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Ever since Ashura was a child, he has been afraid of a lot of things. Never enough to prevent him from facing it, of course. He’s far too adventurous for that. But any sudden loud noises? He’d flinch before laughing at whatever caused it. Anything mildly dangerous? He’d never dare to approach until either his father or brother would go with him.
Despite all of that, Ashura was never, not even once, afraid of thunderstorms. He recalls how father told him that even when he was an infant, he never cried during them. Never once stirred if he was asleep. If anything, he would always stare out the window to watch the storm better.
It had always surprised many when they learned that. Ashura who always flinched at a sound being just too loud. The one who ran to his elder brother and father often for comfort or strength. But to him thunderstorms have always been comforting in a strange way. He’s not sure why, but they bring him a sense of safety.
Enough so that there would be times in which he’d just sit outside in the rain. Mostly when his brother was busy studying. And their father was dealing with whatever leadership responsibilities he has. He could sit there for hours just listening to the rain fall, the crack of thunder, and the sight of the lightning.
Though Ashura would always be a little disappointed each time someone came to bring him back home. But at least then whoever was available (his brother more often than not) would dote over him. Making sure he never got ill from sitting outside so long. And perhaps that's the reason he’s always enjoyed them.
Thunderstorms are not only nature's natural melody, but afterward he’d always spend time with family. However, over time the latter part became less common. His brother was busier with his own duties, and father was busy trying to determine the next leader of their village. Ashura had always figured it would be his elder brother, so he spent his free time doing things he enjoyed.
Though he’d lie if he said he didn’t miss when his father or brother would drag him back inside. He can’t deny that he was grateful for the chance to stay out in the rain as long as he desired. Especially since thunderstorms were never all that common. They make him feel safe, even if he’s not sure why.
On one particular day, after so long without any rain, the sky began to darken. Ashura stopped whatever he was previously doing (what it was he can’t remember now) and took a chance to stare at the sky. There was no thunder, yet. But Ashura’s gotten good at telling when it’ll just be rain or if some lightning will follow.
And right he was. A flash of lightning shows somewhere in the distance, lighting up the sky with an almost blueish hue. Ashura couldn’t help how he relaxed almost immediately. A small smile showing on his face after the sound of thunder rings out. He rests his head on his hand as rain drops begin to fall.
They land on him gently, lightly soaking his clothes and face. Despite the cold of the rain, he doesn’t mind at all. If anything, he appreciates it because it keeps him awake. He has been prone to falling asleep occasionally during these storms.
However, the thunder and lightning themselves don’t last long. Going off one or two more times before it settles into a light rain. And he can’t help but be disappointed. A small but rare frown showing on his expression. Before he can mope or pout about it, he hears silent footsteps.
Ashura doesn’t have to look to know who it is, it’s one of the two chakra signatures he knows by heart. In spite of his previous disappointment, he can’t help but feel happy again. He grins widely, turning to look at the person approaching. His elder brother says nothing, doesn’t even look at him. Instead, he gracefully sits beside Ashura.
“Elder brother! Have you come to enjoy the rain too?”
Ashura can’t help how hopeful he sounds. It’s been a long time since his brother has had the chance to spend time with him! He’s always busy training or studying now. And he’s far stricter, though Ashura knows it's out of care. Indra shakes his head lightly, staring at the sky for a few brief seconds.
“No, father wanted me to retrieve you.”
Ashura pouts slightly in response, and Indra finally drags his gaze to his little brother. While his elder brother does his best to hide how he feels, something Ashura is disappointed he started to do. He can tell something in Indra wavers. Especially with how he looks back at the sky.
“Why are you out here?”
His brother questions, tone almost flat. And Ashura takes a chance to drag his gaze back to the sky himself. The rain is still dropping with little plops every so often. But unlike Ashura himself, he knows his brother has some way to keep himself dry. Eventually Ashura sighs and answers, tone almost sulky.
“I wanted to watch the storm. But after a few flashes of lightning, it stopped.”
He feels more than he sees how his brother stares at him for a few moments at that. Then quietly Indra hums. But before anyone else says anything, a flash of lightning rings out. This one doesn’t feel as natural as the previous ones. No, instead he can sense a hint of chakra embedded in it.
Ashura’s eyes widen slightly, and at first, he doesn’t say anything. But when the thunder rings out after? He laughs, not so much startled as it is downright giddy. He practically swerves his head to glance at his older brother. And much like what he suspected, Indra’s hands are already going through various symbols.
Once his brother finishes with them, another lightning rings out. Brighter this time. So, Ashura quickly tears his gaze away from his brother to watch the lightning storm. The one his brother is making, likely to make him happy. He doesn’t know how long they sat there, one using his chakra nature to create lightning and thunder. And the other just sitting and watching in pure enthusiasm.
It’s a memory that lingers in Ashura’s mind every time he thinks of his brother. Along with the last time he truly saw him. When they fought, with how his brother practically condemned him. He could remember how the hairs on the back of his neck stood up but he never moved. His older brother wouldn’t hurt him with his lightning chakra, Ashura knows this.
Doesn’t stop him from disappearing in a flash of lightning. Or how it almost blinded Ashura for being so close to one. Didn’t stop his ears from ringing for a long time with the thunder that followed. He couldn’t say how long he stood in the same spot when Indra first left. Still finding the lightning beautiful despite how it was the very reason someone he trusted and cared for so deeply could leave.
All of these memories follow him way into adulthood. Where he now has to fight his elder brother. The one who used to be so kind he would have given up his life to save Ashura. And though he still enjoys thunderstorms, they don’t give him that same comfort anymore. That safety they used to give, is gone. Replaced with an almost bittersweet yet nostalgic feeling.
But over time he doesn’t get the chance to appreciate something so simple. At most he can listen or take a few seconds to stare at the sky when it darkens. Then he has to get back to leading, he has people relying on him now. He can’t afford to be as sentimental as he once was. Though he would be lying if he said he didn’t hold out hope that each time there’s a strong storm. That maybe, one day, his elder brother would return. Even if only for a moment.