A/N: EDIT: Flames will be flames, I suppose. This is what I get for all my hard work...T_T
Sorry for the delay! As you can see, the chapter's reaaallly long as a result.
A bit rough in places perhaps, but I'm out of time for the day.
As ever, the Embers rule remains.
If folks don't like this story? Poof! Gone! Deleted for keeps! 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.
Now lets answer some questions:
Q: Why do you like Paimon so much?! Are you a writer for her or something?!
A: No, no, no. I'm not affiliated with Mihoyo at all. Ha! If only they'd sponsor me, but that's just a pipe drea. I'm just someone who loves their work. As for Paimon, what can I say? As an older sibling she reminds me of my younger sisters in a way. And yes, as hinted by the previews Paimon will learn some manner of self-defense in this story...
...and its going to be absolutely ADORABLE.
Q: You forgot Dvalin's horns in her human form!
A: So I did. Allow me to remedy that.
Q:...you're not going to run around gender bending everyone, are you?
A: Rest assured, I am not. Not only would it ruin the story itself, but it takes away from the picture I'm trying to paint here. The game itself has surprised me in that regard; hell, Azdaha went and split himself between the form of a young girl and a grown man at one point! Blew my mind.
Besides, 'tis amusing to see a mighty dragon reduced to a mere girl.
Q: Who are you rolliing for when the new update comes out?
A: Eula. That is all. Wouldn't say no to Bennett or Fischl, though...
Q: ZHONGLI! YESSSS! LET HIM KEEP HIS GNOSIS!
A: I can say neither yay or nay on that front...but I will say you'll see a whole lot more of him in this story.
Q: Will Naruto rule Mondstadt?
A: Not if he has anything to say about it!
Alright, then. I think I've kept you waiting long enough.
Hope you're ready; because this chapter's got a bit of everything in it!
As ever, I own nooooo references, quotes, memes or themes. This one's a reference to Lisa~!
"I confess myself curious. What kind of Archon do you intend to be? Will you be good?
Will you be kind? Or will you be cold. Will you be neither?
The answer lies with you."
~Debate Between Gods.
A Little Less Shocking
"And that's how we got here!"
Paimon planted two tiny fists on her hips, lifted her chin just so and preened, hovering but a little as she finished regaling them with the tale. None dared to interject. More than a few gaped. Others stared. Silence reigned supreme and none dared to defy nor deny what she'd just said. In hindsight, Naruto really couldn't blame them.
Not after what they'd witnessed.
Ensconced in the headquarters of the Knights of Favonious -and wasn't that a mouthful?!- the wayward warrior found himself seated in a worn oak chair before a young woman and likewise surrounded by a colorful cast of characters. Somehow that cheery red burny girl -Klee!- had wound up in his lap, balanced upon one knee like the child she was. Even now she hummed happily to herself as she fiddled with a tiny red sphere. It...probably wasn't a bomb, but he wasn't about to ask.
At least she wasn't looking at him like he'd grown a second head.
"Riiiiight." Naruto slapped his own when no one dared speak. "Embellishment aside, that's the long and short of it. I'm not here to cause trouble."
"Yup~!" his travel guide chirruped in agreement, clasping both palms behind her back. "We come in peace!"
...peace, she says." The man with the eyepatch tutted softly. "Funny way of showing it...
"Hey! Paimon wasn't kidding!"
"I see." Behind her desk, Acting Grand Master Jean steeped her fingers and laid her chin atop them. "Then you're not Lord Barbatos?" When he didn't immediately reply, she dared to press the issue. "I wasn't there to see your fight with Dvalin personally, but from what I've heard...
Kaeya whistled innocently.
Paimo poked her fingers together. "Ehehe...well, yeah...
A muscle jumped in the jinchuuriki's jaw, throbbing alongside a vein his temple.
"No." he pinched the bridge of his nose in a vain attempt to stave off an oncoming migraine. "No, no, and also, no. That bit with Dvalin was an accident." And he still had to figure out why those Gems in his pouch had done whatever they did, "Don't call me Barbatos. Ever." Now that he knew what that name meant, as well as all the awful responsibility that it entailed, he wasn't all that fond of Venti's real name. "I ain't a god."
"There, there." Paimon patted his shoulder to soothe him. "Paimon believes you."
