Author's notes:

Hi, are you guys ready for another chapter of Breakout Into Song!

I know I am.

I'm also excited for the new ver. 2.6 update for Genshin, but I am conflicted whether I should save my primogems or use them to pull. It's really a choice between wanting Ayaka or Yelan. Since I'll be farming artifacts and ascension materials for them. Better to make my choice now and prepare and plan head.

With that said, on to the show.

Song Parodied is "Your Welcome" From Disney's Moana. Which was fun to write and tricky too.

Again you can listen to the instrumental for the immersion. You can even try to sing along if you want too!

Here is the chapter enjoy! Plus a short omake preview for the next chapter.


Chapter 6:

'You're Welcome'

(Ft. Rex Lapis)

"Keqing, Paimon is meaning to ask this, but…"

The Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing raised an eyebrow at the traveler's floating companion across from her on the table. She paused in taking another golden shrimp ball to her mouth, before addressing little pixie properly, seeing the curious expression Paimon held. Which was also shared by the traveler, Lumine, who was sitting on her right.

"What is it Paimon? If it's a question you have for me, then I can answer it with the best of my abilities. Though it also depends on the question itself, whether its business related or personal. I can't answer if it's something I can't share due to contract or I'm not comfortable with. I'll refuse if that's the case."

"Well, that's Keqing. Concise and straight to the point." Paimon giggled from the manner Keqing responded, before asking. "Paimon's just curious when you developed your ugh… distaste? Or unique point of view regarding the gods and Adepti?"

"Oh." Keqing was surprised at the inquiry, but not unexpected. If anything, she wondered when either Paimon or the traveler, who also shared the same curiosity as her companion, would ask regarding this topic. She knew herself of being a skeptic, her opinions regarding the gods and Adepti are in contrast to most of Liyue's populace, while being an advocate for the progression of the age of man and Liyue's independence from the divine.

But she also knows she's been garnering more respect for Rex Lapis and his works, the heavy duty and responsibilities that fell into the Qixing's hands once he passed away, after being humbled by the sheer weight of it all.

So it's understandable that Paimon and Lumine were to ask when she began her skepticism mindset, just as her current ideology is shifting to something more balance and less antagonistic to the gods and Adepti, than what her previous self's once held. And fortunately, it was fitting that their current location at the present is where it all began.

The place being the Wangshu Inn.

They decided having lunch together here, under Lumine's request for them to hang out and spend time together before her journey to Inazuma. Just as the traveler finished a commission in the area, and Keqing was coincidentally finishing her business with the Boss lady of the Wangshu Inn.

"Well, if the two of you don't mind hearing my story regarding it." Keqing starts, just as Paimon and Lumine leaned closer to attention. "Okay seeing that the two of you do…"

Keqing gave a wayward stare as she begins to reminisces the past.

"It was some years ago when my grandfather was still alive, and like today, I accompanied him on a business outing to here, the Wangshu Inn…"


Several years ago…

10-year-old Keqing stood beside her grandfather, holding her elder's hand, while he greets the boss of the inn and begins to chat amicably about their current affairs, at times catching up with the latest news related to Liyue.

Keqing's grandfather was here for official business under the Liyue's Qixing, while Keqing tag along so that she may spend time with her grandfather and maybe learn a thing or two from her experienced grandfather regarding Liyue's policies and business strategies, even despite her age.

Always the efficient and opportunistic girl, young Keqing was.

But also still on the bench of her opinions regarding the gods and Adepti. The topic regarding the divine was never her interest or a habit of putting her attention to when she was toddler, despite the many stories her family told her of their great and almighty Archon Rex Lapis.

Keqing, unknowingly, started to garner a mild interest when her grandfather told her he would be hosting the next rite of descension the following year. While also giving a speech, as tradition expected, to all of Liyue and to their geo lord when he descends to give his divine reading. With the speech given most of the time, either composed of words of wisdom or praises to their god, and an important part of the rite, which was also a great honor to the speaker to do so.

