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From a young age, Kamisato Ayaka had resolved to always put others first. To do her best and utmost for the sake of whomever might need it. She dedicated years to bettering every aspect of herself, to becoming nothing less than perfect, all for the sake of better serving Inazuma, of being worthy of her name and title of Shirasagi Himegimi. Ayaka never complained, never loathed to perform her duties, never wished for anything for herself besides making her family proud. In the shadow of an outstanding brother and beloved parents, Ayaka wouldn't have dared to sully the Kamisato name.
As long as people were happy with her, Ayaka needed nothing more. She wouldn't speak of any other desire when asked. Only to the solitary moon would Ayaka whisper her innermost wishes. She'd let the wind carry her prayer for a kindred soul, someone to hold her hand and tell her she's doing good. Surely her brother or Thoma wouldn't have hesitated to fill the role for her, but Ayaka would've loathed to further burden them. So she'd let her wishes be swept away with the snowflakes drifting into the late winter night.
The wind would carry young Ayaka's prayer for a friend all the way to Yashiori island, through the last few maple leaves withstanding the biting cold of winter and inside the Kaedehara estate, where two clan heads were discussing business as their children waited patiently on the veranda. Ayaka had heard of the young heir of the Kaedehara clan, well versed in both the ways of the sword and the art of poetry, yet it was their first time meeting.
The boy next to her was serenely admiring the quiet fall of snowflakes, the soft glow of the snow reflecting on his pale complexion. Ayaka dared not disturb him, for his eyes were looking far into the distance, as if searching the white scenery for something amiss.
After quite some time had passed, her companion let a soft puff of air escape his lips and turned to Ayaka, bowing his head slightly. "I apologise, lady Kamisato. I was trying to find the missing verse for a haiku , but I cannot seem to capture the scenery with words." His voice was soft, like the freshly fallen snow on the ground.
"The scenery is indeed breathtaking, I would not be able to find the proper words to convey its beauty either." Ayaka affirmed, turning her gaze to the pristine garden covered in a blanket of white. "Winter is my favourite season.", she supplies, a shy attempt to keep the conversation going. She wishes to hear him speak more, in that soothing tone of his that perfectly matches the snowfall.
Kaedehara Kazuha smiles slightly, also casting his gaze to the garden. "I, too, find winter quite nice. I especially like it when it snows." He extends a hand beyond the cover of the roof, the white snowflakes contrasting the black sleeve of his haori . "The whole world grows silent. It is the only time I can sleep peacefully."
Perhaps noticing the hint of confusion in Ayaka's eyes, the boy continues, "I seem to be quite attuned to the sounds of nature. Sometimes it can get quite… overwhelming." Ayaka feels a pang of guilt at imposing on the boy’s quiet time, her eyes drifting to her intertwined hands on her lap. “Please do not worry about me, my lady.”, Kazuha says, as if seeing straight through her, “You are by no chance imposing.”
When she looks up, his smile is gentle, his eyes drawn in two crescent moons. It gives her courage to pursue a friendship crafted by her own hands, a connection built by herself. “I heard you are quite the accomplished swordsman, lord Kaedehara.”, she tentatively begins. “It would be an honour to spar sometime, if you’re willing.”
“The honour would be mine, my lady.”
~
They meet for spars once every few moons, and Ayaka resolves to not fall behind in her bladework. After crossing blades, they sit down for tea and, occasionally, he recites his latest compositions to her. Ayaka imagines this is what a friendship looks like, but dares not to put the label on it, in fear of being mistaken.
She wishes they would be closer still, share secrets under the light of the moon and sneak out to Amakane Island on a late summer evening to attend the festival, but such acts are unbecoming of the heirs of such prestigious clans. Ayaka diligently hides these wishes behind her steeled gaze as she wields her sword, meeting the boy’s every swing with a parry and striking back at every opening she gets. She lets the blade speak for her, lets it convey her yearning for a connection, and lets herself think her opponent does the same.
For his part, Kaedehara Kazuha seems to enjoy her company just as much as she does his, always greeting her with the gentlest smile, always reciting haikus in his soft, melodious voice, but never looking down on her as a sparring partner. They always part on a good note, wishing each other pleasant days until their reunion.
The greeting gets her through long days of studies and even longer ones of obligations as she files away various topics to discuss on their next meeting. Ayaka diligently hones her sword-wielding skills, plans her tactics and dreams of festivals for months on end, awaiting her one and only friend.
He doesn’t come.
~
At the end of her twenty-first summer, rumours of the Kaedehara clan falling into ruin reach Ayaka’s ears as she strolls through Hanamizaka. In front of the bulletin board, a small crowd hums and murmurs as she approaches, shielding her face with her fan. Through the mass of people, Ayaka’s eyes scan the worn out wood, meeting the painted gaze of her first and only friend.
Ayaka rubs her eyes in disbelief. In the back of her mind, she can hear her mother chastising her for losing her composure, but it quickly fades into static as she reads and re-reads the words. Kaedehara Kazuha, wanted dead or alive. What for? Her friend is nothing if not the poster image of a swordsmith clan heir, a gentle but brave soul. What could he have done to incur the Shogunate’s wrath? Ayaka scans the bulletin board again. There it is, in bold, daunting letters, stamped with the Shogun’s seal. The Vision Hunt Decree. While talks of it had been around, Ayaka didn’t think it would come to pass. Was this the reason Kazuha was now a wanted criminal?
“Poor Kaedehara, the boy was born in the wrong clan.”
“He’s doomed, a sad little thing.”
“Heard he lives like a ronin now. How disgraceful.”
Disgraceful? What a foul, unfitting word. Ayaka sees him in her mind, smiling softly but steadying his stance, wielding his blade like a true swordsman, like the rightful heir of his prestigious clan. Something is amiss in the picture. If Kazuha is being charged for undermining the Vision Hunt Decree, does that mean he has a Vision now? Unconsciously, her hand drifts over her own Vision, the ever present chill emanating from it tingling her fingers. She looks at the portrait again, her eyes focusing on the speck of teal depicted on Kazuha’s shoulder. How fitting that her friend, whom nature had called out to from a young age, would wield the power of the winds.
When she gained her Vision, Ayaka wished she could tell him about it. She wrote him a beautifully penned letter, never to be sent, as they had not spoken in years by that time. Yet, after the night would fall and the Kamisato estate would plunge into silent darkness, Ayaka would tiptoe to the moonlit garden, freezing the ground in her wake and casting millions of snowflakes all around her. She would twirl, sway her fan left, then right, covering the entire garden in a blanket of white frost just like the snow that had fallen over the Kaedehara estate when she had first met Kazuha.
“...Upon our first meeting in winter, you mentioned being able to sleep better when it snows, as the world quiets down even for your keen ears. If you ever find yourself in need of rest, call upon me and I shall bring the snowfall, be it the first day of spring, the middle of summer or a cold, moonless winter night. If anything, let this Vision bring you peace, my dear friend.” , her letter read.
Gaining a Vision, Ayaka had heard, was not always a pretty ordeal. In her case, her determination to prove her worth had spoken to the gods, granting her mastery over Cryo. Yet others, not as fortunate, gained theirs while losing something equally as precious.
Her heart grows heavy, her ears are still ringing from the rush of processing all the news. No good, this is not how the Shirasagi Himegimi should behave, this is not how Kamisato Ayaka should behave . She must pull herself together. The bulletin board heralds bad news for Inazuma. If the Vision Hunt Decree has passed, it won’t be long until the Sakoku decree passes as well. Kazuha is now on the run, and he must run quickly, lest he gets stuck in Inazuma until either the Shogun collects all Visions or the decree is abolished. As it stands in the nation of eternity, she thinks, the latter is highly unlikely.
Ayaka must help him.
~
In the midnight hours, Ayaka paces with featherlight steps around her room, contemplating the issue of helping Kaedehara Kazuha escape Inazuma in all its aspects. On the first night of planning, she concludes anything she is to do must not be associated with the Kamisato name in any shape or form. On the second, she thinks to send the Shuumatsuban in search of Kazuha, an idea that gets scrapped on the third night. Any outside help she requests in her endeavour would inevitably link back to the Kamisato clan. She would loathe to drag her family in political issues or, gods forbid, incur the Shogun’s wrath in any way. If she is to help Kazuha run away, she must do it all on her own, in complete secrecy.
