Omniscius II [Genshin Impact]

Inazuma Epilogue II: Transience of the Gifted

Thoma remembered the last time the Kamisato siblings wore black. It was at their parents' funeral. Ayaka was too old to be a toddler but too young to be a child, and Ayato was too old to be a child but too young to be a teenager.

It was a dreary memory of the past, and Thoma believed he wouldn't see another sight like that any time soon, nor did he expect to experience the Sakoku Decree twice.

But he was wrong. At least the Decree was lifted once more after the war in Seirai. But the funeral... That was different.

The Kamisato Lord and Lady were once again in black silk robes, plain and simple. Ayaka did not wear her usual accessories and garments, leaving her hair down. The Estate was silent as they mourned without words and ceremony.

People slowly forgot about the day Ayaka mourned at Tenshukaku, and life at Inazuma was undisturbed. Unperturbed.

But there were those who shared Ayaka's sentiments. Shinobu offered prayers at the shrine. Yoimiya heard of the news and extended condolences to Ayaka, expressing her own regrets about the situation.

Shikanoin Heizou visited the Estate with Kujou Sara, and Ayaka received them primly. Even then, she had an image to maintain.

Hold your head up high, she'd tell herself. She didn't want to disappoint Soleil when she had proven herself to be a grown and capable young woman.

Ayaka sat by the window of her private chambers. Thoma was next to her, keeping her company as they mourned in silence.

"Thoma, how is brother doing?" Ayaka asked. "He's...been better, milady," Thoma answered, "He appreciated the flower arrangements you put in his room. He wanted to tell you he felt a little better."

Ayaka was sympathetic. How difficult was it for her brother to make that decision and contribute to Soleil's downfall before the Raiden Shogun?

"He adored her. Everyone at the Estate could see the way his gaze softened when she stops by to visit," Ayaka smiled, "He'd adore her even more when Soleil snaps at his teasing remarks about the slightest things."

Ayaka's eyes burned as she breathed shakily. "My brother loved her dearly," she whispered, "But he had to let her go."

Ayaka leaned on Thoma, allowing him to hug her with same brotherly warmth as Ayato's.

"He truly did. That's why he chose to sacrifice his desire and protect her honor one last time," he muttered.

Soleil was to be executed as a criminal. But allowing her to challenge him as duellists saved her from dying dishonorably. In the events where it could be brought up, people would remember her as a fair warrior. Not as the enemy's agent.

"Brother had plans to propose to her. When the time was right and all was settled, he said, he'd invite Soleil to join our family and lead the clan alongside him. He was lovestruck," Ayaka giggled lightly.

"Ah, who could blame milord for his feelings? Soleil was an incredible woman. She was smart and capable, and she knew how to tug his heartstrings," Thoma chuckled, "I'm sure none of us would've said no to the idea of Soleil being a Kamisato."

Ayaka knew Ayato loved Soleil deeply. He did everything he could to save her. But in the end, it was also that same love that made him realize that to love someone means to let them go.

Ayaka could not blame her brother for the duel, for she was meant to lose either one of them in the end. It was her conviction to accept and respect their decisions and honor the outcome.

A decision finally quelled the resentment and pain that weighed on their shoulders for years. Ayaka slowly accepted this outcome with peace in her heart. She knew Soleil would want her to do the same.