Hence, it was why Keqing knew her grandfather was already preparing his speech, even if the Rite of Descension was still months away, but less than half a year before the event arrives.

Part of the reason why Keqing and her grandfather were in Wangshu Inn was for the latter to gather inspiration for what he's speech was going to be. Mainly revolving around the gods and Adepti, with the Inn itself rumored to house the last surviving Yaksha still fulfilling his duties.

"Keqing dear, grandpa's going to need to follow the Boss for a bit." Keqing's grandfather suddenly spoke, looking down at the 10-year-old beside him. "Is it okay if I'll meet you at the balcony later? I won't be gone for long and I've already asked the staff to set up a table for us for our lunch. You can decide what you want to order too, anything you want. Then we can ask for it once I meet up with you later."

"Okay, Yeye." Keqing may have answered a bit enthusitically, upon her grandfather mentioning she can order anything she wants.

(*Yeye = Grandpa; in Chinese)

The little lady already knew what she wanted to order, basically all the golden shrimp balls she can eat. While her grandfather makes a low chuckle, knowing what his granddaughter was thinking.

The elder gave Keqing a pat on the head, before the future Yuheng made her way to the balcony. Her grandfather wasn't worried for her safety or letting her go by herself since Wangshu Inn was relatively safe, and he had faith that the guardian Yaksha was dutifully watching over them for any sight of trouble.

This left Keqing by herself with her own personal thoughts. Her mind freely threading between thinking of golden shrimp balls and her grandfather's speech—or rather his fixation to the divine. Then slowly fixing her attention to the latter and started to wonder what kind of speech her grandfather would make.

Would he be giving praise to Rex Lapis like most of his believers and acolytes? Give a rising speech to Liyue and maybe say something about aiming for a better tomorrow?

Keqing then a had a sudden thought. Should she be given the same opportunity as her grandfather, what would she say to Rex Lapis, the Adepti, and all of Liyue?

She knew there was some proper etiquette and practices to be done whenever one is to have an audience and converse with divine beings like the Adepti. Rules to follow, and manners to uphold in the face of the immortal and illuminated beast. But Keqing didn't know what they were to begin with and promised herself to read up more about them when the opportunity arises.

Though, at the present, she was left stump of what words she could say to the gods or the Adepti in her hypothetical scenario.

Normally 10-year-olds, or kids of Keqing's age, wouldn't bother themselves to think too seriously of thought-provoking topics or questions like 'What would you say to a god if you met one?'. Or others that were mostly born from sporadic curiosity and boredom as expected of kids their age.

But Keqing was different, her mindset more serious and goal oriented driven than most kids of her generation. Her upbringing and her desire to follow her grandfather's footsteps in progressing Liyue for the better, were big influences on her character.

As such, little Keqing had a serious expression, with pouting lips and furrowed eyebrows, as she sat in the table reserved for her and her grandfather. Thoughts about golden shrimp balls put aside for now, and more on making her own Rite of Descension speech, plus the hypothetical contents it would contain.

"This is hard…" Keqing made a low whine. "What can you say to the gods, without offending them or saying the wrong thing? Is there even a right way to address them?"

"Well… Before you can think of the words you want to say to them..." A stranger's voice spoke. "You'd have to know what your intentions are, or the thoughts and feelings I assume, you'd want to convey to them first. As it is normally done in conversations generally."

"I guess…" Keqing said in reply, to the sudden random voice that came out of nowhere. Until realizing she wasn't alone.

Keqing turned to look at the source and found a man with a heavenly divine aura present before her. Clad in elegant robes, hands and arms coated in geo, energy pulsing in his veins.

Keqing knew who this man—no, god was. She immediately made to move from her seat and bow, as her family thought her to do so. Showing her respect for the gods, or rather in this case, finding herself in the presence of their Archon, Rex Lapis.

