On the green plains of almighty Mondstadt, a samurai crossed swords with its greatest knight. Even against a pinnacle swordmaster, the old knight wholeheartedly enjoyed the challenge. The man, clad in the standard Favonius uniform, guided the moonlit city through the last stretch of the continental wars. His red hair was the shining beacon that led his citizens out of despair and on the road to recovery.
His joyous laughter filled the land with warmth as if he was assuring its citizens that all is well. As long as he arrives so too would the rebellious winds of freedom.
This was Kazuki's first destination on her journey across Teyvat. She sought to see the nation where freedom roams. A place where the winds were forever blowing against all restraints of the human experience. When she first stepped into the city, she eagerly exercised her newfound freedom and started to challenge their knights to battle, causing enough ruckus until even the Lion of the South appeared.
Before her eventual ascension as the Lord Kujou and Tenryou Commissioner, Kazuki yearned to walk with the freest people in the world like her dad before her.
Bards sang her tales, and the wind carried it to the four corners of the continent.
Underneath the vast clouds of ancient Liyue, Kazuki ascended the steps of Jueyun Karst - the abode of the adepti. With each step taken, she could feel the glares of the celestials above the clouds. Their divine gazes alone suppressed the firmaments and suffocated the world below, but Kazuki remained steadfast.
Compared to her god, their gazes were just light breezes. There was nothing more painful than her god's still and distant eyes.
When she arrived at Liyue Harbor, the samurai was lucky enough to have been on time to be a witness to the annual Rite of Descension. The city-state was the trading capital of the continent. Traveling merchants would flock to the city to do trade and buy wares that ranged from bizarre to the downright insane.
What she saw that day would forever be burned into her eyes.
The body of an immense dragon coiled around the clouds as its head descended upon the mortal world once more. Secrets of the ancient heavens and all living beings were etched upon its heavenly form. The fairies and immortals watched with admiration while the lower beings kneeled in awe.
The first god to claim a divine seat during the Archon Wars - the Geo Archon, Morax. And this was the second Archon that Kazuki had the honor of seeing. At the Archon's descent, Kazuki felt her emotions stir as her intrigue grew with each fleeting glance.
Because of that event, she started her climb to the peak of Jueyun Karst, hoping that she can have an audience with Liyue's god.
Do you know my mom?
What was she like before?
She had questions to ask...so many questions.
Within the halls of all-knowing Sumeru, Kazuki visited its vast amounts of desolate deserts and overgrown jungles. Ancient ruins and relics appeared as she ventured deeper into the heart of the nation. This was Sumeru's way of preserving natural knowledge for the future generations to study and review.
And at the nation's very center, the greatest library in Teyvat stood firm through the ages. Books and scriptures filled every floor with new ones being written and crammed into the already overflowing shelves. This was the accumulation of knowledge that spanned the entirety of human history - from its first steps to its ascension to godhood.
Kazuki saw scholars from all across the continent in its halls, discussing topics that she could not understand. They were frenetic in their search for knowledge and new discoveries.
The God of Wisdom was said to hold long sermons on the highest steps of the library for all to attend. Unfortunately for Kazuki, the Archon was currently in deep meditation so any chance of meeting was impossible.
Without a lead to go on, she searched the great library like any scholar would. Any books about Inazuma would be in her hands as she started to read through her nation's history from many viewpoints. She could feel herself becoming more connected to her mom through every book read.
During this short period of time, she gained notoriety as a regular and fellow researcher in the library's halls. Scholars, interested in Inazmua culture, would come to her with their ideas, wanting to know the life of the imperial courts. There were even papers published and shelved in the library with her name in it as contributions.
In the courts of fair Fontaine, Kazuki watched justice being conducted and written. A nation proud of their rich culture and art, it shines the brightest at night. They were always up to date with the latest news on fashion trends and scandals thanks to their little birdies. She was astonished by the bustling nature of it all.
Rather than sleeping after a day's work, the citizens were wide awake when the other nations slept. The rich and nobles regularly attended balls and art shows while the common folks drank and sang in the local saloons. Aspiring painters worked tirelessly around the clock to improve their art, finding the city to be the most dazzling object to depict.
To Kazuki, there was never a dull moment to be had. The lanterns lit up the city, but it could never illuminate every corner that wished to remain hidden.
Trials were always in session due to the frequent scandals, murders, robberies, and fighting that it was said being a judge was the most lucrative job you can have in Fontaine.
And naturally, laws were made and improved upon with each trial. Philosophers and legislators were often seen together as they attempted to make sense of the laws that would soon be passed. They ensured that their laws conformed with the justice laid down by their Archon from ages ago, making careful interpretations that supported their god's will.
