《A Love Forever Torn Asunder By Lightning & Thunder》


 Chapter I : Love Blooms Even Within Wandering Winds

    "What is Eternity If not the perseverance of all the Ideals we sanction their quiddity as a divine truth? What is Eternity If not the persistence of such epitomes even after one''s last breath is drawn?"


    "What constructs your Ideal of Eternity then?"


    "All that yours lacks and deems imperfect."


    ...


    It was an unusually sunny day in Inazuma. The sandy beaches of the Kannazuka island, I so proudly, call my new home, were overflowing with people. Even though I barely found a place to sit for me and my cat, I managed to enjoy the calming waves of the ocean caressing the gleaming shore and the serene tidal breeze fondling my sun-soaked skin.


    It''s these days that remind me of how much splendor my region holds beneath Its ever-gloomy skies and how much love I have for every grain of Its soil no matter how far and beyond my journeys as a merchant may take me.


    While gazing aimlessly into the seemingly-unending azure of the ocean, I suddenly remembered that I have lots of work to do in preparation for the new stock of Katanas that has to be delivered to Inazuma City by tomorrow. So I hesitated no further and lunged towards the clashing waves fearlessly, enjoying every moment of the unfavorable yet thrilling consequences my recklessness lead to.


    Now soaking wet but extremely euphoric, I laid on the soft sand to resume my contemplations and give my cat some much-needed shade to relax under. It was only when I finally closed my eyes, giving in to the majesty of such scenery, that I heard a melody so exquisite and sublime I thought It was the Heavens'' calling from up above.


    I stood up,Instantly, to follow the seraphic sounds to their source, but to no avail as the final note was hit and paradise''s doors were slammed shut.


    Nevertheless, I did not give up and continued on searching until my eyes met a distant figure of a man clad in the shimmering colors of autumn, holding a maple leaf in his hands and staring at the horizon as the twilight veiled Its setting sun.


    Without hesitation, I waved at him in hopes that he would notice me.


    He waved back. Stopped for a second to observe me then turned away to leave.


    I chased after him restlessly but by the time I got where he once stood, the mysterious man was long gone.


    On my way home, I couldn''t help but keep on humming and repeating the blissful sounds which he so beautifully played while wondering why someone, who seems of a noble heritage like him, would come to Kannazuka especially during the big festival In the main Inszuma city ?


    No matter how much thought I gave to this question, I found no logical answer so I slowly surrendered myself to sleep still engulfed in the melodies of the maple leaf.


    ...


    I woke up to my Tama licking my face and the rising new dawn enveloping my room in Its morning rays. I quickly put on the best robe I have as I am expected to deliver the new batch of katanas directly to The Raiden Shogun''s palace. A request I found flattering and pride-inducing, since It acts as a testament of my success and the reputation of the supplies I provide.


    I took whatever my cat and I needed for our, long anticipated, journey, loaded, with the help of some workers, the weapons into my waverider and began my travel towards the city.


    If everything goes as planned and I do not screw It up,like I always do, I might even be able to finally meet her higness ; The Raiden Shogun and pay my respects to her personally instead of doing It before one of the many Statues Of The Seven bearing her thunderous will.


    When I,finally,reached my destination, I,promptly, unloaded the weapons and made my way towards Tenshukaku.


    The city was as lively as ever and Its people as joyful as Inazumans could be.


    Part of me wanted to stay and rejoice in the festive atmosphere but I''ve come along way to be here and suffered so much to reach the state I am in currently. I cannot afford to mess It up, not now, not ever.


    I stopped my cart before the heavely guarded dwelling, showed one of the guards the parchment, sealed with The Bakufu insignia, that I received, then stood bewildered by the greatness of such edifice while waiting for The Shogun''s response.


    It did not take long before a dark-haired lady with a strange looking crow mask dressed in a kimono whose fabric we Inazuman merchants only dream of obtaining, came out of the palace and approached me.


    "Her divine personage wishes to purchase only the finest of your blades. So do not be the source of her disappointment." She spoke eloquently.


    "I ensure you, neither you nor her majesty would be let down." I told her as I started displaying the various kinds of katanas I had.


    "Your reputation proceeds you merchant, the head of The Yashiro commission speaks so highly of you." She uttered while examining thoroughly the swords.


    "The Kamisato clan are regular customers of mine. Do deliver them my thanks If you are to meet them." I responded with a smile of gratitude.


    "Will do. In fact, If everything goes according to the plan, one of your swords shall be a gift from The Almighty Shogun to The Yashiro Commission."


    "A most pleasant coincidence!"


    Abruptly, she picked up one of the blades, threw It in the air then pointed It at me once Its grip fell gracefully into her right hand.


    "I presume this is the finest of them all ?" She smirked wickedly.


    "If you say so my lady." I smiled again.


    "Does It have a name ?" She asked still contemplating Its edge.


    "Mistsplitter." I answered with a slight simper


    "Though It is a sight for sore eyes, It remains unfit to be a gift from her Divine Personage. Further enhancements and changes to Its design are much needed If It is to match in both grace and beauty that of the legendary herald of The Musou No Hitotachi." She then explained before turning away to leave.


    "If I may ask my lady, what is your name ?" I enquired politely.


    "Name''s Kujou Sara." She replied coldly.


    "Lady Kujou Sara, may I have an audience with her highness The Raiden Shogun ? I wish to thank her for the many blessings she bestowed upon me, ones that ensured my survival and helped me ascend to where I stand now." I spoke in a trembling voice as the words were refusing to come out.


    Suddenly, lightning flashed and thunder roared as If It was conveying The Raiden Shogun''s disapproval of my request.


    "Her Divine Personage has no time for such banter. Return home and your paiment will be sent for you shortly." Responded Kujou Sara then, gazing at me with a look so vile and degrading that I,instantly, put my weapons back on my cart and turned around to leave.


    No further sound came out of me, as my tears glistened and I rushed to get out of the city. Her words coupled with the sudden and cruel change of weather seemed to wound me so deeply to the extent of shattering my blind trust in The Shogun''s righteous yet kind disposition... or so I,foolishly,believed.


    As I closed in on the city entrance, I looked back to see the festival-kissed streets of the main island filled with potential customers and the smell of the succulent sea food prevading the air. I brushed my messy hair, wiped off the tears and caressed Tama who was curled up in my robe then said to myself. "This is just a wake up call for you and a further proof of why your father''s distrust in The ever-authoritarian, never-compassionate Electro Archon was never misplaced. Now that you have learnt your lesson, stay in the city, take advantage of this buisness opportunity and enjoy the show. Leave the thought process for later."


    Now putting my blades on full display, I sat in front of my cart relishing the festive moments and mingling with the never-rude locals.


    "Excuse me." Spoke someone who seemed to be standing to my left.


    "Yes ?" I responded, lifting my head only to see the maple leaf man whom I encountered yesterday.


    Joy and exuberance cocooned my heart as I fell off my chair trying to welcome the guy whose angelic melodies infested every corner of my thoughts.


    He was wearing a conical bamboo hat, his signature autumn-touched robe and engulfed in the subtle yet delicate scent of the Sakura.


    I extended my hand to greet him, he kindly did the same. As our fingers touched I felt the warmth of his skin that, despite Its softness, It bared many scars, ones I could confirm were caused by a Katana''s blade.


    "I''m not sure you remember me but I saw you yesterday from afar. We waved at eachother then you left." I stuttered nervously.


    "My apologies, I had many matters that needed my attendance yesterday." He replied calmly while flipping through the swords.


    "Don''t worry about It." I stuttered again.


    "Are these blades for sale ?" He enquired.


    "Yes they are." I smiled


    "Do you craft them ?"


    "I''m afraid not, I just sell them. I can show you the blacksmith who makes them If you are to return to Kannazuka." I proposed.


    "I''ll think about it." He responded already examining one of the blades that seemed to get all of his attention.


    "Do you want to get this one ?" I asked.


    "Yes, this one seems formidable." He replied starting to fumble anxiously for mora.


    "It seems like you have no mora." I grinned cheerfully ready to sease this golden opportunity.


    "My apologies." Bowed the nobleman ashamed.


    "I have a proposition." I chuckled already tasting the sweetness of victory.


    "May I hear It ?" He enquired.


    "Since you want this katana so badly, why not I challenge you to a duel ? If you win you get the blade for free If I win you teach me how to play that melody you played yesterday on the maple leaf." I suggested cheerfully.


    "Challenge accepted !" Spoke the excited Inazuman as we shook hands again and our eyes met for me to discover the glistening scarlet red in them, his hat well hid.


    ...


    We faced eachother in an empty vast field where only the wind''s careless whistles could be heard.


    Our right hands were just above the grip of our sheathed katana''s while our eyes were fixed on eachother''s every slight move.


    He seemed to breathe much slower and much calmer than I did ; an indication to his mastery of one of the few fabled sword arts of Inazuma.


    I was never one to falter or shy away from a fight and I was never one to be rational or think before I act. For that sole reason, I lunged at the nobleman my sword unsheathed and my guard completely down.


    He parried my swift strikes with the grace of the morning gust, dodged my hits with the poise of the dusk''s zephyr and counterattacked with the force of the night''s gale.


    I,soon,found myself at a great disadvantage, as my strength was all but depleted and his seemed like It could carry him through a thousand more fights. So with the sliver of stamina I had left, I resorted to my Vision.


    Electro,instantaneously, imbued my blade and with the speed of lightning I dashed towards my opponent,already contemplating his defeat.


    Briskly, wind began gathering around me impairing my movement, as the man, cloaked in autumn, leaped into the air then plunged into where I,helplessly,lied thus putting an end to the duel and declaring my defeat.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "You are a formidable opponent sir. Your valor and fearlessness compensate for your lack of knowledge in swordsmanship." Spoke the winner after I slowly opened my eyes, startled by how no harm reached me from his killing blow.


    "I made sure that you stay safe and sound during our duel so fear not." He added with a warm smile that I noticed the moment I lifted my head to see him.


    "Thank you." I responded as I stared at his blonde hair tainted with a thread of red resembling that which burned brightly in his eyes.


    "The sword is yours." I shyly digressed, my face turning crimson.


    "Thank you for honoring our agreement." He retorted with a smile so gentle It sent cold shivers down my spine.


    "Let''s meet tomorrow at The Jinren Island, If you''re free." He then added before extending his hand to help me stand back up.


    "I''m free tomorrow. I''ll be looking forward to it master..." I stumbled over my words as he picked his bamboo hat off the ground and sheathed his prize.


    "I am Kaedehara Kazuha... You may call me Kazuha."


    ...


    "Kaedehara Kazuha !" I whispered to myself as I exited the city,still in awe of all that has happened.


    "So he is of a noble family; The Kaedehara clan ! But isn''t It in decline ? That actually explains why he didn''t even have the money to buy the katana !" I added already invested in every detail of our encounter.


    I couldn''t get myself to focus on anything other than his enchanting smile and beyond charming looks. No matter how hard I tried, I was unable to get my mind off his astonishing bladework mimicking the swaying of fallen leaves on a keen wind and his tranquil yet tender demeanor which not many of his echelon possess.


    He truly is unique.


    As soon as I set foot in my room, I turned It upside down just to put together the right outfit for our meeting tomorrow. I cannot afford to look like a homeless person in front of a glorified nobleman.


    I laid down on my bed, right next to Tama, after four to five hours of non-stop panicking and closed my eyes wishing tomorrow would come faster.


    ...


    "The Musou no Hitotachi." Echoed a whisper inside my head repeatedly, increasing in both volume and speed by the second, until I opened my eyes gasping for air.