By the end of the week, Ayaka grows worried, her plans in no better state than at the start, yet the situation as dire as ever. Just as she’d expected, the Sakoku decree is now in action. Has Kazuha made it out? Or is he still on the run from the Shogunate? The posters are still on the billboards, now all across the city. If he hasn’t left yet, Ayaka must find him and help him hide.
How does one find a friend in such a large nation, with years of distance separating them? The best place to start must be, undoubtedly, the Kaedehara mansion. In the moonless night, Ayaka dons a plain attire and hides her sword and Vision underneath the thick layers of fabric. Under the cover of frost, she runs across the plains of Narukami Island, over the tranquil waters, all the way to Yashiori Island. Just as it had in the winter of their first meeting, the Kaedehara mansion sits between great maple trees, crimson leaves almost completely fallen. No light peeks from behind the windows, only the occasional cry of a stray raven breaking the deafening silence the estate is drowned in.
Ayaka steps cautiously through the gates, no lock to stop her. The main building, once imposing and pristine, sits in ruin with doors open and curtains flowing in the midnight breeze like pale ghosts. The garden in which she’d sparred with Kazuha is now overgrown, weeds taking over the neatly marked alleyways. It breaks her heart, but alas, the time to regret and reminisce is not now. She reaches in her sleeve for the Vision she’d hid, channelling the elemental power to enhance her sight. The faintest traces of teal manifest on the steps, fading just as quickly as they appeared. She expected as much, Kazuha is no fool. His childhood home would be the first place the Shogunate army would search.
With one last look and a sigh of nostalgia, Ayaka veils herself in Cryo once again and rushes out the gates. She only stops as the faint outlines of the abandoned Higi village come into sight. Once again, she looks for any trace of Kazuha, but comes up empty. It’s like searching for the needle in the haystack, she knows. Were it her brother in her stead, Ayaka has no doubt he would’ve found Kazuha by now. She cannot compare, but she would be undeserving of her Vision, of her title and her name if she doesn’t even try. She must try harder, she resolves as the sky brightens up and she makes her way back.
Think, Ayaka . As she spars with her brother, Ayaka thinks up places to hide. As she oversees the house chores, she thinks of people or organisations Kazuha could be getting help from. As she completes paperwork, she thinks of any other acquaintance of his that she knows of who might have a clue about his whereabouts. Think, Ayaka. Maybe Kazuha has already left Inazuma. That would be for the better, but how can she confirm it? Think, Ayaka.
“My lady.”
Her head snaps up, gaze meeting Thoma’s forest green eyes. His face is marred with a look of worry. Ayaka’s chest is hit by a pang of guilt. Had he called out to her for long? Was she that distraught? How unbecoming.
“My lady, is everything all right?”, he asks as he places a tray with a tea set on her study desk.
“Apologies, I was lost in thought.” Thoma pours her a cup of tea which she has no intention of drinking. She can see it, after all the years spent together, Ayaka can read Thoma like an open book. He wants to ask, wants to offer his help, but alas, if Ayaka can read him, so can he. It would not be the first time Ayaka refuses to have Thoma aid her, yet he looks at her with such understanding and warmth, she is tempted to break down, to tell him all about her search for Kazuha, to ask for help . She cannot.
Thoma excuses himself after pouring the tea, not without reminding Ayaka he would be there for her, should she need him. In the cup, a single tea leaf floats, creating small, circular ripples. The steam from the hot liquid rises in small puffs, dissipating with the small current from the open window. The wind is blowing in, making her hair fly over her forehead and rustling the papers on her desk.
The wind.
Ayaka believes in gods, in their Archon, and the other archons. Ayaka believes in fate, in otherworldly powers and the elements, however she must not rely on such things. Just as the Shogun can use her ideal of eternity and her status as god of their nation to enforce cruel laws, so can the will of the universe be tricky. Yet, as her hair blows in the breeze, Ayaka finds herself praying to whoever would listen, be they god, archon, elemental being or the wind itself, for her friend to find his way to safety.
“Please, let him find his way to me.”
~
Ayaka buries herself in helping citizens fight against the Vision Hunt Decree from the sidelines. She covertly provides material support with the help of her clan, she escorts Vision bearers to safety and funds the fake Vision business in Hanamizaka.
The sun rises and sets and rises and sets and Ayaka knows nothing of Kazuha’s whereabouts. The matter is all but forgotten, locked in a hidden chamber of her mind. She channels all her energy into helping the Resistance as Inazuma sits on the brink of a civil war. Hanamizaka buzzes with rumours of people going mad without their Visions, and citizens start opposing when the Doushin come to claim them in the name of the Shogun. The braver of the bunch duel for theirs, yet none stand a chance before the merciless bow of General Kujou. The fearsome woman fights with the dignity of a seasoned warrior and the faith of a true believer, all for the Shogun’s beloved eternity. Ayaka questions their means. Were Inazuma striving for true eternity, their leader shouldn’t allow such senseless loss of life.
It is in one of these duels that she first sees their Archon use her power against one of her subjects. The challenger, a blonde young man who also wields the power of Electro, fights bravely against Kujou Sara, betting his life for the abolishment of the decree. A bold claim, worthy of a duel before the throne, yet a foolish move for the young swordsman. The general keeps her undefeated status and the unfortunate loser of the duel faces the dire consequences. In the wake of the great thunder called upon by Her Excellency, the challenger’s dimming vision flies somewhere in the crowd just as his knees hit the ground. Ayaka chases it with her eyes, only to be met with the bloody red gaze of Kaedehara Kazuha. Tears stream down his face as a look of anger intertwined with anguish overtakes his features. Ayaka blinks, and he’s no longer there, like a ghostly apparition chased away by the sound of ceremonial bells.
That night, Ayaka finds no rest. Each time she closes her eyes, she sees the swordsman’s lifeless body hit the floor. She hears the crack of thunder, yet no clouds cover the moon. She feels Kazuha’s pained gaze like a knife in her gut. If anything, she’s thankful he’s alive. But now, more than ever, he is in danger. Ayaka remembers her prayer upon the winds and whispers it again under her breath. The moonlight casts a shadow through her fogged up window, the quiet of the winter night undisturbed. With a candle lit lantern in her hand, Ayaka steps out of her chambers and into the back gardens. It is a dry but cold winter, no snow covering the bare branches of the sakura trees.
Something lands softly on Ayaka’s shoulder and she catches the object with her free hand. She sets the lantern down, pale golden light flickering with the movement. In her hand, the contour of a red maple leaf presents itself, out of place in her garden, in her house, on the whole island. Ayaka looks around in disbelief, and there he is. Perched on the rooftop, Kaedehara Kazuha sits cast in the silver light of the moon looking like an angelic apparition. He jumps, a small wind current forming around him to soften his landing.
“I apologise for disturbing your rest, Lady Kamisato.”, he whispers. Kazuha’s voice is as gentle as ever, his features softening with defeat as he meets Ayaka’s eyes. “I…” he inhales sharply, eyes glossing over as if he’s holding back tears. “I had no place to go.”
Kazuha’s expression reminds her of childhood, of her running to her mother after losing a sparring match, of crying in her brother’s arms the night of their parents’ funeral. Ayaka wants to hug him, to hold him and tell him he’s safe now, to stroke his hair and assure him everything will be alright, just like others had done for her. She reaches her hand out to her friend, but Kazuha takes a step back.
“I cannot impose on you like this, I know.” he wipes the tear that slides down his cheek. “I shall leave immediately.”
No. That’s not it, Ayaka wants to tell him. She wants to grab his arm and tell him to stay, but her body is frozen, gaze locked on Kazuha’s grief-stricken face. Despite his resolute affirmation, Kazuha makes no move to leave, either. It gives Ayaka enough time to call upon the power of Cryo and bring forth small snowflakes. They fall all around the two of them, slowly but surely building up on the frozen ground.
