With the morning sun rising through Liyue, so did the Anemo archon. Stretching his arms, then his legs to finish with his back, he enjoyed the Liyue sea breeze with a gentle smile. Then, slapping his face awake, he descended from the rooftops down to the street.

The Crux fleet would leave in two days, so that gave him some time to prepare. Morax had actually given him some friendly advice a few days ago, so he would try to follow it.

The main issue was reaching Tenshukaku without Ei throwing a hissy fit. By now, he was certain that something was going on in Inazuma, so he couldn't just barge in like usual.

For that, he would need somebody to protect him, that way he wouldn't have to use his powers. It would require at least a few capable people, which wouldn't be a problem if he was in Mondstadt. But in Liyue, he had no incentive nor knowledge of the place. He only knew Adepti.

The secondary issue was Inazuma's storm barrier, whose strength seemed to vary. He may be able to wave the storm away, but Ei might notice. So that left him with plan B. Lots and lots of insulation and luck.

With his mind settled, he decided to focus on the first objective.

There were few Adepti who knew who he was, and even fewer who actually tolerated him. One of them he had met days prior in Wanshuu inn and was the one that appreciate him the most.

For that, he simply looked for a high building and inconspicuously flew to the highest point.

"Okay… this might be a good place." Venti had climbed to the highest point of the Harbour. "Xiao, you there?"

The faint buzz in the air answered him before the Yaksha did.

"Do you need something, Barbatos?" Xiao appeared

"This is a long shot, but do you want to come to Inazuma? I have some issues to iron out."

The Yaksha crossed his arms. "That request goes beyond my abilities. I cannot neglect my duties, even if you ask me to. Inazuma's islands are corrupted, yes, but that fight is not mine to bear."

"It's quite alright, just checking." Venti stood up and turned towards Xiao. "And do you know anyone who might want to?"

"…No. Ask Rex Lapis." The mere question seemed to have upset him. "If there's nothing else you need, I will take my leave."

"Just one more thing. Kunikuzushi, that Inazuman Vagrant. Do you know where he is?"

"The rot of that Wanderer is filled with karmic corruption. I can see such a source from miles away." He pointed to the Stone Forest. "Harbingers like him seem adept with two elements. The weapons that those special Fatui carry… they're not normal. They possess the strength of visions, yet the price of their use cannot be cheap. Karma always takes back what you owe."

"Interesting. Without a vision, the ability to manipulate elements cannot come from mortal beings. Besides a vision, there are only a few things capable of changing that fact. The remains of Gods or… The abyss." With a frown, he summoned his lyre. "I'll discuss this with Rex Lapis. But now that you're here, let me play you a song."

Xiao, however, raised his hand. "There's no need. If you wish to dispatch of this… Vagrant, then I will aid you. As long as you are in Liyue."

"I don't know what he wants. But Baal must have had a reason to let him loose. Could you do me a favour, and not tell anyone where he is? Not even the big man himself. Only until we leave Liyue."

"I cannot guarantee my silence if Rex Lapis asks me to do so. Despite that, I will follow your words."

Though the Yaksha was his best bet, Venti still had plenty of strings to pull. At the very least, he did 500 years ago. Nowadays most of those strings were rotten or missing. Still, it didn't hurt to check. Most Adepti found him displeasing, though they'd never act against him thanks to his friendship with Rex Lapis. That left him with fewer options than in Mondstadt. But what was life without challenges?

Descending towards Yuehai Pavillion, it didn't take him long to spot his next target. With two horns protruding from her head, Ganyu was relatively easy to spot from a distance. She was carrying mountains of paperwork at a drowsy pace towards who knew where. Much like Makoto, Venti knew Ganyu ever since the end of the Archon War. But he only deepened their bonds centuries later.

"Long time no see!" Venti quickly approached her, waving his hand effusively. "As busy as ever, I can see. Missed me?"

"Eh?" Ganyu's quizzical look only meant confusion.

