Inazuma city's streets were bustling with people shopping and selling in a frenzy. Market day was an awfully busy day for the average citizen, but today's hectic moves were unusual. Inazuma's products were varied, enough to keep the island's food supplies full for at least a few years. The same couldn't be said about meat, iron ores and quality wood. Ever since the Sakoku decree was established, these items were running out. No ships had dared to cross Inazuma's storm barrier yet, but the Kanjou commission had quickly moved to negotiate the supply with a third party. Iron and copper shipments were expected soon, though in what conditions they would reach wasn't known yet.
But the average citizens, barring smiths and coppers, weren't so worried about that. It was the lack of red meat that bothered them the most. Oh, they had plenty of fish and rice, but to eat the same thing each and every day was stale.
And as a soldier ran full speed through the main street of Inazuma, the citizens saw the other constant worry that had befallen them along with the Sakoku decree. The soldiers of Inazuma were overzealous in their devotion to the Shogun. The Tenryou commission had 'obtained' a few visions already, but they were a mere drop in the bucket. Anybody could be hiding a vision or could be one of them. The Vision decree had made any vision holders leave Inazuma or simply hide and hope for the better.
Still, the rushing soldier pushed through the crowd, the message he was delivering being urgent. After riling up a few merchants with his shoving, the messenger reached the Tenryou commission headquarters. With heavy breaths, he ran past the gate guards and managed to climb up the raised floor before he was tackled by other guards.
"I need to speak with the Commissioner!" He yelled, thrashing around. "I bring an urgent message, I need to speak with the Commissioner!"
The cries and racketing got the attention of the only person in charge.
Kujou Sara emerged out of the mansion, slightly weathered and dressed in a kendo outfit. Her training exercise was cut short, though she wasn't completely bothered by that. She looked down upon the messenger for a few long seconds, noticing the badge on his uniform.
"Release him," The guards immediately obeyed her orders. "The Commissioner is currently in a meeting at Ritou. You are from the Fort Fujitou garrison, correct?"
"The… the message!" He stumbled as he got up from the ground, presenting a rugged piece of parchment. "They came…!"
The Tengu General received the paper, her face darkening as the contents of the letter became more and more clear. She knew of the Watatsumi's build-up, but this move was something she didn't even predict. She considered immediately informing the Commissioner. She'd write a report like always, give it to the Commissioner and he'd send it to do the Shogun. However, she decided against it. With the severity of the news, travelling to Ritou would be a timewaster.
"I need to speak to the Shogun," Sara pushed past the guards before adding: "Make sure he's treated well."
Her rapid steps were soon replaced by a neck-breaking run towards the main keep of Tenshukaku. The guards didn't question her as she rushed in, her pace only stopping to catch her breath and make herself look dignified before the Shogun. She cursed under her breath as she noticed the training outfit she was wearing. The news was too important to delay, so she paid them no mind.
The guards opened the main gate for her, slowly entering the castle. Inside, in the throne room, the Shogun was meditating. Sara avoided looking at her, slowly walking to the centre of the room. Then, she kneeled and bowed, her head touching the ground.
"Kujou Sara," The Shogun's voice was blank, emotionless. "What is the point of this unscheduled audience?"
"I'm most sorry for this intrusion, Shogun. I will properly apologise as soon as I deliver this urgent news." She raised her head but didn't dare to direct her gaze towards the Shogun's eyes. "Watatsumi Island has risen in rebellion. The Divine Priestess of Sangonomiya Shrine has led an attack against Yashiori island, demanding the repeal of the Vision Hunt decree. Fort Fujitou was surrounded and defeated in a matter of hours. As I stated in my previous reports, I did not reinforce the garrison in hopes to de-escalate the situation. I assume all responsibility."
Silence befell the throne room. Even without seeing her face, the Tengu could feel that the Shogun didn't appreciate the news. A few seconds passed, yet nothing. Sara grew increasingly worried about her fate. Perhaps the Shogun was truly livid about the shocking news, and she would pay the consequences. For the General, it made complete sense. This was her failure.
"I can only feel betrayal and disappointment in this situation," Sara embraced her fate, though the Shogun's sentence never came.
Then, the general briefly met the Shogun's eyes, which suddenly shined as if angered. She quickly bowed again, though the awaited blow never came.
"Raise, General Kujou. You do not need to bow your head in my presence." The Shogun seemed more calm and expressive, though Sara attributed it to her own anxiousness. "This is most unfortunate. Watatsumi island has always been a nest of rebelliousness. Yet, I do not believe the people of Watasumi would willingly raise their swords against me. Sangonomiya's ambition must have led them astray."
