Chapter 7: A minor setback. Emergency backup.
Cloud soon woke up from his sleep. Knowing he will have to get ready for the next mission with the Mikage furnace, he wasted no time preparing himself for the day. Washing his face, he grabbed his sword and set out to a nearby restaurant. He was at Shimura's, eating a donburi bowl.
'Let's hope Xavier was able to get the data necessary for the next plan. Otherwise, we may need to form a backup in case things go south.' Cloud thought.
Though Cloud was in no rush, he ate his meal calmly, enjoying the taste.
'This meal sure is good though. A donburi of pork, rice and various vegetables mixed with bits of nori seaweed is quite good.' He thought, surprised of the taste.
Finishing his meal in just an hour, he paid the owner of Shimura's his fee.
'Time to meet with Xavier. Also, I should speak with Gorou and possibly Kazuha in regards to a peace meeting with both representatives of Watatsumi and Narukami.' Cloud recalled.
Opening his map, he chose the nearby wavepoint to meet with Xavier before teleporting away.
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Shadow of War)
Cloud arrived near the cabin Xavier was staying in. He noticed the engineer was alone outside. Though he waited to speak with Xavier, Kazuha and Gorou soon arrived near the Teleport Wavepoint. Cloud kept his composure as he awaited their arrival.
"Ah, you're all here. Good to see you three." Xavier spoke.
"Likewise, Xavier-san." Kazuha spoke.
"Were you able to gather the necessary data from the beacons we planted around the furnace?" Cloud questioned.
"Unfortunately, I have yet to gather all the data needed. It would take more time than necessary to fully comprehend with the beacons alone." Xavier spoke with disdain.
"That's quite a conundrum…" Cloud noted.
"Indeed it is. Fortunately, I have a backup plan. I have taken the opportunity to research the structural function of the emergency purifier." Xavier said.
"'Emergency purifier?' This is your backup tool?" Gorou asked curiously.
"Yes. It's my backup. An emergency tool if things are becoming stale. This would be the time to use it, but I have to calibrate it's function." Xavier said.
"Sounds like you need our help to tune the gadget in question. Since it hasn't been exposed to the Tatarigami energy in the region around the furnace, we need to find a safer form of it so it can be stabilized." Cloud deduced.
"Yes. You're correct in that regard, Cloud." Xavier revealed.
"So what's the reason of building this new gadget?" Gorou asked.
"The emergency purifier was purpose-built for the task in hand. However, due to lack of understanding the Tatarigami energy, it won't function properly. I'll need a more stable or inert form of the energy so I can calibrate the device to help it work without repercussions." Xavier explained.
"Okay then. Will this be helpful for the future plans needed to handle the furnace?" Gorou questioned.
"It should help with future developments. I may have to remind that we are dealing with a two way problem: the Fatui and the Tatarigami energy." Xavier said, recalling the previous discussion from yesterday.
"Glad to be reminded of the two way problem…" Cloud sarcastically spoke.
"In any case, do we have any items in the area we could use to gather to help with the gadget's development?" Gorou asked.
"Why yes. We do. The ambient Crystal Marrows within the vicinity of the furnace have Tatarigami energy that has become inert. I could use the inert energy to calibrate the emergency purifier. I just need three of the crystalline ores." Xavier requested.
"Crystal Marrows?" Cloud questioned.
"They are crystal ores with an indigo to purple color. I have a photo from a Kamera I possess." Xavier said.
The engineer provided an image of the Crystal Marrow's appearance. It had two crystal growths, one large and one small with an indigo to purple color. On the body of the ore, white lines were seen on it.
"Now I know what they look like. The search would be easier if each of us could find at least one ore to provide." Cloud suggested.
"This will make the task easier to handle. Since you're suggesting to split up for each one of us to find one Crystal Marrow ore, it should speed up the task at hand." Gorou realized.
"It would be helpful though if we stayed close by. The Fatui presence seems to have increased." Kazuha said.
"Luckily for you three, the Crystal Marrows can be found at the western side of the Mikage Furnace. I recalled seeing more of the ore growing there." Xavier suggested.