"You know! Venti, your old friend?" His introduction did little to clear her doubts, so he whispered his other, more troublesome name. "Barbatos."

"Oh!" She jolted upright, looking around as if expecting more company. "I'm so sorry! I didn't recognise you! Is Rex Lapis around? You can't find him? I'll help you!"

"It's fine, it's fine! I'm just checking the Harbour. I was just wondering if…" Venti looked at the tired half-qilin and realised the folly of his journey. "I was wondering if the Cecilias I gifted you grew well?"

Yes, Ganyu was a fearsome warrior. But seeing how busy she still was, it seemed he'd never be able to get her out of the port. And this was his second best option.

"The cecilias? Oh, yeah! They did! But, well, they all died when… Well, the disaster happened." She shifted in place, seeming nervous all of a sudden.

"Yeah, they're tender and sensitive flowers. It's normal. Even the slightest drop in temperature can kill them." His explanation only made her more anxious. "Is something the matter? Anything I can do?"

Hugging her paperwork tight, it took her a few attempts to say what she wanted. "I, erm, heard about Baal. I'm sorry."

"Oh. Yeah." He wasn't expecting the sudden and awkward apology.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to sound insincere! We worked together whenever she came by, so I thought you approached me because of h-her!"

"It's fine, really! She was really nice to everyone." Venti tried to calm her down, but he wasn't too sure of how to act either. "Well, I'm actually going to Inazuma to visit her sister. Do you know any warrior willing to, let's say, protect me along the way?"

"Well, erm…" She glanced at her paperwork once. "Write me a note and I'll get to it as soon as possible."

Venti opened his mouth to answer before shutting it tight. He cracked a laugh before actually answering. "Don't worry then. Just enjoy yourself at my behest."

"Oh, um… Can I ask you to bring something? M-Makoto liked Glaze Lilies, so I'll gather a few to make a bouquet. Is that alright?"

"Of course!" He raised his arms and made a thumbs up with both hands. "As long as you do it in less than two days."

Ganyu froze faster than water. "In less than what?"

Taking advantage of being at the Pavillion, Venti took a detour and headed towards another Adepti that wouldn't try to beat him up. In Liyue, Madame Ping was the only one with ideas similar to Barbatos. Like Ganyu, Madame Ping had decided to live among humans, believing that Adepti couldn't have such a grip over Liyue. But the similarities ended there.

Believing that humans should govern themselves wasn't a united ideology. It differed from region to region. And though Barbatos and Madame Ping wanted the same objective, it was in the little differences where their relationship fell through.

Regardless, the situation didn't allow him to be picky. She looked quite different from how he remembered her, but that only made his hesitation greater. The kind, old lady appearance she now sported contrasted heavily with how she acted all those years ago. Bold, strong and with an attitude.

"Good morning, Madame! You're looking as ravishing as always!" The bard decided to let his charm do the job.

"Oh? I'd remember that silly face anywhere. If it isn't the spirit of Mondstadt. Have you found it upon yourself to visit me again?" The old lady didn't seem hostile in her intent, but Barbatos was too nervous to tell.

"I, eh, yeah! Took me a while to find you, I wasn't expecting a granny." He rested a hand on his hip. "So, heard about Inazuma? I'm sure you know that's where I'm headed. So I was wondering if you were willing to come? You know, like in the good old times."

"How desperate must you be to request my help." Her hearty laugh only discouraged Venti even further. "Though I did love our old 'trips' to Fontaine and Sumeru, I will have to sit this one out. Nowadays I have a few students under my wing, and my fervour isn't what it used to be."

Venti scoffed at her answer. "Has age thawed your rebellious spirit? You've never been stopped by anyone."

"Ohoho! Unlike me, I can only see your conviction grow stronger by the day. I would have thought you'd rush to Snezhnaya first, all things considered." Her jolly attitude slowly faded. "Those Fatui have been quite the troublemakers. Had I not been bound by a contract, I would have gone North before you even awoke."

