Chapter 6: Maiden competition. Kamisato or Shogun.
Cloud arrived back in Inazuma town. The time was in the early afternoon, letting him breathe a sigh of relief.
'I did told Kamisato-san and Kujou-san that I would meet near the restaurant called Shimura's. Better head out there to see if I'm on time.' He thought.
Walking his way through the main path, Cloud took care not to accidentally bump into anyone. Despite his calm, poker face, he can sense some of the women were eyeing him. It made him uncomfortable to the point he quickened his pace.
'I'm usually not one for attention… Although welcoming, I don't like to show off like it was a trope.' He thought.
Arriving at Shimura's, Cloud felt nervous. He never had a chance to socialize normally due to his history as a warrior during his tenure back in Gaia. Much of his time was spent on fighting so he felt out of place with the townsfolk.
'This is nerve wracking… I don't even know how to socialize normally, nor do I know much of what is happening outside or around Inazuma. It makes me feel out of place…' He thought.
Though he kept a warrior's gaze on his face, his real emotions say otherwise. The tension of trying to fit in with the people whom are enjoying their everyday lives made him self-aware of his current standards.
'If only I could overcome my social health issue…' Cloud pleaded in his mind.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Inazuma)
Soon, Ayaka came by. The heiress noticed Cloud waiting near the restaurant with a far off gaze. She walked up to greet him.
"Good afternoon, Cloud." She said.
This brought Cloud back to reality. He noticed Ayaka right away.
"Good afternoon, Kamisato-san." Cloud replied.
Ayaka pouted cutely from hearing Cloud's addressing to her. On one side, she was glad he understood the customs of her home. On the other, she wished he could say her given name rather than her family name.
"How did the mission go today?" She asked.
"It was a simple reconnaissance mission. I had to help the engineer gather data around the furnace so the next plan will be set in motion." Cloud answered.
"That sounds thrilling. I hope that the tasks to fix the problem with the Mikage Furnace will be done without causing issues." Ayaka spoke.
Cloud looked away awkwardly, feeling bashful as Ayaka kept her interest to the swordsman. The heiress of the Kamisato clan looked at his face with interest, wanting to hear more about him.
"Is there something on my face?" Cloud asked in a shy manner.
"There's nothing. I just want to hear about your adventures before coming to Inazuma." Ayaka said.
"Well, I can tell you this… I'm not from Teyvat or anywhere from this world. I lived in a world called Gaia." Cloud started.
"Gaia? Is that the name of your world where you come from?" Ayaka asked curiously.
"Yes. It's the name of my world from where I come from. It doesn't exactly have elemental energy as people don't have Visions out there. However, we use special crystals called Materia to perform special abilities that look as though one possesses elemental abilities." Cloud continued.
"People don't have Visions but use special crystals to channel power? That is a world I never heard of." Ayaka admitted with surprise.
"The Materia can be given to anyone so it can be used at any time and any person. It requires the user to focus their mind in using the Materia before casting a spell. Most scientists back on Gaia often disregard the use of 'magic' as a general meaning to using Materia, but it almost acts the same way." Cloud explained.
"To think that a crystal can be given to others so it can be used by anyone." Ayaka commented, amazed.
(Inazuma OST ends here)
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Streets of Elegance)
After some time chatting about Cloud's former home, Ayaka showed great interest of him.
"Do you miss your former home, Cloud-san?" She asked.
"Quite honestly, I don't have much attachment to my former home. I don't have that many pleasant memories there." He said, showing a remorseful expression.
"Oh… I'm sure things will get better for you, Cloud-san." Ayaka reassured.
This made Cloud briefly relax for a moment, considering Ayaka's words to him. It gave the swordsman a sense of hope that he thought was lost to him.
'Perhaps I have been letting my pessimism affect me in ways that I haven't notice. Settling in Inazuma might help overcome that feeling and let me move on.' He thought.
