Chapter Text
What's the true nature of a Vision? This question gathered countless answers across the centuries, each person convinced they'd been blessed by the gods for a different reason. For some, it symbolized the fairness of their goals, almost a proof that their battles were fought for a right cause. For others, it was no more than recognition for their daily trials and acts of courage.
No one understood the truth until someone dared to take them away. What a Vision truly embodies is nothing but the ambition of its owner. Those who saw their powers stripped off them at the hands of the Shogun turned into empty shells of what they once were, with shattered hopes and flawed minds.
Most citizens didn't care, the matter being of no importance to them. But for Vision bearers it wasn't dissimilar to an endless nightmare. What are mortal beings without their memories? Nothing but dolls born from dust and fated to crumble under the weight of time.
For a nation that defined itself as the home of Eternity, things evolved far too quickly. What was no more than a remote fear biting at the back of Kazuha's mind gradually spiraled into a tragic reality. As soon as the Decree would take action, all Visions would be confiscated and the country's borders would be sealed, preventing their escape.
Kazuha was oddly calm at first. He had ways to turn the situation to his advantage. Rather than handing over their Visions and surrendering to a life of nothingness, his comrades definitely preferred to run away and flee abroad before it would be too late.
But Tomo was different from him. While he sought peace and quiet, he longed for action. He would never go down without a fight. Despite his courage, his lips were trembling when he announced to him that he was planning to challenge the Shogun herself. Although Kazuha didn't know what the price for losing was, he was more than sure that it wasn't worth the risk.
Fireworks burst in the dark sky, dyeing the clouds with their bright hues. Perched on the platform under the sakura tree, Kazuha listened to the crowd cheering for the show, clapping at the most scenic explosions. A pink petal slipped into his cup, which he quickly plucked away. It was a good omen, or so he'd heard. Too bad he couldn't even bring himself to smile, overwhelmed by quiet grief.
At his side, Tomo stared at the show, his ponytail swaying in the gentle breeze. They had spent hundreds of nights together that way, shoulders brushing as they stargazed, entrusting their deepest desires to the lights up above. His chest tightened at the idea this might have been the last one.
"Don't go," he whispered. His hand rushed to the other man's sleeve, pulling slightly at the fabric in a polite plea. "If they take away your Vision, they strip you of your ambition as well." They had goals too big in mind, wild hopes of freedom that couldn't be given up just yet.
Tomo turned to face him, a reassuring smile on his lips. "Don't worry," he said. "Even if they did, I have you to carry on my dreams."
Kazuha couldn't possibly imagine that. He knew his way with a blade, sure, and he could survive on his own forever, if necessary. But to pursue what they wanted to achieve, he needed him by his side. He couldn't find the courage to fight for their ideals alone, without his support. Tomo was pretty much his sheet anchor in the impervious sea of life.
It was a local belief, that when someone commissioned fireworks from the Naganohara shop, they were celebrating something - either willingly, or unconsciously. Kazuha had been the one to request a special show in Tomo's honor, and he accepted to pay a conspicuous sum only to make it unique and great. He knew the man loved the biggest and loudest explosions, which was sadly the best lucky charm he could give him with his limited resources. So in his case, what exactly was his soul striving to commemorate?
A finger brushed against his cheek, bringing him back to earth. "Besides… Do you really think I'm gonna lose?" Tomo asked.
In all honesty, he was a terrible liar, and Kazuha saw right through him every time he tried to fool him. Despite his cocky act, terror made his limbs shiver slightly in the heat of summer. A fake smile wasn't enough to cover up his fear.
Tears pooled at the corner of Kazuha's eyes. He lowered his head and bit his lower lip, silently weeping. He desperately wished there was a way to stop him from committing suicide, but he knew he was far too stubborn to reconsider his decision. One man had to fall for the sake of everyone else, and he had sacrificed himself on the altar of injustice.
Tomo's hand reached his chin, lifting his face. Their lips met, as softly as ever, yet even their kiss tasted bittersweet. No matter how many possibilities he considered, Kazuha couldn't see a positive outcome. He had never been so terrified of the uncertainties in front of him, usually braving his way through the unknown. But the idea that Tomo might die and vanish from his life was blood-curdling.
When their lips parted, Tomo was crying as well. "Kazuha," he breathed against his mouth, "I love you."
"I love you too," Kazuha replied in a rush, almost fearing it might be too late to say it. "No matter what happens, I'll remember our promise." He leaned in to steal another peck, to seal his vow.
Tomo wrapped his hands around his waist, giving him a tight hug. He chuckled, the vibration of his chest sending shivers down Kazuha's spine. "To see the lanterns paint the sky during the Lantern Rite in Liyue Harbor…" he recited, dreamy, "And to sip dandelion wine under the windmills of Mondstadt. There's no way I could forget."
They kissed throughout the entire night, their lips marking each other's body to engrave the memory forever on their skins, the fireworks crackling in the sky reduced to muffled background noise. Only the following day, as tears dried upon his swollen cheeks, Kazuha would understand what his soul had tried to convey through his commission of fireworks.
He was commemorating a farewell.