Archive of Our Own

How long has it been since Lumine arrived in Inazuma? She couldn’t count the days anymore for it’s been that long. The peace is now being enjoyed by the people of Inazuma after clearing up the mess those fatui started. Right now, even the Electro Archon and her puppet is slowly rebuilding everything again.

All these and yet here she is sitting on the shore nearby the Kamisato Estate, depressed and full of regrets. She should be happy and celebrating with Paimon and others but she couldn’t. Rather than enjoying the banquet inside the estate, she just wanted to be alone.

“Hmmm I wonder how many rice cakes is Paimon eating right now?” Lumine wondered as she folder her knees together while wrapping her arms around them and watched the luminescent of the moon above the waters. It was a relaxing view.

As relaxing as it should be, she still let out a sigh.

“Teippei…Riku…Brother...I’m sorry…”

Remembering the people that she couldn’t save has made her eyes seem to water. Lumine blinked trying to keep her tears back but failed as some had already fallen down her cheeks.

“Ah…it won’t stop.” She can’t stop the tears falling as she covered her eyes with both hands.

This world that she and her brother is forced to stay is taking a toll on her heart. Doing everything she can to help everyone because that’s just how kind she is. So why is it the result is always a sad one. It feels as if no matter what she does it only gives her painful memories. Why must this world be cruel to the people living in it.

“Aether…I just want to help but I still wasn’t able to save them…I don’t know what to do anymore sometimes…*hic*…I miss you...”

After awhile Lumine flicked her right hand to summon the feather that Riku had left her. The promises she made with them and how none was able to come true had silently broken her heart in this journey. Lumine can still hear the beautiful tune Riku had sang and so she decided to sing her sorrows out with the same melody.

The head of the Kamisato clan is said to be always busy with work and business matters that involve in maintaining the reputation of their family. That said only a few knows that behind the title is a care-free man who likes to roam around without giving notice to his subordinates which always cause a lot of panics.

Today is one of those days where they panic.

Ayato Kamisato is supposed to be celebrating with his beloved sister and Thoma because all the chaos and war has ended. He received a letter to come home as soon as possible but he just ended up leaving all his people behind when they were in front of the estate.

It was rare for him to get a day off and he knows he is too full to eat. So, he just decided to explore Chinju Forest for a few moments before going back.

“The flowers here are quite magnificent. I truly enjoy walking here.” Ayato said as he continues his stroll around the forest.

As he walks aimlessly, he noticed a group of fireflies. He had seen countless of them but somehow the glow on these group are different from the usual yellow glow; it is instead a gentle white glow.

“How curious.” As he said that he tried to go towards these fireflies but all they did was fly away towards a certain direction.

Ayato just followed the unique glow and as they got farther from the forest and nearer to the sea, he hears a gentle and lovely voice singing. It was a beautiful tune but he could almost feel the sadness from it.

The fireflies stopped near a bush of flowers near the shore. Ayato then noticed a girl with light blonde hair and elegant white dress sitting all alone in front of the sea. He didn’t need to ask her name to know that it is the famous traveler that Ayaka has always mention countless times in her letter to him. So many times, that he memorized every detailed description about the mysterious traveler.

“Hhmm.” Ayato didn’t want to ruin the moment and so he waited in near distant to listen to her song until it’s end. To be honest, he kind of wish it never ends, that’s how alluring her voice is.

When she let out the last hymn of Riku’s song, there were still a few tears coming out of her eyes. Looking down on the feather in her hand, she gently caressed it before hugging it to her chest.

“Riku…I hope with all my heart that one day you’ll be reborn again and be able to travel to places you always wanted to go to.”

Lumine was so too preoccupied with her thoughts to notice the on coming footsteps from her behind. She only noticed the presence of another when a hand reached out to her with a clean handkerchief.

“That was a very beautiful melody, my lady. I must thank you for blessing my ears with your voice.” Ayato doesn’t carelessly give out flowery words of compliments except this time he feels as if he wants to shower her with every positive word he knows. Just so maybe he can ease a bit of sadness in her golden eyes.

To be fair, his sister did thoroughly repeat how the traveler is a beautiful lady in her letters. He just didn’t expect that he could actually be captivated by it. Though it seems he doesn’t look that good as her since he’s crouching his back to her with his handkerchief on his hand.

Lumine stared at the man in front of her. She honestly doesn’t find it comforting to let someone else see her tears but somehow the gentleness of his voice and action made her want to crumble the high walls she built around her just for tonight. Slowly, she took the cloth and used it to wipe the remaining droplets.