'Lies! You called me a god earlier!'
Naruto resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He was lucky she'd managed to find him after that wild flight; unfortunately she'd only made the misunderstanding even worse. He didn't doubt her words; but after that display in the town square, he expected most of Mondstadt would be singing his praises before morning. Might be best to move on before then. Belief was all well and good, but he didn't relish the idea of being revered for something he wasn't, or worse, feared...
Kurama huffed and laid down in the seal. "Welcome to my world...
"By the way!" Paimon put in suddenly, startling him out of his reverie. "Paimon wants to throttle that tone-deaf bard! He started all this!"
Kaeya guffawed.
Jean choked on her own spit.
Klee touched a finger to her lips. "Tone-deaf bard?"
"Exactly!" The little fairy rounded on her, wagging one finger from side to side with intent. "He sounds like an awful guy, so naturally, Paimon gave him an equally-awful nickname. Ha!" she crossed both arms before her chest, smugly satisfied. "Lets see how he likes that!"
Her brow furrowed as only a child's could. "Hmm...mister bard's a bad person?"
Paimon's smile was decidedly impish. "The worst! You should blow him up!"
"Mm'kay!"
Kurama snorted. "Fiery little fairy. Can we keep her?"
Jean found her voice at last. "Klee, no!"
Naruto stifled a snort behind his palm. Just like that, he felt the ghost of a smile grace his weary whiskers. Say what you would about Paimon and her love for all things Mora, but she certainly had a way of lightening the mood. Coupled with Keel being well, Klee, he already felt his spirits rising. And besides, unlike Paimon, Klee didn't mind headpats. She didn't dodge them at the very least.
"I'll be sure to call him that the next time I see him," he said at length. "Right before I kick him in the balls."
Jean made flustered Jean noises anew. "You can't just kick a god!"
Naruto squinted. "Can, have, gonna do it again."
"Still, we only have your words to go on." Devil's advocate as always, Kaeya. "How do we know he's telling the truth?"
Paimon winced. "Wuh-oh."
Naruto bridled.
No.
No, no.
No, no, no.
They were not doing this to him! Absolutely not!
"Open your eyes! There's a statue to the guy in the middle of the city square!" He flung up his arms with an aggravated cry. "I look nothing like him! Not a damn thing!"
Jean thumbed her chin and considered the matter further. "In the legends, the Gods have been known to change their appearance as their mood suits...
"Well, I can use transformation jutsu-no! That's beside the point!"
"See?" Kaeye's smile was nothing short of smug. There could be no doubt he'd done it deliberately. "I'm afraid you be able to fool us quite that easily. That said, Barbara's going to have a fit...
The Dandelion Knight groaned into her palm. "Please don't remind me...
"Oi! I'm talking!
Naruto felt something pop in his already clenched jaw. It felt like a tooth. Kaeya! Why that no good sonuva...! He knew exactly what he was doing! Was this his punishment for wrecking the square?! Forget what he'd said about no violence earlier; he wanted to wring the scrawny bastards neck!
Paimon rounded on him before he could. "You be quiet, mister eyepatch!"
Kaeya recoiled, touching a hand to his face. "Eyepatch?"
Klee giggled merrily. "Uncle Eyepatch!"
Just like that, the faint tremor of a tiny smile nearly betrayed Naruto all over again. Blast these girls. He wanted to be angry, but with them around it was almost impossible to hold onto his anger.
"You took down Dvalin with your bare hands." Leave it to Jean to push the matter at hand. "Who else can do such but a god?"
Naruto frowned. "Speaking of which, where is that grumpy lizard?"
"She's with Lisa and-
As though summoned by those very words, the door leading to Jean's office flew forth from its hinges. A new figure crashed through the archway in a swirl of cerulean silk. They dragged the stunned figure of a young man behind them at great sufferance and dropped him at their feet. An accusing finger stabbed forth at the acting grand master.
"Your knight wouldn't stop poking me!"
Klee blinked down at the prone figure and waved from Naruto's lap. "Hello, big brother Albedo!"
The young man waved a weary arm. "Hello, Klee...
Naruto ignored them both. "Dvalin...?"
