Kujou Takayuki, Head of the Kujou clan and First Commissioner of the Tenryou Commission had been sentenced to death by the Raiden Shogun. In three days, the Shogun herself would carry out the execution, for his crimes against Inazuma.
To say that it had come as a shock for the early workers of Inazuma City would be an understatement. The news of the war had seldom spread the day before, mostly due to the secretive nature of the military. But those who did know never expected that their Narukami Ogosho would act so quickly and suddenly.
Between the small crowd gathered around the billboard of the commercial street, a lone ronin eavesdropped on the curious bystanders.
"Well, that's fucked up, isn't it?" A burly clerk said to his friend.
"I know right? I knew Mondstadt's grapes tasted too good." The friend replied, struggling to read the billboard.
"I was referring to the public execution."
"Oh right. Well, a traitor's a traitor. I say good riddance. But good for me, I've never seen the Shogun before. I want to see her."
"Wait, is she going to do it? I'm taking the day off then, can't wait for it!"
The ronin ignored the duo out of spite and pushed past the crowd. People seemed more invested in seeing the Shogun rather than the fact of an actual execution being carried out.
Besides the notice of the summary execution, there was a smaller pamphlet which interested him more. The Sakoku decree was tightening its hold over Inazuma. After alleged sabotage from Mondstadt's agent, all remaining citizens of the city of Freedom had to leave the country in 72 hours. If not…
People pushed him away, making the ronin unable to finish reading the news. Soldiers of the Shogunate had appeared to disband the crowd that had gathered, so he quietly slipped out of the plaza and into the many streets of the Capital.
As he walked away, a soft breeze carried a single leaf towards him. Lingering with the wandering leaf, the wind carried something else. The melody of a song played nearby, loud enough to be noticeable by the pedestrians around him.
Someone with a less sensible ear wouldn't notice it, but the ronin could tell that the tunes weren't harmonious. They were forced and discordant like the player wasn't completely competent in the art. Regardless, the sound was coming up from the rooftops. The buildings were around three stories tall, which only left the wanderer more puzzled. He could always check the source, but that implied using his anemo vision. So he continued on his journey out of the Capital.
Yet the melody didn't disappear. The wanderer was being followed by the mysterious artist. Shogunate soldiers wouldn't use eccentric tactics like that one, so this had to be someone else.
"Hey, you. The one with the hat." Two patrolling soldiers stopped him. "You're acting suspiciously. Why are you looking at the rooftops, huh?"
The music suddenly blared through the street, as if it was waiting for this exact moment. Both the ronin and the soldiers shielded their ears, but the former took the opportunity to run away into the alleys of Inazuma City. And with him, so did the music go.
"What the hell was that?" One soldier muttered, tugging his ears. "That guy did it, no?"
"Did you see him playing the guitar, dumbass?" His partner answered. "It was probably some random occurrence. Let's just report back that the guy has a vision and that's why he escaped."
To say that Kujou Sara had a rough night would be an understatement. The Kujou clan was in shambles, and all because of her actions. She didn't blame herself, however. The general had done her duty to the Shogun. It was but her adoptive father's actions that had led him to his fate.
Yet that didn't ease the pain in her heart. It was Takayuki who sheltered her after her rough childhood. He saw her talent and moulded her into what she was today. He didn't care about the beast blood that ran through her veins. Without him, Sara would have never reached such high places. Because of him, she had a name. And even if the Kujou family didn't fully accept her, she would forever be grateful.
It was the Archon who ordered the sentence of her adoptive father's death. Yet, to blame the Shogun for her sadness never crossed Sara's mind. The sentence was completely justified for the General. He was a traitor.
So why?
Why did the Tri-Commission allow such blatant lies to go through them to the Shogun? Why didn't the other Commissions stop him? Why did he collude with a foreign power? Why, why and why. Looping in her head, those questions assaulted every thought of her mind. And with that uncertainty, she couldn't sleep that night.
