Be it through fate or destiny

Calamity befell paradise

Oblivion awaits all

...

As the ever-dark clouds of unavoidable damnation blighted Inazuma, devouring its once gleaming sky and with it the last scintillations of a once-hopeful nation, merciless rain and unforgiving maelström presided over the lands which her beatific thunder raised and her empyrean lightning shaped. All, eventually, succumbed to despair everlasting and sorrow unabating, giving way to a stasis unwanted but avowedly needed.

Kazuha and I spent the three weeks that followed the commencement of The Vision Hunt Decree, constantly traveling around Inazuma, avoiding any potential encounter with The Shogunate who happen to be the enforcers of such a tyrannical law.

"Kazuha, wake up." I whispered to him while he peacefully slept in the shade of the giant Otogi tree we took shelter under.

"It is still early to move out. The scent of rain is still strong. We have to wait longer." He responded as he got up, still sleepy.

"Are you sure we are safe here?" I enquired perplexed for him to gently squeeze my hand, give me a kiss then tell me before passing out again in my arms.

"As long as we are together, we will manage to overcome anything."

His reassuring words would've comforted me if we had enough to eat and where to properly rest. But we do not. In fact, we haven't had them for a while now since we didn't even have time to go back to my place and grab what this dangerous renegade required. Ayaka, Thoma and Ayato did their best to keep us hidden from The Shogunate and provide us with what we needed . However, there's only too much they can do. The Yashiro Commission is too under severe supervision from both The Kanjou and The Tenryou Commissions as they are the sole administrators of The Sakoku and The Vision Hunt Decrees respectively. That's why we found it best that we only reach out to them if every other possible solution has been exhausted. Whenever I think about that angelic-turned-hellish night, The Shogun's words and the grim shadow of terror that engulfed us, I can't help but ask myself "Why did our Archon feel the need to pursue Eternity through such a cruel path? A path whose every step is paved by an uprooted ambition and a shattered dream. Yes, she is a God, an all-knowing one. Her knowledge surpasses that of the collective minds of every human, but why would she choose to strip her people of their aspirations, their very will to live, the impetus to their whole existence?"

To these questions, I have found no logical answers yet. What she strives for I can only define as supreme cruelty and undisputed bale. I have worshiped her all my life. I have believed in her ideals. I have admired how steadfast and resolute she is, how she endured and severed every calamity the moment it attempted to take root in Inazuma. Now, I am lost as everything I have ever placed my faith in is crumbling down right before my eyes.

The rhythmic sound of the falling rain drops quickly synchronized with the thoughts that raced endlessly inside my head, plunging me even deeper into the state of unfettered despair and unbound despondency, I found myself constantly tapping into these days.

"You need to rest too. Tomorrow's journey will be an onerous one." Spoke Kazuha gently for his words to penetrate through the thick dark mist that enveloped me.

"I'm sorry. I just..." I retorted before he got up again fixed his scarlet-varnished eyes on mine, caressed my cold cheeks with his warm tender fingers and said before hugging me tightly.

"I know you are worried. I know this is particularly hard for you. Just know I will do everything in my power to protect us and I will spare no effort to find a solution."

He has been my rock ever since the incident. He'd spend his days looking for ways to cheer me up despite the inescapable gloom that is surrounding us, and his nights trying to get me to sleep and stop overthinking the whole process of our aimless wandering and constant lookout for Decree Enforcers. I would lie if i said he didn't help. He actually did tremendously. His warm smile alone would drive all my troubles away and I do not want to live in a world where that smile is threatened and where his life is always on the line. I will tolerate no one be it human, spirit or God who dares trespass on our joy... on his joy. I will stand against all for his sake... but how?

"You are right. We will find a way...eventually." i uttered finally breaking free from the train of my treacherous thoughts to embrace Kazuha back and at last fall asleep.

...

"But brother, they are alone out there. Archon knows what perils they might encounter. Why can't we just bring them in. The Shuumatsuban will escort them safely and secretly to our residence. No one will know about them." Argued The Shirasagi Himegimi with the head of The Yashiro Commission as they shared a cup of tea under the shade of a sakura tree whose blooms gave way to both a scent of longing and resilience.

"Ayaka, It is not that easy. Even if we deceive The Tenryou Commission we will never deceive her Excellency. They are wanted criminals and us provoding them safe harbor will put us at risk too. Yes they are my friends but you and Thoma are my family and family always comes first." Responded Ayato his tone mixed with fake resolve and a very apparent guilt.

"So we are to leave them out there until they eventually get caught?!" Spoke Ayaka in a somewhat calm demeanor but every crack in her voice conveyed only disdain and desperation.

"Worry not sister. I ordered a few Shuumatsuban to keep a close eye on them and immediately act if they ever get into a mortal problem. Currently they are taking refuge in the Byakko Plain, waiting out the storm so they can leave for Jinren Island." Reassured the leader of The Kamisato Clan his sibling for her to finally take a breath and relax a bit.

"We must find a way to reach her Excellency and convince her of repelling The Decrees. Inazuma cannot withstand such callousness for long." Added Ayaka before her brother squeezed her hand tightly.

"Not 'We' Ayaka, someone with a strong will and an even stronger endurance. This is not a commissioner we are talking about. This is The Electro Archon and The Administrator of The Musou No Hitotachi. Convincing her of rethinking her decisions is not only tantamount to heresy but also to an insurrection. That's why we need someone... exceptional."

...