It took him a moment to recognized the transformed dragonness; her long flowing hair had been found into a braid over her shoulder, contrasting nicely with her deep blue horns. Likewise, someone had stuffed her into a flowing dress of lovely azure silk and she did not look happy about it. Not in the least. Even now she scowled at her hands.
"My mind is clear, but this...what is this feeble form?!"
"I told Albedo not to pry, but he just kept poking her." a new voice chimed as Lisa waltzed, hips swinging. "Now, now," she said to Dvalin, "You look lovely."
She bared her teeth. "I feel like a fool!"
Naruto coughed into a fist. It was a mistake. Everyone noticed.
Lisa ignored saw him and waved. "Hello again, sweetie. You look well."
Dvalin's reaction was...decidedly less pleasant.
"There you are!" Slittled eyes focused on him. "Change me back this instant!"
He shrugged. "I would if I could! Do you think I planned this?!"
"Yes!" Her head butted against his. "False god!"
"Oi!"
"Enough of this!" She brandished her hands like claws. "If you won't change me back I'll MAKE-
"Paimonial wrath!"
The hybrid slumped to the floor, eyes rolling up in their head.
Naruto frowned, and leaned past her to behold the culprit. "Really? That's what you're calling it?"
The little sprite waved the heavy tome about and stomped a foot in the air. "Paimon's trying, all right?! She was going to attack you!"
Sure enough, Dvalin stirred on the floor. "I will have...my revenge...!"
Lisa stalked over to her, slapped a vial of pale blue liquid against the woman's lips and tipped her head back, pinching the hybrid's nose in the same instant. Dvalin made an angry noise but stunned as she was, her body betrayed her. She swallowed instinctively. Her eyes rolled up in her head and she slumped in the magician's arms.
Kaeya whistled.
Klee applauded politely.
"There we go." the magician lowered her gently back onto the thick rug. "I've dosed her with a sleeping draught mixed with a calming potion. She should be a bit more herself once she wakes...Albedo, be a dear and take her somewhere more comfortable, won't you? One of the guest rooms will do."
The man known only as Albedo dragged himself upright with a groan. "Yes, I'll get right on that...
Curious eyes alighted upon Naruto. His head tilted a fraction to the right.
"Fascinating." he murmured.
"See?" Kaeya ribbed him the moment he was gone. "She called you a false god."
Naruto's smile was all teeth. "Wanna say that again, eyepatch?"
"Must you call me that?"
"Depends. You gonna keep calling me an Archon?"
Paimon hefted her borrowed tome. "Maybe Paimon should use this again...
"Alright, alright, you win." the knight raised his hands to ward her off. "I've had my fun.
Naruto coughed into a fist. It was high time he cleared the air.
"Look," he began warily, "I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea, here. I'll be out of your hair as soon as I've gotten a good rest." He remembered Dvlain and a spot of high color hit his cheeks. "And changed her back. There's no need to fuss over me like this."
His words...did not have the desired effect.
"You can't leave!"
Naruto's gaze snapped down with a start; he suddenly remembered Klee was still sitting in his lap. She'd been on her best behavior - so much so that he'd nearly forgotten about her altogether. Not anymore. Earnest red eyes gazed up at him, shimmering with tears.
Now she grabbed at his hand. "We were supposed to go fish blasting!"
"Is that so?" Jean's voice turned eerily calm. When he looked up her smile was a brittle thing indeed. "First I've heard of it."
Klee squeaked and squirmed in his lap. "Meep!"
"I'm afraid she's right." Kaeya's words were a hammer blow to his confidence. "Leaving is a bit more...complicated than you realize."
"Called it." Kurama opined.
Naruto bit his tongue to stifle a curse. "And why is that?"
"To put it bluntly, too many have seen you...including those of the Fatui embassy." when the blond scowled at him, the icy knight stood his ground. "Its going to be all but impossible to suppress word of mouth. They're already asking questions."
"Yeesh." Paimon winced a little. "Can't those guys take a hint?"
"I can defend myself." Naruto put in, not at all liking where this was going. "I really don't need your protection."
"No one's denying that," Lisa temporized with a raised hand, "But there's strength in numbers. If you'd just stay for a few days, let the people see you-
And let them start worshiping him? Out of the question. He could see why Venti wanted to be rid of his Gnosis and powers aside. They were nothing but trouble.