“If you intend to leave,” Ayaka starts in a whisper, “where will you go?” She can arrange for him to hide in Inazuma, or leave at first light. She would do all in her power to know her friend will be safe.
Kazuha pauses. “I must keep running. The Shogunate is on my tracks.” His hand, wrapped tightly in white bandages, reaches to his shoulder. There, pinned next to his own Vision glowing teal, is the dimmed vision of the blonde swordsman. Tears well up again in Kazuha’s eyes, but he holds them back. Ayaka wants to wipe all his tears away. He looks exhausted, red rimming his eyes and face marred with scars he did not have in their youth. Ayaka reaches out again, and this time, he doesn’t move away.
Her hand brushes against his pale cheek, featherlight touches over the marks. “Allow me to offer you a place to rest, just for tonight.” Yes, letting him rest first should be her priority. They can decide how to evade the Shogunate army a little later. A refuse is already forming on Kazuha’s lips, but Ayaka shushes him with a finger hovering over his mouth. “It is the least I can do for my friend.”
The protests seem to die in Kazuha’s throat. He follows Ayaka to her chamber, lantern snuff out so they stay hidden. Ayaka realises belatedly this is the first time Kazuha has stepped further than the tea room of their mansion. The first time someone outside her family and the estate staff stepped in her room, how fitting for it to be her very first friend. Among the stylish embellishments of her quarters, Kazuha’s rough outline stands out like a sore thumb. In the glow of the moon, his eyes drift over the exquisite furniture but his gaze looks lost, like he’s not fully there. Ayaka feels like a fool, to gush over this impromptu sleepover she’d wished for when the circumstances are fresh wounds in her friend’s heart. The least she can do is be a good host, she decides.
“Please, have a seat.”, Ayaka invites, vaguely indicating… Her face goes red, luckily the darkness covers for her unbecoming mistake. To invite someone to sleep in her bedding, how careless of her. She moves her hand towards the cushion next to her low desk and Kazuha obliges her without mentioning her lack of manners. Graceful as always, Kazuha removes his sword and places it by his side, taking a seat with his knees folded underneath him. His eyes stray to the moon, shining through the window, still soulless.
“I apologise, I have no tea to serve right now, I could go fetch…” Ayaka stops mid sentence. Going to the kitchen for tea in the middle of the night would certainly raise suspicion. Foolish as always, Ayaka, you’d put your friend in danger. “Apologies.”
They sit in silence across from one another for long, long minutes. Ayaka loses count after the first thirty. She wants to ask Kazuha so many questions, about his Vision, about his clan, about the bounty on his head, about the blonde swordsman. There’s so much catching up to do between the two of them, but how could she ask anything of him, when his crimson gaze is filled with so much anguish Ayaka’s own heart hurts. After what seems like an eternity, Kazuha sighs quietly, gently, almost inaudible, like the first snowflakes falling on the ground.
“He was my friend.” A tear rolls down his cheek, landing on the bandage covering his hand. “He wanted to withstand the Shogun’s blow.” A pained chuckle escapes him, “ There would always be those who dare to brave the lightning's glow , he said.”
Ayaka understands his pain, as she puts herself in Kazuha’s shoes. Were she in his stead, seeing her dearest friend perish for some foolish ambition would be like twisting a knife in her own chest. Ambition fuels Visions, she’d heard, yet Kazuha’s friend lost his life in the pursuit of said ambition. Perhaps this is the basis for the Vision Hunt Decree, she thinks, yet the true intentions of their Archon elude her still. Surely eternity can be achieved without meaningless death and suffering.
“I’m deeply sorry for your loss.”, she bows respectfully, her friend following suit.
“Thank you, my lady.” Kazuha raises from the bow, then from his seat. “I have inconvenienced you too much already. Allow me to take my leave.”
From a young age, Ayaka had been taught about the eightfold fence which must surround her heart. Kazuha, being the heir of a prestigious clan, must be familiar with the concept just as well as her. Ayaka wants to burn the fences down, to offer her friend her full support, but alas, she cannot.
It dawns on her then, she had called Kazuha her friend for the first time.
“Where will you go?” Ensuring the safety of her fellow citizens, she reasons, is her duty. Be it Kazuha or anyone else, she would do the same. No need for the fence to burn just yet.
The question takes Kazuha by surprise, if the slight raise of his eyebrows is anything to go by. “I have made arrangements to leave Inazuma on a Liyuean ship. I am to meet them at dawn.” Good, Ayaka thinks. If her intuition is correct, the Liyuen ship is none other than The Alcor, whose crew has been aiding the Resistance and offering safe passage to Inazumans in need. Kazuha will be safe with them.
Ayaka walks her friend out the same way they came in, veiled in moonlight. Will this be the last time they see each other? The thought saddens her, but she pushes it aside, as long as her friend is safe and healthy, it will be alright. She looks at him, trying to memorise his every feature. The way his hair seems to glow in the silver light, the deep crimson of his eyes, his stature and poise. Kazuha’s features have changed since their last meeting years before, his cheeks more defined and the small lines around his eyes a tad deeper. Gods know, when they meet next, he might be way older. How would he look then, Ayaka wonders? Would his eyes retain their youthful gentleness? Would the red streak in his fringe be completely overtaken by white? Only time will tell , her inner voice supplies, if you see each other again, that is.
“Be safe on your travels.”, she bids him, voice small, as if the words had been pried out of her.
“Thank you, my lady.” As polite as ever, Kazuha bows to her again, straightens his sword on his hip and makes to turn around. As Ayaka lowers her head into a bow of her own, a flurry of red enters her field of vision. Kazuha’s gentle voice whispers an apology as his arms surround her small frame, pulling her into an embrace. “Please be safe as well, dear friend.”
Ayaka’s heart thunders in her chest. How selfish of her. How terrible of her. Her precious friend is being chased out of his homeland after losing someone dear, and she dares to be glad for this one moment. She wraps her arms around Kazuha’s lithe frame, resting her forehead on his shoulder. If they are to never meet again, Ayaka will live off of this one embrace for the rest of her life and never wish for more. They are friends, Kazuha agrees with her, Ayaka’s long time wish is finally fulfilled. With what price? The guilt in her heart asks her, and she has no answer. Just one time , she argues, just this one time, before everything gets even worse.
They hold each other under the moonlight long enough for Ayaka’s thoughts to quiet down to a repeated prayer of just this time, and once the moon hides itself beyond the horizon, Kazuha takes a small step back, hands reaching for Ayaka’s. In her selfish mind, he is just as reluctant to let go as her.
“Be safe”, he repeats, gently squeezing her palms, then he’s gone, swift as the wind.
~
Seasons change just as they always have, and Ayaka watches herself grow slightly older in the continuous unrest of Inazuma. No one wins in war, her father used to say. Ayaka understands the true meaning of his words now, with the Resistance pushed further and further back, the villages full of now-Visionless madmen and no hope in sight for a better tomorrow in her homeland.
Between restless days of strategizing the most efficient route for runaways, of covertly handling supply deliveries to the Watatsumi Army and looking for a way to put an end to the Vision Hunt Decree, Ayaka barely has time to breathe. She takes it all in stride, the Shirasagi Himegimi must always keep her composure. She comforts herself by thinking the weight on her shoulder is light as feathers compared to the burden her brother carries, for he is the true mastermind in all her plans. Ayato is most deserving of his prestige as clan head, he maintains political peace among the commissions and the Shogunate, all while covering for his Resistance-supporting sister’s efforts.
Lately, the skies are mostly dark and the air seems charged. The late spring melts into a sweltering summer heat and the pale sunlight sifting through the clouds makes beads of sweat trickle down Ayaka’s fringe as she looks up at the grand statue in front of Tenshukaku. Upon it, countless Visions glow dimly. The latest addition to the Shogun’s cruel collection is an Anemo Vision, she notices, as a Shogunate soldier places it at the bottom of the statue. Anxiety settles in the pit of her stomach.
