Chapter Text
Heizou steepled his fingers, his hair catching in them a moment before it fell to the side. Thankful for that slight bother out of his way, he contemplated the bigger issue in front of him once more.
Someone would be looking for him shortly. He would run off and do things alone frequently but he’d never stay absent. The odds were in his favor that someone would know that something was amiss and search out the area he was in.
The only problem was he had not told anyone where he was, who he had been after, or left any of the paperwork behind.
Sighing, Heizou let his hands fall back. They were shackled and he couldn’t do much with them - well, most people couldn’t. If he had been free to move that would not be a true statement for him or most that studied forms of martial arts that relied on more than brute force.
These ronin thugs couldn’t keep him here forever. Heizou didn’t care how long he was captive. This was one more crime in which the guard captain that he had found working with a foreign diplomat and stealing funds from all sorts of sources (taxes, false charges, made up fees) would not be getting away with.
“Why don’t we just kill him? Why is Takamoto so adamant on keeping someone so dangerous?”
“Dangerous? He’s just a kid.”
Heizou smiled to himself from the corner of the room he was restrained to. His legs were just as bound as his hands and additionally connected by a chain to a pike in the wall of the cave that the group was consorting in. Even he couldn’t break through steel, let alone without his Vision, which was still somewhere in their clutches and he would have to get back. The idea that some still thought of him as nothing more than a child and others had gone to these lengths to keep him out of the way was amusing.
If he had been a little stronger or faster, perhaps the group would not have been able to get the better of him. Fighting was never his priority. He had gotten careless, too close. To be spotted and then captured was more of an embarrassment to him than a fear.
Someone would come for him or he’d escape. That was always the way things went.
Not this time.
The earth shook. The men inside the cave with him stopped their quiet conversations and looked around to their boss for guidance.
A few larger stones fell from the ceiling and that was all the higher ranking samurai needed.
“We’re leaving!”
The bandits carried little on them and there was nearly nothing to gather, surely nothing worth risking their lives as the noise quickly drowned out conversation and the earth threw itself into a panic around them.
Heizou’s life wasn’t worth their own as he was quickly forgotten.
“Hey, wait!” The young detective stood, reaching forward. “You can’t leave me!” Surely they couldn’t! He’d die. The samurai had killed in the past but this was different. Someone would notice if he was gone or dead. They’d trace it back to this group. There’d be repercussions.
The leader paused a moment before digging something out of his pocket. The man threw it and Heizou caught it on instinct, the item slamming into his chest and with it bringing a strange relief even in the chaotic mess.
“Take it. Hope the gods smile on you a second time.”
The man left.
The ceiling fell in.
Everything went black.
…
Kazuha felt uneasy. There was a new sound on the wind. It was quiet but persistence, akin to a child wanting attention in another room and not receiving it.
They had been in Liyue for Lantern Rite but had left some time ago after the festivities were over to journey south and pick up some herbs and spices from Sumeru. There were a few on the ship that enjoyed the food of the region and more still that wanted the Crux’s services in selling their products. Normal cargo ships had trouble sailing the dangerous tides this time of year towards Inazuma, so naturally Beidou had accepted the job for an increase in pay, due to the risk.
The waters were just as choppy as one would expect. The winter and spring temperatures clashing with one another brought with them all sorts of dangers when traveling further south. Here, where the storm patterns met and over the open waters, was the most dangerous.
“Kazuha, I need you in the crow’s nest. The other’s won’t be able to spot a storm and if we’re hit by one out here even we might be in for some trouble.”
Kazuha nodded, grabbing onto the rope and climbing up to reach the nest. Maybe the uneasy feeling meant there was a storm brewing. He’d have to be extra vigilant. He owed Beidou more than he could repay and she was a dear friend to him.
He’d make sure that the ship made it to shore.