Baal walked towards Sara, who quickly got up from the ground. She stopped a few metres away, rewarding the General with her presence.
"If this is an attempt to relieve pressure on Vision Holders, then it will fail. However, I reckon foul play is at hand. I have not been reported any signs of unrest at the island of Watatsumi." Sara felt electro energy building up in the room.
"My weekly reports of the last two months have been focused on the unrest of Watatsumi island. Though troop movements didn't start until you enacted the decree last week." Sara answered in a mix of confusion and surprise. "Did the commissioner make a mistake delivering them?"
The Shogun had no doubts. "So that's the situation. We have been compromised. If he has decided to act… then Inazuma faces its most dangerous challenge since the Cataclysm. He is the only one who would undermine me. And I'm the only one who can stop him."
Sara's heart skipped a beat. The Shogun deciding to take matters into her own hands? Throughout her whole life, Sara had only seen the Shogun direct orders at the Tri-Commission. And that was an exception already. But now, for the first time in centuries, the Shogun had seen a threat that only she could face. And in that realisation, the General was anguished. Whomever she was talking about, it had to be a hateful enemy.
"I have a mission which I'm sure you will be able to fulfil." The Archon's tension spiked up. "This sudden rebellion must have been aided by outside forces. I want you to tackle this issue as soon as possible. I do not want any agitators in my lands."
"Do you suspect subterfuge from another nation? Who would want to attack Her Excellency?"
"Wind defies even the tallest mountain. Though at the moment, I cannot be certain. I will need your assistance to narrow down this unknown threat," Baal pondered for a brief moment, reminding herself of a plan prepared centuries ago. "Bring me every Anemo Vision holder you find in Narukami island. Do it quietly and without witnesses. If they resist, do not be afraid to use any means necessary to bring them here. Though, I doubt the coward will resist."
"Understood. However, if I'm to accomplish this mission, who will lead the troops against the rebel army?"
"Watatsumi is poor and Yashiori island is undeveloped. We have all the time we need, while they will not grow any stronger. Even the most inexperienced officer can lead a defence," Baal's posture shifted. "I worry more about internal threats. If the rebels have attacked, it is because they know something we don't. Not only has the Tenryou commission failed me in preventing this uprising, but now we are on the backfoot. That free-spirit acts in spurs and randomness, but his words are addicting. I do not know to what extent we have been compromised or since when. Certain officers might have fallen to temptation. Moreso, I will need to conduct my own investigation."
"This… 'he', you keep referring to. Do you already have a suspect in mind?"
"I do. Though his last disguise was that of a bard, his form is changeable and malleable. This is why I need you to accomplish the task I commanded you. If he hides in Inazuma, he will carry an anemo vision. Even though he's cunning, he would never forsake that part of him."
In the Shogun's words, the General could swear she detected sadness and pain. She must have been truly heartbroken about this sudden war. The Archon loved her people. And to see them die and fight for lies and treachery, it truly hurt her. Sara was sure of that. That was the only explanation that made sense. However, the real reason was another.
"Yes, my Shogun. I will not disappoint you." Sara bowed again and prepared to take her leave when the Archon spoke again.
"There's one more thing," Baal got even closer to the General, who froze in place. "If you cannot find him in Narukami island, then I suspect he will be in Watatsumi. If that happens to be the case, I want you to take control of the army and crush the traitors. Sangonomiya will not escape punishment. And he won't either."
"Of course, my Shogun. I will take your most honourable orders to heart. Is there anything else you wish to convey?"
Baal's glassy eyes became less expressive, turning around and returning to her throne. "Your orders have been clear, General."
If there was any doubt in Kujou Sara's mind, it was quickly dissipated by her words. "Glory to the Shogun!"
Dihua Marsh was uncharacteristically dry, the river's level down a few metres. Whether it was affected by the tide or low rainfall, the fact remained that the way was clear of obstacles. A faint smell of petrichor coated the whole route, a taste of the storm to come.
Mona was holding the odd invention in her dirt-covered hands. It was spherical, not much longer than her forearm, with a round metal base with odd protrusions and holes. The sphere was covered with an unknown metal except at the top, where glass acted as a window for the empty inside. Every time Venti used energy, a small portion of it was absorbed by the device's base. Then, the sphere's top would glow a little brighter.
