SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 106 out, I present Chapter 107 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 107: Teyvat Arc: Test of Courage
Time passes...
"The Yashiro Commission is holding a Test of Courage event!" Paimon informed the Traveler once they returned to Inazuma. "They've even prepared rewards for participants who can pass the event's challenges! If it's a 'Test of Courage', that means it's probably gonna be scary, right? So, if we join, Paimon's gonna let you go first. Ayato!" she called out, meeting up with the Kamisato family head at the clan house.
"It's you two." the Hydro user nodded. "Yes, it has been a while."
"We heard the Yashiro Commission is holding a Test of Courage, so we came right over to sign ourselves up!" Paimon remarked. "We didn't expect to see you here in person, though. Does that mean this event is really important?"
"You think I only make an appearance for occasions that are deemed sufficiently important?" Ayato chided. "It just so happens that this Test of Courage event was actually my suggestion, but naturally, I've left the planning and more trifling details to be arranged by my retainers. Considering that such events are quite popular across Teyvat, I've had numerous examples to draw from, so everything should be in good order. I'm merely here to do a routine check on the progress of the event, that's all."
"However, the possibility remains that we may yet require your assistance." Mitsuko cut in. "Perhaps we can give you the rundown about this event."
"As the name implies, the event is a game designed to put one's courage to the test." Ayato explained. "The venue for the event will be set up in the Chinju Forest. Before the start of each round, participants will be divided into teams of two. Once teams have been formed, the event staff will announce the name of an item that has been placed in or around the Chinju Forest area. The first person to locate the specified item will be declared the winner of that round. There will be a total of three rounds in the Test of Courage because the event was actually orchestrated by three different parties. Merchants raised event funding, the Kamisato Clan provided the grounds, and the Grand Narukami Shrine in collaboration with the Nekomata Clan provided consulting services. As such, each of these three parties have selected one item for participants to find, so naturally, the event will require three rounds to determine the winners."
"So basically, it boils down to searching for stuff in Chinju Forest." Paimon concluded. "We'll need to find one item each round, for a total of three items after three rounds."
"Seems you've got the gist of it." Ayato nodded. "We will be issuing different rewards based on the number of rounds won, so if a participant wins multiple rounds, then that will also be reflected in their final reward. If a participant manages to find all three items, then they shall receive the grand prize provided by the Grand Narukami Shrine."
"A grand prize!" Paimon gushed. "Sounds like it could be really valuable!"
"As for its true value, I'm afraid you'll have to win the event first and ask Lady Guuji yourself." Mitsuko stated. Naturally, this event is intended to measure your courage. So, if you withdraw from the event because you become too frightened, then you might as well forget about seeing any rewards."
"I'm curious myself how many people will be brave enough to make it to the end." Ayato mused. "Itll be most disappointing if nobody claims the prizes we've prepared. Anyway, I think we've given you sufficient details. I'll add your names to the list of participants momentarily. As for the three items, you'll be searching for, please wait for a staff member to inform you at the start of the event. A friendly word of advice: Test of Courage events tend to give rise to a variety of strange rumors and stories, so please, be sure to exercise caution."
Outside the Yashiro Commission...
"Hold it right there!" Itto stopped the Traveler in their tracks. "Well, if it isn't my compadres! Didn't expect to see you here."
"Itto!" Paimon instantly recognized the boisterous voice. "What are you doing here? Don't tell Paimon that you're here for the Test of Courage."
"What else!" Itto boasted. "I'm sorry, but those prizes already belong to yours truly, Arataki 'Ain't Scared of Nothin' Itto! I mean, well, that's what I really wanna say, but I've actually got something else goin' on. It's a long story. As soon as I heard about the Test of Courage, I got the gang together and was ready to bring everyone for the time of their lives. But, it turns out the other members weren't as pumped about the event as me. I'm no stranger to Chinju Forest. Sure, it was a little terrifying going through there, but I'm used to it now! Anywho, I've got a plan. Since there's no way I can trust the Yashiro Commission to make a fun event, I've decided to step in and spice things up a little. Yours truly is gonna be out scaring people! I'm taking this event to a whole 'nother level! But it's gonna take more than an oni to make it happen, so I came here to recruit some help, and then I saw you come walking along."
"Fine." Paimon relented and the pair went off with Itto, not noticing Heizou hiding in a corner.
In the Chinju Forest...
"Is it just Paimon, or does it look a lot scarier than usual here?" Paimon shivered.
"Hey, Paimon!" Itto called out. "I just had a thought occur to me. I want to scare the gang members real good, but now that I think about it, I've never actually scared anyone before. Why don't you join the Test of Courage like everyone else, and I'll go hide and try to scare you from time to time? Then, you two can judge my scaring skills."
