SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 103 out, I present Chapter 104 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?
Pairings: Albedo/Sucrose, Zhongli/Mitsuko/Kazuha, One-sided Diluc/Mitsuko, One-sided Diluc/Jean
Disclaimers: Genshin Impact and Sailor Moon belong to miHoYo and Takeuchi Naoko-sensei respectively. Me, on the other hand, own absolutely nothing, except the plot, I hope.
Chapter 104: Teyvat Arc: Summertime Odyssey, Part Twelve
"There's another star!" Paimon blinked after the Traveler released another Tranquil Starlight from the Exquisite Chest. "Let's follow it!"
"Astrology reveals the truth unreservedly." Mona related, chasing after the Tranquil Starlight. "But, not everyone is willing to accept their fate. Running into difficulties is part of practicing the craft. I must also become stronger myself in order to convince people. I once met an adventurer on a mountain who also happened to be picking fruits. He was even kind enough to share some with me. So, in return, I agreed to perform a divination for him. The results were terrifying. I advised him to give up adventuring as soon as possible, otherwise he could meet his end within the next two years. He fell silent for a while." she recalled, finding a starry map in the sky of the Domain. "Surprisingly, he didn't doubt the results of my divination like others had, but he looked quite perplexed. 'Even so, I have to keep going. Adventurers can't just give up in the face of hardship.' With that, he picked up his pack and headed for the peak. However, try as I might, I could never forget that incident." she mused, heading towards the exit portal. "Why is that?"
Outside the Domain...
"We're back again!" Paimon looked around.
"Mona, is that adventurer... dead now?" Xinyan whispered.
"That was the only time I ever saw him." Mona sighed. "And that was more than three years ago, which means he's no longer alive."
"But isn't there still a chance that he's alive?" Paimon pointed out. "You know, like maybe you just made a mistake?"
"You can't call it divination if you reject anything bad and believe the good unreservedly." Mona rebuked. "That's just self-deception. Casually performing divination for fun might be a different matter, but in my field of expertise, there's no room for lies. To contradict my own reading would be a blasphemy against astrology."
"Cruel, but truthful." Kazuha noted. "Such is fate."
"And while we're on the topic, I really hope you don't confuse astrology with those fortune stick peddlers that you see along the streets." Mona chided. "Astrology does not exist to please. We astrologists are here to verify and witness the truths of this world. Which is why astrology is a disdained profession! It is a mighty art, but unfortunately one that annoys people nonetheless."
"Why dost thou protest so much, Lady Megistus?" Fischl huffed. "Thou seemst not to be the sort with whom one would be loathe to be associated."
"What mein Fräulein means is that she's glad to be friends with you." Oz translated.
"If one could simply avoid fate with just a few words, no one would have to endure the pain of parting." Kazuha stated. "Mona, don't take others' comments to heart. Follow your heart and never forget what's right."
"I don't need comforting, thank you very much!" Mona flustered. "I'm very tough, you know! Thank you, anyway."
"What dost thou say?" Fischl teased. "Speak up and offer your highest reverence and blessings to the Prinzessin."
"Alright, Your Highness." Xinyan chuckled. "Instead of making a scene, why don't you go collect the other fragments in the new location reflected by the pool? We can't enter the mirage without 'em."
"If that's the case, I shall proceed to the beach." Fischl led the group off.
SailorStar9: Any OOC-ness is regretted. *Grins* Don't you just love plot bunnies sometimes? Reviews are much appreciated.