CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: KAMISATO AYAKA
It was sunset when the sight of Beidou and Yelan returned to the main deck of the Alcor. Upon seeing the two robust women's return, Ganyu sighed a heavy breath of relief, currently assisting some of the Crux's staff with some rather simple tasks that were casual everyday ordeals aboard the ship.
Keqing wasn't far behind, enjoying a nice cup of tea on the stern with some other members of the Crux fleet. To kill time, she'd assisted her current crowd of women with some of their own share of chores, having been excellent at resolving them due to her experience as the Yuheng. Less to say, by the time she was done, it had been noon, to which had decided to take a break for some lunch with her beloved.
They'd taken their lunch break to below deck to have some privacy, and, while it wasn't the best meal for either of them, they managed. After their food was consumed, the two decided to catch up on some sleep, up until Keqing remembered Yelan's request of watching for any suspicious activity along the docks. Therefore, Ganyu was left to get some much-needed rest, and, up until only an hour prior, had slept like a baby.
It was just past dusk now, and, while Keqing was tired, her previous occupation made her tiredness null and void.
It wasn't her first time working with her mental state nagging her for rest.
Yelan met up with Keqing first, Ganyu not far behind, ready to deliver the outcome of her and Beidou's long day in the borders of Ritou. Once Ganyu had caught up, she didn't waste time and started to speak.
"Sorry for the long wait, girls, but getting through these borders is the equivalent of trying to turn silver into gold," she explained in a tone that spoke of tiredness and slight annoyance.
"No worries, Ms. Yelan," Keqing assured. "I'm happy to report that there's been no account of suspicious activity along the docks. It's been mostly quiet and dead for the most part."
"That's good to hear, and I'm also happy to report that we are now legal to enter Inazuma City and beyond," Yelan reported. "However, in the case of Tenshukaku and gaining an audience with the electro archon, that's on hold for a minute. To get into the Raiden Shogun's abode, we had to fill out a submission form with the information regarding why we wish to seek an opportunity to speak with her."
"And how long will it take to reach Tenshukaku?" Keqing questioned.
"In terms of a regular request, it would likely take weeks to months, but, in the case of an emergency, the official we spoke with said it won't take any longer than three days," Yelan answered.
Keqing sighed heavily at the answer, given the clock to doomsday was ticking, but she couldn't argue with the legal system of Inazuma. Having been part of the system that confirmed or denied a meeting with the Tianquan, she knew very well how these customs worked.
"I should've seen that coming," Keqing said. "Three days was pretty much the same estimate for a meeting with Ningguang, and in the case of an urgent matter, there is a chance it can be pushed forward faster, but it's about a twenty percent chance."
"I can confirm that as well," Ganyu added. "The forms to meet with Ningguang reached my desk in no less than twenty four hours, but the conditions for the meeting request to be forwarded straight to the Jade Chamber had to fall in line with certain circumstances. Those were that the request had to be from a Liyue official, the request had to deal with something related to business deals, or that the request fell under something that concerned the citizens of Liyue Harbor themselves."
"So, where does a request along the lines of endangerment of an archon and her entire nation fall under?" Yelan questioned.
"That would meet the criteria of an emergency situation, which would be enough to forward the request, most likely, to the recipient themselves," Ganyu confirmed. "However, that was Liyue Harbor's standards; I have no clue if the same regulations apply to Inazuma's government, so we could be seeing the Shogun by tomorrow or next week at most."
Yelan nodded in agreement.
"Very well, then I think it's best we get accustomed to Inazuma. Beidou has arranged a meeting with some connections she has here; connections that might make our reason for coming here go faster. So, I think it's best we get our things off the Alcor and head for Komore Teahouse in Inazuma City."
"Sounds like a plan," Keqing agreed. "However, where will we be taking residency for the time being?"
"That'll all be arranged upon your meeting," Beidou confirmed. "Trust me when I say that these people are very welcoming and won't turn you down."
Keqing nodded, having no reason not to trust one of her once-boss's most trusted friends.
"Alright, then let's go get our things, then we'll head for Inazuma City."