Sara could only focus on her new duties as the bodyguard of the Shogun. In any other situation, she'd be ecstatic. Not after this debacle.
With little drive beside her frustration and sadness, she made her way towards the main keep of Tenshukaku. The guards did little to stop her, opening the throne room doors like it was any other day.
Inside, the Shogun was waiting for her. Like yesterday, her eyes were cold and stern, detached from the rest of the world. Sara kneeled and bowed in front of her, still showing her full respect for her excellency.
"I believe I told you to not bow your head, General Kujou." The Shogun's voice was dull and uninterested.
"My apologies, mighty Shogun. But this is protocol." The Tengu General quickly got up from the ground, not focusing her gaze on her Excellency.
Her comment was brushed aside by the Shogun, who walked past her as if she wasn't there. "Come."
Sara followed her liege without any complaints. They walked out of the throne room and into the upper floors of Tenshukaku. As they headed deeper and deeper, to places Sara had never been before, she got more and more nervous. The unknown environment of a building designed for defensive purposes felt oppressing and imposing.
However, that changed when they reached the last floor. It was wide and open, the highest point of the keep. There, they entered a side chamber to the right of the stairs. With a wide balcony, a small short-legged table and few pieces of furniture, the General confidently assessed that this was the Shogun's bedchamber. She knew of nobody that had seen this place, except the most trusted guards and servants. It was a show of great confidence for the Shogun to bring her here.
The Archon entered the room and headed to the lonesome drawer in the room. A broken headpiece was on top of it, alongside an odd-looking shining rock and a broken wine glass. The Shogun opened one of the furniture's drawers before glancing at Sara, who didn't enter the room.
"Come in. Sit."
Sara hurried inside and sat on the tatami floor, beside the short table. Something about the room was out of place; It was too clean and spotless like servants cleaned it every day. There were screen doors closed tight, purposefully sealed for some reason. That halved the size of the room by at least a half. The General attributed it to the fact that the Shogun's quest for Eternity left her with no need for wide spaces, rest or leisure. Diligence was something Sara appreciated greatly and only infatuated her with the Shogun even more.
Her Excellency returned with a scroll of Narukami island and another one of Inazuma City. Baal opened the former, placing it on the short table before sitting down.
"Due to the possible years-long operation by Mondstadt's forces, I fear weapon caches, as well as hideouts, might be spread out throughout the island to aid a possible rebellion." Her voice was once again robotic. "Ignore the Capital for the moment. Identify the possible locations."
The General nodded and quickly came up with several spots.
"We can discard the main road between Ritou and Inazuma city. Byakko plain's surface is unlikely to have hidden caches, but its caves and cliffsides might prove useful for smugglers." She then pointed to the north of the island. "The northern coast is mostly uninhabited and Ruin Sentinels sometimes escape from the galleries. I do not think the risk is worth it for smugglers."
"Araumi… I see. The ocean currents also make it hard to dock." The Shogun added as if the act of thinking was unwieldy. "What about Konda Village? Does it still product dyes?"
It was common knowledge for the average citizen, but perhaps the Shogun was testing her.
"Yes," Sara answered with a tinge of confusion. "Ah, do you believe that their constant trade made it a prime target for smuggling? It also sits near Byakko plain, so there could be hidden caves."
"Quite. Chinju forest was home to several blacksmiths. I believe… it was the Isshin school's property?"
"…No, not anymore. After you spared the Kamisato Clan, the Isshin art fell into disuse. Nowadays, only one member of the Kaedahara clan remains. But the blacksmiths and technique were lost long before that."
"Most unfortunate. Were the buildings demolished? If not, it could be a possible place to store weapons."
The General agreed, and the Shogun placed aside the Narukami map. Then, she rolled out the Inazuma City grid plan.
The Capital of Inazuma was divided into three layers. Hanamizaka, Tenryou and Tenshukaku.
The low-level, Hanamizaka, was filled with fields and the irregular pattern of cottages and houses. There lived peasants and the underclass of the country. As such, it wasn't mapped properly, with only a few main roads and streets. The closer you got to the first wall of defences, the denser, wealthier and more urbanised the land became.