With the scorching dawn above us and the tranquil sea below us, Kazuha and I boarded a supply ship sailing towards Jinren Island, disguised as workmen. There, we are supposed to meet a friend of mine, restock then look for a way to reach Watatsumi Island without getting caught by The Shogunate's armada that is swarming the frontiers of Inazuma City as we speak.

"Is this friend of yours trustworthy?" Enquired Kazuha while we organized the food crates below the vessel's deck.

"Yes, he is. He is a childhood friend." I answered before putting the last crate down and laying my back against it to catch my breath.

"We'll have to keep our guards up either way, for the wind is carrying the scent of hostility from the shores of Jinren." He retorted as he sat next to me, got the sleeping Tama off his head, put him on mine then rested his head on my lap.

"You know that Jinren is crawling with Treasure Hoarders and Kairagi right?" I chuckled, gently caressing his autumn-kissed hair.

"So this friend of yours is an outlaw. How enlightening!" He laughed back seemingly unbothered.

"I was waiting for a gasp." I teased him.

"I know you'll never put us in danger. I'll go down to the darkest corners of the abyss if you tell me to for I trust you with my life." He then added before getting up to put his lips on mine.

"You!!!" I gasped as I was caught completely off-guard.

"There's the gasp you were looking for!" He chuckled playfully.

Following his joking remarks, I carefully put the sleeping Tama on one of the crates behind us then turned back to Kazuha, wrapped my arms around his tiny body and gently laid his back on the floor.

"This is a fight you can't win." I smirked before kissing him back.

"Who says I want to win?" He giggled as his fingers caressed my cheeks and mine fondled his silky hair.

We spent the next hour lying on the hard wooden floor with Kazuha's head resting on my chest and our hands tightly entwined. My heart skipped a beat every time our eyes met. He blushed a little whenever I planted a kiss on his forehand. If we hadn't spent the last few months together, I would've been convinced this is the first time we meet.

"I love you!"

"I love you more!"

...

"Hey, wake up! We have arrived." Whispered Kazuha in my ear for me to jump perplexed.

"This fast?!" I retorted still sleepy.

"The ship has stopped moving for a while now. Everyone has long gotten off the vessel. It's just you and me in here." Added Kazuha as we both gathered our belongings and made our way towards the deck.

There, we waited for the captain and his crew to get busy with The Kairagi bandits who clearly tried to negotiate the price of the supplies, then we stealthily jumped off the ship and bolted towards the shore.

"Where is your friend supposed to meet us?" Murmured Kazuha to me after we hid behind one of the many giant rocks scattered around the shore.

"Behind this very rock." I answered pointing to the insignia of The Treasure Hoarders that marked it.

"You are good at this. How come you never told me about your Treasure Hoarding days?" He chuckled mockingly.

"I was never a Treasure Hoarder. However, I had many friends who became Kairagi and Treasure Hoarders and in desperate times we call upon each other." I blushed not knowing why until suddenly Kazuha put his hand on my mouth and pointed at a Kairagi heading out direction.

Immediately, he readied his sword while I got out of our hiding to greet, what we hoped was our contact.

"Good morning kind sir. We are here to see The Electro Archon's Husband." I announced to him after winking at Kazuha to notify him that what I said was the password we agreed upon.

"I know." He said, unsheathing his katana.

"The Husband has made a deal with The Tenryou Commission. Your Visions in exchange for his. And I am here to fulfill his part of the deal." He added then before lunging at me.

Instantly, I drew my blade to parry his attack but the brute force it exuded knocked me off my feet the moment our weapons clashed. Thankfully, Kazuha jumped in at the right moment and in one fell swoop he knocked him out.

"We need to get out of here!" He uttered under his breath as more Kairagi emerged from the distance and the cargo ship we came on got swarmed by The Treasure Hoarders.

"I don't see a way out." I replied, now standing back to back with Kazuha awaiting the eventual conflict.

"Then fight, we will!" He then muttered as his calm demeanor changed into pure fury and a wind current raised around us slowly becoming an inescapable cyclone that gathered every outlaw in our vicinity in its center only to knock them up in the air the moment Kazuha sheathed his katana.

Ceasing the opportunity, I let the electro energy surging from my Vision envelope me and imbue my katana then swiftly, I used the current to reach the kairagi and deftly dash through every single one of them, cutting them down as fast as divine lightning.

Despite our combined efforts, the outlaws continued to pour in from every corner of the island and soon enough lifting our blades turned into an arduous task as both our valor and strength waned astonishingly.

"Surrender your visions and you shall be spared." Screamed one of the outlaws extending his hand towards us.

"Never!" I screamed back furiously maintaining my balance yet still ready to fight.

I immediately turned to him only to notice a strange look dawning on his exhausted face. His scarlet-varnished eyes glistened with a crippling disquietude masked by false valor and a maiming dismay veiled by spurious fortitude. Knowing him, he was as horrified as I am. Knowing him, he was on the brink of collapse... Knowing him, the courage he feigned took root from his desire to see me safe. A desire so pure and vehement, his life mattered so little before it.

"Kazuha..."

"Resistance is futile my love." He instantly Interrupted me as his bruised quivering hand caressed my sweaty cheeks

"What's left of my power is enough to create an opening for you. As soon as the howling gales gather make a break for the northern side of the island. There is an abandoned house there you can take shelter in its basement and plan your escape afterwards." He then quavered before squeezing my hand goodbye and stepping forward.