"Who knows, Snezhnaya might be my next trip after I return to Mondstadt." He started to rhythmically tap his foot. "Maybe I could take her along, that would be nice. There's a song about that, isn't there?"

"Her? You mean Baal?" Madame shook her head in disapproval. "You've always been quite the hypocrite with the Inazuma Archon."

"Hah!" He stomped his foot, stopping the beat. "Should I burn the chair the moment it starts tumbling? I've always been quite lenient with my friends because I know they only need a push in the right direction."

"We both know that's not what I meant. Baal has always ruled by decree, even if in the last few centuries she has relegated some of her powers. I know Barbatos would have never respected that."

"Yeah, sure. Join Mondstadt's Church if you want the perfect idol to revere. I do stupidities from time to time," He huffed irritably. "Adepti are a relic of time. Maybe we'll have a nice chat once you retire."

With that, he stormed off at a hasty pace. Though Madame Ping's words were true, that was not the source of his anger. That old woman said that Baal had delegated some of her powers. Her powers. That was a complete lie. Makoto never had power over her people. It was the people of Inazuma who gave their power to Makoto.

All the original Archons found that simply winning the Archon War wasn't enough to legitimise their rule. Everyone understood that they needed legitimacy from anything other than Celestia. Morax, for example, secured his rule by utilising the wealthy merchants of young Liyue. Baal and Beelzebul used their exploits, both militarily and economically, to establish the composite Baal as protector of the Islands.

Barbatos, who had only truly won victory thanks to widespread rebellion, understood that it hadn't really been him who won the war. But the people that dwelled in Mondstadt. For that, didn't they deserve to be truly free? To govern themselves?

Thanks to all the rumours about Revolution and Rebellion, every Archon knew, to either a lesser or greater extent, that the power they exerted over their region was never truly their own.

"Makoto knew that better than anybody." He suddenly said out loud. "I need a drink."

Though a drink would be nice, the sun was barely up and all bars and taverns were closed. Woe is he, so he headed towards his good old friend Morax. Though quite the temperate man, Morax used to have liquor from all parts of Teyvat. At the very least, before he adopted his last persona.

Because of that, his next stop was Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.

In the first hours of the morning, the bard hoped that Zhongli would already be up and ready for the day. If he slept at all.

He knocked once, realising that he actually didn't know where his friend lived.

Then, whoever was inside would know it, he knocked twice.

Before he could knock again, a girl unexpectedly opened the door. With two long twin tails and blossom-shaped pupils, the girl looked anything but normal.

"Oh?" She looked at him from his feet to his head, before pointing at him. "Yo!"

"Yo?" Venti was caught off-guard.

"You're the bard! Expert in songs and poems!" She rocked back and forth, with her arms ready to throw a punch. "And I'm the greatest poet of all Liyue! My dear new rival, we shall battle to decide who the greatest songwriter of all Teyvat truly is!"

Pleasantly surprised and ready to do everything to forget, Venti mimicked her movement with a wide smile. "Oh?! Finally, a battle I excel at! Very well then, we shall fight! Give me your best shot!"

The fighting mood, however, was ruined as soon as Zhongli appeared from the Parlour. He glanced at both self-proclaimed poets and rubbed his eyes in contemplation.

"Master Hu, please don't engage with the drunkard." He then stared at Venti. "And Venti, don't sing obscenities to Master Hu's ears. She's easily influenced."

"What do you mean?!" Both Venti and Hu Tao complained at the same time.

"My words leave little to interpretation. Please, give us some privacy, Master Hu."

"Oi, oi! You two spent the whole of yesterday and the day before together! Having fun without me and… He looks younger than me!" She pouted, shaking Zhongli's arm to no avail.

"Oh, I'm a late bloomer," Venti answered. "I'm actually on a tour to conquer Teyvat with music… Planning to go to Inazuma next. Care to join me?" Zhongli took Venti by the collar and carried him over his shoulder. "Call me~!"

Getting away from the Parlour, Zhongli shoved Venti off his shoulder. He landed with grace and turned to his friend.

