A/N: So sorry for the wait, life happens, but I was genuinely stuck with this chapter, had to re-write 3 times, mb
...
An all too familiar duo walked through the bustling Inazuma port city. They didn't hurry and Alexander tried his best to explain the culture, history and other interesting points about his… home.
He hadn't lived here for long, nor did he travel the lands, as he wasn't too interested in seeing the separate islands, but he was pretty knowledgeable nonetheless, he lived and studied in the Grand Narukami Shrine after all.
Their road to Inazuma was rather comfortable and uneventful, except for when Alexander received a system message of a completed quest, rewarding him two perk points for the complete eradication of the crime syndicate.
It seemed that Mondstat was quite efficient in sending out word, the other nations were not lousy either.
In all honesty, Alexander had almost forgotten about the quest panel existing multiple times already, since the quest assignments are not frequent and his mind wanders to other tasks.
Either way, the young man walked steadily towards an all too familiar mountain, studying his perks and progress, planning where to advance his abilities next.
The path to the Grand Narukami Shrine wound upward through ancient cedars, their roots gripping the mountainside like gnarled fingers. Cherry blossoms drifted on the breeze as soft pink snow settled on Alexander's shoulders and caught in Xianyun's immaculate silks.
Loki, perched atop Alexander's helm, bat at the falling petals with violet-eyed delight, his tiny claws clicking against the steel as he missed most of the time.
As they passed, locals all paid their attention to the unfamiliar figures, especially the man. Alexander's armour bore the honest wear of an equipment used for their purpose, but its sight was too unconventional and eye catching for the land of thunder and lightning.
Xianyun walked beside him, serene as a mountain lake. Her only concession to travel was a single stray blossom tangled in her hair, which she hadn't noticed. Loki chose that moment to leap from the helm, landing silently on Xianyun's shoulder. He nuzzled her cheek, purring like a tiny storm.
"Mrrrow," he chirped, as if reminding her of the world's simple joys, bringing her out of a deep reverie.
Ahead, the shrine gates came into view, a weathered threshold where stone met living wood. And there, halfway up the final slope, stood Saiguu, her face adorned a teasing smile, but warm and welcoming eyes.
"Alex," she called, her voice warm as hearth smoke.
"It's quite astonishing that you recognised me."
The kitsune chuckled, placing her hands on her hips in a haughty manner, "A mother can always recognise her child, even if it's the runt of the litter, who ran away Raiden knows where." She joked.
"Hahahaha, it's so good to see you Lady Saiguu, come meet my companion and closest friend, Xianyun, an Adeptus of Liyue." Alex laughed aloud, his mood full of joy.
Saiguu's teasing smile softened, but her eyes held the sharp watchfulness of a guardian assessing unfamiliar power. She gave a shallow, formal bow.
"Honored traveler," she said to Xianyun, her voice warm. "I am Saiguu, the Guuji of this shrine. Your presence graces our path."
Xianyun inclined her head, the stray cherry blossom trembling in her hair, prompting Loki to try and smack it away. "This One is called Cloud Retainer or Xianyun, you can refer to me however you wish." Her gaze swept the ancient cedars, the moss-eaten stone gates. "Your mountain breathes with a deep, old rhythm. Few places remember such songs." She finished with respect.
"Unsurprising that one such as yourself can sense the changes." Saiguu answered.
Soon their conversation flowed naturally, not exactly kindred spirits, but centuries of experience and knowledge tend to be a good connection point, especially when slowly ascending one of the biggest mountains.
Saiguu walked on Alexander's one side, "You've grown quieter since Liyue," she observed.
"The weight of roads changes even the lightest step." Xianyun added from his other side.
Alexander chuckled, "I can't help but listen when an Adeptus and a Youkai are speaking riddles and puzzles my mind can't comprehend."
Saiguu smiled, "You haven't spoken much to Baal, I would guess Morax is the same."
Xianyun nodded, "He is… distant… like the moon to the tide. Even his presence is slowly disappearing even from Liyue…" She paused where the steps narrowed, letting Saiguu pass first. "Your shrine, however, breathes with a presence that chooses to remain." Her sharp eyes took in the moss-eaten lanterns lining the path. "This mountain is not merely guarded. It is loved."
"Baal is a great ruler, loved by the people and the youkai, the Grand Narukami Shrine was built in her favour, the mountain itself has a special place in our old hearts." Saiguu's tone carried reminiscence.
Halfway up the slope, where the path curved around a torii gate draped in faded prayer strips, the mountain revealed a pink figure Alexander had not seen for a long time.
Yae Miko sat on a sun-warmed boulder, her back to them as she tended a row of stone lanterns. Her sleeves were pushed up to her elbows, revealing forearms dusted with ash from cleaning wicks. The silver maple-leaf hairpin, of Liyue produce, caught the light as she bent forward, utterly absorbed in her task.
