AN: No beta we die like hilichurls
"Irodori festival huh? This place is rocking." she said as she presented her invitation.
A girl with amber eyes, dark skin, with her hair spiked up in two buns with streaks in her hair ranging from dark red to bright orange and clad in a rocker's stage costume with spikes excitedly hopped out of the boat she came on.
'Well dang. I'm finally here!'
She had been very excited during the trip to Inazuma, even more so now that she was actually in Inazuma for the second time now, and during a festival too! Compared to the first time she visited where she was only here for that whole thing with Shiki Taishou, his missing memories, and the Mystic Onmyou Chamber.
But now, during a festival, there were so many things to see! So many things to do! She smiled the whole way. Though she didn't notice that she may or may not have scared a few people. With how excited she may have been, her eyes… were another story to people who didn't know her.
She'd have to thank the Traveler the next time she saw him. If not for the ticket he sent her, she couldn't have come at all. That would've been a shame now that she saw what awaited her in Inazuma. The clothing, the people, and even the air were different!
'Not to mention the food,' she sniffed the air. 'Yep, something smells good for sure.'
She started walking with a smile on her face. 'Whoa, who are those on the posters?' she gazed at the canvases that hung on the lamp poles. 'I think that's the shogun, but I don't know who the pink-haired one is.'
'Now what does a girl do when she's in a foreign country? Check everything that catches my eye out.' She then made her way past the harbor and into the plaza.
Upon arriving, she saw in the middle of the plaza was a circular structure around a tall tree, with five paintings on them. She went around the structure to view each painting, awed by each of them. Well, four out of five of them.
'Huh, why's this empty?'
"Those five paintings are Calx's depiction of the five Kasen."
"Ah!" Xinyan jumped at the sudden voice. Once she calmed down, she looked up and saw a smile from a woman with pink hair, a shrine maiden outfit, and fox ears. Like the poster, she thought.
The ears looked fake.
"H-Hi? Hello there," she breathed. "Couldn't give a girl a warning?"
The pink-haired woman chuckled. "I apologize. You looked confused so I thought I'd speak up. But you were deeper in your thoughts than I thought."
She chuckled and waved her off. "Apology accepted. That aside, you were saying? Something about the Five Kasen?"
Miss (maybe) fake fox ears nodded. "Yes. The Irodori Festival is an event that celebrates the work of the Five Kasen, who had large contributions to Inazuma's culture as a whole. It was once regularly celebrated before the Sakoku Decree, and after it was established, the populace generally forgot about it. However, once it was abolished, Lady Guuji decided to revive the festival by hosting an international cultural convention including light novels, which are said to be representative of modern Inazuma culture."
"That's… some story," Xinyan whistled. "Thanks. There wasn't exactly a pamphlet that came with the trip."
"Don't you worry about it. It's fun having people from different countries over to Inazuma. If you have any questions, please don't be shy to ask."
Xinyan smiled. "Well, in that case, I got a question for you."
"By all means."
"Are you the girl on the posters back there?" she pointed towards the docks.
Miss (maybe) fake fox ears chuckled. "I wouldn't dare to be, no. Though I suppose I do look like her?" she pointed towards her ears. "The individuals on the posters are Lady Guuji Yae and the Raiden Shogun. As for me, these are props, as is the shrine maiden costume I'm wearing, and my hair is dyed."
"Huh, I see," Neat. She thought. "Why the fake ears, and the hair though? I-I mean if you don't mind me asking. It looks very nice!"
Miss fake fox ears chuckled. "Don't worry, I get that question often from a lot of other visitors as well," she cleared her throat. "I'm a part-time employee at Yae Publishing House, and my current assignment is to portray one of the characters from the light novel to promote a collaboration drink."
'A drink? I could go for one.' Xinyan thought. "What's the drink?"
"The drink is called a Rainbow Aster. It is a very popular beverage amongst the festival attendees. We often sell out come afternoon."
"Dang. It's that good?"
"Yes, but it's also because of the marketing."
Xinyan tilted her head. "What marketing?"
"You see, this drink originated from the light novel 'Pretty Please, Kitsune Guuji?' wherein it features the story of a loser Shogun and the Kitsune Guuji who can do it all."
"So… it's a light novel of the Raiden Shogun and Lady Guuji?"
"Yes."
"And they just let you publish this?" 'You know, what is essentially fanfiction with THE Raiden Shogun in it?'
To her surprise, the cosplayer squealed in delight instead.
"I know right?! The shogun is so kind."