Separated by the wall, the mid-level of the city started. The true heart of the capital, Tenryou, was densely packed with houses of all sizes, shops and leisure districts. All kinds of trade happened here, with all it implied. If somebody wanted to hide anything, from people to objects. Additionally, its main commercial road held the busiest traffic in the city.
Lastly, the high level of the city was mostly comprised of Tenshukaku, military headquarters and government offices. And, of course, the Tenryou Commission's estate.
"Any place could be a possible hideout. We need to comb the whole city." The Shogun bluntly stated. "What is your opinion?"
"That's… I do not feel comfortable following such an order, Her Excellency. I trust only certain soldiers to make a good job without disrupting innocent lives. To follow through would mean using recruits and less-than-ideal soldiers, destabilising the capital."
The Shogun opened her mouth to answer, before shutting it immediately. Like something had stopped her from talking. "You are right, General. This is not a mission to be carried lightly. You need to focus on hunting Anemo Visions, and as such, I need your judgement when delegating these orders. What path do you propose?"
Sara's eyes gained a special gleam as she heard those words. "Thank you, Her Excellency. I have certain soldiers in mind who can properly be categorised as elites. They will not abuse their powers and are loyal to the core. I believe they can focus on certain hotspots of the city to find possible weapon caches." Sara pointed to one, then another point of the map. "The Commercial buildings of Main Street and the Junction between Tenryou and Hanamizaka. These points are filled with buildings, some abandoned or underused. Perfect points to hide a vast amount of weapons, especially if the weapons were trickled in as you suspect."
"I trust your judgement, General. If needed, I authorise you to create a new unit to combat this threat. Yet, these less-than-ideal soldiers you talked about… What problems does the army have? Corruption? Lack of training? Perhaps I should re-establish the Shinsengumi to alleviate their duties?"
"The Shinsengumi…? The Secret Police? There's no need for such rash actions."
"We are at war, General. We are past the point for rash actions." The Shogun's words were cold. "I will give this idea some thought. I also approve of your plan to rat out these possible caches and dissidents. As for your personal orders, I wish you luck in your hunt. Remember, capture anemo vision holders and bring them to me."
"Yes, Narukami Ogosho. I will deliver your judgement."
Sara waited for the Shogun to dismiss the meeting, but instead, the Archon closed her eyes, deep in thought. Once she opened them again, they seemed different. Unlike before, they showed an uncomfortable emotion. Sorrow.
"Sara." Her voice was meek and careful. "Have you talked with your father?"
The General flinched at the mere mention.
"I can see that you are hurting. You have to make peace with yourself before drowning yourself in a ceaseless drive for work." She continued with measured restraint.
"He… He's a traitor. I cannot do so. What will I even ask for? Forgiveness?" Sara cleared her throat, the sadness she had bottled up suddenly emerging again. "He acted against you, Her Excellency. I cannot… face him."
"My heart aches as well, Sara. I followed Takayuki's growth from his childhood to his adulthood. To see all of that wasting away for… empty promises and an uncertain future. I hate that idea. I loathe that my hand had to be forced in this way." Ei moved from her sitting spot, moving next to Sara. "So I know that you are suffering much more than I am."
The sudden familiarity of the Shogun caught her off-guard. Her eyes were suddenly full of life, observing her like she was the mother Sara never had. Her gentle smile and the higher pitch of her voice made her feel like a completely different person.
"If you cannot face him, at the very least say your goodbyes. To lose someone without a saying word… It's unbearable pain. You'll live with that regret for the rest of your life."
Sara tried to swallow only to find her mouth dry and barren. To have somebody she idealised so much trying to help her along with the sadness plaguing her head… She couldn't think straight.
"I was never the preferred child. Even if I am legally his daughter, I wasn't treated like his regular family. I wasn't loved the same way either. So should I grieve like the rest of the family as well? Is my sorrow of less importance than theirs?" Sara's eyes were welling up, as much as she tried to wipe the tears away. "I do not deserve to bid farewell."
