Chapter 4: Dissension of Kannazuka
Cloud was being led to a port city in Inazuma. Sara was with him, guiding the swordsman to the area.
"We're here, Cloud-san. This is where we can board the boat to reach Kannazuka." Sara said.
"Thank you for leading the way." Cloud responded.
He looked around the town around him. Much of it was visibly desolate and less energetic.
'This is Ritou… The port city of Inazuma. Prior to the new laws implemented, it was a common trading route for the nation. With the current events happening, this town is stagnating and may not survive if the decrees were not abolished.' Cloud thought somberly.
Many of the townsfolk reacted with fear upon seeing Sara in person. Cloud noticed this, realizing other facts.
'I recall that Sara is part of the Tenryou Commission, which overlooks the country like a military police force. Since the Vision Hunt Decree was implemented, I can see why the people have such fear. It's likely that Sara herself may be aware of her soldiers bullying others.' He thought, observing the expression of everyone around him.
Sara noticed Cloud was observing the people around Ritou. She knew he would see the current state of the town. It made her feel guilty but she didn't question on following Raiden's orders.
"The boat to Kannazuka will be here soon." She said.
Sara and Cloud soon made their way to the port. A large boat was seen sailing its way to the docks. It was decorated with symbols of Raiden, including the Electro element symbol with a torii gate.
"So this is the boat that leads to Kannazuka. Let's go." Cloud said.
"At once." Sara agreed.
######
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Stories Untold)
Cloud was not having a comfortable trip to the next destination. He looked pale and sickly, holding his mouth in a struggle. Sara noticed this and looked concerned for him.
"Are you okay, Cloud-san?" She asked.
"Don't worry… I suffer from motion sickness. Whether I'm riding on a boat or even a flying being, I get like this. Urgh…!" Cloud grunted.
Sara watched as Cloud looked helpless from his motion sickness. She soon saw him reaching out to the guard rail of the boat before retching. It made her feel sick hearing the sound of Cloud vomiting, but her immediate response was to see if he was alright.
"Is…is there a remedy to handle motion sickness…?" Cloud reluctantly asked, holding his strength.
"We do prepare special rations that help with the motion sickness. Though Inazuma may be an island nation, there are others whom have the same condition as you do, Cloud-san." Sara answered.
Sara soon provided Cloud with what appeared to be pills. He chewed one before swallowing the contents. He felt his motion sickness alleviate.
'I really need to find a way to circumvent this motion sickness issue… It's becoming a detrimental issue if I'm forced to ride on anything, let alone boats or even flying creatures.' He thought.
The ride was quite encumbering as Cloud was forced to rely on the pills provided from Sara to keep his motion sickness at bay. He had to wait a few minutes till his symptoms started to show again.
'I never thought I would see a person from another world enduring with motion sickness. It's quite a sorry sight to see.' Sara sympathized in thought.
(Stories Untold OST ends here)
######
After a grueling two hours for Cloud, they finally landed on to their destination. Sara had to hold Cloud as his footing was quite loose due to his motion sickness.
"We're here, Cloud-san. I can still help you reach the encampment if you feel weak." Sara offered.
"Please don't worry about me. I'll recover." Cloud reassured.
"Even so…" Sara spoke with concern.
"I'll be okay. I can assure you." Cloud reaffirmed.
The duo made their way to a large military camp site. Symbols affiliating of Raiden and the Electro element were shown. Upon seeing Sara, the guards bowed respectfully.
"Commander Kujou. It's great to have you here in this time of need." Guard #1 spoke with hope.
"At ease. What has happened?" Sara asked.
"We managed to thwart off the forces from Watatsumi. They have retreated to Nazuchi Beach for now." Guard #1 reported.
"Your efforts are praiseworthy for Lady Shogun. I will ask to remain vigil. Changes are bound to happen with Inazuma. It may end this war with Watatsumi." Sara reassured.
The soldiers felt a sense of hope. The injured felt the lost sensation of a guiding light that gave them strength.