"Are you deaf?" a rare bite of anger pushed itself into his voice. "I said no."
Jean rose from her chair. "I'm afraid we must insist."
Kaeya reached for his sword.
Paimon yelped and flitted behind him.
"Kaeya!" Lisa hissed, "Put your weapon down."
"Oh, you insist?" Too little, too late. Naruto's temper finally stirred. "Well, in that case?"
With a mournful cry, the wind responded to his anger and hearkened to him. Slowly at first, lifting his hair just so.
...I'm afraid I must insist as well." He gave Klee a little nudge, causing her to hop off his lap. "Go to Jean."
She dithered. "B-But...!"
"Go on." her planted a hand between her little shoulders and nudged her forward. "I'll be fine."
He waited until she scurried away before acting further. Without fear of harming her, the wind built in earnest. Within a matter of moments it began to pick up speed. Papers flew into the air. Books were ripped from their shelves. Kaeya stumbled back as one buffeted him about the head. Lisa drew back, seeking the shelter of the doorway, even as Jean balked.
All the while the Gnosis in Naruto's chest sang like a star.
"You can't stop me." he rumbled. "If I want to leave, I'm leaving."
Although he couldn't see his reflection, had he glimpsed his eyes, he would've been most startled. They burned bright; a startling shade of viridian, almost like that of a certain bard bastard. Paimon saw them and cooed a little, even as the others recoiled.
Naruto paid them no mind; his ire was focused firmly elsewhere.
"You think defeating Dvalin was impressive?" his voice rose, booming over the great gale. "I've done things you can't even begin to imagine; faced foes that would give you nightmares!" those words warped into a snarl as he recalled his greatest foe, his greatest failure of all. "And you think you can keep me here against my will?!"
He raised a hand, glowing gold with Kurama's chakra.
"Any of you want to try your luck?
No one budged.
"Good." he dropped the wind tunnel with a sigh, releasing his chakra alike "Now, I'm going to walk out that door and fine somewhere to shack up for the night." No one dared to say otherwise. "You wanna help with that? Be my guest. Otherwise?"
He turned his back on them without so much as a second thought.
A shimmering eye shone over his shoulder.
"Leave me alone."
(.0.0.0.)
Amber came trotting in not a minute later, her new friend in tow.
"Grand Master Jean! I found...
.
..
...
She took one look at the frazzled faces and the utter disarray of Jean's office.
Then she blinked. Once. Twice. Thrice now. "What did I miss?"
Jean's head struck her desk.
"This is not my day...
(.0.0.0.)
"Wait a moment!"
Naruto stifled a sigh as someone called out to him in the street. Nope. Ignore. Suppress. Don't rise to the bait. He kept walking, even as Paimon paused to glance back at the new arrival. When he didn't slow, she darted back to hover beside him, face wrought with worry.
"Are you sure you wanna do that?" her whisper tickled his ear. Paimon thinks this is all one big misunderstanding...
Naruto nearly snapped at her for her concern; he would've too, if his conscience hadn't whispered in his ear. Paimon didn't deserve his wrath. She'd been nothing but helpful to him thus far. He narrowly restrained himself at the last instant and settled for a quick nod instead.
"Its not your fault." he reached around absently to pat her head. "I'm just...tired."
She didn't dodge this time. That alone showed her concern. "Maybe some good food would help?"
He opened his mouth to say otherwise - the moment he did, his stomach offered a weak whine of protest. Right, he'd promised her a meal hadn't he? Maybe some proper food would set him to rights. He was feeling a little hangry right now anyway...
...I did promise you a meal, didn't I?"
Starry eyes lit up as his little guide squealed happily. "You remembered~!"
One couldn't fake the sheer surge of glee that emanated from her in that moment.
"Of course I did." Naruto muttered. "Now c'mon, there's gotta be a place to get some grub around here."
Something -or someone!- snagged his sleeve before he could indulge, jerking him backward.
"Oh for the love of...!" he rounded on them with a snarl, and Paimon proved just as quick to flit out of his way. "What is it this time?!" In short order he found himself facing a familiar figure, hunched over, yet still clinging at his sleeve for dear life. Their fingers held firm, even as he tried to wrest his arm away.