"Okay, I get it. It's not completely broken. Can you stop using your vision? How are you even using elemental energy without a catalyst?" Mona was good at catching lies. But she was beginning to doubt her skills. No matter how preposterous his answer was, Venti was always saying the truth. And that was baffling.
"There's no substitute for experience. A sword, polearm, bow or catalyst are a way for novices to channel energy, but anyone can do what I do." Venti snapped his fingers, the anemo energy released being absorbed by the device.
"Stop doing that, it's going to explode again," Mona covered the object with her arms. "There has to be a way to turn his off."
"Maybe… Let's focus on getting to Wangshu Inn first," The bard pointed to their journey ahead. "How did you get that thing anyway? You said you got it from Fontaine, but you came through Mondstadt."
"It's, erm… A long story." Mona's eyes wandered in the distance. "My master ordered this device to be built, but Fontaine's laws are… strict, to say the least. They couldn't ship it out without a hefty donation from us. So I was sent there to fetch it."
"Fontaine and petty laws, name a better duo."
"You and needless commentary. The point is, when I got the artefact, the Fatui suddenly appeared and suggested I should give the object to them. I said no. They threatened me. And you can guess what I did; escape. But the Fatui were everywhere… I had to jump into Fontaine's lake. Thanks to my vision, I was able to reach Mondstadt's border. The first time I'm grateful for having that piece of metal."
"The Fatui? I heard about them but… what are they doing messing with people in Fontaine of all places?" As far as he knew, they were highly skilled diplomats. Last he saw of them, they were accompanied by guards.
"Beats me. They're in Liyue as well. Hopefully, I can get this to my master before they find me here too."
"I suppose I'll have to check that out when I'm finished in Inazuma. Wait, hold on. Did you swim to Mondstadt's border? How did you avoid the Oceanid?"
"The Oceanid? I think it fled. Contamination or something, What's with you and questions I don't know the answer to? That's very annoying."
"I mean, you are the mighty Mona Megistus. The great columnist of The Steambird magazine. Someone of your talent must be quite smart." Venti bit the inside of his cheek, trying to hold back a laugh.
"Oi, stop licking my boots. I'm not a reporter, I'm an astrologist. I know as much as the stars tell me, but that doesn't mean I'm aware of every gossip," She clicked her tongue, glaring at Venti. "Besides, why don't you know? You're a bard, you're supposed to mingle and all that."
"Maybe I'm testing you! I may very well be a spooky Fatui agent that's trying to lure you into a false sense of security. And then, I'll tell every one of your earthworm ways."
"I'm not an earthworm!" Mona yelled, still covered in mud. "I'm Mona! M-O-N-A! Don't say awful things!"
"Fine, fine. I know when to stop, Mona. I apologise. But, the last question. Are you hungry? Because the, erm, things you called food before were leaves."
Mona almost tripped at his question."They weren't leaves, they were bits of lettuce. And why would I be hungry? Do I look feeble and sluggish?"
"Yes," They were walking very slowly, too slowly for Venti. He glanced up, the sky covered with grey clouds. Not perfect conditions, but he wanted to move fast. "I can tell you can't glide, so come."
"Sorry?" Her eyes widened as Venti stopped and spread his arms. "What are you doing?"
"We might reach the inn if we glide there. So come'ere, I'll carry you."
"…Are you an idiot?"
"Don't mix idiocy with daring! Even if they overlap. Come on, that thing barely has any charge, it won't spurt out again." The bard's smile only made Mona even more uncomfortable.
"The fact that you're not explaining what you're talking about only makes me more suspicious," She answered, putting the artefact in her bag and then to her back.
"Explanations are tiring, but fi~ne. I'll prop us up, and we'll glide till we reach the inn. Or the storm hits. Either-or."
"That's not an explanation, you just said the same thing but with more words."
Venti, however, giggled like he had stolen the cookie jar.
"Hold your hat!"
A sudden updraft of wind launched them both up in the air. Venti quickly took a hold of the flailing Mona, screaming obscenities with such creativity that he was impressed. His wings steered his ascent by controlling his speed and movement. In that sudden stability, Mona held to her dear life by hugging the bard.
"I'M KILLING YOU! I'M REALLY GOING TO KILL YOU!"
"Calm down, I'm taking you closer to the stars!"
"IT'S NOT THE TIME TO JOKE AROUND!"
The updraft stopped. Without it, they began to quickly glide towards the now visible Wanshuu Inn.
"I really, REALLY, hate you at the moment."
"What, why? It's free."
