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The Karasugo has had a long-time affinity for spider lilies. An ancestor found them to be auspicious and decided to celebrate its first bloom of the season every year. This tradition survived for hundreds of years until its halt around 12 years ago. The day everything changed for Senba Karasugo.
But as it is with change, it is constant. Her misery under the Crow God and under the monster using her sister's face has finally ended. Once again, their garden begins to bloom after months of rain. In an attempt to lift spirits and be grateful for the rain, it was decided the Karasugo Higanbana Festival would return and this time, it is open for other people as well.
Izanami finds herself at a gazebo in a quiet corner of their estate. It was quite hectic in the manor as preparations were being made. She just wished for a little peace and quiet as she practiced different hairstyles for the big day.
She brought along a mirror, a few combs and brushes, some ornaments to try on her hair; and of course, her ryūteki, for when she decides to take a break. The years being isolated left her with flimsy styles and poor ornament placement. Normally, she'd have help doing this but...
Izanami puts down a kanzashi and sighs. She wanted some quiet in order to concentrate with her practice but instead it only brought her melancholy. She looks to the ryūteki beside her. This would be her first Higanbana Festival without her mother.
"Having trouble?"
A soft voice stirs her awake from her thoughts. She sees Tsukuyomi in casual clothing, far from her combat attire but close in traditional for her taste. It may have been the first time Izanami has seen her without her swords.
"You're here," she beamed.
She invites Tsukuyomi in her space and laments that she lacks practice, followed by a short demonstration of her attempt to style a twist with a bejeweled hair pin.
Tsukuyomi observes the mess of accessories laid out on the table. She picks up a piece of a broken pin and looks at Izanami.
"I-I lost my hold and it fell," she said, taking the piece from her hands. A hint of pink becomes visible on her cheeks.
Tsukuyomi shakes her head and gives her a smile. "Here, let me help."
Izanami was happy to accept as she picks out a brush and hands it over. For a brief moment, it felt as if she was sent back in time, where she was but a young girl whose hair was gently tended to by her mother. Eager to relearn proper techniques, she observes her reflection in the mirror.
"I sent over invitations to Aether Gazer for the festival," Izanami said. "Does this mean everyone has arrived in Sasanami?"
Tsukuyomi answers as she brushes the younger girl's hair.
"I'm afraid it's just me. I wanted to be home for awhile before I leave. But don't worry, they'll be here soon. I suppose Kuninotokotachi is just wrangling more people to join."
Izanami laughs. "By all means. I am glad this year the public can also join our family in celebrating. I want everyone to appreciate the flowers. Have you seen them?"
"Yes. They're quite a sea of red when I came in," Tsukuyomi replies as she picks a red kanzashi.
She finishes doing Izanami's hair in a simple bun held together by the ornament. A few locks of her hair fall to her sides, framing her pale face.
"What do you think?"
Izanami studies her hair in the mirror. She liked it enough but it felt too simple of a style. She asks to undo her hair but only so she can redo it herself as a way of practice. Tsukuyomi obliges.
The young women ended up trying a few different hairstyles to see which one suited the best. They have a chat while they workshop hairstyles. While Izanami did like the different looks, she wasn't certain any of them suited her attire. In the end, she remained unsure. But she certainly appreciated Tsukuyomi's help as she feels she is able to try different hairstyles now.
"I'm sorry for being indecisive," Izanami apologized. "I'm just very unsure what works best."
"I understand. I do have one last thing to try," Tsukuyomi offered. This piques Izanami's curiosity. She watches as Tsukuyomi gathers a few spider lilies from nearby and returns to select an ornamental hair piece. She once again helps Izanami with her hair, this time, it was simply let loose with a few locks carefully held by the piece at the back of her head. The next step Tsukuyomi made was add the flowers to the piece and arrange the long red stamens of the flower to mimic sun rays peeking from behind Izanami's head. The final look had Izanami with a crown of spider lilies, looking splendid in red.
"It's..."
At that moment, she found no words to describe herself. Just in awe at Tsukuyomi's handiwork.
"Do you like that one?"
"I love it. Thank you."
It was clear that Izanami has made her choice. Tsukuyomi then helps her refine it so she can style it on her own.
For the past hour, they simply swapped stories of one common woman but viewed from different perspectives: the sister and the mother. Izanami admires the stories of the sister while Tsukuyomi adores the tales of the mother. With every anecdote, they built a bigger picture, helping to understand the woman that is their family.
"I miss her," Tsukuyomi uttered to herself.
Izanami observes her reaction, one of longing and determination. She reaches for the ryūteki.
"Whenever I feel overwhelmed by emotions, playing this helps me feel better."
Izanami begins to play a soft tune on her ryūteki. A slight breeze drifts by, as if being summoned by the music. Tsukuyomi recognizes the tune and she smiles at the fact that Izanami is a lot like her sister.
"You raised her well," she thought.
******
The day of the festival has finally arrived. Izanami meets her friends in her ceremonial attire and spider lily crown. They watch in awe as she emerges from the crowd, escorted by Sendou and followed by Kagutsuchi close behind. Kuninotokotachi managed to bring a lot more people than intended but Izanami welcomed them with open arms.
The group disperses to enjoy different stalls and attractions. Spider lilies were abundant everywhere, as is the merriment of the people.
"Hey, everyone! Let's hurry to the ferris wheel!"
Kuninotokotachi attempts to regroup everyone for the ride. Hearing this, Izanami was about to join them but she spots Tsukuyomi heading towards her.
"It's time for me to go," she said.
Izanami couldn't help but hug her. "Thank you for everything."
Tsukuyomi pats the girl on her head, noting the flower crown that Izanami perfected herself. "She would have been so proud of you."
******
Festival crowds are always a delight to be observed from the ferris wheel's peak. The sea of lights and noise below contrast the quiet, dark sky. A strike of lightning flashes in the distance. A summon. Izanami looks toward the light's direction. Only the moon was left to shine and she prays its soft light can illuminate her search.