With no other word, the three moved to below deck and worked fast on collecting their belongings. It was approaching night, and the last thing they wanted to be doing was fight hilichurls in the dark. Among all of them, Beidou was the only person who knew anything about Inazuma. Aside from that, none of them knew anything about the electro capital, specifically its dangers under the curtain of nighttime.
It took them less than five minutes to collect everything, finding their way back to the main deck and meeting with Beidou one more time for some last thoughts.
"Watch yourself, captain," Yelan stated. "We promise to be back within a few days at most."
"Don't rush yourselves," Beidou replied. "Do whatever you need to make sure those bastards that destroyed Liyue Harbor pay for what they did!"
"You can be damn sure of that," Yelan assured. "Let's just hope the Raiden Shogun hears us out and we can finally gain a step ahead of the Tsaritsa."
"Best of luck to all of you," Beidou finished, then, with an assuring nod from all three of them, Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan made their way off of the Alcor and onto the docks of Inazuma.
Yelan knew the way to Inazuma City, thanks to Beidou, and, with quick steps and hope in their hearts, what remained of Liyue Harbor's existence treaded deep into the mass known as Narukami Island.
After asking some locals and assuring the main sharp-tongued guard of Komore Teahouse that they had a reason to enter the establishment, Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan found themselves a room and now sit in wait for whoever Beidou had assigned them to meet with. The establishment carried a heavy scent of a variety of teas and incense that was being burned in each room; a familiar essence to Keqing and Ganyu, seeing Ningguang always had it burning in her office.
It carried a sense of familiarity, as if the incense currently permeating the entire building were one of the several ones that the Tianquan had fancied. It brought back memories, painful ones, but, while it hurt to recollect memories of meeting up with their once-boss and friend, they also relished in the imagery currently flashing before their eyes. Those were times they couldn't get back and reliving times of just chatting with Ningguang over business affairs and such brought a sense of peace for just a moment.
A sense that they all so-desperately desired to feel again.
Out of their peaceful thoughts, they were interrupted by the sight of a woman who radiated elegance and kindness that couldn't be matched by anyone. Her demeanor was one of innocence and royalty, which immediately made all of them rise to attention at the lady's approach and presence.
However, upon her response, all of their prior assumptions went out the window.
"Oh, there's no need for such pleasantries. Please sit."
So they did, and, not long after, their newest guest had joined them at the table.
"I'm assuming you're the person that Captain Beidou assigned us with?" Keqing questioned carefully.
"Indeed," she answered graciously. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kamisato Ayaka. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"The pleasure is ours, Ms. Ayaka," Yelan replied. "My name is Yelan. I'm a former agent of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. These two are Ganyu and Keqing, the former Yuheng and head secretary of the Tianquan of Liyue Harbor."
"A pleasure to meet all of you," Ayaka greeted in kind. "However, Lady Ganyu and Keqing's names are nothing unfamiliar to me, seeing I've heard of you from someone you might know well. Does the name Aether and Paimon mean anything to all of you?"
Both Ganyu and Keqing nodded, having never forgotten about the person who literally saved Liyue Harbor twice.
"Who could forget the savior of our home?" Keqing stated. "Believe it or not, our first meeting was quite bizarre; he was trying to get to the Jade Chamber using the Guizhong Ballista. Apparently, someone forgot to fill him in with the proper way to actually get there."
Ganyu jumped at the words, remembering her complete failure of informing Aether of the way to get to the Jade Chamber.
"Hey! You… don't need to bring that up…
Ganyu's face adorned a blush, along with a visible gleam of a patch of sweat starting to seep from her forehead.
Keqing giggled at her beloved's sheepish nature, still remembering their confrontation regarding said issue. Less to say, Ganyu looked exactly as she did currently.
"It's alright, Ms. Ganyu," Ayaka added. "Sometimes things just slip the mind unexpectedly. I should know, I've had my fair share of accidental mistakes."
Ganyu still wore her blush, but she kindly accepted the attempt to ease her mistake with a smile.