"Don't bring Master Hu into your problems. She has enough responsibilities as it stands." Zhongli's low tone wiped off Venti's smirk.

"I was just joking around." He cleared his throat, glancing around the empty street. "I'm having a few issues with that whole 'get somebody to protect you' idea. I should have done that while I was still in Mondstadt."

"You cannot go back to Mondstadt? Has your power degraded to the point of losing your top speed?" Morax's question teetered between concern and pity.

"I'm a bit slower, yes. That's not the issue, anyways. If I return to Mondstadt I won't be able to leave. Dvalin and the people of Mondstadt would lure me in and… Who knows what will happen in Inazuma in the meantime. Besides, I told you I had to visit Ei too."

"I understand your conundrum." Zhongli's pause was something Venti understood well.

"Alright, what do you know? Something bad, isn't it?"

"A messenger from Mondstadt arrived a few hours ago. Though I was not consulted, I know that they are desperate for a diplomatic mission and aid from Liyue. Something about the Shogun Raiden threatening your nation." He turned towards the floating Jade Palace. "Right now, the Qixing are discussing the implications. A diplomatic entourage will more than likely arrive today."

"I'm sorry?" Venti's confusion made way for indignation. "She did what?"

"I don't know the details, my friend. I'll tell you the moment I know."

"I mean… What the hell, Ei? It's a bit of an overreaction isn't it?"

Morax narrowed his eyes, realising the implication.

"Once again, you are withholding information. You know why she's doing this, don't you?" He closed his eyes and shook his head in disappointment. "I will not ask you to tell me. But I would appreciate it if you told me either way."

"It's what I told you before, okay? In the heat of the moment, you say and do the wrong things. But I don't know why she would wait so long to lash out. I have heard rumours of a possible conflict within Inazuma, but..." He looked around the barely empty street and continued. "… I spoke with Xiao about something. I think it has something to do with this whole incident."

He took that opportunity to talk about the Harbinger's odd vision-like armament.

"There's not much I know about these weapons. Delusions are quite the enigma even for me." Zhongli answered much to Venti's disappointment. "We've come to the same conclusion, however. They utilise the residue of deceased Gods to amplify and control elements. Not too dissimilar to the black fires of that ancient Kingdom."

That Kingdom being Khaenri'ah.

"Liyue must be a tasty objective for the Fatui, then. Like Dragonspine, Sumeru's desert or Yashiori island." Venti added, thinking of the closest areas. "The fact that you're not doing a thing to stop them means what I think it means, right?"

Zhongli didn't answer, which was enough confirmation for Venti. Yet another contract getting in his way.

"Fine, be that way. Inazuma would also be a prime candidate. Knowing how the Fatui are like cockroaches, they must be plotting something there too. Maybe that's why Ei's done this." Venti's serious expression mellowed. "By the way, I really need to drink."

"It's six thirty in the morning."

"Some people would consider that hour to be late night, a normal time to drink."

Zhongli paused for a slight second, processing his words. "…No, that is not how hours work."

"Okay, fine. Then I need ten thousand mora." He showed his left palm. "For bard things."

"Venti, no. If you are depressed or sad, drowning it in alcohol is not a good solution."

"Not a good solution, but a solution nonetheless!" Venti snapped his fingers as if that would make his explanation convince his friend easier. "Fine, I won't drink. You're right."

"Thank you, my friend." With a slight smile, Zhongli patted his friend's shoulder. "It takes a lot of strength, but you will manage."

"Yep. So I will redirect this energy into something better. For example, let me battle that girl with my songs. What's she called? Hu something? Wait, you called her master? Let me destroy her even harder."

"Do not." He tightened his grip on Venti's shoulder.

"But she thinks she's better than me. Big fish in a small pond, ya know? Gotta knock her down a few notches!" Zhongli's hand only grew stronger as Venti tried to free himself. "Okay, okay, you sure are violent today!"

"I am simply protective of my superiors." Zhongli released his hand and clasped it with the other behind his back. "I have seen many diamonds being shattered because of mishandling."