"It doesn't matter what they think. He's your father. Even if you consider yourself an outsider… Sometimes, outsiders will grieve somebody's loss as much as their own family." Ei stared at the broken wine glass on top of the drawer. "Only by remembering those who have passed away, can one achieve Eternity even after death."
With that, perhaps remembering memories of better times, Ei hugged Sara out of reflex. The General, in a mix of confusion and gratitude, could only stifle her cry as she leaned into the Shogun's shoulder. She didn't care that it was the Shogun who dictated his death. For her, Baal's words were law. And to hear her say heartfelt comments, it meant those were true as well.
But as much as the General loved that moment, she snapped out of her stupor.
"H-Her Excellency, I'm most sorry for sullying your shoulder!" Sara pulled away from the Shogun.
"It's fine, Sara." Ei got up from the tatami. "I hope this conversation has helped you." The Shogun's eyes lost their shine, becoming cold. "Now, go. Do not disappoint me."
The General bowed profusely before getting up and bowing again.
Her mood had improved dramatically. The Shogun herself offered her shoulder to alleviate Sara's melancholy… Such kindness and heart that Her Excellency kept hidden for the good of Inazuma. How could a mere servant like her not feel pride and a sense of duty after such actions?
She had to hunt those who dared to challenge the God of Thunder. It was her responsibility, her promise to the Shogun.
Sara left the main keep of Tenshukaku with a completely different aura. Any negative emotion that haunted her had been replaced by bravery, diligence and temperance. The moment she entered the Tenryou estate, the guards and servants of the household noticed her immediately.
She headed towards her room, everyone avoiding her, and immediately began skimming through documents. After fifteen minutes, she had compiled a list of soldiers who had shown bravery and loyalty in the past few years.
The General then left her room and handed over the list to one of her underlings. Then, they would find the soldiers, place a replacement in their stead, and bring them to her.
With that done, she only had one thing left to do.
As she entered the main hallway of the mansion, she noticed a few servants rushing towards the entrance hall. Two unfamiliar figures were being received there. A lowly shrine maiden, clearly too inexperienced with social interaction, and the real guest of honour. Kamisato Ayaka.
The cherry-wood floor creaked as Sara calmly approached the entrance, slightly elevated to accommodate a genkan. The servants of the house avoided the General like the plague as they rushed to accommodate their two guests.
"Kamisato Ayaka, welcome." Her voice was stern, out of caution rather than outright hostility. "To what do we owe your visit?"
The younger Kamisato sibling was wearing formal clothes as if attending an important meeting. Likewise, the shrine maiden was a bundle of nerves, but she maintained a graceful figure like Ayaka.
"The Raiden Shogun requested that we should accommodate the brave, nameless soldier who escaped Fort Fujitou to bring a message to Her Eternal Highness." Ayaka carefully answered. "To make the long journey from Yashiori Island, he spent his lifeforce protecting Eternity. Instead of suffering on his deathbed, he must peacefully pass away to receive his place in heaven."
Sara didn't know that the soldier was in such bad condition. He looked quite spent, but not to the point of dying. Regardless, she comprehended the meaning of Ayaka's visit. Kamisato Ayato was the political arm of the Yashiori commission, but Ayaka was the one who shined in cultural festivities and rites. To have her perform the hero's last rites was the ultimate honour.
"I understand. I'll show you the way." The General's voice froze all the hurrying servants, who scattered into nearby rooms. "Shrine Maiden, are you sure you'll be able to perform appropriately?"
The Miko jumped in fright. "Y-Yes! A hero from Inazuma deserves their place in the heavens."
"Kujou Sara, I am also here to discuss… the terms of your father's will." Ayaka warily mentioned. "As close family, you should also be present whe-"
The General raised her hand, interjecting her words. "My name and a farewell are the only things I will receive from him," She turned and motioned them to follow her. "Let's focus on the messenger."