Alexander approached slowly, his boots never making a sound, but the others did. Yae's head lifted at the sounds. Her violet eyes widened, then softened into something quieter than surprise. Recognition.
The young man held his helmet beside him, his deep black eyes serene, as they watched her face and movements.
"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," she said, not unkindly. She set down her cleaning cloth and stood, brushing ash from her palms. Her gaze swept his armour, "I see you traded leather for steel, looks good on you."
"Thank you, I think so too." he smiled, relieved.
"Good to see you again, Lady Adeptus, didn't expect you to be his new tag along." Yae greeted Xianyun next, recognising her from the aura of wind, even if the form was different.
"Greetings, child." the Adeptus greeted back curtly.
"And what's this black furball?" Yae asked, casting her gaze towards the cat in Xianyun's arms.
"That is Loki, he is a bit of a mischievous menace, you will get along fine with him." Alexander joked as he scratched under the kitten's chin.
"May I ask what is the purpose of your visit?" Miko continued the conversation, there was no hostility, but there was a kind of awkwardness.
Xianyun inclined her head. "This One walks where the wind leads. Today, it led to cherry blossoms and the scent of plum wine on the air." Her gaze flickered to Yae's hairpin. "And echoes of choices made long ago."
Yae's hand drifted unconsciously to the silver maple leaf at her temple. "Some choices," she said lightly, "deserve a second glance." She turned to Alexander, her tail flicking once, barely a movement. "The shrine's been too quiet without your terrible attempts at haiku. The maidens have taken to composing verses about actual poets."
"Hahaha, does that mean we are welcome?" Alex brushed off the comment, his eyes looking deep into Yae's.
"I suppose, not like I'm the Guuji anyway." She averted her eyes and shooed the trio away with her hand.
Alexander laughed again, his mood improving even further. "I brought Wolvendom's wild strawberries."
"Save them for tea," Yae said, "Besides," she added, glancing back at Xianyun and Saiguu, "I'd like to hear how a Liyue Adeptus ended up traveling with a boy who can't tell the difference between a bonsai and a weed."
As they ascended, the path widened and their talks continued. Saiguu walked behind them, watching the young man's shoulders relax with every laugh. Xianyun followed, her pipe unlit but held loosely in her fingers, observing the way Yae's tail swayed in time with Alexander's stride.
However, there was no longer any romantic tension between them from back when she first met them, on the slopes of her mountain.
Two people, putting their pasts behind them and rediscovering friendship, a pleasing scene to the eye, the ancient immortals thought.
Near the summit, Yae paused by a weathered shrine marker. She traced the carved characters with her thumb. "You know," she said without turning, "I watered this stone every dawn after you left Liyue. The moss grew back thicker. Like stubborn roots." She finally looked at him, her violet eyes holding his. "Welcome home, Alex."
"Glad to be here, Yae." he smiled.
Beyond lay a courtyard where time moved like slow tea steam. The air hummed with the scent of sandalwood incense and damp moss. Two shrine maidens in crisp white hakama paused their sweeping, eyes wide at the armored stranger with a familiar face and the woman whose beauty didn't lose to either Saiguu or Yae who stood beside them.
"Your room is still the same as when you left, Alexander. We will prepare a guest room for you shortly, Xianyun." Saiguu led them past a koi pond, "Rest, wash the road from your skin. Tonight, we share tea beneath the plum blossoms."
"Don't mind if I do, you will have to tell me all about the landmarks I should visit this time, can't believe I know Liyue more than home." he quipped.
.
.
.
Rain lashed Alexander's face as a huge electro-crab scuttled forward, mandibles snapping violet sparks.
He didn't flinch. Didn't shout. His greatsword, blazing red and burning with a visible layer of fire, swept upwards in an arc,
Slice
shearing through the creature's shell like butter. Two halves of carapace dropped into the sand, revealing steaming, translucent meat beneath. Violet light flared from the wound, battling the fire that was cauterising the halves. Then it ended with a hiss.
Two more crabs surged from the surf. Alexander pivoted, boots sinking into the wet sand. Swinging around a full circle, his blade whistled sideways, cleaving one crab's legs and immobilising it.
The second leapt, its pincers closing on his head.
Snap
But Alex never had his helmet snapped, dodging under it, letting the momentum carry him behind the crab, after which his equipment changed into a familiar light gambeson, allowing Alex to jump higher, onto its back
Crack
Changing back into the heavy armour, he stomped his leg with full force, the weight grinding it into the sand until its shell cracked like an egg. Red ooze seeped between his boots, lighting still cackling around the twitching meat.
But no rest was allowed for the wicked daredevil who encroached upon a hidden area, seeped in ancient and dark emotions… grudges…
Thrum-thrum-THUD.
Above him, the swarm coalesced. Hundreds of wisps fused into a serpentine shape fifty paces long, its body crackling with raw Electro energy. It hissed a terrible sound, grating on the ears.