…
Battered, worn, and more than a little hungry, the fleet had split up when they reached shore. The storms had been bad but they had been nothing they hadn’t dealt with before. Kazuha felt he’d been worried for nothing. There were a few rough patches that could have been bad if they hadn’t steered clear of them, but they had been easy to avoid and nothing had been damaged too severely. Beidou would be dealing with any of those minor repairs in the morning when she was less exhausted.
For himself, he needed to get some dry clothes. He hadn’t come with any and asking the wind to help dry them when it could do so overnight and of its own accord felt less like asking it a favor when it already did so much for him and more allowing him to borrow its strength. So, for the time being, a set of temporary clothes would be necessary.
There were a few people in Inazuma who could lend him any. Those on the Crux all wore clothing far too big for him, even if he were comfortable in a style not of his homeland. He may be getting older but he wasn’t growing much taller. A lot of the other men had a foot or so on him and pant sizes a size or more to match.
Being docked on Inazuma’s main island, there was only one person he could turn to, unless he was willing to go to another island with the ship and try to sail on his own. It was a walk but most of those from the ship would find their way to the city come morning. Their shipment had to get there and it wasn’t far from when they were docked now. Ritou had been too far to travel with good unless they were willing to spring for a balloon.
Cold and wet with spring scarcely having held sway over the land, Kazuha climbed up the rocky slopes and made his way into the bright lights of the city as the sun was setting.
There wasn't a large influx of people in Inazuma between day and night. With how the city operated, it was just as well visited during the evening hours as the day. It was only towards the midnight hours that the streets became dead and the citizens finally rested.
It was a longshot, really, seeing if his friend was at the agency. In the short time they’d known each other, the familiarity of sensing each other's basic habits had come along almost unnaturally simple for both of them. Neither liked being indoors or sitting still long.
Kazuha had only met Heizou a year or so before the Vison hunt decree and only in passing. After the fighting started they’d gotten a lot closer. They’d be in contact throughout the conflict, though they had both had to lay low and keep most of their actions to the shadows.
Heizou had been one of the few good people who had risked himself for the safety and protection of the weak. That was more than enough for Kazuha.
Ryuuji was outside and Kazuha bowed slightly to him. Before he could ask if the restless detective was there (who technically shouldn’t be at the agency, though Kazuha knew he liked to go there to hide and do his work so he wasn’t bothered), the man grabbed him.
“Kazuha, it’s you. I mean, of course it is. It’s been- ah, I’m sorry. Have you seen Heizou?”
“I was about to question you on that matter.” Kazuha didn’t care that his clothes were going to crease oddly, but he did feel badly he was likely freezing the man, as he hadn’t changed yet and he was still being held onto. There was a tightness to the grip that spoke of worry far past the average. “What’s happened?”
“I don’t know.” Ryuuji shook his head. “They’ve sent people out to look for him but that was days ago, and only after Sango and I said something.”
Sango? Kazuha was a tad surprised. “Haven’t they been arguing every time they’re together still? I know you two are friends but-”
“You don’t have to be friends to know when something isn’t right.” Ryuuji shook him a little, getting far closer than most would and Kazuha scarcely knew the man except from some meals when Heizou had brought him along. Sango was all but a mystery that Heizou had only spoken of with annoyance. “You know Heizou gets together with me from time to time. It’s not like Sango has kicked him out, even if they do argue and he maybe runs off after… but still. I haven’t heard anything from him after he said he’d be leaving and he promised to help me with this riddle that Sango gave me. It was just something for fun but Heizou has never broken a promise to me like this and it’s been over two weeks now. He should have been back. From the way he was speaking, it was just a day trip.
“When I asked at the commission office, they kept telling me nothing was wrong. Sango got herself involved when they refused to tell me anything but they refused her too. Days later, there were formal inquiries made about what we knew about Heizou and where he’s been… Kazuha, somethings wrong. I thought maybe you would know but…”
But he didn’t and it clearly disappointed the man. In turn, something heavy fell on upon Kazuha. Heizou ran off on his own a lot. It was fine. Heizou could handle himself. He was smart, far too smart for his age. With his intelligence he also had wisdom which few had to go along with learned knowledge. What made Heizou the perfect threat was he had the strength behind both the knowledge and cleverness to take on any danger.