But the lord of Geo was quick to stop Keqing before she began to genuflect. "Calm yourself child. No need to bow."

"But… you're… Lord Rex…" Keqing stuttered. Chastising herself for doing so, but she was still a child in the face of their Archon. As emphasize by her shorter frame compared to the tall man, she felt small.

But Rex Lapis's tone was gentle. His deep baritone voice attempting to be soothing for the child before him. "It's okay. No need for the formalities, you can address me as simply as Rex or Rex Lapis, whichever is comfortable for you." He even adds a compliment from seeing how respectful Keqing was. "I could tell you are a well-mannered child. Not many would have possess the same level of decorum as you are in your age."

"Oh… Thank you. Lord Rex." Keqing shyly, looks down. Having a hard time to look at the Geo Archon. Still in disbelief that he was here in Wangshu Inn.

Speaking of which, it did pave her curious mind to ask why he was here.

"Lord Rex…" Keqing mustered a bit of confidence, before addressing her nation's Archon properly. "Can I ask to why, you are here? And why you… grace…you're presence here…" she softly whispered the latter as her confidence left her.

Yet, Rex Lapis simply smiled at the inquiry and answered. "I was simply visiting an old friend…" Before raising an eyebrow. "And then my sight beset upon a child deep in thought, and I was curious to say the least."

"Oh…" Keqing didn't think she was thinking hard enough to garner the attention of Rex Lapis. Was she?

But before she could dwell on that thought, Rex Lapis spoke once more.

"Not to pry... But may I ask why you were fixated on the topic of how to properly converse with gods and divine beings? If my assessment was correct and that is what you were doing?"

Shoot.

Keqing wondered if Rex Lapis was also reading her mind too, or if she was absently speaking out loud if he heard her. Still it was better for her to be honest, and she'd be a fool to lie to a god. Much less to the god of contracts, who upholds the Wrath of the Rock. No matter how embarrass she felt at the moment.

"Well… it's because my Yeye is going to give a speech for the right of descension next year, and then I started to wonder, what I would say if I were in his place."

What a curious child. Rex thought as he continued to listen to Keqing, despite her clear discomfort yet steadily holding her ground even in his godly presence. Impressive for a child her age, but the Lord of Geo knew he should tone down his Aura, if he were to continue this peculiar conversation he found himself in.

"And then… well, he wanted it to about the gods and Adepti. Or… um you, Lord Rex."

"I see…"

"And then I thought if I were to give a speech, then how would it be? There's so much to say, and you and the Adepti did a lot for Liyue… I'm not sure I could find the right words…"

Keqing fiddled her fingers, having said everything she could. While Rex Lapis held a thinking expression and thought of the latter of what she said.

To the lord of Geo, it appeared Keqing was having a hard time looking for the right words to praise him and the rest of the Adepti, for all the work they've done for Liyue. Which was understandable and not at all too different to the line of thinking the majority of Liyue held, for him and his fellow illuminated beasts. So he came to a sudden, but not completely correct, conclusion.

"I think the word you're looking for is 'Thank you'."

"Thank you?" Keqing asked confused.

"Your Welcome." While Rex answered promptly.

"W-wha…?" A more bewildered gaze was on Keqing's face, replacing her previous look of shyness and trepidation, as she stared at her Archon.

"It's normal to give thanks to ones work and fulfilling one's duties. Even for the divine and god like myself." Rex Lapis spoke eloquently, yet to Keqing was starting to sound a bit… pompous, to her liking. She tried not think of it that way, and maybe her child mind was still too impressionable to understand the underlying meaning of his words.

But then, Rex Lapis's next words started to sound a bit condescending to her.

"But make no mistake little one, a simple 'thank you' is suffice for words, and in turn you wouldn't have to expect some grandeur response. But maybe simple replies of appreciation like 'You're welcome.' Easy as it is for mortals to utter."

