"What is Eternity If not the perseverance of all the Ideals we sanction their quiddity as a divine truth? What is Eternity If not the persistence of such epitomes even after one's last breath is drawn?"

"What constructs your Ideal of Eternity then?"

"All that yours lacks and deems imperfect."

...

It was an unusually sunny day in Inazuma. The sandy beaches of the Kannazuka island, I so proudly, call my new home, were overflowing with people. Even though I barely found a place to sit for me and my cat, I managed to enjoy the calming waves of the ocean caressing the gleaming shore and the serene tidal breeze fondling my sun-soaked skin.

It's these days that remind me of how much splendor my region holds beneath Its ever-gloomy skies and how much love I have for every grain of Its soil no matter how far and beyond my journeys as a merchant may take me.

While gazing aimlessly into the seemingly-unending azure of the ocean, I suddenly remembered that I have lots of work to do in preparation for the new stock of Katanas that has to be delivered to Inazuma City by tomorrow. So I hesitated no further and lunged towards the clashing waves fearlessly, enjoying every moment of the unfavorable yet thrilling consequences my recklessness lead to.

Now soaking wet but extremely euphoric, I laid on the soft sand to resume my contemplations and give my cat some much-needed shade to relax under. It was only when I finally closed my eyes, giving in to the majesty of such scenery, that I heard a melody so exquisite and sublime I thought It was the Heavens' calling from up above.

I stood up,Instantly, to follow the seraphic sounds to their source, but to no avail as the final note was hit and paradise's doors were slammed shut.

Nevertheless, I did not give up and continued on searching until my eyes met a distant figure of a man clad in the shimmering colors of autumn, holding a maple leaf in his hands and staring at the horizon as the twilight veiled Its setting sun.

Without hesitation, I waved at him in hopes that he would notice me.

He waved back. Stopped for a second to observe me then turned away to leave.

I chased after him restlessly but by the time I got where he once stood, the mysterious man was long gone.

On my way home, I couldn't help but keep on humming and repeating the blissful sounds which he so beautifully played while wondering why someone, who seems of a noble heritage like him, would come to Kannazuka especially during the big festival In the main Inszuma city ?

No matter how much thought I gave to this question, I found no logical answer so I slowly surrendered myself to sleep still engulfed in the melodies of the maple leaf.

...

I woke up to my Tama licking my face and the rising new dawn enveloping my room in Its morning rays. I quickly put on the best robe I have as I am expected to deliver the new batch of katanas directly to The Raiden Shogun's palace. A request I found flattering and pride-inducing, since It acts as a testament of my success and the reputation of the supplies I provide.

I took whatever my cat and I needed for our, long anticipated, journey, loaded, with the help of some workers, the weapons into my waverider and began my travel towards the city.

If everything goes as planned and I do not screw It up,like I always do, I might even be able to finally meet her higness ; The Raiden Shogun and pay my respects to her personally instead of doing It before one of the many Statues Of The Seven bearing her thunderous will.

When I,finally,reached my destination, I,promptly, unloaded the weapons and made my way towards Tenshukaku.

The city was as lively as ever and Its people as joyful as Inazumans could be.

Part of me wanted to stay and rejoice in the festive atmosphere but I've come along way to be here and suffered so much to reach the state I am in currently. I cannot afford to mess It up, not now, not ever.

I stopped my cart before the heavely guarded dwelling, showed one of the guards the parchment, sealed with The Bakufu insignia, that I received, then stood bewildered by the greatness of such edifice while waiting for The Shogun's response.

It did not take long before a dark-haired lady with a strange looking crow mask dressed in a kimono whose fabric we Inazuman merchants only dream of obtaining, came out of the palace and approached me.

"Her divine personage wishes to purchase only the finest of your blades. So do not be the source of her disappointment." She spoke eloquently.

"I ensure you, neither you nor her majesty would be let down." I told her as I started displaying the various kinds of katanas I had.

"Your reputation proceeds you merchant, the head of The Yashiro commission speaks so highly of you." She uttered while examining thoroughly the swords.

"The Kamisato clan are regular customers of mine. Do deliver them my thanks If you are to meet them." I responded with a smile of gratitude.

"Will do. In fact, If everything goes according to the plan, one of your swords shall be a gift from The Almighty Shogun to The Yashiro Commission."

"A most pleasant coincidence!"

Abruptly, she picked up one of the blades, threw It in the air then pointed It at me once Its grip fell gracefully into her right hand.

"I presume this is the finest of them all ?" She smirked wickedly.

"If you say so my lady." I smiled again.

"Does It have a name ?" She asked still contemplating Its edge.

