A/N: I HAVE ARRIVED IN SUMERU AND BEGUN THE QUESTING OF QUESTS.
...and now I realize that I was too merciful with the Sages. Death was too good for them.
Can anyone see this? Site is still broken it seems. NO NOTIFICATIONS FOR THREE WEEKS NOW. At least the app works, so there's that.
Additionally, my long-awaited vacation begins Friday (Tomorrow) and I should be back by Sunday. Someone's watching the house for us while we're away. I'll be taking my computer with me, so I'll try to post if possible, but I can make no promises. October really messed up my update schedule with all those crises happening one after the other, I'm hoping the next few months will be better. If they aren't I just might step away until this site gets its act in order.
Alas, it seems site notifications are busted at the moment.
Folks get them in the app, but not on the web browser, which is becoming a proper pain for some of us. Hopefully they'll fix it soon...though it has been almost a month days with no response about the emails...
In other news depression's starting to hit real hard these days. Sometimes I wonder why I do anything at all. I can't claim to understand what's going wrong with my head. I don't even know why! One moment I'm fine, then my mood craters for a few hours, then I'm back again for a bit, and the cycle repeats. Its rather annoying; as though I've become a prisoner in my own mind sometimes. Sure, what's one more mental problem on the pile. Not like I don't have enough, what with already being this old. Feels like every day is a battle sometimes. My doctor is of no help at all.
*siiiigh* Don't mind the rambling of this geezer...
With my fifteen year anniversary on this site finally here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days, I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. Feels like everyone's lost their minds sometimes. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.
I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.
Time and feedback will determine if this should remain a story. Simple as that.
As ever, I own nothing at all, no quotes, references, themes or memes.
They're tributes to legends far greater than I, one and all~!
Verbatim for Sumeru, but that's obvious by now.
Spoilers for Archon Quests~!
Here we go~!
"Along your journey, we were in every flower and blade of grass, every ray of sparkling sun, and every breath of dancing wind.
So long as you continue to think and ponder, I'll be wherever you go.
Naturally fate will only ever show you the beginning of a journey.
Its up to you to forge your own ending.
Such is Wisdom."
~Nahida.
Mending Old Wounds
Sumeru was starting to feel like home.
Perhaps it was the people. Mayhaps it was all the nature, reminding Naruto of home back in its heyday. Maybe he was just missing Konoha and seeing so many people -many of whom reverently bowed to him and offered proper praise!- in one place had his head hearkening back to simpler times. Sometimes the answers you're looking for aren't at the intended destination; sometimes you find them along the way. And perhaps he had. He enjoyed the attention, enjoyed walking about with Nahida, enjoyed just being...himself.
He was still curious about Liyue and Inazuma, to say nothing of Fontaine and Natlan, and of course he had to pay Snezhnaya a visit as well; make sure those blasted Fatui learned their lesson once and for all. But for now, those were journeys for another day and he found himself enjoying his time it here in Sumeru more than he did Mondstadt. He'd sent a runner back that way-a trio of shadow clones laden with gifts and a letter explaining his absence, promising to return soon-but for now he found himself hard-pressed to leave just yet.
After all, he hadn't even seen half of everything here!
Then there was the matter of his passenger.
He wasn't talking about Kurama.
"Oh my goodness," a familiar weight swayed on his right shoulder, fingers gripping tight. "I'm still not used to this."
He flicked her a bemused glance as he skirted a food stall. "You're the one who wanted to ride on my shoulder."
She pinched his cheek. "Its not my fault I'm small and tire easily."
He hummed and paused to bow to a passing mercenary. "Hm."
"I'm not used to walking this much just yet."
He couldn't but smile at that. "Hmhmm."
"And besides, you're comfortable."
"Hmhmmhmm."
Excuses, excuses, but he was content to let Nahida make them for now. No one had truly recognized her as of yet, but he knew it was only a matter of time. Anyone who'd seen a Statue of the Seven would recognize the diminutive little fairy dwelling upon his shoulder sooner or later. She was already drawing her fair share of glances. It was inevitable. Until then he'd enjoy the peace while they had it.
"Have you thought about what that sneaky bastard said?"
"I...don't know." the tiny archon palmed her face with a sigh. "In the end I'm just the Moon. The real Sun is long gone."
"Until she peeks her head out behind the clouds." he retorted.
She looked away. "But what if the sun's feeling shy?"
He flicked her forehead briskly.
"Ow!" she recoiled. "Why?!"