During her time in Fontaine, Kazuki attended numerous court cases as she attempted to follow them from beginning to end. She particularly paid close attention to the conduct of the courts, the verdicts that decided the guilty from the innocent, and the laws enshrined in their decisions. She was watching how to properly judge a person for a crime when the time comes.
Over the barren lands of warring Natlan, the samurai stepped into a nation embroiled in constant strife. Numerous tribes divided the region into separate territories where war would always break out due to territorial disputes. Even after the first Pyro Archon unified the lands and forced the rest of the tribes into submission, they still carried ancient resentments. Some were petty disputes over casual conversations while others involved entire tribes and even the surrounding nations.
Before every battle, the warriors from the warring tribes would perform rites and celebrate in the name of their Archon. Due to the constant prayers from Natlan's people, Kazuki, even if she did not want to admit it, realized why the God of War was said to hold the greatest amount of divine worship in all of Teyvat.
As she traversed the plains and hiked the peaks of volcanoes, she participated in the conflicts that arose. Her infamy from being a swordmaster reached the ears of Natlan, and its people were itching to test their skills against her in deathmatches. Kazuki accepted their challenges with reckless abandonment because of a well-known tradition…a tradition where one can gain favor with the war god if they were capable of silencing all opposition in the nation.
With one warrior slaughtered after another, she honed her sword work to even further heights. Her reputation soon enveloped the nation with more powerful warriors appearing - beings with visions.
Vision-holders.
The gods' blessing upon the people of Teyvat.
It was not her first time seeing the powers of the elements at work, but she was nevertheless always left astounded.
During her journey, one thing has always been on her mind. A theory she wanted to test with the mighty war god.
Although she may not have her shogun's blood running through her, she was still her god's daughter. It was only natural that she picked up her mom's temperament as well, especially her god's quick temper.
When will my ambitions reach your eyes…mom?
Across the frozen wasteland of loving Snezhnaya, Kazuki explored the crown tundra for the last bits of natural life. She searched the icy depths for any lifeform that still remained the same as those recorded in Sumeru. Her sword work was reaching the apex of the world after attempting to silence an entire nation. With the remaining time she had left, Kazuki merely pondered on the direction that Inazuma would take after she returned.
The ever-changing nature of Snezhnaya was reaching its zenith after nearly four centuries of evolution from rural life. Frost giants roamed the lands as they were reawakened by the gears and bolts of the factories. Hammers of blacksmiths molded the war sectors into a new era as technological advancements were created within its foundries.
She was even more surprised that Snezhnaya has been maintaining and growing their standing army for the past two centuries or so. Except for the private troops of the tri-Commissions, Kazuki knew that it was impractical for Inazuma to maintain their army for such a long period of time without actually being at war.
She wondered if Inazuma would come into conflict with Snezhnaya's ambitions later down the road. The future Commissioner could only pray that Inazuma's peace could be preserved in her lifetime. Kazuki walked with the Snezhnaya people, talking with their residents about their ambitions and reason for progress.
Eternal winters and endless meteor showers plagued the lands, but the citizens remain determined in their goals to reach the Zapolyarny Palace. As they progressed even further into the next century, their answer remained the same.
To prepare for the coming rebellion.
What rebellion?
From village after village, factory after factory, Kazuki was met with the eyes of its obsessed people. The entire region was aware of their Archon's greatest ambition. Their wants and desires were thrown to the side as they supported their cold-hearted god.
From what Kazuki could understand from the locals, this was the will of their Archon.
One who appeared to have forsaken compassion for progress towards the divine.
Kazuki was perplexed by the Cryo Archon's current pursuit. But then again, she could not hope to catch a glimpse of her own god's grand ambitions. She merely observed Snezhnaya and kept trudging through the winter nation in order to reach the ice crown citadel with what little time she had left.
"Dad! Dad!"
The entire Kujou Estate trembled at her voice.
At the age of twenty, Kazuki finally returned to Inazuma after her long journey. But it was not to the fanfare she had expected. Even from afar, she realized that something was wrong. Her ship nearly capsized from the enraged thunderstorms. Electro dragons coiled around Narukami Island, squeezing the life from the capital.
Although she was happy to see familiar faces after two years abroad. She quickly made her way into the interiors of the Kujou Estate, attempting to make sense of everything.
She tried to request an audience with her mom, but the imperial guards denied anyone access to Tenshukaku. She was not even allowed a single step into its grounds. The imperial guards were not blind to who she was, however, it was apparently out of their hands.
The shogun's decree has been passed. A divine aura suppressed Inazuma City. All beneath the heavens fell silence as the masses prostrated.
Inazuma was in peril.
