heard about my famous massage this morning?"
"Huh?" Subaru's eyebrow raised.
Kaguya clung to Subaru's immaculate, snow-white sleeve. "Subaru here will be such a big help to you, Kusatsu!" she promised, a nurturing twinkle aglow. "He is a real go-getter. Aren't you, Subaru?"
"Uh sure, I guess so." Subaru's smile was bashful to a handsome degree, though untrustworthy just the same for Kusatsu's liking.
"He can fold towels, help cook the meals, tidy up rooms," Kaguya continued. "And he is strong enough to help you carry your shipments!" she stepped forward, teasing Kusatsu's stringy arms.
Subaru's head was pointed to the ground, though he continued to maintain a light countenance.
Kusatsu saw little development in this stranger, but if helping him out made the Earth Dancer happy, then he had no choice but to give Subaru a chance in his fine establishment. It seemed as though everyone else in Azuma already trusted the guy despite any mention of wrongdoings. Kusatsu did not share in this sentiment, glancing at him again from head to toe. Must be nice being pretty, Kusatsu figured, guiding Subaru to a room in the corner on the ground floor, all the while wearing a bright beam.
"Let me know if you need anything," Kaguya offered from the door. "I must complete my rounds. See you Kusatsu! Have fun, Subaru!"
Kusatsu waved goodbye to his admired dancer, then narrowed his lids at the other. If I looked half that good, people would like me too at first glance. He scoffed loud enough only he could hear.
"Kaguya told me all about you. And we agreed on these terms: you can use this room as your residence, so long as you make yourself useful in the village," Kusatsu addressed Subaru, sliding open the shoji entrance for him. "There's usually a fee for travelers, of course, but I understand you need somewhere to live, according to Kaguya."
"I... yes... thank you." Subaru peered inside, a futon lay neatly near a spotless window casting warm rays across the tatami rug. "Wow Kusatsu, you have this whole place immaculate."
Kusatsu's beam grew unfathomably larger still, a facade of strength that would soon hurt his facial muscles if he didn't settle. "Oh Subaru, you flatter me!" he chimed. Then the smile quickly sucked into a tight expression. "But one wrong move, and you're out a room." He expected Subaru to gulp at the warning, but the stranger appeared unphased at best. "Uh, so..." Kusatsu's serious moment was withdrawn. "How did you get your clothes so clean anyway? Didn't you almost die in those a few days ago?"
"Oh um, funnily enough, Kaguya tried to stitch them up for me while I was sleeping," Subaru responded. "But sewing has never really been her strong suit, so Tsubame -- I just met her actually, sweet lady -- offered to lend a hand with them. Or so I've heard. Now everything is as good as new."
The two stood silent for a minute, avoiding each other's gaze.
Kusatsu glanced again when Subaru was studying the low desk at the corner. His charm was worthy enough to trust at a glance, but something about those faded amber eyes proceeded to throw Kusatsu off. There was a dull ache that he was itching to reveal, cure, better yet study.
"Mind if I ask about your outfit?" Subaru interrupted, scratching the tuft of bangs that lay thick across his forehead. Subaru stared at Kusatsu's skin flushed inside of his pink shirt, then towards those obstructive banners which soared halfway to the ceiling. "What are those flags for?"
Kusatsu shook his head. "Never mind that. Get settled, and I will show you what I can use help with around here."
Subaru dropped his few belongings within the confines of his room: the patchy horned bow, a sad quiver, a satchel with a few personal items within, as well as an extra bundle of clothes and ribbons. When he was ready to follow, he met Kusatsu at the counter out front, tailing him between the kitchen and storeroom. Kusatsu handed him a feather duster from the shelf just within the door, directing Subaru into empty rooms which required light cleaning. When the sun began its descent for the day, Kusatsu led Subaru under a blue curtain denoting the men's bathhouse. Kusatsu described the maze between the women and men's separate washrooms, both of which led to corresponding outdoor springs upstairs, but were also connected by a center hall towards the private baths. The pair met again at the check-in, covering the rest of their routine.
"Baths close at 10pm, so no entry is permitted afterwards," explained Kusatsu. "Sometimes private parties ask to use the baths, which they may reserve as a pair in advance. Or a family, if there's kids. We have private rooms indoors for these sessions." Kusatsu drew in a long breath. "Alright, I think that just about covers it. Any questions for me?"
"What did you say earlier when Kaguya was here -- about the massages?"
"Oh right! I am testing out some techniques on Kaguya! Girl's got some tension in those shoulders, yikes!"
"So, you offer massage services to the people of the village too? You really do it all!"
"Well, sorta... I've only recently began the practice actually. Kaguya was the first to offer her body to me."
"Excuse me?"
Kusatsu stammered, "I didn't mean -- her and Matsuri made the suggestion actually! I learned a bit about acupressure points and various massage techniques between my family and Ushi -- one of the locals -- working here. Kaguya was the first to let me stroke her -- rub her -- uhh -- rub her shoulders."
"Relax, I didn't mean to fluster you." Subaru let out a laugh, much to Kusatsu's embarrassment. Subaru thought for a second, then asked politely, "Hey, when do you take a break, Kusatsu?"
Kusatsu dared to appreciate the thought from Subaru, but he relished in his invitation to prominence. "Actually, breaks are hard to come by as the innkeeper. However, Ushi and Hikomaro have been around here either as long --or longer-- than I have. They used to help my parents run the place way back when, and still do today. They know what they're doing. If I really needed to, I could leave for a few hours and come back to work whenever with their capable hands. However, the place was down in the dumps for years on end before the volcano reactivated just recently, so I was bored out of my mind on the daily. I am thankful for the hustle these days, although it can get strenuous!" Kusatsu was practically bursting with dedication to his role, especially given the recent boom towards the local travel industry.
