Chapter 10: The Apothecary of Liyue.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Baizhu's Room)
Cloud and Ganyu were at the entrance of the pharmacy. The front desk seemed vacant since no one was seen.
"Odd… Is this place vacant?" Cloud questioned.
Ganyu giggled, knowing first time visitors often found a surprise. The surprise was a young girl in appearance. She has pale skin, magenta-colored eyes, and light purple hair that is chin-length except for a section at the back of her head that goes down past her hips. The outfit was shown to have several talismans implanted in the fabric. Her attire consists of a purple frock and a deep purple beret with a magenta tassel on top and a Cryo Vision embedded in the side. She wears a pair of simple earrings, one black and one white. She also wears black heels and white stockings wrapped in mummy-like bandages. Her fingernails are black. Cloud noticed a talisman hanging from the beret that was clearly visible.
"How can we help you?" The girl asked in a near monotone voice.
Cloud was surprised to hear a tone from a girl that appeared young. Ganyu moved forward to speak through Cloud's stead.
"Hello Qiqi. I had to bring a patient for Doctor Baizhu to tend to. He bears a strange condition that has never been seen in all over Teyvat." Ganyu spoke.
"I'll go tell Master." The girl named Qiqi spoke.
The petite girl soon walked into the pharmacy. Soon, a male figure came into view. He was a tall man with light skin and long green hair, half tied up in a bun and secured with a hairstick. He has golden, snake-like eyes and is always seen wearing a pair of gold, ornate, oval-framed glasses. There was a small white snake with pink eyes wrapped around his neck. His choice of clothes were a cropped short-sleeved shirt and indigo pants with a pattern resembling snake skin. Over this he wears a teal-blue sash where his Vision, appearing emerald green, hangs, and a pale blue jacket, resembling a lab coat of sorts, draped around his shoulders like a cape. He also sports golden asymmetrical arm gauntlets, an anklet and blue flats. Cloud feel his Geostigma worsening, now realizing why.
"Hello, I'm Doctor Baizhu, owner of Bubu Pharmacy." The named Baizhu introduced.
"Good day to you, Doctor Baizhu. I've brought a patient that may require your assistance." Ganyu spoke.
"Oh? This is quite peculiar. May I examine your case, sir?" Baizhu asked.
"I'm Strife Cloud. Cloud is my given name since I'm following the customs of Inazuma." Cloud introduced.
"Ah, right this way then Cloud. I'll have to examine your case." Baizhu ordered, leading the swordsman to a medical stool.
Cloud soon sat on the medical chair, allowing Baizhu to notice the dark bruises caused by his condition. This got the doctor in surprise, having never seen such a case like this.
"I know Ganyu didn't mention about this condition, despite talking to her prior. Its name is the reason why." Cloud spoke with a serious tone.
"What is it called then? It's unlike any illness I've seen across Teyvat." Baizhu questioned.
"From where I come from, it is called Geostigma. Apparently, it's the cause of corruption on my arm due to a parasitic life form." Cloud briefly explained.
"Share with me on how this started." Baizhu requested.
Cloud began explaining his life story prior to arriving in Inazuma. The swordsman made it brief as possible, answering every question he was asked. Needless to say, Baizhu was stumped.
"I must admit, it's a wild story to hear. Not only I'm hearing you came from another world, you're also dealing with a sickness. This one of which that can not only take your life, but also resurrect your world's worst enemy. Never I beheld such an occasion." The doctor admitted.
"It's as expected. Even the people of Inazuma find my story far-fetched, especially the Electro Archon herself." Cloud admitted.
"Setting the excitement aside from meeting with the Electro Archon, we may have to consider about your condition. From what I can see, that bruise is slowly spreading its way across your body. The strange slime that is being excreted from your skin is also of concern. I can feel a corruptive force from it." Baizhu said, noting Cloud's condition.
"It's due to the alien material within my body. Apparently, my arch nemesis has been using it as a focal point to revive himself. Though he's physically not around yet, he intended to use the elements of Teyvat to bring himself back." Cloud explained.
"How many elements have you been exposed to?" Baizhu questioned.
"I have touched Electro, Pyro, Hydro, Anemo, Cryo, and Geo. The last one is the element you possess it seems." Cloud answered.
"Well we can narrow down to not touching anything with the Dendro Element. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't touch the grass. Rather, just avoid concentrations of the Element itself. Though I have my doubts, I'll do my best to help alleviate your illness." Baizhu said.
Cloud knew the doctor was intending to help, despite knowing little of his condition. Seeing that he had little time for arguments, the swordsman was coerced by Baizhu to stay over in the pharmacy.
"I'll have a look to see if I can provide remedies to alleviate the symptoms. They won't be a cure, but it should handle what you're going through." The doctor spoke.
Cloud soon heard several sounds of glass being arranged. He could see what appeared to be a concoction kit near him.
'That looks more like a chemistry kit, if anything. Perhaps this world has its unique treatments through chemistry…?' Cloud pondered mentally.