At that exact moment, time seemed to stop for darkness to take hold and consume all but one, him. He shone brightly despite its corroding influence, while I sunk deep beneath the remorseless waves of a dread unbound and a trepidation, finally, unfettered.With every step he took forward, he neared his end and I, my undeserved deliverance.I wrestled valiantly to reach him so I fell deeper. I called out his name and the tethers of this callous fate choked me harder. I begged him to stop, I cried but my broken voice got swallowed by the unending oceans of inescapable penitence. In the end, None of my pathetic pleadings made it out to the surface. I am going to lose him forever and all I can do is be a witness to the genesis of a tragedy of my own doing.

"Hey dummies!" Shouted suddenly an oddly familiar voice from the distance before an even more familiar figure came charging at The Kairagi closing in on us.

"Ushi!?" I exclaimed as he cleared the way for Itto to batter up whoever survived the fatal charge.

"My bros! Don't worry I've got this." Announced the red-horned Oni as he rushed to our location shielding us from The now-enraged outlaws.

In a whim, he started hurling his mighty club at everyone and everything opposing us bringing forth irreversible damage with each swing.

"Oni coming through!" He continued on shouting, decimating the ranks of the outlaws without even breaking a sweat.

Eventually, The Kairagi's resolve withered before Itto's unstoppable rampage so they found themselves forced to break the siege. One by one they fled for their lives, if only they were successful at it.

"Going somewhere?" Mocked them the commander of The Shuumatsuban as an entire unit blocked their path.

"We mean you no harm." Begged her the leader of the assault.

"Tell that to your cell's walls. I'm sure they'll listen."

Amidst all the ruckus and the unfolding discord, I struggled to reach Kazuha. Exhaustion festered inside every inch of my being and a sense of relief soothed my aches. My body was ready to give up but I had to reach Kazuha. I had to make sure that he is okay.

"Never do that...Again..." I muttered before collapsing onto his arms.

...

"Today, I delivered a batch of fireworks to The Grand Narukami Shrine and ran into Lady Guuji Yae while she was lecturing some new shrine maidens about the foundations of Eternity and what ideals It embodies." Uttered Yoimiya as I helped her with the cleaning and the organizing of her father's workshop.

"She is as sly as a fox isn't she?" I smirked as I've been on the receiving end of Yae Miko's elaborate and fool-proof scams way too many times than I care to remember.

"She is!! But that's no news. What surprised me was how knowledgeable she was. You'd mistake her for The Almighty Raiden Shogun If you were a foreigner. She said Eternity's ideals vary from one person to another and no matter how different and conflicting our ideals are they all construct an Eternity that harbors and nurtures them. Quite the revelation huh!?"

"I'm willing to bet she was pitching this idea to the new shrine maidens as a means of deciding whether to make it into a light novel or not." I chuckled.

"Isn't she close to The Raiden Shogun? I don't think she'd ever put her name and position at risk for a light novel... right?" Wondered Yoimiya now rearranging the newly made fireworks in boxes I picked up on my way to the shop.

"Since she's so confidently doing it, there is no risk whatsoever. She isn't the Guuji for nothing. She definitely knows what she's doing." I added.

"What is Eternity for you though?" She enquired after jumping on one of the sealed fireworks boxes to sit.

"Like for me, a firework's flare is like a shooting star's glister, yes It is fleeting and ephemeral but the joy It leaves behind long after its spark has been extinguished is Eternity at its finest." She then added while her legs swung back and forth and a huge warm simper covered her already radiant face.

"Well you seem like you've put a lot of thought into this one!" I retorted as I sat next to her.

"Almost an entire day, yes!" She chuckled playfully.

"As for me, I have to sleep on it. I have always revered Eternity as a concept only The Raiden Shogun fathoms completely for she is an all-knowing God and we are...well...humans."

"Yeah... But I'm sure It will come to you when the time is right. Your Vision miraculously did so literally nothing is impossible in your case!" She mocked me again then patted me on the shoulder.

"You really are still jealous of how I got my vision way before you did!" I chuckled after embracing her tightly.

"If me being jealous makes my childhood friend smile this much then I'd proudly declare that I am!"

...

"SHHHHHT he's waking up!" I slowly opened my eyes to find myself in a poorly-lit basement, laying on a dusty bed and closely supervised by Itto, a dead-worried Tama and Kuki Shinobu. All three of them stared at me stupidly until Tama pounced on me and started joyfully licking my face.

"Kazu...!" I quavered as I held him close to my chest only for arms as gentle as the swaying leaves of a departing autumn to suddenly embrace me tightly and reddened cheeks swaddled in warm tears to rub against mine.

"Thank Her Thunder you're alright!" Whispered Kazuha in my ear as I hugged him back for our teardrops to merge into one, Tama to be squished and our hearts to once more beat in unison.

"Are you okay? Are you hurt? Don't lie to me! I know when you're trying to conceal your pain!" I uttered, for him to shake his head and let out a silly laugh.

"Don't worry my dude he is as fine as an Oni!" Commented Itto cheerfully with a foolish childish smile.

"I confirm." Nodded then Kuki Shinobu for me to finally sigh relieved and hug Kazuha harder.

"Thank you Itto and Shinobu. I owe you my life!" I uttered with a tired but grateful smile.

"If It weren't for you, we would've been a forgotten trace of a past unwanted." Added Kazuha slightly bowing his head to thank them

"You would've done the same thing for us my bros." Grinned the red-horned Oni clumsily.

