With and Without You (AetherxAyaka)

Chapter 31: Woven Wishes

(A/N: Unfortunately, I had adopted the stomach flu into my system during the time of writing this chapter. For some odd reason, it had hit me a lot harder than anticipated, slowing down the whole process of writing this. None the less, here's the 1st chapter of the story quest!)

Ayaka always enjoyed getting out of the Estate. It was always her home and she loved her home; but, walking the streets of Inazuma City was so much more enjoyable.

The bright yellow light rising to greet her. The soothing warmth of that light greeting her soft skin.

The pleasant sounds of wind blowing leaves or even the conversations among friends and commerce.

They weren't talking to her, didn't even notice Ayaka; yet, for some reason, Ayaka enjoyed that aspect. It was as if they went on about their business as usual. The idea of her presence not being a huge deal excited Ayaka greatly.

That is until one person would notice her, like always. It was always the same from most commoners.

They panic after seeing Ayaka, fearing that they had elected to ignore her presence.

Which was the case.

"Oh it's the Shirasagi Himegimi!" A man would say turned around in suprise, to find the blue haired princess to be perusing the streets.

That was all it took for the city to fall quiet and everyone's attention was drawn to her.

They would bow and greet her from a distance, but never approach.

They would praise her work and admire her clan, but they would never call her by her name; less they address her as the eldest daughter of the Kamisato clan.

The bowing and worshiping were all something Ayaka found unnecessary and unwanted.

She secretly despised being treated like a diety.

She didn't dislike the people for it; in fact she loved her people dearly. It was that Ayaka cared for her people so much that she wanted to be like them.

It wasn't just that.

It was also that her people held Ayaka dearly. Much like Yoimiya, Ayaka was a sort of uplifting mascot to Inazumans. While Yoimiya was more of the childish and playful energy of the country, Ayaka represented the noble perfection of the country. The people love Ayaka for what she does. Her position and role in Inazuma. The highly respected and supportive character that she was. One who endured a harsh work load at an unfathomable age.

It was this that remained the heart of the issue.

People saw Ayaka for her position and her position only. It goes like this: People dare not approach Kojou Sara or the Shogun because they are powerful and fearful figures. Approaching them as a commoner could have daunting consequences. People fear approaching because of those consequences. That wasn't the case with Ayaka. Everyone knew her heart was pure, she wouldn't impose such a threat. Especially considering her line of work is meant to appeal to the Inazuman society. Why they didn't approach her was much more incited reason. Commoners themselves held Ayaka in such a high regard, that they deem themselves not worthy of talking to her. Never speaking out of turn or approaching her for fire side chat, due to feeling out of place.

People didn't necessarily fear Ayaka like they do Sara or the Shogun, especially as of now in Inazuma's currently climate.

Inazumans simply felt unworthy to speak to Ayaka often, let alone at all. Few will will greet her and even less will converse with her outside of business related affairs.

This not only added to her social ineptitude, but also belittle Ayaka's chances of feeling like the people she admired so much. The people she cared for, in a way, have gated her from their society due to a lack of self-confidence.