Albeit strange, she got interested in the beverage and the light novel that the fake shrine maiden was talking about. She purchased the related light novel with the help of the fake shrine maiden and the beverage in a to-go cup.
And she was glad that she did. Milky and minty, refreshing and satisfying, she'd say it was worth the money.
Though a small part of her mind would say it was a tad bit overpriced due to popularity, she wanted to see what all the hype was about. She bought the book and went down to the docks to read while enjoying the sea breeze.
'AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH'
She saw what all the hype was about.
'Oh my gosh, did they? Did they k-k-kiss? AHHHHHHHHHHHHH. No, compose yourself girl.' She slapped her cheeks, doing her best to will the accursed blush and goofy smile she had to go away. If only she could burn it with her Ax.
'So that's why it's so popular.' she thought once she had calmed down. She could see why. Heck, she knew why. Let it be known that Xinyan was a girl of culture. She idly took another sip of the Rainbow Aster. But at the taste of the sweet flavor, she immediately remembered the novel, and just like that, her blush came back in full.
'Darn it!'
She finished the cup, and put it beside her for the moment as she contemplated the existence of the gift and the curse that was 'Pretty Please, Kitsune Guuji?'
'I must shy away from this.'
But it's so good~
'This-This shouldn't be on the mind of a musician!'
But it could be inspiration~
'I-I can't draw inspiration from this! '
Oh but you can~ Don't be like the loser shogun now, be more like Kitsune Guuji~ She can do anything after all.
'But the shogun was the one that got the kiss- what are you trying to make me say?'
'Who do you mean when you say you? I am you. I am your inner thoughts, your true desires. And I know that you would like nothing more than to frame that novel and pass it on from generation to generation~'
'The world has gone mad. I am going mad. I'm arguing with myself and my stupid inside voice.'
She glared at the light novel book to her side. She picked it up and glared even harder. Then she cradled it to her chest like a mother would her child. 'This is all your fault.'
She put the light novel back in her backpack and brought out her instrument of choice; A white, brown, and red square guitar with a bladed ax-like bottom.
'Maybe if I play a little it'll get my head out of this.'
"Halt!"
But before she could strum even a single note, someone called out to her. Three figures clad in purple clothes with black armor with polearms in hand.
Her mind went to the worst-case scenario she could imagine.
"This isn't mine!" she exclaimed to them as she offered them the light novel.
"Uh… ma'am, that isn't what we're here for."
Xinyan grew red in embarrassment. "A-Ah, it's not? I see."
"However, we would be happy to see it returned to its rightful owner-"
"It's mine!" Contrary to her previous actions, she held the light novel close to her chest and glared at the three of them.
"Then why did you say it wasn't-"
"None of your business!" she hastily said as she stood up. She hid the bag behind her and nodded. "Did I do something wrong?"
Baffled by the sudden change in demeanor, the leader deemed to bring up the novel once again, but a glance at the girl's eyes told him that it would be a bad decision.
'Try me.'
"Anyway, yes, back to what we initially were here for." they wisely said. "It is regarding your instrument."
She raised an eyebrow and held her guitar in front of her. "You mean this?"
He nodded. "Yes," before he pointed towards the bladed end of the guitar. "The blade. It could prove to be a danger to the populace of Ritou, especially during the festival."
"I'll be careful! I always bring it around with me. It's for self-defense. I wouldn't use it to hurt anyone." 'That didn't deserve it.' She reasoned. Though she kept the latter part to herself.
"That may be so. But I think we should confiscate it for now."
Her eyes widened. "Confiscate?! No way dude!"
"On the honor of the Tenryou commission, we promise that it will be returned to you by the end of your visit."
"What? Can't you guys just be happy when I say nothing will happen?" Xinyan inched backward, protective of her guitar.
"I apologize but this is for the good of the populace."
She vehemently shook her head. "Nu-uh. No way. I ain't giving you this guitar. Besides, y'all got your blades too you know?"
"Our weapons are officially issued by the Tenryou Commission. We have permission to wield them for peace-keeping," They stared at each other for a moment, before the leader nodded towards his two subordinates and they brandished their weapons. "Please understand why we have to do this. Failure to comply will have consequences."
'Yikes. These guys won't budge. I can't give up my guitar but I can't go to jail either. Darn, I can't think of a way out, I need more… time.'
She grinned. 'I got an idea.' She wished it would work. But these were guards and there was a large chance that their professional mindset would keep them from being distracted. And if that was the case, she'd have to take desperate measures.
In front of the guards, she adopted a shocked face and pointed behind them. "Oh my gosh! Look! A live depiction of Pretty Please! Kitsune Guuji!"