"You indeed did, countless times. You bailed The Boss out of jail way too many times. You funded me as I studied for my law degree and you've been the biggest supporter of The Arataki Gang ever since Its inception. It is truly the least we can do." Added Kuki Shinobu before patting me on the shoulder.

"We are eternally indebted for you my dude!"

"The Arataki Gang is family to me and a family's duty is to look after each other! Which brings me to the question ; how did you find us?!" I enquired intrigued.

"Thoma reached out to us when The Shuumatsuban they assigned to supervise you informed him and Ayato about The Husband. Ayato knew he'd turn on you in return for complete immunity from The Vision Hunt Decree." Explained Kuki.

"So we were sent as both reinforcement for you and punishment for that rascal!"

"And worry not, The Shuumatsuban are taking care of the rest. They'd capture The Husband in no time."

"I can't say anything other than thank you! Really, you guys are amazing!" I beamed with gratitude as the green-haired girl filled us in on every detail we've missed.

"For now, we are totally safe in this abandoned house Kazuha led us to. The remaining Shuumatsuban are patrolling outside and hopefully, late at night, we will be leaving for Inazuma City where we will meet up with The Yashiro Commissioner to discuss what to do next. Boss and I are gonna leave you now to rest. Call for us If you need anything." She added before pinching Itto and pushing him to follow her upstairs.

"Oh... yeah... yeah... I'm coming!"

With them now gone, I had no reason to either hide or conceal how I truly felt. So, I burst out crying in Kazuha's arms. All the inescapable guilt and unwavering remorse I accumulated coursed through me and out of me. All the aganoy and anguish my bruised being writhed to endure and hold back, broke out and flew forth. The shattering physical and emotional affliction became too much for my body to bear. So, control, I lost and temporary respite, I gained.

"Hey, What's going on!?" Spoke Kazuha distressed by my sudden breakdown.

"IT'S ALL MY FAULT!" I shouted with a voice so broken It took him some time to piece the sentence together.

"If It weren't for them, I would've lost you...FOREVER! I am the one who put us at risk the moment I contacted that disgusting turncoat!" I carried on with the sobbing as he held me closer to his chest.

"You were oblivious to The Husband's schemes. It is not your fault that he chose to value power over your friendship." He said, wiping off my tears.

"No, Kazuha you don't understand. If anything was to happen to you, I would be evermore devastated... I would not know what to do... I would never forgive myself... I would..." I trembled until his lips clung to mine and his arms drew me closer to him.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"I understand because that's what I would do and how I would feel!"

I live for you as much as you live for me

Without youI am but a leafless tree

Nothing more than a windless sea

I smiled through the tears as the words of his poem engulfed me in soothing tranquility and his fingers gently fondled my hair.

My soul Unshackled by their world

But Evermore bound to yours

With you I am nevermore deluged by dolour everlasting

Forever in reverie enchanting

...

As the night settled and the last strings of the sun's aureate light were sublimated into luminescent moonlight, I woke up to Kazuha curled up with me, peacefully sleeping despite Itto's loud snoring.

I stared at him for a little while per usual, planted a kiss on his forehead then covered his frail naked body before heading upstairs to see what Shinobu is up to.

"I apologize for the boss!" She said as soon as she saw me.

"Oh, no need to apologize. Kazuha is soundly asleep so all is right with the world." I chuckled and joined her as she sat next to a window overlooking the vast sea.

"The Shuumatsuban will be here shortly to escort us to The Kamisato Estate."

"That's a relief! So, tell me did you like Liyue?" I asked her.

"I loved Liyue. All thanks to you, I got to have the best moments of my life there." She smiled, something Kuki Shinobu rarely does.

"Its gastronomy is delectable!" I reminisced on the time I spent an entire day eating at Wanmin Restaurant.

"Way better than Inazuma's that's for sure!" She responded while fixing her mask.

"I strongly agree!" We both let off a silly laugh simultaneously before an idea, I used to deem ridiculous found its way back to me.

"Shinobu, is Liyue kind to foreigners who decide to reside in it indefinitely?"

...

"This way." Guided us Sayu out of the beach, where our vessel was berthed, and into a secret cave that led directly into The Kamisato Estate.

"Sayu are you sure this is the way?" Asked her Itto after he bumped his head so hard into a stalactite.

"I take a nap here all the time. I know this cave by heart!" She replied letting off a yawn after every word.

"And that's what's scaring me. You know it by heart yet you didn't warn me about the pointy rocks sticking out of its every corner. I feel like the last bit of my wit is leaking out of the bruises!" Complained Itto non-stop while we tried so hard not to make fun of him and how "intelligent" he is... or was.

"He really knows how to lighten up the mood!" Chuckled Kazuha as he held my hand tightly.

"That's the boss!" Exclaimed Shinobu for Itto to turn to us confused.

"Did you call for me? I feel like you did..."

He then turned back to Sayu, lifted her off the ground and started shaking her.

"SAYU! I'M LOSING MY MIND PLEASE HURRY UP!"

"WE HAVE ARRIVED!! PUT ME DOWN! YOU'RE MAKING ME NAUSEOUS!!" She yelled back at him before a secret door opened before us and through it burst Thoma, tears all over his face.

As soon as he spotted me he jumped in my arms and embraced me.

"Are you alright?! Are you hurt? Just tell me where the ache is and I'll fix you right up!" He stuttered keeping a tight hold on me

"Thoma, I'm fine!" I let out a faint chuckle and hugged him back.

