Prologue: An unexpected arrival
Hello everyone. I'm still recovering from depression and writer's block, but I got enough motivation to right this new crossover. Genshin has been a fun game and I want to try my writing on this story. I don't own anything.
There was a large continent by the name of Teyvat. Seven regions of the continent were governed by gods. Within these nations, a god of an element was selected as a representative to that nation. These gods were called Archons. The elements in Teyvat were Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, Electro, Anemo, Dendro, and Geo. Any person, whom had strong desires, were granted by the gods a jeweled artifact called a Vision, which grants elemental abilities. The elemental powers depend on the user. Every person can perform unique combination of elements when paired with their abilities.
Among the regions of Teyvat, an island nation was shown. It was accessed by sea, though it was now sealed off by a ravaging thunderstorm. The nation was called Inazuma, said to be the land of eternity. It was also the land of Electro, due to the very essence of lightning and electricity surging around the land. The ruler of Inazuma was the graceful, but deadly Raiden Shogun. Through her watchful eye, she kept the island nation safe from tyranny.
Things changed when a strange green glow crashed out in the plains. A graceful female figure watched as the events played. She had long, purple hair tied in a braided ponytail that reached below her waist. Though her hair was a dark purple, the ambient lightning made it glow brighter. Her eyes were a light purple, which glowed with electricity. She was wearing a kimono that was light purple. It was adorned with floral symbols and a sharp mitsudomoe symbol that looked akin to a pinwheel. There was a hairpin with several purple flowers arranged in an ornament near her right temple. She had thigh long socks on with heels.
"An oddity among Eternity. This is an unknown threat that must be addressed." The female figure said.
She soon amassed a large army to set out. Among them, a woman was the general. She also wore a kimono, but it was white with red on the lower parts. The sleeves were short, showing black arm coverings and yellow wrist sleeves. It was adorned with a jeweled cloth. At the front of her cloth, a purple jewel with a sharp mitsudomoe symbol was shown. She was wearing red sandals and black miko socks. Her hair was a purple gray color and near it was a mask of a Tengu near the left of her forehead. Her eyes were a shiny hazel.
"Raiden Shogun, I have brought the troops as you requested." The lady spoke, bowing to the graceful figure.
"At ease, Kujou Sara. I called you here to investigate a recent development. Something has impacted on the Byakko Fields and it feels different. Bring it to me for I need to see if it's a threat to our land or not." The woman called Raiden Shogun said.
"I will fulfill your wishes, Raiden Shogun." The woman named Kujou Sara spoke.
Kujou Sara led the men out to the site where Raiden Shogun saw the mysterious glow landed on. Her gaze at the horizon was not without wary.
######
Within the Byakko fields, a male figure was seen lying unconscious. He had spiky blonde hair and pale skin. His uniform had a pauldron on his left shoulder, a gear-like gauntlet on his left arm, a smaller gear-like guard on his right arm, leather gloves for his hands, a leather guard on his torso with straps on his shoulders, a black t-neck vest, black pants and dark brown combat boots. Nestled on his back, a giant claymore was shown. The man groaned but he was unconscious for an unknown amount of time.
Soon, Kujou Sara arrived with her soldiers. Upon getting close to where she started investigating the crash site, she came across the unconscious man. Looking at the man, she could see he didn't had any injuries.
"Let's bring this person to Lady Shogun herself. It is under her orders we bring whatever it was that landed here." Sara ordered.
"At once. Should we disarm him of his weapon?" One of the soldiers questioned.
"For safety reasons. We don't know this man, nor is he from Inazuma. It is not my will that compels to bring him to Raiden Shogun, but it is her will." Sara responded.
The soldiers had difficulty unhooking the weapon from the unconscious man. It was also very heavy, requiring three men to lift the blade.
"My word… How can this fellow lift such a blade like this?" Soldier #1 questioned.
"I don't know. This man must have been through a lot in his life to wield such a heavy weapon." Soldier #2 replied.
######
It took some difficulty, but Kujou Sara and her men brought the unconscious man to Raiden Shogun. Upon seeing the unconscious person, a subtle change began to occur. Her heart skipped a beat for a moment. She quickly composed herself, not wanting to be seen anything disgraceful.