Except something had clearly gone wrong. Someone or something had gotten the better of him or something had befallen his friend.
“Do you have any knowledge that could help me? Anything you haven’t told me? You said he was planning on leaving and that the trip would be a short one. It’s likely he was headed somewhere nearby. Was there anything else?”
Ryuuji shook his head, releasing him. “No. I’m sorry. I told the Tenryou Commission the same thing. Heizou didn’t give me any details. You know him…”
Did he? Kazuha had worked with him a few times. Heizou was clever, far more so than most, if not anyone that Kazuha had ever met. It wasn’t often that he was asked to help with anything and, when it was, it was a project that Heizou would take on of his own accord that the Commission was having trouble with, often having to do with the low quality training of the staff members when it came to infiltration abilities or combat skills. As such, Heizou would do the investigation work and, before submitting any of it, often complete the assignment with his help before anyone could get hurt attempting it on their own if Heizou thought the mission would be too dangerous.
It was very possible that that was what led to the situation now. Whatever he’d been investigating would be in the hands of the Tenryou Commission then and Kazuha would have little to no luck finding it on his own. Any copies Heizou would have on his person or have destroyed so as not to leave evidence. Sometimes Heizou was too good at his job.
“I understand the situation. If you get word from the Tenryou Commission, can you send it to the Crux fleet so that I can be kept up to date? I’ll see if I can’t find anything myself. They’re moored off the coast on the west side, near the bank.”
Ryuuji nodded. “Thank you, Kazuha.”
“Of course. Thank you as well. You give yourself far too little credit. Not all would worry about a wayward friend with his personality.”
“I think it’s because of his personality that I worry.” Ryuuji laughed a little. There was some true mirth within it, but mostly it was filled with anxiety and fear.
“I’ll return if I find anything.” With that, Kazuha left, forgetting all about his damp clothes and chilled skin.
…
Narukami island wasn’t a small place. Kazuha had no idea where to start in his search so he began where anyone looking for someone would - by asking around.
Few people were out as darkness painted the skies and the wind chill set in among the blades of grass, the greenery catching the chill and standing tall as only grass could. With how often Heizou wandered the city, the few food vendors that were out couldn’t tell if the last time they had seen the detective had been the day he had left the city or not.
Leaving the city, Kazuha tried to find traces on the wind. Heizou, like him, left a very faint trail that was difficult to follow, even if it had been fresh. He’d spoken of it to Heizou once and only been laughed at, the detective joking with him as if Kazuha had intended it in that manner. He hadn’t, but perhaps that portrayed Heizou, to an extent. And himself. They weren’t there to leave any strong impressions unless they wanted to purposefully.
A woman wearing glasses brought swift relief to Kazuha’s heavy heart.
“You’ve seen him?”
“It hasn’t been for a while.” The woman tipped her head as if the motion would help her think more clearly. “Was it a week ago? No… It had to have been longer than that because I got in more supplies… but I did find it strange. Usually he passes by and greets me. I’m out here most of the day and only go in at night since I run my own business. Even when I do trade shifts with a friend of mine, she works the mornings. Heizou’s always been a night owl and it’s not often he’s slipped past me. I think I commented to him about it once and he told me something about all the paperwork or something being done in the morning? I’m sorry, I didn’t really pay much attention. I found it strange I didn’t see him return this time. Why? Is someone looking for him?”
“Yes. I don’t believe they knew you’d seen him. Can you tell me which way you saw him travel and, afterwards, I would recommend you tell the same to the city guard.” Unless… maybe Heizou wasn’t in trouble. It seemed unlikely that the detective was doing something he shouldn’t, but it wouldn’t be the first time. It was too late to change his decision now.