"I'll help tend the wounded. Some of them need some medicine to treat themselves." Cloud said.
He made his way to where the wounded remained. Cloud focused his Anemo powers from his Vision. A familiar memory soon came to him before the wind followed his command. The wounded soldiers began to notice their wounds healing.
"My injuries… They're healing…!" Guard #2 spoke with shock.
"I don't feel the pain anymore. I feel great!" Guard #3 spoke with enthusiasm.
Cloud sighed as he channeled his Anemo powers to create the healing wind. He soon felt a bit exhausted but was able to continue moving. Sara noticed he was exerting himself and requested some nourishment for Cloud.
"You should rest, Cloud-san. Your motion sickness has left you weakened." Sara spoke.
Cloud nodded in response. He soon laid down on a military cot. Though it wasn't as comforting as an actual mattress, he found himself falling asleep.
An hour past. It was midday. Cloud soon woke up from his power rest. Sara prepared a hasty meal consisting of rice balls and egg rolls. It was a tasty meal for Cloud as he felt his strength returning.
"You overused your Vision, Cloud-san." Sara spoke.
"Looks like it… I'm well enough to keep moving now." Cloud said, shaking his arms to ensure his body isn't fatigued.
"Even so, I've prepared a meal to help. You should eat so it'll help for you." Sara said.
Cloud didn't object and ate the meal she prepared. He was quite embarrassed from recalling his tenure with his motion sickness from earlier.
'I still haven't got over my motion sickness… During my time when I 'thought' I was in SOLDIER, I didn't suffer much from it. At least, that's what I believe in.' He thought.
Sara found his silence to be an expression of not wanting to disclose his earlier predicament. She understood of not exposing one's weakness. Since Cloud was willing to trust her about it, she decided to speak about the matter.
"Cloud-san. This particular part about you… Your motion sickness… I was wondering about it." She disclosed.
"I understand if you want me to uncover this particular weakness. To put it bluntly, it's something I had to endure during my early days from where I came from." Cloud sighed.
"Was it that awful for you to endure?" Sara questioned.
"At times, it can be impactful when I underwent missions. I often had to use special treatments called Tranquilizers to help with the motion sickness." Cloud said, showing a deadpan expression.
Sara understood Cloud, feeling the burden of not being useful, especially at times of need. It made her recall one of her failures during her time as a new recruit of Raiden's army.
"I don't know how the condition feels, but I know the feeling of being useless. It's always a problem, even if it's a minor issue." Sara sympathized.
"Hopefully I can get over it. I have a feeling I'll be using the boat more frequently to reach the other islands of Inazuma." Cloud spoke with disdain.
######
A few minutes have passed. Cloud was now fully recovered and was ready to leave the Kujou Encampment. Before departing, Sara provided Cloud with a sigil. It was a symbol that appeared to have a pair of black wings fully outstretched. The image made Cloud shudder with fright for a brief moment before composing himself.
"That sigil contains my signature, which will let you to come back here at any time. Show it to the guards so they'll allow passage for you." Sara said.
"Thanks. I'll be sure to keep it with me." Cloud said.
Sara had an acknowledged smirk before disappearing in a portal generated with electricity. This left Cloud alone at the gate of the encampment before leaving. Two guards were stationed at the entrance.
"Halt! Are you an enemy or ally?" Guard #1 questioned with authority.
Cloud equipped the sigil and presented it to the guards. Both showed surprise before relaxing in response.
"Very well then, ally. Be wary of the plains. They are less kind than this encampment." Guard #1 spoke.
"At ease, sir. You were doing your job correctly." Cloud replied with affirmation.
"Glory to the Shogun." Guard #1 said.
######
Outside the encampment, Cloud was forced to rely on the shoreline to reach his destination. The steep cliffs on the island made it difficult to travel. He soon stumbled upon a teleport wave point and activated it.
'This will come in handy if I need to arrive in this place.' Cloud thought.
While walking, he soon noticed a few soldiers bearing the Shogun's symbol roaming around. Cloud guessed they were scouts sent from the encampment to watch for enemy forces.