Rex smiled, looking down at the child before him. Completely unaware of the conflicted thoughts Keqing was now holding within her.

"Or maybe something of the same line. It really depends on the person, or rather the Adepti, you are addressing."

He shrug at his last remark. Rex Lapis was aware of how some of his fellow Adepti would act, when given praise or well-earned thanks. Either shrugging them off coldly or even adding more praised to themselves, while belittling the mortals addressing them. Even when they don't mean to or are unaware that they are.

The irony.

Guizhong would be rolling in her grave, if she were to see the current interaction between of her rock-dense friend and a really impressionable purple haired child, who is unknowingly discovering new, and more negative, feelings towards her nation's Archon.

10-year-old Keqing tried to Argue. "With all due respect, Lord Rex, I don't think you understand—"

"It's pretty clear what your intentions are." Rex made a solemn nod, cutting Keqing off, and explains diligently as if it were a matter of fact. "I also understand, with all the deeds and toil I and the Adepti have done for all of Liyue, you would think that there's isn't enough words to describe your gratitude towards us. But in truth, a simple 'thank you' is enough as we are only fulfilling our duty. Mankind needed the guidance and protection of the Archon's, and so we did. There's nothing else important that really needs to be said."

Once more, Rex gives an earnest smile to Keqing. "So you're welcome." Missing how her left eye twitched.

Keqing was at loss of words, frozen by the unknown feelings her 10-year-old mind was trying to name. But to Rex Lapis, he thought that Keqing was still having a hard time speaking to him, due to his divine presence.

He decided the need to change his approach. Though, the Geo Archon never thought he would be taking a page from Barbatos's book.

With a snap of his fingers, a mystical green attired boy suddenly appeared in Keqing peripheral vision, surprising the young girl as she yelp.

"Hieee! Who's is that!"

She also noticed the boy was wearing black shades and appears to be holding a pair of Natlan theme Bongos, which confused her. Also for some unknown reason, Keqing felt that the boy looked more suited holding a jade spear, than some foreign instrument in his arms.

The Absurdity didn't stop there, the boy began playing the bongos in a rhythmic beat.

As Rex Lapis begins to bounce to the tune.

.

Keqing (Visibly confuse): "Lord Rex, what are you doing? —"

The Geo lord raised a hand to pause Keqing.

Rex Lapis: "It's okay…

I see what's happening here…~"

(Rex gestures to himself)

"You're face to face with Morax, and it's strange~

You don't even know how you feel—

Understandable…"

(Rex Lapis shrugs and smiles while patting Keqing's head)

"Well, It's nice to know that mortals never change~"

.

Keqing resisted the urge to remove god's hand from her head, until Rex Lapis suddenly pulled away.

.

Rex Lapis (Gesturing to his ears): "Now listen close, let's begin

Yes, it's really me, Rex Lapis—

(Rex gestures around them)

In this inn~"

(The Geo Archon then begins to a number of poses—)

"I know it's a lot…

…to take, and gawk…

(…Side flex, side chest, biceps pow…)

When you're staring at your Geo-god! ~"

.

Rex Lapis winks…much to Keqing's horror. While Xiao shakes his head at his lord's antics, still playing the bongos.

The Geo Archon begins to dance around the visibly confused girl, not letting up in the jovial beat.

.

Rex Lapis: "What can I say except, 'You're welcome'…

For the land, the gold, the peace!"

(Rex boops Keqing's nose, much to her astonishment)

"Hey, it's okay, it's okay…

You're welcome!"

(He gestures to himself and manifests his draconic horns to be seen.)

"I'm just an ordinary Adept-guy!"

.

Suddenly, Keqing found her surroundings morphing into a Mosaic landscape, with Rex Lapis appearing beside her and directing her attention to animated portraits depicting different scenes.

.

Rex Lapis (Pointing to a portrait of him manipulating the land): "Hey!

