Author's note:
Hi there, thanks for your interest in this story! I'm always open to feedback and comments. Note that this story contains major spoilers for Raiden Shogun's second story quest.
In spite of everything, the Shirasagi Himegimi felt wistful.
The wind gusted as it blew across the eastern coast of Narukami Island and into the Kamisato estate. Waves crashed far below, unseen in a darkness illuminated only by starlight, the ethereal glow of the Sacred Sakura far above, and lanterns scattered around the estate grounds.
With this wind, I hope Thoma won't have much debris to clean up in the morning.
Her hair ribbons rustled gently. But, in spite of the ornate fan in her left hand, she did not seek to block the wind's force.
She may not be of this world, but she has told me so much about places like Mondstadt. About how she learned to ride the wind.
Even with no one else around, she remained composed and upright – behaviours that had been drilled into her and her brother Ayato from the youngest age.
Together, the two of them bore the weight of a clan – no, the whole Yashiro Commission – upon their shoulders. The preservation of Inazuma's culture and traditions began and ended with her graceful steps and polite demeanour.
She looked at the fan in her hand. Until recently, in it she saw in it only a facet of her purpose, a lifetime of embodying the arts of Narukami Island – an item as essential to her as the tachi [1] she carried at her waist.
The princess's eyes wandered to the forest to her right, perpetually enshrouded in mist. The place where her fan had taken on a new meaning to her.
Even the sight of that place made her blush a little now. Considering that it was on the way to Inazuma City, a hint of redness on her cheeks was a daily occurrence as she left Chinjiu Forest.
The Vision Hunt Decree is gone, as is the Sakoku Decree. Even the Almighty Shogun shows willingness to change. It is all like a dream come true. So why don't I feel happy?
The moon was growing higher in the sky. As she stood, she began to feel overcome with a desire that she would be next to her in that moment.
I cannot let myself be overwhelmed by emotion. I have my duties to tend to tomorrow.
And so, Kamisato Ayaka turned in one graceful step and made her way back inside. She clutched the fan tightly to her breast. A talisman of her memory.
A thousand colours filled the sky at once. She was overcome with emotion as the wind carried the scent of sulphur mixed with traces of the street food below.
Next to her, her closest friends in this land gathered. Keqing wore a beautiful dress in the latest Fontainean fashion. Yun Jin and Xinyan cheered, while Beidou seemed more interested in Ningguang's new evening gown than anything else.
They all work so hard to make me feel at home, even as my voyage takes me in a decisive direction and prevents me from staying with them.
While the prospect of heeding Yae Miko's advice and traveling to Sumeru hung over her, she had a critical situation to address in Enkanomiya [2] – at which time she would check in with Miko herself as well as the Raiden Shogun.
But even as the outlander watched the fireworks from the Jade Chamber, her thoughts kept wandering to that archipelago far to the south for another reason entirely.
Those beautiful sakura petals were falling everywhere.
They were as pink as her hair was blue.
A stroll in the ever-present evening of Chinjiu Forest...
The stuff of dreams.
The Traveler knew that she had, to an extent, played to her emotions to get her to help. She had become integrally embroiled in the affairs of Inazuma because of her agenda.
In some way, it was the same story with everyone she met. Jean's duties – Honorary Knight, I'd appreciate your help. Ningguang's determination – it's up to us to save Liyue and bring it into the human age. And so on.
And yet, when she was with Ayaka, she felt butterflies slowly flutter about.
If she stopped for a moment and imagined, perhaps she could smell the scent of sakura petals waft across the ocean.
Undeniably, and in spite of her greater mission, Lumine was elated at the prospect of returning to Inazuma.
The next morning, Kamisato Ayaka made her way down to Inazuma City. Even though it felt as though the last festival had just ended, it was already time for the Yashiro Commission to begin preparing for the next one. There were food stalls and activities to coordinate, funding to secure, and much more.
Today, Ayaka was on her way to visit Inazuma City's "Queen of the Summer". Fireworks were undoubtedly the centrepiece of most festivals held in the city, and only one family of pyrotechnicians could be entrusted with making them.
As she strolled up the streets of Hanamizaka, she eagerly anticipated her coming meeting.
Perhaps, she thought, the fireworks master's cheerful nature would help her take her mind off her for just a moment.
Upon her arrival at Naganohara Fireworks, however, only old Ryuunosuke was to be found.
Hadn't I agreed on a meeting time with her? Or is my memory failing me?
Undeterred, Ayaka composed herself and bowed gently to Ryuunosuke, who bowed in return.
"Lady Ayaka, it is always a pleasure."
"Likewise, Naganohara-san. I hope you are having a pleasant morning."