What has happened to my mom?!
As she opened the door to the Kujou's conference hall, she wished to find some solace in this new Inazuma.
Creak! Creak!
"Ahh, Kazuki." Aether softly spoke as Kazuki watched her dad turn his head to face her. She felt warmth and comfort emitted from the person who had raised her.
"Dad!" Before the Kujou's seat of power, she shed tears at seeing one of her most cherished people.
Just as her emotions were about to burst and go for a hug, she was reminded of Inazuma's precarious situation.
"Acting Tenryou Commissioner, Kujou Kazuki has returned from completing the decree of Her Excellency," Kazuki kneeled and reported the end of her long journey.
"Rise, rise. Quickly rise," Aether moved to help lift her up, holding onto her shoulders with a delighted expression before saying, "Welcome home, Kazuki."
He gave the same smile he made when she departed two years ago. Her dad was still the same as always.
"I'm back, Dad," Kazuki smiled at the constants that were still maintained in Inazuma.
"Out of my way."
The echoes of a thousand lightning strikes penetrated the entrance of Tenshukaku with murderous rage. The words were relatively voiced, but they were heard clearly by the surrounding people. A chill ran up their spines as their hands trembled while their spears were timidly raised against her.
"Lady Kujou, please understand our plight as well."
"We are only following the shogun's decree."
"And you want me to believe that my mom had personally written that decree...are all of you tired of living? "
Kazuki commended their foolish bravery for still attempting to stop her even after her remark. She was sure any Inazuman would be well aware of her intentions.
She was starting a rebellion.
The Kujou Clan was going against the will of the Electro Archon.
With a military seal in her hands, she had moved the city's patrol army to restrain the generals and two Commissions situated in Inazuma City while she marched on the imperial court with her troops.
As of now, she has assumed her role as the Lord Kujou and Tenryou Commissioner.
Without fail, she must bring her dad to see her mom.
"Okuzumeshuu, hear me!"
"By my order, lower your spears and let me pass, " Kazuki stated without compromise before answering further, "I merely wish to see my own mom."
The Okuzumeshuu, bodyguards of the Almighty Shogun, were stuck between a rock and a hard place. The shogun's decree has been passed, and whether they be Archons or gods, no one would be allowed a single foot into Tenshukaku…even if it was the shogun's adopted daughter, the Acting Tenryou Commissioner, and the Kujou's army behind them.
However, the shogun's daughter held a military seal. It was the same as seeing the shogun herself. They were confused about which held more authority as this has never happened before in the history of Inazuma.
When they look at the Kujou head, her stern eyes and demeanor reminded them of their god. Many of the imperial guards were old enough to be familiar with Kazuki's many visits to the shogun. And one by one, the Okuzumeshuu lowered their weapons before the father and daughter duo.
Seeing a path being formed, Kazuki sighed in relief. She did not want to strike down so many familiar faces that she has grown accustomed to through the years.
"Thank you," Kazuki bowed before all of them, knowing the choice they made could spell doom for their careers and reputation. With little resistance, her retainers stormed Tenshukaku at her command. In a single day, Kazuki has seized control of Inazuma City and the imperial court. Nonetheless, like all those years before, Kazuki still did not have the courage to step inside Tenshukaku without her mom's command.
In the end, this was all her dad's plans. Something happened between her parents as her dad retells events that lead to the current Inazuma. Her dad has been preparing and waiting for the change to occur after his last conversation with the shogun. Kazuki remembered the last words that Aether told her before they started their rebellion.
"The destiny of Inazuma and its Archon is going to change after this, Kazuki. Be ready."
"Dad," Kazuki said one last time as her dad started to make his way up to the peak of Tenshukaku and pleaded, "Please save mom."
Aether simply nodded and smiled, assuring that all will be fine.
As time passed after Aether entered the shogun's chambers, the heaven and earth violently shook. Electro dragons erupted forth from the peak of Inazuma as two distinct auras clashed at the center of Inazuma. The byproduct of the clash burned the skies and shattered the mountains.
A duel against the throne of Inazuma was taking place.
What Kazuki didn't know was that it was the last time she would ever see Aether after the silence.
The dream was ending.
"Kazuki...Ka-zu-ki," a sweet voice echoed into Kazuki's ears. She knew who it was even if her eyes failed on her. It instantly woke her up from the dream.
"Hmm…mom, you came," Kazuki replied with a bright grin, turning her eyes away from the courtyard to see the greatest being in Inazuma standing behind her. The immortals and godfiends fled simply in her presence. Those purple eyes exuded ancient radiance that instilled silence in all beholders. There was no ambition greater than hers in the world. Her god was still as brilliant as the earliest memory Kazuki has of her.
