Omniscius II [Genshin Impact]

79: Duel Before the Throne

"Kamisato Ayato, I challenge you to a duel before the throne."

"Preposterous! You would dare challenge the Yashiro Commissioner to a duel?!"

"Soleil, what are you doing?!"

"You can't be serious!"

Ayato stared at Soleil silently, both unperturbed as voices of protests erupted in the halls. For some reason, meeting her unmoving gaze drowned everything else in silence.

All he wanted was to hear her breathing up close and match its pace. He exhaled slowly.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice soft and soothing like how Soleil remembered.

Soleil gave one brief and discrete nod. Ayato thinned his lips, "I see."

"Silence."

The Raiden Shogun's voice cut through the uproar, and all went still. The Shogun cast her indifferent gaze on Ayato.

She was waiting for his decision. Ayato looked at the blade pointed at him, then at its unwavering mistress staring straight into his eyes.

She brought nothing else but this blade. Ayato wanted to smile, but it would be one that was humorless.

"You've prepared for this moment," he said. Did she really mean for this to happen?

"You have the option to refuse the challenge, Lord Kamisato," Kujou Sara said, "A duel before the throne is not something to be made light of."

"I'm aware," Ayato said, "And I accept."

He swiftly slashed out with his blade, putting distance between him and Soleil as she jumped backward.

Hearing his response, the Raiden Shogun's stern glare returned to its usual indifference.

"Proceed," the Shogun commanded. A curtain of apprehension fell on the onlookers, realizing a desperate truth.

One of them has to fall. Ayato chuckled bitterly. All of this could've been prevented if he said no.

But even so, I could not refuse you even if I tried, Ayato stared at Soleil and raised his weapon. And that's what I disliked the most.

They both walked around one another with slow, careful steps, blades firm in their grasps, waiting for the other to make the first move.

"This was the day I was hoping would never come," Ayato said, "But it was time that I faced the truth."

No matter how many times Ayato tried to stop it or deny it, the day came where their true convictions would finally clash. That day arrived at last and the God of Eternity was there to witness it.

Soleil wanted to settle their disagreements at last. When words no longer have reason and the heart could not be still, the only thing left is for their blades to do the talking. Their truest sentiments come to light.

"Ready when you are," Ayato said, taking up his position. Soleil followed suit, "Let's go."

Ayato finally came to terms with the situation, steeling his heart and refining his movements and gripped his blade. He struck first.

He took one step forward, propelling himself forward and opened his attack with a slash. Soleil adjusted her grip and met him halfway, raising her own blade to meet his.