    "What did she mean by that ?" I wondered as I got out of my bed, drew the curtains only to notice that the sun has not ascended to the heavens yet and the night''s shroud is still enveloping Inazuma in Its gloom.


    I brushed my hair to shake off the grim recollection of yesterday for Kazuha''s gentle smile to,promptly,take Its place and enwrap every inch of my body in a warm fuzzy feeling. At once, I got ready and took the waverider to The Jinren island with a heart beating so intensely and a strange sentiment of longing washing all over me. I simply couldn''t wait to reach the island and spend more time with him.


    With my vessel berthed safely at the dock and my cat resting on my shoulder, I began walking around the still-sleepy island looking for the right spot for me and Kazuha to sit in. I admit that I don''t know him that well... yet. But from what I''ve learned so far, he enjoys a beautiful scenery and the serenity It provides. So I am obligated to find a place that fits perfectly these criteria.


    "You arrived early." Spoke,softly,a voice from behind me sending cold chills down my spine and scaring me to the core.


    I turned around in an instant to spot Kaedehara Kazuha standing not too far away from me, staring at me with those big scarlet-varnished eyes and that delicate beam. Even in the absence of the dawn''s radiance and the presence of darkness''s tenebrosity, he remained as ravishing as ever.


    "I apologize If I scared you. It was never my intention to do so." He added noticing my nervousness.


    "It''s alright. I just did not expect you to be here so early." I responded with a chuckle.


    "Neither did the thought of you coming here, an hour before sunrise, cross my mind too." He retorted.


    "I know, I don''t seem like a morning person." I said rubbing my head anxiously.


    "I am glad you came." Spoke afterwards Kazuha timidly, breaking eye contact with me


    "I am glad you did too." I stammered shyly, not believing my ears.


    And so,we stood there staring awkwardly at our feet, so petrified neither of us dared to speak another word until Tama started purring and nudging me in the direction of the motionless sea.


    "Shall we go ?" Intervened then Kaedehara Kazuha, his face still incapable of hiding the salient shyness.


    ...


    We sat on one of the many rocks scattered around the shore taking in the grandeur of the seascape while occasionally making eye contact with one another. Kazuha still seemed hesitant to strike a conversation with me so I mustered all the courage I had left and asked him.


    "Are you going to teach me how to play on the maple leaf ?"


    "So that''s why you''re here ?" He Responded without even bothering to look at me.


    "No, no. Don''t get me wrong I was just trying to break the ice." I stuttered fearfully and with unease as I could feel my body turning as cold as ice.


    "I was aiming for It to be a joke. My apologies." He stuttered all the same now getting more mortified than ever.


    "Oh, Thank the heavens !" I sighed relieved.


    And before I even could notice, Kazuha got out of his pocket a maple leaf, carefully folded It, gently placed his fingers around Its edges then swiped It across his fine lips for the heavenly melodies to be brought about.


    I found myself at a loss for words as I was enchanted by both his unparalleled tactfulness and stunning facial expressions that only increased in resplendency the longer he played this peculiar instrument.


    "You are astonishing master Kazuha." I smiled and told him after he finished.


    "That... That''s so kind of you to say." He replied, his cheeks turning red again.


    "May I give It a try ?" I enquired then.


    "Absolutely !" He grinned before handing me the leaf.


    Being the clumsy guy I am, I couldn''t, for the life of me, hold the musical instrument properly let alone play it, which made me even more embarrassed than I already was.


    "May I ?" Interfered,suddenly,Kazuha as he pointed at my misplaced fingers.


    "Yes, please." I uttered.


    He gently put his hands on mine, positioned my fingers properly on the surface of the folded leaf then whispered to me to open my mouth so I can slide Its edge on my lips.


    And in no time, a melody, that was nowhere near being as perfect as his, came out.


    "I did It !" I screamed happily.


    "Yes, you did !" He laughed joyfully.


    "But I still need a lot of practice to become like you." I added before noticing that his hands are still on top of mine.


    "My apologies." He muttered after pulling them away shyly.


    "No need to apologize." I responded as I held onto one of them.


    Although we were still practically strangers to one another, he didn''t pull away from me and as the first strings of light dawned on us, I kissed Kazuha and Kazuha kissed me.


    ...


    With butterflies fluttering all over my stomach and euphoria coursing through my veins, I put the sleepy Tama next to me then laid down on my bed.


    I ran my fingers across my lips to relieve,for the thousandth time,the kiss I shared with Kazuha.


    His lips were as smoothe as the finest silks, his touch as gentle as the fresh breeze''s caress and his smile as radiant as the moon''s gleam.


    "I can''t believe I kissed him ! No, I can''t believe he kissed me back !" I muttered to myself nervously while my cat stared at me confused.


    I can''t think of anything else now. He''s present in every corner of my thought. Am I doing the same thing to him ? I wonder whether he''s thinking of me right now. Whether he''s missing me as much as I am missing him. Whether he regrets kissing me or not. Whether he likes me... whether he... loves me ?


    "Go to sleep before you drive yourself insane."


    ...


    "Then our contract is set in stone." Announced the Liyue merchant as we both signed the papers presented to us by one of the Liyue Qixing''s assistants.


    "Thank you so much for your hospitality sir." I bowed to pay my respects.


    "Don''t thank me yet. Wait until you taste Wanmin Restaurant''s mouth-watering dishes. A feast awaits you my honored guest." Chuckled the gray-haired man before we both exited his shop and headed to the restaurant.


    On our way there, the cold morning gust sweeped along my skin and Kazuha''s face,instantly,flashed before my eyes. What is he doing now ? How is he ? It''s been three days since I last saw him. Three days since we held eachother''s hands tightly. Three days since we...kissed. How I miss him !


    These thoughts crowded my already troubled mind rendering me neither able to talk properly to the kind man who invited me over for food, despite our Archons not being the closest of friends anymore, nor capable of mingling with the locals to unearth Liyue Harbor''s secret to an everlasting prosperity.


    "You seem perturbed. Is everything alright ?" He enquired noticing how much off I was.


    "I''m fine, just a bit tired that''s all." I grinned.


    "Aah ! Your heart is beating for someone distant from you." He responded with a silly laugh.


    "How did you know ?" I requested, startled.


    "Being a merchant from the Feiyun Commerce Guild and learning from master Xinqiu,the second son of our leader, how to be a good judge of character, made reading you a piece of mooncake." He chuckled patting on my back.


    "Well, I guess I have to pay a visit to this master of yours." I responded as we finally reached the busy restaurant.


    "There''s no escaping love''s venomous embrace." He retorted after we took a seat away from all the noise.


    "Talking''s easy." I smiled.


    "Indeed It is ! That''s why you have to just...Do It !."


    "Just doing it, is a hard goal to achieve on Its own too."


    "The Yuheng of The Liyue Qixing ; lady Keqing has a saying on this matter :When your heart is set on something, you get closer to your goal with each passing day."


    "Okay...And what If my love for him Is not reciprocated and no amount of days spent trying, can change that ?"


    "In that case, you save your heart from his sorry grasp and run as fast as you can, because right now, It belongs solely to him."


    ...


    As the night''s shadowy gaze beclouded Kannazuka and the sound of rain rocked Its inhabitants to sleep, I sat alongside Tama on my porch, a warm cup of tea in hand.


    I kept on repeating the Liyue merchant''s words in my head and trying to find the best way to confess to Kazuha. But apparently the word "easy" is non-existent in love''s vocabulary.


    "Ugh !" I sighed heavely before I began hearing a strange knocking on my house''s door.


    "Who is It ?" I asked but no one answered.


    Northern Kannazuka is not known for harboring thieves. However, since The Treasure Hoarders are coming back in full force, I took my blade just to be safe.


    I slowly unlocked the door and carefully opened It for my katana to drop on the ground as my brain attempted to confirm whether what my eyes are seeing is a mirage of lies or a melancholic truth.


    "Kazuha ?!" I spoke shocked as the nobleman stood before me soaking wet, tears running down his cheeks merging with the falling raindrops.


    He stared at me for a moment all broken and sorrowful then,briskly, rushed to hug me.


    "What''s going on ?" I asked after I wrapped my arms around his wet fragile body while Tama licked his tears.


    "I had nowhere else to go." He uttered in a quavering voice drenched in misery.


    My heart got shattered to a million pieces at the sight of him. I didn''t know what to do or what to say so I just lead him to my bedroom and gave him some of my old clothes to change in.


    "Thank you." He bowed as he got out of the room.


    "Not yet." I told him with a smile trying vainly not to burst out crying too.


    "Now you''re all set." I simpered after drying his hair with a towel for him to jump Into my arms again.


    "Thank you."


    ...


    We sat down in the living room with me staring at the ceiling and him at his cup of tea. I still was speechless and unable to process what just happened. He did not say a single word regarding why he was and still is in such a state. I couldn''t find the courage to do so and he clearly had none left.


    What am I to do now ? Seeing him like this is killing me.


    "The Kaedehara Clan lost Its leverage with her Divine Personage ; The Raiden Shogun and all what once made It rich and respect-worthy is long gone now. I returned from my travels to find my childhood home already sold to another clan and all that my father fought for devoured by mud and rain." Spoke,suddenly,Kazuha as tears once more began flowing in a unbroken stream.


    "Kazuha... I''m so sorry you had to go through all of this." I retorted drawing close to him to wipe off his precious teardrops.


    "I have always perceived the responsibility of becoming the head of my clan as a burden I''d do anything to get rid of. But, now that I am forever free from Its shackles I cannot help but blame myself for the grim fate sealed for The Kaedehara." He added clutching at his cup.


    "Come on ! Stop being a coward !" I whispered to myself before I gently put my hands on Kazuha''s then looked him in the eyes and said.


    "I am a lowborn so I don''t fathom the ways of the noblemen. However, I know,for sure, that no matter how hard It may get, you''ll land back on your feet, stronger than you ever were... at least that''s what I''ve learned from my failures." I chuckled nervously noticing that I screwed up my encouragement speech.


    Kazuha,though,looked at me with a sparkle of hope taking bloom in his tired eyes then leaned in to kiss me.


    I kissed him back as a,fleeting yet euphoric, sensation took over me.


    "You''re the only one with whom I felt home." He whispered afterwards, resting his head on my shoulder.


    "And you''re the only one with whom I''m truly happy." I responded relieved that I managed to successfully bring joy back into his heart even If It was for an ephemeral moment.


    ...


    I woke up to the deafening peal of thunder and the never-ceasing rainfall, to find Kazuha still in deep slumber. The floor was hard and cold but I couldn''t get myself to sleep with him in the same bed so I just stood up took my cat out of his own bed and cuddled him until I fell back to sleep again.


    Abruptly, I felt the soothing warmth of a blanket enveloping me then the softness of a hand caressing my cheeks. I opened my eyes and found Kazuha lying inches away from me, staring at me with his kind scralet eyes.


    "What are you doing Kazuha ? Go back to bed. If you sleep here you''ll get a fever." I told him with a sleepy voice as I was convinced that It was a dream.


    "I love you." He whispered delicately for me to jump up horrified and gasping for air.


    "Am...Am...Am I... Not dreaming ?!" I choked on my words.


    "My apologies." He uttered, mortified by my reaction.


    "No...No, Kazuha I love you too. I''ve loved you since the moment I first laid eyes on you. Please don''t get me wrong !" I stammered as I embraced him tightly.


    ...


    I love you more than words can say Kazuha.


    ...


    His bare arms wrapped around my neck, my lips clinging on to his.