Ayaka smiled as Cloud's face looked brighter. He didn't carry his warrior expression either.
'He looked lost as though he didn't want to be with the people around him. Maybe he has grown so accustomed to life as a warrior, it made him refuse the notion of fitting in.' Ayaka analyzed in thought.
Soon, she caught sight of his eyes. Seeing them, she couldn't help, but be entranced to their appearance. The sapphire color from the irises held a green color at the center, leaving Ayaka lost in them.
'How is it that his sight alone makes me yearn for him to be around my presence? It's so welcoming that I can't even resist the urge not to leave him aside.' Ayaka thought.
Though she was keeping her thoughts quiet, Ayaka was being bashful enough to blush from seeing Cloud's eyes or face. She couldn't help, but be enamored for him. To his confusion, he noticed her reactions, but failed to deduce the cause.
'She has been acting bashful since we ended up meeting near Shimura's. I'm not one to crave for attention, especially like this…' Cloud thought.
(Streets of Elegance OST ends here)
[]
(Play Final Fantasy VII Remake OST - Main theme)
The duo soon moved around Inazuma City. Despite the current circumstances, the city was still teeming with life. The citizens kept the current issues around the region quiet. Despite that, they all held a smile as though nothing could make them suffer.
'If Inazuma recovers from the oppressive laws that were put into power thanks to the Fatui influencing the Shogun, no doubt the region would be more welcoming. Still, efforts to abolish the current laws that are degrading the region have been making an effect.' Cloud thought.
Ayaka began looking at Cloud with interest. She liked his presence, not wanting to separate from it.
"Cloud-san, I've always wondered how your life has been going now. You've told me about your adventures back in your home world. I want to know how you are now handling things." She said.
Cloud stood silent for a few seconds. He exhaled softly, clearing his mind of personal thoughts.
"Despite the circumstances, I do find this place to my liking." Cloud responded.
"How so?" Ayaka asked curiously.
"My former life wasn't so easy to live in… Even as a kid, tragedy has a way to make itself known to me, whether I'm involved or not." Cloud responded cryptically.
"Oh no…" Ayaka commented with surprise.
"I just have a lot of mental baggage to sort out. After everything I went through, I'm surprised to remain sane or even normal." Cloud continued, showing a disdainful expression.
"What happened to you back in your home?" Ayaka questioned.
"I'll start with the name 'Shinra'. It was a large conglomerate that not only produced electrical power, but also had its military forces. They once ruled the entire planet of my home. It's not just one continent, but the whole world." Cloud began.
"The entire world…?" Ayaka spoke with a sign of horror.
"Yes, they once had power all over the world because of their technology. As mentioned earlier, the company also had their own military group." Cloud continued.
"What was the group called?" Ayaka questioned.
"SOLDIER. They were no ordinary infantrymen. As proof, the weapon I use belonged to a member of SOLDIER. They had divisions of class, depending on their performance and overall strength." Cloud answered.
"So they had divisions based on the strength of each member. What was the highest rank?" Ayaka inquired.
"1st Class. They are the best of the best. Members are often given missions that are high risk. Many of which require several infantrymen to aid them." Cloud answered.
"How did you come to know about them?" Ayaka asked.
"I was young and ambitious to join them, but I never did joined them. According to the medical report from the program, I didn't possess the aptitude needed. Perhaps it was for the better, after learning what they do." Cloud spoke, showing a forlorn expression.
"What do you mean?" Ayaka asked.
"Members of SOLDIER are often infused with a substance called Mako. It's essentially the lifeblood of the planet, acting like leylines here in Teyvat. A large river of spirit energy called the Lifestream flows within my home, blessing the land and making it hospitable for life. If the Lifestream is taken away, my world would have been a barren wasteland." Cloud explained.
"Wow… So your home had this Lifestream that kept the land blessed with life and helping it prosper." Ayaka spoke, amazed.