The sound of glass being softly struck was heard as Baizhu was using a stirrer to mix a medicine in a liquid solution. He added several essences of medicinal plants, some of which Cloud didn't recognize. The process took a few minutes till Baizhu showed the swordsman a neon green liquid.
"I'll provide the topical treatment of the disease. This should hold back the necrosis from what I'm seeing." Baizhu said.
The doctor soon applied a medical salve at the blackened area of Cloud's skin. The effect was apparent, since the swordsman felt the ache was now receding. This surprised him of the treatment.
"This medical salve treats the necrosis effect from illnesses that caused the symptom. It appears that the mixture did have an intended effect, but I can see it only hampered the real issue. There's something akin to a current that is overtaxing your immune system that is causing the problem." Baizhu said.
"I know what the cause is…" Cloud spoke with a hint of disdain.
"I also know as well, having heard from your story. This mysterious life form called Jenova seems to have integrated its cells in yours. Something is making the cells react like bacteria." Baizhu confirmed.
"That's the cause it seems. Whatever this…thing has been doing, it is overtaxing my body to the point of weakness and death. Though my Vision has granted me the power to heal, it's only holding the disease at bay. Alas, this power won't cure the sickness on its own." Cloud explained.
"So you possess a healing ability from your Vision. I understand the limitations since the healing effect only restores the body, but it won't cure any illnesses." Baizhu confirmed.
"At least now I have a doctor to provide details. Helps to learn something new." Cloud accredited to Baizhu.
The doctor gave a soft chuckle in response. It felt somewhat welcoming to Cloud.
"I think I can make a special medicine to counter the effects of the disease. It should make the illness's effect weaker to let your body adjust and overtake it. However, from what I can understand, you have to visit the nation of Anemo to reach the Archon there. Only the gods can provide the means to help rid you of your condition." Baizhu spoke.
The doctor began to concoct the medicine while Cloud waited. The process was surprisingly quick, due to the doctor's expertise in apothecary. By then, the concoction was finished. It had a mint green color with a fresh smell of sweet herbs mixed in.
"This medicine has the primary effect of slowing the condition down. It should be effective enough to help on your journey to reach Mondstadt. Just keep note the medicine will abate the symptoms. It's not a cure, so the rest falls on to you." Baizhu reminded.
Cloud nodded in understanding as he was provided with the medicine. Upon tasting the liquid, it had a texture of a wintergreen mint taste, making it rather pleasing. He was soon given a small chest that contained 10 vials.
"The vials are effective for 4 days. Make them count since you may have a long journey." Baizhu spoke.
Cloud took the vials and nodded in response. He was soon proved with special salves as well.
"Those salves were made to counteract the necrosis. They only hold back the necrosis for the body to heal from. Just apply a small amount on the affected site and it'll do the rest. However, the symptoms will be temporarily abated. The rest you know, Cloud." Baizhu spoke.
"Thanks. How much is the treatment overall?" Cloud questioned.
"Hmmm… About 5,000 Mora." Baizhu calculated.
"Whoa, 5000? Well, good thing partook in some requests earlier before setting off to Mondstadt." Cloud said.
The swordsman provided the Mora for the treatment. Now having medicine from the pharmacy, Cloud was ready to forge ahead to find the land of Anemo.
"He has quite the drive to move forward, doesn't he Baizhu?" A female voice spoke.
From Baizhu's neck, the snake talked to him with a curious tone. The voice sounded feminine.
"He does. I admire that and he has a strong spirit, despite his burden. That man will make it." Baizhu spoke to the snake.
(Baizhu's room OST ends here)
[]
Ganyu was waiting outside for Cloud to come. Upon seeing him, she looked worried for his sake.
"Was the doctor able to heal your illness?" She asked with concern.
"He was only able to hold it off. I've been given several vials and salves to help with the illness." Cloud answered.
Ganyu felt bad that Baizhu couldn't develop a treatment to cure Cloud's illness, but the treatment gave some measure of hope. Knowing he was on borrowed time, the woman knew she couldn't waste it away.
"I wish you luck in your journey Cloud. When you come back, I hope the Anemo Archon was able to help with your illness." Ganyu spoke.
"I'll prevail. I won't let this illness beat me so easily." Cloud spoke with bravado.
Ganyu giggled, knowing he was true to his word. She began to explain where he would have to go.
"See that large mountain that's covered in snow? That's Dragonspine. Follow northeast from the mountain so you can reach Mondstadt. Be careful though. From what I heard, many adventurers, both seasonal or rookies often got lost up there due to how cold it is. It's very cold at the mountain." Ganyu warned.
"An icy mountain with a risk of frostbite… Not my first time exploring such a place, but I'm no stranger to what danger the weather gives. However, are there any monsters up there?" Cloud questioned.
"Yes. The region, thanks to the icy climate, is often swarmed with Cryo slimes. They can hurl ice or bump into you, making it easy for you to suffer from frostbite. There are also Hilichurls and Mitachurls. There's also something called Frostarm Lawachurls. The first two are like goblins, using various weapons at their disposal. The third is a Mitachurl that can use the elements. They're the most dangerous due to their brute strength." Ganyu explained.