"Mistsplitter." I answered with a slight simper

"Though It is a sight for sore eyes, It remains unfit to be a gift from her Divine Personage. Further enhancements and changes to Its design are much needed If It is to match in both grace and beauty that of the legendary herald of The Musou No Hitotachi." She then explained before turning away to leave.

"If I may ask my lady, what is your name ?" I enquired politely.

"Name's Kujou Sara." She replied coldly.

"Lady Kujou Sara, may I have an audience with her highness The Raiden Shogun ? I wish to thank her for the many blessings she bestowed upon me, ones that ensured my survival and helped me ascend to where I stand now." I spoke in a trembling voice as the words were refusing to come out.

Suddenly, lightning flashed and thunder roared as If It was conveying The Raiden Shogun's disapproval of my request.

"Her Divine Personage has no time for such banter. Return home and your paiment will be sent for you shortly." Responded Kujou Sara then, gazing at me with a look so vile and degrading that I,instantly, put my weapons back on my cart and turned around to leave.

No further sound came out of me, as my tears glistened and I rushed to get out of the city. Her words coupled with the sudden and cruel change of weather seemed to wound me so deeply to the extent of shattering my blind trust in The Shogun's righteous yet kind disposition... or so I,foolishly,believed.

As I closed in on the city entrance, I looked back to see the festival-kissed streets of the main island filled with potential customers and the smell of the succulent sea food prevading the air. I brushed my messy hair, wiped off the tears and caressed Tama who was curled up in my robe then said to myself. "This is just a wake up call for you and a further proof of why your father's distrust in The ever-authoritarian, never-compassionate Electro Archon was never misplaced. Now that you have learnt your lesson, stay in the city, take advantage of this buisness opportunity and enjoy the show. Leave the thought process for later."

Now putting my blades on full display, I sat in front of my cart relishing the festive moments and mingling with the never-rude locals.

"Excuse me." Spoke someone who seemed to be standing to my left.

"Yes ?" I responded, lifting my head only to see the maple leaf man whom I encountered yesterday.

Joy and exuberance cocooned my heart as I fell off my chair trying to welcome the guy whose angelic melodies infested every corner of my thoughts.

He was wearing a conical bamboo hat, his signature autumn-touched robe and engulfed in the subtle yet delicate scent of the Sakura.

I extended my hand to greet him, he kindly did the same. As our fingers touched I felt the warmth of his skin that, despite Its softness, It bared many scars, ones I could confirm were caused by a Katana's blade.

"I'm not sure you remember me but I saw you yesterday from afar. We waved at eachother then you left." I stuttered nervously.

"My apologies, I had many matters that needed my attendance yesterday." He replied calmly while flipping through the swords.

"Don't worry about It." I stuttered again.

"Are these blades for sale ?" He enquired.

"Yes they are." I smiled

"Do you craft them ?"

"I'm afraid not, I just sell them. I can show you the blacksmith who makes them If you are to return to Kannazuka." I proposed.

"I'll think about it." He responded already examining one of the blades that seemed to get all of his attention.

"Do you want to get this one ?" I asked.

"Yes, this one seems formidable." He replied starting to fumble anxiously for mora.

"It seems like you have no mora." I grinned cheerfully ready to sease this golden opportunity.

"My apologies." Bowed the nobleman ashamed.

"I have a proposition." I chuckled already tasting the sweetness of victory.

"May I hear It ?" He enquired.

"Since you want this katana so badly, why not I challenge you to a duel ? If you win you get the blade for free If I win you teach me how to play that melody you played yesterday on the maple leaf." I suggested cheerfully.

"Challenge accepted !" Spoke the excited Inazuman as we shook hands again and our eyes met for me to discover the glistening scarlet red in them, his hat well hid.

...

We faced eachother in an empty vast field where only the wind's careless whistles could be heard.

Our right hands were just above the grip of our sheathed katana's while our eyes were fixed on eachother's every slight move.

He seemed to breathe much slower and much calmer than I did ; an indication to his mastery of one of the few fabled sword arts of Inazuma.

I was never one to falter or shy away from a fight and I was never one to be rational or think before I act. For that sole reason, I lunged at the nobleman my sword unsheathed and my guard completely down.

He parried my swift strikes with the grace of the morning gust, dodged my hits with the poise of the dusk's zephyr and counterattacked with the force of the night's gale.

I,soon,found myself at a great disadvantage, as my strength was all but depleted and his seemed like It could carry him through a thousand more fights. So with the sliver of stamina I had left, I resorted to my Vision.

Electro,instantaneously, imbued my blade and with the speed of lightning I dashed towards my opponent,already contemplating his defeat.

