On a rainy day, Mei and Syunso happen to encounter Kyoka by Shinobazu Pond. Kyoka explains that while in the midst of writing his latest play, Shirayuki, a dragon goddess, suddenly became a divine spirit and escaped from his story and is in the pond. Having been separated from her beloved and desperate to be reunited with him again, Shirayuki has refused to listen to Kyoka's attempts to coax her back into the story and has been making it rain continuously for days. Mei speaks with Ougai about wanting to help Kyoka is some way, but he tells her not to, since it is too dangerous.