"I would've never forgiven myself If something bad happened to you my friend!"

"I promise you, I'm fine... We are fine!" I muttered as my sheening eyes brimmed with lucid tears and my hands clutched at his jacket.

"It's all thanks to you..."

...

"Just one more time. Milk, Sakura Petals, Snapdragon and rice right?" I enquired for the thousandth time as I got out of the house.

"Finally!" Breathed mother a sigh of relief before closing the door behind me.

"Don't worry I won't take long!"

I raced through the crowded streets of Inazuma City blissfully imagining the piles upon piles of Tricolor Dango my mother is going to make me. I even started looking for ways to hide as many as possible from my father since he is an unstoppable devourer when It comes to mother's cooking. Only when the vendor enquired about what I need did I snap back to reality.

"Is that all little one?" He retorted with a smile.

"I'm 17! I am not little. I'm as tall as you kind sir!" I responded a bit irritated but I managed to feign a chuckle for the tension not to rise.

After his obviously insincere apology, I made my way back home enveloped in my own schemes again, until I bumped into a most unfamiliar face. He was my hight, blonde messy hair, gleaming green eyes and a large smile despite the deplorable state he was in.

"I sincerely apologize! I should've minded my footing." He uttered politely then bowed.

"Don't worry. No harm was done!" I smiled back to comfort him since he seemed embarrassed.

"Oh! I'm glad!"

"You're not from here are you?" I asked him.

"Yes, I hail from Mondstadt but a series of unfortunate events led me to be washed ashore on Inazuma's beach." He replied attempting to smile through the already gleaming tears but to no avail.

"I'm sorry." He added before proceeding to leave.

"Hey! How about you come back home with me? My mother is making Tricolor Dango which is the most delicious desert in the entirety of Inazuma. You wouldn't want to miss it trust me."

...

Now gathered inside a secret room hidden deep beneath The Kamisato Estate, kazuha and I alongside Itto and Kuki Shinobu waited for Ayato to join us. The content of the conversation he is going to have with us is somewhat known but I can't help but fear that he'll be carrying out much more than just reprehension.Ayato has always been the most cautious and shrewd person I know. Every move he makes and has ever made was always the product of thorough planning and consideration. But for him to bring us to his home instead of meeting us at the usual rendezvous point is an ill omen that now not only looms over us but only him and his family.

"Greetings my dear friends. I hope I haven't kept you waiting." He suddenly emerged from a dark corner with Thoma trailing behind him.

"Don't worry Ayato my bro. We know you're busy. If anything excuse us for disturbing you!" Smiled Itto foolishly.

"You are always welcome here...all of you." He feigned a smile as he ran his fingers through his light sky blue hair.

"Something is wrong isn't it?" I took a step a forward before things got more awkward.

"I'm sorry I wasn't as cautious as I promised you to be..." i then apologized, my fingers tightening into a fist that Kazuha tenderly put his hand on.

"It's not your fault. It is nobody's fault. The entirety of The Shogunate's forces have been immobilized. The Narukami Ogosho is insisting on enforcing The Vision Hunt Decree no matter the costs and consequences may be. She has even authorized the striking of temporary deals between The Tri-Commission and leaders of both Kairagi and Treasure Hoarders in order to subdue as many Vision Bearers as possible." He explained, his once calm-exuding eyes glinting with unmistakable disquiet.

"So, what are we to do now? What's the plan?" Enquired Kuki Shinobu already disturbed by the news.

"The Kamisato Clan is unfortunately, unable to grant you immunity against The Decree since It all falls under the jurisdiction of The Tenryou Commission whose head has expressed on various occasions that he harbors nothing but mistrust and apprehension for The Yashiro Commission. Therefore, Thoma, The Shuumatsuban and I can do nothing but make sure you are well hidden from The Decree Enforcers until further progress regarding this dilemma is made." He then added for the entire room to be muffled up in an air of uneasiness and consternation.

"You can't possibly shoulder the entirety of our expenses on your own and keep it veiled from the watchful eyes of the other two commissions Ayato! This is too much to ask of you!" I uttered displeased.

"We will manage. Your safety is our priority now." He feigned a smile once again.

"We need to stand up for what is right. Face The Shogunate head on. Even challenge The Raiden Shogun if It meant abolishing this stupid decree!" Yelled Kuki Shinobu furiously

"Talking is easy my dear friend. Acting upon it is not. For a resistance to take shape and rise, there must be a spark. There must be a firestarter. Someone Inazumans know and look up to. Someone whose voice would rumble as loudly as The Narukami Ogosho's beatific thunder. This person is unfortunately still nowhere to be found." He replied a look of disappointment enveloping every feature of his face.

"This person is not hiding away waiting for us to find them. This person can be anyone of us. Heck, they can be all of us! This is not a time to surrender!" I shouted, extremely annoyed by this negativity for Kazuha to again gently press on my closed fist.

"I second this my dude! You are absolutely right! No one should be treated as bad as this Raiden Shogun is treating us! I'd say she deserves a good beating!" Cheered Itto loudly.

"You are still as feisty and valiant as the young boy I met years ago. Glad you haven't changed a bit!" Uttered a Nine-Tailed Kitsune I never thought I'd see here or anywhere other than The Grand Narukami Shrine.

"Guuji Yae?! What are you doing here?!" Enquired Kuki Shinobu confused.