Rain stung his eyes. Sand dragged at his boots. But once again, he planted his feet as the serpent struck, greatsword held high. He didn't swing. He waited.
Crackle.
The serpent's fangs, jagged bolts of violet lightning, snapped inches from his face. Heat blistered his cheek. His [Warrior: Blooded] perk held him steady, cold and clear.
He felt the vibration shift in the sand beneath his boots, a split-second warning. He twisted his hips, using the serpent's momentum against it, and drove his blade upward.
Crunch.
Steel met energy. Violet light flared, blinding him for an instant. The impact shuddered up his arms, jarring his teeth. He gritted them, pushing deeper. The serpent shrieked, its form rippling like disturbed water. He yanked the blade sideways, tearing through its core.
A fiery stream followed, the raindrops evaporating when falling close to it.
But it didn't die. It fragmented back into the usual forms the wisps took.
Hundreds of them burst from the wound, scattering like sparks from a firework. They darted toward him, some as crabs, others as birds, one even taking the shape of a howling wolf.
Alexander backed up, his breath coming steady despite the burn in his lungs and the twitch in his fingers. His [Magecraft: Restoration] was working overtime and the fatigue just kept on increasing.
But instead of despairing or giving into being tired, calling Xianyun into the battle, he brought the greatsword into a thrusting stance and lowered his body in a lunge.
Swoosh
With great speed, his greatsword moved in tight, efficient arcs, each strike slicing through another creature.
Shells and feathers rained down, steaming in the rain. Gore coated his body, thick and warm despite the cold downpour.
With time, he began getting caught on mistakes, on lapses of judgement due to fatigue. A crab's claw had torn a gash in his left pauldron, revealing the dented steel beneath,
Thud
another hit him in the back, breaking the stance.
His boot caught on a half-buried rock. He stumbled, knee sinking into the wet sand. A gull wisp dove for the slits in his helmet, aiming at his eyes.
Alexander raised his sword hilt, not to block, but to catch the creature mid-dive. Its talons scraped his gauntlet, as he slammed the butt of his sword into the gull's skull.
Crack
It dissolved into fading sparks.
He sprang back up, but dropped flat as another lightning bolt seared the air. This one struck the dune behind him, melting sand into glass. Heat washed over his back.
The swarm reformed. This time, it took human shape, much smaller than the serpent, a testament to the number of foes felled.
Still, it was a towering figure of crackling violet energy, its outline shifting like smoke. It raised an arm. Dozens of crabs scuttled from the surf, climbing its legs, merging into its form and then it charged.
Once again, Alexander didn't retreat, nor did he beckon for Xianyun to provide assistance.
Again, sand flew beneath his steel boots. Again, rain blurred his vision. But he focused on the vibration in the earth, the rhythm of the giant's steps.
Thud. Thud. THUD.
He counted them. Ten paces out, he dropped and rolled beneath its sweeping arm. Violet claws raked the air where his head had been. He came up swinging. His greatsword bit deep into the giant's ankle.
Screech
The creature stumbled. Violet light bled from the wound. Alexander pressed the advantage. He drove his blade upward, cleaving through the back of its knee. The giant crashed to the remaining one, catching itself with the arms and shaking the ground.
Not wasting a second, Alexander leapt towards its forearm and drove his sword into its shoulder.
The giant's arm went limp and the swarm's light dimmed. Soon, the human shape dissolved into wisps, scattering in panic.
But Alexander wasn't done. He spun, greatsword whistling in a wide arc shattering forms he was able to catch fleeing.
Silence descended.
Only the rain remained. The hiss of steam rising from molten sand and the greatsword that was burning away the blood and the rain alike.
Ten paces behind him, Xianyun hadn't moved. Her silks were immaculate despite the rain, untouched by gore or sand, as Anemo was formed like a layer around her.
Alexander fell on his bottom. The blade was cooling down fast, a layer of Pyro was no longer coating it. He checked his armor's integrity but focused more on using the restoration magic.
Xianyun stepped forward, her shadow fell across the wet sand beside him, "Good job." she said, as she sat beside him, forming a boundary of Anemo, so that the rain didn't bother the both of them.
"Thank you, teacher." He unequipped his greatsword.
"When you said it was too boring at the Shrine, I didn't expect you would go looking for trouble as soon as you could." The pink haired troublemaker, who tagged along, finally said a word.
"You made me miss so much stuff, back when forcing me into going along to Liyue with you." Alex joked.
"I never forced anybody." She showed her tongue joining in on the teasing.
"I am simply using time efficiently to check out what Inazuma has to offer, y'know?" He then truthfully stated the reason for not sitting still at the Shrine.
Soon, once again the trio set off, but not far, as Saiguu prepared horses for them this time, for a more comfortable time travelling around.
As they mounted their horses, they sped off, never looking back. But behind them, the sea reclaimed the shore. Waves washed over shattered shells and molten glass.
Thunderstrike
And a sparkling pair of violet eyes that seemed to see all.