Chapter 9: Arriving in a new region.
Within a new town, Cloud arrived in a flash of electricity generated by Raiden's portal. He only had time to look back for a brief second before the portal closed. He was determined to venture across the place he arrived in.
"So this is the region of Liyue… It does feel lively here." Cloud noted.
However, his brief musing was interrupted by a squad of three soldiers coming to him. They all had a uniform consisting of white, armored hakama pants and long sleeved shirts with arm pauldrons. The colors were noticeably different, bearing a bright yellow color. A strange rhombus pattern was shown on their uniforms, appearing to have two grooves in the shape. This prompted Cloud to remain patient, though he was on guard.
"Halt! Identify yourself!" Guard #1 ordered.
"Easy there. I'm Strife Cloud. I just arrived from Inazuma in order to begin a journey across Teyvat." Cloud answered.
"A person from Inazuma? You don't appear to be from there." Guard #2 observed.
"Yes, I'm not a native. It's a long story to share. To make it simple, I arrived here thanks to the Electeo Archon to reach the Anemo Archon's domain." Cloud explained.
"And what business do you have with the Anemo Archon?" Guard #3 questioned.
"I seek the Archon's help to deal with a condition. An acquaintance from Inazuma told me to reach to Mondstadt so I may seek audience with the Anemo Archon to treat my condition." Cloud answered, showing his discolored arm.
"I see… At ease, everyone. He's truthful." Guard #1 ordered to the other guards.
Soon, a female came by. She appeared mostly human akin to a young woman in her twenties, but she had a physical difference that made her stand out. She has black-red horns that bend back along her hair, similar to how a goat's horns look, with brighter red markings on them. She had fair skin and pale blue hair that naturally bunches in the middle and fades into a darker shade at the ends. Her eyes seemed to have a dual color tone, indicating sectoral heterochromia, which faded from purple on top, to a pinkish gold below. The outfit she had consists of a black halternecked leotard and black tights with gold accents on the legs, under a white and purple bodice with gold trim and long ends similar to a tailcoat, with a separated pair of sleeves to match and a pair of gray high heels with black soles. Cloud noticed her Vision resting on her left hip with a red cloverleaf knot. The design of the Vision is square-shaped and rotated 45 degrees. It's inlaid in a thin border, with the corners having arrow accents on the front and smaller squares on the back. The border itself is in another square-shaped border with its corners cut, offset by 45 degrees. The element it showed was Cryo, evident by the snowflake design.
"What seems to be happening here?" The girl asked with a meek tone.
The guards soon bowed to the woman, something that Cloud took note of.
"Lady Ganyu. Please be at ease. We were questioning this man whom came from Inazuma." Guard #1 explained in a nervous tone.
Cloud remained silent as the lady soon laid her sight upon the swordsman. In a split second, she soon had premonitions of the man fighting a dire threat even greater than what she thought. This caused her to gasp in response.
"It's that person I had dreams about… This man is important." The lady spoke with surprise.
Cloud was confused of the woman's speech. He had no idea was she was referring about him.
"Not to sound rude, but I'm rather curious of to what you're trying to say. I've just arrived here with no prior knowledge of this region." Cloud noted.
"My apologies. I'm known as Ganyu." The woman named Ganyu introduced.
"I'm Strife Cloud." Cloud spoke.
"Oh? Inazuma introduction customs? It's been a while since I heard someone practice it." Ganyu spoke with surprise.
"It's a story I may have to tell. However, it is quite long so you may have to bring some of the guards for them to pass the information. Alas, my time is growing short so I'll be able to describe what I can." Cloud explained.
"Why do you say that your time is growing short? Is there something wrong?" Ganyu asked in a mild mannered tone.
"I'm afflicted with a strange condition. It's from a different world outside of Teyvat, but some customs are shared. This condition has a strange cause, but it's name may frighten others." Cloud answered, showing his left arm.
"What is it called from where you came from?" Ganyu questioned.
"Geostigma. I'll explain further, but this condition is not from here Teyvat." Cloud replied.
Ganyu had a brief angered expression, but Cloud's description irked her curiosity. She soon ordered several guards to follow along to bring the swordsman to their headquarters for questioning.
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - A Transparent Moon (Liuli Pavilion))
Inside a large pagoda, Cloud noticed a small interrogation room with several members watching. After a grueling hour of talking, Cloud was exhausted from repeating his life story as simple as he can. Ganyu and the other guards remained silent, unable to process what the swordsman was going through in his life prior to arriving in Inazuma.
"I'll have to admit. That is quite a story to hear. I didn't think we would all meet a person or a traveler outside from Teyvat. Yet, you were blessed with a Vision from Inazuma, which has caused changes to happen in the region." Ganyu spoke with surprise.
"Even I have to agree. It may sound absurd, but I have to agree you're telling the truth." Another woman's voice admitted.