    His naked body mine, my fingers caressing every strand of his hair.


    His eyes glued to mine, my hands entangled in his.


    His winces and flinches supervening my every thrust and push,my tender kisses fondling every inch of his skin.


    He found his home in me, I found myself in him


    Our passionate melody overwhelming that from which all forms of cruelty blossom and all shapes of spite bloom.


    Our defiant love woven into the fabric of destiny, our souls intertwinedfor evermore.

 Chapter II : The Wind Settles Where Lightning Falls

    Daylight slipped through the diaphanous curtains of the room crawling into our bed and cloaking us in threads of aureate light. I awoke next to the still-sleeping Kazuha, his warm breath tickling my neck, his head resting on my arm and the few crimson locks of his hair mildly rubbing against my nose.


    I planted a kiss on his forehead, gently put his head on the pillow then carefully got out of bed so I don''t wake him up. I went into the kitchen wanting to make him the dish he spent most of the night talking about but then I remembered that I have to be in Konda Village in about three hours.So I made him what I usually would have for breakfast, left him a little note, got dressed, kissed him on the forehead one more time, picked up Tama then left to begin my long journey to reach Konda Village.


    I wanted more than anything to spend the entire day...week...year ,with him but If he''s going to live with me, what I usually make from the few travels I choose to go on, won''t be enough for both of us especially since The Liyue contract won''t be viable until the next year and my Katana trading days are long behind me.


    With the waverider safely moored in the dock behind me and Tama treading beside me, I made my way through Ritou, keeping a close eye on the contact with whom I''m going to travel to Konda Village.


    "Hey,Right here !" Waved at me suddenly a tall Inazuman clad in the signature kimono of The Hiiragi Clan.


    "Greetings !" I replied as I joined him under the Otogi Tree where he lied with a book in hand.


    "The head of our clan speaks generous words about you." He added still flipping through the pages of his novel.


    "I am both flattered and honored." I grinned timidly.


    "From what I''ve heard, you had an unfortunate encounter with the adopted daughter of The Kujou Clan ; Lady Sara. May I know what was the catalyst to such an event ?" He enquired and freezing cold sweats started racing down my sun-scorched back.


    "I wished to have an audience with her Divine Personage ; The Raiden Shogun. But Lady Kujou Sara strongly refused and from what It looked like even our ruler declined my request." I explained trying my best to preserve my calmness.


    "I see." Responded the man while stroking his beard.


    "No one has neither seen nor has been able to have an audience with her Divine Personage for a while now. Rumor has It that The Raiden Shogun even cut all ties with the Archons of the other nations." He then added before closing the book.


    "There must be a reason to all of this ?" I retorted worried.


    "Let this be the subject of our discussion on our way to Konda Village. Come, time is against us."


    Ever since I could remember, all the tales and fables my mother used to recite for me always depicted The Raiden Shogun as this formidable, forever duty-bound warrior who put the greater good of her nation above all else. She safeguarded Inazuma from countless calamities and ensured her people''s enlightenment thus becoming the impetus to our prosperity. What could have possibly transpired for our paragon to shut both her kin and people out ? Perhaps an unprecedented occurrence, none has foresaw is the reason to such an action, even though It doesn''t seem of a cataclysmic level ?


    I pondered on these questions as I gazed upon the endless succession of sceneries through the windows of our carriage while The Hiiragi Clan envoy carried on with the reading of his book.


    "Are you familiar with The Kaedehara Clan ?" He enquired,briskly, not even bothering to look me in the eyes.


    "Yes, I was told that they lost their leverage with her Divine Personage." I responded, mustering every bit of wit I had to veil my surprised face.


    "It Is also said that only Its final heir remains in Inazuma. Have you had his acquaintance ?" He proceeded with a cold tone.


    "No... I don''t think so." I replied immediately beginning to sense that his questions were not asked out of mere curiosity but rather out of desire to confirm and verify the information he managed to gather about me.


    "He is,like you, a Vision bearer but with a particular yet peculiar outlook on life. They say what he sees,hears and feels is intensified by his deep connection with nature. I wonder to what extent such claims can be brought and the vehemence to which SOME of this boy''s feelings can get ?" Added the envoy smirking mischievously,unbothered by how uncomfortable his words made me.


    "How is this supposed to be of value to me or to my new buisness venture with The Hiiragi Clan ?" I lashed out on him as I had enough with the foul nonsense his viper-like mouth spewed.


    "Its value is determined by how well you answer these inquiries... lowborn."


    ...


    With the dwindling of day''s last flickers of twilight and the emergence of night''s first glimpses of moonlight, I reached my house, completely exhausted but beyond blissful for I finally get to spend some time with Kazuha.


    At the sight of the porche, Tama jumped off my shoulder and scurried to reach It. He pounced on one of the planks, purred for a moment then surrendered to sleep.


    Abruptly, the entrance''s door slowly opened and the boy, to whom my heart, eternally, belonged, stepped out, a large smile on his kind face.


    "Welcome back." He spoke with a voice so delicate that all which wearied and troubled me faded away.


    ...


    "I am finally...Home."


    ...


    "You spent all day alone,here ?" I asked after taking a mouthful of the Dry-Braised Salted Fish Kazuha made for me.


    "I wasn''t alone. The sea kept me company and the skies offered me refuge." He responded then proceeded to recite a poem.


    As the harmonious ebbing tide tenderly drenched the torrid sand in Its gurgling waves,the same way your love did my broken heart


    I dwelt on the treacherous thought


    "will the unseen wheels of a callous fate turn to keep us apart ?"


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    A Question whose answer the tidal winds,gladly, carried to the shore, ergo whistling the consoling promise of bringing you back to me safe and sound.


    "Well... Here I am !" I chuckled enthralled by his talent before he leaned in for a kiss untroubled by the fish bits covering my face.


    "I am thankful." He,then, simpered.


    We sat before the porche''s glass door gazing upon the distant stars dotting the night''s gloomy sky. I rested my head on his lap while he gently combed my messy hair with his kind fingers.


    "I came upon an old Minka* today during the walk I took around the island." He, briskly, spoke.


    "It looks charming from the outside. But, from the inside not that much." I responded.


    "I talked to the owner. She told me I can move in the day after tomorrow." He added for me to,immediately,jump out incapable of believing my ears.


    "Why would you do that ?" I enquired anxiously.


    "Our relationship is still but a fragile scion. I will be condemning It to wither If I take this big leap of faith and move in with you." Explained Kazuha as he looked me in the eyes and held my hands tightly.


    His words spoke a brutal truth for we only got together a few days ago. Be that as It may, what we have is nothing of ordinary that''s why we shouldn''t treat It as so.


    "Kazuha, you are the first and only person I''ll ever love. I know It sounds stupid and insane but I''ll sacrifice everything to be with you. I will wage war on the world to preserve that beautiful smile of yours. I will defy all the odds to keep your precious tears,evermore, at bay. I will fight for you...for us till my last breath. So I will not let you walk out on me this easily. I love you so much to give up on you." I shouted,tears glistering


    "My apologies." He whispered to me as he held me close to him.


    "No words can do my love for you justice." He added after wiping off my tears.


    "Then why do you want to move out ?" I enquired still clutching at his robe.


    "I wished not that my predicaments become yours. I wished not that you get hurt because of the ghosts of my clan''s past. I wished only to protect you...from myself."


    "Kazuha, we will face whatever the future and Its uncertainties have in-store for us together. I will gladly share both the burdens and the scars with you for now and for always." I told him as my lips clung to his and his body embraced mine.


    Minka : traditional Japanese house.


    ...


    Within a viridescent forest soaked in ephemeral silence and bathed in incandescent daylight, the tumultuous sound of clashing steel took place.


    "Splendid form !" Shouted Kazuha after parrying one of my strikes with the grace of a falling leaf.


    "You should''ve seen yours !" I responded readying my blade for another attack and minding my footing so I don''t get stuck in the roots of another dead tree.


    "Truly, I am impressed by how much your swordsmanship skills have improved." He smiled prepared to stand his ground.


    "I have a great master,who also happens to be my lover." I chuckled.


    "Remain vigilant !" Spoke then Kazuha trying vainly to maintain a straight face.


    "Yes sensei !" I uttered before we both burst out with laughter.


    We carried on with our training until sundown then sat under an Otogi tree to get some rest before heading back home.


    "You''re still up for another round ?" Asked me Kazuha playfully.


    "Absolutely not !" I chuckled exhausted, before noticing his injured right hand.


    "Kazuha you''re hurt." I shouted worried.


    "Don''t worry about It." He responded proceeding to cover It.


    "No, I will worry about It." I added grabbing his right arm.


    Instantly, I got out from my bag a bandage and some alchohol to bind the wound, carefully poured some on his palm, gently cleaned It then wrapped the dressing around It.


    "I''m sorry, I know alchohol''s sting is the worst." I said as I planted a kiss on the bandage.


    "It didn''t hurt me at all." He smiled shyly before my lips adhered to his.


    "I hope I never hurt you Kazuha."


    "You can never hurt me."


    ...


    "Good evening Taroumaru. How are you doing ?" I saluted the boss of the Komore Teahouse as I stepped into the reception room.


    He stared at me for a moment as If he was trying to recognize me then as soon as Tama popped his head from the inside of my kimono, he barked happily.


    "Glad you''re well." I chuckled then proceeded to go into the chamber Tohma, the Shirasagi Himegimi and I used to spend our nights in.


    It''s been almost two months since I last came here. I''d blame It on my busy schedule and my never-ending buisness meetings but the truth is I spent all this time traveling around Inazuma with Kazuha, getting to know him better, strengthening our bond and trying to be there for him since what he has been through was the equivalent to hell.


    "You''re late per usual." Interrupted Tohma my line of thought as I stepped into the room he and Kamisato Ayaka were in.


    "I missed you too my best friend." I replied sarcastically after he stood up from the long table, adorned with all kinds of Inazuman dishes, and hugged me tightly


    "I know you did." He laughed then invited me to join them.


    "Greetings my friend. I hope you''re well." Spoke gracefully Kamisato Ayaka kneeling slightly to greet me.


    "I''m absolutely fine miss Ayaka how have you been ?" I responded with a smile.


    "Splendid." She retorted gently.


    "So what have you been up to ?" Asked me Tohma after we all got our full from the dinner.


    "Trying to expand my trading empire, raise one as great as that of The Liyue Qixing''s." I answered playfully.


    "I reckoned you were busy, but Tohma said that your work has never kept you from regularly visiting the teahouse." Intervened Ayaka timidly.


    "You''re right miss Ayaka and I sincerely apologize for disappearing on both of you for all this time. Truthfully, I fell in love with someone and I wanted to take some time off from everything to work on our relationship." I explained for silence to briefly reign.


    "And you had the audacity to keep that from us ?!" Shouted Tohma angrily.


    "I''m sorry but I had to since all eyes were on him."


    "You could''ve brought him here If you wanted to avoid unnecessary attention." Suggested The Shirasagi Himegimi.


    "He''s not the kind of person who''d stay in one place for long." I grinned.


    "Who is this lucky guy though ?" Enquired Tohma curiously.


    Although I knew Tohma since we were both little kids and miss Ayaka through the countless jobs her brother commissioned me for, and although I trust them with my life, I still hesitated for a bit to tell them about Kazuha.


    "He''s the last heir of The Kaedehara Clan." I finally spoke and they fell silent again.


    "Kaedehara Kazuha ?" Enquired then Ayaka.


    "Yes."


    "I never took him for someone who''d even try to make friends let alone fall in love." Added Tohma surprised.


