Seijun

Seijun remembers the sound most clearly: the high, sharp ring of their blade meeting Hiyohiko’s, an echo that shattered the quiet of the monoliths. The old wizards in The Crystal Highlands of Armaria still tell the story. Two trainees, sent to settle a territorial dispute with steel, sworn to be enemies. Hiyohiko moved with the rigid grace of a practiced duelist, while Seijun fought with a wild grin, their war paint a joyful snarl. They battled until the famous sunset bled across the sky, turning the crystals to fire. Hiyohiko stumbled, their footing lost on a patch of slick obsidian. Seijun’s katana was at their throat in an instant. But the finishing blow never came. Seijun simply held the blade there, breathing hard, until Hiyohiko met their gaze. They didn't leave as allies, but they no longer left as foes.