𝐴𝑚𝑜𝑟 𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑡 𝑂𝑚𝑛𝑖𝑎 ⎮ 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡

Kaedehara Kazuha ⟢ Back home

⟨ in which an encounter with someone familiar turns out to be a spectacular ⟩

﹅﹅﹅

The heavy scent of rain mingled with the tang of sea salt as I stepped out onto the cobblestone streets of Inazuma city. The storm had just passed, leaving the air thick with humidity and the sky a canvas of bruised purples and grays. I pulled my cloak tighter around my shoulders, the fabric still damp from my earlier dash through the downpour. The Shogun's decree had kept everyone indoors, but now, as the curfew lifted, the city began to stir to life once more.

Lanterns flickered to life along the storefronts, casting a warm, golden glow that reflected off the puddles scattered across the street. The sound of wooden clogs clacking against stone echoed through the narrow alleyways, mingling with the soft murmur of conversations as merchants reopened their stalls and vendors hawked their wares. The aroma of freshly grilled fish and sweet dango wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble in response.

I made my way towards the heart of the city, the towering presence of Tenshukaku visible even from a distance. The grand castle of the Raiden Shogun stood as a reminder of the power and order that ruled over Inazuma. Lightning still crackled occasionally around its spires, a testament to the Shogun's divine mandate. Despite the oppressive aura that surrounded it, the castle had always fascinated me. Its beauty was a stark contrast to the harsh realities that many of us faced daily under the Vision Hunt Decree.

As I passed by a small shrine tucked between two buildings, I paused to offer a quick prayer. The electro sigil carved into the stone felt warm under my fingers, a comforting reminder of the Electro Archon's presence. The shrine was dedicated to Narukami, and though I didn't have a Vision, I hoped the brief moment of reverence might bring me some luck. In these times, we all needed a bit of divine favor.

A familiar voice called out my name, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see Ayaka, the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan, hurrying towards me. Her elegant kimono was pristine despite the muddy streets, and she moved with a grace that made her seem almost ethereal. Ayaka had been a friend since childhood, her calm demeanor and quiet strength a constant source of inspiration.

"I'm glad to see you safe, Ayaka," I greeted her with a smile. "The storm was quite fierce earlier."

"And you braved it head-on, as usual," she replied, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "But there's something important I need to discuss with you. Can we walk?"

"Of course," I said.

We fell into step together, heading towards the quieter parts of the city where the sounds of daily life softened into a gentle hum. The once bustling marketplace faded into a tranquil backdrop of quiet alleys and shadowed nooks. The scent of rain lingered in the air, mingling with the fresh, earthy aroma of wet foliage from nearby gardens. Ayaka's expression grew serious, and I could sense the weight of her words before she spoke them.

"I have received word from an informant of mine that some new and old friends will be arriving soon," she said quietly, her voice barely rising above a whisper.

I glanced at her, surprised. Ever since the Vision Hunt Decree had been enacted, no one was allowed to enter or leave the nation. The stormy seas and constant surveillance by the Shogun's forces made any travel nearly impossible. "Really? How were they able to pass through the storm and the security measures?"

She frowned slightly, a delicate crease forming between her brows. "I'm not quite sure. The details were sparse, and the message was cryptic. But I wanted to inform you in case I need to entertain them at the Teahouse. After all, there are plans I want to see succeed, and their arrival could be crucial."