Who wields Geo and expanded the land…

For all your real estate plans? —"

(Rex points two thumbs to himself)

This guy!"

.

Rex Lapis then summons a portrait depicting a group of people huddled together around a campfire at night. With a buff bear in the painting, appearing to offer food and fire, with Rex Lapis.

.

Rex Lapis (Acting like he was shivering): "When the nights got cold…

Who called the god of fire and stoves?

(Rex snaps his fingers, and points to him shaking hands with the buff bear.)

He's a friend of mine, you know!"

.

A large portrait suddenly slams down behind Rex Lapis and Keqing, startling the latter. Before they turn around and see it was a painting of Rex Lapis in his Adepti form fighting a giant water Hydra.

.

Rex Lapis (While the painting moves, animating the battle): "Oh! Also I fought off Osial…

You're welcome!

(Osial roars in pain, before being entomb under rock…)

…And sealed him in the Guyun isles~"

.
The painting shifts to large waves subsiding into calm laps, with the painted Rex lapis returning to his human form. As the real Geo Archon points Keqing's attention to the boats suddenly appearing at the side.

.

Rex Lapis: "Calming the waves and the sea…

You're welcome!

(Keqing sees little mosaic people waving at them)

…To sail your boats in leisurely! ~"

.

Rex Lapis suddenly begins to dance around Keqing again, who was trying to keep up with the currently bewildering Archon before her. While the Mosaic surroundings accompanies them, shifting to many images and other paintings.

.

Rex Lapis (Gesturing to himself again): "So what can I say, except you're welcome…

For the work I've done for our peace~"

(Rex shakes his head, as portrait of person praying appears before them)

"There's no need to pray, it's okay…

You're welcome!"

(The Portrait disappears, replaced by a golden landscape of Liyue Harbor)

"Ho! I aim for Liyue's longevity!"

Rex Lapis (Continues to dancing around Keqing): "You're welcome!... You're welcome!

,

Suddenly, Rex Lapis disappears into a swarm of geo crystal flies.

While his voice echoes around Keqing, who's head was spinning due to all the movement.

.

Rex Lapis (As Disembodied voice): "Well, come to think of it…"

.

Suddenly, Keqing finds herself being lifted up from the ground by a giant hand. Before staring at the source of the limb, it being Rex Lapis in a titanic form. With a simple wave of his hand, he creates a miniature life like diorama of all of Liyue, with various landmarks of the Geo Archon's achievements or pass legendary battles.

Keqing was in awe, before Rex Lapis catches her attention.

.

Rex Lapis (Waving his free hand lazily): "Keqing. Honestly, I could go on and on….

I could explain all my exploits and phenomenon…

(Rex points to a couple of landmarks…)

Stone spears, Amber, Jade ore

Leftover scuffles from the Archon war!"

.

He waves the latter off, before directing Keqing' eyes to a statue of him fighting a large serpentine drake

.

Rex Lapis: "I killed a Chi! And took off its spine…

(Keqing watches the mini statue do that exactly…

While Rex gleefully pulls out a bone-husk claymore)

Made it to a blade, now you got serpent spine!"

.

Rex Lapis tosses the claymore away, before his eyes zero in on Keqing.

.

Rex Lapis (Makes a pondering): "What's the lesson? What is the take-away?...

(Keqing didn't know, but Rex answers with a serious expression)

Don't break your contracts, cuz Morax will make you pay!"

.

Suddenly above them, Keqing saw several meteors being summoned from the sky and falling towards the miniature Liyue Rex Lapis created. While he stands tall. asserting his dominance and authority, with Keqing watching in horror at the palm of his hands.

.

Rex Lapis (With a Booming voice): "And the wrath of the rock is my will…

(The meteors crash and creating several large explosions)

Punishing those with the intent to kill!"

(Rex points to several charred enemies)

"Look where I've fought, I torn all threats asunder!"