"I certainly am. It's relaxing watching the people pass by. Ever since the Vision Hunt Decree came to an end, dare I say, everyone seems a little more at ease than over the past year."
"I do agree – it's a refreshing sight."
Ryuunosuke smiled. "I gather you're here to meet Yoimiya? If so…"
"Yes?"
"…it seems she got a bit distracted. As is her nature when she is not crafting or admiring fireworks. [3]"
Ayaka could not withhold a slight giggle. That was certainly the bubbly personality she knew.
"Ah. Do you know where I might be able to find her?"
"Last I saw her, she was with that boisterous oni."
"Ah. Who might that be?"
"You know, he keeps announcing his presence whenever he arrives, but it takes so long for him to do so that between the background noise and my ears, I never caught it. I doubt you'll miss him, though. I think they went up towards the commercial street in Tenryou."
Ayaka bowed in gratitude. "Thank you so much, Naganohara-san."
"Always a pleasure when you come by, Lady Ayaka."
With that, Ayaka took her leave and began walking up towards the main commercial street of Inazuma City.
Even before rounding the corner, she could hear a very loud and insistent voice.
"AHAH! AT LAST, YOU WERE UNABLE TO DEFEAT ME. THIS IS MERELY THE BEGINNING OF A LONG STREAK OF GLORIOUS VICTORIES. MY RAMEN-DEMOLISHING DAYS LIE AHEAD!"
"Arataki, maybe you should check your bowl before making an announcement like that."
A quieter yet boisterous female voice responded. Ayaka rounded the corner just in time to see a crimson-horned oni kneeling on the ground, hands on his head as though he were in great pain.
"NOOO! NEXT TIME I SWEAR VICTORY WILL BE MINE! AND DEFEAT SHALL BE YOURS!"
Looking at the source of this voice from a seat at Shimura's was a familiar girl, her blonde hair tied up in a practical bun. She was beginning to bowl over in laughter.
"You can try your very best! I believe in you, big guy."
"Yoimiya!" Ayaka called out as she strolled down the street.
"Oh, Ayaka! Great to see you!" Yoimiya jumped up from her chair and ran over to Ayaka.
"Likewise. Who might that be?"
"Ah, he's…"
"WHO AM I, BUT THE ONE, THE ONLY, ARATAKI "RAMEN DESTROYER" ITTO!"
The tall oni, apparently of exceptional hearing, boomed behind Yoimiya.
The feisty pyrotechnician looked back.
"Did you just come up with that one?"
"I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to say it! Say, your reputation precedes you, Lady…er…Kamisato?" He turned towards Ayaka, scratching his head.
The princess bowed and smiled. "A pleasure to meet you, Arataki-san."
"Ah…for sure. Anyways, I can sense my people calling me. Time to go!"
With that, Itto ran off.
"…his people?"
"Long story, but it's probably either his gang or a group of kids he wants to hang out with."
Ayaka smiled. "Most intriguing."
Yoimiya continued as they began to walk back towards the fireworks shop.
"Anyways, did I keep you waiting? I'm so sorry I got carried away, I know we have important duties to attend to. Eheh, let's go and begin laying out a draft fireworks plan – I think that this time we should try some new launch sites and maybe even fireworks designs! On that note, I've been trying to catch up with the latest news on the displays in Liyue…the stuff they're doing there is amazing…"
Liyue.
Lantern Rite.
…
The traveler.
"…and they've figured out a new slow smelting technique that allows for greater color and size refinement than ever. It even lets them make fireworks in really cool and exotic shapes. I wonder if Inazuma's ready for this…" [4]
Am I ready?
"…Ayaka? Everything alright?"
Ayaka suddenly realized that she was a whole flight of stairs behind Yoimiya. To her left was a Teleport Waypoint.
Which she seemed to use all the time. If only I could step into it and fly to Liyue as easily as she could.
But I have a job to do here.
Beyond that stretched the fields of Narukami Island and the ever-watching Grand Narukami Shrine atop Mt. Yougou. Further, the once-omnipresent thunderstorm barrier still surrounding Inazuma was replaced by the line of the horizon. Ever since the Raiden Shogun had decided to lift the Sakoku Decree and dispel that storm, a certain measure of happiness had been restored to the island nation.
Even so, was it too much distance?
"Ayaka!" Yoimiya was suddenly right in front of the Shirisagi Princess.
"Ah…oh, my sincerest apologies, Yoimiya. All is well, let us continue."
"Ok…"
The pair continued to Yoimiya's shop to continue their planning. But, undeniably, Ayaka was not fully there in that moment.