Realistically, she knows her friend is safe. All Anemo wielders she knows are, for the matter. Sayu of the Shuumatsuban had turned in a counterfeit Vision, while Doushin Shikanoin most likely kept his with a special permission from General Kujou. Still, what if, in a sick turn of fate, Kazuha got caught? Not knowing anything of his whereabouts has always bothered Ayaka since their parting. Whenever Captain Beidou of The Alcor would make land in Ritou, she’d assure her of her friend’s wellbeing without elaborating. A wise choice, Ayaka knows, as the walls have ears, doors have eyes and trees have voices. The Alcor was set to arrive later that evening, Ayaka recalls exchanging missives with the Captain. Hopefully, all her fears are for nothing.
Back at Komore Teahouse, which had become Ayaka’s makeshift base of operation, Thoma greets her with an excited smile. He dutifully serves tea, making room for the tray among the many letters and loose papers on Ayaka’s desk.
“My lady, I heard a particularly interesting rumour in Ritou today.” Thoma barely contains his smile. “Well, not as much as a rumour, since I saw them with my own eyes.” He sits in front of her at the low table, steaming cups of tea resting between them. “The Alcor arrived earlier than expected, with a blonde traveler and her odd pixie companion in tow. I think they are the change we’ve been waiting for!”
Thoma’s eyes are lit up like a young child’s, but Ayaka can’t bring herself to share his excitement. The blonde traveler is a renowned figure, her feats in Mondstad and Liyue already sung in ballads, yet the Vision Hunt Decree is not their battle. As much as Ayaka would love to recruit them in the fight for their cause, a positive response from the Traveler’s party is not guaranteed.
“Don’t look so worried, my lady.” Thoma smiles at her, no ounce of doubt across his features. “I’m sure everything will work out.”
Yes, everything will work out. It has to , Ayaka tells herself. Therefore, she must be prepared for all outcomes of the conversation she is to have with the Traveler. Were she to outright disagree, what could Ayaka bring to the table to sway her? Surely the valiant Traveler wouldn’t turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent people at the hands of their tyrannical Archon. Cunning as it might seem, should the Traveler refuse to help, Ayaka resolves to point them to victims of the Vision Hunt Decree.
~
Among her various well-honed skills, Ayaka prides herself in foresight. The Traveler ends up joining forces with them after witnessing the terrible consequences of losing one’s Vision, and proves herself as a valuable ally, rescuing the fake vision artisan alongside Yoimiya. With the issue of his capture solved and no new correspondence from the Resistance, a rare break time presents itself in Ayaka’s schedule. As it is only fitting, Ayaka invites the Traveler to experience some of Inazuma’s culture, to extend her hospitality and show her gratitude.
The two visit popular spots in the city, sharing food and stories just like Ayaka had seen young women do before the Vision Hunt Decree. They end up uncovering her mother’s secret diary, truly an unexpected adventure. It feels surreal, like the quiet before the storm. Ayaka feels the guilt creeping down her spine. Should she be enjoying herself like this when her fellow citizens are still suffering? It is well within her duties to offer a warm reception to the esteemed Traveler, after all, but that should not include delving into her own selfish wishes.
Perhaps noticing her spacing out, the Traveler’s companion floats near her shoulder. “Is everything alright, Ayaka?”
She jolts. Paimon uses her given name, not out of rudeness, but as the pixie had declared, the short adventure they had embarked in had made them friends. It was that easy for her, yet Ayaka took two decades to put this label on her relationship with another.
She’s getting lost in trivial matters again, how unbecoming of her .
“Of course.”, she whispers, covering her reddening cheeks with her fan. “Let us continue our stroll.”
In her peripheral vision, Ayaka sees the Traveler elbow Paimon, giving her a disapproving shake of her head. Their destination is the festival on Amakane Island, only a few minutes’ walk from town. Ayaka’s thoughts turn again to the wishes she’d made in her youth, to enjoy the festival with a friend. She feels incredibly glad to finally experience it, but the political context weighs on her like a heavy boulder, ready to roll down and destroy everything in its path. Were it an ideal world, Ayaka and the Traveler would be accompanied by many others. Thoma and Ayato would walk ahead, looking back to her from time to time with brotherly fondness. Yoimiya would set off sparklers with children swarming around her. From the quiet side of the island, Kazuha would watch the lanterns sway in the wind, occasionally humming along to the tune of the breeze. A soft sigh escapes her lips as she writes her wish for happier times on the small prayer plaque. Next to it, the Traveler’s plaque depicts two figures and, in a slightly messy script, Let us meet again .
“My twin brother.”, she supplies, noticing Ayaka’s stare.
“I pray the two of you will be reunited soon.”
The Traveler smiles sadly at her. “Thank you, Ayaka. And thank you for showing me around.” The pair start the trek down the small hill of the island just as the stalls begin to close for the night. “Before coming to Inazuma, I heard a lot about you, you know?” The Traveler muses. “Kazuha only has words of praise for you.”
She giggles when Ayaka turns to her, expression probably akin to that of a startled deer. Next to them, Paimon twirls in the air with an exaggerated smirk. “Oh my! Ayaka, don’t tell Paimon! Is Kazuha perhaps…”, she pauses dramatically, “your betrothed from a rival clan?!” The pixie’s hands cover her mouth as if she’d heard the gossip of the century. “How romantic! A pair of star crossed lovers, torn apart by complicated politics!”
Ayaka imagines her cheeks looking like the tomatoes that grow in the fields of Hanamizaka. Naturally, she holds Kazuha in high regard and the circumstances of their parting are, admittedly, quite sad. But she wouldn’t dare think of him as more than a dear friend, just as they had agreed during Kazuha’s midnight visit to the Kamisato estate.
“Please excuse Paimon”, the Traveler gesticulates apologetically with her hands. “She’s been reading questionable light novels from Yae Publishing House.” Next to her, the pixie huffs at the pointed look she’s given.
“It’s not like that!” Ayaka finally manages, voice a shy whisper. “We are good friends.”
~
That night, Ayaka tosses and turns, looks out her window, finishes writing a letter to her brother and picks up where she’d left off on the latest book she’d been reading, yet sleep doesn’t find her. Her head is a whirlwind of thoughts, ranging from the latest developments in Inazuma’s civil war, to her mother’s diary she’d found that day and, finally, to Kazuha.
The war is going to end soon, Ayaka can feel it. With the Traveler’s arrival, things had already started to change. It won’t be long until the happier days she’d wished for would come, and when they do, what will Ayaka do? By then, surely the Traveler will embark on a new adventure, her brother will still be knee-deep in paperwork everyday, Thoma will return to his peaceful days of housework and… Kazuha? What will Kazuha do, once returning to his homeland would no longer be a threat to his safety? Putting herself in his shoes, Ayaka wouldn’t return. After all, nothing waits for him there. He is the last one of his clan, returning to his ancestral home would probably be lonely and pointless. So would staying in the city, with the memory of his friend’s last duel hanging over his head like perpetual dark clouds. Kazuha has both the making of a swordsman and that of an artist, his soul yearns for wandering, for admiring nature in all its shapes and forms, if only to relay its beauty through carefully crafted verses.
Ayaka’s selfish side wants to ask him to stay, once everything is over and the dust settles. To offer him a space in her home, work in the commission and, should he wish for it, her most devoted friendship. She wishes not to let go of the first person she’d ever called her friend, never in a thousand years, yet she knows keeping him at her side would be like caging a bird, cutting its wings and forbidding it to ever roam the skies again. Were she to even mention the possibility of staying in Inazuma, she would only create a rift between them where Kazuha might feel bad for not indulging her.
No, she must not entertain such thoughts. Her highest hope for their friendship should settle for occasionally exchanging letters through Captain Beidou, should Kazuha ever want to share stories of his travels with her.
An even more dangerous thought crosses Ayaka’s mind. What if she accompanies Kazuha outside Inazuma? What if she drops the responsibilities of Shirasagi Himegimi, the expectations of her clan, all her hard work, and follows her heart to lands she’d never seen before? She can take it, the rough life of a wanderer, especially with Kazuha by her side. She already sees it in her mind, the pieces of the puzzle all fall together into the perfect picture of her and Kazuha running through fields of dandelions, strolling down busy alleys in bustling cities, crossing snowy plains hand in hand. Ayaka can see it all and she already loves the idea so much, she all but packs her bags.