"Told ya to stop beating yourself up." he snatched up a piece of fruit, paid his dues, and shoved it in her face.
"I'm not beating myself up." she groused between bites like the child she currently was. "All I did was rationally observe the distance between myself and a real Archon."
He chortled a little. "And you still know more than me."
"That's different." she took one last bite and swallowed, polishing off the last of her impromptu meal. "I'm the God of Wisdom.I'm supposed to know things. But knowledge isn't always power-
"Then we fix that. Today!"
"Its not so simple, my Archon...
Naruto's brow shot into his hair. "Your Archon?"
Nahida's little face turned a remarkable shade of red. "No, its nothing. Nevermind...
Nonono. No self doubt. Such was unacceptable. Scowling, he prepared to poke her again.
-okay, okay, okay!" Nahida clutched both hands over her forehead and leaned back as far as she could without falling off his shoulder. "I give up! Don't do that again! No need to bully me."
"Its not bullying if it helps you become a better person," he countered. "Think of it like helping a flower bloom."
"...that's fair, I suppose. Analogies are wonderful tools," she hummed a little that, briefly sounding wise beyond her years. "They let you use existing knowledge to understand unfamiliar things."
"Speaking of unfamiliar things, you mentioned dismantling the Akasha. How do you intend to do that?" he glanced a young couple passing by, each bearing the signature green symbol of Sumeru's greatest creation upon their right ear, "Aren't people using it?
"Her, ahem, my Akasha," she amended with a quick cough when raised two fingers, "Relies on the power of a Gnosis to operate, as it is the manifestation of the God of Wisdom's power." it amused him greatly to see just how quickly she warmed to the subject. "It compiles the wisdom of the entire populace, and it grants knowledge to the people...at the cost oft heir dreams. That's dangerous itself, but what really concerns me is that it can clearly be abused by-
"Um, excuse me!" An unfamiliar voice called out. "Might I have a moment of your time?"
Naruto paused, momentarily taken aback. "Did you hear something?"
"Lesser Lord Kusanali! Here, here! Over here!"
Nahida's left ear twitched as she searched for the source of the voice. "Hmm? Who is that? She sounds familiar.
Whomever "she" was, she'd caught sight of them now; a young woman wearing robes of white and violet raced their way. He had time enough to take in chocolate hair-curious tiara she was wearing, there-doe brown eyes and bandaged hands, then she was upon them, all but thrusting her face up at him. No, not at him, he realize. She only had eyes for the girl sitting on his shoulder.
He leaned back, somewhat baffled.
"Excuse me," the stranger babbled at Nahida, "But might you be Lesser Lord Kusanali?"
Naruto nearly guffawed. He'd snapped into Sage Mode on instinct, but there was no need for it, she wasn't a threat whatsoever.
The Archons exchanged a bemused glance between themselves, but it was ultimately the smaller of the two who found her voice first. "How did you know?"
"I knew it!" The young woman clasped her bandaged hands and absolutely squealed at that; it was a surprisingly childish sound and did much to endear her to him. "After everything you've done for me, I'd never forget your voice, not in a thousand years!"
"Well, I'm honored you recognize my voice-
"My lady, please!" Yet another voice interjected before she could finish, "Slow down! I told you not to run!"
"Oh dear, wherever are my manners?" Said lady bent at the knee to sketch a somewhat clumsy curtsy before them. "I'm Dunyarzad and this is," she pivoted to the stranger rapidly approaching her flank, "Is my dear friend and bodyguard, Dehya. Don't mind her. She can be a touch overprotective sometimes."
Naruto flicked a brief glance over the girl's shoulder.
Well this "bodyguard" certainly looked fierce enough to play that part; especially with that wild hair and crazy getup. Her eyes were a piercing shade of blue not unlike his own, yet they housed an odd golden cat-like pupil within. Clearly not normal. The Eremite mercenary flicked him a quick glance, eyeing him up, and he noticed something else. Two somethings really, twitching atop her head. 'Huh. Cat ears. That's new.'
"Nice eyes."
...right back at you." she planted a fist on her hip, considering him, then rallied to face Dunyarzard anew. "My lady, you mustn't get too excited. Your condition...
Nahida made a sad noise at that. Curious.
He filed it away for later even as the eccentric girl rounded on her escort once more.
"Forgive me, I know better than to think my body would handle it, hehe." quick as a flash, she pivoted to face her goddess again. "Are you here for the Sabzeruz Festival? Its still a week away, so we're not quite ready yet, but we'd be most honored to have you!"