Cloud looked to the origin of the voice. It was a young woman whom had fair skin, amethyst eyes with oval-shaped pupils backed by a shape resembling a stiletto, and waist-length purple hair that turns into silver-purple at the ends. Her hair was tied into waist-length twin-tails, topped by small odango-style buns resembling cat ears. There is also a small braid running along the side of her bangs. The woman's outfit consists of a pale lavender top with a high violet collar and ruffled dark blue skirt, layered under a deep violet overcoat, engraved with xiangyun and peacock motifs. The opening of her overcoat is marked by a golden ornament, with white flowers and purple and gold-accented feathers attached. The pattern of the feathers resembles the ones on the dangling backs of her detached long sleeves. In addition, she wears a golden hairpin, a pair of drop earrings, a tasseled choker, and dark gloves with lavender trim. Cloud noticed the Vision on her back, which bore the Electro element symbol. It was the same design as Ganyu's.
"I should introduce myself since you're truthful. I'm Keqing, Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing." The woman named Keqing introduced.
"I'm Strife Cloud." Cloud followed.
"So… To catch up on events, you've arrived from Inazuma thanks to the Electro Archon in order to seek the Anemo Archon. It's to help with the condition you are now dealing with." Keqing summarized.
"Yes. The rest you know…" Cloud confirmed.
"I don't see you in any light with the Fatui since your Vision is indeed genuine and from Inazuma. I'm rather surprised that it wasn't confiscated from the Archon herself. It caused hidden changes to happen that may be beneficial for the region." Another woman's voice remarked.
Cloud looked to the source of the voice. Evident by the tone, the woman in question was in her late 20s in appearance. She has fair skin, red eyes, and straight, knee-length, white-beige hair that fades into an ashy color at the ends. The hair is tied up into a wide bun resembling a bow. The rest falls into two divided parts. Her bun is accessorized with a black hairpin, and she wears a red tassel decoration atop her head which lays between her eyes. Her outfit consists white, high-necked sleeveless qipao dress with side slits that reach up to the thigh, unveiling black shorts with diamond-cut patterns, below her left midriff where her Vision with the Geo symbol resides. Ginkgo and phoenix motifs are embellished throughout her dress, accessories, and detached ruffled sleeves. Her gloves are decorated with copper patterns and claw attachments on the thumb, ring, and pinky fingers that act as fingernail guards.
"My apologies for the secrecy. I'm known as Ningguang." The woman spoke.
"I must admit, it's a lot to take in after meeting with a group in a different region. Since I don't have much time, I may as well ask this to satisfy my curiosity. What is the Liyue Qixing?" Cloud asked.
The group was puzzled to hear Cloud's question. Ganyu had to bite back a giggle in response.
"The Liyue Quxing is a committee of seven members whom enforce the laws of Morax, the Geo Archon. In essence, we act as enforcers of the laws provided by the Archon himself to ensure Liyue's safety." Ganyu explained.
"Politicians and police officers… I must say, it's impressive." Cloud admitted.
"Yes. While we do enforce the laws, the real officers or guards of Liyue are the Milleth. You've seen them when they first came to you, Cloud." Keqing spoke.
"Yes. I recall. I'm also aware they were doing their job with diligence. It's admirable to say the least." Cloud complimented.
"Pleasantries aside, there's one more question that we wish to ask for concerns. Once you're able to treat this condition, the Geostigma as you called it, what will you do after?" Ningguang asked.
"I have to go back to Inazuma… Not only it's my new home, I have to see the changes happening there. It pertains to the Fatui, whom I'm sure is causing the problems out there." Cloud spoke, hinting his disdain.
Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu could attest with their dislike for the Fatui.
"The Fatui… They're an organization from Snezhnaya, almost a military force. I too have been questioning of their real objective. Since they have arrived in Inazuma, they may also have arrived in the other regions." Ningguang deduced.
"It seems so… Now back to our topic in hand, Cloud… You were sent by the Electro Archon to find the Anemo Archon to treat your condition you're currently suffering from. Based on what we can see, it is as you say. The name of no misnomer I'm afraid." Keqing spoke with a hint of sympathy.
"Yes. Even if I did go back to Inazuma, I probably won't live for long… This illness is rather aggressive and will take my life in a matter of days. I'm afraid nothing can be helpful to abate it…" Cloud spoke.
Ganyu felt terrible, hearing Cloud's eventual death looming over him. She decided to speak out to help the swordsman.
"There may be a way to help hold the condition off, but even I'm unsure as to how it may help." She said.
"Even I have my doubts to see if anything will work…" Cloud grunted, showing some pain from the condition.
"Is it hurting…?" Keqing questioned.
"Yes… It's a dull ache, but it's nothing compared to what I've experienced." Cloud reassured.
Keqing and Ganyu didn't felt reassured, despite Cloud's attempt. They internally sigh, knowing his eventual death would come if he didn't seek out treatment.