"Making me exert myself...!" they huffed a little as they straightened and planted a gloved hand on their hip, "Don't you know its rude to make a lady chase after you?"
Blue eyes narrowed, sparking with a hint of balefire. "Its also rude to follow someone when they want to be left alone."
"Easy, now." she took her hand away raised her palms to show herself harmless. "I come in peace."
Naruto and Paimon exchanged a bland look between themselves.
The latter shrugged. "Paimon thinks she's a nice person."
The purple lady smiled, quite pleased by that remark. "I am. You should listen to your friend."
Naruto scowled. "Get to the point."
"As you wish." As he looked on she feigned a curtsy and bowed her head low. "I wanted to apologize for the fiasco back there." then she touched a hand to her bosom. "My name is-
"Lisa." he finished, crossing both arms before his ruined jacket. "I remember."
It -and the manner of their first meeting!- had stuck with him despite everything else thus far. Dense or no, one does simply not forget when a woman looks at you like a fine cut of steak and licks their lips.
"And you already know my name?" Judging by the way her eyes brightened, it was the right thing to say. "I'm flattered."
Well, he wasn't about to admit Jean had told him. He'd never live it down.
"Look," he ran a hand through his hair as he sighed. "I've had a bit of a day and I'm not in the best of moods at the moment. Did you need something?"
"I'd like to apologize for that, too." Lisa clasped both hands behind her back and leaned forward just so. It did...interesting things to her bosom. "You've had a difficult time since you came to our fair city, and we haven't shown you our best side." Those grass-green eyes twinkled suddenly. "I think a walk is just what you need to settle your mind."
Kurama chuckled. "Bold woman."
Paimon quirked a snow-white brow. "Huh?"
Naruto mirrored her. "Magician say what now?"
"A walk, dear!" Lisa clapped her hands together gently, holding them up before her face. "I was just on my way to visit a student of mine Wolvendom." Before he could hope to get a word in edgewise, she offered him her hand, palm extended just so. "Be a dear and accompany me, won't you?"
Naruto's brow shot into his hairline. "Really not in the mood for another walk at the moment...
Lisa took it in stride, bless her.
"Alright, I'll bite," she all but cooed the words. "Where are you headed?"
Paimon wriggled in the air in thinly veiled anticipation. "Well, we were hoping to get something to eat...
"Lovely." Lisa didn't waver in the least. "I can recommend a place." she raised a finger, conjuring a purple rose above it. "Good hunter's cuisine is to die for."
Naruto frowned. Was this what he thought it was? No, surely not. He'd be the first to admit he didn't wholly understand women sometimes, but surely someone couldn't be this forward. It just wasn't possible...was it?
"Is this what I think it is?"
She let the rose wither away. "Depends what you think it is."
...a date."
A spark danced in those lively green eyes. "And if it is?"
He planted his feet, refusing to budge. "We barely know one another."
"Then this is the perfect chance to do just that." she flashed him a wink. "First come, first serve and all that."
Naruto flicked a baffled look at his partner in crime. She shook her head vehemently and floated away, arms flailing like twin pinwheels in the wind.
"Oh, but I'm hardly the selfish sort min you," Lisa was all too quick to amend her statement, no doubt mistaking his silence for anger. "I don't mind sharing. You're a god after all, no matter what you might say. You can't fool me." She touched two fingers to her lips and blew him a kiss. "Tempting as it is, I could hardly hope to keep you to myself."
Naruto choked. 'What the hell's going on?!'
Kurama laughed at his plight. "And here I thought you were mad...
Thankfully, poor Paimon came to his rescue. She'd held her tongue until now, but those last words drew a confused squeak from her.
"Uhh...? All that went right over Paimon's head." she looked between them, eyes spinning. "Are we getting something to eat or...?"
Lisa flicked her a sympathetic look. "Don't worry, darling." she patted her snowy hair. "You're more than welcome to tag along."
Paimon giggled and leaned in like a cat. Naruto bridled. Traitor!
"So?" Quick as lightning the lady magician pulled her hand away and pivoted to face him. "What do you say?" She planted one hand on her hip, cocking her body to the right. Gah! Stop looking at her hips! "We're both adults here. I'll understand if you're not interested, but I'd prefer you were up front about it."
Naruto blanked.