"The west side of the furnace? Then that makes the search easier then. We should go while we have time." Cloud said.
"Agreed. The heavy presence of Fatui agents and skirmishes are growing." Kazuha followed.
(Shadow of War OST ends here)
[]
Cloud, Gorou, and Kazuha made their way to the western outskirts of the Mikage Furnace. The ambient Balethunder was proving to be an encumbrance without the use of an electrogranum. Finding a Thunder Sakura Briough, they got the protection necessary for them to search for Crystal Marrow.
"We should find some of the Crystal Marrow here. According to Xavier, this part of the furnace is where they're growing compared to the rest of the region here." Gorou spoke.
"Ideally, we should find some. Let's not be too long out here. This presence is awful to stay." Kazuha said.
The three warriors soon entered the west section. It was a valley-like passage carved from the sea to the island. The Tatarigami energy was flowing out of the area in a purple mist. All could sense the Electro energy swirling out of the furnace. The presence of the electricity caused the air to reek of ozone.
"The smell of the Balethunder is not something we should linger in for a while. I know of this smell." Cloud spoke.
"What is it?" Gorou asked curiously.
"It's a chemical called ozone. This is what happens when electricity touches the air, giving off this smell. It's dangerous to breathe in it, lest you want to suffer from illness." Cloud explained.
"That is indeed a concern. Let's hurry though." Gorou said.
The trio soon found a natural reservoir of Crystal Marrow. There were 6 ores near each other. The trio were able to extract the ores without need of a tool.
"I'm surprised these ores are easy to take." Cloud noted.
"Though the Tatarigami energy has turned into stone, it doesn't have much of a strong root when grown on the soil. It's easy to take it out by hand." Kazuha said.
"Let's get the ores to Xavier so he can calibrate his backup plan." Gorou said.
Before the trio could proceed, several Fatui agents came by.
"Hand over the ores you took." Male Fatui agent #1 demanded.
"You want the ores? Come and take them." Cloud taunted.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Overlord of the Thunderstorm)
Cloud, Gorou and Kazuha all got into their battle stances, ready to fight off the Fatui agents. There were two Cicin Mages whom use Electro element powers. An Anemo Fatui skirmish with greaves and gauntlets also came by with a Pyro marksman.
"So an all ranged battle… Bring it." Cloud spoke.
Kazuha and Gorou had their stances back to back. Both were ready to fend off the agents.
"Support me, everyone." Gorou called out, releasing his Geo elemental powers.
A wave of sudden energy rushed to Kazuha and Cloud. Both felt their bodies and spirit strengthen as though they have become as hard as stone itself. Kazuha took the first swing, unleashing a torrent of wind from his blade.
"Kaedehara technique: Kamaitachi!" Kazuha announced.
A sharp blade of swirling wind was unleashed. It made audible swinging sounds with a sharp tone of a sword. Some of the agents were briefly caught in the technique, resulting in large gashes appearing on their person.
"Ow!" Cicin Mage #1 exclaimed in pain.
"Those wind blades are sharp. Even my gear won't be enough to handle it." Anemo Fatui Agent said with shock.
[]
Cloud didn't cast any emotion, ready to fight off the agents. He held little resentment, considering they were just humans. However, it didn't alleviate the growing tension in his mind.
'It never ends… The ever constant fighting against one nation's ideals. How many more casualties have to occur for this war to stop? Don't the gods in this world realize what is happening?' Cloud questioned in thought.
He dodged a barrage of Cicins caused by the second Fatui mage. Before then, the mage was attempting to call them in. Cloud took the chance, channeling Anemo energy on to his blade. The sword glowed in a mint green color with the wind swirling around it. Upon touching the Fatui agent, a reaction happened.
"Damn you!" Cicin Mage #2 spoke in defiance.
The event that happened resulted in Cloud's Anemo attack mixing with the mage's Electro element. This reaction was called Swirl, which caused the Electro element to backfire on the mage.
"So that's what Anemo can do… Nice." Cloud spoke with surprise.