He smiled as he watched her and swiftly deciding to sit beside her despite knowing the sands would ruin his expensive clothing.

“You must be Ayato, right?” Lumine asked as she handed him back his handkerchief but he refused and insisted for her to keep it.

“Yes, you are correct and also you can keep that with you.”

She doesn’t know how to react yet and so she just bowed her head slightly.

“Thank you for letting me use this.” She then let the magic of this world store it along with the feather in a dimension where she stores all her other items as well.

“Now that you seem to be calmer. Might I ask how you recognized me?” Ayato asked.

“Ayaka always mention you when we have a conversation and always give out a very detailed description of her dear brother.” She smiled remembering how Ayaka is so lively when talking about her brother. Lumine too is also like that when she tells stories about Aether.

When she smiles like that, he finds it to be too alluring.

“How about you? You seem to recognize me instantly.” It was Lumine’s turn to ask.

He chuckled before answering. “It’s actually the same as yours. My sister often writes letters to me when I’m working from afar. Most of the letters now contains only you and your great contributions for Inazuma.” He noticed how her cheeks slightly turn a shade of pink that only eyes as sharp as his can see.

Letting out a small cough, Lumine seems to be embarrassed to know that she was being constantly talked about, granted she is the famous traveler but it is still embarrassing nevertheless.

“Now that both of our identities are known. May I ask why our dearest savior be out here rather than in a middle of a celebration?” He lifted his right hand to let his chin rest on it as he curiously stares at the lovely traveler beside him.

“Am I really? A savior that is…” Lumine feeling the fatigue of a broken heart, let her chin rest on her knees as she watches the light from the moon sway along the waves.

There was that deep sadness again in her eyes. “You don’t think you are?” He asked.

“I wasn’t able to save my brother and failed to protect a friend and now I couldn’t do anything for a little boy. That’s not what I would call a savior.” She doesn’t know why she is sharing all these to someone she just met but his presence seems to comfort her somehow.

“You’re right. That’s not what a savior is. It’s just a title to hold glory so it doesn’t matter what it is.” Surprised by his words Lumine shifted her eyes to the head of the Kamisato clan.

“Did you expect words of comfort from me? Hahaha unfortunately I’m not that great with that.” Ayato laughed as he scratches the back of his neck from being honest of his lack of skill.

Lumine smiled at his honesty. “It’s alright.”

“But if having such titles burden you then I can understand you completely. It feels as if you always have to live up to the expectations it comes with it.” He lifted his right knee and turned to look at her golden eyes. “When you save someone there is another person who also needs helping somewhere out there at the same time and moment. That said, this is why no one can be really called a savior. No matter what you do, you can’t save everyone. It’s just the painful truth behind it.”

Lumine could only let out a sigh at all his words, and not able to say anything back. There was a moment of brief silence between them until Ayato spoke again.

“Miss traveler. You have to remember that there’s only so much we can do especially on our own. If being known as a savior gives you a hard time then just throw it away. Do what you can but forgive yourself for things you can’t. A title is just a title and doesn’t define who you are.” He gave her a gentle smile but to Lumine it seems a little sad.

A tragedy that Ayato himself can’t follow his own advice when it came to his own set of burdens of carrying the name of their clan.

“You’re right, a title does not define who you are. You must have it hard as well.” Lumine slowly stretched her arm up and softly gave gentle pats of comfort on top of his silky white-blue hair. Having seen the struggles of Ayaka, it must have been even tougher for him as the head.

Being alive for so long and had traveled many worlds, the simple gestures such as this is nothing to her but to him it was something he is unaccustomed of.

Ayato was speechless as he couldn’t remember the last time someone had done this. It’s been too long since his parents passed away. Too long since he last felt it’s alright to be treated like this. He just silently enjoyed her gentle hand as she continued to comfort him.

“I heard a phrase before from my travel. That sometimes the path we think is right will lead us to the wrong destination, and sometimes the unexpected path is the one that will take us to the right one. I hope that whichever path you choose will guide you to the destination you long for.” She gave him the most dazzling smile that night. A smile that he is sure will forever stay in his memory.

Feeling that she had touched his hair too much, Lumine tried to withdraw her hand but another warm hand which is so much bigger has captured hers. It startled her a little but she let him have her hand.

“It’s uncanny how it started with you in tears but now it seems I’m the one who feels as if I would like to cry myself.” Smiling back at Lumine, he brought the small hand that was gently patting his head awhile ago, to his lips giving it a soft kiss.