"And there he goes, running off and still talking to himself." Paimon sighed after Itto ran off. "We were here to join the event anyway. Guess we'll just have to pass Itto's little 'test' along with whatever else the event throws at us. Seems one of the event staff is over there. Let's go talk to her."
"You must be here to participate in the Test of Courage?" the shrine maiden greeted the Traveler. "
"That's right!' Paimon nodded. "Judging from your outfit, you must be one of the shrine maidens from the Grand Narukami Shrine!"
"That's right." the shrine maiden replied. "I can already see a dark aura surrounding the two of you... truly ominous. If you carelessly go running into the event, all it'll take is one little misstep and the darkness will swallow you up. Welcome to the Test of Courage." she announced. "Enter at your own risk."
"Was that the first test?" the Traveler asked.
"You could say that." the shrine maiden answered. "The most unfortunate tales always happen unexpectedly on just a normal, average day, just like today. But no need to worry. Allay your qualms and suspicions, everything was already set into motion the moment you two stepped into this place. Just enjoy the calm before the storm. The first round is about to begin. Have you already decided on your partner?"
"The two of us will be partners!" Paimon declared. "We always make the best team!"
"But it appears your names were written together as a single participant; Traveler and Paimon." the shrine maiden pointed out. "Which means, you'll have to find yourselves another partner in order to join the event. As far as I know, there have been other participants who have yet to designate a partner. You could go ask around. Just be sure to make it quick. If you don't have a partner by the time the event starts, then you'll be immediately disqualified!"
"There was a familiar scent upon the wind." Kazuha turned from his spot. "I knew that I'd see you around here. We meet again."
"Paimon didn't expect to see you at the Test of Courage!" Paimon remarked.
"And why's that?" Kazuha teased. "Do I seem unsuited for this sort of event?"
"It's just that Paimon's never seen you get scared, Kazuha." Paimon replied. "You're always so calm and collected. It's like you've never been scared by anything!"
"You flatter me." Kazuha chuckled. "I suppose that's only a reflection of my time wandering the wilderness. I've heard many strange stories in my travels. I can say I've even experienced a few myself. Over time, I must have gotten used to it."
"Then, why do you want to join the Test of Courage?" Paimon wondered.
"After hearing the Yashiro Commission promote the rewards for this event, I was guessing that you two would show up." Kazuha answered. "Since we hadn't seen each other for some time, I figured I might as well come and see you. After all, meeting someone after being apart for so long always lifts the spirits. So, tell me, how has your journey been lately?"
"Things have gone pretty well!" Paimon nodded. "By the way, the shrine maiden told us that everyone needs a partner to participate in the Test of Courage event. Have you found a partner yet, Kazuha?"
"No, not yet." Kazuha shook his head. "Do you need me to be your partner?"
"Let me think about it." the Traveler answered.
"Take your time." Kazuha assured. "We'll have plenty of chances to talk later, so there's no need to make a choice this very instant. We could even go together for a late-night snack once the event is over."
"Gorou!" Paimon called out, spotting the Shiba hybrid up ahead.
"Traveler, Paimon!" the Geo archer nodded. "I didn't expect to run into you here!"
"We're here for the Test of Courage!" Paimon informed. "How about you?"
"I was originally headed to Yae Publishing House to hand in responses for this month's issue of That's Life." Gorou related. "But I had no idea that that crafty fox would be there! She brought up the Test of Courage event and suggested I give it a try. I wasn't interested, but she said, 'The mighty general of Watatsumi Island isn't afraid of anything, is he?' And before I knew it, I found myself caught in her persuasive mind games. I immediately regretted it the moment I arrived here. There could be traps everywhere. My instinct tells me that the forest is chock-full of ambushes. One misstep and it'll be over. Perhaps that crafty fox is hiding somewhere in the dark, waiting for another opportunity to tease me. Who knows, she might even use a Kamera and send embarrassing photos back to Watatsumi Island. Her Excellency once said, 'When you march into an ambush, escape the enemy vanguard. When escape is impossible, then seek ample reinforcements.' Now that you're here, maybe we can turn the tables. Could I ask you two to partner up with me?"
"Let me think about it." the Traveler glanced over Gorou's shoulder and saw Ayaka.
"Traveler and Paimon!" Ayaka turned. "Greetings!"
"Ayaka?" Paimon echoed. "Are you here for the Test of Courage, too?"
"Yes, my brother told me that the event would be 'most interesting' and suggested that I personally participate." Ayaka nodded. "I have never experienced a Test of Courage event, so I don't really know what to expect. To be frank, I'm no expert when it comes to the supernatural. I often worry that I haven't shown spirits proper respect and have brought shame upon my clan. Speaking of which, may I ask if the two of you are partners for the event?"