"Back to SOLDIER, the members are infused with Mako, which allows one to be ready for combat, if they can handle the immersion." Cloud explained.
"What happens if they don't?" Ayaka asked warily.
"For those who can't handle it, they develop Mako Poisoning. It's a condition which causes people to become catatonic. Their minds are literally miles away with no hope of recovery." Cloud spoke, hinting a shiver.
"You seem to have experienced this condition before, Cloud-San." Ayaka presumed.
"I have. Two times in my life. Both times have left me mentally vulnerable." Cloud replied.
"No wonder you can describe the condition. It must have been horrifying." Ayaka sympathized.
"It gets worse… Members of SOLDIER aren't just infused with Mako. They also had this alien being called Jenova, which they used its cells to boost the strength of the forces." Cloud followed.
"What is Jenova?" Ayaka reluctantly asked.
"A malicious creature from beyond my home world. Best I could describe it is a nightmare that never ceases to be. It contributed to the many conflicts in the history of my world." Cloud revealed.
"This creature… Was it destroyed?" Ayaka asked.
"It was destroyed, last when I had friends helping me fight off the ultimate threat of my home… An event which summoned a meteor to wound my home world." Cloud answered.
"What was the reason behind the summoned meteor?" Ayaka asked.
"A man named Sephiroth… He was once a 1st Class SOLDIER, but he went mad with insanity. He wanted to wound the planet to absorb the Lifestream energy to become a god. My friends and I had to travel deep into the planet's core to face him and put an end to the meteor. When he was finally defeated, I soon got washed away by the Lifestream and now I'm here in Inazuma." Cloud said.
"You and your friends went deep into the core of your home planet to stop a former famous warrior that went mad… Your story sounds like a fantasy adventure." Ayaka spoke with surprise.
"I'm still grasping on the events that happened during my prior adventures. Even though I've experienced them, the memories of what happened have left me weary." Cloud revealed with disdain.
"No wonder you have a glum outlook about it. I'm really sorry for what happened to you." Ayaka spoke with sympathy.
"Though I'm still recuperating, I am trying to find means of finding ways to adapt in normal life. Due to my background as a former warrior from my home, it's difficult for me to adjust." Cloud admitted.
Ayaka could only sympathize on Cloud's personal struggles. She could compare her life as an important, yet graceful figure of the Kamisato clan. The people of Inazuma looked up to her as though she was a noble figure. While it makes her exude a calm, welcoming presence, it also made it difficult for her to socialize normally without politics involved.
'He may not have been prosperous like I was, but he feels the same way in a different tone… Lost and alone among the general populace…' She thought with sympathy.
(Final Fantasy VII Remake Main Theme OST ends here)
[]
Cloud and Ayaka were now having a decent meal at Shimura's. Cloud ordered some tuna udon while Ayaka ordered teriyaki. Both ate their respective meals calmly.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Lingering Blossom)
'The feeling of the air billowing in this world is quite pleasant… Though it reminds me of Wutai, much of it feels different in a good way. Yet, I can't find the right words to describe it.' Cloud thought.
His eyes were closed as he felt the wind's gentle breeze gliding around him. It was soothing sensation to his personal opinion. Ayaka watched as Cloud displayed a calm, relaxed expression from the wind.
'His face shows a calmness I haven't seen. Is it due to the wind providing solace in his opinion?' She thought in curiosity.
The wind soon stopped blowing. Cloud opened his eyes, realizing he didn't finish his meal. Bashful, he resumed eating his udon. Ayaka giggled in response, seeing his reaction.
'I guess he still feels shy showing himself like that. It's kind of cute.' She thought, smiling.
The meals were pleasant for both customers. They soon finished their food, allowing them to relax for a bit.
(Lingering Blossom OST ends here)
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Dream of Scattered Petals)
Cloud and Ayaka were at the north outskirts of Inazuma Town. The Kamisato matriarch wanted to show Cloud a particular view of the landscape, which perked his curiosity.