Briskly, wind began gathering around me impairing my movement, as the man, cloaked in autumn, leaped into the air then plunged into where I,helplessly,lied thus putting an end to the duel and declaring my defeat.

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"You are a formidable opponent sir. Your valor and fearlessness compensate for your lack of knowledge in swordsmanship." Spoke the winner after I slowly opened my eyes, startled by how no harm reached me from his killing blow.

"I made sure that you stay safe and sound during our duel so fear not." He added with a warm smile that I noticed the moment I lifted my head to see him.

"Thank you." I responded as I stared at his blonde hair tainted with a thread of red resembling that which burned brightly in his eyes.

"The sword is yours." I shyly digressed, my face turning crimson.

"Thank you for honoring our agreement." He retorted with a smile so gentle It sent cold shivers down my spine.

"Let's meet tomorrow at The Jinren Island, If you're free." He then added before extending his hand to help me stand back up.

"I'm free tomorrow. I'll be looking forward to it master..." I stumbled over my words as he picked his bamboo hat off the ground and sheathed his prize.

"I am Kaedehara Kazuha... You may call me Kazuha."

...

"Kaedehara Kazuha !" I whispered to myself as I exited the city,still in awe of all that has happened.

"So he is of a noble family; The Kaedehara clan ! But isn't It in decline ? That actually explains why he didn't even have the money to buy the katana !" I added already invested in every detail of our encounter.

I couldn't get myself to focus on anything other than his enchanting smile and beyond charming looks. No matter how hard I tried, I was unable to get my mind off his astonishing bladework mimicking the swaying of fallen leaves on a keen wind and his tranquil yet tender demeanor which not many of his echelon possess.

He truly is unique.

As soon as I set foot in my room, I turned It upside down just to put together the right outfit for our meeting tomorrow. I cannot afford to look like a homeless person in front of a glorified nobleman.

I laid down on my bed, right next to Tama, after four to five hours of non-stop panicking and closed my eyes wishing tomorrow would come faster.

...

"The Musou no Hitotachi." Echoed a whisper inside my head repeatedly, increasing in both volume and speed by the second, until I opened my eyes gasping for air.

"What did she mean by that ?" I wondered as I got out of my bed, drew the curtains only to notice that the sun has not ascended to the heavens yet and the night's shroud is still enveloping Inazuma in Its gloom.

I brushed my hair to shake off the grim recollection of yesterday for Kazuha's gentle smile to,promptly,take Its place and enwrap every inch of my body in a warm fuzzy feeling. At once, I got ready and took the waverider to The Jinren island with a heart beating so intensely and a strange sentiment of longing washing all over me. I simply couldn't wait to reach the island and spend more time with him.

With my vessel berthed safely at the dock and my cat resting on my shoulder, I began walking around the still-sleepy island looking for the right spot for me and Kazuha to sit in. I admit that I don't know him that well... yet. But from what I've learned so far, he enjoys a beautiful scenery and the serenity It provides. So I am obligated to find a place that fits perfectly these criteria.

"You arrived early." Spoke,softly,a voice from behind me sending cold chills down my spine and scaring me to the core.

I turned around in an instant to spot Kaedehara Kazuha standing not too far away from me, staring at me with those big scarlet-varnished eyes and that delicate beam. Even in the absence of the dawn's radiance and the presence of darkness's tenebrosity, he remained as ravishing as ever.

"I apologize If I scared you. It was never my intention to do so." He added noticing my nervousness.

"It's alright. I just did not expect you to be here so early." I responded with a chuckle.

"Neither did the thought of you coming here, an hour before sunrise, cross my mind too." He retorted.

"I know, I don't seem like a morning person." I said rubbing my head anxiously.

"I am glad you came." Spoke afterwards Kazuha timidly, breaking eye contact with me

"I am glad you did too." I stammered shyly, not believing my ears.

And so,we stood there staring awkwardly at our feet, so petrified neither of us dared to speak another word until Tama started purring and nudging me in the direction of the motionless sea.

"Shall we go ?" Intervened then Kaedehara Kazuha, his face still incapable of hiding the salient shyness.

...

We sat on one of the many rocks scattered around the shore taking in the grandeur of the seascape while occasionally making eye contact with one another. Kazuha still seemed hesitant to strike a conversation with me so I mustered all the courage I had left and asked him.

"Are you going to teach me how to play on the maple leaf ?"

"So that's why you're here ?" He Responded without even bothering to look at me.

"No, no. Don't get me wrong I was just trying to break the ice." I stuttered fearfully and with unease as I could feel my body turning as cold as ice.