"You! What is a traveler like you doing here?" Scout #1 questioned.
Cloud soon procured Sara's sigil, showing it to the scout. The male calmed down upon seeing it.
"At ease. I just arrived by boat with Kujou-san not too long ago on this island. I was ordered by Lady Shogun herself to investigate the Mikage Furnace." Cloud said.
"The Mikage Furnace you say? See that jagged cliff jutting out? Inside you'll find the furnace, but a containment field is surrounding the area." Scout #1 explained.
"That field must have been made for a reason." Cloud deduced.
"It was. The region is saturated with energy from the Tatarigami. The furnace uses the same energy to make Jade Steel, which was used during our battles. Production stopped when the buildup of Tatarigami energy over-surged, causing a weather phenomenon called Balethunder to encompass the area. The rest you know." Scout #1 finished.
"So that's what happened… All the more reason to head there quickly." Cloud said.
"Good luck." Scout #1 agreed.
######
Cloud was outside the parameters of the Shogun's army patrols. He made his way to the next island, walking through the shoreline. Thanks to the scout's advice, he followed the jagged cliff. Within the area, a large machine was seen floating in the middle of the cliffside cave. A dense, purple fog was shown permeating around the machine.
"So that's the Mikage Furnace… The air feels weird as though something doesn't belong there…" Cloud noted, feeling his skin crawling.
He soon made his way to the teleport wave point and activated it. Upon doing so, he now had to find the machine to deal with the barrier surrounding the furnace.
'According to Sara, there should be a few cannons that could help with the furnace barrier. However, I don't think I can tinker with something from this world. I may need an engineer to help with the issue of the furnace.' Cloud thought.
While making his way around the island, he soon saw a man dressed in formal clothing outside of the Inazuma culture. He was pacing nervously near a cabin. This got Cloud's attention upon seeing his panicked expression.
"Is there any help you need?" Cloud asked.
"Who are you?" The man asked.
"I'm Cloud. Sent by the Shogun to handle the issue with the Mikage Furnace." Cloud introduced.
"So you intend to help. I'm Xavier, the engineer of the furnace." The man named Xavier spoke.
"So you're the person whom helped design the furnace." Cloud deduced.
"Actually one of many engineers from Fontaine. I chose to stay here, hoping my request to fix the furnace was heard." Xavier corrected.
"Before we can assess the issue within the furnace, we need to take down this barrier. Like it or not, this is crucial to investigate since a group of people have come to this place." Cloud revealed.
"I've heard of the Fatui. They have been moving all over Teyvat. If they're here, it's possible they may attempt to harvest the energy from the furnace. I mustn't let that happen, lest a disaster befalls on this land." Xavier explained.
"Agreed. In regards to this barrier, we need to find special cannons that can help take it down. Do you know where they're stationed?" Cloud asked.
"The Kamuijima Cannons? I'm well informed where the Shogun placed them. Though the cannons are no longer in use, they should be in optimal condition for another user. I'm sure you're debriefed on how to use them." Xavier answered.
"I needed to provide the Electro element to use the cannons. If possible, there may be Thunder Sakura Broughs near them." Cloud said.
"Precisely. I'll walk you through on using the first cannon. I've marked the locations of all three cannons. Go for the one northeast of the Mikage Furnace Island. The cannon is stationed on an island. I'll meet you there." Xavier said.
Cloud nodded in response. He soon followed his map to the location.
######
(Play Genshin Impact OST- Nothing but Ivy)
The rocky outcrop of the region provided a desolate image of the current events happening. Despite the abundance of nature reclaiming the land, much of it was scarred from battles. Large gashes made from various weapons were present in the ground. Various armor pieces and broken weapons lay scattered within the shores and on the rocky outcrops. Decayed corpses of men were abundant, having left their skeletons. Cloud knew he was stepping in the middle of a war.