In hindsight, it was stupid. They'd never fall for something like that-
"What?!"
"Where?!"
"Here?!"
'Huh, that book's even more popular than I thought.'
The three guards immediately turned around in search of such a treasure. A moment as great as a live depiction of Pretty Please! Kitsune Guuji was a sight to eternally keep in one's heart and mind to pass on to the next generation! Hail hail!
"Wait, where is it- oh drat she's gone!" the leader tsked and gestured to the two behind him. "Come on! We gotta find her!"
"Uhm, sir? Shouldn't we notify Miss Kujou Sara first?"
He shook his head. "Not this time. If Miss Kujou Sara finds that we've done well under her tutelage and we didn't need to ask her for any assistance, we'll be scot-free! No more getting in trouble!" he laughed as he urged his comrades. "Now come on! For glory!"
"Anybody see her?"
"No sign of her here sir!"
"We heard she would be here, keep looking! Anything suspicious?"
"No sir! All we have is this bush here with red and black spikes poking through it sir!"
His brows furrowed, his lips narrowed.
"Sir?"
"Don't touch those. They might be a new species of plants. We'll report about them by the end of the day, but don't touch things you don't understand."
"Sir yes sir!"
They kept looking around the area, unbeknownst to them, a certain rocker was freaking out.
'My hair almost gave me away!'
-x-
"How about now?"
"Nothing out of order, sir!."
"She can't have gone far. The shopkeeper gave a description similar to her, and said she bought a mask with flames on it."
"Nothing over here sir. Maybe we should ask the group of people over there?"
He raised an eyebrow at the direction his subordinate pointed towards. A group of people holding instruments of their own. It looked like they were rehearsing. They had taiko drums, shamisen, koto, and one other instrument that strangely took a square shape to it. It had strings like a shamisen though so he guessed it sounded like one.
He shook his head. "We mustn't bother the musicians. Their practice is vital for their performances and one distraction is enough to mess with their flow," he bowed towards them in respect. "Now, come men. We must continue our search."
Meanwhile, within the said group of musicians. A sigh could be heard.
"Can't believe they fell for that." Xinyan wiped the sweat off her forehead.
The shamisen player smiled at her. "Hey, no worries! We musicians have to stick together, ya know?" she said.
She smirked as they shared a hug. "Ain't that the truth, girl."
"You better keep your promise and play with us later, yeah?"
"Yeah! You better not get caught before we get to hear that rock n roll you were talking about!" The two taiko drummers told her.
"Heh they can't catch this heat, man," she spun around and brandished her guitar. "Still though, a girl's gotta worry about this. I don't wanna be a wanted woman in Inazuma."
"I wouldn't worry about it," the shamisen player told her. "I know those three. They recently got in trouble. And by my guess, this is how they think they'll make up for it." she shook her head and scoffed.
Xinyan raised an eyebrow. "You think they'll stop once they get bored?"
"Hah! Fat chance. No, they'll stop once Kujou Sara gets involved," she said. "Besides, there shouldn't be a problem with that blade of yours as long as you are careful with it. They're just taking advantage of you being a tourist. If you want to avoid them, best head to Inazuma City."
"Won't there be guys like them there too?"
"Definitely, but knowing them, they didn't say anything to the others so they can take full credit for this. You'll be safe there for quite some time. They can't risk going there and risking this 'opportunity' anyway. And, no offense, your eyes don't help your innocence either. You look like you're about to eat someone alive."
"Hey you can't just say that!" the koto player chastised.
She scoffed. "It's fine, see? She's laughing."
"You're gonna get in trouble with that bluntness of yours someday, you know."
"Good thing that day isn't today then.|
Xinyan sweatdropped. "I… Alright," ignoring the quip to her eyes, she noticed she'd said a familiar name. "Wait, Kujou Sara? Indigo hair, has a red mask of some kind to the side of her head, has an electro vision and wings, that Kujou Sara?"
"Yes, exactly," she confirmed. "You've met? This isn't your first time in Inazuma?"
Xinyan nodded. "Yeah. It's my second time in Inazuma. I had a friend of mine and another guy there whose name I can't remember. Some ginger guy, pretty tall, kinda sketch but he's pretty cool too."
"Ah, in that case then, all you gotta do is find Kujou Sara and tell her about them and she should do the rest," she smiled. "Ah, Miss Kujou Sara. So elegant, so dutiful, so perfect-"
"You should probably go now before she gives you a whole lecture on 'Kujou Sara and why she's perfect™'." One of the taiko drummers told her. The group minus Xinyan and the Shamisen player laughed.