Once, he would have sputtered and stammered, shouting like a foolish boy. But after the sheer madness he'd endured for the last few days? He'd been made an Archon, wandered the wilds with a treasure-loving fairy, grappled with a dragon, and somehow turned said dragon into one very angry girl. A girl with draconic powers for crying out loud! And now the one city he'd come to wanted to keep him as some sort of figurehead to be worshiped! Compared to all that, a date was almost blessedly normal by comparison.
He'd kill for a little normal right now.
Emphasis on a little. And he was starving...
A small hand patted his shoulder. "Paimon says go for it!"
"What, really?" Naruto's head snapped to the right. He physically felt his neck creak. "You think I should?"
"Yup, yup!" Her head bobbed as she rubbed her hands together. "Besides, if she's paying for lunch, then we can save our Mora-ow!" She jolted a little as a spark shot through the air and struck her backside. "Did you see that?!" her little form whirled, seeking the source and finding none. "Something just zapped Paimon! Is it the weather or...?
Lisa hid a smoking finger behind her back. "Well?"
Screw it, he shrugged. "You know what? I think that sounds great. Lead on."
Lisa's smile was lovely as lightning and only a little less shocking than love at first sight. It lit up her face like electro glow. He felt his heart skip a beat before he mastered it.
"Shall we, then?" her voice hummed with a soft contralto, laughter narrowly suppressed. "I do hope you're not afraid of witches."
He didn't bother to hide his scoff. A witch? Was that the best she had?
"I've seen scarier."
She eyed him for a long moment, considering him as one might a fine cut of meat. He wasn't sure it was apt comparison, but her gaze certainly threatened to devour him. He met hers in turn and didn't waver.
"You really have, haven't you?" Quick as a flash, she darted forward and looped an arm in his. "I like a man who can back up his words."
Naruto felt his face burn.
"You...you're absolutely impossible, you know that?"
"So I've been told." Lisa's smile was pure sin. "Its one of my many redeeming qualities. This way, dear Archon." she beckoned on ahead. "Allow me to give you a tour unlike any other...
Paimon puffed her cheeks out in protest. "Hey! Paimon's the only tour guide he needs!"
...of the finest restaurants this side of Mondstadt." Lisa finished.
"Paimon retracts her objection!"
"Oi," Naruto scowled at Lisa, seeing the jab for what it was. "Don't call me an Archon. I ain't."
"Whatever you say, dear." she sashayed on with a sway in her hips. "This way~!"
Lisa didn't walk as she led him to the diner.
She absolutely strutted.
(.0.0.0.)
Morax considered the letter before him with some trepidation.
It wasn't even a letter really, more a blank sheet of vellum, its words yet unwritten.
Of course it was. He had yet to write them of course. Until then, the page would remain empty. Unfulfilled.
Hmmm. Perhaps trepidation wasn't quite the right word for what he felt in this moment. He confessed a certain anxiety about this most recent development to be sure, but there beneath the stress lurked a different sort of emotion; one he'd not experienced in quite some time. This faint pounding in his chest, the ghost of a smile on his lips, one he couldn't quite banish, no matter how hard he tried.
You see, a new Archon had been born.
Even younger than that tiny deity in Sumeru, they were new to their station as well as the ways of this world. Just as he'd felt the moment this fledgling first unleashed their power, so too had every Archon. No doubt this new god was quite lost and confused. The storm he'd summoned was only the first sign; if they didn't gain mastery of their newfound powers soon, they would rage out of control.
Was it not his duty then, to impart some wisdom unto them while he yet could?
He had plans for Liyue, but those were yet far off. He had made no deals yet, given no oath nor biding words. The contract was not yet complete, the terms still left unsealed. He could still , perhaps it was more apt to say that Zhongli considered it imperative he did.
After all, if his plan went through, if his goal succeeded, then Rex Lapis would die. At least in theory.
In many ways Liyue was his child; he wanted to see it flourish and grow; without or without him. And besides, he confessed some curiosity to the matter at hand. Had his old friend been slain? Or had he given his Gnosis away willingly? If it was the latter then there was no need for him to fret, much less intervene. But if the former held true...he would not lest such an insult stand. He'd lost enough to the ravages of time.