"Have him attended by our medics. I wish to ask of this stranger a few questions when he awakes." Raiden Shogun replied.
Sara soon got the man to the medics. There were no visible wounds on the man, but his unconscious state left others pondering.
'I wonder what got Lady Shogun's interest in you. You're a mystery even for me.' Sara thought, looking at the man.
######
The next day, the man was soon waking up. He groaned, signaling the medics to summon Kujou Sara. Upon seeing the man, his sight soon got to her. Sara's breath briefly hitched as she saw turquoise colored eyes staring at her. It was as though she lost her footing for a moment upon being sighted upon the man.
"Greetings, traveler. I'm Kujou Sara of the Kujou Clan, whom run the Tenryou commission." Sara introduced.
The man, though looking disoriented, was able to respond.
"I'm Cloud Strife." The man named Cloud responded.
"What are you? How did you end up here in Inazuma?" Sara questioned.
"I was once a mercenary for hire till I found my reason to continue living from where I lived. As to how I got here, I was swallowed by a great current that transported me beyond the reach of my home." Cloud responded.
"Interesting. That means you're not from Teyvat or any of the seven regions." Sara deduced.
"I have many questions as to where I arrived in. However, I don't believe you have all the answers I seek." Cloud said.
"Yes, you're right. My leader, Raiden Shogun, shall answer in my stead. I will summon her to come here." Sara responded.
Minutes have past till Raiden Shogun arrived. Seeing Cloud's eyes got her briefly stunned, almost lost in their sight. Composing herself, she was relayed by Sara of what she knew about Cloud.
"My general has informed me of everything you told her. I can immediately guess you're not from this world." Raiden presumed.
"Yes. I'm not from here. I am from a land called Gaia." Cloud responded.
"Gaia… That sounds similar to the region of Liyue in Teyvat. However, since you're not familiar with this world, I'll have to presume it's an entirely different world." Raiden deduced.
"Yes. It's a different world all together. This land reminds me of the Wutai continent. I can recognize some of the artistic style, but the rest seems different." Cloud confirmed.
"A land like Inazuma? Certainly, it is not of anything I've heard of." Raiden admitted.
"I apologize. I arrived in this world by accident and have nothing left for me." Cloud said, hinting a somber tone.
"Be at ease. You don't seem to be a threat at all. If what you say is indeed true, then you are indeed a traveler lost from your former home." Raiden spoke.
"I'll have to agree. I do not know this land, despite some similarities from my home. Everything about it feels different." Cloud admitted.
"Allow me to welcome you to the land of Inazuma. This land is known as the land of Eternity and Electro. I am known as Raiden Shogun, ruler of Inazuma and Electro Archon." Raiden introduced.
"Electro? Archon? These are terms that sound foreign for me." Cloud admitted.
"This world has seven regions governed by an Archon, whom represent the elements. I represent Electro, the lightning from storms and electricity." Raiden explained.
"So there are seven regions in this continent. This region appears to be out in sea." Cloud said.
"Inazuma is an island nation. We are right now on Narukami Island." Raiden replied.
"Is there a map I could use so I can understand the basics of this region?" Cloud requested.
"At once." Raiden said.
Soon, a map was procured to Cloud. He began looking at the various regions of Inazuma.
"Yashiori Island, Watastumu Island, Kannazuka, and Tsurumi Island… These are the rest of the regions of Inazuma." He said.
Raiden watched as Cloud studied the map with interest.
"You can keep the map. I have known of the areas of my domain. Some I have been to, but others have strained relations." Raiden said.
"Like mutually beneficial places that have questioned your rule?" Cloud asked.
"I will not indulge too deeply to answer, but yes. There are some regions that question my rule." Raiden replied.
"I see…" Cloud spoke.
Raiden could see through Cloud's eyes. She could see the hidden anguish in his mind.
"What plagues your mind, Cloud?" Raiden questioned.
"There was a time in my home that a large conglomerate once ruled Gaia with an iron fisted belief. It had marvels of technology, but it was causing more harm to the land than benefitting. Due to a great disaster, the conglomerate collapsed. Realizing the damage they've done, they were forced to reform through other means. However, the scars they've caused have not forgotten. Many have negative views of this conglomerate." Cloud explained.