    "He is a respectful man, a very kind one too. I had the pleasure of making his acquaintance twice and on both occasions, I was left speechless before his profound knowledge over a variety of subjects especially those concerning poetry and nature."


    "Yes that''s Kazuha." I simpered nervously.


    "Well, congratulations ! But next time try to tell us earlier." Told me then Tohma as he patted me on the shoulder and smiled.


    "Yes, congratulations. He is welcome here at any time too." Added Ayaka with a timid smirk.


    "Thank you both. I''m glad I have you." I retorted.


    "The conversation''s still not over though. You''re obligated to tell us EVERYTHING about Kazuha." Intervened Thoma with a mischievous grin.


    "Indulge our curiosity." Chuckled The Shirasagi Himegimi afterwards.


    "Alright, where do you want me to start ?"

 Chapter III : Surging Gust, A Forewarn Of Pealing Thunder

    "Your clan''s actions threaten the very foundations of Eternity. Until further investigations are conducted you shall remain in Tenshukaku''s custody." Announced The Raiden Shogun, not even bothering to look the head of The Kaedehara clan in the face.


    "Your Excellency, what I am saying is true. One of The Tri-commission is conspiring against you. Inazuma''s Eternity is at stake." He replied struggling to remain calm but to no avail.


    ...


    "The Kaedehara Clan shall be no more."


    ...


    "NO!" Screamed Kazuha at the top of his lungs alerting me and Tama in the process.


    "Kazuha!" I shouted as I quickly turned to his side of the bed only to find cold sweat covering every inch of his face merging with the tears running down his rosey cheeks.


    "I''m sorry." He apologized, still gasping for air.


    This is the third time he has such a nightmare. He''s barely getting any sleep during the day since he refuses to stay at home while I''m not there and during the night, he is haunted by this recurring reminiscence of his father''s trial.


    I tried everything to convince him to go and pay a visit to his dad but every time I mention It, he either changes the subject or completely ignores me. So I found It best to just be there for him even If It means staying up all night with him and not going to work in the morning.


    "Don''t worry, I''m here." I finally said as I wrapped my arms around his trembling body and held him close to me.


    "You should go back to sleep, you have a lot of work to do tomorrow." He whispered before getting out of bed.


    "And where do you think you''re going ?" I enquired as I swiftly grabbed him by his arm and pulled him back to me.


    "It''s a full moon, nature''s splendour is at Its zenith now." He replied, the look of guilt engulfing his exhausted face.


    "We''ve spent almost 6 months together, yet you still don''t really know how much you mean to me Kazuha and I think that''s solely my fault." I uttered after gently planting a kiss on his forehead.


    "No... It''s not like that." He said before I put my lips on his.


    "You mean the world to me. So, I''ll more than happily share this burden with you even If It means giving up on everything I spent most of my life working on."


    At last, a smile shined through the gloom enveloping Kazuha''s face and those maple-colored eyes glistened for a moment before he conveyed to me another secret concerning his clan.


    "My father has always been a loyal subject of The Raiden Shogun. Our clan made a name for Itself through his innumerable contributions to safeguard her ideals. However, when he found out that The Shogun did not consider him for the leading position of The Kanjou Commission, he changed. He started questioning her decisions and deeming the sanctions of The Tri-Commission blasphemous. He was so consumed by envy and greed that he wrought shame upon our clan thus ruining us forever."


    "Is that why you refuse to visit him ?" I asked weighing my every word so I don''t add insult to the injury.


    "I am trying to put my past behind me but It''s still finding ways to catch up to me." He retorted ashamed.


    "It''s not an easy process but It is not impossible. I''ve been in your shoes and trust me when I say It''s ephemeral. You just have to hold on."


    "I don''t know what I would do without you by my side... thank you." He uttered as we embraced each other tightly.


    ...


    As the twilight of the setting sun lit up the entire cloud with fervent yet dimming flames and the sky''s dusk was upon us, I turned to Kazuha, who was sitting on the front porch, lost in the grandeur of such scenery, and asked him.


    "Are you familiar with The Naganohara family?"


    "No, are they one of your new customers ?" He enquired without even turning to see me.


    "No, they make the most beautiful fireworks in all of Inazuma. How about we go attend the festival taking place in the Narukami Island tonight ? I heard there''s gonna be a display of The Naganohara fireworks. Plus, I''m a close friend with their maker and owner so we''ll get a VIP pass." I proposed, already preparing myself for the eventual "I apologize, I can''t."


    "Will your other friends be there ?" He asked me as he finally looked at me.


    "I think so, yes."


    "Alright."


    "Oh come on, It''ll be fun!" I said before realizing that he agreed.


    "Wait, we''re going ?" I added shocked.


    "Yes, It''s time I get to know your friends." He chuckled, fixed my messy hair then got up to get ready.


    "You won''t regret It!" I shouted as I tripped and fell on my face from excitement.


    ...


    Making our way through the entrance of the crowded Inazuma City, we encountered everyone from Watatsumi islanders to even Mondstadt and Natalan visitors. The festivals in Inazuma are numerous but they have never been this popular outside of The Narukami Island. Maybe this year is the year, we Inazumans finally get the chance to rival the popularity of the likes of Liyue and Snezhnaya. Maybe this is my chance to expand the buisness and become an international merchant.


    "Where to now ?" Enquired Kazuha for his voice to snap me back to reality.


    "Oh... Euuh... I remember their shop being right next to the blacksmith''s." I retorted, trying vainly to decipher the faces of the crowd and find someone I know.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    I''ve never lost my sense of direction in Inazuma City but this time It seems like my nervousness got to me even before I got to introduce my lover to my close friends.


    "Want me to ask around ?"


    "No need, there''s one of my friends. We''ll follow him." I responded, letting out a sigh of relief as I nervously waved for Tohma.


    The moment he saw us, he came running like he always does whenever he finds a way to make fun of me.


    "Hello you two. How are you doing on this fine evening." He saluted politely.


    "Hey Tohma, this is Kazuha. Kazuha, this is Tohma; my best friend and sometimes the pain in my ass." I introduced them to eachother while trying to seem cool and poised but I only looked more anxious than I already was.


    "It''s a real pleasure to finally meet you Kazuha. This guy over here speaks so highly of you." He uttered before winking at me.


    "The pleasure is all mine Tohma." Said Kazuha already blushing.


    "Shall we gentlemen ?"


    We carried on with our tour until we, suddenly started hearing someone shouting from afar.


    "OH MY GOD !" Yelled Yoimiya as she raced through the crowds of people to hug me.


    "IT''S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN. I MISSED YOU SO MUCH !" She carried on with the shouting while I hugged her back.


    Yoimiya and I date way back before she started shouldering the entirety of her family''s buisness and I moved out of Narukami Island. She has been there for me since forever and I have assisted in almost every firework show she has ever made. She is an incredibly talented person and an even more sublime human being.


    After she finally let me go I introduced her to Kazuha and the first thing she did was punch me in the guts and tell me to treat him well.


    "It''s so nice to meet you Kazuha. You know, when Tohma told me 2 days ago that this little, tall brat has landed himself a guy like you, I was like. NO WAY !"


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you too Yoimiya." smiled back Kazuha before she Interrupted him.


    "So I rushed to my workshop and prepared a special firework just for you two. Aww you''re such a gentleman... Just remind me later to give you the paper of ingredients in case you ever want to recreate It. Oh and one more thin-." And she kept yammering on and on until I finally put my hand on her mouth


    "Euuh, Yoimiya take a breath." I told her.


    "I already did." She mocked me for Tohma and Kazuha to burst out laughing.


    "Where''s Ayaka ?" I enquired as Yoimiya lead us to the best spot to watch a firework show, or so she claimed.


    "Unfortunately, she couldn''t attend. We have guests from The Tenryou Commission and for the first time in so long, The Yashiro Commission is in no need for a housekeeper." Answered Tohma with a slight grin.


    "Umm... Guys." Intervened, suddenly, Yoimiya brushing the back of her haid nervously.


    "Please don''t tell me the spot is outside of the city." I said as I turned to her.


    "Amakane Island." She replied with a large awkward smile as we went out of the city and headed to the island.


    "In my own defense, I haven''t slept for two days. I''ve been running errands for my dad all morning and the kids wanted me to play with them so I couldn''t say no. Plus, I got challenged by that big stupid Oni Itto to a dango-eating contest. I won of course. Then lady Ayaka took me with her to help her choose a new outfit. She said It''s for a special celebration but didn''t want to give me any details which I found weird cause It''s not so Ayaka of her. I can see mister Ayato doing that but never Ayaka... well looking at It now-"


    "YOIMIYA!" I shouted again for her to finally catch a breath then carry on with her yammering.


    "Don''t Interrupt me, we''re almost there. Ayato never says anything to anyone about The Yashiro Commission affairs. However, Thoma always has information about It... to some degree of course. Right Thoma?" She glanced at the golden-haired boy for his face to instantly go red.


    "Well...who''s hungry ?" He stuttered while Kazuha and I held in a laugh.


    "Yup!" She chuckled before winking at him mischievously.


    "Are we there yet ?" I Interrupted them as we neared the entrance of The Amakane Island.


    "Mhm!" Right under that Sakura tree." Responded Yoimiya pointing towards a cliff that overlooked the entirety of Inazuma City.


    "It does look like a splendid spot." Commented Kazuha for Yoimiya to smile at him.


    "Thank you Kazuha. He should really learn a thing or two from you. Some manners for starters and proper etiquette for appetizers." She responded pointing at me with a smirk.


    "Yoimiya where do you get the strength to talk this much!" I yelled annoyed so she just made a grimace to mock me.


    Beneath the aged Sakura tree, Kazuha and I sat down. Right in front of us took Yoimiya her favorite spot while Thoma decided to sit further back.


    The pitch black night sky was engulfed in serine quietude until the numerous multi-colored fireworks, lauched from all over Inazuma City, raced to reach the heavens only to explode into miraculous works of art dispelling the darkness and bringing forth unparalleled illuminating beauty. For once during this journey with her, Yoimiya fell completely silent as she solemnly contemplated the mesmerizing show. Her eyes glowing with utterly pure euphoria and an unmistakable innocence believed to be only found among carefree kids.


    Amidst the awe-inspiring spectacle, I felt Kazuha gently grabbing my right hand and kissing it.


    "Thank you!" He whispered.


    "It''s beautiful isn''t it?" I whispered back as I held on tightly to his hand while resting my head on his shoulder.


    "It truly is!" He responded before a maple leaf shaped firework adorned the sky catching both us by surprise.


    We immediately turned to eachother, a wide smile of both bliss and disbelief on our faces. At that moment of ephemeral yet forever-memorable scene, I knew that my heart and soul are and will always be Kazuha''s alone.


    ...Once love is found all that has been lost becomes forever the insignificant...


    "You have my eternal gratitude Yoimiya. Your firework show and the special gift you prepared for us were exactly what we needed." Spoke Kazuha at the end of the show, bowing slightly to slaute Yoimiya.


    "Aww come on ! It was nothing really. You brought happiness to the heart of that goofball. It''s the least I can do to thank you." She responded pointing at me as I got up to join them.


    "Just promise me you''ll take good care of him. He might seem able to shoulder everything alone but in truth he can''t do anything." She added for Kazuha to let out a silly giggle.


    "He''s in good hands. Worry not." He added before I embraced her tightly.


    "Fantastic as always you unstoppable chatterbox." I muttered, barely holding in the tears of pure joy.