"Right, now that we're all properly acquainted with one another, I suppose I'll allow you to fill me in on the reason for this meeting," Ayaka stated, to which Yelan took the initiative.
"Very well. To put it in a simple way, a few weeks ago, Liyue Harbor was removed from existence by a creation of the Tsaritsa. We're all that remain of that disaster, and, over the past weeks, have obtained information that proves that the Tsaritsa is planning to go to war with all of Teyvat using the power of the archons to fuel androids with ungodly abilities. Ganyu and Keqing witnessed these abilities themselves the very night it all happened."
Ayaka's face had turned pale. This had not been what she was expecting upon this meetup, and the information she had just been fed was enough to make her quiver.
"I see," Ayaka said slowly. "I have no suspicions that this is false information, that I can assure you. If you could, Ms. Yelan, explain fully what your intent is for coming to Inazuma."
"Gladly. Simply put, we're here for two reasons; to warn the Raiden Shogun of the potential danger she could be in, and to hopefully seek help in this war."
"I see, so you are hoping to gain assistance from Inazuma's government and army to fight against the Tsaritsa and save Teyvat?"
"Correct, Ms. Ayaka. We also hope to gain hospitality with your assistance."
"I understand. Unfortunately, I have no control over the government of Inazuma, so I can't really help there. The only person with control over anything in the Inazuma government system is the Shogun herself."
Yelan nodded, having expected this outcome.
"We've already done the proper proceedings to gain an audience with her, but what we don't know is how long it'll take to get her attention on the matter. Do you have any idea of how long it could take?"
Ayaka put a hand to her chin in thought. The issue was both desperate and critical, so she was doing everything she could to hopefully give her new acquaintances help in any way she could.
It took a minute, but eventually, she spoke again.
"Alright, I think I see everything clearly now, and I believe I can help you to get an audience with the Shogun beyond the proceedings customs. The situation concerns not just our archon, but the entirety of Inazuma and Teyvat. This is an exception to the usual protocol, so here's what I'm going to do.
First, I will kindly provide you with hospitality within the Kamisato Estate. You have brought to light a major issue that you didn't even need to consider Inazuma or anybody with, but you did, and that's enough to provide you all a roof and anything else you may need.
Second, I will take this information to Tenshukaku myself. I cannot guarantee you that the Shogun will accept your request, but, given the details involve her and her entire nation being at risk of annihilation, I believe she will accept. I will also inform her that you are trusted friends of Aether, given that she and him developed a great amount of trust over their time here. That might be a guaranteed ticket for a seating with our god.
Third and last, shall the Shogun accept your request, I will contact the Shogunate to escort you to meet with General Sangonomiya Kokomi of Watatsumi Island. Her forces will help our own in this war, shall the Shogun choose to engage."
Sighs of relief escaped all three of them, following with smiles. This truly felt like the biggest victory they'd had in a long time.
"Thank you so much for your help, Ms. Kamisato," Yelan said calmly. "We will never forget this, despite whatever happens."
"You're very welcome, Ms. Yelan," Ayaka replied. "While a war is the last thing Inazuma or any of Teyvat wants, it's clear that the Tsaritsa has already decided to attack. Inazuma can't become what happened to your home, and the only way to prevent it, is to stop the one who eventually will meet our borders."
Yelan nodded, impressed by just how well Ayaka had narrowed down the potentiality of the entire situation.
"You are very wise, Ms. Ayaka," Yelan complimented. "I can tell that this isn't your first time dealing with a desperate situation. I truly admire your way of analyzing things."
A blush adorned Ayaka's face at the compliment.
"Oh! I appreciate the sentiment, Ms. Yelan," she replied, following with a clearing of her throat. "Now, I suppose I should accompany you back to the estate. From there, as promised, I will go to Tenshukaku and speak with the Shogun. My housekeeper, Thoma, will get you all acquainted upon my departure."
"Sounds good," Yelan concluded, turning her gaze to Ganyu and Keqing across the table. "Let's go, ladies. We've got a long day ahead tomorrow."