'So many deaths… What would it take to alter these events to prevent any more blood from being spilled…? If this is what I thought about my previous tenure of becoming like Sephiroth, a hero from war, I take back my previous dream of being able to join SOLDIER.' Cloud thought, looking at the glum scenery.
He walked carefully as to not cause a disturbance. The sight was sickening to Cloud, wishing his presence was nowhere near the site.
'Better make sure I watch myself. Judging from the presence of bodies and how long they've been here, this means the war is still going. I'll have to watch for the forces of Watatsumi, since they're actively rebelling against the Shogun.' He thought.
Making his way to the shore to head northeast, he stumbled upon a rogue samurai. He had on red clothing with a symbol not the same as the Shogun emblem.
(Nothing but Ivy abruptly stops)
"You! Are you part of the Shogun's army!? You're not from Inazuma, but you bore the symbol of the enemy!" The rogue samurai spoke.
Cloud drew his sword, knowing that words won't convince the samurai. He internally sighed in response, wanting to find a peaceful solution. However, that chance was null, due to how aggressive the samurai was acting.
'Even the people of Watui were equally persistent. I may commend them for their stubbornness, but it's a hopeless effort. I hope they find peace when they fall in battle.' Cloud thought.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Against the Invisible Net)
"Glory to miko Sangonomiya!" The rogue samurai spoke.
'Even if he was left behind by his allies from Watatsumi, this guy's willing to overcome the enemy forces on his own, no matter the odds. Reminds me of my tenure in Gaia.' Cloud thought with nostalgia.
"Eat this!" The samurai spoke.
Cloud anticipated the iaijitsu attack. He raised his sword in front of him like a shield. The rogue samurai's blade merely bounced off the Buster Sword, leaving no marks.
"That sword…! I should have realized you're wielding a zanbatō. Yet, you wield it like a katana." The samurai spoke with surprise.
"Not something others would overlook, even among swordsman." Cloud remarked.
"Even if you're wielding a weapon of such caliber, it wouldn't be enough to overcome a speedy user!" The samurai spoke.
"That's where you are wrong. I don't need my Vision to help in this one." Cloud hinted.
"You're a Vision bearer!?" The samurai questioned in shock.
Cloud began to spin his sword like a helicopter. Soon, a torrent of wind was created, forming a small tornado. This got the samurai's attention, seeing the wind buildup.
"Impossible! I don't see your Vision being used at all! Is this your real strength driving these winds!?" The samurai reluctantly questioned.
Cloud soon swung his sword to the samurai. Though it looked as though it was swung a few inches away, the effect that came after soon manifested a tornado. The twister soon began to suck up the environment around it, including the rogue samurai, whom struggled to hold his footing. The wind was so strong, he could barely hold on to the ground before being sucked into the vortex.
"Aaaaaaahhhhhh!" The rogue samurai screamed.
(Against the Invisible Net OST ends here)
Despite not wanting to kill the rogue samurai, Cloud merely looked away as he heard the cries of his opponent disappear with the wind. Though it left him self-questioning his beliefs for a moment, he threw the thought aside.
'No time to dawdle… I have to reach that cannon.' Cloud thought.
(Nothing but Ivy resumes)
Purging any afterthoughts that snaked into his mind, he continued his path northeast. He soon found the island from a distance.
'Swimming won't be a viable option. The island is too far and I don't see anything to use as a boat. Even if I did find one, my motion sickness would overwhelm me.' Cloud thought.
Recalling of his tenure in Gaia, Cloud sighed in response. He soon crouched before making an incredible leap in the air. It looked as though he shot himself with enough velocity to reach the island. Xavier noticed Cloud flying like a missile.
"Whoa! How did you get here so quickly!?" Xavier exclaimed.
"Leap of faith." Cloud responded.
Xavier looked at him as though he grew a second head. Soon the sound of the mercenary clearing his throat was heard.
"Anyway, how do I operate the cannon?" Cloud asked.
"The cannon operates by absorbing Electro energy. The same energy becomes its ammo so it won't run out. If used with the Thunder Sakura Bough's power, you can use the cannon without worry of ammo running out." Xavier explained.