    "Don''t forget your paper slip. In case you want to recreate It for your wedding maybe." She chuckled as Kazuha and I looked at eachother shyly.


    "Amazing work Yoimiya !" Interrupted her Thoma to save us from her relentless chatter.


    "You should totally bring Ayato next time. I''ll even design a boba drink firework especially for him." She shifted her focus to Thoma nudging him gently.


    "I''ll... I''ll try to look into It... as you know... my lord is always busy." He said embarrassed.


    "And when he''s not busy, you get busy... right ?" She winked at him mischievously.


    "Give him a break Yoimiya." I Intervened trying vainly not to laugh at the reddened Thoma.


    "Okay, okay ! I already have to go. Pops must be waiting for me." She uttered, gave me, Kazuha and Thoma a quick hug , handed me the paper slip then raced to return to Inazuma City.


    Suddenly, clouds of unchallenged tenebrosity gathered in the night''s lucid sky ebbing completely the faint gleam of the stars. Violet lightning flashed through the horrifying darkness that now befell Inazuma to make way for the beatific but hollow thunder that bellowed with the indisputed words of an Archon whose unequivocal might, once tore asunder the very heavens.


    "Visions are a creation of divine origin. They are a blessing bestowed upon the most ambitious of mortals. However, mortals are ever the flawed, never the perfect. Therefore, they are unfit to wield such powers. Within their yearnful grasp, These blessings are but curses, hindrances, thorns enveloping the path to what Inazuma has long coveted, an unchanging Eternity. Like corrosive weeds, they shall be ripped out root and stem as The Vision Hunt Decree commences. All Visions are to be confiscated and inlaid upon The Statue of The Omnipresent God, which will be constructed in Tenshukaku''s courtyard. Those who even dare oppose the decree shall suffer divine punishment. Those who dare flee or enter Inazuma shall be met by the merciless storm of thunderous judgment as The Sakoku Decree takes hold. This is the way to achieve Eternity, for an ever-changing, transient world is ephemeral, bound to wrought calamity upon itself. Only through Eternity is Inazuma closest to The Heavenly Principles. Only through Eternal stasis are we for evermore absolute."

 Chapter IV : A Love Forever Torn Asunder By Lightning & Thunder (I)

    Be it through fate or destiny


    Calamity befell paradise


    Oblivion awaits all


    ...


    As the ever-dark clouds of unavoidable damnation blighted Inazuma, devouring its once gleaming sky and with it the last scintillations of a once-hopeful nation, merciless rain and unforgiving maelstr?m presided over the lands which her beatific thunder raised and her empyrean lightning shaped. All, eventually, succumbed to despair everlasting and sorrow unabating, giving way to a stasis unwanted but avowedly needed.


    Kazuha and I spent the three weeks that followed the commencement of The Vision Hunt Decree, constantly traveling around Inazuma, avoiding any potential encounter with The Shogunate who happen to be the enforcers of such a tyrannical law.


    "Kazuha, wake up." I whispered to him while he peacefully slept in the shade of the giant Otogi tree we took shelter under.


    "It is still early to move out. The scent of rain is still strong. We have to wait longer." He responded as he got up, still sleepy.


    "Are you sure we are safe here?" I enquired perplexed for him to gently squeeze my hand, give me a kiss then tell me before passing out again in my arms.


    "As long as we are together, we will manage to overcome anything."


    His reassuring words would''ve comforted me if we had enough to eat and where to properly rest. But we do not. In fact, we haven''t had them for a while now since we didn''t even have time to go back to my place and grab what this dangerous renegade required. Ayaka, Thoma and Ayato did their best to keep us hidden from The Shogunate and provide us with what we needed . However, there''s only too much they can do. The Yashiro Commission is too under severe supervision from both The Kanjou and The Tenryou Commissions as they are the sole administrators of The Sakoku and The Vision Hunt Decrees respectively. That''s why we found it best that we only reach out to them if every other possible solution has been exhausted. Whenever I think about that angelic-turned-hellish night, The Shogun''s words and the grim shadow of terror that engulfed us, I can''t help but ask myself "Why did our Archon feel the need to pursue Eternity through such a cruel path? A path whose every step is paved by an uprooted ambition and a shattered dream. Yes, she is a God, an all-knowing one. Her knowledge surpasses that of the collective minds of every human, but why would she choose to strip her people of their aspirations, their very will to live, the impetus to their whole existence?"


    To these questions, I have found no logical answers yet. What she strives for I can only define as supreme cruelty and undisputed bale. I have worshiped her all my life. I have believed in her ideals. I have admired how steadfast and resolute she is, how she endured and severed every calamity the moment it attempted to take root in Inazuma. Now, I am lost as everything I have ever placed my faith in is crumbling down right before my eyes.


    The rhythmic sound of the falling rain drops quickly synchronized with the thoughts that raced endlessly inside my head, plunging me even deeper into the state of unfettered despair and unbound despondency, I found myself constantly tapping into these days.


    "You need to rest too. Tomorrow''s journey will be an onerous one." Spoke Kazuha gently for his words to penetrate through the thick dark mist that enveloped me.


    "I''m sorry. I just..." I retorted before he got up again fixed his scarlet-varnished eyes on mine, caressed my cold cheeks with his warm tender fingers and said before hugging me tightly.


    "I know you are worried. I know this is particularly hard for you. Just know I will do everything in my power to protect us and I will spare no effort to find a solution."


    He has been my rock ever since the incident. He''d spend his days looking for ways to cheer me up despite the inescapable gloom that is surrounding us, and his nights trying to get me to sleep and stop overthinking the whole process of our aimless wandering and constant lookout for Decree Enforcers. I would lie if i said he didn''t help. He actually did tremendously. His warm smile alone would drive all my troubles away and I do not want to live in a world where that smile is threatened and where his life is always on the line. I will tolerate no one be it human, spirit or God who dares trespass on our joy... on his joy. I will stand against all for his sake... but how?


    "You are right. We will find a way...eventually." i uttered finally breaking free from the train of my treacherous thoughts to embrace Kazuha back and at last fall asleep.


    ...


    "But brother, they are alone out there. Archon knows what perils they might encounter. Why can''t we just bring them in. The Shuumatsuban will escort them safely and secretly to our residence. No one will know about them." Argued The Shirasagi Himegimi with the head of The Yashiro Commission as they shared a cup of tea under the shade of a sakura tree whose blooms gave way to both a scent of longing and resilience.


    "Ayaka, It is not that easy. Even if we deceive The Tenryou Commission we will never deceive her Excellency. They are wanted criminals and us provoding them safe harbor will put us at risk too. Yes they are my friends but you and Thoma are my family and family always comes first." Responded Ayato his tone mixed with fake resolve and a very apparent guilt.


    "So we are to leave them out there until they eventually get caught?!" Spoke Ayaka in a somewhat calm demeanor but every crack in her voice conveyed only disdain and desperation.


    "Worry not sister. I ordered a few Shuumatsuban to keep a close eye on them and immediately act if they ever get into a mortal problem. Currently they are taking refuge in the Byakko Plain, waiting out the storm so they can leave for Jinren Island." Reassured the leader of The Kamisato Clan his sibling for her to finally take a breath and relax a bit.


    "We must find a way to reach her Excellency and convince her of repelling The Decrees. Inazuma cannot withstand such callousness for long." Added Ayaka before her brother squeezed her hand tightly.


    "Not ''We'' Ayaka, someone with a strong will and an even stronger endurance. This is not a commissioner we are talking about. This is The Electro Archon and The Administrator of The Musou No Hitotachi. Convincing her of rethinking her decisions is not only tantamount to heresy but also to an insurrection. That''s why we need someone... exceptional."


    ...


    With the scorching dawn above us and the tranquil sea below us, Kazuha and I boarded a supply ship sailing towards Jinren Island, disguised as workmen. There, we are supposed to meet a friend of mine, restock then look for a way to reach Watatsumi Island without getting caught by The Shogunate''s armada that is swarming the frontiers of Inazuma City as we speak.


    "Is this friend of yours trustworthy?" Enquired Kazuha while we organized the food crates below the vessel''s deck.


    "Yes, he is. He is a childhood friend." I answered before putting the last crate down and laying my back against it to catch my breath.


    "We''ll have to keep our guards up either way, for the wind is carrying the scent of hostility from the shores of Jinren." He retorted as he sat next to me, got the sleeping Tama off his head, put him on mine then rested his head on my lap.


    "You know that Jinren is crawling with Treasure Hoarders and Kairagi right?" I chuckled, gently caressing his autumn-kissed hair.


    "So this friend of yours is an outlaw. How enlightening!" He laughed back seemingly unbothered.


    "I was waiting for a gasp." I teased him.


    "I know you''ll never put us in danger. I''ll go down to the darkest corners of the abyss if you tell me to for I trust you with my life." He then added before getting up to put his lips on mine.


    "You!!!" I gasped as I was caught completely off-guard.


    "There''s the gasp you were looking for!" He chuckled playfully.


    Following his joking remarks, I carefully put the sleeping Tama on one of the crates behind us then turned back to Kazuha, wrapped my arms around his tiny body and gently laid his back on the floor.


    "This is a fight you can''t win." I smirked before kissing him back.


    "Who says I want to win?" He giggled as his fingers caressed my cheeks and mine fondled his silky hair.


    We spent the next hour lying on the hard wooden floor with Kazuha''s head resting on my chest and our hands tightly entwined. My heart skipped a beat every time our eyes met. He blushed a little whenever I planted a kiss on his forehand. If we hadn''t spent the last few months together, I would''ve been convinced this is the first time we meet.


    "I love you!"


    "I love you more!"


    ...


    "Hey, wake up! We have arrived." Whispered Kazuha in my ear for me to jump perplexed.


    "This fast?!" I retorted still sleepy.


    "The ship has stopped moving for a while now. Everyone has long gotten off the vessel. It''s just you and me in here." Added Kazuha as we both gathered our belongings and made our way towards the deck.


    There, we waited for the captain and his crew to get busy with The Kairagi bandits who clearly tried to negotiate the price of the supplies, then we stealthily jumped off the ship and bolted towards the shore.


    "Where is your friend supposed to meet us?" Murmured Kazuha to me after we hid behind one of the many giant rocks scattered around the shore.


    "Behind this very rock." I answered pointing to the insignia of The Treasure Hoarders that marked it.


    "You are good at this. How come you never told me about your Treasure Hoarding days?" He chuckled mockingly.


    "I was never a Treasure Hoarder. However, I had many friends who became Kairagi and Treasure Hoarders and in desperate times we call upon each other." I blushed not knowing why until suddenly Kazuha put his hand on my mouth and pointed at a Kairagi heading out direction.


    Immediately, he readied his sword while I got out of our hiding to greet, what we hoped was our contact.


    "Good morning kind sir. We are here to see The Electro Archon''s Husband." I announced to him after winking at Kazuha to notify him that what I said was the password we agreed upon.


    "I know." He said, unsheathing his katana.


    "The Husband has made a deal with The Tenryou Commission. Your Visions in exchange for his. And I am here to fulfill his part of the deal." He added then before lunging at me.


    Instantly, I drew my blade to parry his attack but the brute force it exuded knocked me off my feet the moment our weapons clashed. Thankfully, Kazuha jumped in at the right moment and in one fell swoop he knocked him out.


    "We need to get out of here!" He uttered under his breath as more Kairagi emerged from the distance and the cargo ship we came on got swarmed by The Treasure Hoarders.


    "I don''t see a way out." I replied, now standing back to back with Kazuha awaiting the eventual conflict.