She cannot. She has her duties. She’s gotten way ahead of herself again, foolish girl . She’s spun a story in her head, made her friends and family the main actors and wrote their lines for them, yet in reality, nothing is certain. As much as the scales have tipped against the Shogunate, at the end of the day, the Electro Archon is a god, a powerful one at that. Ayaka has no doubt she could easily wipe out anything in her path, should she set out to do so. Her picture-perfect storyline is ill founded for this very reason, yet the image of her and Kazuha, burrowed in thick coats, surrounded by endless miles of white snow, holding hands amidst fluttering snowflakes refuses to leave her mind.
“It’s Paimon’s fault.” Ayaka mutters, voice muffled into a pillow as she hides her red-stained cheeks from the empty darkness of her room. The pixie had put thoughts in her head, thoughts she’d never had before, especially not in regards to Kazuha . He came to see you, in the middle of the night, while running from Shogunate soldiers , the treacherous part of her brain, the same one who’d thought of leaving Inazuma, whispers to her. He came here because we are friends. He said he had nowhere else to go , the rational Ayaka argues. He had his escape thoroughly planned, he came to see you!, the delusion screams at her.
“Because we are friends!”, Ayaka whisper-shouts out loud, trying to silence the voices.
Yes, Ayaka and Kazuha are friends. And if she wants to protect her friends, she has to stay focused.
~
The saying goes, sometimes bad things have to happen before good things can, and when Thoma doesn’t return to the teahouse one day, instead word of his Vision being stripped reaches Ayaka, she prays with all she has that it will be the last bad, that only the good will follow from now on. Before then, Ayaka is once again faced with a crisis she must solve, quickly at that.
She storms into Komore teahouse, where the Traveler and Paimon were supposed to meet her and Thoma to discuss the next step of their arrangements to meet the Shogun.
“Apologies for being late.” She greets the two. “Have either of you seen Thoma?”, she asks, still hoping the rumours she’d heard were baseless. Upon seeing the confused shake of their heads, Ayaka relays what she knows of the Vision Hunt Ceremony that was about to take place. Her blood bolis as she pictures Thoma in the hands of Shogunate soldiers, vision taken mercilessly and displayed on the Statue of the Omnipresent God by their tyrannical Archon.
“There is no time, the ceremony is about to begin”, she stresses, “Thoma is my friend, I must save him!” There is no time to think it over, just the previous night Ayaka had decided to stay focused and protect her friends, she cannot let any harm come to him. Her mind is spinning thinking about a possible showdown against the Shogun, but she must not back down.
The Traveler’s cold hand on her shoulder snaps her out. “Ayaka,” she begins, voice calm but dangerously resolute, “If you go out there and free Thoma, it would be like publicly declaring the Yashiro Commission opposes the Vision Hunt Decree. You would put everyone in danger that way, yourself included.” The look in her eyes darkens. “I have fought against powerful opponents before, and Thoma is my friend as well. Allow me to save him.”
Ayaka’s whole body is shaking with anger, at the Shogun, at the Vision Hunt Decree and, most importantly, at herself. Once again, she backs down like a coward, she hides behind those more powerful than her. For the greater good , she fools herself once again. Were she a greater woman, she wouldn’t have to rely on others to protect what’s dear to her.
“Very well”, she aquiesces. “I will wait here for your return.” Tears threaten to fall from her eyes, she must hold them back, at least until the two leave. She must not let them see her weakness like this.
“Don’t worry too much, Ayaka. We won’t mess this up.” Paimon reassures, while the Traveler grabs her hand to reinforce her point.
Still holding back tears, Ayaka bids them a safe return. Once the door closes behind the two, the dam breaks down and she falls to the floor, muffling her sobs in her hands. Next to her, Taroumaru bumps his snoot against her leg, perhaps trying to console her.
“I don’t deserve your pity, Taroumaru.” she spits bitterly. “I don’t deserve my friends. I cannot even protect them.” The dog lets out a small, disapproving whine. Ayaka’s tears don’t stop falling, but she picks herself up soon enough. She can’t let the situation get any worse than this. She has to at least think about the next steps. The Traveler will rescue Thoma, she will. Anytime now, they will burst through the door and she has to have a plan by then.
Rescuing Thoma will make both him and the Traveler wanted criminals. Thoma can hide at the teahouse, but the Traveler has a big role to play in turning the tides of war. She can’t afford to sit by and watch, nor would she want to, Ayaka can tell. She wipes the remaining wetness on her cheeks, takes a seat at the low desk and prepares her writing utensils.
~
When the teahouse door opens next, Ayaka almost jumps her friends rushing over to assess their state. Thoma has one arm around the Traveler’s shoulders, dust all over his clothes and red marks around his wrists. Next to him, however, the Traveler looks worse for wear, her hair and outfit in disarray, a lightning-struck pattern spreading in angry red lines across her shoulders.
“I told you we won’t mess up!” Paimon giggles as she floats protectively near her companion’s side. Despite their injuries, all of them muster a small smile.
“Indeed, Paimon. I’m most grateful for your safe return, and I would love to rejoice, however I’m sure you’re well aware an arrest warrant will be out for you anytime now. I’m deeply sorry to say this, as you seem quite injured, but you have to run away now.” She fetches the letter she’d penned before their return and extends it to Paimon. “Go to Watatsumi Island. The Resistance will help you.”
It wasn’t the first time the Traveler was hearing of the Resistance. Ayaka had told her about General Sangonomiya’s army and their efforts to combat the Vision Hunt Decree. Having the Traveler on their side might just be the push her army needs to finally overpower the Shogunate. Ayaka had relied most of what transpired since the Traveler arrived in her letter to Sangonomiya Kokomi, and she had no doubts the brilliant strategist would find the best way to leverage her.
“I apologise for not helping you, Thoma.”, she says after the Traveler and Paimon take their leave. “I would’ve! I should’ve rushed over the second I heard about the ceremony, I should’ve…” She can feel the tears building up again. She bites it all back, covering her face. If she were to look Thoma in the eyes, it would all come crumbling down, the eightfold fence, all her defences, everything . She can’t let that happen. She can’t burden Thoma after everything he’d just been through. “I’ll do better from now on.”
A warm hand settles on her shoulder. “You’ve done more than enough, my lady.” Thoma’s voice is gentle, as it always is around her. Even now, he’s the one comforting her. Ayaka thinks once again that she truly doesn’t deserve her friends.
~
Whenever Ayaka has many things on her mind, it seems the moon keeps her company. Her quarters at the Kamisato estate are placed as such that the moon is perfectly visible from her window, a small blessing for her sleepless nights. The day was mentally draining for her, yet she can’t fall asleep. The events replay in her mind, and Ayaka thinks of what she could’ve done differently. In her mind, she sees herself storming the Ceremony, grabbing Thoma and running. No good, the Yashiro Commission’s neutrality would’ve been compromised. She backtracks. She sends the Shuumatsuban to rescue Thoma the moment she hears the rumour, but the Shogun is there, and they don’t make it out. All involved would’ve been punished for opposing their archon. No good again. She runs complex simulations of events, all in her mind, yet none have a good outcome.
The endless puzzle of what ifs leads nowhere, Ayaka concludes. She decides to focus on what’s to come. With the Traveler off to fight alongside the Resistance and Thoma confined to the Komore Teahouse, Ayaka’s little party is set to play the waiting game. Through their informators, Ayaka knows a battle is brewing between the two armies. General Kujou has been leading her troops to Nazuchi Beach, close to one of the Resistance bases. It was only a matter of time before they clashed. However, Kujou Sara’s army far outnumbers Sangonomiya’s, even with the Traveler on their side. If Sangonomiya wants to tip the scales, the best course of action would be to recruit more people. Since Ayaka thought this far, a strategist of the Watatsumi General’s calibre would’ve surely thought so too, the question remains, who did she recruit as reinforcement?
Ayaka is going through a list of known factions just as she hears it, the smallest creak of wood. The faintest rustling of clothes. And then, a knock on her window frame. She raises, goosebumps running down her arms. For good measure, she picks up her sword from its stand, keeping one hand on the hilt, ready to strike should the need arise. Were she in a better state of mind, maybe Ayaka would’ve taken a moment to contemplate the identity of the mystery person knocking at her window in the middle of the night, who seemingly entered the estate without having alerted any of the guards. Right now, she was already pulling aside the sliding pane, reasoning that she was just as capable of fending off intruders as any other guard.