Cloud soon touched a nearby Thunder Sakura Brough. Feeling the energy of the Electrogranum being absorbed from the cannon, he knew it was ready to be used.
"Okay. The cannon's ready." He said.
"Good. See that strange crack in the barrier?" Xavier questioned.
Cloud looked to where he was pointing, seeing a purple mist leaking out from the barrier. He could see what appears to be a fracture of the barrier.
"I see it." He confirmed.
"Shoot that spot to open the barrier. All three cannons have to shoot at the weak spot of the barrier for it to be dispelled." Xavier said.
Cloud soon took some time adjusting the angle of the cannon. With Xavier's help, he managed to adjust it in the correct position before firing the cannon. A large cannonball-like projectile was shot, impacting the barrier's weak spot. It caused a ripple around it, signifying it was starting to weaken.
"The barrier…!" Cloud said with surprise.
"It's weakening, that I can tell. Just two more spots to go." Xavier said.
"I'll go to the eastern side. Maybe I can score some lucky shots to take down the enemies wandering nearby." Cloud said with optimism.
"Once you've taken down the barrier, meet me near the cabin where you first saw me. I'll explain further in what we need to do." Xavier said.
"Got it." Cloud acknowledged.
(Nothing but Ivy OST ends here)
######
(Play Final Fantasy VII Remake OST - Let the Battles Begin)
Making his way to eastern corner of the Mikage Furnace Island, Cloud soon spotted another Kamuijima cannon near the shores. Luckily for him, he didn't need to swim nor fly into the air to reach it.
'This whole series of task will be done in no time. I find it endearing.' He noted mentally.
Seeing little encounters with any interference, Cloud jogged his way to the cannon. A nearby Thunder Sakura Bough was shown.
'This cannon requires little adjusting in terms of height. It's pointing at the weak spot of the barrier in terms of longitude.' Cloud thought.
Adjusting the latitude of the cannon, he fired it. The shot directly hit the weak spot, causing purple fog to flow out.
'That strange mist is flowing out. Better be careful not to get too close.' Cloud thought.
Even from a distance, he could feel the electrical charge in the air. This cautioned Cloud to not get near the area. His hair, instead of its usual style, began to rise up due to the static electricity.
'My skin is tingling from the sensation… It's as though I'm being warned.' He thought.
Opting to not get close to the main island, Cloud was forced to make an incredible leap into the air. He managed to make his way down south, away from the leaking fog.
'Many wouldn't consider it flight since I don't have wings, but I can leap great distances and stay in the air for a while. I'll have to take advantage of this strength within me, including my Vision.' Cloud thought.
(Let the Battles Begin OST ends here)
(Play Final Fantasy VII Remake OST - Those Chosen By the Planet)
An ominous feeling soon came to him. A single black feather was seen in his sight, causing him to gasp.
"This energy… It's filled with a cursed spirit that lingers here. So…enticing." Sephiroth's voice echoed.
Cloud looked around in a panic, trying to trace where Sephiroth was speaking.
"Show yourself, Sephiroth!" He shouted.
Laughter soon echoed in the air. It was a cold, dark laugh that made Cloud's skin crawl.
"This energy will no doubt facilitate my advent in this world. Keep being near so I can fully come back." Sephiroth commanded.
"Shut up!" Cloud spoke in defiance.
"Even if you tried to shut my influence off, you'll never be rid of me. I exist thanks to mother's essence, whom has been dormant inside your bloodstream, Cloud. Have you forgotten that?" Sephiroth questioned.
"Damn you! Shut the hell up!" Cloud shouted.
"I won't be rid of so easily. It's just a matter of time before I truly come to this world." Sephiroth spoke.
(Those Chosen By the Planet OST ends here)
Cloud was forcefully suppressing Sephiroth's presence. He knew it was a losing battle, holding his head in any way to resist him.
'Damn it… I know he will eventually come back. I'm still trying to find out his means of resurrection.' Cloud thought.