    "Then fight, we will!" He then muttered as his calm demeanor changed into pure fury and a wind current raised around us slowly becoming an inescapable cyclone that gathered every outlaw in our vicinity in its center only to knock them up in the air the moment Kazuha sheathed his katana.


    Ceasing the opportunity, I let the electro energy surging from my Vision envelope me and imbue my katana then swiftly, I used the current to reach the kairagi and deftly dash through every single one of them, cutting them down as fast as divine lightning.


    Despite our combined efforts, the outlaws continued to pour in from every corner of the island and soon enough lifting our blades turned into an arduous task as both our valor and strength waned astonishingly.


    "Surrender your visions and you shall be spared." Screamed one of the outlaws extending his hand towards us.


    "Never!" I screamed back furiously maintaining my balance yet still ready to fight.


    I immediately turned to him only to notice a strange look dawning on his exhausted face. His scarlet-varnished eyes glistened with a crippling disquietude masked by false valor and a maiming dismay veiled by spurious fortitude. Knowing him, he was as horrified as I am. Knowing him, he was on the brink of collapse... Knowing him, the courage he feigned took root from his desire to see me safe. A desire so pure and vehement, his life mattered so little before it.


    "Kazuha..."


    "Resistance is futile my love." He instantly Interrupted me as his bruised quivering hand caressed my sweaty cheeks


    "What''s left of my power is enough to create an opening for you. As soon as the howling gales gather make a break for the northern side of the island. There is an abandoned house there you can take shelter in its basement and plan your escape afterwards." He then quavered before squeezing my hand goodbye and stepping forward.


    At that exact moment, time seemed to stop for darkness to take hold and consume all but one, him. He shone brightly despite its corroding influence, while I sunk deep beneath the remorseless waves of a dread unbound and a trepidation, finally, unfettered.With every step he took forward, he neared his end and I, my undeserved deliverance.I wrestled valiantly to reach him so I fell deeper. I called out his name and the tethers of this callous fate choked me harder. I begged him to stop, I cried but my broken voice got swallowed by the unending oceans of inescapable penitence. In the end, None of my pathetic pleadings made it out to the surface. I am going to lose him forever and all I can do is be a witness to the genesis of a tragedy of my own doing.


    "Hey dummies!" Shouted suddenly an oddly familiar voice from the distance before an even more familiar figure came charging at The Kairagi closing in on us.


    "Ushi!?" I exclaimed as he cleared the way for Itto to batter up whoever survived the fatal charge.


    "My bros! Don''t worry I''ve got this." Announced the red-horned Oni as he rushed to our location shielding us from The now-enraged outlaws.


    In a whim, he started hurling his mighty club at everyone and everything opposing us bringing forth irreversible damage with each swing.


    "Oni coming through!" He continued on shouting, decimating the ranks of the outlaws without even breaking a sweat.


    Eventually, The Kairagi''s resolve withered before Itto''s unstoppable rampage so they found themselves forced to break the siege. One by one they fled for their lives, if only they were successful at it.


    "Going somewhere?" Mocked them the commander of The Shuumatsuban as an entire unit blocked their path.


    "We mean you no harm." Begged her the leader of the assault.


    "Tell that to your cell''s walls. I''m sure they''ll listen."


    Amidst all the ruckus and the unfolding discord, I struggled to reach Kazuha. Exhaustion festered inside every inch of my being and a sense of relief soothed my aches. My body was ready to give up but I had to reach Kazuha. I had to make sure that he is okay.


    "Never do that...Again..." I muttered before collapsing onto his arms.


    ...


    "Today, I delivered a batch of fireworks to The Grand Narukami Shrine and ran into Lady Guuji Yae while she was lecturing some new shrine maidens about the foundations of Eternity and what ideals It embodies." Uttered Yoimiya as I helped her with the cleaning and the organizing of her father''s workshop.


    "She is as sly as a fox isn''t she?" I smirked as I''ve been on the receiving end of Yae Miko''s elaborate and fool-proof scams way too many times than I care to remember.


    "She is!! But that''s no news. What surprised me was how knowledgeable she was. You''d mistake her for The Almighty Raiden Shogun If you were a foreigner. She said Eternity''s ideals vary from one person to another and no matter how different and conflicting our ideals are they all construct an Eternity that harbors and nurtures them. Quite the revelation huh!?"


    "I''m willing to bet she was pitching this idea to the new shrine maidens as a means of deciding whether to make it into a light novel or not." I chuckled.


    "Isn''t she close to The Raiden Shogun? I don''t think she''d ever put her name and position at risk for a light novel... right?" Wondered Yoimiya now rearranging the newly made fireworks in boxes I picked up on my way to the shop.


    "Since she''s so confidently doing it, there is no risk whatsoever. She isn''t the Guuji for nothing. She definitely knows what she''s doing." I added.


    "What is Eternity for you though?" She enquired after jumping on one of the sealed fireworks boxes to sit.


    "Like for me, a firework''s flare is like a shooting star''s glister, yes It is fleeting and ephemeral but the joy It leaves behind long after its spark has been extinguished is Eternity at its finest." She then added while her legs swung back and forth and a huge warm simper covered her already radiant face.


    "Well you seem like you''ve put a lot of thought into this one!" I retorted as I sat next to her.


    "Almost an entire day, yes!" She chuckled playfully.


    "As for me, I have to sleep on it. I have always revered Eternity as a concept only The Raiden Shogun fathoms completely for she is an all-knowing God and we are...well...humans."


    "Yeah... But I''m sure It will come to you when the time is right. Your Vision miraculously did so literally nothing is impossible in your case!" She mocked me again then patted me on the shoulder.


    "You really are still jealous of how I got my vision way before you did!" I chuckled after embracing her tightly.


    "If me being jealous makes my childhood friend smile this much then I''d proudly declare that I am!"


    ...


    "SHHHHHT he''s waking up!" I slowly opened my eyes to find myself in a poorly-lit basement, laying on a dusty bed and closely supervised by Itto, a dead-worried Tama and Kuki Shinobu. All three of them stared at me stupidly until Tama pounced on me and started joyfully licking my face.


    "Kazu...!" I quavered as I held him close to my chest only for arms as gentle as the swaying leaves of a departing autumn to suddenly embrace me tightly and reddened cheeks swaddled in warm tears to rub against mine.


    "Thank Her Thunder you''re alright!" Whispered Kazuha in my ear as I hugged him back for our teardrops to merge into one, Tama to be squished and our hearts to once more beat in unison.


    "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Don''t lie to me! I know when you''re trying to conceal your pain!" I uttered, for him to shake his head and let out a silly laugh.


    "Don''t worry my dude he is as fine as an Oni!" Commented Itto cheerfully with a foolish childish smile.


    "I confirm." Nodded then Kuki Shinobu for me to finally sigh relieved and hug Kazuha harder.


    "Thank you Itto and Shinobu. I owe you my life!" I uttered with a tired but grateful smile.


    "If It weren''t for you, we would''ve been a forgotten trace of a past unwanted." Added Kazuha slightly bowing his head to thank them


    "You would''ve done the same thing for us my bros." Grinned the red-horned Oni clumsily.


    "You indeed did, countless times. You bailed The Boss out of jail way too many times. You funded me as I studied for my law degree and you''ve been the biggest supporter of The Arataki Gang ever since Its inception. It is truly the least we can do." Added Kuki Shinobu before patting me on the shoulder.


    "We are eternally indebted for you my dude!"


    "The Arataki Gang is family to me and a family''s duty is to look after each other! Which brings me to the question ; how did you find us?!" I enquired intrigued.


    "Thoma reached out to us when The Shuumatsuban they assigned to supervise you informed him and Ayato about The Husband. Ayato knew he''d turn on you in return for complete immunity from The Vision Hunt Decree." Explained Kuki.


    "So we were sent as both reinforcement for you and punishment for that rascal!"


    "And worry not, The Shuumatsuban are taking care of the rest. They''d capture The Husband in no time."


    "I can''t say anything other than thank you! Really, you guys are amazing!" I beamed with gratitude as the green-haired girl filled us in on every detail we''ve missed.


    "For now, we are totally safe in this abandoned house Kazuha led us to. The remaining Shuumatsuban are patrolling outside and hopefully, late at night, we will be leaving for Inazuma City where we will meet up with The Yashiro Commissioner to discuss what to do next. Boss and I are gonna leave you now to rest. Call for us If you need anything." She added before pinching Itto and pushing him to follow her upstairs.


    "Oh... yeah... yeah... I''m coming!"


    With them now gone, I had no reason to either hide or conceal how I truly felt. So, I burst out crying in Kazuha''s arms. All the inescapable guilt and unwavering remorse I accumulated coursed through me and out of me. All the aganoy and anguish my bruised being writhed to endure and hold back, broke out and flew forth. The shattering physical and emotional affliction became too much for my body to bear. So, control, I lost and temporary respite, I gained.


    "Hey, What''s going on!?" Spoke Kazuha distressed by my sudden breakdown.


    "IT''S ALL MY FAULT!" I shouted with a voice so broken It took him some time to piece the sentence together.


    "If It weren''t for them, I would''ve lost you...FOREVER! I am the one who put us at risk the moment I contacted that disgusting turncoat!" I carried on with the sobbing as he held me closer to his chest.


    "You were oblivious to The Husband''s schemes. It is not your fault that he chose to value power over your friendship." He said, wiping off my tears.


    "No, Kazuha you don''t understand. If anything was to happen to you, I would be evermore devastated... I would not know what to do... I would never forgive myself... I would..." I trembled until his lips clung to mine and his arms drew me closer to him.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "I understand because that''s what I would do and how I would feel!"


    I live for you as much as you live for me


    Without youI am but a leafless tree


    Nothing more than a windless sea


    I smiled through the tears as the words of his poem engulfed me in soothing tranquility and his fingers gently fondled my hair.


    My soul Unshackled by their world


    But Evermore bound to yours


    With you I am nevermore deluged by dolour everlasting


    Forever in reverie enchanting


    ...


    As the night settled and the last strings of the sun''s aureate light were sublimated into luminescent moonlight, I woke up to Kazuha curled up with me, peacefully sleeping despite Itto''s loud snoring.


    I stared at him for a little while per usual, planted a kiss on his forehead then covered his frail naked body before heading upstairs to see what Shinobu is up to.


    "I apologize for the boss!" She said as soon as she saw me.


    "Oh, no need to apologize. Kazuha is soundly asleep so all is right with the world." I chuckled and joined her as she sat next to a window overlooking the vast sea.


    "The Shuumatsuban will be here shortly to escort us to The Kamisato Estate."


    "That''s a relief! So, tell me did you like Liyue?" I asked her.


    "I loved Liyue. All thanks to you, I got to have the best moments of my life there." She smiled, something Kuki Shinobu rarely does.


    "Its gastronomy is delectable!" I reminisced on the time I spent an entire day eating at Wanmin Restaurant.


    "Way better than Inazuma''s that''s for sure!" She responded while fixing her mask.


    "I strongly agree!" We both let off a silly laugh simultaneously before an idea, I used to deem ridiculous found its way back to me.


    "Shinobu, is Liyue kind to foreigners who decide to reside in it indefinitely?"


    ...


    "This way." Guided us Sayu out of the beach, where our vessel was berthed, and into a secret cave that led directly into The Kamisato Estate.


    "Sayu are you sure this is the way?" Asked her Itto after he bumped his head so hard into a stalactite.


    "I take a nap here all the time. I know this cave by heart!" She replied letting off a yawn after every word.