"Yeah, and what a diamond. What is it with twin-tail girls and being crazy? That Astrologer I talked to you about thinks she's the best in the field."

"Twin-tails represent immaturity and dual nature." His eyes became focused on Venti's braids.

The bard grabbed them self-consciously. "Oi, these aren't twintails. They're twin braids."

"Regardless of prejudice, that Astrologer can predict the near future, can she not?"

"Uh, maybe," Venti hadn't actually seen her in actions. At Dihua Marsh, the bard wasn't able to see her due to their hugging-flying method. And she had never lied so far. "Well, she can detect lies. Which I can do too."

"I was under the impression her foretelling was the reason you were bringing her to Inazuma."

"…Of course. Yes… Yeah! That's why I don't need any bodyguards, rockhead. She can just guide me to the right path."

"Oh. True. I did not think of that."

They stared at each other, each realising that their zealous planning had served no point besides making a fool out of themselves.

"…I'll tell Ei I went straight to Inazuma without a thought."

"Yes," Zhongli covered his mouth and muttered. "I will preemptively rethink my retirement plan."

As the sun reached its zenith, the young astrologer stopped to check her scryglass one last time.

Mona's astrolabe spun around, quickly verifying that her hat had indeed not moved for the past two days. Though it had been quite the questionable use of her foretelling, this was an exceptional situation. That hat's worth was immeasurable! Her outfit hadn't come cheap, but the hat was a paid commission. So the hat technically had a measured price, but that wasn't important!

The important issue was that it was located at a pawn shop. That Inazuman Harbinger probably sold it off the moment he could. A low blow for Mona. But considering that the Wanderer's hat was promptly burned by her and turned to ashes, she didn't mind it.

Located at Harbour's Boulevard, the pawn shop was shoddy and had probably seen better days. It was one story tall, squeezed between two bigger establishments. The wooden structure seemed somewhat rotten, even if the placards of the shop had been recently cleaned and painted.

She entered the shop quietly, with only the bell at the entrance signalling her arrival. For a pawn shop, there were relatively few items around. The shelves were mostly empty, with only a few big extravagant items around.

The owner was sitting with his feet on his desk, looking quite annoyed at her sudden entrance. He put down the book he was reading and welcomed her.

Mona answered immediately. "Good morning, I'm looking for a stolen item."

The lanky man didn't seem to care much. "We don't sell or buy stolen items."

"I know it's here. A purple witch-hat that matches my outfit. You bought it two days ago, probably by an Inazuman wanderer." She quickly showed her knowledge. "And selling stolen goods is a crime."

"Ah, so you're the witch. I didn't know they were so scantly dressed. Hol'up."

The lanky owner got up and headed into the back of the shop. After a few loud noises, he came back with her beautiful hat. Her eyes were so bright and wide from the happiness of seeing her hat that she almost bawled like a baby.

"Yep, here you go. Ah, here's the envelope as well." The owner pulled a letter out of the hat. "The man who brought it seemed quite interested in you having it."

Mona quickly took her hat but paused at the letter. Why would Kunikuzushi write her a letter? Judging by how long it had stayed in the pawn shop, this was before yesterday's meeting where she almost died. So why would he do that?

She scrupulously took the envelope in hand. There was nothing written on the back or the front.

"Did he tell you what's inside it?"

"No clue, girl. He paid me a hefty amount just for safeguarding the hat. When that much money is around, you don't ask why or how." The man sat back and propped up his feet again. "Now go away, I don't want to know anymore."

Though he was quite rude, Mona was riding on the high of regaining her hat. It smelled just like she left it, though she felt the need to clean it before putting it back on her head. That Harbinger could have done something heinous to it.

She left the shop and looked at the letter. Holding back the urge to open it, she checked her scryglass once again. She paused, eyes wide, and checked it again.

Even in the morning sun, the stars meaning was clear. Whatever was inside that envelope, it was powerful and deadly.