"Well I'd love to listen sometime, but maybe when I'm not a wanted woman, yeah?" she gave them all a wave and started walking.
"Sure thing!"
"Hey don't forget! We're playing together before the festival is over, alrighty?"
Xinyan laughed. "It's a promise! I'll show you how rock and roll rocks and more very soon!"
The band continued to wave as she became smaller and smaller in their field of vision. Very quickly, she disappeared further into town in search of Kujou Sara.
Wait a second…
"Hey guys, we never did tell her where Kujou Sara would be, did we?"
"Uh oh."
"And we practically told her to stay away from the Plaza, where Kujou Sara is most likely to be later this afternoon!"
"UH OH"
"Darn it, I forgot to ask where she would be."
It had been 20 minutes after she had left the group of musicians. They were chill people. She would love to play with them sometime soon. But first, she had her issues to take care of. Maybe she could ask for help? But then, who could she even ask?
Her stomach grumbled. She never did get to eat some grub. Blasted guards, blasted Rainbow Aster, blasted book.
Her cheek gained a tint of red at the memory of the light novel. She shook her head rather violently. 'Not the time! Not the time!'
She breathed in and calmed down. She took a look around her. 'So this is Inazuma City, huh.'
A bustling city full of people, pink trees, and an electrifying air you could actually feel were only some of the things you could only experience in Inazuma. Being back in the city made Xinyan smile. 'I'm definitely including Inazuma in my Rock n Roll World Tour!'
'Though, most people were still iffy about rock so that part will have to wait.'
She began walking forward in search of food. The delicacies of Inazuma await! What would she even pick? There were so many good options. Fish, pork, beef, vegetables? All she wanted was something with a lot of flavors. Something filling.
'I'll just look for something when I get there.'
A few minutes later, she arrived at her destination. 'Kiminami Restaurant.' she read.
The lady behind the counter smiled at her. "Hello! Welcome to Kiminami Restaurant! I'm Kiminami Anna, happy to serve!"
"Oh hey there! I like your energy." She took a seat.
Anna chuckled. "I'm happy to hear that. It's always a pleasure to be a delight to guests. Especially guests from afar." she bowed.
She chuckled. "Well, I'm all for it then! I'll treat you like you treat me, that's what I always say."
"Where are you from, if I may?"
"This girl's from Liyue!" she winked and pointed to herself.
Anna nodded. "Liyue. Interesting clothing," she mused. Though contrary to most of the looks that her clothing had garnered - largely befuddlement - hers had been curious, and even the slightest bit interested. "I've seen people from Liyue come by here, but this is the first time I've seen clothing like yours."
"These threads?" Xinyan gestured to her clothes. "Yeah, these clothes are… well, even in Liyue they still look out of place," she sighed. "Most people don't like them. Like, seriously can't a girl strut her own style in peace?" she rolled her eyes jokingly. Anna laughed.
"Well, I think they're nice. You're a musician, right? I can see the guitar at your back." she mused.
Xinyan grinned. "Yeah! I play Rock and Roll. You heard of it?"
"Hmmm, that's the genre from Fontainne, right? I've only ever heard of it, but I've never heard it."
"Stick around some time and you might hear it. I promised a couple of musicians back in Ritou that I'd play with them while I'm here," Xinyan smiled. "But not many people like it, so I cherish the ones that do appreciate it."
"I see, I've heard that it's a very… how did they describe it again… aggressive?"
"Hah! I prefer passionate, but yeah I can't deny that." she laughed.
"Is that also why you did your eyes like that?"
"My eyes?"
"Yes, they're almost like knives, striking through whatever they point towards."
"This is natural."
Xinyan used Scary Face.
"I… I see."
It was super-effective!
Xinyan laughed. "Don't worry about it! I'm used to it. Heck, I couldn't care about what people say about my eyes anymore, if anything I take it as a compliment," she shuffled in her seat to get more comfortable.
Anna sighed in relief. "Still, I apologize. However, that is an admirable mindset to take."
"I'm glad you think so sister!" Xinyan took a glance at the menu in front of her for a moment, before nodding to herself. "Aight, I think I know what I want to eat now."
Anna smiled and nodded.
"Absolutely! And please, tell me what you think afterward."
The food was bomb. That was one thing Xinyan could say about it. Say what you will about Kiminami Anna but she was anything but particular to her own cooking. Her harshest critic was herself, and judging from the intense way she was questioned about the food, she considered everyone's advice.
She'd have to go back there sometime to eat again while she was here. The girl was nice. Maybe she could even help out and give her some cooking advice or ideas. She wouldn't say she was Xiangling-level but she was pretty decent enough to be able to give culinary advice.