Now knowing of this attribute, Cloud used the principles of Anemo, triggering the Swirl effect with his attacks. In an unexpected turn of events, the mage was now splashed with water thanks to the nearby creek in the valley. The water and electric energy combined with another reaction called Electro-charge. The ambient Electro element was now being conducted by the water, making it dangerous for any being to step in it or getting splashed.
"No… I must…fulfill…the mission…" Cicin Mage #2 spoke, fainting.
Cloud was exhausted after using his elemental powers in consecutive timing. He was breathing heavily and had little time to relax.
'I need to support my allies. I can't turn back now…' He thought.
[]
Gorou and Kazuha heard the battle of Cloud and the second Fatui mage.
"Cloud-san is becoming quite an experienced user of his Vision. He figured how to use the Anemo element to its fullest potential." Gorou complimented.
"A fitting time for a friend. Perhaps he is proving to be a vital friend for all of Inazuma." Kazuha followed.
Gorou soon charged an arrow with Geo elemental energy before launching it to the Anemo Fatui user. The agent attempted to block it, but Gorou showed a smirk on his face. The arrow managed to pierce the left gauntlet, rendering it useless to channel elemental energy.
"My gauntlet! Curse you, archer!" The Anemo Fatui user spoke with hate.
The agent soon began to channel the wind around his weapons. Though his left gauntlet couldn't do so, he used his right gauntlet and legs to channel its energy. Soon, he punched the air, creating a large bullet of air, forcing Gorou and Kazuha to dodge it. The bullet impacted on a nearby cliffside.
"That's some force…" Gorou spoke with surprise.
"Given their weaponry, we should take care of them quickly." Kazuha followed.
The impact from the air bullet left a grinding scar on the cliffside. The bullet appeared to be compressed enough to effectively punch through rocks.
"We mustn't get hit by that if we wish to continue fighting. Not even my own abilities can withstand that much force." Kazuha warned.
"I know. I'll see if I can disable him. Think you can handle the mage and the marksman? They'll be difficult if I'm forced in the corner." Gorou questioned.
"Not to worry about the mage. However, the marksman is a problem of its own. I don't think I can handle it." Kazuha spoke with a hint of disdain.
"Leave him to me." Cloud spoke.
"Cloud, don't push yourself. You've used a lot of energy so don't try anything risky." Kazuha said.
"Just leave this guy to me. I know what to do. Focus on your target for now." Cloud spoke back.
Kazuha grunted, knowing Cloud had a firm resolve to fight. The rōnin wished he could help him, but the Cicin mage prevented any means for him to assist.
"You're proving to be an encumbrance. Now begone!" Kazuha spoke with disgust.
Kazuha channeled his Anemo energy into his blade before performing a heavy swing. He spun in a 360 degree angle, channeling the wind.
"Kaedehara ultimate technique: Kazuha Slash!"
The wind soon converged with autumn leaf images billowing in the air. Sharp wind blades were seen cutting the Cicin Mage and the summoned creatures in the whirlwind.
"Ugh…! These winds are sharp." Cicin Mage #1 shouted in pain.
Knowing the technique will kill her, the Cicin Mage grew desperate. She was able to absorb elemental energy from a fallen Cicin. She soon glowed with the Electro element surrounding her.
"Try to excite me more with your struggles! Hahahahaha!" The mage spoke with insanity.
The mage attempted to charge at Kazuha in a suicide attempt, despite the vortex slowly killing her. Kazuha knew it was a desperate attempt, forcing him to dodge the mage. Several electric tendrils were reaching out, shocking any that they touched.
"Tch… A troublesome tactic." Kazuha spoke, clicking his tongue.
The wandering samurai was forced to evade the suicide attack as the whirlwind he created was chipping away his opponent.
'I have to keep avoiding till the technique manages to take my opponent down.' Kazuha thought.
After a seemingly long time, the Cicin Mage soon exhausted her power. Unable to remain standing, she soon collapsed.
"I can't…fall like…this…" The Cicin Mage groaned in defeat.
Kazuha soon breathed a sigh of relief in response. He noticed Cloud regrouping with him.
"Cloud-san, are you alright de gozaru?" He asked.
"I'm alright. We need to help Gorou-san now." Cloud spoke.