"Not the point! I can't tell what you think, and that's really weird! Why did I even say you should fix the device, I'm an idiot!" Mona hugged him even tighter, her legs squishing his hips. "I'm quite good at sensing lies and intentions… And you are a mystery!"
"You're not the first one to say that. But I'm really not that weird! My simplicity is genuine, there's nothing hidden behind it," Venti relished the wind hitting his face. "I think that's why some of, eh, some of my old friends disliked me. They gave me the stink eye like I was always pointing a dagger at their backs. But if you're doing something wrong, why blame the guy who's pointing out your mistake?"
"Your intentions don't matter if you're a jerk about it! Like you are doing right now!"
"You know, that's what she said too," He mulled over his response. "The inn has some good food, you know? What if I treat you to lunch?"
She thrashed around again, thrusting her knee into Venti's stomach. "No! Oh. I mean, just… go quickly."
With the air knocked out of him, he acquiesced and glided as fast as possible.
Liyue from above was as beautiful as he remembered, even with the cloudy sky above him. Below that beauty, however, laid something Mondstadt didn't have. Corpses and spirits of dead gods, whose influence continuously permeated everything. Sometimes it was strong enough for normal humans to detect it as well. For him, accustomed to the clean lands of Mondstadt, it felt nauseating. How Morax dealt with it was beyond him, especially since it was his hand that forced it.
The citizens of Liyue knew where they could and where they couldn't go, but outsiders would be wise to stay on the main roads. So bumping into other travellers wasn't so strange for Venti. After all, wandering was part of his life. Mistrusting other fellows like himself would turn him bitter and angry. The same couldn't be said for the astrologer hunted by the Fatui.
"Tighten your grip, I want to check something," Mona suddenly said. "We've passed by some travellers."
He held her back more firmly, still having control of his flight with only one arm. He couldn't see, but by the motions of her arms, she was using her scryglass. She wasn't checking his constellation or fate, so he didn't mind.
"That's what I feared… Fatui."
"Hm?" Venti looked down, but couldn't see much beyond Mona's body. "See? Thanks to my high-end travelling methods, we probably missed their ambush."
"You mean that thanks to your dumb gliding, everybody and their mother can see us flying by," She reasserted her grip. "Now they think I'm some sort of maniac who flies with a troubadour."
"I'll take it as a compliment. So next time you go to Mondstadt, I'll help you get your gliding license. Then they'll think you're a maniac on your own."
The whirring of a projectile cutting through the air stopped their conversation short. Acting on instinct, Venti spun around in the air and dodged the now visible fire bullet. He didn't have time to catch his breath as a hydro bubble stopped yet another pyro projectile.
"Hold on!" Anemo energy suddenly launched them both out of the fire zone. Venti's senses were screaming at him. There were hostiles around. His eyes scanned the marshy area, yet he couldn't see any enemies.
"Wait, stop!" Mona's warning came too late, as a Geo-dome field appeared mid-air. All momentum was suddenly lost as they went through it, throwing the duo into a downfall spin. Right before they touched the ground, Venti's skill stopped the fall.
The respite didn't come as a Fatui Vanguard armed with an Electrohammer attacked them. The impact sent them both flying and infused with electricity. Before Venti could recover, a pyro bullet missed him by a hair, though it was a distraction for a Hydrogunner's projectile to hit him square in the chest. The elemental reaction wasn't strong, though he hadn't realised the fragility of his physical form until that moment. Had he grown that weak?
Stunned, yet carried by millennia of experience, a burst of wind staggered any assailant around him. In that small gap, he noticed Mona slipping into a puddle and heading away from the ambush. He also saw most Fatui soldiers, whose technology had advanced beyond his knowledge. They carried elemental energy, yet… he couldn't see any vision on them. However, he could more or less assess them by their weapons. Two Pyroslingers, one Geoenchanter, two Electro Vanguards and a Hydrogunner. Quite the welcoming party.
Mona appeared beside him, with her catalyst ready to defend herself. "You took quite the hit, are you okay?"
Venti took a moment to enjoy her concerns as a faint drizzle of rain started to pour down from the skies.
"It cleaned my rust, that's for sure," Ever since the Cataclysm, he hadn't fought at all. It wasn't something he liked doing. Regardless, his lyre could turn into a weapon if needed.
The Fatui soldiers seemed ready for a fight, but they didn't continue. Instead, a man appeared out of nowhere. A Fatui Agent, their leader.
"I'm surprised you're still alive after that, boy." The Agent's egotistical yet smoky voice was easy to hate."Mona Megistus, did you honestly think you could escape the Fatui?"