(He then points at Nantienmen)

Nantienmen's tree is Azhdaha's tail and sealed coffin!"

Keqing (Horrified): "Wait. Wha—"

Rex Lapis (Dancing, while oblivious to Keqing's horror): "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, Hey!

.

Rex Lapis's titanic form suddenly burst into a swarm of geo crystal flies, causing Keqing to begin free falling into the fiery inferno of mini Liyue he made.

"What's Happening now!" She screams in fear, despite the jovial music continuing to play in the background. Her eye panickily looking for the geo Archon.

Until he suddenly appears beside her, free falling as well with the mysterious teal haired boy, the latter still playing the bongos.

.

Rex Lapis (Shrugging his shoulders): "Well, anyway let me say, 'You're welcome!'"

Xiao (At the background): "You're Welcome!"

Rex Lapis (With a proud smile aimed at Keqing): "For the nation and home you know!"

.

"Lord Rex save me!" Keqing futilely shrieks, as they were still falling.

.

Rex Lapis (Trying to calm Keqing): "Hey, it's okay, it's okay, 'you're welcome!'"

Xiao (At the background): "You're Welcome!"

Rex Lapis (Suddenly having a forlorn expression): "Though, my time will be coming to a close! Hey!"

.

"Why aren't you doing anything?!" Keqing screams again, seeing that they getting closer to the fiery inferno, that the Geo Lord seemed to forget, existed at the moment.

.

Rex Lapis (Tapping Keqing's shoulder getting her attention): "Hey, know one day you'll say, 'You're welcome!'"

Xiao (At the background): "You're Welcome!"

Rex Lapis (Casually reveals): "Cause I'm starting. To. Erode!"

.

"Wait what was that last one—" Keqing asks confused, but Rex Lapsi elaborates vaguely.

.

Rex Lapis (Placing a hand on his head, feigning illness): "I'm dusting away, away, 'You're welcome!"'

Xiao (At the background): "You're Welcome!"

Rex Lapis (Wags his finger at Keqing): "I'll leave Liyue's future, for you to hold!"

.

Keqing raises her eyebrows at the last remark, before remembering they were still falling and her panic returning.

"I don't want to die! Lord Rex!"

But Rex Lapis and his entourage continue to sing joyfully.

.

Rex Lapis: "You're welcome!"

Xiao (At the background): "You're Welcome!"

Rex Lapis: "You're WELCOME!..."

.

Keqing closes her eyes as she feels her face inches to the fiery ground… But then doesn't feel her body falling splat or burned.

She opens her eyes and finds Rex Lapis looking at her.

.

Rex Lapis (Firing finger guns at Keqing): "And thank you!—Keqing."

.

Rex Lapis disappears in a flurry of golden light and jade. While the mysterious boy playing the bongos suddenly vanishing too, as the beat ended. With the two divine beings leaving a heavily confused and completely baffled 10-year-old Keqing behind.

The young girl realizes her surrounding have returned to normal, and not the fiery landscape caused by the Geo Archon's rain of meteors that came from his song earlier.

Keqing's heart was still beating fast, and her mind was still processing the… encounter, she had with her Local Archon.

She couldn't believe it. Rex Lapis. His Song. His Words. Him Misunderstanding her entire query!

Plus, the $^%#%$# audacity, that he sounded so smug and arrogant of laying it in front of her face of all his exploits and power he held over them, to humanity and Liyue. His show of power felt like he was explaining to Keqing, that it was the natural order for humanity to be Thankful to the gods and Adepti, and to be forever living under the guidance and depending on them indefinitely. Something Keqing felt she shouldn't stand for, since it would mean all her grandfather's work, and probably the rest of the working mortals of Liyue contribution to their nation, meant nothing and inconsequential in the eyes of the gods, as long as they are under their rule.

Though, her 10-year-old mind was completely missing the underlying message Rex Lapis said in the last part of his song.