    "And that''s what''s scaring me. You know it by heart yet you didn''t warn me about the pointy rocks sticking out of its every corner. I feel like the last bit of my wit is leaking out of the bruises!" Complained Itto non-stop while we tried so hard not to make fun of him and how "intelligent" he is... or was.


    "He really knows how to lighten up the mood!" Chuckled Kazuha as he held my hand tightly.


    "That''s the boss!" Exclaimed Shinobu for Itto to turn to us confused.


    "Did you call for me? I feel like you did..."


    He then turned back to Sayu, lifted her off the ground and started shaking her.


    "SAYU! I''M LOSING MY MIND PLEASE HURRY UP!"


    "WE HAVE ARRIVED!! PUT ME DOWN! YOU''RE MAKING ME NAUSEOUS!!" She yelled back at him before a secret door opened before us and through it burst Thoma, tears all over his face.


    As soon as he spotted me he jumped in my arms and embraced me.


    "Are you alright?! Are you hurt? Just tell me where the ache is and I''ll fix you right up!" He stuttered keeping a tight hold on me


    "Thoma, I''m fine!" I let out a faint chuckle and hugged him back.


    "I would''ve never forgiven myself If something bad happened to you my friend!"


    "I promise you, I''m fine... We are fine!" I muttered as my sheening eyes brimmed with lucid tears and my hands clutched at his jacket.


    "It''s all thanks to you..."


    ...


    "Just one more time. Milk, Sakura Petals, Snapdragon and rice right?" I enquired for the thousandth time as I got out of the house.


    "Finally!" Breathed mother a sigh of relief before closing the door behind me.


    "Don''t worry I won''t take long!"


    I raced through the crowded streets of Inazuma City blissfully imagining the piles upon piles of Tricolor Dango my mother is going to make me. I even started looking for ways to hide as many as possible from my father since he is an unstoppable devourer when It comes to mother''s cooking. Only when the vendor enquired about what I need did I snap back to reality.


    "Is that all little one?" He retorted with a smile.


    "I''m 17! I am not little. I''m as tall as you kind sir!" I responded a bit irritated but I managed to feign a chuckle for the tension not to rise.


    After his obviously insincere apology, I made my way back home enveloped in my own schemes again, until I bumped into a most unfamiliar face. He was my hight, blonde messy hair, gleaming green eyes and a large smile despite the deplorable state he was in.


    "I sincerely apologize! I should''ve minded my footing." He uttered politely then bowed.


    "Don''t worry. No harm was done!" I smiled back to comfort him since he seemed embarrassed.


    "Oh! I''m glad!"


    "You''re not from here are you?" I asked him.


    "Yes, I hail from Mondstadt but a series of unfortunate events led me to be washed ashore on Inazuma''s beach." He replied attempting to smile through the already gleaming tears but to no avail.


    "I''m sorry." He added before proceeding to leave.


    "Hey! How about you come back home with me? My mother is making Tricolor Dango which is the most delicious desert in the entirety of Inazuma. You wouldn''t want to miss it trust me."


    ...


    Now gathered inside a secret room hidden deep beneath The Kamisato Estate, kazuha and I alongside Itto and Kuki Shinobu waited for Ayato to join us. The content of the conversation he is going to have with us is somewhat known but I can''t help but fear that he''ll be carrying out much more than just reprehension.Ayato has always been the most cautious and shrewd person I know. Every move he makes and has ever made was always the product of thorough planning and consideration. But for him to bring us to his home instead of meeting us at the usual rendezvous point is an ill omen that now not only looms over us but only him and his family.


    "Greetings my dear friends. I hope I haven''t kept you waiting." He suddenly emerged from a dark corner with Thoma trailing behind him.


    "Don''t worry Ayato my bro. We know you''re busy. If anything excuse us for disturbing you!" Smiled Itto foolishly.


    "You are always welcome here...all of you." He feigned a smile as he ran his fingers through his light sky blue hair.


    "Something is wrong isn''t it?" I took a step a forward before things got more awkward.


    "I''m sorry I wasn''t as cautious as I promised you to be..." i then apologized, my fingers tightening into a fist that Kazuha tenderly put his hand on.


    "It''s not your fault. It is nobody''s fault. The entirety of The Shogunate''s forces have been immobilized. The Narukami Ogosho is insisting on enforcing The Vision Hunt Decree no matter the costs and consequences may be. She has even authorized the striking of temporary deals between The Tri-Commission and leaders of both Kairagi and Treasure Hoarders in order to subdue as many Vision Bearers as possible." He explained, his once calm-exuding eyes glinting with unmistakable disquiet.


    "So, what are we to do now? What''s the plan?" Enquired Kuki Shinobu already disturbed by the news.


    "The Kamisato Clan is unfortunately, unable to grant you immunity against The Decree since It all falls under the jurisdiction of The Tenryou Commission whose head has expressed on various occasions that he harbors nothing but mistrust and apprehension for The Yashiro Commission. Therefore, Thoma, The Shuumatsuban and I can do nothing but make sure you are well hidden from The Decree Enforcers until further progress regarding this dilemma is made." He then added for the entire room to be muffled up in an air of uneasiness and consternation.


    "You can''t possibly shoulder the entirety of our expenses on your own and keep it veiled from the watchful eyes of the other two commissions Ayato! This is too much to ask of you!" I uttered displeased.


    "We will manage. Your safety is our priority now." He feigned a smile once again.


    "We need to stand up for what is right. Face The Shogunate head on. Even challenge The Raiden Shogun if It meant abolishing this stupid decree!" Yelled Kuki Shinobu furiously


    "Talking is easy my dear friend. Acting upon it is not. For a resistance to take shape and rise, there must be a spark. There must be a firestarter. Someone Inazumans know and look up to. Someone whose voice would rumble as loudly as The Narukami Ogosho''s beatific thunder. This person is unfortunately still nowhere to be found." He replied a look of disappointment enveloping every feature of his face.


    "This person is not hiding away waiting for us to find them. This person can be anyone of us. Heck, they can be all of us! This is not a time to surrender!" I shouted, extremely annoyed by this negativity for Kazuha to again gently press on my closed fist.


    "I second this my dude! You are absolutely right! No one should be treated as bad as this Raiden Shogun is treating us! I''d say she deserves a good beating!" Cheered Itto loudly.


    "You are still as feisty and valiant as the young boy I met years ago. Glad you haven''t changed a bit!" Uttered a Nine-Tailed Kitsune I never thought I''d see here or anywhere other than The Grand Narukami Shrine.


    "Guuji Yae?! What are you doing here?!" Enquired Kuki Shinobu confused.


    "Now now little ones, I am not here on behalf of The Electro Archon so no need to panic. I am here to help clarify some things for you and help out The poor and desperate Yashiro Commissioner." Her lustring pink foxy eyes gazed at each and every one of us from a tenebrous corner of the room before she swiftly appeared behind the green-haired girl, terrifying her to the core.


    "That''s not funny!" Shouted Kuki, gasping for air.


    "Well, It is for me." She teased her with a petrifying wink.


    "Lady Guuji, back to the point please." Reminded her Ayato.


    "Yes, yes." She then giggled before positioning herself in front of Ayato.


    "Unbeknownst to many of you, The Electro Archon is not someone you can easily take on in a duel. She is first of all a God, one of The Victorious Seven, a brilliant tactician and an unchallenged warrior. She is the incipence of The Musou No Hitotachi, the sword art that tore The Watatsumi Omikami and many other unfortunate Gods to unbound oblivion and evidently created The Musoujin Gorge. It is by her might that lightning falls and thunder bellows in every corner of the world. She is in orher words indisputed, unassailable...Eternal! While you are but mere mortals with so little grasp over a power that was bestowed upon you by her or her kin, which you not only can never fully fathom but also cannot completely control."


    "If we cannot topple her throne of ideals we can at least try to change them." Joined in Kazuha.


    "How sweet and innocent of you Kaedehara Kazuha! And how are you planning on reaching The Almighty Shogun, huh?" She let out a frolicsome chuckle.


    "Tenshukaku duuuh!" Smugged Itto for Yae Miko to burst out laughing.


    "Oh you are a delight to be around my Oni friend. Even if Ayato and I manage to get you inside Tenshukaku and you miraculously take down all of The Shogunate forces stationed there, none of you will be able to even stand against The Kujou Clan''s Pride, Kujou Sara. She is a Tengu after all. A very mean and fierce one too."


    "Then what do you propose?" I enquired eyeing Thoma and Ayato who seemed in complete compliance with Yae Miko''s opinion, something I started to understand and agree with too.


    "Stay away from Inazuma City. Migrate to Yashiori or Watatsumi Island and from there either travel to Liyue or Sumeru. If you cannot surrender your ambitions and aspirations to your Archon, you have no other choice but to flee."


    "And can you help us achieve this?" I asked her already reconsidering my old plan.


    "It will take some time since It won''t be easy, but yes we can help you reach Liyue or Sumeru." Spoke Ayato confidently.


    "It is settled then. Kazuha and I would like to leave Inazuma for the time being." I uttered for Kazuha to look at me shocked.


    "I am not leaving the homeland of my ancestors just because of a minor set back." He retorted angrily.


    "It is not just a minor set back Kazuha. The entirety of Inazuma is hell-bent on stripping us of our aspirations and will to live. The homeland of your ancestors is turning on you as we speak."


    "It is still no excuse to run away. There must be a way to stop Her Excellency. There is always a way." He uttered in despair.


    "For now, there is none. I suggest you heed your boyfriend''s words Kaedehara Kazuha before either of you become the subject of the next Musou No Hitotachi." Told him Yae Miko now looking more serious than she has ever been. An indicator of how critical the situation is.


    Amidst all of this suffocating desperation and stifling despondency, I excused everyone in the room and asked Thoma to take me and Kazuha to a place where we can have a private conversation.


    "Kazuha please listen to me. I love Inazuma as much as you do. I will be losing as much as you, the moment I leave for Liyue. But It is unfortunately a necessary evil. I can''t live a life of running and hiding cause eventually we will get caught and I would have to watch you lose your Vision or worse get executed by this Musou No Hitotachi thingy and I can''t even dare imagine a life without you!" I explained the moment Thoma locked his room door behind us.


    "I know my love and I appreciate your concern. However unlike you and me, many Vision Bearers don''t have Ayato and Yae Miko to help them out whenever they fall. It is both unfair and inhumane to leave them fighting this tyrannical law alone. Inazuma has been through darker times. It is a land built upon endurance and resilience. Our ancestors would''ve never been able to raise such a nation if they fled to Liyue the moment perdition befell them. That''s why It is not only our duty but also our calling to stand against The Vision Hunt Decree and endure until It is abolished." He responded with a slight smile as we held hands.


    "I cannot risk losing you. Even if there is a one in a million chance that I would lose you, I will not take it. Kazuha we can''t offer help to others when we are too in desperate need for it. I am sorry but your safety has been and will always be my first priority. I will sacrifice my own life to safeguard yours if It ever comes it." I said planting a kiss on his forehand.


    "Stop saying this! Do you really think if, Archon forbid, you died for me I''d feel safe and in peace? Do you really think I''d live happily ever after, knowing that the love of my life died to protect me? You are not sacrificing your life for me! I have witnessed enough people sacrificing themselves for me, my grandfather, my father, my entire clan. I have had enough. I will not stand idly while you and everyone I care about try to shield me from the malevolence of this world. I am more than capable of sharing this burden with you. I am more than capable of taking it off your shoulders. I am more than capable of protecting you. So, please don''t you ever say this hideous sentence again. I beg of you my love."