Oh, wait- 'I forgot to ask where Kujou Sara would be again, crap!'
She groaned. Her second chance and she wasted it. She got distracted but one couldn't blame her! Anna was good company and the food was amazing! But still couldn't she have remembered to ask at least once while she was there?!
Her inner thoughts were showing on her face, evident from the fact that most of the citizens who saw her stayed out of her way. Her eyes only enhanced the effect.
"Maybe I should head back to Ritou? They'll bring me to her if I get caught anyway right?' she pondered. 'But then who knows what they'll do to my guitar.'
Instead, Xinyan did the one thing appropriate for this situation.
She sulked.
It wouldn't solve anything. But it was the best thing she thought of doing. At least, until she found something else to do-
"Why the long face miss?" a high-pitched voice asked. 'A kid.' she thought.
Xinyan turned around. There were three kids on the bench together eating cups of ice cream. Two boys and a girl, she saw.
"It's the Irodori Festival. Mommy says everyone should be happy," the girl said. "Aren't you enjoying the festival?"
"Ah, no no I'm enjoying the festival! I am," she reassured. "I just have something I'm thinking about is all."
"Woah what is that?" One of the boys pointed at the instrument behind her. "It looks cool!"
The girl slapped the hand. "Gin! Pointing is rude!"
"Oh come on, Kagura! Look at it! It looks cool! It has spikes and a blade-end and everything!"
"Remember what Big Sis Yoimiya told us? Pointing is rude! That's double to visitors!"
"B-But-"
"No buts!"
"Fine," Gin sighed. "I'm sorry."
Xinyan chuckled. These kids were cute. "Don't worry about it. I'd be happy to show you." she reached behind her and carefully held her instrument in front of them.
"Wow!"
"I've never seen anything like this before."
"This here's my instrument. My genre's rock and roll. One strum of this baby will be enough to make night into day with how passionate she roars."
The third kid, one with glasses, didn't say anything but he did reach for the guitar slowly, curious yet cautious.
Good thing too. "I wouldn't touch it if I were you. I used my vision to power this baby up, you might get hurt."
He looked sad but understood and nodded. "I see. But I do agree with Gin, it looks awesome."
"I knew you'd get me, Pachi!"
'Boys.' Kagura rolled her eyes. "Wait, you have a vision?"
She nodded. "Eeyup. Got it right here." she showed them a bright red jewel at the hem of her dress. They looked at it in amazement.
Kagura took a closer look. "Ooh, this looks like the one Big Sis Yoimiya had! But the shape is different."
"I'm guessing Big Sis Yoimiya has a pyro vision like me then," she said. "She's one heck of a rocking person then."
"I don't know what that means but Big Sis Yoimiya is the best!" Gin exclaimed with pride. "She works with firefox, she's very nice to everybody, and she's really strong too!" even though Gin was the only one who spoke, the other two were in agreement with him all the same.
Xinyan chuckled at their enthusiasm, she put her vision back and ruffled his hair. "Wow, I'd love to meet her someday."
He smiled. "We'll tell her about you too! You seem nice"
"But what's… what's the rock and roll thing you said?" Pachi asked.
"Ah that," she nodded. "Rock and Roll is a genre of music from Fontainne. And- oh wait, actually, maybe I could play instead?"
"I… kinda want to hear you play." Pachi shyly said.
"Oooh, please! I wanna hear it too!"
"Me three!"
They all said together, their eyes shining with curiosity only a child could have. It was adorable.
'I… I can't say no to them.'
She set her hands on a chord and the strings. "Alright, if you say so. Just a warning though, It's pretty loud. I'll tune it down a bit though, wouldn't want to hurt your ears while you're still children."
-x-
The three kids clapped in awe as she finished playing. The short solo she gave them was enough to render them speechless and want more.
"That was awesome!"
"So that was rock huh?"
"I wanna hear more!"
Xinyan laughed. Seems she did a good job. "I'm glad you liked it! Not a lot of people like my music and I'm really happy you kids did."
They pouted. "What? But it sounds great!" Gin said.
"Some awesome people like you guys think it's great, and I appreciate that. But a lot of others don't like it 'cause it's loud. I perform concerts to share my love for it. Some people eventually start liking it, and others… well, they take longer," Xinyan sighed. "Most people have bad things to say about it, they don't get it, and I don't pay attention to the things they have to say. As long as there are people who appreciate my music, I'll keep playing. Though there is this one time-" she stopped herself and sheepishly scratched the back of her head. "I shouldn't say this in front of you kids. But yeah I'm happy you liked my performance."