Nevertheless, the Archon's words spurred something within the future Yuheng, that would eventually dictate her character and behavior for the coming years. Fueled by the conflicting thoughts little Keqing held, as with the irritation rising inside her. As her mind was still reeling from the chaotic roller-coaster of a performance her local Archon did to her emotions.

Going from dumfounded, to angry, to fear, to annoyance… Especially at the end. When Rex Lapis shot her finger guns.

Keqing felt one of her eye's twitch. And like some ancient lizard from another world's prehistory, she had never seen such bull shit before…until now.

"What the F—"


"My grandfather then caught me swearing against Rex Lapis' name." Keqing explained at the present. "He scolded me for my behaviour, but I ignored it, since my mind was still reeling with my first experience of our now passed away Archon."

Keqing made a frown as she elaborates. "I didn't remember most of what Rex Lapis said at that time, until I started to remember more about it when I grew to a teen. But I couldn't forget, at that time what my 10-year-old brain understood, of how arrogant and very belittling he sounded to mortals when boasting about his achievements. As if we were completely hopeless and couldn't do anything with our power without him."

The Yuheng then scowled, fiercely. Causing both Lumine and Paimon to lean back from the intensity. "From then on, I knew exactly what I'm going to say to him, when it was my turn to speak during the annual Rite of Descension."

"Yikes." Lumine, felt chill down her spine upon hearing Keqing's remarks. She can imagine a little Keqing getting prepared for her speech even at a young age, justified by the reason of Zhongli's lack of tact in the past.

"No wonder the rumors say you made a ruckus at that time." Paimon commented, though agreeing with the Yuheng. "But Paimon understands why Keqing acted that way! Even Paimon would get mad if someone talked or…err sang, that way to Paimon! I mean you thought you were falling to a fiery doom!"

"I know right?!" Keqing nods fervently at the floating fairy.

"And even if Rex Lapis is the Geo Archon, surely he would have known how he sounded in front of a kid." Paimon also adds with indignation on behalf of Keqing, who continues to nod in agreement.

"But Keqing, surely you're not still mad at Rex Lapis for that time, are you?" Lumine asked, feeling a bit concerned if the Yuheng held any lingering animosity of that time towards Zhongli. She hopes not, since the former Archon actually holds the Yuheng with high regard, excited at the prospects of whatever change Keqing will bring to Liyue.

"Well… I may have been a bit miffed thinking about it." Keqing answered, a bit reserved, before taking a determined tone just as one would expect from the Yuheng. "But that was all in the past, and nothing for me to be concerned about. Besides, my focus is now centered for Liyue's future and how to uphold the heavy duty our late Archon has bestowed on us. And I won't lie… I may have found some new respect for him, lately."

Both Lumine and Paimon's held coy looks at the Yuheng, after hearing the latter's remark. The two couldn't resist teasing.

"Is that right?" Lumine raises an eyebrow at Keqing.

"Oh, is that why Lady Keqing sneakily bought that new Rex Lapis figure?" Paimon says, with a mischievous grin.

Keqing was alarmed. "W-What—"

"You know… the one with the exclusive radiant action stand?" Lumine smiled devilishly. "If anything, we were trying to get one ourselves, but the last one was suspiciously sold out."

Keqing immediately stood from her seat forcefully, red face and panicking.

"HOW DID YOU FIND OUT— YOU SAW—WHEN?!—"

She paused when she heard Lumine and Paimon snickering, as they confessed.

"Just now."

"Hahaha! And Paimon didn't know she hit right on the mark!" Paimon giggles before adding. "You know, if Paimon didn't know any better… Keqing probably became Rex Lapis's most awe-struck number one fan, after hearing his song as a kid!"

Lumine teases. "Well it's the only thing she remembers clearly, I mean Keqing, you got all the lyrics down perfectly!"

Keqing's face erupts into a deeper shade of red, as the two travelers continue their teasing, while the Yuheng was at lost of words.