For a being who had seen all there was to see and known much of what there was to know, this was a breath of -do pardon the pun- fresh air for for him. What was this new Archon like? It had been terribly long since he'd experienced something new in this dreary world.
Perhaps he would travel by sea. Captain Beidou was a capable sailor.
A thought plucked at him; pursuing it, he set his quill to ink and began to write. Before long, words flowed like wine. Yes, he decided, it would be best to write this first and task someone with delivering it before hie made his journey to the east. Experience told him a new god would likely look to expand their power base. Mondstadt had been the pride and joy of Barbatos. It only stood to reason that his successor would see it out. Thus he would address this letter to the Knights of Favonius, in the hopes that they would deliver it to their new Archon.
Another line came and went. "To you who walk among us...
Zhongli hummed to himself. He rather liked that turn of phrase.
Traveling by sea would certainly give his missive ample time to arrive.
From there it was a simple matter to pack his things and depart the parlor.
"Aiya?" A soft voice called to him as he passed a nearby alcove. "Going somewhere?"
He paused just over the threshold. An amber eye peered over his shoulder just in time to see a familiar pair of red eyes peering out at him from the gloom, framed by a cheery grin. The old god stifled a small smile. Ever curious this one, every inquisitive. Such an energetic child. Then again, many in Liyue were as children to him.
"I intend to leave Liyue for some time." he saw no point in lying to her. "I hope this won't inconvenience you, director."
"What's the occasion?" Hu Tao tilted her head, setting her long hair to swaying beneath her hat. "Business?" She steeped her fingers just so, unable to truly conceal an impish smile behind them. "Or pleasure?"
Zhongli thumbed his chin. "A bit of both, I suppose."
"Ooh!" she clasped her hands. "Another client? If he's interesting, bring him back here, won't you?"
...I'll suggest the idea to him. If he's amenable, I'll suggest your services."
The little eccentric winked. "That's all I ask~!"
Now that Zhongli considered the matter further, perhaps a trial was also in order. While the Rite of Descension was still a ways off, he had no way of knowing just how long he would be gone. Mayhap he ought to put this odd newcomer through a test, just as he intended to test Liyue.
The more he thought of it, the more his Gnosis warmed to the idea.
He'd have to disguise himself of course; perhaps even wear another visage, however temporary. A mere trifle for him, yet an exciting one nonetheless. iI had been some time since he'd worn another form, much less assumed a second identity atop his already existing once. He was rather rusty. But no matter. He'd cross that bridge when he came to it.
Was this what excitement felt like? He'd almost forgotten the feeling.
A hand waved before his face, snapping him back to reality. "Zhongliiiii! Hello?! Anyone there?!"
"Hmm?" Golden eyes fluttered in a brief blink. "I'm sorry, did you say something? It seems I was lost in thought. Excuse me, but I must be going...
"And don't forget to bring Mora with you this time!" Her voice called after him in parting as he left the parlor behind. "People won't be so kind to you outside of Liyue!"
Ah, yes. He'd forgotten about that. No matter. He was certain the problem would resolve itself.
.
..
...eventually.
In no time at all a lengthy letter was penned, sealed, and sent on its way with a most trusted messenger. Morax departed soon thereafter for the docks. Long legs carried him on a meandering route through Liyue. He took the time to savor the sights and bid his goodbyes to old friends. So passed the better part on an hour.
Yet even in his fervor to depart, Rex Lapis remained ever alert.
He did not fail to notice the figure that followed him; indeed, he was perfectly aware of the shadow that stalked his every step. They kept a respectful distance and didn't approach, careful to maintain a healthy yard between the two of them at all times.
They finally made themselves known once he reached the docks.
"Traveling abroad, are we?" A jovial voice called out to him. "How unlike you."
Zhongli sighed. Ancient though he was, he was no...unaware of the Fatui and their machinations. Indeed, there was a small part of him that tentatively supported what the Tsaritsa was trying to accomplish, even if he did dislike her methods.
Still, this one seemed to bear him no ill will...for the time being.
"Was there something you needed, Childe?" he turned to face the Harbinger in question.
"Nothing in particular, no." the cheery man crossed both arms behind his head, grinning from ear to ear. "But you seem excited."
Zhongli blinked. "Whatever makes you say that?"