"That sounded as though dark times befell in your home." Raiden said.
"Yes. Those times have passed a year ago. A disaster called Meteorfall was the cause that altered everyone's thoughts of the conglomerate. No one dared to question of the world nor extort it of its life essence." Cloud spoke.
"Life essence?" Raiden questioned.
"In my world, there's a large river of energy called the Lifestream. It's a river where the souls of the departed forever rest after living life. Whenever a life faded, they return to the Lifestream, feeding its knowledge and making it grow." Cloud explained.
Raiden looked with wonder, hearing about Cloud's world. She couldn't contain her desire to understand this new world.
"Do you desire to go back to your home?" She asked.
"I…don't have much of a desire to return to my home." Cloud said.
Looking at his eyes, Raiden couldn't find any form of deceit. However, her stare fell to Cloud's eyes. Much to her chagrin, she kept getting lost upon seeing them.
"You may stay here in Inazuma. However, I won't provide housing." Raiden said.
"I'll manage. I may be a foreign person, but I can manage myself." Cloud replied.
"Very well. If I needed your assistance, I'll send Kujou Sara to request your presence." Raiden spoke.
"Also, one minor question I may have overlooked… What is the name of the currency used here?" Cloud asked.
"We use Mora. I'm also curious as to what kind of currency you used." Raiden replied.
"It's called Gil. They're often in coins but paper money of Gil does exist." Cloud said, showing the foreign coins.
"They look almost like Mora, aside from the markings. You can find Mora from doing requests or defeating monsters." Raiden said.
"Monsters? Guess even in different worlds there can be monsters." Cloud commented.
"You've faced monsters before?" Raiden asked with surprise.
"I have. They all varied from being small like bugs to beings as giant as dragons. All had abilities of their own, making them dangerous." Cloud explained.
"So you have experience in fighting. Perhaps I may request you as a vanguard." Raiden said.
He soon looked around, not able to find his weapon.
"Where's my sword?" Cloud asked.
"The soldiers had to confiscate it in the event you would attack upon being treated. I'll bring it back to you." Raiden replied.
Soon, a trio of soldiers had difficulty holding the blade up. Cloud soon got the sword, holding it up like it was nothing. He placed it on his back, where a hook was shown. The hook latched on to a small chain of the sword.
"That sword required three of my strong soldiers to carry it, yet you can wield it like it was nothing." Raiden spoke, showing a hint of surprise.
"It's a memento of an old friend. I haven't left this sword behind since then." Cloud said.
"I see. What was left to you when he passed that sword on to you?" Raiden questioned.
"He left me with a quote that sounds feeble, but powerful in their right. Embrace your dreams. They are the future of everyone's desire." Cloud said.
"'Embrace your dreams…' Such strong words." Raiden commented.
######
Cloud was able to walk around. He soon set out to explore Inazuma. Before he left, he was soon visited by a voice.
"Is freedom what you seek, or the desire to face on and find your dreams?" The voice echoed.
Cloud was bewildered by the sudden appearance of the voice. Despite the surprise, he answered back.
"I will embrace my dreams so I have to continue facing forward." Cloud answered.
"A rightful answer. Take this artifact. It is your Vision that you have been blessed by the Anemo." The voice said.
Soon, Cloud procured the artifact. It was a green gem with a three winged symbol. Cloud could feel the wind breeze around him as he felt the air around him shift.
'Is this the power of one attaining a Vision from this world? Perhaps the world around me may have reasons as to why I'm given this Vision.' Cloud thought.
Soon the voice came back to him.
"Be warned young traveler. A person's Vision contains their dreams and hopes. If one were to lose it, it would mean a fate worse than death to befall the wielder." The voice warned.
Cloud was now determined to keep his Vision safe. He pocketed it, till he found a way to equip his Vision in a safe manner.
######
Venturing around Narukami Island, Cloud was lost in thought. The feeling of the wind blew to his face as he pondered.
'It's safe to assume I'm not in Gaia anymore… I never had a chance to say goodbye to all the people whom I knew. Alas, it's all wishful thinking, now that it is beyond my reach.' He thought.