A minor cough came to him in his throat, catching Cloud in surprise. There wasn't any pollen in the air, nor was he suffering from seasonal allergies.
"What the…? That was no ordinary symptom… I don't even feel the signs of a cold coming." He said.
A cold chill ran up Cloud's spine. Something was going on with his body and he knew it may manifest at any moment. It made him uneasy to even think of the occasion.
'What was that…? It felt like a cold at first, but my body suddenly got fatigued for a moment. I don't know what this means, but it feels like Sephiroth's doing. If this world is abundant with this elemental energy in the air, no doubt he could use it to bring himself back from the grave. It's just like the Lifestream back in Gaia.' Cloud thought.
Not knowing of a possible danger coming, Cloud was distracted from his thoughts till an archer from Watatsumi soon shot an arrow near his face. He dodged the arrow by a hair's breath, but it managed to nick his face on the left cheek.
'An archer?' Cloud thought.
The archer in question is a young man with fair skin, light orange-brown hair and teal blue eyes. He possesses dog ears and a bushy tail with white highlights on the front of his hair, ears, and tail. His outfit consists of an igote with shinobi shōzoku trousers, showing the bottom half of his torso while still covering up his legs and arms. The upper armor goes around his neck, in a collar-like formation. At the front of it is a small gold paw print symbol, which has a bow hanging below it. His armor was light, designed to grant him mobility and flexibility while using his compound bow, with plating on his left shoulder and arm for protection. There was a pyrite-yellow Vision on his upper back.
"Who are you?" Cloud asked.
"I should be asking that as well, envoy of the Shogun." The young male responded.
"Envoy? I'm only here to fulfill a task that is important for Inazuma." Cloud responded.
"In what way is it important? Capturing the Mikage Furnace?" The young man questioned suspiciously.
"It's not about the battle between Narukami and Watatsumi anymore. Circumstances have led to internal investigations in regards of our 'newcomers'." Cloud answered.
"The Fatui… Even at Watatsumi Island, they have been spotted doing whatever they desire without our discretion." The young man noted.
"It seems we have an impasse. I don't have time to explain everything. However, this expression may alleviate your worries: 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.' Try to think this through." Cloud said.
"To think I would hear that phrase even at a time of war. You're right about circumstances right now. However, I can't completely trust you yet." The young man spoke in defense.
"It doesn't matter whether you have trust in me or not. Right now, I need to get to the furnace to stabilize it with an engineer from Fontaine. He claims that the furnace has underwent a shutdown due to the ambient energy from a fallen god." Cloud spoke.
"The Balethunder…" The young man realized.
He soon lowered his bow, though he kept a wary eye on Cloud.
"Looks like you are trusting, though I can't completely believe your word yet. I'm Gorou." The young man named Gorou introduced.
"I'm Cloud." Cloud followed.
Gorou soon noticed Cloud was staring at his Vision. The archer in turn looked at the swordsman's Vision.
"An Anemo Vision user in Inazuma? That's pretty rare." Gorou admitted.
"You know someone with Anemo abilities?" Cloud asked.
"Yes. He goes by the name Kaedehara Kazuha. A friend of mine whom I've known for some time. Right now, he's a wandering swordsman, finding answers of his home. Kazuha doesn't like the current affairs happening in Inazuma right now." Gorou replied.
"A wandering swordsman? That definitely sounds interesting to meet. However, we need to set it aside and focus on the current matter." Cloud reminded.
"Agreed. Let's head to the furnace. If the engineer from Fontaine is wanting help for this problem, we should not waste time." Gorou spoke.
"Before we meet with him, I need to head to that Kamuijima cannon at the southeast island away from Tatarasuna. This is the last cannon to operate to take down the containment field." Cloud said.
"I've noticed that purple mist leaking out of the field. It feels as though the ambient air is electrified if we get close." Gorou said.
"No doubt that's the Balethunder. We need help from the Electrogranum to keep ourselves protected. The environment is proving to be dangerous to wander in." Cloud followed.