Ganyu and Keqing nodded in agreement, following with all four of them getting up from their seats. From there, they followed Ayaka out of Komore Teahouse, all the way back to the Kamisato Estate just out beyond Chinju Forest.
Upon entering Ayaka's home, it became clear to Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan that their assumption of their new ally and friend being one of royalty and wealth became very evident. The entirety of the inside of the abode was decorated with traditional items related to Inazuma's culture, but the most apparent one that caught their attention was folded-out fans.
The fans were clearly crafted out of fine material and revealed a picture of several different things. It was quite a sight and further proved their assumptions, seeing wealthy individuals, mainly females, carried folding fans to cool themselves down. Ayaka had caught sight of her guests admiring her massive collection of traditional niknaks, and quickly explained why she had so many.
"I see you've taken quite a curiosity to the decor," she started. "Well, these actually aren't all mine but were my mother's. She loved to collect them, because she admired the art that the fans revealed when unfolded."
"They are absolutely beautiful," Ganyu complimented. "Your mother had great taste."
Ayaka smiled at the comment,
"I appreciate that dearly, Ms. Ganyu," Ayaka replied gently. "They are all I have left of her, so to know somebody recognizes the same beauty as my mother did, is a beauty of its own nature. You and my mother would've gotten along well."
"I'm delighted to hear that and am very sorry for your loss," Ganyu sympathized. "I know how it feels to lose someone you love unconditionally."
"It's alright. While it was hard at first, I've grown a lot since that fateful day. My brother and I were left with such a heavy weight to carry, but, over time, we've managed to carry on."
"That's how it's been ever since we lost our home," Keqing added. "These past weeks have felt like we've been climbing a mountain with no end, but we've kept strong to eventually find the top, no matter what it takes."
"And you will find it," Ayaka replied. "You three have come so far, and I can tell that you are tired, worn, and emotionally drained by your losses. However, beyond that, you carry a strength the equivalent of the might of the Raiden Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi; a blade that many have tried to face, but only few have succeeded. Keep that strength strong and we all will win this war."
Ganyu and Keqing nodded in agreement, allowing Ayaka to proceed with whatever she planned to do next.
"Alright, follow me, and I'll introduce you to Thoma," Ayaka directed, to which she started forward and the three followed suit.
She led them towards the back of the estate, where a tall man was attending some matter that was likely everyday work for him. He was dressed in mostly red clothing and carried a heavy hue of loyalty and kindness, and, upon Ayaka making her presence, he jumped to attention.
"Welcome back, Miss Kamisato," he said loyally, turning his gaze to her unannounced guests. "I see we have company. May I ask who they are?"
"Calm yourself, Thoma," Ayaka answered. "These three are our guests, and have come to Inazuma on a desperate matter that involves the Shogun and all of Teyvat."
Thoma's demeanor shifted almost instantly upon the mention of the severity of the situation. It was something he definitely wasn't expecting to hear.
"Wow. I definitely wasn't expecting something like that," he replied. "Could you fill me in?"
"Of course, but I'm afraid they'll have to do that, because I have to make a quick trip to Tenshukaku regarding said matter," Ayaka explained. "Please give these three a good meal and beds to sleep in, seeing they might be here for awhile."
"Very well," he agreed. "However, somebody should accompany you. It's a long way to Tenshukaku, and there's lots of potential dangers that could pose a threat to you along the road."
"I'm a big girl, Thoma," she objected with a smile. "I assure you I can handle anything that may cross my path. I'll be fine."
Thoma expressed a look that made it clear that he didn't agree, but he couldn't argue with her. Therefore, he just nodded his head reluctantly, and allowed her to proceed. Ayaka bowed as a way of saying goodbye, saying one last thing before turning to leave.
"I'll be back before morning, feel free to make yourselves at home while Thoma gets you properly acquainted."
Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan nodded in agreement, then, with no time wasted, Ayaka turned away. Following her departure, Thoma proceeded to the kitchen to prepare the three an Inazuma-style dish while the girls took to conversing for the time being. It was up to Ayaka now to persuade the God of Eternity to hear them out; a factor that made them anxious for the remainder of their first night in the Kamisato Estate.