The sun shined from the clear sky. It made Cloud's hair glow in a bright gold color. His turquoise eyes soon turned ocean blue due to the change of ambient light.
'Mystically, this world I'm now in has some cultures in familiar with from Wutai. If anything, their presentations are almost identical. I wouldn't be surprise to encounter ninjas.' Cloud thought with amusement.
Unknown to him, he was chased by a petite female figure. She was wearing a raccoon themed kimono with a robe head that had raccoon ears and a large leaf on top. The kimono comes with a large tail. For footwear, she was wearing black sandals. The female in question had white hair that almost appeared like snow. Her eyes were droopy looking, indicating lack of sleep, but appeared in a soft brown color. She was watching Cloud with intent.
'This man appears to have been from the Lady Shogun's palace. He doesn't appear to be from Inazuma.' The young girl thought.
She yawned quietly as she felt her sleep getting to her. Despite her body requesting to rest, she refused. The young girl was intent on watching Cloud for further information.
'Why would the Lady Shogun let this man go, especially when he recently received a Vision? Of all the elements he was blessed with, it's Anemo, like mine.' The girl thought.
As she continued watching, she found a new perspective of the man. Cloud was looking up in the sky, lost in thought. He closed his eyes as the wind blew.
'Maybe he isn't all that bad. He seems to be at peace.' The girl thought.
Cloud soon sighed, now sensing the petite girl following him. His expression seemed nostalgic, as though he was awaiting something.
"You can reveal yourself. I've sensed your presence." He said.
The petite girl revealed herself. Cloud was surprised of the person in front of him, but his instincts knew better to judge based on appearance.
"You remind me of someone from where I lived." He spoke in a cryptic fashion.
"Was the person a ninja?" The girl asked.
"Yes. The ninja had a lot of energy, always ready to fight back. From your perspective, you seem tired and sleep deprived." Cloud answered.
"Are you an esper?" The girl asked.
"No. I'm not psychic." Cloud responded with a deadpan expression.
The petite girl took a closer look to Cloud. It made him nervous, seeing she was eyeing him all over. It made things awkward for the petite girl as she looked at him.
"You don't seem like a person to cause trouble. Why did you leave the Raiden Shogun's palace?" The girl questioned.
"I was setting off to journey around Inazuma. Seeing that I have nowhere to go, I'll most likely remain here in Narukami Island." Cloud responded.
"You're really not from Inazuma?" The girl asked.
"No. I'm not from Inazuma, nor from Teyvat." Cloud answered.
"I'll give you my name if you tell me yours." The girl said.
"I'm Cloud." Cloud introduced.
"I'm Sayu." The girl named Sayu introduced.
Cloud felt curious of the head section of Sayu's kimono. The ears were strangely twitching in response. It almost made him compelled to touch the ears, but he resisted the urge to do so.
"I must go forward. Take care, Sayu." Cloud said.
Sayu waved her left arm at Cloud as he went down the horizon through the plains. She smiled as she found a person to talk with.
"I should go back to Kamisato Ayaka and report. The mission seems to have changed." Sayu said.
She soon disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving no trace of her presence.
######
Cloud was venturing through the plains. He soon stumbled upon a ragtag group of three samurai, whom were resting. They didn't show any attempt to hold back their murderous intent. This forced him to equip his sword in response.
"I'm not here to fight you, but I will retaliate if I need to." Cloud responded.
"You are but a foreigner of Inazuma. Though we are leaderless samurai, we shall indulge in our swordsmanship through the art of Bushido." Samurai #1 spoke.
"Is this what you want?" Cloud questioned.
"You have no choice for that matter. Your skill shall be tested to defeat an enemy unknown to you." Samurai #2 answered.
"Very well. Just know that I gave you a choice to stand back." Cloud warned.
"We shall stained our blades with your blood." Samurai #3 spoke.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Overlord of the Thunderstorm)
Cloud equipped his Buster Sword in response. He was ready for any attack as the three samurai encircled him. Soon, Samurai #1 dashed forward, attempting to cleave Cloud through his shoulders. He leaned to his left, avoiding the blade. This allowed him to counter Samurai #1 in a quick slash. The attack not only wounded the samurai, but also hurled him across the field.
"I will not warn a third time. Leave now if you wish to live." Cloud warned once more.