People always experienced dreaming in different forms. Some describe it as floating, others like moving through a thick fog. For Mona, dreams were a flow. There, high in the skies, the stars drifted in a myriad of motions depending on the time of the year. Like them, her dreams were like a river flowing towards the ocean of stars. A place in her mind where everything was right, where there was no fate because she was part of the stars.
But like any oceans, they were influenced by the moon. That celestial body was them, those who had the power to bend fate to their will. The Archons. A dog could observe a ticking clock and never realise the amount of engineering required to make it work. And right now, she felt like she was that dog, staring at something too different for her to comprehend.
"Turn that frown upside down." Venti removed his beret hat and placed it on Mona's head. "There we go, now you're complete again."
Shortly after sunrise, they had a scarce breakfast in the form of watered-down tea and continued their journey south. But the Astrologer had been quiet, unsure of what to make out of this living god in front of her. Because there was only one possible god from Mondstadt. And it was the absent God of Freedom.
"Can you read minds?" Mona asked out of the blue.
"Hm? Quite the ice-breaker. Not exactly. Are you asking because I knew that Harbinger's name?" Venti waited for Mona's nod and continued. "Nah, that's more similar to your divination than actual telepathy. You use the stars' reflection, I use their soul's repetition. Names are very powerful in that regard, they're very clear, unique and concise. Like a watermark. So if I use a bit of effort, I can know a name easily. Emotions are harder because each person experiences them differently… and thoughts? It's like trying to see the bottom of the ocean. That's why wit and charisma are way more useful, no need for supernatural powers with them."
"I see…"
"Why are you asking? I mean, yes, I know that the surname Megistus is something you came up with. But I can't tell if you had a different surname, and honestly, I don't see any point in remembering a dead name. So don't worry about that."
"I wasn't thinking about that. Now that you say it though, do you know what it means?" Though presented as a question, it was more like a challenge.
"Enlighten me!"
"Mona Megistus means 'The Great Astrologist Mona'!" She announced proudly. "Sure, you might have divine powers, but can you read the stars?"
"Nop! You're right! But please, don't treat me like I'm different from you. Do I look like a God who cares about their official status after all? The only reason I am who I am was so nobody else got the job. Well, one of the reasons. I'm stuck with it until I die for whatever reason…" Venti trailed off, his eyes fixated on the horizon.
Dying was the only way to stop being an Archon. The mere thought of death paralysed his mind as if telling him to not keep thinking of that lest he remembers. Yet that only hastened his thoughts in that direction. Death, Baal, Kaenri'ah… No, he couldn't think of that. He had to stop thinking. If he had alcohol then it wouldn't be an issue.
"Are you okay, Venti?" Mona shook his shoulder. "You haven't slept a wink and your hands keep shaking ever since Wangshu Inn. Did they not heal with your powers?"
"Eh? Sure they healed! It's just uh… alcohol withdrawal syndrome?"
"I asked another question," Mona pressed on. "Are you fine?"
"Gee, you sure are pushy. I was thinking that maybe I'd let you ask some questions that only I might know. Just this once. I'll never answer any of these questions again, so if there's something you like to know, shoot. I do reserve my right to stay silent, however!"
Though Mona was well aware that he kept avoiding the question, the offer of knowledge was quite enticing.
"Okay… I have some questions then. Why do constellations change with the year? Are they like a round mat that spins? Or is it Teyvat spinning? Also, you can see different constellations if you're in Natlan or Snezhnaya. Does that mean this world is a sphere? Or is the sky a canvas?"
"I uh…" Venti rubbed the back of his head, staring away at Celestia up in the sky. "I don't know those things. And even if I did, not only I wouldn't tell you, I'd probably be six feet underground. And you would be too. Don't you want to know more things about uh… wind patterns? I know several dragons too, isn't that interesting?"
"What do you mean we would be dead? That just makes me more curious about the stars."