The harbinger chuckled. "Well, you're smiling, aren't you?"
Was he? Zhongli blinked at that, touched a hand to his lips, alarmed to find a faint smirk lurking there. His fingers trembled a little. Not from fear, but something else entirely.
"I suppose I am." As ever, he spoke nothing but the truth where business was concerned. "If you must know, I'm off to visit a certain someone"
"I see." Tartaglia's smile soured. "More. business then. Forget I asked." he turned to depart. "I've no interest in the affairs of the weak.."
"Come now," A thought occurred to Zhongli and on a whim, he seized upon it. "I wouldn't say that. They're rather strong."
Childe stilled. "How strong?"
Ah. Now he knew what this one was after. It had been some time since that storm. Time enough for the Tsaritsa's will to be made known to her Harbingers. Of course they would take notice. Perhaps he could use this to his advantage after all. Few in Liyue knew his true identity. Childe was not one of them.
But it stood to reason he would jump at the chance to fight an Archon all the same.
If this new "Archon" was strong enough to overcome a Harbinger and protect Mondstadt in the same breath, if they were a benevolent deity who cared for their people instead of power, then they were indeed worthy of their station. If not...
They would face the wrath of the rock.
"Stronger than you can possibly imagine." Once more, he spoke with utter honesty. "They command the very wind itself."
His gaze sharpened, light so bright it could cut. "Interesting. Coming from you that's high praise."
Unbidden, he recalled Hu Tao's passing remark. "Don't forget to bring Mora!"
Ah, yes. How rude. Utterly unforgivable of him to do such a thing.
He couldn't very well leave without his wallet now, could he?
"You are welcome to accompany me if you wish."
Childe's once pleasant smile was all teeth.
"I think I'll take you up on that offer...
A/N: Gods, I love writing those two. So much fun~! Worry not, we'll get the Razor bit next chappy.
Congratulations, Naruto. Like it or not, a bit of Liyue's coming to you.
Zhongli's up to something...and we all know how his tests are...
And wouldn't you know it? He's set things into motion.
Once more, the Embers rule remains.
If folks don't like this story? Poof! Gone! Deleted for keeps! 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...
...review, Would You Kindly?
Every bit helps out!
Next time: Than Love At First Sight.
(FUTURE! Previews?)
Some are very far out indeed...
Hope you enjoy the taste of what's to come.
"Aren't you a rude one? Mark my words, vengeance will be mine!"
Naruto blinked. "But I haven't done anything...?"
"You heard her!" Paimon planted both hands on her hips and chirped the words back at Eula. "Mark my words! Vengeance will be mine!"
...are you mocking me?""
"Even if someone is powerless, they deserve a chance, Lisa. Everyone deserves that much. Even the weakest man out there can become strong if you just belive in him...
Teppei jolted awake in his cot with a start, gasping for breath.
Such a strange dream just now...
And what were those words?
When he tried to rise, something shifted against his lap. Not heavy, but a noticeable weight all the same. He looked down. Frowned. Coughed twice, now. Rubbed his eyes with the back of both hands. Pinched himself to hard that tears stung his eyes. And yet when he opened them again, the image before him did not waver.
For there was an Anemo vision in his lap.
His eyes widened. Trembling fingers reached out, caressing the glowing sphere. It felt faintly warm to the touch; beating like a distant heartbeat.
He held it close and cradled it to his chest.
"Thank you, Barbatos...
And he wept.
The attack came just as he knew it would.
He'd always know the Fatui would track him down sooner or later. It was not a matter of if, but merely when.
This far into Liyue, he'd hoped the Fatui would let him be; that they would simply follow the storm and ignore him completely. It was not to be.
He was well prepared.
"How chained to your daily toiling you are." he stood with a sigh. "Must you intrude on a bard's leisure time? After all, its more than language and poetry that flow with the wind.
"Where is it?!"
Venti grinned. "Hehehe...I don't have it...
Signora absolutely seethed. "You little rodent...!"
Lisa stretched with a pleased hum. "Well, that was lovely...
Naruto jumped. "Ghost!"
"Brother?"
Lumine studied her shoes.
"I'm sorry. From a distance, I mistook you for someone else...
"Don't look at Paimon!" her arms flailed. "Paimon's just as confused!"
~Nz.