Kagura huffed. "Well, that's just mean! Big Sis Yoimiya tells us to like what we like, and respect what others like. That's no reason to be mean to someone trying their hardest!"
"People can like what they like, and hate what they hate. But just because they like what you don't mean they're bad people," Pachi said, almost recited. "That's the best part of people, Big Sis Yoimiya says. We all like different things."
Xinyan smiled. "Aww, thanks! You're all so cute," she told them. "You just made me feel so much better." she laughed.
They giggled in return.
"Anyway, I think I should be going now- HANG ON." the children stiffened as she raised her voice.
'I'm not forgetting a third time.' she remembered. "Do you know where Kujou Sara would be at this time?"
She was asking kids, but it was worth a shot. She'd heard from Aether how he sometimes had to ask the kids at Liyue Harbor for the number of ships that came in. Maybe by some chance, they knew?
"Hmmm, I'm not sure," Kagura said.
Aw.
"Hang on," Pachi pushed his glasses up. "I remember Big Sis Yoimiya saying something about the light novels being restocked today. I think she might be in Ritou."
"What do the light novels have to do with her?" Gin asked.
Pachi shrugged. "Big Sis Yoimiya said she sometimes sees her buying novels before they go on the shelves so no one sees her buying them."
"Huh, why do that?"
"I dunno. Big Sis said she'd tell me once we were older."
Xinyan sweatdropped. "Anyway. Thanks, kids! I'll be going to Ritou then."
The three stooges might be there, but she wasn't worried about them anymore. No reason to hide anymore. She'd have to take the plunge, and face the music. Just like she always had.
"Oh! We'll come with you." Kagura said as the three stood up and threw their ice cream cups in the trash. "But we were told not to go with strangers…"
Xinyan nodded. That was valid advice.
"Let's see, oh I know!" she excitedly smiled. "My name is Kagura!"
"I'm Gin!"
"Pachi's the name."
Xinyan smiled and chuckled. So that's where they were going with this. Cheeky. "Howdy! I'm Xinyan. Liyue represents and certified rockstar!"
Kagura squealed. "Hey, can we call you Big Sis Xinyan?"
She didn't think her smile could get any wider but it did. "Sure thing! That rocks!"
'These kids are adorable.'
Reaching Ritou, Xinyan waved the kids goodbye as they parted ways. Xinyan told them to stay safe.
Now that she was here, it was time to begin the search. She looked everywhere for her. Down at the docks, at the plaza, at the shops, to no avail. But she wouldn't give up. Until the three stooges found her, she would keep looking.
"You!"
'Well, that was quick.'
The three guards ran up to her, they panted once they were close enough. "You… are… one difficult… woman to find."
She chuckled. "Well, I couldn't make it easy for ya now could I?"
"This is no laughing matter. Hand over the-"
"Xinyan? Are my eyes deceiving me?"
Another voice called her and she turned her head appropriately. She saw a very familiar figure clad in blue walking over to her.
Could it be?
"Xingqui? Hey!"
Xingqui smiled at her as they shared a hug. "I knew I couldn't miss that energy of yours. I'm happy you're here."
"I'm happy to see you too!"
"Did you just get here?"
"Yeah, a couple of hours ago. I see your writing reaches far."
Xingqui chuckled. "You're telling me. Do you have a performance here?"
She shook her head. "Nah, nothing like that. I was invited here is all. Though I did speak with a few musicians earlier, they seemed excited to play with me."
"Let me know when you do play. I wanna be there."
"Really?" she smiled. "And here I thought you didn't like my music."
Xingqui scratched his cheek and looked away. "It's not that I don't like your music. I believe there is a time and place for everything. And your music has a reputation for being really… uh… energetic." he dryly chuckled. "Anyway, what better place to play some of that than a festival?"
"I'll accept that." they shared a laugh.
The Tenryou guard tried to capture their attention. "Excuse me-" Emphasis on tried.
"Oh, and who might this be?"
His eyes widened. "T-The shogun-!?"
Xinyan and Xingqui turned toward the voice. An adult woman, with long braided violet hair behind her back, clad in purple, with a presence one couldn't deny. And next to her were two figures; one with a long yellow braid behind his back, and another significantly smaller floating figure.
"Aether! Paimon!" she waved and smiled. "And you're… the Raiden Shogun?"
Ei nodded. "Indeed I am. And you must be?"
Xinyan gulped. She was in front of a nation's archon. "I-I'm Xinyan. I'm from Liyue."