"I was aiming for It to be a joke. My apologies." He stuttered all the same now getting more mortified than ever.

"Oh, Thank the heavens !" I sighed relieved.

And before I even could notice, Kazuha got out of his pocket a maple leaf, carefully folded It, gently placed his fingers around Its edges then swiped It across his fine lips for the heavenly melodies to be brought about.

I found myself at a loss for words as I was enchanted by both his unparalleled tactfulness and stunning facial expressions that only increased in resplendency the longer he played this peculiar instrument.

"You are astonishing master Kazuha." I smiled and told him after he finished.

"That... That's so kind of you to say." He replied, his cheeks turning red again.

"May I give It a try ?" I enquired then.

"Absolutely !" He grinned before handing me the leaf.

Being the clumsy guy I am, I couldn't, for the life of me, hold the musical instrument properly let alone play it, which made me even more embarrassed than I already was.

"May I ?" Interfered,suddenly,Kazuha as he pointed at my misplaced fingers.

"Yes, please." I uttered.

He gently put his hands on mine, positioned my fingers properly on the surface of the folded leaf then whispered to me to open my mouth so I can slide Its edge on my lips.

And in no time, a melody, that was nowhere near being as perfect as his, came out.

"I did It !" I screamed happily.

"Yes, you did !" He laughed joyfully.

"But I still need a lot of practice to become like you." I added before noticing that his hands are still on top of mine.

"My apologies." He muttered after pulling them away shyly.

"No need to apologize." I responded as I held onto one of them.

Although we were still practically strangers to one another, he didn't pull away from me and as the first strings of light dawned on us, I kissed Kazuha and Kazuha kissed me.

...

With butterflies fluttering all over my stomach and euphoria coursing through my veins, I put the sleepy Tama next to me then laid down on my bed.

I ran my fingers across my lips to relieve,for the thousandth time,the kiss I shared with Kazuha.

His lips were as smoothe as the finest silks, his touch as gentle as the fresh breeze's caress and his smile as radiant as the moon's gleam.

"I can't believe I kissed him ! No, I can't believe he kissed me back !" I muttered to myself nervously while my cat stared at me confused.

I can't think of anything else now. He's present in every corner of my thought. Am I doing the same thing to him ? I wonder whether he's thinking of me right now. Whether he's missing me as much as I am missing him. Whether he regrets kissing me or not. Whether he likes me... whether he... loves me ?

"Go to sleep before you drive yourself insane."

...

"Then our contract is set in stone." Announced the Liyue merchant as we both signed the papers presented to us by one of the Liyue Qixing's assistants.

"Thank you so much for your hospitality sir." I bowed to pay my respects.

"Don't thank me yet. Wait until you taste Wanmin Restaurant's mouth-watering dishes. A feast awaits you my honored guest." Chuckled the gray-haired man before we both exited his shop and headed to the restaurant.

On our way there, the cold morning gust sweeped along my skin and Kazuha's face,instantly,flashed before my eyes. What is he doing now ? How is he ? It's been three days since I last saw him. Three days since we held eachother's hands tightly. Three days since we...kissed. How I miss him !

These thoughts crowded my already troubled mind rendering me neither able to talk properly to the kind man who invited me over for food, despite our Archons not being the closest of friends anymore, nor capable of mingling with the locals to unearth Liyue Harbor's secret to an everlasting prosperity.

"You seem perturbed. Is everything alright ?" He enquired noticing how much off I was.

"I'm fine, just a bit tired that's all." I grinned.

"Aah ! Your heart is beating for someone distant from you." He responded with a silly laugh.

"How did you know ?" I requested, startled.

"Being a merchant from the Feiyun Commerce Guild and learning from master Xinqiu,the second son of our leader, how to be a good judge of character, made reading you a piece of mooncake." He chuckled patting on my back.

"Well, I guess I have to pay a visit to this master of yours." I responded as we finally reached the busy restaurant.

"There's no escaping love's venomous embrace." He retorted after we took a seat away from all the noise.

"Talking's easy." I smiled.

"Indeed It is ! That's why you have to just...Do It !."

"Just doing it , is a hard goal to achieve on Its own too."

"The Yuheng of The Liyue Qixing ; lady Keqing has a saying on this matter : When your heart is set on something, you get closer to your goal with each passing day."

"Okay...And what If my love for him Is not reciprocated and no amount of days spent trying, can change that ?"

"In that case, you save your heart from his sorry grasp and run as fast as you can, because right now, It belongs solely to him."

...

As the night's shadowy gaze beclouded Kannazuka and the sound of rain rocked Its inhabitants to sleep, I sat alongside Tama on my porch, a warm cup of tea in hand.