"Now now little ones, I am not here on behalf of The Electro Archon so no need to panic. I am here to help clarify some things for you and help out The poor and desperate Yashiro Commissioner." Her lustring pink foxy eyes gazed at each and every one of us from a tenebrous corner of the room before she swiftly appeared behind the green-haired girl, terrifying her to the core.

"That's not funny!" Shouted Kuki, gasping for air.

"Well, It is for me." She teased her with a petrifying wink.

"Lady Guuji, back to the point please." Reminded her Ayato.

"Yes, yes." She then giggled before positioning herself in front of Ayato.

"Unbeknownst to many of you, The Electro Archon is not someone you can easily take on in a duel. She is first of all a God, one of The Victorious Seven, a brilliant tactician and an unchallenged warrior. She is the incipence of The Musou No Hitotachi, the sword art that tore The Watatsumi Omikami and many other unfortunate Gods to unbound oblivion and evidently created The Musoujin Gorge. It is by her might that lightning falls and thunder bellows in every corner of the world. She is in orher words indisputed, unassailable...Eternal! While you are but mere mortals with so little grasp over a power that was bestowed upon you by her or her kin, which you not only can never fully fathom but also cannot completely control."

"If we cannot topple her throne of ideals we can at least try to change them." Joined in Kazuha.

"How sweet and innocent of you Kaedehara Kazuha! And how are you planning on reaching The Almighty Shogun, huh?" She let out a frolicsome chuckle.

"Tenshukaku duuuh!" Smugged Itto for Yae Miko to burst out laughing.

"Oh you are a delight to be around my Oni friend. Even if Ayato and I manage to get you inside Tenshukaku and you miraculously take down all of The Shogunate forces stationed there, none of you will be able to even stand against The Kujou Clan's Pride, Kujou Sara. She is a Tengu after all. A very mean and fierce one too."

"Then what do you propose?" I enquired eyeing Thoma and Ayato who seemed in complete compliance with Yae Miko's opinion, something I started to understand and agree with too.

"Stay away from Inazuma City. Migrate to Yashiori or Watatsumi Island and from there either travel to Liyue or Sumeru. If you cannot surrender your ambitions and aspirations to your Archon, you have no other choice but to flee."

"And can you help us achieve this?" I asked her already reconsidering my old plan.

"It will take some time since It won't be easy, but yes we can help you reach Liyue or Sumeru." Spoke Ayato confidently.

"It is settled then. Kazuha and I would like to leave Inazuma for the time being." I uttered for Kazuha to look at me shocked.

"I am not leaving the homeland of my ancestors just because of a minor set back." He retorted angrily.

"It is not just a minor set back Kazuha. The entirety of Inazuma is hell-bent on stripping us of our aspirations and will to live. The homeland of your ancestors is turning on you as we speak."

"It is still no excuse to run away. There must be a way to stop Her Excellency. There is always a way." He uttered in despair.

"For now, there is none. I suggest you heed your boyfriend's words Kaedehara Kazuha before either of you become the subject of the next Musou No Hitotachi." Told him Yae Miko now looking more serious than she has ever been. An indicator of how critical the situation is.

Amidst all of this suffocating desperation and stifling despondency, I excused everyone in the room and asked Thoma to take me and Kazuha to a place where we can have a private conversation.

"Kazuha please listen to me. I love Inazuma as much as you do. I will be losing as much as you, the moment I leave for Liyue. But It is unfortunately a necessary evil. I can't live a life of running and hiding cause eventually we will get caught and I would have to watch you lose your Vision or worse get executed by this Musou No Hitotachi thingy and I can't even dare imagine a life without you!" I explained the moment Thoma locked his room door behind us.

"I know my love and I appreciate your concern. However unlike you and me, many Vision Bearers don't have Ayato and Yae Miko to help them out whenever they fall. It is both unfair and inhumane to leave them fighting this tyrannical law alone. Inazuma has been through darker times. It is a land built upon endurance and resilience. Our ancestors would've never been able to raise such a nation if they fled to Liyue the moment perdition befell them. That's why It is not only our duty but also our calling to stand against The Vision Hunt Decree and endure until It is abolished." He responded with a slight smile as we held hands.

"I cannot risk losing you. Even if there is a one in a million chance that I would lose you, I will not take it. Kazuha we can't offer help to others when we are too in desperate need for it. I am sorry but your safety has been and will always be my first priority. I will sacrifice my own life to safeguard yours if It ever comes it." I said planting a kiss on his forehand.

"Stop saying this! Do you really think if, Archon forbid, you died for me I'd feel safe and in peace? Do you really think I'd live happily ever after, knowing that the love of my life died to protect me? You are not sacrificing your life for me! I have witnessed enough people sacrificing themselves for me, my grandfather, my father, my entire clan. I have had enough. I will not stand idly while you and everyone I care about try to shield me from the malevolence of this world. I am more than capable of sharing this burden with you. I am more than capable of taking it off your shoulders. I am more than capable of protecting you. So, please don't you ever say this hideous sentence again. I beg of you my love."

Faced with his words, I could do nothing but wipe off the tears that sheened his scarlet-varnished eyes and hold him close to me.

"I am sorry. It was never my intention to make you cry my love." I then apologized before kissing him on the forehead.

"I love you way too much to be upset with you."

...

"Who from Watatsumi can provide us safe harbor until we are ready to leave for Liyue?" I enquired as Ayato, Yae and me gathered around a table inside the hidden room.

"Its Divine Priestess, Sanganomiya Kokomi." Replied Yae.

"Is she a close ally?" I asked her.