Ei chuckled. "You needn't be so stiff around me. You must be quite the figure to have been invited. Was this who you asked the invitation for, Aether?"
Aether nodded. Paimon lunged toward her and hugged her neck. "I'm so happy you're here again, Xinyan! So how is the festival? Did you have fun? Ooh did you play with people? Have you eaten yet? Have you bought any books- oh hehe you did."
Xinyan went red and immediately went to hide her purchase. People could like what they like. But that didn't mean she wanted to share everything she liked!
"I see you're a woman of culture too, huh, Xinyan?" Paimon teased.
"Oh Xinyan, you've bloomed to like such genres, I see. Maybe I should have you as the protagonist of my next novel."
Oh great. Now Xingqui and Paimon were giving her looks. She wanted nothing more than to curl up into a ball and get swallowed by the ground.
At least Aether only smiled at her. And the shogun looked curious if nothing else.
"Anyway," Paimon turned her to the Shogun. "This is Xinyan! She's an awesome person, plus she's always looking for ways to improve her music so we thought we'd invite her for a second time!"
Ei nodded. "I see. You're a musician?"
"I-Yes," Xinyan said. "I play rock and roll."
"Rock and roll?"
"It's a music genre from Fontainne. But so far, the reception I've been getting isn't so good except for a few people."
"Curious. Be sure to notify me when you have a performance. I wish to hear about this rock and roll for myself."
Xinyan's eyes widened. The Raiden Shogun wanted her to play? "I'd be honored!"
"Um, e-excuse me-"
"Raiden Shogun! It is rare to find you here. Are the festivities up to your standards?"
At the presence of another voice, the Tenryou stiffened.
Indigo hair, and a red mask of some kind to the side of her head. Ladies and gentlemen, Kujou Sara was here.
Ei turned toward her. "Yes. I wanted to see the festivities for myself and I happened to see the Traveler along the way and he kept me company."
Sara nodded. "I'm happy you're enjoying yourself." she bowed. She gave a nod to everyone there until she saw one familiar face.
"Xinyan?"
"Hey, Sara! Long time no see." they smiled at each other.
The Tenryou felt their souls leave their bodies.
"You two know each other?" Ei asked.
They nodded. "This is Xinyan. She assisted us in regards to the case of the Mystic Onmyou Chamber back then. I believe I included her in my report."
Ei nodded.
"Speaking of which, what are you three doing here?" she addressed the three guards. "Do you have something to tell me?"
"I… uh… nothing ma'am." they bowed. "Please, have a nice day." They hurried off, but not before sending a pleading look to Xinyan.
She just smirked.
They ran faster.
Sara raised an eyebrow. "Did they need something from you?"
"Who? Them? Nah," she smiled and shook her head. "It's nothing important."
"I see," she nodded. "Well, should any of them trouble you in a way that seems inappropriate, please do let me know. Those three, in particular, are still making up for a previous mistake."
STRUMMMMMMMMMMM
A loud electric strum was heard throughout the plaza. Those unprepared were caught by surprise and they all looked toward the source.
Ei acted like she was just caught with her hand in the cookie jar as she immediately retracted her hand from the strings of the instrument.
"I… I apologize. I was just curious to see this strange instrument," surprisingly, she looked even more curious after hearing the sound. "The sound it made was very interesting. Strong and seemingly electric, aggressive even."
Xinyan was in awe. She could understand being interested in an instrument she'd never seen before. But most people lost interest after hearing the loud sound it made. The Raiden Shogun meanwhile appeared to want more after she heard it.
"I've heard it before, but it is still quite amazing to hear such a noise from a small instrument." Sara shared the same thought.
From all around them, Xinyan could see passersby interested in the music as well. Talking to the people they know about what kind of instrument could make such a sound, and what kind of music could come off of it.
Xinyan's eyes widened before she adopted a smirk. "Hey… how about I play for y'all right now?"
"Can you? Please please please please?" Paimon urged.
"I have to get my book out. This is sure to give me inspiration." Xingqui smiled.
Sara nodded. "Now would be a good time."
"I would be delighted!" the shogun smiled and slapped.
Aether, meanwhile, rather than say anything, immediately began making space for her. Though she could control her flames, they still came out. And it was best that there was some kind of distance between her and the audience.
Xinyan brandished her instrument as she regulated her heartbeat. So many people she didn't know, in a country, she wasn't born. Would they even stick around after the first strum?
As she held the guitar in her hands, she looked across the crowd. She slowly smiled.
'That's right, I don't have to worry about what they think after all.'