"Actually, the shrine maiden just told us that we only count as a single participant, so we're looking for a partner now!" Paimon informed.
"In that case, how would you like to be my partner?" Ayaka requested. "I always feel at ease when you're by my side. But of course, please don't let me get in the way if you wish to participate with someone else."
"Let me think about it." the Traveler answered.
"Do you need me to be your partner?" Kazuha turned, sensing the Traveler approaching.
"I want to partner up with Kazuha." the Traveler told the Anemo user.
"I wouldn't mind a walk together." Kazuha admitted. "I haven't participated in many of these events, so I'm curious what new experiences lie ahead."
"It looks like you've found yourselves a partner." the shrine maiden noticed the incoming trio. "The event is just about to start. I will now reveal the item you'll be looking for in the first round. It's called 'Dango Milk.' Tomoki was kind enough to provide us with his Dango Milk and it has been hidden somewhere in the Chinju Forest. The path will be marked with signs to guide you, but some strange and unusual things may occur along the way. If you ever feel you can't handle it, you may withdraw from the event at any time. Now, if you're ready, then you may begin."
"Is it just Paimon, or does Chinju Forest feel a little gloomier than before?" Paimon muttered, the three were following the signboards.
"I haven't sensed anything particularly different." Kazuha refuted. "How about I tell you a story; once, in my wandering travels, I came upon a bridge, and I had been told that an ominous presence awaited those who cross that bridge at night. It was said that there were a pair of lovebirds who tragically fell into the water below and perished. Their grieving spirits converged around the bridge and were never dispersed. So, I picked a night to cross the bridge, and as I was crossing, I heard some voices. I stopped and listened for some time, and realized it was a couple disguised as ghosts who blackmailed passersby for their belongings. They were arguing over how to split their ill-gotten loot. Careful, there's something up above." he warned, the three arriving at the road's fork.
"What's this?" Paimon coughed as fireworks exploded in the air. "Fireworks?"
"You have no idea how long we've been waiting here!" Itto was excited, spotting the trio come up from the fork's left side. "Let's go, Ushi! Weird. That short guy doesn't look very scared." he was surprised by Kazuha's composure. "C'mon Ushi, show 'em what you've got!"
"So, that's what's going on here." Kazuha spotted the Geo Akaushi bull near his feet. "In this case, it might just be better to pretend to be scared. It seems we'll be the first one to find it. I can sense a sweet aroma on the wind. The Dango Milk should be nearby."
"There it is!" Paimon looked down. "But what's that scarecrow doing here? It's standing up!" she squealed. "Is it alive!?"
"Calm down." the Traveler soothed.
"It sure worked on Paimon!" the pixie fumed. "But that should be the end of it, right? There doesn't seem to be anything else around here."
"It seems the test wasn't as scary as I had anticipated." Kazuha noted. "However, I have enjoyed the experience together with you. Now that we've found the Dango Milk, we can head back the way we came. What's the matter?" he noticed the Traveler was distracted "Is something over there? So, she is at the Test of Courage, too." he followed the Traveler's line of sight and saw Ei by the cliff. "To avoid any unnecessary complications, I'd prefer not to meet with her. You may pass on my regards. There's a lot of Dango Milk here. I'll take half of it back and leave the rest to you. Till we meet again."
"Ei?" Paimon blinked, she and the Traveler approached the pondering Ei after Kazuha made himself scarce. "What are you doing here?"
"Miko told me about the Test of Courage event taking place here." the Electro Archon replied. "I thought I would come and have a look."
"So, what do you think of the Test of Courage, are you having fun?" Paimon asked.
"It's more or less the same as I remember before." Ei pondered. "I wasn't scared by anything. But on the contrary, some of the event participants were horrified the moment they saw me. Actually, I've sensed a familiar feeling ever since I arrived here. It's brought some old memories to mind. Have you been down to the beach by any chance? I was just strolling nearby when I noticed a space at the beach with a familiar game set up on it. I took a brief look, and it appeared to be a game where you control flippers hovering in the air to strike a ball and hit some positioned elemental cubes. I saw the game was called 'Akitsu Yuugei'. I'm guessing it originated from 'Akitsu Hazura'. The thought of that game caused me to recall some things from the past."
"Akitsu Hazura?" Paimon echoed. "What's that?"