"I am acquainted with a shrine maiden who happens to be one of her closest friends. Even with my irresistible charm, I can't possibly sway her into risking her island's safety not only to hide you from The Shogunate but also to provide you safe passage to Liyue." Giggled Guuji Yae in spite of the strangling tension.

"We can schedule a meeting with her."Intervened Ayato still weighing the odds.

"She will definitely ask for something in return. I mean I wouldn't be here If I didn't stand to gain something." Added Yae with a mischievous smirk.

"I know exactly what to offer her then."

...

Along the unusually quiet streets of Inazuma City, Thoma and I walked. We were covered from head to toe in clothes that served as veils to hide our identities from the patrolling Decree Enforcers, something I so loathed but couldn't go against...yet.

"Kazuha are you alright?" Enquired Thoma.

"I just needed some fresh air." I retorted sensing his disquietude.

"There's more to it than just that. Did you have a fight?" He asked me slightly leaning over me to examine my face.

"Yes, but we're fine now."

"Well... you don't seem like it. Care to talk about it?" He smiled gently as we neared Komore Teahouse.

"I don't know..."

"Over some tea maybe?"

...

"He has always been like this hasn't he?" I enquired, taking a sip of the warm tea Thoma prepared for us.

"Always prioritizing other's well-being over his...yes." Chuckled the blonde Mondstadtian a look of both nostalgia and gratitude enveloping his face.

"I don't want him to do that with me and even though he promised not to anymore, I can't quite get myself to believe him. This situation is indeed callous and he tends to put contingency plans whenever the stakes are this high, so the chances of him keeping his promise are as slim as threads." I uttered angrily as I slammed my cup on the table.

"Hey Kazuha, I know It is bothersome. Trust me he's done it to me a million times too. Did he tell you about the day him and his family took me in?" Whispered to me Thoma with a gentle chuckle.

"No, I reckon he did not."

"Well, when him and his family first took me in, I was but a lost foreigner whose misfortune carried him all the way from Mondstadt to Inazuma's shores. By pure happenstance, we bumped into each other on the streets and I ended up at his home, a stomach full of the most succulent Tricolor Dango in all of Inazuma and a terrible headache from all the scheming and the planning he forced me to be a part of. We literally spent the entire night in his room drawing maps, scribbling notes and messing with probability laws in order to find the most optimal way for me to mean a decent and happy life here." Told me Thoma as he reminisced on a past that felt too beautiful to not be evanescent.

"That does sound like something he would do..." I sighed then continued.

"When we first became a couple, everywhere we go, everyone we meet, everything we come across, harbored nothing but gratitude and praise for him. At first, I thought they all were his clients but with time I realized that his kindness reached every Inazuman from various walks of life. A kindness that neither required any reciprocation nor expected anything in return."

"Yes, you'd mistake him for a Commissioner if you were an outlander. But, knowing how much he loves and cherishes you, I say he will reconsider his methods and acknowledge your request." Reassured me Thoma.

"I hope so..."

...

"You have to start thinking seriously about your future my son. It is not a matter to be taken lightly." Scolded me mother as she struggled to sit straight.

"I know mother! I am establishing connections for my business. I told you I am slowly becoming a renowned merchant in Inazuma." I uttered, handing her the medecine that the doctore prescribed for her.

"You need a safety net nonetheless. No business remains successful forever. I suggest you appeal to Thoma. He can get you a job at The Yashiro Commission. Such a position within such an establishment will guarantee you a good life." She coughed.

"I have faith in what I do and by The Electro Archon's blessing, I will prevail against these hardships and you will make a full recovery!"

"Our Archon is indeed merciful. However, sometimes we ought to take matters into our hands. Being under a God's gaze may be a blessing but It can as well be a curse. It constitutes a constant trial during which you are obligated to perform in a way that pleases this God otherwise their wrath shall befall you quicker than their blessing did."

...

"Mother..." I muttered as I awoke in the middle of the night disturbed by this recollection.

The rain was pouring down from the darkened sky like a judgement finally delivered and a sanction forever maintained. My mother passed away during such a night, leaving me with a revelation that I used to call blasphemous.

"Is being under a God's gaze truly a blessing?"

"Nevermore shall I revere Gods as beings of divine mercy my dear mother. Forever shall I regard them as unholy transgressors."

...

I quietly got out of the guest room, Kazuha and I were assigned, and made my way to the kitchen to get some water.

"They're on their way." Whispered Ayato,abruptly, in my ear as soon as I walked into the kitchen.

"First Yae and now you?!" I scolded him, my heart skipping a beat out of terror.

"Well, we are the only ones awake so..." He chuckled seeming way calmer than he was earlier. A good omen I welcomed with pleasure.

"Did you talk to Kazuha about the plan?" He enquired and I fell silent for a second.

"He doesn't have to know. He is as stubborn as I am so there is no convincing him with fleeing Inazuma."

"So you will trick him into boarding the vessel. If and when Sanganomiya Kokomi agrees to our terms?"

"Unfortunately, yes. You'd do the same if It were..."

"Yes indeed." He Interrupted me seeming a bit embarrassed.

"You know Yoimiya and I are aware of you two right?" I smirked playfully.

"Don't push your luck in the presence of a Commissioner." He grinned maliciously.

"Yup! Time to go right?" I uttered starting to feel threatened by his gaze.

"Affirmative!"

