Chapter Text
"There will always be those who dare to brave the lightning's glow."
That is what Tomo had said, yet standing before the Shogun and Kujou Sara, his body felt frozen in place. 'I lost...?' He thought to himself. Of course, he figured he would never be able to win against a general, much less the electro-archon's general. Deep breaths in... Deep breaths out...
"Haha... That's fine..." He mumbled, glancing over at Sara who had a regretful expression. She chose to stand tall pretending as if the situation didn't bother her. Of course it did but she was loyal to the Raiden Shogun and wouldn't risk her own life over something she felt was meaningless.
"You lost," the Shogun's voice boomed as she walked down the steps. Sara stood out of the Shogun's way, feeling the lightning's intensity coming from her blade. She felt a bit of uneasiness at it but maintained her composure, gripping the hilt of her sword. Tomo believed this was where his life would end and couldn't help but feel a bit of fear and sadness, mixed in with joy. He wouldn't be able to stand against her blade, but at least he would get to witness the Musou no Hitotachi he always dreamt of seeing.
"Tomo!" He heard his name called out as the Shogun approached him. He recognized the voice and muttered an apology, knowing that his friend would hear it from the winds. Tomo accepted his fate. He knew his life wouldn't make any difference to the war but that was fine by him. He closed his eyes expecting this to be the end of his life. Moments later, he heard the crackle of lightning but felt no pain. Confusion was written all over his face. He opened his eyes to see the lightning hit the spot where he was standing before..?? He felt a hand holding his arm tightly, being pulled away from the scene. What was happening...?
"What were you thinking?" A voice mumbled one that called out to him earlier. He turned to face Kazuha pulling him away from the scene. Tomo decided he would run with him, rather than fight against it. He could hear the voices of Kujou Sara and some of the soldiers. But that didn't matter to him, as he was more worried about Kazuha risking his life for him. Tomo cackled slightly, shaking his head. "I could say the same about you. Risking your life to save me. That's some serious guts!"
Kazuha remained silent, focusing on getting them out of there alive. He listened to the wind, trusting it to lead him the quickest way to his destination, while also shaking off their pursuers in the process. "We're going to have to leave Inazuma. I already have a plan set up." He spoke softly, guiding him along.
Tomo sighed slightly, but a smile remained on his face. If he had any regrets, he definitely didn't have any remaining. "Okay..." He whispered in response. Traveling in the wind with Kazuha felt so alive yet relaxing... He didn't know how long they had been running but they were no longer being followed. The two made it to the docks, where many boats remained, although most looked like they were departing the docks.
Tomo stopped, startling his friend in the process. He was hesitant to leave his home. He had never been one for traveling to places, unlike Kazuha. He liked the idea of staying in one place and leaving Inazuma didn't feel right to him. Kazuha calmed down, seeing the expression Tomo had. He chuckled slightly and let go of his arm. "I know... But unfortunately, you don't have a choice right now. You will be hunted as long as you're in Inazuma, is it worth it...?" Worry remained in Kazuha's voice, as he couldn't help but think of what would happen to his friend if he chose to stay.
Tomo chuckled, knowing Kazuha was right and he sighed. He had rubbed Kazuha's head, messing up his hair. "Getting smart on me?" He teased jokingly, causing Kazuha to giggle slightly. Tomo figured it would be easier if he left Inazuma as well. Not like he had much of a choice, especially if he luckily escaped divine punishment. He looked around the docks at the boats, glancing around at them. They only had a little time left to catch one. "Sooo... Which one are we sneaking on?"
Kazuha looked around, trying to listen to the voices of all the people on the boats. He was trying to figure out who wouldn't sell them out to the Shogunate. It was a risk he was hesitant to take. He mumbled to himself, repeating some of the words. Fortunately for the both of them, Kazuha wouldn't have to as a voice spoke up, "Pssst. Kaedehara and Tomo! Those are your names, right?" A voice whispered to them, catching their attention and making them glance at each other. They were hesitant about the stranger calling out to them. He didn't seem to give them much time to think about it."Get on board! I'll get you out!" The man sounded genuine, despite the two's hesitance.
"But..." Kazuha paused for a moment, thinking about the right words to say.
"Why are you helping me? I'm a wanted fugitive." Kazuha finishes off with his thoughts. Tomo playfully glared at Kazuha, jabbing him lightly to remind him that he was no longer the only one. "Right..." He mumbled, still processing the situation and glad to have made it in time.
The boatman looked at Kazuha in disbelief at his question. "Obviously the Yashiro-" he realized he was about to admit it out loud and cleared his throat, stopping himself from finishing it. Kazuha paid no mind to it but Tomo had caught onto what was said and was slightly relieved to hear a familiar name. He figured the boatman could be trusted. He continued, "An anonymous financial sponsor wants you both to get out safely."
Tomo nodded, grabbed Kazuha's hand, and pulled him onto the boat before he could protest. He was caught off guard by the action but said no complaints.
"But there's only so much they can do. After this, you'll be on your own." The boatman spoke once again. Tomo was satisfied enough with that answer. At least it was some hope to get out of their current situation. He shrugged, walking towards the door of the boat's cabin, prepared to go inside and hide. "Eh good enough, besides... Kazuha and I can figure it out afterward." He looked over his shoulder with a small smile of reassurance.
Kazuha seemed hesitant at the decision but it wasn't as if he had a choice. He sighed, deciding to trust his friend's decision. After all, he did originally drag Tomo to the docks. He pondered on the decision, holding onto the railing of the boat. 'Is this really the right choice..?' He wondered, staring out at the ocean. He was lost in his thoughts, thinking it over. He heard the boatman's words, yet didn't process them nor move from his spot. It was only when Tomo approached him and put a hand on his shoulder that he snapped out of it, jolting slightly. "Ah... Tomo..." He mumbled, glancing away from his friend. He wasn't sure what he was currently feeling. It all felt so complicated to him.
"We'll be back one day, I swear..." Tomo promised, trying to reassure him with a grin. Kazuha hesitated for a moment, but he looked back at his friend and smiled slightly. He mumbled a response in agreement. He was then grabbed by the hand and led him into the cabin of the boat.
"Freedom here we come!" Tomo joked, causing Kazuha to burst out with laughter.