Her hands quickly dropped the paper envelope to the ground and took a few steps away from it. No more than a second later, the wind picked up and lifted the letter out of her reach. The brief relief was soon replaced by dread, as any innocent citizen could stumble upon whatever was inside it.

Dashing as she had never run before, Mona pursued the deadly letter. The wind seemed to be mocking her, as it flew out of her reach whenever she got close to it. The air then lifted even higher than before, making it impossible to catch.

"Oh god, oh no." Mona helplessly watched it fly away. "Right, Venti! He can get it!"

As if the Archon had heard her cries for help, the wind suddenly changed directions, pushing the letter in a downward spiral. Once it was close enough to her, she lunged at the letter, barely slipping by her fingers.

The Astrologer managed to land on her feet. She quickly raised her head to find the envelope, only to see the mischievous bard holding the letter.

"You called?" He waved the odd letter in his hand.

"Don't open it!" Mona quickly warned him. "There's some malignant energy inside it!"

"Is there? I can't feel anything." He raised the envelope against the morning sun, noticing the differences in the transparency of the paper. "There's something solid and some type of paper. Where did you get this?"

"It was on my hat." Venti then noticed the witch-hat she was holding under her armpit. "I don't know what it is, but that can kill someone in no time."

The bard looked at the astrologer and then back at the envelope. "So a little present from that Harbinger, eh? I think I know what it is."

"Wait, listen to me. That thing can corrupt anyone. It's going to hurt you as well." Once again, Mona tried to warn him.

"Allogenes, vision holders like you, have a resistance to these types of energy." Venti shoved the envelope down in his shirt. "But if you're worried, I'll try to purify it."

"Are you sure? That thing… it's like the remnant of some serpent god. It reeks of anguish and hate." She checked her scryglass again to confirm it. "You should destroy it."

"Maybe so. It's probably a… Right, it's probably a bone containing the Tatarigami. And the paper inside was probably an Omikuji or a Tanzaku." The bard was careful to pronounce it right.

"And you're not going to tell me what any of that means, right?"

"I don't see why I wouldn't. A Tatarigami is a curse created from Orabashi's physical remnants. Orabashi was a serpent God who led its people from the depths, before meeting his end at the hands of Baal. That thing inside the letter is probably a piece of its bones. Had we been in Inazuma, you and I would have been corrupted to some extent." Mona's attentive stare felt somewhat rewarding for Venti. "An Omikuji is… Some paper you put in shrines? And a Tanzaku is something a long piece of paper you write wishes in."

"That explanation sure degraded in quality."

"I'm not an expert on Inazuma culture. Besides, in Mondstadt wishes come from shooting stars." He scratched his head and removed his hat, placing it on his chest. "My dearest astrologer, thank you for saving my life."

"…What do you want?" Mona might not be able to tell Venti's lies, but she knew pompous honeyed words when she heard them.

"Oh, nothing, my 'most greatest' astrologer of all of Teyvat."

"It's true, but I'm going to punch you if you keep that up."

Venti dropped the act. "You can tell the near future, right? So you can avoid fights and all that, can't you?"

"Even a rookie can do so. I can probably even tell you if the trip to Inazuma will be successful." Mona added, to boost her own ego. "Why do you ask? If you stopped treating me like a kid, you'd have realised that sooner."

"You're right." He placed back his hat on his head. "So will the trip go smoothly?"

"I checked before. It will be bumpy and hard, but we will arrive." She answered with a hint of pride.

"Okay, good. So I don't need to do crazy stuff."

"I do not give advice, but seeing how I am entangled in that trip, you should not relax because of my prediction. It was a general one, I can just tell you that the ship will arrive. Perhaps we all die on the way there." Mona explained, summoning her scryglass. "I will not check my future, and you… do weird things to prevent my readings."

"Indeed. That reminds me, you didn't answer me back then. I asked you what would happen if you checked the fate of somebody deceased."

"O-Oh, yeah. I didn't. Well, I'd be able to do it, but it wouldn't be a prediction. Just… remembrance, I suppose."