“My lady,” the intruder whispers from the other side of the wall, seconds before Ayaka’s eyes meet the deep crimson of Kaedehara Kazuha’s gaze. She must be dreaming, Ayaka reasons. Considering all recent events, Kazuha shouldn’t have even considered breathing Inazuman air, let alone being here, on Narukami Island, a few hours’ distance from those pursuing him. Ayaka’s anger overtakes her, how many of her friends is she putting in danger today?
She grabs the front of his clothes, tears of frustration forming in the corners of her eyes. “Why are you here?”, she asks pointedly, voice too loud for the late hour.
“Why are you angry?”, he retorts, voice also at full volume, sadness painting itself across his features.
Something breaks inside Ayaka at the sight of his expression, guilt mixing with anger and stress from the day. She feels her control of herself slipping. “The soldiers are looking for you! The war is escalating, Inazuma is more dangerous than ever, the Vision Hunt Decree is nowhere near being abolished! They almost got Thoma and the Traveler today!” Ayaka can barely hold back her sobs, tears already falling freely down her cheeks. “She had lightning marks all over herself! If they caught her before she could run away, if they catch you before you run away…” She inhales sharply, “You could die! I almost lost Thoma today, I can’t lose you too!”
With the words now out in the open, Ayaka pictures them coming true. Sees the Doushin capturing Kazuha, dragging him in front of the Statue of the Omnipresent God, taking his vision then… Another sob rips out of her at the thought. Such a terrible friend. Kazuha took the risk to come see her, he must need something from her, perhaps he is in need of shelter, but what does Ayaka do? Get mad at him? Hot tears stream down her face, sobs barely leaving space for breathing. Selfish. Terrible. Unbecoming. This is why you deserve to be alone.
“-lady! Lady Kamisato! Ayaka !” For a split second, her thoughts go quiet. Kazuha’s hands are holding hers over her face, gently prying them off. “Please look at me.” She obliges. Kazuha’s tone is gentle, as if speaking to a startled animal. “You’re alright. I’m alright. Everything will be alright now.”
Ayaka believes him, wants to believe him, but all she can do is continue to sob. From across the window, Kazuha pulls her closer, rests her head on his shoulder, all while Ayaka cries and cries and cries until her tears soak Kazuha’s haori. He smooths a calloused hand over her untied hair, repeating soft whispers of “You’re alright now.”
Between Kazuha’s comforting and her own mind screaming at her to compose herself already, Ayaka manages to calm enough to muster, “I apologise, I didn’t mean to yell at you.” Her head is still on his shoulder, if she listens closely, she can hear Kazuha’s surprisingly quick heartbeat.
“I should be the one apologising, my lady.” Kazuha sighs. Earlier, he’d called her by her given name, like friends do, yet now he’s back to formal address. Ayaka wants to tell him to stick with it, to call her name in his melodious voice whenever he wishes, and she’ll come running. But how can she? She doesn’t deserve a friend like Kazuha, not after everything she’s done, and more importantly, everything she hasn’t.
“I heard about the Ceremony”, he continues, still carefully stroking Ayaka’s hair. She wishes he’d never stop. “I’m glad everyone is safe, I was worried...” He pauses, and Ayaka notices his heartbeat speeding up. “I came to see you because I was worried about you.”
Kazuha takes a step back, letting go of Ayaka, who instantly misses the comfort of his touch. Then, to her surprise, Kazuha jumps over the windowsill, softens his landing with a gust of wind and pulls Ayaka into a proper embrace, just as he’d done on their last meeting. “Apologies for my boldness. I’m glad you’re safe.” He whispers as his hand goes back to combing through her silver locks.
Ayaka stands as still as a statue. You don’t deserve this, the self-sabotaging voice in her head tells her. Ayaka agrees, she doesn’t deserve a friend like Kazuha, who worries about her wellbeing when he’s the one in grave danger.
“Please, don’t cry,” Kazuha comforts, noticing Ayaka’s body start to tremble with sobs once again. He tightens his hold on her, Ayaka’s hands unconsciously wrapping around his midriff. “It breaks my heart to see you cry.”
“I don’t deserve your kindness, my lord.”, she says softly, voice laced with the heaviness of tears and self-loathing. “No matter how much I try, I only seem to burden everyone. Even to you, I tried being of help but once again, you have to see this pathetic side of me. I wasn’t even the one fighting today. All I did was wait idly and hope everyone makes it back. That’s how pathetic I am, so please, lord Kaedehara, spare yourself the trouble that comes with dealing with me.”
She tries to turn away from him, but Kazuha doesn’t let go. “For my dear friend, I would put up with any trouble.” He leans back just enough to brush a stray tear off her cheek. “So please, do not put yourself down. You are highly capable, everyone knows of your many duties and responsibilities you always carry out perfectly.” Kazuha’s hand still lingers on the side of her face. “And when it all gets too hard to bear, you can lean on me.”
Ayaka looks at him then, finally meeting his gaze. Red is the colour of blood rushing to her cheeks, the colour of the last autumn leaves frozen on the first days of winter, the colour of Kazuha’s gentle eyes, filled with nothing but kindness and admiration, in which Ayaka nearly drowns. Something in her look must spell hopefulness, for he smiles at her. “Also, just call me by name. Being called lord as a wanted fugitive is a bit…”, he giggles, “ironic, don’t you think?”
Ayaka allows herself but one moment of joy, one teary smile to show Kazuha that they’re on the same page, that she would rely on him any time and he’s welcome to do the same, then she lets herself fall back into the darkness of Inazuma’s ongoing crisis. “You’re putting yourself in danger by being here.” She tells him, gaze steeled.
“Captain Beidou’s crew was recruited to aid the Resistance. I have to fight alongside everyone.” The bitterness of her inability to properly join the fight against the Decree hits Ayaka once again. She wants to join the fight, freeze everything in her path and bring snowstorm upon snowstorm to decimate the Shogunate’s oppressive army, but she cannot. There is too much on the line for her, the entire Yashiro Commission would be in peril were she to turn against their Archon’s forces.
Kazuha must notice her inner turmoil, he reads her too well . “You have your own battles, none to be fought with an actual blade, but hard and important nonetheless.” He squeezes her hand reassuringly. “I know you are more than capable of sword fighting, but leave it to me this time. I will make sure Kujou’s army turns on its tail.” His eyes are filled with determination, a shadow of anger and resentment darkening the crimson of his gaze.
The dangerous glint in Kazuha’s eyes makes goosebumps rise against Ayaka’s skin. She has no doubt in her friend’s combat abilities, yet she can’t help but worry. “General Kujou is a fearsome opponent. Please stay safe, Kazuha.” Her voice grows slightly quieter when saying his name, as if it were a forbidden word.
“Of course, my lady.”, he says, troubled look melting off in lieu of a small smile. “You prayed for my safety upon the wind, did you not?”
Ayaka’s eyes go wide. How does he know about that? Kazuha’s smile grows wider, he must enjoy seeing her embarrassed. If Kazuha truly knew of all the wishes she made upon soft breezes of winter nights, Ayaka might as well be doomed. She wished for friends, she wished for his safety, she wished to see him. Ayaka must focus, now that she knows of this hidden ability of his, she mustn’t let the newest thoughts brewing in her mind ever be whispered on windy days. She’ll lock everything in her heart, and let her friend carry out his duty and plans without the burden of her feelings.
Outside, the sky starts lighting up, the morning’s brighter colours peeking through the ever-present blanket of clouds. Dawn is breaking, and so must their meeting come to an end. Ayaka knows, once Kazuha leaves, she’ll be back to playing the torturous game of waiting, of orchestrating from the shadows without ever actually stepping on the battlefield. The little bubble she’d been in since he knocked on her window was about to break. Ayaka desperately wanted to stay in it forever.
“Once everything is over, let’s have tea together like we used to.”, she bids, instead of a proper goodbye. It would feel too final, too much like the last time they would meet.