Gorou was on edge. He had a tough time fighting the Anemo agent in question.
'Tch… That armor is proving to be trouble. I can't pierce through if he keeps channeling Anemo energy like that.' He thought.
He charged an arrow with the Geo element. Taking a careful aim, he launched it at a critical section on the left gauntlet. The Fatui agent screamed in pain as the arrow managed to pierce his arm.
"You bastard!" The agent screamed in pain.
Using his right gauntlet, the Fatui agent launched a wind blast with a powerful force. This knocked Gorou off of his feet in response.
"Ugh!" He grunted.
Cloud soon saw Gorou launched to a nearby cliff. Seeing red, he charged to the Fatui agent with a mighty war cry, hoisting his sword up. The agent could only see a large shadow before the blade cleaved through his right arm.
"Eh…?" He said in confusion.
Cloud didn't waste a second as he soon began performing quick slashes. The Fatui agent soon grunted, keeping his mouth shut before a gut wrenching sound of flesh being sliced was heard. The agent looked down to see Cloud's weapon pierced into his abdomen before it was violently ripped out. The innards spilled out with an emetic splash.
"Go to hell…" Cloud coldly remarked.
(Overlord of The Thunderstorm OST ends here)
Gorou and Kazuha were surprised of the brutal display. Soon, they notice Cloud grunting in pain as he fell to his knees.
'Damn… What is this…?' He questioned in thought.
Soon, a sensation of an ooze came to his sense of touch. Black slime was coming from his left arm, causing excruciating discomfort. Flashes of light began to assault Cloud's sight as he felt faint hearted. He collapsed on the ground as Gorou and Kazuha were racing to him.
"Cloud-san! What happened to him!?" Kazuha questioned.
"Worry about that later! We need to get out of this valley before the Electrogranum wears off! The Balethunder will corrode our bodies if we don't get out!" Gorou reminded.
Gorky and Kazuha were quick to bring Cloud out of the Balethunder. Having escaped its reach, the two were now pondering on Cloud's current condition. His left arm showed a darkening part on the humerus region with numerous sores. The area was still secreting a black ooze. Though unconscious due to the pain of the sudden arrival of the disease, the swordsman soon began to have a seizure, twisting and contorting his body. This frighten Gorou and Kazuha.
"By the Archons, what is happening to him?" Gorou questioned.
Both men were forced to watch Cloud as he remained unconscious for some time.
[]
A few hours later, Cloud woke up. His left arm was feeling quite sore, causing him to hiss in pain. He looked to the source to see the telltale signs of the disease afflicting him. His left arm was discolored with a bruise print that appeared black.
'This is…!' He thought.
Soon, Gorou and Kazuha noticed Cloud was conscious. They both went to him, only to see a horror-ridden expression on his face.
(Play Final Fantasy 7 Remake OST - Those Chosen by the Planet)
"Sephiroth…!" He spoke with fear.
"Sephiroth? Who is that?" Kazuha asked.
Gorou shrugged his shoulders, not knowing the name. His primary concern was Cloud's health.
"Cloud, get a hold of yourself! You're seeing things!" The archer spoke.
[]
From Cloud's point of view, he didn't see Gorou nor Kazuha near him. From his sight, it was a dark void with a small cone of light. Within the darkness, a familiar figure made itself known. Cloud gasped upon laying sight of the figure.
"You…!" He spoke with fear.
The figure turned its head, revealing Sephiroth. His turquoise eyes were giving an evil look as he smiled.
"My time will come to appear in this new world. Each time this affliction, the Geostigma, inflicts you, it eats away your cells. The effects will facilitate my advent thanks to the abundance of energy found. Even the very air has energy necessary for me." Sephiroth explained.
"You're trying to revive yourself using the elements of this world! I won't let that happen!" Cloud spoke with defiance.
"Too late for you to hinder my plans. I've absorbed the energy of six separate elements. I only need one more to find to bring my upirising. However, your condition will hinder you as it progresses. I find it amusing as you suffer in such torture." Sephiroth spoke, his visage disappearing.
(Those Chosen By the Planet OST ends here)
Cloud soon noticed his sight being brought back to Inazuma. He saw Gorou and Kazuha looking at him worryingly.