'I never thought finding a view like this would be mentally soothing. I may have traveled for some time around Narukami Island, but I didn't had the chance to pause and enjoy such a sight.' Cloud thought.
Cloud soon felt his mind being at peace. It was a soothing sensation as his sight overlooked the beautiful hills with the sakura flower petals billowing in the air. The scent was pleasing in his opinion. Ayaka could tell he found this area very soothing.
'He really wishes a time of peace… I don't blame him for feeling so weary after what he has been through…' She thought.
Ayaka soon felt a familiar sensation. Her face began to feel warmer in result, causing to form a healthy blush on her face. She yearned to at least hold Cloud's left hand as he remained overlooking the sight in front of him.
'If there is a time I wanted to at least be with him, maybe I might find that.' She thought.
Her hands were soon reaching to Cloud's left hand. This soon got his attention as her fingers were able to briefly touch his palm.
"Is there…something?" Cloud asked awkwardly.
Ayaka was almost caught in her wanting, blushing red in her cheeks in embarrassment after being almost caught by Cloud. The same swordsman could only tilt his head in confusion, not understanding his friend's current thoughts.
'How mortifying…! I was almost spotted with my feelings showing for him.' She thought, flustered.
Two hours have past. Cloud and Ayaka were heading to a nearby building that was out of the public eye.
"What is this place we are heading to?" Cloud asked.
"This is the Korome Teahouse. The workers here have strong ties with the Yashiro Commission. By extension, the Kamisato Clan keeps the place safe and maintained for any visitors. Though the Sadoku Decree has been enlisted, it has been having fewer customers than usual." Ayaka explained.
Cloud looked at the building in question. It appeared to be a large house, but had implementations to accommodate for visitors. The aroma of fresh tea herbs soon came to his nose. It was a pleasant smell, making him feel relaxed in response.
'The scent of tea leaves from this place is quite evident. Even before entering the establishment, I already smelled the scent. It's quite pleasant in my opinion.' He thought.
Ayaka and Cloud soon entered the teahouse. Both were given a table to sit at as they soon had cups of tea prepared. Cloud ordered a sakura tea while Ayaka had green tea. Both were calmly having their drinks.
"So Cloud… Once things begin to improve in Inazuma, what will you do?" Ayaka asked curiously.
"I'll be planning to settle down here in this region. I have nowhere else to go and I have time to prepare myself." Cloud responded.
"You will settle here in Inazuma?" Ayaka asked, a hint of hopefulness from her voice.
"There's nothing to lose for me if I stay here. It will help be peaceful for me in this world than where I once came from." Cloud spoke with disdained remembrance.
Both drank their respective tea in a calm silence. Ayaka felt bad for Cloud, hearing him spoke with a bitter tone of his home world. Casting the depressing thought aside, she was more focused on her drink.
(Dreams of Scattered Petals OST ends here)
[]
Cloud and Ayaka were soon walking out of the teahouse. The sun was beginning to set due to the sky showing a near orange color.
"I had a pleasant time, Cloud-san. I would like to visit you again to enjoy our time together." Ayaka spoke.
"Glad you did, Ayaka-san." Cloud spoke.
Ayaka pouted cutely. Though she liked how Cloud addressed her name casually, she knew he was being respectful.
"I'll be heading back to the Kamisato Estate. Take care." Ayaka said, leaving Cloud.
"Be careful out there." Cloud spoke out.
Ayaka soon left Cloud. He felt a sense of calmness in his mind.
'To think I have found a sense of peace. This region surely has its surprises that can make one feel so serene. Not even Wutai has this kind of sensation with nature.' Cloud thought.
(Play Genshin Impact OST- Everlasting Devotion)
Soon, a familiar woman came walking by. Cloud noticed the tengu mask and knew who it was.
"Kujou-san? What brings you around here?" Cloud asked curiously.