Nahida perked up. "Is it that time already?"
"Festival-what-now?"
His companion's face turned an amusing shade of pink. "Its...well, I suppose you could say its my birthday."
His eyes lit up. "Oho?"
She flailed her hands a thim. "I don't need any presents!"
"Too late," he crooned back. "I've already got one in mind."
Kurama heaved a knowing sigh in his head. "I'll make the preparations."
Nahida whined a little, but didn't argue. Heh. She really was too easy to tease like this.
"Begging your pardon," Dunyarzard temporized, noticing him at last, "But who might this be?"
"Well, he's...um, that is to say...!" Impossibly, Nahida turned pinker still; her entire body seemed to burn for a moment before she finally brought herself under control. "I suppose you could call him my...hmm. My knight! She declared with a snap of his fingers, dimpling despite his indignant squawk. "That's what he is to me."
"Oi." he conjured a green gale to tickle her face. "I ain't a knight. I'm a ninja. There's a difference."
"Ninja, then." she corrected, blowing a raspberry at him." "Is that better?"
"It is! I fought a lot of people to get this title, thank-you-very-much!"
"Meh, makes sense." Dehya shrugged a shoulder. "She's a goddess. Course she has someone watching over her."
Dunyarzard considered him for a long moment. "Not just someone...oh." her eyes widened, gaze flicking to the still fading element, noting no sign of a Vision on his body. "You're the Lord of Anemo, aren't you?"
He damn near choked on that infernal title. Even now his reputation persisted it seemed. "How did you...?!"
Nahida hid a giggle behind her hand. "Word of your deeds spread quickly, it seems."
Naruto had something to say to that, ad he would have...
.
..
...had Dunyarzard not coughed.
He felt something pulse within her in that moment.
His gaze fastened on her bandaged hands. "Lemme see your arms."
"Oh no," she waved him down. "its just Eleazar. I was born like this; its quite alright now-
Naruto felt his temper spark at that. How could it not? Who let themselves be sick like this?! "Who decided that? Lemme see!"
"Its fine!" she dodged back with a laugh; it was strained, even to his ears, the laugh someone who didn't want to dwell on their own impending demise. "I'm...well." her smile faltered a little, her facade slipping before she managed to master herself. "I came to terms with it a long time ago."
Naruto flicked an anxious glance toward Nahida, concern swelling in his heart. "Can you help her?
Dehya was watching them like a hawk, speaking not a word.
"..."
"I wish I could." Nahida gave him and the Eremite a long, mournful look. "As things are right now, Dunyarzard is just a small bird in the sky about to lose her last feathers. All I can do is raise a gale to delay her fall. But you...you've done the impossible before, haven't you?"
It was all the encouragement he needed.
"Hand."
Dunya dithered. "Really-
Naruto tapped a foot and stared at her. "Hand."
She gulped, obeying like the child she no longer was.
He gripped her fingers in his, folding her fingers backward.
Blue eyes snapped into baleful golden slits.
And her world changed.
(.0.0.0.)
Dehya blinked.
She blinked hard.
Once, twice, thrice, now.
To her, there was nothing more beautiful than being able to meet and speak with others. To see her precious Dendro Archon at last, to meet her face to face, not to mention the Anemo Archon himself...she felt truly blessed. This was a memory she would carry to her grave. Were it not for Lesser Lord Kusanali she never would have been brave; never taken that first step into the world so long ago in search of knowledge. There would always be frustrations in life she knew, but the point of living was not to leave any regrets. And she didn't have any, really!
She hadn't thought so; not in the least, no sirree, not at all.
Not until here and now, this very moment.
Because you see, it was gone.
The blazing light of the Anemo Archon entered her body -it tingled!- and the numbness in her hands faded away, replaced by pins and needles. She could feel the Eleazar within her, just as always, but now she could feel something else; a warm and gentle heat spread from the soles of her feet right up to her very ears. It was...a rather pleasant sensation, enough to heat her cheeks and make her toes curl. With it came energy; her eyes fluttered in a rapid blink as a sudden jolt of awareness coursed through her; as though she'd been half asleep all this time and only now awakened.
And then the connection was broken; Naruto stepped back, panting softly, sweat beading upon his brow. "Alright, that took more energy than I though it would...
Dunyarzard looked down and followed his gaze.
Bandages slipped from her arms, revealing perfect, unblemished skin.