After some time, the fireworks over Liyue Harbour were reduced to clouds of sulphur and smoke floating in the air. Before long, Lumine and Keqing were alone in the front plaza of the Jade Chamber.
"Lumine, what's on your mind?"
"Oh, how…lucky I am to be here with all of you." As much as she missed Inazuma, the Traveler were elated to be surrounded by such warmth and care.
Keqing smiled. Her lavender eyes seemed to reflect the thousands of Xiao Lanterns drifting lazily across the harbour below.
"We are honoured to have you here. But I know that your journey takes you beyond Liyue. If I may ask…where are you headed next?"
"Beidou passed word to me that I am needed in Inazuma. We have recently been exploring the lost realm of Enkanomiya, and strange things seem to be swirling within it."
"How remarkable…Please do stay safe, Lumine and Paimon."
"We will, Lady Keqing."
"We'll be ok, don't you worry!" Paimon, who until that point had been gazing down at the harbour below, now looked at Lumine and Keqing.
The latter smiled in response. "As much as I'd like to stay here and chat into the night, I have to go and meet with the pyrotechnicians and Millelith and thank them for their work. I wish you the best on your travels and I hope you'll join us again when time permits."
"Of course!" Paimon exclaimed. Lumine nodded.
"Good night, and Happy Lantern Rite!" Keqing strolled towards the Jade Chamber Guide's plaustrite platform as the Traveler and her companion responded in kind. She looked back once more before she began her descent down to the harbour city.
Lumine resumed staring out at the city. She let her eyes slowly wander east, towards the horizon.
The line separating me…and her.
"What else is on your mind? Paimon's going to start guessing soon…"
Silence.
"Kokomi?"
"A bit."
"Ei and Miko?"
"Certainly. I hope they're holding up well."
"…"
"…"
"Lady Ayaka?"
Lumine's heart skipped a beat at hearing that name.
"Bingo! Paimon knew it!" Paimon spun about in celebration at her accomplishment.
The Traveler blushed.
"It's nothing, really…"
"C'mon, Paimon saw how well you two got along last time we hung out!"
"Well…ah…"
"And while Paimon might not know everything there is to know, she doesn't need much brain juice to see what's going on here between you and Ayaka. Hehe…"
"What is there to see? Hm? She and I are just friends…"
"For now, maybe. But we'll see! In any case, you're looking forward to returning to Inazuma, aren't you?"
"Well, yes…"
"Because of her? Hmm?" Paimon leaned towards Lumine with an inquisitive look on her face.
"Ok, yes – at least partly."
"Heheh, Paimon will make sure to give you two pleeenty of space for yourselves."
"Seriously!" The traveler frowned so as not to betray her feelings.
The Shirasagi Himegimi was drinking her afternoon tea in the Kamisato estate's courtyard – a tradition before she worked on her sword kata [5]. Her meeting with Yoimiya had gone according to plan; the Naganoharas could always be counted on to complete all pyrotechical matters to the highest standard. Now, she prepared to clear her mind and focus on those precise, lightning-quick strokes and swipes that were essential to Kamisato Art.
With the Sakoku Decree lifted, the coming festival was expected to attract a large number of outlanders. Ayaka's brother and head of the clan, Kamisato Ayato, had coordinated with the Kanjou Commission to ensure that customs operations were ramped up and could proceed smoothly, as well as to make appropriate arrangements for the guests of honour. Similarly, although the Tenryou Commission's Kujou Clan was still beset by scandal following the commissioner's plot with the Fatui to install the Vision Hunt Decree, the Shogun's loyal general – Kujou Sara – had taken initiative in cooperating with the other Commissions and the Shogun to ensure a safe festival experience.
Everything was going according to plan. And yet, the princess of the Kamisato Clan remained uneasy.
No matter how smoothly this festival will go, it won't feel complete without her.
She looked up – as if to see whether the clouds held answers – and sighed.
Suddenly, she spotted Thoma coming towards her, broom in hand. Even though this was a regular occurrence, she could see from his smile that he had good news to share.
"Thoma! What is it? I hope the storm hasn't caused too much of a mess for you."
"Oh, it's nothing I can't handle. You can trust me on that! In any case – Milady, I've just received some wonderful news from Captain Beidou."
Ayaka face widened into a smile. Her day had, at last, been made.
Notes:
[1]: The type of sword that Ayaka uses.
[2]: The events of the Three Realms Gateway Offering Event.
[3]: A reference to the Daily Commission "Playing with Fire…Works", in which Yoimiya is never around when the Traveler wants to hang out with her.
[4]: These are various parameters one can adjust when smelting fireworks during the second Lantern Rite Festival (Fleeting Colors in Flight).
[5]: A carefully practised series of choreographed martial arts movements.