"Oh, Cloud-san. I was patrolling the main street of the city. I'm surprised you're here at this location." Sara spoke with surprise.
"Well then, there's nothing to worry. I was here with Kamisato Ayaka. She showed me this place earlier." Cloud spoke.
Sara had a hint of jealousy in her mind. She immediately knew Ayaka took him on a date without him knowing. Regardless, she composed herself, knowing it would make her seem less dignified.
"I see. There are no reports of anything that pertain to threats of Lady Shogun's ambitions." Sara explained.
"That's good. Another peaceful day." Cloud remarked.
"How has your investigation been with the Mikage Furnace?" Sara asked.
"We got some progress in dealing with the matter at hand. Currently, the engineer has left special gadgets to measure the output of the Tatarigami energy around the area. He should have results tomorrow so the furnace can be repaired." Cloud answered.
"Sounds to me the progress has been moving for the better." Sara noted.
"It also comes with mild surprise. Apparently, the Fatui were around the area to find ways to harness this energy. I've fought with some agents while I had the help of the Watatsumi general, Gorou, joining in." Cloud continued.
"Has Watatsumi considered of a cease-fire in regards to the recent developments?" Sara asked.
"According to Gorou, it is underway and will be enacted soon." Cloud answered.
"Good. We may have a history of conflict, but now that we have a common enemy, it's time for us to finally work together. I truly hoped for this occasion to happen, as have Lady Shogun herself." Sara noted.
"That means Inazuma may be able to recuperate sooner than expected." Cloud spoke with a hopeful tone.
"Yes it will. Speaking of Lady Shogun, she requested I bring you to her in Tenshukaku. She didn't elaborate as to why, only to bring you back." Sara said.
"Very well then. Let's head back to her palace." Cloud agreed.
[]
Cloud and Sara arrived at Tenshukaku via teleportation wavepoint. They were at the palace grounds. The nearby troops were alerted of their presence and gave a salute to Sara in response.
"At ease, everyone. I was requested by Lady Shogun to bring an important person to her. She has requested him to come forth in Tenshukaku." Sara explained.
"Sara-dono, while we can allow you to come inside Tenshukaku, is the guest on question the one whom she has spoken about?" One of the generals asked.
"I understand your concerns. Be at ease for this is the same man whom was requested to be brought forth to Lady Shogun. He also possesses two key items that can be identified without being forged: my sigil and Lady Shogun's Travel Pass." Sara spoke.
Cloud procured the two items as proof. The general inspected the items and concluded they were authentic.
"At once. We shall provide permission for you to enter Tenshukaku. May Lady Shogun's grace bless you." The general spoke.
"You were doing your job just fine. Be at ease, for Lady Shogun's merciful presence will be welcoming." Cloud reassured.
The general saluted respectfully in response.
"Let us be on our way, Cloud-san." Sara spoke.
(Everlasting Devotion OST ends here)
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - A Harmonious Rest)
Tenshukaku was now within Cloud's sight as he entered the palace. He and Sara made their way to meet with Raiden. Upon entering her quarters, she was seen sitting near the entrance to her private room.
"Ah, Kujou-san. Thank you for bringing Cloud-san here. You may rest for today." Raiden said.
"Thank you, Lady Shogun." Sara spoke.
Sara soon left the premises, leaving Cloud alone with Raiden.
"Cloud-san, I hope my sudden request hasn't left you uncomfortable." Raiden spoke.
"It was quite sudden, yet I didn't find it uncomfortable. Just confused at the moment." Cloud admitted.
"I see. How has your investigation with the Mikage Furnace been going?" Raiden asked.
"So far, we have progress. Right now, the engineer is mapping out the areas with special gadgets to measure the energy around it. By tomorrow, things will be in preparation for the next step." Cloud answered.
"That's good. I'm glad you're also in one piece." Raiden said.
"Why is that?" Cloud asked, confused.
Raiden knew she was nearly caught due to her concern for Cloud. Flustered, she cast her thoughts of him aside.