"Maybe Paimon thinks Keqing should be an idol!"

"True, Keqing would really be popular. Maybe even Rex Lapis would visit from the grave to see her in a concert too!"

"And Paimon thinks he'd say, 'Thank you!'"

"While Keqing says 'You're Welcome!'"

Lumine and Paimon burst into laughter. While Keqing reaches her limit.

"YOU TWO!"

With no warning, the Yuheng lunges at the traveler and her companion with a burst of electro.

"WAIT KEQING—NO! PAIMON'S SOR—"

*KRATOKOMOM!


Author's notes:

And that's the chapter, thanks for reading.

Man I'm excited for Genshin's future updates, especially the Chasm. I pulled for Zhongli from the last update, and he got home, so now I can't wait to go exploring the area with him, Keqing, and the traveler. Fun times.

Next chapter for Breakout Into Song: 'Team Sword Fish II' Ft. (Aether, Kazuha, Gorou, Itto and… Ayato!?)

See you in the next chapter! And enjoy the small preview and a TFS reference!


Omake:

(Team Sword Fish II preview)

Kujou Sara, Tengu general of the Tenryou commission, couldn't believe the state of panic her soldiers were in.

They were raving mad in fear and hostility. Scared of the coming conflict arriving to Narukami island, all because of an anonymous later arriving and announcing the threat that would be coming to their city.

She had an inkling idea of what was coming, and guessed it was probably related to the many rumors of a new squad from the Sangonomiya rebels, that even her older adopted brother Kujou Masahito warned her about.

Though, Sara couldn't catch the name of said squad, or rather didn't care. Because to her, as long as they have the eternal backing of their Shogun, the new squad was just some squad, and their rumored achievements being scare tactics to intimidate the shogunate. As long as they stand firm and face this new enemy head-on, the tengu general believes they won't lose.

Unfortunately for Sara, her soldiers seemed to be in a disagreement to her belief. As they continue to cry in fear and running around like headless chickens in the Kujou compound in Narukami.

"We are dead!" One Tenryou samurai cries out. "We. Are. Dead! All dead! Dead men be we! A cornucopia of pain and despair is coming to ensure our demise! We are so going to dieeeee! WHHYYYY?!"

The rest of the samurai in the compound scream in despair too. Some bawling on the ground like infants, fearing of the world of hurt coming for them.

Kujou Sara slaps a hand to her forehead. Before sending a lightning bolt at the first despairing samurai.

*KRATOOM!

"AHHH!"

The rest of soldiers who were panicking, stopped and finally noticed their general's presence.

"Soldiers. Calm yourself!" Sara orders in a commanding voice, befitting of her position in the Shogun's army. "We should not fall prey to whatever scare tactics the rebels have! We are the shogun's army, her appointed hand to uphold her law and pursuit of eternity!. We should not cower because some random squad from the resistance decided to foolishly come here, in Narukami Island! Which I say is our capital and location of our main force."

Sara narrows her eyes. "Its suicide… for them to come here."

Yet, the Tenryou samurai in front of the general remain doubtful and wry. As one suddenly raises his hand, asking to speak.

"Yes, what it is?" Sara says, giving the soldier permission.

"B-But… General. You don't understand." The samurai meekly says.

"What don't I understand?"

"It's not just some squad general… its… its…"

All the Tenryou samurai shudder, as they speak the squads name in unison.

"Team Sword Fish II."


Somewhere in a horizon, facing towards the city of Narukami Island. 5 lone figures make their way.

In the front was Aether, the traveler. Who was leveling a gaze at their chosen destination.

He speaks, starting with a hush whisper.

"Be prepared Kujou Sara…"

Before suddenly posing, with the rest of the figures behind him joining as well.

"…FOR MY DANCE OF JOY!"

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"TO-KU-SEN-TAI!"

"TEAM-SWORD-FISH-TWO!"

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