Gorou nodded. The duo soon made it to the southeast shore of Tatarasuna. Both could see the cannon at the island being inactive.
"We'll need a boat to reach the island. Swimming won't help us." Gorou spoke.
"Leave that to me. I know how to reach this." Cloud said.
"How?" Gorou questioned.
Cloud soon performed a jump which got Gorou in shock. He was seeing a man not only leaping across the sea, but reaching to a nearby island in a single bound.
'Not like I have anything else to show. I have a feeling he got shocked after seeing what I can do. In any case, time to load this cannon and shoot that barrier down.' Cloud thought.
Gorou watched with a still shocked expression. He couldn't believe that a human was capable of executing a great leap to reach the targeted landing spot.
'Something tells me he's a strong person to fight as an opponent. I'd rather be a friend than enemy, especially since he wields what seems to be a zanpakuto.' He thought with dread.
Cloud was able to find a nearby Thunder Sakura Brough and used the electrogranum to power the Kamuijima cannon. He adjusted the angle of the cannon before firing it at the weak spot of the barrier. A sky blue flash illuminated around Tatarasuna before fading.
'The barrier's broken. Better meet up with Gorou first before meeting with Xavier.' Cloud thought.
Making a powerful leap across the water, he landed near Gorou, whom was waiting. He saw the cannon firing at the barrier and was now attentive for Cloud's arrival.
'The barrier's now fallen. Better to wait for that man, Cloud, to show up.' Gorou thought.
Upon arrival, Cloud opened his map and noticed a waypoint. The waypoint was indicating where he should go to. The map showed what appeared to be a cliffside with a cabin nearby.
"We should meet with Xavier. He should be informed of the barrier's collapse." Cloud suggested.
"I agree in this case. We should meet him." Gorou complied.
It was no small difficulty for both Cloud and Gorou. With Gorou's help in navigation, both made it to a wooden cabin within Tatarasuna. It was on a cliff side which overlooked the center of the island that was shrouded in a purple fog.
"Xavier? The barrier has been taken down. What do we need to do next?" Cloud called out.
"Easy there. I need to assess how the furnace looks. I procured this device called a Kamera. It will allow you to take images. Use it to get a picture of the furnace so I can assess its current condition." Xavier said.
The engineer gave a Cloud a device that had two lenses in an over-under fashion. It looked akin to a small box camera that Cloud recalled from his adventures in Gaia.
'No doubt that it's a camera, only this is a marvel for many outside of Fontaine. If Fontaine engineered this device, it would become a personal device for any adventurer to take photos as keepsakes or for exploration.' Cloud thought.
"The photo has to be in a decent quality so you may have to move close for me to see any issues with the furnace. Head to the eastern border so you can get a good shot." Xavier explained.
"It sounds simple to do. However, I can sense a catch is coming." Cloud noted.
"Be wary of the Balethunder though. Use the Thunder Sakura Broughs to resist it." Xavier warned.
"Are you an esper?" Gorou comically asked.
"No. I'm no psychic." Cloud responded.
"I'll ask of your name when we meet again. Right now, we need to act accordingly if we all want to stop the issue with the furnace." Xavier said, noting to Gorou.
######
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Shadow of War)
Making their way to the eastern outskirts of Tatarasuna, Cloud and Gorou found the entrance to the furnace in a large ravine. The purple mist that encompassed the area soon touched the swordsman and archer. Both could feel the static electricity running in their skins as they felt their bodies beginning to boil.
"What the…!?" Cloud exclaimed.
"My body… It's boiling…" Gorou groaned.
Cloud noticed a Thunder Sakura Brough not too far from where they are. Despite the ambient electricity in the air frying his body slowly but painfully, he managed to reach the brough and was imbued with the electrogranum. Gorou soon felt the electric presence dissipate thanks to the electrogranum.
"You okay?" Cloud asked.
"I'm fine now. Why didn't you leave me behind to die in the Balethunder? You had every opportunity to do anything you desired." Gorou questioned in surprise.