He'd healed her. Just...reached inside her-badthoughtsnaughtythoughts-and purged her of the poison that had tormented her since she was small. She didn't have the words to express her relief; couldn't stop herself now as tears tumbled down her cheeks
Wait.
There was something else.
She felt a curious weight in her right hand.
When she opened her closed palm, she found a green, glittering jewel within her grasp. A gasp swept out of her and she found herself clutching it close despite herself. She knew what it was of course; she'd seen them on the coats of travelers, the belts of brave warriors, even witnessed them worn as earrings once. So many colors. So many possibilities. So many paths.
And this was hers...because she knew exactly what she was holding; this...it was a Dendro Vision.
"Oh." The Anemo Archon seemed surprised. "Where did that come from?"
Nahida smiled impishly. "Secret~!"
Healed and given a vision, in one fell swoop.
Dunyarzard crumpled to her knees and wept like a little girl.
(.0.0.0.)
It was too much to hope things would be simple after that.
Having narrowly managed to fend off Dunyarzard's tearful thanks and Nahida's delighted laughter, he'd let his feet carry him for a time. Dehyha had taken her mistress to a bench, the better to let her rest, which gave him and his fellow archon time to scarper- and fend of unwanted questions, of which he was sure there would be many.
In short, they bolted deeper into the city, losing themselves in the preparations for the festival.
Alas, it was here than he ran into another...speedbump, as it were.
Really, what followed wasn't his fault. Not at all!
Near a rather grand looking stage, they encountered a young woman with brilliant scarlet tresses clad in the garments of a dancer being ranted at by another; a young sprite of a girl with bright eyes, tan sin and darkened hair, a crown of golden leaves set atop her head. Clad in blue and white robes, fists planted on her hips, she was the very picture of aggravation and indignation.
She certainly sounded angry enough!
...absolutely unacceptable!" she snarled at the redhead. "The grand sage would never approve of this! The law also prohibits the private hosting of large scale religious festivals. Only the akademiya can host such an event. If you continue to resist, I'll have to order an investigations into every single even organizer. Is that what you want?
The performer wilted beneath her diatribe. "No, but-
"Arts, dance, festivals? Aren't you ashamed of pursuing such frivolous and meaningless activities in this land of knowledge and reason?" ugh he could just imagine a certain dead sage saying those words. Who did this girl think she was? "Our Archon created the utopia that is this city for all scholars who sought validity and verity in truth, while like you wish to defile it-
"That's not true at all!" The redhead rallied, impressing him mightily with her bravery. "I believe that our archon never rejected the arts, even the goddess of flowers dedicated a dance to her-
"Nonsense." Either this dour researcher was putting on an act or she truly believed the drivel she was spouting-he suspected it was the former. "With your lack of intellectual credentials you're not qualified to debate with me, much less one of the sages. What you should be doing is finding workers to tear down this ridiculous eyesore before the Grand Sage becomes aware-
Enough was enough.
"Aware of what? Naruto stepped in and slung an arm over her shoulders, grinning fit to burst. "If you're worried about that old coot, don't be. I killed him and fed his remains to Kurama. That's why you haven't been able to find him."
"Don't remind me. He tasted foul."
The scholar's face went white as a sheet. "What?"
"Oh yes," Nahida chirped, utterly unfazed by the mundane mention of murder. "He's quite dead. Him and his cronies. I wasn't aware Naruto missed one...
"That's the thing," He leaned closed, teeth flashing in the light. "I'm fairly certain I didn't. You wouldn't happen to be one of Azar's pets would you?"
"N-No!" she flailed with a splutter. "I'm just a part of his entourage! I never liked him anyway!"
His brow furrowed. He'd never gotten her name. "And who are you?"
"Setaria!"
"Hmhmm. Setaria." his head bobbed, grin never fading. "That's a nice name. Do you want to live?"
Her head bobbed up and down frantically, rather reminding him a of a swallow.
"Good girl." he squeezed her shoulder. Now get."
Setaria needn't be told twice.
She got.
"Miss Nilou, was it? " he turned to face the dazed dancer she'd accosted, only now noticing her beauty for the first time. "By all means dance to your heart's content in the upcoming fesival. This city is going through...well, I suppose you could call them growing pains." Nahida shared a laugh with him as he continued. "But you needn't worry about the Akademia any longer. Please excuse any hiccups you may encounter. I'm looking forward to seeing your dance."
She flashed him a dazzling smile and bowed, the very picture of grace. "Thank you, lord Archon...
Naruto felt something hitch in his chest. It was an all-too-familiar feeling.
Why did he have such a weakness for redheads?