Kazuha squeezes her hands, which he hadn’t let go of since earlier. “It would be my pleasure, lady Kamisato.”
“Ayaka.”, she corrects in a rush of boldness, to Kazuha’s surprise. “Please, call me Ayaka.”
A brilliant smile stretches across Kazuha’s worn features, just as the sun crosses the horizon. “It would be my pleasure, Ayaka .”
~
The following few days pass in a blur of exchanging letters with informants, signing documents and making plans. Ayaka hears of the Resistance’s victory against Kujou Sara’s troops and rejoices.
On the fifth day after the Traveler’s departure, Ayaka receives her brother’s correspondence, a blue envelope with the Kamisato Clan’s crest neatly stamped, marking it as a personal letter rather than official mail. Ayato’s missive confirms a suspicion Ayaka had harboured, yet never voiced.
“ The war will end soon, Ayaka. ”, he writes. “ With the Traveler’s involvement, it won’t be long before the conspirators who sustain the Vision Hunt Decree are outed. You have to remember, The Kamisato Clan stands today because of Narukami's mercy. As such, the Clan must defend the road to Eternity, and follow the Shogun eternally. ” Remember she does, their mother’s stern but soothing voice teaching them the history of their clan and the agreement they’d made. Her conspiring against the Shogunate is a clear breach of this agreement, but according to her brother, a different faction is pulling strings in Tenshukaku, marching under the banner of Inazuma and eternity, only for their gain. Letting them have their way would mean betraying their Archon, she reasons. That must be what her brother means, what he expects of her to infer from the letter.
Post scriptum, Ayato ends the letter with a playful, “ Next time, invite Kazuha to stay for breakfast. ” Such is the fate of little sisters, Ayaka consoles herself, to be eternally teased by their older brothers. She can take her revenge the next time they play the hot pot game, right now, Ayaka has to focus.
She prepares accordingly, looking for evidence so when the Traveler returns to Inazuma City cursing the Fatui for once again sticking their nose in another nation’s politics, Ayaka knows just where to send them and who can aid. From then on, the pieces fall into place seamlessly, the Traveler meets Kujou Sara as they’d arranged, the Resistance joins them in the city, the storm above brews even more fiercely than before, until it finally blows up.
With the Tenryou Commission in turmoil, the Resistance has free passage to surround Tenshukaku. Ayaka tails them from the shadows, she cannot let such a volatile situation escalate. Should anything happen, she has her sword and Vision at the ready. The crowd of soldiers awaits with bated breath for the Traveler to walk out, the air is filled with static, Ayaka knows the final battle is approaching.
When the pale silhouette of the Traveler crosses the gate, the unthinkable happens. Ayaka witnesses the very fabric of space ripping apart, the Electro Archon’s dooming sword crossing through their dimension with every intention to sever the Traveler’s head. No, her mind screams. Her body stays frozen in its place. Do something, her every fiber is telling her, yet her feet stay buried in the ground. There is a moment of silence, Ayaka prepares to hear the thunderous sound of Raiden Shogun’s ultimate attack striking the Traveler.
Something in the crowd flashes, then the sharp sound of metal clashing hits her ears. On the steps leading up to the gate, cast in a glow of teal and purple, Kazuha parries the hit with miraculous strength. On his back, both his own Anemo Vision and his friend’s Electro one shine brightly, electricity swirling down the length of his blade. It feels like everyone is holding their breaths as Kazuha and the Shogun are stuck in a deadlock of swords for the longest second of Ayaka’s life.
The moment ends as soon as it begins, the Shogun sending Kazuha flying backwards into a group of still starstruck Resistance soldiers. However, the incredible feat of wielding two Visions at once seems to inspire the crowd, everyone standing to fight back with renewed strength. Ayaka surveys the showdown from her hiding spot, her eyes locking on the Traveler just as she disappears through the Shogun’s space-time tear.
With the help of Kazuha and the Watatsumi Army, any remaining Tenryou soldiers are quickly dispatched. The Resistance stands on the steps of Tenshukaku, weapons still clutched tightly. They emerged victorious from the battle, but Ayaka is unsure if the war has ended. She wonders what would happen if the Traveler fails to reason with the Shogun, if she ends up getting hurt. Ayaka would never forgive herself for dragging her into the affairs of a country where she’s just an outlander. There must be something she could do to help. Anything. She feels powerless. Even with countless years of training and her Vision to show for it, the only thing Ayaka feels she can do is bring her hands together, close her eyes and pray with all her heart for everything to end well.
She prays like never before, like her own life is hanging on the thread of repeating pleas. She prays and prays and prays. Until her nails leave indents in her knuckles. Until the sound of thunder cracks through the cloudy skies.
If Ayaka’s prayer was ever heard, she doesn’t know. Instead, she knows in her heart that the war has ended, for the Traveler stands triumphant at the gate of the palace, leaning her weight on her sword, with Guuji Yae Miko by her side. The Head Shrine Maiden descends elegantly, until she is face to face with the Resistance.
“By decree of her Excellency The Shogun, the Vision Hunt Decree is abolished, effective immediately.” Her voice rings out clearly, like ceremonial bells. No one dares to move. Guuji Yae rolls her eyes. “Go report to your general.” She looks around and adds, “But not before you clean up this mess here.” She lingers for a few more seconds, eyes searching until they settle straight onto Ayaka’s gaze. She giggles as Ayaka’s blood freezes in her veins, then she vanishes through the crowd that parts for her.
~
As the waters settle in Inazuma City, Ayaka turns the events in her head, trying to plan ahead. The Vision Hunt Decree has been abolished for a grand total of seven days, and with that, anyone charged with opposing it was promptly pardoned. In the morning, an envoy from Tenshukaku arrived at the Kamisato estate to announce the end of the Sakoku decree and formally extend an invitation to the festivities celebrating it. Since then, Ayaka had been walking in circles, trying to rid herself of an unnerving thought brought upon by the lack of work to worry about. She needs activity, needs a new goal now that Inazuma’s citizens have regained their freedom, before her thoughts stray further than what will happen to my friend now that he’s free to leave?
In truth, she’d already gone above and beyond that simple question. She’d already imagined countless courses of action Kazuha would take, from simply leaving without a word to, she’d loathe to admit, her favourite version, staying in Inazuma to rebuild his clan. As much as Ayaka would love for that to happen, she knows it to be nigh impossible. Kazuha is a wanderer by nature, his passion for travelling probably only fueled by his voyages with The Crux. Nothing ties him to his homeland anymore, neither his clan nor his late friend’s unfulfilled ambitions.
Nor do you , the voice of reason in her head whispers. The thoughts of leaving Inazuma she’d locked in a dark corner of her mind return in full force. Every rational part of her is telling her to banish them at once. To forget the late night conversations, to forget Paimon’s comment that sent her into a spiral of questioning her feelings, to forget Kazuha’s warm embrace and his soothing voice calling her name.
In telling herself to forget, however, she only remembers in more detail. Defeated, she lets herself fall to the mattress, head in her hands. She’s still bound by duty to her clan. She’s still the Shirasagi Himegimi, one of the prominent figures of the Yashiro Commission. She has to be there to support the Shogunate for a better Inazuma. Could she abandon all that? Her duty matters to her greatly, yet she feels chained by it. Were it fully up to Ayaka, she’d want to see the world, to dedicate herself further to the art of sword fighting, even to delve into other art forms. But she’d had the misfortune to be born into the great Kamisato Clan, a fact she both loves and hates. Her duty flows through her veins, ingrained in her blood, and she’d rather bleed herself dry than abandon it.
With a heavy heart, Ayaka sets out to Hanamizaka, where the celebration in honour of the abolishment of the Sakoku decree is in full swing. In the midst of the festivities, the Traveler and her floating companion clink glasses with everyone, all smiles and joy and laughter so contagious Ayaka almost forgets her inner turmoil. She joins them at the long banquet table under the grand sakura tree and engages in pleasant talk, the carefree expressions of the people she’d only seen frowning for so long warming her inside. Yes, this is what I do it all for , she reminds herself, a proud smile overtaking her features. Next to her, the Traveler bumps her side with her elbow, reciprocating her smile in a silent agreement.