"No one deserves a pointless death, even in your worst enemies. While true I could have left you, it's not something I would do. We're both wanting the same goal to stop the threat of the Mikage furnace caused by the Fatui." Cloud said.
Gorou was left speechless as Cloud soon held the Kamera to take a photo. He was able to adjust the lens to give the image a clear picture before pressing the shutter button on the top. A picture was produced, providing a clear image of the furnace.
"Let's head back. The longer we stay here, the more damage we'll start to accumulate when the electrogranum dissipates." Cloud said.
Gorou nodded as both fled the area. They didn't want to stay any longer, lest they get killed from the Balethunder.
(Shadow of War OST ends here)
######
(Play Genshin Impact OST - The Mysterious Islands)
Cloud and Gorou were able to meet with Xavier. The swordsman provided the picture to the engineer.
"From this photo, I can assess the situation. Now back to your companion, Cloud. He's from Watatsumi Island since I recognize the cloth and sigil marks." Xavier said.
"I'm Gorou, one of the generals of Watatsumi forces and best archer." Gorou introduced.
"If you were relayed of the situation in regards to the Mikage Furnace, we need all the help to quell this issue. I understand that Watatsumi and Narukami have been at odds even before the new decrees were implemented. However, times have changed since a third party member is involved behind the scenes." Xavier explained.
"The Fatui… We already have scouts driving off the members from outside Watatsumi. They have been causing trouble in trying to find the secrets of Watatsumi." Gorou said.
"I'm guessing these 'secrets' are vital for Watatsumi's survival." Cloud guessed.
"They are. We can't let them go in the region." Gorou confirmed.
"I guess we do have the same reason as to have the same enemy in Inazuma. They're plundering about, trying to find resources to use for whatever schemes they've planned. The clue was given thanks to an item I procured from a rōnin days ago." Cloud explained.
"An item? What was it?" Gorou asked curiously.
"It looked like a Vision, but the aura is not normal. I would say it feels more akin to a foreign and malevolent feeling. It's worth mentioning that these Vision counterparts are using up the life force of the user in question." Cloud answered.
Gorou turned quite pale from hearing the explanation. Xavier wasn't fairing any better. He too looked ghostly as his skin paled nearly white as snow.
"The situation is quite grim. I'll contact you guys by letter so we can begin the process of fixing the furnace up. I need to prepare special gadgets so we can fully understand the situation." Xavier said.
"Alright then. I'll head back to town to rest for the night. You should head back to Watatsumi as well, Gorou." Cloud said.
"Agreed. We'll meet back here tomorrow morning." Gorou said.
Both nodded as they went their separate ways to rest for the day. Xavier provided payment to the two warriors, which made them split in 50/50. Before they truly left to their devices, both spotted a teleport wave point. This allowed them the means to teleport near Xavier's cabin.
(The Mysterious Islands OST ends here)
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Cloud found himself back in Inazuma City. The battles from earlier have tired him for the day. He went to a nearby ramen restaurant to have a meal before leaving to find a hotel to sleep in for the night.
'It still irks me to some extent. What are the Fatui seeking within the furnace? Xavier's reactions of the facility are concerning.' Cloud thought.
Though questions began to flood Cloud's mind, he didn't have the energy to find answers. His eyelids felt heavy, closing slowly to let him embrace a deep sleep.
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In a different region of Inazuma, Gorou was resting at a house. The sound of water flowing near his home was echoing within the night sky. His encounter with Cloud left him questioning.
'That swordsman, Cloud, was intending to help with the issue of the Mikage Furnace with that engineer from Fontaine. He's right about the phrase he shared. 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.' Perhaps I should trust him. However, I'll have to report to Lady Sangonomiya in regards to this temporary alliance. I've already mentioned about his appearance. It's his current role in this conflict with Narukami and Watatsumi that bothers me.' Gorou thought.
Like Cloud, sleep came to Gorou's eyes as they soon felt heavy. Since he was in his futon with sleep wear, he fell asleep in just a few minutes.