"We will take you to meet with the doctor of Liyue, Cloud. He may be able to help with the condition to make it manageable, but you will have to reach to Mondstadt if you wish to fully heal." Keqing spoke.
"Do you believe this doctor could help with the condition? I don't want to present any trouble for him." Cloud questioned with concern.
"He has been well known within Liyue Harbor and beyond as a doctor whom can treat any illness. It may be worthwhile to visit him. His name is Baizhu and he runs a clinic called Bubu pharmacy and has helped those whom have been ailing." Keqing answered.
"Ah yes. The doctor of Bubu pharmacy. He is indeed well known among the region of Liyue. Perhaps it may be a wise choice for you to visit him." Ningguang agreed.
Cloud knew he may have to chance to slow his condition down. However, he felt a sense of foreboding. It was as though something was attempting to warn him of a potential danger.
'Why am I getting the sense of not accepting the doctor's help? I hope the Geostigma isn't contagious.' Cloud thought with concern.
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Call it a Day in Liyue)
Cloud was now outside the headquarters of the Liyue Qixing. He still felt the soreness in his left arm, noting it was becoming uncomfortable. Checking it, he noticed the black bruise on his arm growing steadily.
'It has been spreading, but slowly on my body… I hope whatever procedure doesn't involve anyone for the danger this condition is.' He thought with concern.
Soon, Ganyu appeared from the headquarters. She came to Cloud, whom was checking his left arm.
"I can lead you to Doctor Baizhu. His pharmacy is at the upper area of the town. Please led me lead the way." Ganyu spoke.
Cloud nodded in acknowledgment as he was led by Ganyu. This gave him the chance to look around the town of Liyue Harbor. The welcoming atmosphere was a calming sensation for the swordsman. The air was peaceful.
'This region feels peaceful… I wonder if Inazuma would become like this once the problems in the nation have been settled. It may seem wishful, but finding an era of peace like this is what I would strive for.' Cloud thought, holding a ghost of a smile.
While on the way, Ganyu watched as Cloud looked at the scenery with wonder. She could see his curiosity of the area as though it was in plain sight. Her face showed a calm smile as she noticed he was hiding his own.
'This swordsman is definitely the key to helping Liyue. I've remembered my dreams each time I dozed off. This dream showed him helping us fight off a serious threat.' Ganyu thought.
The walk to the upper levels of Liyue provided Cloud a spectacular view of the harbor. It was a pleasant sight as he found it comforting, despite his condition weighing on his mind.
'I kind of miss this feeling… The sound of the ocean breeze blowing to the land… All in all, maybe such places can be found in Inazuma.' He thought.
Ganyu took notice of him staring out to the sea. She was somewhat concerned of the silence.
"Is there anything that caught your interest, Cloud?" She asked meekly.
"Sorry for my silence… I was just lost in old memories after seeing the view." Cloud apologized.
"Memories of your old home?" Ganyu asked.
"Yes. The view here left me with some nostalgia. Those times have long since passed." Cloud answered.
Walking across the higher area of Liyue Harbor, Cloud and Ganyu passed by a mysterious male figure whom was overlooking the sight of the city. He has fair skin, amber eyes with yellow diamond-shaped pupils and red eyeliner on the lower lids of his eyes, and mostly short dark brown hair with a longer fringe on the right side of his face and amber tips that glow faintly. There is one section of his hair on the back of his head that is waist-length instead of being cut short.
"How the passage of time creates strange yet new circumstances…" The man muttered with a calm, knowledgeable tone.
His outfit consists of a beige dress shirt, a brown and amber waistcoat, slim black trousers, black dress boots, and black gloves with twin silver archer rings on the thumbs. His neckpiece is a white tie pinned at the throat by an amber gemstone. His left ear is adorned with a jeweled tassel earring. Over everything, he wears a long dark brown tailcoat with dragon scale patterns, gold and silver accents, golden tassels, and a strange diamond symbol on the back. The clothes were decorated with diamond symbols found on his sleeves, belt, trousers, waistcoat buttons, and tailcoat buttons. He wears a Geo Vision embedded on the chain at the small of his back. Overall, his clothing was form-fitting and elegant.
"Perhaps the time for the people to be able to have control over themselves is upon them… Yet, I wonder why the change is starting to show not just within the ground, but in the air." The man spoke to himself.
(Call it a Day in Liyue OST ends here)
[]
Ganyu and Cloud arrived at the pharmacy. It was a jade house with a small pagoda roof and round lower section with Byzantine architecture. A large stairway was seen.
"This is the Bubu pharmacy, Cloud." Ganyu said.
"Quite a way to show a presentation of a place." Cloud comically spoke.
"It's quite large since it holds several remedies created for various illnesses to treat. Hopefully Baizhu should be here." Ganyu spoke.