"You're the key to changes that which promote my dream of attaining eternity in Inazuma. My current actions were indeed unconscionable, but I have now seen what needs to be done." She explained professionally.
Cloud took the explanation, not noticing Raiden had her gaze locked to Cloud's face. The swordsman soon walked to the balcony that overlooked the open sea. This got the Electro archon's attention as she walked to where Cloud was. A gentle sea breeze billowed at the pair.
"I generally don't have much of a self-image to myself. All I think of myself is just a foot soldier who's life can be lost at any moment. Maybe I needed a change of scenery or a world where I can belong without my past afflicting me or to others." Cloud spoke, showing a calm expression.
Raiden looked surprised, hearing the swordsman's self-concerns. She could feel a nostalgic wave of pain as though Cloud and her shared the same pain.
'He's like me… Wandering lost in the world around him, yet never finding the answer to calm one's mind from the enduring pain. I too have my share of pain due to my history…' She thought, holding a somber aura.
She soon walked close to Cloud. Much to his surprise, he felt Raiden hold him from behind. However, he heard her breathing sharply, feeling a familiar wet sensation on his back.
'She's crying… Perhaps she too felt a sense of loss just like I have…' He deduced.
Cloud held Raiden's left hand to assure her. It was a silent reassurance, but the Electro archon soon calmed down. She felt embarrassed due to showing her emotions. However, Cloud's touch was warm and calming. It helped regain her mental fortitude.
'I want to continue offering my wish to bring eternity to Inazuma. Yet, I'm conflicted to think of it. It's due to Cloud's presence that questions my current role as ruler of Inazuma. Yet, I want to find the answer as to finding my role if it can be with him…' Raiden thought.
A gentle breeze soon billowed to the pair. Both closed their eyes in silent relaxation from the comforting breeze.
Hours have past and the sun was starting to set. Cloud and Raiden were able to catch up in talking for some time. Both found a sense of welcoming for each other's presence.
"So now that we know the Fatui are responsible for fanning the flames for war, I have reason to believe that Watatsumi have suspected the same thing. If you do encounter Gorou, the general, tell him I will personally come forward to negotiate a peace treaty to end this war with each other. If necessary, help Watatsumi deal with the Fatui forces if they have been stationed there." Raiden requested.
"A time of peace is coming. I would want to see it happen so this nation can thrive without being separated." Cloud admitted.
Raiden smiled in response. Cloud was playing an integral factor for the changes happening in Inazuma. They were slowly beginning to happen for the better.
'At least this nation will finally seek the peace it needs to thrive. Perhaps her desire to achieve eternity in this land is now becoming more of a peaceful realization than a dictatorship.' Cloud thought.
The swordsman felt Raiden lean on his back once more. It was a warm feeling as though he could feel her form hugging him from behind.
"Raiden…" Cloud said.
"Cloud…" Raiden spoke with a warm tone.
The swordsman gently placed his right hand where Raiden's were interlocked on his abdomen. He didn't had his gloves on so this allowed the Electro archon to feel his hand touching hers. The texture from what she felt was like a fine leather, yet it was warm and strong.
'Maybe he also sought for the peace within himself… His history of his former home made him think with such negativity that he now wishes to live the rest of his life here. Maybe it was a blessing granted to me for seeing the errors of my ways.' Raiden thought.
(A Harmonious Rest OST ends here)
[]
Cloud soon left Tenshukaku. He made his way back to the inn he used to rest for the night previously. Paying the owner to rest, he soon made it to his room to sleep.
'Talking with Ayaka and Raiden has shown me some positive changes happening in Inazuma. Yet, I'm wondering as to why they were acting as though they have been smitten with me. Is it due to my presence or something else? I don't know why, yet I can't find the answer as of now.' Cloud thought.
His rest was soon claiming his mind. Yawning, he drifted away into a dreamless sleep.