"We will not falter! We shall fight to the death!" Samurai #2 responded.
"Very well then." Cloud sighed.
Spinning his Buster Sword, Cloud soon dashed at the first samurai, swinging a barrage of slashes. A kanji symbol was created in result (凶), shocking the other two samurai. The first one was already killed due to the barrage of slashes.
"You're not from Inazuma, yet you were able to use its writing with your swordplay. I'm impressed, but not deterred." Samurai #1 commended.
"That's not the only thing you should be wary of." Cloud responded cryptically.
He soon charged his energy to the tip of his sword before performing a spinning forward flip. He uttered a single word before plunging to the third samurai.
"Braver…"
In that split second, Cloud not only just slashed through the armor. His blade soon cleaved through the katana, shattering it. Pieces of the weapon flung to the third samurai's body. Soon, the Buster Sword drew blood in a fountain, killing the samurai.
"You have immense strength for a sword wielder. What is your reason for wandering in these lands?" Samurai #1 questioned.
"I'm not from here, nor of Teyvat. I wished to explore. That is all." Cloud responded.
The last samurai soon slid his weapon in its scabbard. Cloud knew this was a technique for fast drawing aka iaijutsu.
'Reminds me of the people of Wutai whom practiced this technique. Not even Sephiroth could do so, especially with his Masamune.' Cloud thought.
Holding his ground, Cloud anticipated the attack. The last samurai also got his eyes on him. Both were waiting till a single sakura petal flew by. The samurai dashed forward, attempting to bifurcate Cloud. However, the attempt was met with the Buster Sword intercepting the attack. A loud, metallic clang echoed in the field. This caused the samurai to stumble in a momentary imbalance. Cloud took advantage and performed a horizontal swipe. The blade cleaved through the armor, drawing blood. The last samurai soon breathed his last with a calm tone.
"Finally… I see…the truth." He spoke with his last words.
(Overlord of the Thunderstorm OST ends here)
Cloud sighed in response, placing his sword on his back. He didn't like the idea of fighting others, but it was a matter he didn't have power over. The swordsman paid his respects to the fallen samurai, burying them in the ground.
'It's not as different compared to Gaia. Those who chose this path end up with little time. I need to consult with Raiden Shogun.' Cloud thought.
######
The sun was setting, but Cloud was able to return to the palace he left in the morning. Several guards wielding spears were at the edge of the staircase leading to the palace. They all crossed their weapons to block Cloud's attempt to ascend the stairs.
"Halt! Who are you and what business do you have with the Shogun!?" Guard #1 questioned.
"I'm sorry for my untimely arrival. I needed to speak with the Shogun of an important matter. I've left this palace during the morning thanks to her medics treating me of my wounds." Cloud explained.
"The Raiden Shogun has requested to treat you of your wounds? A vague interest, but not enough to permit you to her presence. Are you from Inazuma?" Guard #2 questioned.
"I'm not from Inazuma. You can say I'm a foreigner if you wish." Cloud responded.
"A foreigner? Treated by the Shogun? If that was indeed the case, whom was with her at the time of your treatment?" Guard #3 questioned.
"I remember this person whom was from a commission. I recall her name, Kujou Sara." Cloud responded.
The guards were all surprised upon hearing the name.
"K-Kujou Sara from the Kujou Clan? Surely you jest." Guard #4 responded with surprise.
Sara arrived to see Cloud talking with guards. Upon seeing him, she came by to assist.
"Cloud, we meet again." She spoke.
"Kujou-san, you have good timing." Cloud complimented.
"Nevertheless, what brings you back to Lady Shogun's palace? She's currently requesting no one to disturb her." Sara questioned.
"It's an important matter that I have to speak with her. Several events have seemed to stir me back here for more info." Cloud answered.
"It sounds important, especially from your tone. I'll allow you to visit her, but you must follow in my stead." Sara responded.
"Did something happened here prior to my arrival?" Cloud questioned.
"We had several assassination attempts to Lady Shogun herself. Luckily, none were successful as we kept them off from the palace." Sara answered.
"A civil war is happening?" Cloud asked.