"Now the place is lively as ever!" he rang.
"All thanks to the Earth Dancer..." Subaru said, his voice with a hint of dried disdain.
"Oh yeah! Kaguya is the best thing to ever happen to Azuma!" Kusatsu piped up.
Subaru caught himself in the thought, soon glancing at the contagious light that was Kusatsu's smile, matching it. He followed up with a yawn. "Mind if I get some rest for the day?"
Kusatsu obliged, handing him a spotless bathrobe from the front desk, along with a pair of slippers. "Here, Subaru! One more thing!"
Subaru accepted the gift with a gentle nod.
"I'll do you one better! Take a free soak in the springs tonight. You need it after that long week."
"Really?" Subaru asked, his eyes wide underneath all of that hair. "That's so kind of you, Kusatsu." He looked almost apologetic.
"Yes, I insist! Right this way," Kusatsu pointed him to the blue noren, washing station and beyond, buying himself a 30-minute session to poke his head into Subaru's room for a baseless investigation.
With Subaru halls and springs away, Kusatsu hustled to the rightmost corner dorm of the lobby, unseen by two villagers who sat reading at wooden tables across the room. Kusatsu was skeptical of Subaru's limited luggage and what he could possibly be hiding within his quarters behind the closed doors which Kusatsu had so kindly spared. Just as Kusatsu was about to pull himself inside for the search, he paused to consider this very degree of unprofessionalism, not to mention a betrayal of his dear friend Kaguya's trust.
What could Subaru be plotting? He stood staring at the door for another minute, reasoning that Subaru was putting on a show just to seem likable. I mean, who dresses fashionably like that if they don't want to be noticed? Kusatsu thought, his flags towering against the screen, catching him mid-spin and faltering his gait. The two villagers looked up to locate the noise, unbothered, and Kusatsu waved at them awkwardly.
That guy is so obviously putting on a cheerful smile to captivate his audience, and I am not falling for it.
Kusatsu positioned himself again in front of the counter, deep in thought, his robotic gestures and recited greetings extending to customers for a solid 30 minutes. Subaru reappeared from the curtain blanketed in white plush, his ponytail damp. Kusatsu quickly stared at the ground.
"Er, have a good rest, Subaru!"
Subaru nodded again, walking on light toes to his room. Kusatsu's brows narrowed.
Just what else is that guy hiding?
Kusatsu began sweeping at 9pm, deeply unsettled by the silence billowing from Subaru's room.
What if he is scheming something?
Lost in his own deplorable fixations, Kusatsu's expressions weighed in, causing dirt and sand to scatter. The echo of the inn contained only quiet mutterings and sour worries. The swish of the straw a metronome to Kusatsu's bargaining.
"Hey Kusatsu!"
"Kaguya!" he jumped, dropping the dustpan. His face grew a firm beam, and he blushed uncontrollably. "How is our fine Earth Dancer doing this evening? Put another productive day behind you, I presume?"
Kaguya smiled, "I am doing fine today, thank you. The gods from each village are still in rough shape, but I was able to restore some of Ulalaka's strength thanks to a lead from Fubuki. Tomorrow, I am hoping to set off to find the Holy Shrine in order to help Matsuri."
"Oh!" Kusatsu's eyes lit up. "You are practically shining with adventure, Kaguya! I envy your drive!"
Kaguya blushed. "Aw, thanks Kusatsu."
"Say, you think I could help out on this one? I've been itching for a chance to get out," Kusatsu scratched his head, hoping for her approval.
"Oh! Um..." Kaguya's face faltered. "Actually, I really think it would be better for you to stay here, tending to the inn. Missions have been getting quite serious right now with the Tagesanbruch on our heels. Your job here is very important in order to keep everyone's spirits alive!"
Kusatsu hid what he could of his disappointment. "Oh right, yeah! That makes total sense! I would make it too easy for them to find us, what with the flags and all." Not really. They'd still never notice me.
"Yes, I'm glad you understand," Kaguya said. "So, how's he doing?"
"Who?"
"Subaru... Did he work himself too hard today?"
"Oh right!" Kusatsu nearly forgot about the man lurking nearby at sight of such radiancy before him. "Yeah, he's a great worker! I sent him in for a free soak in the hot springs before bed. Should be all rested up for tomorrow!"
"Wonderful! He'll be able to help out on tomorrow's mission then!"
Kusatsu's face dropped. Really? This guy just died a villain a week ago and gets to head straight into battle, but I'm the hazard?
"My thoughts exactly!" Kusatsu lied.
Kaguya grinned pleasantly. "Thank you for taking care of him, Kusatsu. I wish I could compensate you for his stay, but unfortunately I still haven't made much headway on restoring the village's funding since I made the deal with Nubatama."
"It's okay, Kaguya! We all have to do our part to help out a friend!" Of course, he'd only directed the statement towards Subaru outwardly, holding Kaguya much closer to his heart.
Kaguya gave a sweet nod. "Goodnight, Kusatsu. I'll check back in a few days, alright?"
"Goodnight Kaguya!" His eyes lingered on her every step as she withered away in the air of another journey he yearned for.
Kusatsu's daydream grew a dark vignette. That guy had better appreciate how much Kaguya sacrificed for him.
Though the villages had recently been ridded of their Blight, all four settlements were depleted of money. Five gods resided with significant injuries in their respective shrines. Kusatsu couldn't help but keep the blame pointed at the Black Dragon's handsome rider.