"Hark!" Venti exclaimed loudly. "You dare attack the Liyue Qixing's subordinates?! An unprovoked attack no less! We, who were about to deliver an important message to Seven Stars! Wait until Rex Lapis himself hears of this! Oh, your Ice Empress will have your heads on a stake! Or whatever they do in Snezhnaya."
Mona and the Fatui looked at Venti as if they had just witnessed the worst performance ever delivered in Liyue. However, he said those words with such passion that there was a bit of doubt.
"Y-Yes!" Mona joined him, aware that she wasn't as good at lying as catching lies. "You're making a big mistake!"
The Fatui Agent believed their act for a second, before turning to one of his vanguards. "Is there a circus nearby?"
"I don't know, sir."
"Well, no matter," The Agent approached them, his blades glistening against the rain. "The Elemental Device, please."
"I'm not giving away something that isn't yours." Mona took a step back, hydro energy appearing in front of her.
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice in the matter." The Agent raised his hand, making all the soldiers get into position.
"Hmm… well, he's right," Venti admitted, turning to Mona. "That attack could have killed me, and you don't know how to fight."
"W-What are you saying?" Mona squinted her eyes as if analysing the bard.
"What you heard! We don't have a chance. However, since they're committing a crime against the Qixing, the wrath of Rex Lapis won't know any bounds." Venti nodded, convinced at his own words. "But don't worry, don't expose yourself! I'll give him the artefact in your stead."
For the first time since she met him, the astrologist could read Venti like an open book. He was lying. It wasn't something amateurish either. The bard had purposefully made his lie obvious to her like he knew she could read it. But behind that dismissive tone, Mona could tell he was far beyond her skill.
"I'd listen to your little boyfriend. Else we'll have a bad time." The Agent mockingly crossed his arms.
Mona growled an insult as she pulled out the artefact from her bag. Then, Venti gracefully took it and made his way towards the Fatui.
"Well, here it is." He presented it like it was a plate. "Though I have to say, since when does the mighty Tsaritsa resort to force and threats?"
The Fatui Agent's carefree attitude suddenly froze solid. "Watch your tone."
"Oh, I mean no harm, I'm just asking a simple question. She was always a very kind-hearted and caring person. Does she not miss those passionate nights with Barbatos? Or was she always as rotten as the gutters of Sumeru?"
Venti could only smirk as he got the reaction he was looking for. The Fatui's pyro blade was launched directly at his face. He, however, didn't flinch. A sudden burst from the device stopped and absorbed the blade's power, making it fall to the ground. The artefact had created a shield that shielded him 180º.
"Huh, that worked?" Venti muttered, half-amazed, as he messed with the artefact's base.
The pyro energy gathered was suddenly launched forward, dismissing the shield and creating a ray of fire. The Agent was hit square on the head, the impact propelling him back a few metres. Taken aback by the sudden change, Venti pointed the weapon at the other Fatui skirmishers. Surprised but experienced, they didn't stay idle and tried to take cover. But by that time, Mona had already rushed them, using an illusory bubble to trap them in place. Being immobile, they were easy pickings for the Bard.
"This thing's pretty cool! And pretty hot." He carefully placed the artefact on the ground. His hands had heavy burns on them, and even his sleeves were scorched. It looked like the device wasn't perfect, and had directed some of that fire into him.
"They're not down yet!" Mona shook his shoulder as the Fatui, sans the Agent, started to get up.
"For Morax's sake, they're persistent."
His hands instinctively summoned his bow, Skyward Harp. Without thinking, he shot a single arrow that exploded into a huge stormeye that sucked up all ambushers into a pile, knocking them unconscious. It also sucked the faint rain around it, leaving a big puddle behind.
After the stormeye faded away, Mona took a few tentative steps towards them before turning back.
"Why… Why didn't you do that from the beginning?"
"Cause it was a good test run for the thingy. How should we name it? Sucky-explody? Yeah, Sucky-explody appears to be some sort of elemental shield that spits whatever energy it absorbs."
"We're not calling it that," Mona turned towards the unconscious Fatui, uncertainty painted on her face. "If they knew who I was… Oh no… I won't be able to have a normal life anymore."
"Relax, why did you think I parroted stuff about being part of the Qixing? When we get to Liyue Harbour, we'll figure out something. Probably."
Venti walked toward the Fatui Agent, crouching down beside him. He opened his jacket and checked the internal pockets. Then, he found a letter within.
"What's that?" Mona leaned forward to read the letter as well. "The orders they received?"