Venti hardened his eyes. "Okay, that's good. Fulgator Dei."

"Sorry?" Mona stammered.

"Her constellation. Of my… well, don't you need it?"

Mona looked around the somewhat busy street. "That constellation… You can't say that here." She took his hand and pulled him along. "Good heavens, good heavens! This is an important step! You won't get anything out of him, yeah, right!"

"I feel like I'm missing a lot of context. But yes!"

"Okay, first you need to tell me the shape, which stars are utilised and the day of her birth. Then, since that constellation is clearly of someone divine, you will need to shield me from retaliation and then…"

"Cleaning the shrine of lea~ves! Nobody will ever see~"

A lone shrine maiden hummed a made-up song, cleaning cherry blossom petals and random leaves that the wind carried towards the mountain top. Narukami Shrine stood in the middle of the island, though it had been of hard access ever since the events of 500 years ago. Nowadays, only the most fervent or fittest people ever reached the top.

There were a few regular visitors, all willing to visit any of the shrines worshipping minor deities like the Inari Ookami or the Kazemaru.

But of course, the main attraction was the Sacred Sakura. The representation of Baal's ultimate power, her devotion to the protection of her people. Praying to it was praying to the Shogun herself, which would hopefully hear the prayer and fulfil the wish. In theory, at least.

"Taking the blooms for home~! Without Yae Miko seeing me~"

Lightning and then thunder suddenly shook Mt. Yougou, striking the Sacred Sakura right in the middle of its trunk. It absorbed the electro energy, but the strike had managed to pluck a few branches.

"By Baal's braid!" The shrine maiden clutched the broom, observing the awry glow the tree had gained. "Lady Guuji! The tree! You have to come! Ill omens! Or good ones! I don't know!"

The shrine maiden quickly darted around, pushing past her worried peers. She ended up making a lap around the Grand Shrine before she finally found the head Priestess.

"Lady Guuji! The tree!"

The head shrine maiden, Yae Miko, didn't need her keen ears to hear the racket outside. "Ugh, I heard your cries the first time, no need to repeat them."

"But… The tree!"

"Say tree again and I am having you for lunch." She ignored the novice shrine maiden and walked towards the Radiant Sakura. "Somebody must have tried to pry into the Almighty Shogun's heart. What a mess they've made."

"Oh no! It has to be the enemy of Watatsumi!"

"Don't be daft." Miko shrugged and started to leave the site. "I'll be praying to the Kazemaru. Do not tell me if it happens again."

Ei was calmly meditating in the plane of Euthymia when something felt out of place. She opened her eyes, but nothing seemed to be amiss. This was a plane of stasis. It would be odd if it changed out of nowhere.

It wasn't the Plane that was feeling odd.

She ordered the puppet to unveil the Musou Isshin from her body. Ei took over control of the puppet, and thoroughly inspected the sword. It seemed… duller than usual. Like it used to be when her sister wielded it.

"Makoto…"

Her hands united in prayer, she remembered her sister's kind eyes and quietly reminisced.

Mona scratched her head again, then again before Venti stopped her from pulling out her hair.

"It's clearly not working." He said, stopping his anemo powers from shielding Mona. "I suppose I got something wrong. An Archon's power blocks any hex or spell attempt almost automatically. And as Liyue clearly shows, it doesn't matter whether a God is dead or alive to afflict people."

"No, it's just me!" Mona stuttered, clicking her tongue. "It's very weird, I've never seen something like this. It's all tangled like a skein."

"Sounds like Makoto alright. Have you tried putting on your witch-hat? Bring back your true power? Maybe put on some glasses, you'd look good in those. Or one of those weird Liyue dresses whose name eludes me."

Mona dismissed her scryglass, turning to Venti with a death stare. "If I stay in Liyue for one more day, I will snap and kill you."

"Okay, okay. Let's ready our bags. Tomorrow we have to be with Beidou." Venti stretched his limbs, hiding his disappointment. "And the day after that we'll set sail. I'll pay her, somehow. Probably."