    Faced with his words, I could do nothing but wipe off the tears that sheened his scarlet-varnished eyes and hold him close to me.


    "I am sorry. It was never my intention to make you cry my love." I then apologized before kissing him on the forehead.


    "I love you way too much to be upset with you."


    ...


    "Who from Watatsumi can provide us safe harbor until we are ready to leave for Liyue?" I enquired as Ayato, Yae and me gathered around a table inside the hidden room.


    "Its Divine Priestess, Sanganomiya Kokomi." Replied Yae.


    "Is she a close ally?" I asked her.


    "I am acquainted with a shrine maiden who happens to be one of her closest friends. Even with my irresistible charm, I can''t possibly sway her into risking her island''s safety not only to hide you from The Shogunate but also to provide you safe passage to Liyue." Giggled Guuji Yae in spite of the strangling tension.


    "We can schedule a meeting with her."Intervened Ayato still weighing the odds.


    "She will definitely ask for something in return. I mean I wouldn''t be here If I didn''t stand to gain something." Added Yae with a mischievous smirk.


    "I know exactly what to offer her then."


    ...


    Along the unusually quiet streets of Inazuma City, Thoma and I walked. We were covered from head to toe in clothes that served as veils to hide our identities from the patrolling Decree Enforcers, something I so loathed but couldn''t go against...yet.


    "Kazuha are you alright?" Enquired Thoma.


    "I just needed some fresh air." I retorted sensing his disquietude.


    "There''s more to it than just that. Did you have a fight?" He asked me slightly leaning over me to examine my face.


    "Yes, but we''re fine now."


    "Well... you don''t seem like it. Care to talk about it?" He smiled gently as we neared Komore Teahouse.


    "I don''t know..."


    "Over some tea maybe?"


    ...


    "He has always been like this hasn''t he?" I enquired, taking a sip of the warm tea Thoma prepared for us.


    "Always prioritizing other''s well-being over his...yes." Chuckled the blonde Mondstadtian a look of both nostalgia and gratitude enveloping his face.


    "I don''t want him to do that with me and even though he promised not to anymore, I can''t quite get myself to believe him. This situation is indeed callous and he tends to put contingency plans whenever the stakes are this high, so the chances of him keeping his promise are as slim as threads." I uttered angrily as I slammed my cup on the table.


    "Hey Kazuha, I know It is bothersome. Trust me he''s done it to me a million times too. Did he tell you about the day him and his family took me in?" Whispered to me Thoma with a gentle chuckle.


    "No, I reckon he did not."


    "Well, when him and his family first took me in, I was but a lost foreigner whose misfortune carried him all the way from Mondstadt to Inazuma''s shores. By pure happenstance, we bumped into each other on the streets and I ended up at his home, a stomach full of the most succulent Tricolor Dango in all of Inazuma and a terrible headache from all the scheming and the planning he forced me to be a part of. We literally spent the entire night in his room drawing maps, scribbling notes and messing with probability laws in order to find the most optimal way for me to mean a decent and happy life here." Told me Thoma as he reminisced on a past that felt too beautiful to not be evanescent.


    "That does sound like something he would do..." I sighed then continued.


    "When we first became a couple, everywhere we go, everyone we meet, everything we come across, harbored nothing but gratitude and praise for him. At first, I thought they all were his clients but with time I realized that his kindness reached every Inazuman from various walks of life. A kindness that neither required any reciprocation nor expected anything in return."


    "Yes, you''d mistake him for a Commissioner if you were an outlander. But, knowing how much he loves and cherishes you, I say he will reconsider his methods and acknowledge your request." Reassured me Thoma.


    "I hope so..."


    ...


    "You have to start thinking seriously about your future my son. It is not a matter to be taken lightly." Scolded me mother as she struggled to sit straight.


    "I know mother! I am establishing connections for my business. I told you I am slowly becoming a renowned merchant in Inazuma." I uttered, handing her the medecine that the doctore prescribed for her.


    "You need a safety net nonetheless. No business remains successful forever. I suggest you appeal to Thoma. He can get you a job at The Yashiro Commission. Such a position within such an establishment will guarantee you a good life." She coughed.


    "I have faith in what I do and by The Electro Archon''s blessing, I will prevail against these hardships and you will make a full recovery!"


    "Our Archon is indeed merciful. However, sometimes we ought to take matters into our hands. Being under a God''s gaze may be a blessing but It can as well be a curse. It constitutes a constant trial during which you are obligated to perform in a way that pleases this God otherwise their wrath shall befall you quicker than their blessing did."


    ...


    "Mother..." I muttered as I awoke in the middle of the night disturbed by this recollection.


    The rain was pouring down from the darkened sky like a judgement finally delivered and a sanction forever maintained. My mother passed away during such a night, leaving me with a revelation that I used to call blasphemous.


    "Is being under a God''s gaze truly a blessing?"


    "Nevermore shall I revere Gods as beings of divine mercy my dear mother. Forever shall I regard them as unholy transgressors."


    ...


    I quietly got out of the guest room, Kazuha and I were assigned, and made my way to the kitchen to get some water.


    "They''re on their way." Whispered Ayato,abruptly, in my ear as soon as I walked into the kitchen.


    "First Yae and now you?!" I scolded him, my heart skipping a beat out of terror.


    "Well, we are the only ones awake so..." He chuckled seeming way calmer than he was earlier. A good omen I welcomed with pleasure.


    "Did you talk to Kazuha about the plan?" He enquired and I fell silent for a second.


    "He doesn''t have to know. He is as stubborn as I am so there is no convincing him with fleeing Inazuma."


    "So you will trick him into boarding the vessel. If and when Sanganomiya Kokomi agrees to our terms?"


    "Unfortunately, yes. You''d do the same if It were..."


    "Yes indeed." He Interrupted me seeming a bit embarrassed.


    "You know Yoimiya and I are aware of you two right?" I smirked playfully.


    "Don''t push your luck in the presence of a Commissioner." He grinned maliciously.


    "Yup! Time to go right?" I uttered starting to feel threatened by his gaze.


    "Affirmative!"


    As we settled into the secret room, an emerald-eyed Watatsumi Islander, who bared a striking resemblance to a Shiba Inu and who was clad in a fairly light armor, emerged before us. Alongside him was an indigo-eyed young woman donning a blue navy ceremonial gown and mimicking the splendour of a coral. She walked to the table while he followed her with his gaze.


    "Greetings gentlemen!" She slightly bowed and smiled.


    "I am Sanganomiya Kokomi of Watatsumi Island and this is the commander of my army, General Gorou." She carried on with the introduction.


    "It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance Divine Priestess. I am Ayato The Head of The Yashiro Commission and this is my dear friend. I suppose Lady Yae Guuji filled you in on some details." We bowed back as Ayato took care of the formalities.


    "Indeed she did. Her letter detailed the situation that we are all quite familiar with now."


    "Your Excellency, our demands are simple. My lover and I request safe passage from your island to Liyue." I announced to her politely.


    "So, diplomatic refuge and a vessel to provide you passage to Liyue." She retorted, fell silent for a moment then asked me.


    "What does Watatsumi Island benefit from this risky deal?"


    "I am a well known merchant in Inazuma and I have many connections in Liyue. I can use these connections to procure your Island with all the supplies It lacks to maintain its food security and The Adepti knowledge it may covet to solve The Holy Soil phenomenon once and for all." I stated my offer for the amazed Kokomi to call upon Gorou and consult him for a second.


    "You seem to be fairly knowledgeable about the situation of our Island and while we will be demanding proof of the connections you claim to have established in Liyue, we also call for more than just this simple proposal." She responded calmly and with much confidence.


    "More like what?" I enquired shocked.


    "Assembling a resistance."


    ...


    "If The Yashiro Commissioner and The Shirasagi Himegimi address the public''s concerns about The Tyrannical Decrees and The Deathly Sanctions they incepeted while announcing their absolute opposition to them. Inazumans will surely rally to their cause." Demonstrated Kokomi her plan.


    "A resistance will definitely form in Narukami Island. One that will eventually merge with the other currently gathering back on Watatsumi Island and finally force The Electro Archon into submission thus abolishing the decrees." Continued Gorou.


    "This is all but wishful thinking my honored guests for the moment my sister and I bring such a revelation into the public, the other two Commissions will tear ours asunder and we will suffer her Excellency''s Divine Punishment. We will not be the sacrificial lamb of such a scheme!" Opposed a very irritated Ayato this idea.


    "There must be another way." I retorted trying to ease the tension.


    "The opportunity we do not take is forever wasted, never to be seized again." Responded Kokomi seeming unshaken by Ayato''s disdain of her plan.


    "And I should''ve left this Estate a long time ago." Suddenly, spoke Kazuha from one of the dark corners of the room before leaving.


    ...


    "KAZUHA WAIT!" I shouted at him as we raced through the empty dark halls of The Kamisato Estate.


    But he did not respond.


    Instead, he burst through the doors and into the courtyard where a torrential rainstorm took shape. I followed him outside but the moment I drew close to him, the cold edge of his blade caressed my neck.


    "Kazuha what are you doing?" I enquired perplexed by this sudden act of violence.


    "I know your intentions are pure but I cannot allow myself to live with someone who does not respect my choices and values my opinions." He uttered barely holding back the tears.


    "I''m sorry but, your optimism and the honor you want to withhold faced with such callous circumstances, can never allow us to survive here. And I will not sit idly while our end draws near." I replied taking a few steps back from his katana.


    "If you want me to stay. If you really love me, do not carry on with this plan. It spells nothing but our untimely doom."


    "I can''t." I muttered my grip tightening on my kimono as the tears scorched my eyes and the falling raindrops blurred my vision.


    "Then our paths must diverge from here on." He spoke, disappointment donning his face and hurt adorning its every feature.


    As he turned to leave, every scenario I worked valiantly to avoid came true right before my eyes. Every possibility of us parting ways became a reality despite all of my efforts to render it impossible to surge. A nightmare evidently ensued. Its vile corrosive tethers now seeking me out, vowing to bind me to a lifetime of unceasing torment and unabating contrition. It was a lost fight but I promised myself to never again let apprehension overwhelm me. Never again let Kazuha suffer the consequences of my recreancy.


    "A duel Kazuha." I finally spoke.


    "The victor gets to decide what to do."


    ...


    At the center of the courtyard, we stood just a few meters away from each other, both having our hands on the handle of our katanas and our eyes on each other''s feet.


    All that I am about to do he taught me. Every movement and breathing technique, I learnt from him. My chances of beating my instructor are as slim as ever. But I will not go out without a fight.


    "Your form is still a bit off. Your feet are not positioned symmetrically." He commented before I lunged at him blade first.


    "Guess I''ll never properly learn then." I retorted as he deftly parried my attack and followed up with a quick double slash that forced me to back off.


    As soon as I recovered from his counterattack, he dashed towards me. But before our blades touched, he lept into the air raising a wind current that would''ve knocked me up if I hadn''t dodged its rising gust. I immediately mustered the power of my Vision and launched a lightning bolt that traveled through the current, knocking him off of it.


    "Are you okay?" I shouted startled as he regained his footing.


    "I am fine." He struggled before once again lunging at me.


    Our blades clashed humming the unsung melody of our love. A love writhing in the face of a peace uncertain and a quietus indubitable. A love flailing about within the remorseless clutches of an indomitable darkness, thrashed by the opprobrious hoar of a frore-hearted fate. Nevermore able to neither stride forward nor rise above.


    We were bound but soon to be broken.


    "Falling Leaves Adorn My Night!"


    "Thunder Bellows, Lightning Falls