She saw the smiles of the three kids, the fake shrine maiden, the Raiden Shogun, Sara, Xingqui, Paimon, Aether, and even most of the citizens she couldn't name. All of them were telling her one thing. To just play.
Unsure she might still be, there was one thing she was sure of, amidst all the uncertainty she would face. And that is she was a rockstar.
And she would rock
STRUMMMMMMMMMMM
Deaf and blind to the outside world, unsure strums became confident ones. That soon became ones that had rhythm, passion, and heat behind them. She started bopping her head to an unsung theme only she could hear. Slowly, she began moving her feet, then her arms, eventually her entire body was moving to the rhythm of her guitar's roars.
One minute, two minutes, three minutes, she became lost in time. Immersed in her performance with the passion she was pouring out with every strum.
One final strum later, she breathed heavily. And just like that, the previous anxiety came back and she almost didn't want to look up from her guitar. But she knew she had to eventually. And then she heard it. A clap. Wait, no, claps. Cheers. Cheering for her- wait what?
She looked to the crowd to see most of them clapping. Clapping for her, she might add.
"That was amazing!"
"I liked it!"
"I want more though!"
"We want more!"
"Encore! Encore! Encore!"
Xinyan struggled to hold in her tears. She did well. She could see some were still on the fence with it, but that was fine. As long as someone out there liked her music, she would keep playing. And now, there were a lot of people who did.
"Ah come now. You should've told us you were playing. We could've set up earlier."
She looked behind her and saw the four musicians from earlier. Ready to play their own instruments, all smiling at her.
"I- What are you guys doing here?"
"Music attracts people. It's only natural that we'd be drawn to the sound," the koto player told her. "Love the strums by the way."
"Besides, after that performance of yours, you got us all worked up," one of the taiko drummers rolled up his sleeves. "We can't play after all that."
"But, this is the first time y'all are hearing this."
The shamisen player gave her a motherly smile. "Music is in us, dear. As long as there is rhythm, it's only natural that we'll make wonderful music together. Trust me, you'll do great." she hugged her.
"You've been through a lot with your music, haven't you? This is your time to show them what you can do, what your music can offer."
Xinyan hugged her back. She hid her tears and fought to keep them from streaming. It wasn't every day that she could play with a band. No one back home wanted to play with her. It's not because they didn't want to, though some just didn't want to, it was also because they couldn't handle keeping up with her and her energy, not to mention her flames and the fact that rock and roll was in a tight spot in Liyue.
Xinyan wiped her tears and smiled. "Alright!" She faced the crowd.
"Y'ALL WANT AN ENCORE!? I'LL GIVE YA AN ENCORE FOR THE AGES! HAPPY IRODORI FESTIVAL EVERYBODY!"
Backed up by instruments and musicians of Inazuma, she found her rhythm start to blend in. Rock and Roll mixed with the music that people from Inazuma were already familiar with. This gave the foreign element a familiar sound that made the take an even bigger liking to it. And the ones that were still on the fence about it were bopping their heads to the rhythm of the taiko drums!
'You can't risk the fear of not being accepted over what you love.'
The shamisen and the koto players cheered as she strummed her own beside her.
'There are people out there ya know? That'll accept you for who you are, and what you like.'
The taiko drummers pounded their drums with glee.
'And if you can't find em, don't give up hope. Let people know who you are, and what you choose to be. Don't be discouraged.'
As she played, she let out a few stray tears. Days, weeks, and months were spent on top of that mountain. Practicing her music, making it better, becoming a better showman, putting so much effort into something that people barely put any attention to.
'You're allowed to like anything you want! Let the riff of your heart sing out and let it rise to a crescendo! For everyone to hear!"
"Inazuma! If you're ready to rock even more make some noise!"
"YEAAAAAAAAAHHH!"
Xinyan laughed as her guitar gained embers around it. Her passion became visualized around her instrument.
'And to think that I once thought of quitting. Hah. I wouldn't want to be anything else.'
She raised her arm and pointed to the sky.
"Let's turn up the heat! Ready?! 1 2 3!"
AN: No Xinyan screen time? Fine, I'll do it myself. I found myself listening to a rock version of Inazuma OST, so here we are on what is essentially the beginning of J-Rock? Or is it I-Rock?
This was longer than I initially thought it would be. I had a difficult time figuring out how to write the scenes where Xinyan plays her guitar out in writing, and I didn't want to just write down lyrics or insert a link to a song either. So I figured I'd just write what she was feeling as she played. Hope that did well.
Also, what the hell do people call Xinyan's instrument? It's technically a Ruan, but it sounds like an electric guitar so I'm just rolling with vision shenanigans.