"Switch the topics, Mona." Venti crossed his arms, making it clear that he was serious.
"Okay, fine. Do not get upset," Mona pondered for a few seconds. "Ah, the Rite of Descension is tomorrow. Do you know Rex Lapis? Or is it a coincidence?"
"…Regardless of my relationship with the Geo Archon, you brought up a good point. The Vision Hunt decree started last week, in the middle of Liyue's preparations for the ritual. If the Qixing wanted to object, they'd have to do it after the festivities. I don't believe in coincidences. Did Baal believe Morax would stop her?"
"I'm not sure about the Archons. But Inazuma and Liyue share strong ties, both cultural and economic. I'm certain Liyue's merchants have suffered because of the Sakoku decree. But if anything, this feels more like a challenge. To act against the merchants of Liyue right before Rex Lapis makes his appearance? A bold move." Mona played with her hair, deep in thought. "Why doesn't he stop Baal?"
"Archons aren't supposed to fight each other. If they do, well…" Venti placed his finger on his throat and simulated cutting it. "Though I doubt it, there's no reason to believe he hasn't talked to her. But he can't do much besides that."
"Then what are you going to accomplish by going to Inazuma? If Rex Lapis hasn't convinced her, I don't think you'd be better off."
"First the merchant and now you. Why does everyone love Morax?" Venti angrily ran his hands through his hair before laughing. "But I suppose you are right. I do not believe talking will solve the issue without leverage. But Baal loves her people. She will listen to them."
"You say that, but aren't they rebelling?"
"Look, this isn't the time for Inazuma Politics. The point is, I don't know how or why these things are occurring. I'll only know when I enter. And then, I can… pull some strings and 'orient' the people of Inazuma in the right direction."
"Venti, she's going to kill you." Mona bumped his arm again, before crossing her arms.
"Please, do I look like the kind of man who dies?"
"You're the kind of man who would throw his life away for somebody else's sake. So yes, you do look like that." Mona sighed and pursed her lips. "You know, you said you would answer questions and you somehow turn them into something you want to talk about. Are all gods so annoying?"
"Knowledge is dangerous." For Venti, feigning ignorance until the right moment was the way to go. "Yes, I'm not answering your questions but it's not because I want to be unhelpful. To be honest there aren't many things I can answer without endangering you. Besides, I was hoping for easy and digestible questions. For example, "
"I don't know, then what's something useful that you can tell me?" Mona adjusted her lent hat before giving it back to Venti.
"Oh, you could keep it, you know? I don't have lice! Speaking of which, do you want to know how I live without money? Years of experience in my back!"
Mona grabbed one of his shoulders with an unseen strength. "Start talking!"
As Venti started his poverty-101 class, the smell of dirt and grass started to be replaced by the sour smell of salt and brine. As they walked more and more, the sea slowly appeared in the distance. And like a monument on top of a mountain, Liyue Harbour's might appeared on the coast. The city had outgrown its initial placement, having to climb the nearby mountains to find more space. The Harbour was now a maze of verticality, that made any approaching vessel stop in awe to appreciate a marvel of Teyvat.
High above the city was the Jade Chamber, headquarters of the Qixing. There, the ruling merchants of Liyue worked diligently to make the finishing touches on the Rite of Descension. Tomorrow, the Exuvia would descend from the skies to offer trade advice and bring prosperity to Liyue.
But in truth, the Geo Archon was too busy watching over the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt. Even in the distance, without seeing each other, both Gods knew that their eyes had met. Though unknown to Barbatos, the latter wasn't the only one seeking advice from an old friend.
"I do not know what you're trying to accomplish, my friend. Not even a falcon can fly against a storm."
A/N: A mellow chapter before the heavy stuff hits. And thanks for the reviews! I'm not sure if people like these half and half chapters centred around Venti and Inazuma, but I believe I will be turning them into their own chapters to make them flow better. Do tell me what you think.
Also: Changed a line in the previous chapter regarding Venti's family. Not really important, but now it's lore-approved.