"The logs are ready for shipment. The fountain's mouth is salivating a grain of sea. The red cherry blossoms need its substance to bloom," Venti repeated the written letter, raising his eyebrow. "What in the world does that mean?"
"Beats me… I'm too tired to make sense of this right now." She picked up the device and put it away in her bag. "It's kinda hot."
Venti held to the now wet letter, ignoring her comment. "Let's get going then."
The astrologist glanced one last time at the Fatui. "You didn't… kill them, right?"
"No." A sobering answer. "They're probably awake again, but in a world of pain. Let's go."
Venti spun around and started to run but Mona's weak grip stopped him.
"Um… Let's go flying. Otherwise, the storm will reach us on the open."
Venti hid his burned hands and smiled. With an awkward pause, Mona carefully put her arms around Venti as he held her hat. "Coming right up!"
The updraft once again lifted them, though this time Venti created another rush of air to accelerate them horizontally. The drizzle had turned into rain, and they could see lightning in the distance. Venti accelerated a bit more.
"What you spoke about the Tsaritsa… Is that true? Your stories about the Gods humanise them a lot, so I'm beginning to wonder if your words about her are truthful."
"Of course not. I mean, the Tsaritsa is very warm and comforting. I didn't lie about that. But she and Barbatos definitely didn't spend steamy nights together. Unless you count borsch. And she's not rotten." Venti muttered an apology and continued. "However, an angry enemy is a predictable enemy. Rile them up, make them lose reason. The Fatui's loyalty to the Tsaritsa is also their biggest weakness."
"When you talk like that," Mona started, her voice low. "You appear much more reasonable and wise."
"I suppose so. Sometimes you have to take things a bit seriously. You understand that, right?"
"I never expected those words from you, but that's true," Mona answered while observing the raindrops puddling on her hands. "…Thank you for dealing with them. I didn't say anything before since… well, you've already helped me twice without me asking."
"I mean, if you really want to do something, invite me out for a few drinks."
"…Actually, never mind. I'm already giving you a long hug. That's enough, isn't it?" Her blatant change of opinion was too obvious for even Venti.
"You don't have any money either, do you?" He asked in a small voice.
"I… just lost it on the way…Yeah."
"Your pockets are as empty as mine, huh? No wonder that scary Fatui thought we were a couple," Venti cracked a smile. "Unluckily for you, I am a free soul."
"As if I wanted to be stuck with you, bard. Isn't that the whole reason why you're going to Inazuma? Because only two types of people do crazy stunts. The idiots and the ones in love. And you only feign to be an idiot."
"Well, I do love all my friends. Don't let them hear that though." Venti admitted though it was obvious he dodged the question.
"So you care so much about some friends that you're going to break into a country and then… what are you doing? I don't remember that part."
Thunder rumbled in the distance as they flew by the last island before Wanshuu Inn.
"Well besides helping here and there… I'll make that up whenever I enter the country."
"You have no idea, do you?" Mona pushed once again. She didn't care that he was so willing to enter the danger that was Inazuma. But the fact that he refused any of her help irked her. If this was really about his friends, why did he refuse her divination? "You're a good liar, Venti. But even the best of rogues can't lie to themselves."
With Wangshu inn a few hundred metres away, Venti suddenly descended to the ground. Mona's surprise was quickly replaced by dizziness.
"I do love my friends." He repeated, not attempting to shield himself from the rain. "But that doesn't mean they think the same. The truth is that I'm a moth attracted to the light. And until I see that shine for myself, I won't know if it's a trap or not."
"Then let me read their fates, Venti." She ran in front of him, her steps messy. "Let me make up for everything you've done to me, please."
"Let's talk about that inside." Again, he ignored the issue. "It's raining, in case you haven't noticed."
He tried to step aside, but Mona wasn't about to let him go.
"You're just kicking the can down the road. Why do you refuse my help?"
If it had been any other offer, he'd be happy to agree. But checking the fate of Baal or Belzeebul was dangerous. He didn't know what had happened to them. And if they were hostile, the astrologist could end up hurt or worse. Yet, the thoughts of the previous day returned. Why would Baal do this? The more he thought about it, the less he could envision Makoto doing anything so grave. She was a diplomat. Kind, humble and patient. And in the back of his mind, he knew an answer. That horrible, turbulent thought snatched his energy at the mere mention of it. Death.
Venti took a deep breath, using all his willpower to say the words he despised so much.
"If you checked the fate of someone that turned out to be dead, what would happen?"