Genshin Impact: The Origins

Traitor

"I warmly welcome you all to this year's forge ceremony," my father began to speak. Why is he making this sound like some competition? I thought to myself.

"Each one of us is presenting our clan, so this is like a cold war between clans," Yashiro told me, as if he had just read my mind.

"Man, can you read other people's minds? You're scaring me," I exclaimed, feeling a shiver run down my spine.

"Everyone has their own secrets, young master," he answered cryptically.

My father's welcome speech didn't take long to finish.

"Now, I'm going to call your name. After I say your name, you will be escorted to your designated place by a guide. Remember, you must complete your work within one week. You will not be allowed to meet anyone during this time or leave your designated area until your work is finished. We will supply your daily rations."

"The power of the divine only lasts for this week. After that, even if you craft a weapon, it will be pointless. It will not bear any idealism," my father continued solemnly, his words carrying a weight that hung heavy in the air.

"I'm going to start calling your names! When your name is called, please step forward," my father announced, then began to read from a list. One by one, individuals stepped forward until only Takashi and I remained. He was the platinum blonde-haired boy I had noticed earlier (at first, I thought he had white hair, but upon closer inspection, it was platinum blonde).

"Raiden Shahasra!" My name was called, and I stepped forward to stand between Tenryou and Yashiro.

"And lastly," my father looked at the list and seemed momentarily stunned. "Kaedehara Takashi." He pronounced the name slowly, and Takashi stepped forward to join us. The entire area fell into deep silence, like the calm before a tsunami. After a few moments, the tsunami struck.

"WHAT THE HELL ONE OF THOSE TRAITORS DOING HERE"
"TAKE HIM OUT, NOW"
"BETRAYER, GO TO HELL"

I became deeply confused. What were they talking about?

"This is bad. He shouldn't have come here. I respect his bravery or stupidity, but people will kill him. No wonder he never tells his surname," Yashiro remarked

"Yashiro, what's going on? Why is everyone so enraged?" I asked, my confusion growing deeper.

"Young master, I know you are confused. Let me explain. Do you know Lady Shinano was poisoned during her pregnancy? It almost cost her life, and it took the life of her unborn child," Yashiro explained

"So, wait, don't tell me..." I trailed off, the realization slowly dawning on me.

"Yes, the culprit was caught. He was from the Kaedehara clan. His name was Kaedehara Zenjiro. And the worst part? He was the right-hand man of Young Master's father, Lord Raiden Isshin. He served as the general when Lord Isshin was the Shogun. As a result, he and the entire Kaedehara clan were exiled after that," Yashiro explained with a heavy tone.

************

(from Ei's point of view)

This is bad. I immediately looked at Shahasra; he appeared clueless, but the light blue-haired boy next to him began to explain everything. As I remembered, he was from the Kamisato clan. Slowly, Shahasra's expression darkened. The crowd started to become full of rage. Some began to throw things at Kaedehara Takashi. He didn't even try to dodge; he just stood there and took every hit. Suddenly, I saw a large rock flying towards his head. The sender yelled "Die" while throwing it. Takashi seemed lost in his own thoughts, but if that rock hit him, he would suffer a serious injury.

But suddenly, I saw Shahasra surging with lightning, and then, with a thunderous sound, he kicked that rock. It happened so fast; I didn't even have time to think. After that, he yelled,

"Everyone, calm down right now!" Shahasra's voice thundered across the chaos, cutting through the anger and hostility like a blade.

Everyone started to calm down after that. Kaedehara looked confused, his eyes reflecting a mix of shock.

"Why did you save me..." Kaedehara couldn't finish the whole line because Shahasra punched him, causing Kaedehara to fall to the ground.

"You stupid idiot! What are you thinking? Have you lost your mind?" Shahasra yelled at him, his voice filled with anger and frustration.

Kaedehara was totally speechless. We all were. After a few moments, Shahasra stopped yelling. He turned to face the crowd.

"Let him be here for today. I know everything that happened with his clan. But is trying to kill him or hurt him truly necessary?" Shahasra asked, his voice calmer now, but still carrying authority.

"Young master, think twice. They tried to kill your mother. It's a disgrace to Samurai honor," an elder from one clan told Shahasra

"I understand, Elder. But isn't everyone here to prove their worth, their skills? Am I right?" Shahasra responded, his tone firm yet diplomatic.

"But they are disgraced."

"I acknowledge that, Elder. But perhaps we can find another way to address this without resorting to violence," Shahasra suggested, his voice carrying a note of compassion and understanding.

"As I've heard, before they were exiled, the Kaedehara clan was the most powerful swordsmithing clan in Inazuma. Or..." Shahasra paused, making a mocking face.

"Don't tell me you're all chickening out because he might craft the finest blade here, surpassing your clans," he taunted, his words carrying a hint of challenge.

They started to make some disapproving noises again, but none of them said anything to Shahasra.

"Okay, how about this. Let him craft. After our crafting is done, he and I will have a battle. The prize for the winner, the clan elders can decide it," Shahasra proposed. Gradually, everyone started to approve of the idea.

I still didn't understand what he was thinking, but knowing him, I had a feeling he had a plan.

************

(from Shahasra's point of view)

To be honest, I didn't have an idea or plan about what I was doing. The only thing I felt was that I needed to help Takashi. My father approved the duel. After we finished crafting our blades, we would fight. It meant we would use real swords-swords that could kill.

"Why? Why are you doing this? To humiliate me?" Takashi asked me, his voice mixed with rage and sadness, his fists shaking with emotion.

"I can sense it. You've lost your cause, your will to live," I replied, my voice softening with empathy.

"You know nothing about me!" Takashi retorted, his voice filled with frustration and defiance.

"Then prove it. If you can't fight for yourself, fight for your clan. If you're able to do that, I will make sure the Kaedehara clan will be accepted back into Inazuma. But if you fail..." I let the implication hang in the air, leaving Takashi to contemplate the consequences.

I left him and went back to my place, feeling the weight of one problem after another pressing down on me. I glanced at Ei; she looked pretty, um... mad. Well, that was another problem to deal with.