"Cloud-san, are you alright?" Kazuha asked.
The swordsman took a breather to relax himself.
"I don't think so… Whatever was happening to me has faded for now. However, this disease has left its mark on me." Cloud said, looking at his left forearm.
"I never seen this kind of illness… Is it due to the Balethunder?" Gorou questioned.
"No. This illness is unique of its own cause. It probably came from my home world." Cloud replied.
"Your home world?" Kazuha asked with curiosity.
"Yes. My home is called Gaia. It is not like Inazuma or anything from Teyvat, but it has some similarities in culture." Cloud answered.
The swordsman groaned as he felt a dull ache from his arm. Suppressing the pain, he continued. Gorou and Kazuha noticed his grimace.
[]
After sometime explaining his history, Cloud was able to move though he found the dull aching to be an encumbrance. He was being watched by Gorou and Kazuha, knowing they were worried.
'I don't blame them for being this worried for me. This illness also got me off guard as well. All things considered, I probably won't survive long enough to find a possible cure or treatment.' Cloud thought.
Gorou and Kazuha remained silent for some time. Their friend was now suffering from a disease they didn't know of. Hearing about Cloud's life story, both had a respecting opinion for the swordsman.
'He's been through a lot before coming here. Though he wasn't what he wanted in life, his path led him to become a great warrior.' Gorou thought.
'He even sought for answers on those that antagonize his home. After everything he went through, I could not help but think if my days of wandering will lead to answers I would not dare to hear.' Kazuha thought.
The trio soon made it to Xavier's hut. The engineer soon noticed them, all with weakened spirits.
"What happened? Did something go wrong?" Xavier asked with concern.
"The mission was met with some trifles from the Fatui, but we were successful in obtaining the marrow. However, we have an unexpected development." Gorou said.
"Fill in the details. I need to know." Xavier requested.
"Cloud…" Gorou spoke.
Cloud understood. He moved the bandages off of his right arm, which appeared blackened. He grimaced as the dull ache came back after removing the bandages. Xavier gasped, seeing the disease.
"What manner of illness is that??? I never seen anything like this." Xavier questioned with shock.
"It's a disease from a distant world where I come from. Whatever it is doing, it's making my body feel weak." Cloud spoke.
"Judging by the blackened tissue on your arm, it's similar to necrosis, but you can still feel from it." Xavier said.
"It seems so. I can still feel my arm, but this condition is not something to ignore." Cloud replied.
"I agree. Since we can rule out the Balethunder to be the cause, it only makes it difficult to treat this condition. Since you possess an Anemo Vision, there's only one hope for you that may work." Xavier explained.
"What do I need to do? If there's a possible treatment or cure for this, I'll have to find a way." Cloud questioned.
"You need to visit the region of Anemo called Mondstadt." Xavier revealed.
"Mondstadt?" Cloud questioned.
"That's right, you recently arrived here in Teyvat not too long ago. To some it up, Mondstadt is one of the seven regions, like Inazuma. It has its own Archon, based on the element of Anemo." Xavier explained.
"So, a land blessed with wind. Only problem is, I have to leave Inazuma if I intend to find ways to treat this condition." Cloud said.
"I'm afraid so. You must go and explain to the Raiden Shogun of your circumstances. Perhaps she can help you with your current predicament." Xavier said.
Cloud soon looked to Gorou and Kazuha with slight concern.
"We can await for your arrival when you are better, Cloud-san. Leave the Fatui agents to us." Kazuha reassured.
"We may have met in an unprecedented arrival. However, your actions show you are trustworthy as an ally and friend. I'll await your arrival." Gorou followed.
"Alright then. Try to stay below the radar." Cloud said.
Gorou and Kazuha tilted their heads in confusion till Cloud spoke again.
"It means try to remain hidden. No telling when the Fatui agents will send backup to hunt you guys." Cloud clarified.
Gorou and Kazuha understood the meaning. Cloud soon used his map to find the nearest teleport marker to Tenshukaku.
'I'm sorry, but I need to conduct this meeting right away.' Cloud thought.