As we settled into the secret room, an emerald-eyed Watatsumi Islander, who bared a striking resemblance to a Shiba Inu and who was clad in a fairly light armor, emerged before us. Alongside him was an indigo-eyed young woman donning a blue navy ceremonial gown and mimicking the splendour of a coral. She walked to the table while he followed her with his gaze.

"Greetings gentlemen!" She slightly bowed and smiled.

"I am Sanganomiya Kokomi of Watatsumi Island and this is the commander of my army, General Gorou." She carried on with the introduction.

"It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance Divine Priestess. I am Ayato The Head of The Yashiro Commission and this is my dear friend. I suppose Lady Yae Guuji filled you in on some details." We bowed back as Ayato took care of the formalities.

"Indeed she did. Her letter detailed the situation that we are all quite familiar with now."

"Your Excellency, our demands are simple. My lover and I request safe passage from your island to Liyue." I announced to her politely.

"So, diplomatic refuge and a vessel to provide you passage to Liyue." She retorted, fell silent for a moment then asked me.

"What does Watatsumi Island benefit from this risky deal?"

"I am a well known merchant in Inazuma and I have many connections in Liyue. I can use these connections to procure your Island with all the supplies It lacks to maintain its food security and The Adepti knowledge it may covet to solve The Holy Soil phenomenon once and for all." I stated my offer for the amazed Kokomi to call upon Gorou and consult him for a second.

"You seem to be fairly knowledgeable about the situation of our Island and while we will be demanding proof of the connections you claim to have established in Liyue, we also call for more than just this simple proposal." She responded calmly and with much confidence.

"More like what?" I enquired shocked.

"Assembling a resistance."

...

"If The Yashiro Commissioner and The Shirasagi Himegimi address the public's concerns about The Tyrannical Decrees and The Deathly Sanctions they incepeted while announcing their absolute opposition to them. Inazumans will surely rally to their cause." Demonstrated Kokomi her plan.

"A resistance will definitely form in Narukami Island. One that will eventually merge with the other currently gathering back on Watatsumi Island and finally force The Electro Archon into submission thus abolishing the decrees." Continued Gorou.

"This is all but wishful thinking my honored guests for the moment my sister and I bring such a revelation into the public, the other two Commissions will tear ours asunder and we will suffer her Excellency's Divine Punishment. We will not be the sacrificial lamb of such a scheme!" Opposed a very irritated Ayato this idea.

"There must be another way." I retorted trying to ease the tension.

"The opportunity we do not take is forever wasted, never to be seized again." Responded Kokomi seeming unshaken by Ayato's disdain of her plan.

"And I should've left this Estate a long time ago." Suddenly, spoke Kazuha from one of the dark corners of the room before leaving.

...

"KAZUHA WAIT!" I shouted at him as we raced through the empty dark halls of The Kamisato Estate.

But he did not respond.

Instead, he burst through the doors and into the courtyard where a torrential rainstorm took shape. I followed him outside but the moment I drew close to him, the cold edge of his blade caressed my neck.

"Kazuha what are you doing?" I enquired perplexed by this sudden act of violence.

"I know your intentions are pure but I cannot allow myself to live with someone who does not respect my choices and values my opinions." He uttered barely holding back the tears.

"I'm sorry but, your optimism and the honor you want to withhold faced with such callous circumstances, can never allow us to survive here. And I will not sit idly while our end draws near." I replied taking a few steps back from his katana.

"If you want me to stay. If you really love me, do not carry on with this plan. It spells nothing but our untimely doom."

"I can't." I muttered my grip tightening on my kimono as the tears scorched my eyes and the falling raindrops blurred my vision.

"Then our paths must diverge from here on." He spoke, disappointment donning his face and hurt adorning its every feature.

As he turned to leave, every scenario I worked valiantly to avoid came true right before my eyes. Every possibility of us parting ways became a reality despite all of my efforts to render it impossible to surge. A nightmare evidently ensued. Its vile corrosive tethers now seeking me out, vowing to bind me to a lifetime of unceasing torment and unabating contrition. It was a lost fight but I promised myself to never again let apprehension overwhelm me. Never again let Kazuha suffer the consequences of my recreancy.

"A duel Kazuha." I finally spoke.

"The victor gets to decide what to do."

...

At the center of the courtyard, we stood just a few meters away from each other, both having our hands on the handle of our katanas and our eyes on each other's feet.

All that I am about to do he taught me. Every movement and breathing technique, I learnt from him. My chances of beating my instructor are as slim as ever. But I will not go out without a fight.

"Your form is still a bit off. Your feet are not positioned symmetrically." He commented before I lunged at him blade first.

"Guess I'll never properly learn then." I retorted as he deftly parried my attack and followed up with a quick double slash that forced me to back off.

As soon as I recovered from his counterattack, he dashed towards me. But before our blades touched, he lept into the air raising a wind current that would've knocked me up if I hadn't dodged its rising gust. I immediately mustered the power of my Vision and launched a lightning bolt that traveled through the current, knocking him off of it.

"Are you okay?" I shouted startled as he regained his footing.

"I am fine." He struggled before once again lunging at me.

Our blades clashed humming the unsung melody of our love. A love writhing in the face of a peace uncertain and a quietus indubitable. A love flailing about within the remorseless clutches of an indomitable darkness, thrashed by the opprobrious hoar of a frore-hearted fate. Nevermore able to neither stride forward nor rise above.

We were bound but soon to be broken.

"Falling Leaves Adorn My Night!"

"Thunder Bellows, Lightning Falls