A/N: Aaaand scene. There we have it!
Sumeru does NOT wan to let me go, gotta get the gang from Mondstadt but noooo the Archon quests keep sucking me in!
Hope you enjoyed this; its rare that I write a dialogue heavy chapter. Now then, should this be moved to a weekly update? Yay or nay! Really need to hear from you this time.
Once more, the Embers rule remains. If folks don't like this story? Well...I'll not continue it. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days; basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
Right then, as ever, Reviews are love, Reviews are Life.
Reviews keep me safe from any and all strife.
So in the immortal words of Atlas...
...revieeeeew, would You Kindly?
Enjoy these humble previews.
Far though some are.
As ever:
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
(Preview)
Right, Mondstadt. We'll be right back. Give us a day, yeah?
"Alright, stand to, people! We've got a country to fix!
Nilou's dance was..beautiful.
EDIT: This preview is condensed for a reason. Wouldn't do to give too much away!
Best get out of here before there's trouble.
How cute.
Was this how Orochimaru felt when he stared them down in the Forest of Death? A master facing three idiots, utterly out of their league. He could appreciate the irony, if he still didn't have the best opinion of said snake sanin. And what kind of trouble would that be?" This kind! The brusier growled and threw a punch straight at his face. Naruto rolled his eyes and tossed Nahida straight up into the air, sending her flying out of harms way with a shriek. In the same moment he bent backward, leaving his spine nearly parallel with the ground as the punch passed him by and drove a leg upward into the one place no self-respecting warrior wished to be kicked. The thug crumpled with a groan, clutching at his groin. Nahida came crashing down out the sky a heartbeat later, hollering at the top of his lungs. He caught the little archon with a grin. He expeced anger, indignation at the very least Instead she giggled and clapped her hands, utterly delighed. That was fun! Again, again!
Shenhe was on the bandits a moment later.
Poor bastards. They had a bad time.
A very bad time indeed.
Paimonial wraaaaath!"
Collei flinched. "I'm sorry. I don't like being touched.
"S'fine." the amusing archon before her shrugged. "Your just remind me of someone. A certain red-wearing girl with a bow.
Her eyes lit up. "You know Amber?"
"Who is this small child?"
Klee clapped her hands with a delighted squeal. "New friend!"
Jeanne bowed her head. "I...overreacted. For that, I wish to apologize."
Shenhe latched onto his arm. Latched hard, and turned a fearsome pout upon him. "No running off again."
...you're not letting go, are you?"
"No. No, I am not."
"Are you certain you won't go to Liyue?"
Lumine squinted at him. Naruto squinted back. Grinned now.
"Did we just become best friends?"
Alright, people! Stand to! We've got a country to fix!"
Naruto flicked her forehead. "You're acting like a child."
The Archon recoiled with a yelp, clutching her stung brow. "Excuse me?!"
"Losing your loved ones...yeah, that sucks, I know. Being alone is worse. It makes you want to scream at the world. I can understand that. But this?" He swept a hand up, indicating the desolate landscape around them. "This isn't the answer. I know it hurts. I know you want to hide away from it all. Yet what you're doing here is wrong."
"And what would you know of it?"
"More than you could possibly imagine."
How dare he...! "You cannot even BEGIN to imagine what I have lost."
"You're right." his nod startled her. "I can't. But you don't know me, either. So why don't we sit down and talk this out like adults." those piercing blue eyes glimmered green, glancing to her weapon. "We've got plenty of time in here. Or we could fight." he planted his feet and strengthened his stance, ready to move at the slightest provocation. "Kill each other again and again until death finally sticks for one of us. Is that what you want?
"..."
"Neither, then? Fine. Be a coward. Think about it. You know where to find me when you're ready to talk."
His peace said, he turned his back on her.
"You would walk away from me...?"
A continent away, Venti winced. "Oh, dear. I heard that from here. He's really angry...
Blood spattered his face.
His victim laughed. "There he is. There's the monster. You can be surprisingly...heartless...when push comes to shove...
They died in his arms, still laughing.
...why are you in a tree?"
"Dunno. Why are you dancing where no one can see?"
Ayaka felt heat spear through her face. "You are...a very strange man."
"Lady, you don't know the half of it.
EDIT: Hey, thanks for making it!
With my fifteen year anniversary on this site here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. The recent earthquake in Turkey/Syria serves as a terrible example. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work tonight~!
Maybe you all have a good day, and may it be blessed with muc luck;
~Nz.