“Partying without us?”, calls a booming female voice, just before a heavy arm lands itself across Ayaka’s shoulders, the jug of beer in Captain Beidou’s hand spilling slightly. Where the captain goes, the crew follows, Ayaka figures when the rest of the Crux appears with barrels in tow, undoubtedly to celebrate the victory they took part in.
The slightly reserved atmosphere, typical of Inazuman celebrations, turns more vivacious as crew members and Doushin alike retell stories of a battle they had been on opposite sides of. Ayaka listens attentively, as she had been absent from the battlefield, her eyes straying from time to time to the other end of the table where Kazuha sits with Detective Shikanoin, deeply engaged in conversation. She’d expected to see him at the banquet, she’d steeled herself to use the opportunity to bid him safe travels, but face to face with her friend and recently-discovered object of affection, Ayaka’s resolve wanes slightly. She shakes her head and tunes back in to the story, which Paimon adamantly interrupts with great enthusiasm.
It’s only later, when most have retreated to their homes and Ayaka is helping the Traveler with the cleanup, head slightly buzzed with the few cups of sake she’d drank, that Kazuha approaches her.
“Allow me to help, Lady Ayaka.”, he says, taking the box of empty bottles from her hands. Ayaka runs back to pick up another and the two start on their way to return the bottles to the owner of Shimura’s. They walk in comfortable silence on the uphill path, the sun setting behind them. There’s a sense of finality hovering between them, and when Kazuha stops on the steps below the forgery on their way back, Ayaka knows the time for goodbyes has come.
Yet, instead of bidding farewell, Kazuha smiles up at her and says, “You look absolutely beautiful in this light, my lady.”
Her face heats up and she represses the urge to cover it with her hands. How can he say that, when they’re about to part ways and not see eachother for Gods know how long? If he calls her beautiful like this, how can Ayaka ever convey to him that the way in which his crimson eyes catch the light of the setting sun at just the right angle will haunt her for days to come? That she’s going to wish to see him each time the moon shines through her window on sleepless nights? No, she has to keep it secret. Not even the wind must hear these thoughts of her, lest her yearning becomes a burden to her dearest friend.
Ayaka averts her eyes. “I presume you’re leaving soon?”, she asks, struggling to keep her voice level.
“Tomorrow morning.”, he confirms, a slight sadness in his voice. “There’s nothing left for me to do here, so I’ll stick with Captain Beidou for now.”
Of course, Ayaka reasons, you expected that much. She can’t ask him to stay. Even if he calls her beautiful, she can’t ask him to stay. And he won’t ask her to leave, either. They respect and care for each other enough to know such a request from either side would be cruel. Yet, when Ayaka turns to look at Kazuha and finds his eyes filled with hope locked onto her gaze, her lips part, ready to voice this forbidden question that is sure to tear them apart.
No, the rational part of her says. Ask, the treacherous voice in her head yells. She finds she can’t do either. Perhaps the alcohol she’d consumed gave her some impulse to be sincere. She descends the remaining step separating them and takes one of Kazuha’s hands in her own.
“Kazuha”, she voices quietly, the name still foreign on her tongue. “I cannot lie to my dearest friend. I don’t want you to leave, but I cannot ask you to stay, either. I know it’s not what you want.” His other hand comes up to rest atop hers. When did her hands start to shake? “If you ever wish to return, know you will always have a home here.” Whether she means Inazuma or by her side, Ayaka is unsure, but the fact stands either way.
“Thank you”, he replies earnestly. Understanding paints his features, down to the soft smile Ayaka is sure she’ll miss dearly. Her hand comes up to his face, tracing featherlight lines down the side of his cheek. Perhaps if she touches Kazuha’s face like this, she will remember it better. Perhaps if every little scar is ingrained into her fingertips, her brain might reproduce his image in her dreams realistically enough to stump the yearning she’s sure to feel.
“I want to take you with me, Ayaka.”, he says, and Ayaka stills. “If it were up to me, we’d be leaving together tomorrow morning. But I cannot ask that of you.”
Ayaka might just catch fire. She wants to go along so bad she might burn, but she can’t allow herself. This is the one thing she cannot do, the one line she will not cross, and Kazuha knows it as well. His bandaged hand covers her smaller one on his face.
“However, allow me to be selfish this one time. You are dear to me in ways I cannot seem to express, Ayaka.” He brings her hand to his lips, placing a small kiss over her knuckles. Warmth spreads from there all across her body like electricity, coursing through her veins and accelerating her heartbeat. “I will write to you”, he promises, still holding her hand to his lips. “I will tell you all about the places I’ll be seeing, and if you ever wish to join me, even if for a short while, you’re more than welcome to.”
“Thank you.”
The two of them both know it well, these invitations into each other’s lifestyle will forever remain unhonoured. Ayaka’s pipe dream of crossing snowy fields hand in hand, only to later relish in each other’s warmth in front of the fireplace will forever remain just that, a dream. The sun has set beyond the horizon and so, too, their time together must come to an end.
Ayaka desperately wants it not to.
“Allow me to walk you to the estate.”, he offers, delaying their parting again, much to her appreciation.
~
They set out on the long walk hand in hand, plunged in pregnant silence. If the strong grip Kazuha’s hand has on hers is any indication, he is just as willing to let go as she is. What might be going through Kazuha’s mind? Ayaka wonders. Had he also made up countless scenarios of their would-be life together? Would he remember her, would he miss her when snowflakes fall in the cold days of winter? Would he be hurt, when Ayaka is inevitably sent to marry someone else for the sake of the Yashiro Commission?
There’s no use in wondering about such things , she reasons. When everything will be in the past, Ayaka will look back and only the fondness for these times will be left. The longing, the hurt, those shall pass.
When the imposing walls of the estate come into view, the moon is already high, casting deep shadows through the pine trees. Ayaka lets go of Kazuha’s hand before the last flight of stairs.
“Thank you for walking me back. Be safe on your travels.”, she says quickly in fear of stray tears falling if she takes her time speaking.
“Thank you. Take care as well, my lady.”
The formal appellative feels cold, colder than the steel of her blade, colder than her Vision, colder than the ice she has command over. But it’s better like this. Were Kazuha to call her name in his gentle voice, Ayaka might just be swayed. She bows to him, he bows to her, she turns swiftly on her heel so he doesn’t see the tears welling up in her eyes.
There are seven steps up to the gate of the Kamisato mansion. She steps on the first, wipes her eyes. Steps on the second, has half a mind to turn around. On the third step, her vision clouds with tears again. On the fourth, she pictures snowy fields. On the fifth, she imagines herself dressed in a pristine white outfit, sad on her wedding day.
On the sixth, she turns around, Kazuha’s name already on her lips. They’re face to face, his hand on her shoulder, his breath bated as if the short distance that had separated them seconds before had been a miles-long rift he’d just crossed. He brushes a stray hair away from her eyes, and they’re so impossibly close Ayaka feels like even breathing would break this fragile moment of theirs.
Kazuha glances at her parted lips. “May I?”, he whispers. She closes her eyes and leans in, silently giving him permission. Everything goes quiet in her mind. She’d never kissed anybody before, yet Ayaka doesn’t know how she could go so long without the intoxicating feeling of Kazuha’s soft lips on hers. When they part, she chases and kisses him again, bringing her hand up to his face. Perhaps she comes off as too eager. Ayaka can’t bring herself to care, not when Kazuha reciprocates with just as much enthusiasm, bringing her even closer and deepening the kiss.
It’s addictive, despite the feeling being novel for Ayaka. They kiss, they part, and Ayaka chases again and again and again, until she doesn’t know where her lips end and Kazuha’s begin.
The hurt of their parting will surely come. Once Kazuha leaves in the morning, Ayaka will have to go back to her life as Shirasagi Himegimi, back to responsibilities, back to her duty. She’ll fulfill it to perfection as she always does and she’ll only let herself yearn for this moment on moonless nights when sleep avoids her and it all becomes too much.
But for now, Kazuha holds her in his arms like he never wants to let go, and Ayaka is content with this much.