The woman pointed him towards the coast and away from the road. “He went that way, past the shrine, before climbing down. You should be careful. There are a lot of bandits around there.”
Kazuha was well aware. He’d been near the shorelines of Inazuma enough, long before he’d be docking at them with the crew. “Thank you for your assistance.”
The night didn’t bother him any, even when the moon went behind the clouds. All the better, really. The bandits would have more trouble than he seeing who their enemy was if there was a conflict. Kazuha didn’t know where Heizou was and the traces were non-existent. Any scent on the wind only spoke of men and a campfire nearby.
There were a few camps but the people there were few and far too disinterested in the world around them. If they held a prisoner, there would have been signs. There would have been a guard or set up. Something that spoke that there was more than just a camp. Just to be sure, Kazuha took a little extra time, a few extra risks that threw him into the firelight, to see if there was something there he was missing.
There was not and he moved on.
Several camps later and still no luck, Kazuha touched the cliff face, debating scaling it and seeing if there were traces above that Heizou had left, or better yet, people who were near the town not far off that might have seen him. He was growing further and further away from the city. Much further and he’d pass the point where any trip would have surely taken far more than a day or so to manage.
The wind blew the smell of water, salt, and blood towards him. Kazuha turned. What was that?
Off the shore a bit and slightly into the water, there was a small patch of land that had managed to stay above the tides of the sea. The second a storm hit, that wouldn’t be the case. As of now the occupants were safe.
Those men there had a small fire and were wary. They were trained, if only enough to be on guard, though Kazuha had a feeling it was more than that. Their eyes were sharp and used to the night. There were only four of them but there was a steadfastness and simultaneous ease that only came with being too tense and too paranoid through intense combat experience outside of a ring.
They were also bruised and bloodied. Several looked like they had broken bones. While they would have been formidable enemies had they been in peak condition, Kazuha had the advantage at the moment.
They were someone to question and they were no regular bandits.
“Excuse me.” Without bothering to hide, Kazuha sank his shoes into the water, walking forward. They had dried once, they would dry again. He was already half numb that the freezing water didn’t bother him much. He’d have to watch himself or Heizou may not be the only one missing. “May I kindly ask you all for some information?”
The group was wary but they didn’t immediately attack him. It was a start.
“What kind of information does the last of the Kaedehara want from us?”
So, they knew who he was. “I’m looking for another. He was last seen in this area and he works as a detective in the city for the Tenryou Commission. If you know of me, it’s likely you know of him.”
The men looked between each other before one nodded. That man stood. He was slightly shorter than the tallest of them and he was the most injured, his arm in a sling and his head bandaged. “Go back the way you have come then. You have made a pointless journey. The young man is dead. Don’t blame us.” Kazuha reached for his sword, the ronin raising his good hand. “It was never our intention to kill anyone and you cannot bring us in for it. We were inside that cave there, beneath the outcropping of the hill.”
The man nodded his head back towards shore, somewhere Kazuha couldn’t see. “The earth shook and the cave came down around us. It was a natural disaster and he was a casualty. If we had had the chance to take him with us, we would have. He’s no use to anyone dead.”
“How long ago?”
“A little over a week. The rocks are impossible to clear.”
“Thank you.” Kazuha took his hand off his sword. There was little chance Heizou wouldn’t have made it out of a collapsing cave unless he had some reason to stay behind.
Or couldn’t leave.
Kazuha made note of who these men were, their image, their scent. If he had to find them again, he would and could. Whether these men thought that leaving someone to die was excusable because they weren’t the ones that caused a disaster or not was not for him to judge. If he thought they were responsible, if he found proof that his friend was dead because of their actions, their opinions and those of Inazuma wouldn’t matter much.
Kazuha was no longer bound to either. He was one of the Crux now and they did things a little differently.
He would be the one to judge them.