The sudden gesture startled her a lot and made her instantly brought her hand to her chest. Her cheeks are now a deep shade of pink and pouting just made her a lot cuter to Ayato.

“Ah!!? I’m still not that familiar with Inazuma culture but I’m pretty sure that’s not part of it! You know, you look exactly like Ayaka and act as elegantly as her yet you’re somehow a bit mischievous.” Suddenly forgetting all the painful memories, she had and now all she can think of is to glare at this man who suddenly kissed her hand.

Ayato laughed and lifted his finger to his lips. “My lady, I just wanted to show you my gratitude for sharing that phrase to me. Honestly, I really do appreciate it. I’ll take it to heart.” He smiled again but this time he looks a bit more serious and serene.

Looking at his handsome face, Lumine can’t help but surrender her anger and nodded her head to acknowledge his gratitude. “I just wanted to say it but I’m glad you liked it.”

“I just realize that we actually never properly introduced ourselves!” Ayato suddenly proclaimed.

“Oh…you’re right. Well, most people call me the traveler but my real name is Lumine.” She held out a hand to him which he grabbed to form a firm handshake.

“I am Kamisato Ayato, the current head of our clan. It’s a pleasure to meet you miss Lumine.” He gave a slight bow which Lumine also copied.

After that she was ready to let go of their handshake but his hand just held hers even tighter. Blinking, she looked up to him.

“Will you please let go of my hand now?” She asked.

“I rather not.” He simply replied.

“What? But isn’t this uncomfortable and also this is my hand so please give it back.” Lumine pouted and tried to tug her hand back but he just didn’t budge.

“Hhmm, I guess you’re correct. Here, is this much better?” He swiftly let go of her current hand and exchange it with the other so that they were in a much comfortable hand holding position. The action was so fast that Lumine wasn’t able to do a thing.

“Wha!? Isn’t that cheating? Hey! Let go.” Now she was trying her best to shrug him off but all it did was wail both of their arms together in a funny way. Ayato just laughed at her efforts.

“Now now, you shared your gentle touch already. No need to be shy now.”

“Since when have I shared, good sir?”

“When you touched my hair. So, there’s no need to feel any different with this.” Using his free hand, he even pointed out the spot where she patted him. She might not know it but she had actually touched his heart as well. Maybe in the near future he’ll tell her.

“But that was different!” Lumine argued.

“How so?” He argued back.

“I…uhm…argh! Are you trying to trick me? Thoma did mention you have that tendency like when you made him eat all that weird food.” She squinted her eyes at him suspiciously and he just smiled at her mischievously.

“Of course not, I wouldn’t dare do that to our dearest traveler.” She can totally hear the playfulness in his voice.

Letting out a defeated sigh. Lumine accepted she’ll just have a hard time to outwit this man.

“Fine…you win.” She grudgingly admitted. “I never really held anyone’s hand like this other than with my brother.”

The mention of his brother made her miss him more. She sighed again.

“Ah, Ayaka did mention you are looking for him. If it helps, you can call me big brother only if you wish for it.” He said but deep down he’s expecting a different answer from her.

Lumine looked at him then a certain ginger head popped in her mind also asking her if she wants her to call him brother. All she can think is what is up with hydro men wanting to be called ‘brother’.

“No thanks. Aether is my one and only brother.” She replied back.

He felt a sudden relief when he heard his reply. “That’s good. I don’t want the lady that I’m interested with to think of me only as a brother.” He whispered quietly to himself.

“Hmm did you say something?” Since all she heard is just mumbles.

“I just said that it seems we’ve been here far too long that the sun is coming up now. See?” He changed the subject and using their joint hands, he pointed towards the sky which is slowly turning to light blue.

“Oh? You’re right! How long have we been here? Shouldn’t we go back now? Did Paimon already ate everything in the estate?” Lumine said so many things at once but once the beautiful shine from the morning light is starting to bless them, all the questions has been forgotten.

“Ah, but this is quite a pretty scenery. Maybe we can watch it for a while.” She whispered as her eyes are glued towards the rising sun.

“Yes, it truly is beautiful.” He agreed as his eyes are fixated at the beauty of this mysterious being next to him. “Very pretty indeed.” The last words were only meant for him to be heard.

They ended up going back to the estate hand in hand since Ayato refused to let go until the end. The faces of the people waiting for them is a hilarious moment indeed.