She was the Electro Archon and her mom.
Kazuki attempted to get up from sitting beside the edge of the courtyard, but a hand gently eased her down as her mom's voice echoed again, "Sit, there's no need for ceremony."
"As you wish, mom," Kazuki simply smiled back as her Archon took a seat beside her, holding onto both of Kazuki's hands in her laps.
"Are you doing well, Kazuki?"
She nodded in response to her mom. Kazuki was delighted that her mom could make time to see her. It was a shame she no longer had the energy to walk those stairs like before.
With her Archon by her side, Kazuki talked about casual matters.
They chatted about the strange movements on Watatsumi Island and rumors of their next Divine Priestess.
Talks of the erratic behaviors of the great dragon in Monstadt.
Tales exploding about a trade war occurring between the Seven Stars and the agents of the Tsaritsa.
Songs spread far and wide about a potential rebellion against the war god.
Strings of corruption in Fontaine and the numerous burning of books in Sumeru.
She has long held the position of Tenryou Commisioner and guided Inazuma into the next century. With her Archon's blessing, she made improvements in many sectors of Inazuma life - slowly but surely opening the country to the world. A feat that took a visit to from her mom to the opposition.
"Mom," Kazuki raised as she watched the skies change colors.
"Yes, dear?" Baal answered, supporting her daughter's every moment.
"I had a dream."
"Oh? What was it about?"
"We were in Tenshukaku together with dad…we were a real family. We talked, laughed, and went on trips across Teyvat together." Her child-like innocence reappeared at her description, returning after years of dormant life. The one closet to peace. She wanted to relive those days again…before the world started to become so complicated…when she was still dreaming.
"You were always a big dreamer," her mom retorted with a well-known fact of her early days.
Kazuki made a weak smile, acknowledging her tendencies to seek of impossible goals. They sat silently together and watched the final moments of the sunset.
As the sun fully set, her mom inquired a final time, "Kazuki, is there anything you want to do?" Her mom's expression was calm. Her divine aura manifested in an instant. Radiant eternity sheltered the world with her watchful eyes. Before her, no one can dare peek at them.
After they spent nearly the entire day talking, Kazuki was aware of her remaining time. Her mom's frequent visits only further her suspicions. It has been a century since she was born into this peaceful era of Inazuma.
She held onto her mom's hands with what little energy she had left. Her eyes display tranquility in face of the unknown.
She made a childlike grin and replied, "Mom…can I still be your daughter in the next life?"
A wish she has made countless times before.
She wanted nothing more than to remain by her mom's side just a little bit longer.
Tap!
At that moment, their heads touched as her mom gave the answer Kazuki has always hoped to hear, "Yes."
"But right now, you need to rest for the trip to see your parents and grandparents, alright?"
"I'm sure they are still waiting for you."
Kazuki felt relieved as she returned with a nod. The energy she had throughout her life was finally letting up. The schemes and plans to get her parents' attention were gone. Her eyes slowly become tired. Her vision suddenly felt blurry.
She was starting to dream again.
"Mom..."
"Mom..."
"Mom..."
Kazuki tries to find her mom one last time.
"Yes, Kazuki? Mom is right here." Her mom's divine strength eased the unrest away, spreading warmth through her hands.
If Kazuki had one regret…it was not being able to see her parents' reunion.
"I hope you and dad will meet again."
Nearly five hundred years have passed since the continental-spanning wars and the collapse of the Eclipse Dynasty.
Baal has resolved all karma with her nation.
"Safe trip, my adorable Kazuki." Baal gently caressed her daughter's hair as she quietly rested on her shoulder.
"Tell the world," the Archon stated to the wind and formed the last decree of her reign.
Kazuki is going home.
The wind carried her words to the prostrating members of the Kujou Estate, to the tri-Commissions, to Narukami Island, to the continent, and to the echoes of the abyss.
On the throne of the abyssal kingdoms, a blood-drenched outlander opened his eyes in remorse.
HMM! HMM! HMM! HMM!
HMM! HMM! HMM! HMM!
HMM! HMM! HMM! HMM!
Five years after Kazuki's passing, at the heart of Inazuma, Baal reached grand completion.
She finally arrived at the ascension platform.
Rejoice.
A true Transcendent descends upon all of Teyvat.
Hello, so yeah.
My bad.
After my last post, I barely had time to write due to an unexpected increase a college workload. I didn't even have that much time to play, but I did win my 50/50. I just needed a lot of time dedicated to studying.
Lol, I said a short epilogue yet I did not anticipate how much more I had planned out to include. There should be one final bit about Lumine's arrival that will come soon...he, I hope.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Until next time!