"Hilichurls? Mitachurls? Lawachurls? Guess these guys are essentially all over Teyvat?" Cloud surmised.
"They are. Some Lawachurls in Liyue can use the very essence of Geo to make a skin of armor for themselves. They're Stonehide Lawachurls, which makes them difficult. Luckily, your weapon can crush their defenses." Ganyu confirmed.
"That makes it easy. Still, the Stonehide Lawachurls don't sound easy to handle, thanks to the Geo element they use. It sounds troublesome as an enemy." Cloud thought out.
"It is quite a trouble, I have to agree. Geo can't mix with Anemo, but it can crystallize Hydro, Cryo, Pyro and Electro. Geo reacts with those elements in an interesting way." Ganyu spoke.
"At least the tip can be useful. Thanks for the info, Ganyu. I have to hurry to Mondstadt while the time is still with me." Cloud said, ready to head off.
"Wait, before you go across the region, be wary of dragon-like creatures. They're called Vishaps and most encountered here are blessed by the Geo element. They often attack nearby travelers if one travels near their territory." Ganyu warned.
"That is a concern… Is there a way to fight them?" Cloud questioned.
"The Geovishaps often dig underground and prepare their next attack. Sometimes they dig up earth crystals which bless any traveler with an elemental shield. Use the shield to stop the rolling attacks so you can take them out." Ganyu explained.
"I think I can put this detail to my advantage. Thanks for the help, Ganyu." Cloud said.
"You're welcome, Cloud. If you return back here to Liyue, you're more than welcome to come by." She said.
Cloud nodded his head in response. Now having a scope of what to expect in his travels, he felt confident to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Despite his confidence, there was a hint of doubt in his mind.
'Though I'm quite sure I can handle the journey, I don't have much of a scope on fighting the monsters in this world. Sure I've battled different ones in Gaia, but I don't know what to expect here in the regions, let alone across Teyvat.' He thought.
He soon pulled out his nap, noticing it was somewhat darkened till the area he was in soon lit up. The region became clear for him to see.
"Say Ganyu. Is there another way to reach Mondstadt other than using Dragonspine?" Cloud questioned.
"There's another way, which will take you across the marshlands to reach the region. Just keep heading north to reach the Stone Gates. There, you can make your way to Mondstadt by heading northeast." Ganyu spoke.
"That makes it easy to travel than the icy mountain of Dragonspine. Personally, I don't think I should go there yet." Cloud commented.
"I have to agree." Ganyu acknowledged.
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Winding River)
Cloud was at the outskirts of Liyue Harbor. Before leaving the view from the town, he took a look back, admiring its view. The sun was starting to set, giving it a beautiful sight of the harbor.
'Not even my home village or any place from Gaia had such views like this. Teyvat has a lot to see and I wouldn't mind going to another adventure once I'm done with my condition.' Cloud thought with a gentle smile.
The winds across the harbor billowed around him. He could smell the sea, finding it pleasant. It didn't smell repulsive to him. It was a calm scent of river water due to a nearby waterfall flowing out to the sea.
'As much as I want to relax in the wind at this place, I should get going to Mondstadt. According to Ganyu, I have to head northbound past Dragonspine, the ice mountain. From there, I should be able to make my way across the marshlands and head northeast to the land of Anemo.' Cloud thought.
While making his way north to the landscape, he encountered the calm male individual whom was overlooking Liyue Harbor. His gaze showed a far-off expression, as though he was recalling memories of the past. Cloud chose to move forward, opting to focus on heading to Mondstadt while he has time. Before he could walk past the man, the swordsman heard him spoke.
"Good luck on your journey, young man. You will make it to where you're heading to." The man spoke.
Cloud looked at the mysterious man. The tone of his voice was calming and encouraging. Strangely, he felt as though he was talking to a person of significance. He nodded to the man in silence, now leaving the outskirts of the harbor. The man soon watched as the swordsman left from his view.
'He has a strong obstacle to overcome. However, he will be guided the right path and know what to do. I've heard from the Electro Archon about a person outside of Teyvat whom arrived in her land. Yet, despite his outlandish form of clothes, he bears a Vision from Inazuma. Perhaps life has unexpected twists that may be beneficial in the later times.' The man thought with a nostalgic expression.
He calmly closed his eyes, crossing his arms in a mild manner. While he had them closed, a small amber colored stone began to orbit around him.
"I'm quite certain he will succeed. It's pretty surprising the Milleth and the Liyue Qixing decided to hear his story out. From what the woman Ganyu experienced from her dreams, he's the same person whom she foresaw." The man spoke to himself.
Overlooking the horizon across the region, the man looked to where Cloud departed before going back to Liyue Harbor.
(Winding River OST ends here)
Note: Sorry it took me so long. I've come down with a cold and have been busy with life. No worries. I'm in a writing mood.