I kept on repeating the Liyue merchant's words in my head and trying to find the best way to confess to Kazuha. But apparently the word "easy" is non-existent in love's vocabulary.

"Ugh !" I sighed heavely before I began hearing a strange knocking on my house's door.

"Who is It ?" I asked but no one answered.

Northern Kannazuka is not known for harboring thieves. However, since The Treasure Hoarders are coming back in full force, I took my blade just to be safe.

I slowly unlocked the door and carefully opened It for my katana to drop on the ground as my brain attempted to confirm whether what my eyes are seeing is a mirage of lies or a melancholic truth.

"Kazuha ?!" I spoke shocked as the nobleman stood before me soaking wet, tears running down his cheeks merging with the falling raindrops.

He stared at me for a moment all broken and sorrowful then,briskly, rushed to hug me.

"What's going on ?" I asked after I wrapped my arms around his wet fragile body while Tama licked his tears.

"I had nowhere else to go." He uttered in a quavering voice drenched in misery.

My heart got shattered to a million pieces at the sight of him. I didn't know what to do or what to say so I just lead him to my bedroom and gave him some of my old clothes to change in.

"Thank you." He bowed as he got out of the room.

"Not yet." I told him with a smile trying vainly not to burst out crying too.

"Now you're all set." I simpered after drying his hair with a towel for him to jump Into my arms again.

"Thank you."

...

We sat down in the living room with me staring at the ceiling and him at his cup of tea. I still was speechless and unable to process what just happened. He did not say a single word regarding why he was and still is in such a state. I couldn't find the courage to do so and he clearly had none left.

What am I to do now ? Seeing him like this is killing me.

"The Kaedehara Clan lost Its leverage with her Divine Personage ; The Raiden Shogun and all what once made It rich and respect-worthy is long gone now. I returned from my travels to find my childhood home already sold to another clan and all that my father fought for devoured by mud and rain." Spoke,suddenly,Kazuha as tears once more began flowing in a unbroken stream.

"Kazuha... I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this." I retorted drawing close to him to wipe off his precious teardrops.

"I have always perceived the responsibility of becoming the head of my clan as a burden I'd do anything to get rid of. But, now that I am forever free from Its shackles I cannot help but blame myself for the grim fate sealed for The Kaedehara." He added clutching at his cup.

"Come on ! Stop being a coward !" I whispered to myself before I gently put my hands on Kazuha's then looked him in the eyes and said.

"I am a lowborn so I don't fathom the ways of the noblemen. However, I know,for sure, that no matter how hard It may get, you'll land back on your feet, stronger than you ever were... at least that's what I've learned from my failures." I chuckled nervously noticing that I screwed up my encouragement speech.

Kazuha,though,looked at me with a sparkle of hope taking bloom in his tired eyes then leaned in to kiss me.

I kissed him back as a,fleeting yet euphoric, sensation took over me.

"You're the only one with whom I felt home." He whispered afterwards, resting his head on my shoulder.

"And you're the only one with whom I'm truly happy." I responded relieved that I managed to successfully bring joy back into his heart even If It was for an ephemeral moment.

...

I woke up to the deafening peal of thunder and the never-ceasing rainfall, to find Kazuha still in deep slumber. The floor was hard and cold but I couldn't get myself to sleep with him in the same bed so I just stood up took my cat out of his own bed and cuddled him until I fell back to sleep again.

Abruptly, I felt the soothing warmth of a blanket enveloping me then the softness of a hand caressing my cheeks. I opened my eyes and found Kazuha lying inches away from me, staring at me with his kind scralet eyes.

"What are you doing Kazuha ? Go back to bed. If you sleep here you'll get a fever." I told him with a sleepy voice as I was convinced that It was a dream.

"I love you." He whispered delicately for me to jump up horrified and gasping for air.

"Am...Am...Am I... Not dreaming ?!" I choked on my words.

"My apologies." He uttered, mortified by my reaction.

"No...No, Kazuha I love you too. I've loved you since the moment I first laid eyes on you. Please don't get me wrong !" I stammered as I embraced him tightly.

...

I love you more than words can say Kazuha.

...

His bare arms wrapped around my neck, my lips clinging on to his.

His naked body against mine, my fingers caressing every strand of his hair.

His eyes glued to mine, my hands entangled in his.

His winces and flinches supervening my every thrust and push, my tender kisses fondling every inch of his skin.

He found his home in me, I found myself in him

Our passionate melody overwhelming that from which all forms of cruelty blossom and all shapes of spite bloom.

Our defiant love woven into the fabric of destiny, our souls intertwined for evermore.