"It seems so. It all started due to a law that was put in power by Lady Shogun herself. It was the Vision Hunt Decree that was enforced." Sara answered.
"The Vision Hunt Decree… I'm guessing this law hunts those whom bear Visions." Cloud surmised.
"Yes. Lady Shogun believes that by acquiring every Vision from Inazuma, she will attain the Eternity she seeks." Sara responded.
Cloud remained silent as he and Sara walked to the main doors leading to Raiden Shogun herself. The ruler was pacing around the tatami mat in a calm manner. Her slow walking was interrupted upon seeing Sara and Cloud.
"Kujou Sara, what had made you come here to interrupt my thinking?" Raiden Shogun questioned.
"Cloud here has requested an audience for you. It seems important, thus here we are." Sara responded.
Raiden Shogun soon walked to Cloud, whom kneeled. He knew to keep respecting boundaries than be offensive.
"Please speak, Cloud Strife. I await your response." She requested.
Cloud sighed as he began explaining the events of his recent travel. He kept his encounter with Sayu secret, but he didn't leave out on acquiring his Vision. The swordsman recounted with his battle against the three samurai he met prior to coming back to the palace. Raiden Shogun was now interested in hearing about Cloud's explanation.
"To recall the events in order, you were gifted with a Vision by the god of Anemo, whom warned you not to part with it. Soon after leaving you encountered three rogue samurai, which led to questioning of the current events happening here in Inazuma." Raiden Shogun deduced.
"Yes. This is why I have returned." Cloud responded.
"May I request to see this Vision?" Raiden Shogun asked.
Cloud brought the artifact out to her. Raiden soon channeled electricity from her palm, causing the Vision to fly to her hand. She inspected the jewel, noticing how it was brimming with energy, yet it wasn't rebelling from her presence. Rather, the jewel soon began to form a gold, bronze layer from her touch. The layer formed like a ribbon that surrounded the Anemo Vision. Three circles at the top front side were shown on the ribbon. Soon, a future fight came to her. Cloud was holding his sword, standing by her side as a fight was about to break out. She could see several people that were not from Inazuma. From the fore sight, several forces that she knew appeared, fighting alongside her soldiers to counter an imposing threat.
"Your Vision was indeed granted by the Anemo god, but from this land alone. Since you came to me and presented your Vision, along with the foresight it gifted me, I have decided to exclude you from the Vision Hunt Decree." Raiden spoke.
Sara was immediately shocked upon hearing what her ruler said. Cloud was confused, unable to understand the situation.
"Lady Shogun… Are you certain about this? What has made this man change you?" Sara spoke in confusion.
"At ease. The voice that granted Cloud his Vision warned him of the risk of separating from his Vision. When I inspected it, a foresight came to me. It compelled me not to take it." Raiden answered.
"A foresight? What did the Vision show?" Sara asked.
"A change of Inazuma. One of which that is not desirable. Sara, I may need you to investigate the Tri-Commission for potential foreign affairs." Raiden ordered.
"At once." Sara acknowledged.
Raiden soon turned to Cloud. He could feel her gaze cast in a strong tone.
"You may be a foreigner, but you have opened my sight to see of such affairs. Perhaps there is a purpose for you here in Inazuma." She spoke.
"Before I depart, I may need to question if there's anything I need to travel from beyond Narukami Island. I do not wish to cause problems with your troops for I need to explore more of Inazuma." Cloud said.
"Your interest of my land's culture is surprising. I shall grant you this special Travel Pass, which allows one to travel across Inazuma with no restrictions. Very few can acclaim this pass for good reason. Most of my trusted people, including Sara and my soldiers have this pass." Raiden said.
Cloud held the Travel Pass. It was a small scroll folded with a yellow color. Upon reading it, he saw Raiden's name, but dared not to speak out about it.
"Thank you, Lady Shogun. I will return back here upon your request." Cloud spoke.
"Be at ease, young traveler. Perhaps the dream I seek may involve you of your help." Raiden spoke, showing a hint of calmness.
Cloud was surprised to hear her tone. He didn't notice, but Raiden was staring at his eyes. She kept glancing at him before composing herself in response.
"If there's nothing else, I shall return to meditating. Please leave." Raiden ordered.
Cloud soon bowed before leaving the palace