"It's a game where you use hagoita to hit a ball towards a set target." Ei explained. "It was once quite popular during festivals. Makoto also enjoyed playing Akitsu Hazura when she was alive. Hyakkiyakou was still around at that time, and nights in Inazuma were much more lively than they are now. The youkai would hold festivals from time to time, gathering to drink, laugh, and play music. The youkai called their celebration the 'Mikawa Flower Festival'. Makoto and I attended it once. She found it particularly fascinating. Sadly, the past has all but vanished. But seeing a game like that again does make me feel happy. If you're interested, you can go to the beach and give it a try. It was still being set up when I was there earlier, but I assume it should be ready soon. I shall return to Tenshukaku. Miko told me that the Test of Courage consists of three rounds, so please keep up the effort and give it your best until the end."
After being dragged off by Itto...
"Someone's coming." Itto hushed the Traveler, intending to scare off his gang members. "It must be them. We jump on zero! Haaah!" he leapt out from the trees. Wait, you're not..." he blinked, looking at three young youkai.
"Ghosts!" the young kappa screamed and both parties fled the opposite direction.
"Wait, hold on a second." Itto paused to catch his breath. "I just realized that they were also running from us. Now that I've calmed down, I'm starting to wonder if they were actually ghosts. They might have been people dressed up as ghosts to scare us! During the event, I took a little walk around the Chinju Forest and saw all the gimmicks that the Yashiro Commission had set up. Those three weren't from the Yashiro Commission, but they did seem a little familiar. It looked like they were running that way. But it's hard to say exactly where they went, so let's split up! This time, ''ll capture them and learn their art for scaring people! Anyway, I'll catch you around!"
After reaching the designated spot...
"We've already walked all the way here." Paimon looked around. "Wonder where those three went. Paimon didn't see them anywhere.
"Don't do it, Chizuru..." the Traveler and Paimon approached the muttering woman kneeling by some tree. "You can't give in to your desires. Others will suffer for it. You mustn't make the same mistake."
"Excuse us." Paimon voiced. "Did you happen to see three rascals pass by here?"
"Are you... talking to me?" the woman turned. "You have no business coming here. You shouldn't be anywhere near me. If you value your lives, you must leave immediately. Otherwise, your souls will be trapped here forever. I won't warn you again." she flared up her youkai aura. "Now, away with you. Be gone!"
"Wake up." Heizou shook the unconscious Traveler awake. "Hey, Traveler, wake up!"
"What happened?" the Traveler moaned.
"Thank goodness you're okay." the Anemo catalyst user was relieved.
"Heizou?" the Traveler's sight started to clear. "Mitsuko?"
"Before we get to that, I think someone needs your attention first." Heizou looked over at the panicked Paimon.
"Wake up, Paimon." the Traveler felt the whimpering Paimon on their chest.
"Heizou and Mitsuko are here too!" Paimon noticed the two new additions. "What happened to that scary person just now? Did you manage to defeat her?"
"We only found the two of you passed out here when we arrived." Heizou supplied. "There was no one else around. Tell me all the details. As I suspected, there appears to be something more behind this Test of Courage event." he mused after the Traveler related what happened. "I haven't told you the reason we're here. The truth is, I was commissioned to come here for an investigation. Some time ago, a peculiar game was discovered on the beach. The game quietly appeared some time ago and has since attracted some players. Apparently, it's very interesting. There was no one on the beach other than visitors and tourists when the game appeared. Imagine it like this: a stall suddenly appears on the street with no owner. And stranger yet, it could operate normally without anyone supervising it. People at the beach can start the game simply by talking to the Bulletin Board."
"Could it be run by... ghosts?" Paimon shivered.
"Some tourists started to say that, and the rumor began to spread, until it became a full-blown ghost story." Heizou admitted. "The further that story spread, the more plausible it seemed, causing people to be unwilling to go anywhere near the beach. The Tenryou Commission wanted to close the beach in order to investigate the situation and dispel the rumors, but before they could do anything, the Yashiro Commission organized the Test of Courage event here. People that were initially scared by the rumors began to believe that the 'beach game' was actually a preview event planned by the Yashiro Commission for the Test of Courage, so visitors have gradually returned again. But I'm quite positive that the game never had anything to do with the Yashiro Commission. As for my commission, apparently someone reported that they found themselves trapped for hours on the beach while playing the game. According to his own account, he kept returning to the same location no matter which way he went, and even though his friends were nearby, they couldn't see him. Even though it was obvious that he wasn't telling me the whole story, the testimonies of his friends did validate that what he said actually occurred. On top of that, it was also this very incident that led to all the ghost rumors. No one dared to go near the beach until the Yashiro Commission announced the Test of Courage. Then, I ran into Lady Mamiya here in the forest; apparently, she had felt the out-surge of youkai energy and came investigate. Anyway, don't mind me. Working together will only raise suspicion, so I'll undertake my own investigation for the time being."
SailorStar9: Any OOC-ness is regretted. *Grins* Don't you just love plot bunnies sometimes? Reviews are much appreciated.