CHAPTER NINETEEN: COMPROMISING
Ayaka had returned a few hours after every light within the Kamisato Estate had simmered to nothing, but had decided not to rouse her newest friends from their deep slumbers. Instead, she had retired to her quarters, shed herself of her clothing to change into her usual nightgown, and drifted into her own slumber upon her head meeting her pillow.
Upon opening her eyes to rays of light peeking through her window the next morning, she raised herself to her feet, got dressed, and moved out to the dining area of her practical mansion. She was met with the sight of her new comrades and Thoma feasting on some traditional Inazuma-style breakfast dishes. Ganyu was slowly nibbling away at a rice dish, Keqing was treating herself to miso soup, and Yelan was sitting in a position that radiated an unbound amount of patience. It was likely that she had already finished her meal.
The sound of Ayaka's footwear echoing with each step she took caught the three's attention, greeting her with a respectful 'good morning' upon her presence being made.
"Good morning to all of you as well," Ayaka replied nicely, bowing gracefully as a traditional gesture. "I trust that you all slept well?"
"The best you can in a world on the brink of chaos," Yelan stated. "At least, that was my case. As for these two, I could hear someone talking in their sleep through the wall."
Ganyu and Keqing blushed instantly, their expressions turning to looks of embarrassment.
"W-what did you hear?" Keqing asked in a shaky voice.
"Hehe, I'm afraid that's my little secret to keep, hun," Yelan finished with a wink and smug smile.
The blush adorning the two lovers' faces did not disappear, knowing Yelan wasn't kidding. It wasn't until Ayaka spoke that the two buried that information in the deepest corner of their minds and moved onto listening to what their new friend had to say.
"I'm glad you all at least got some rest," she started. "Now, onto the information I'm sure that you all are anxious to hear."
She walked to the table and took a seat, continuing with her announcement of the newfound information she had obtained less than ten hours prior.
"I couldn't get into Tenshukaku, seeing her second-in-command Kujou Sara didn't believe me about the matter. However, don't get too down about it yet, because, while Kujou Sara is a very strict lady, once I said that you were trusted friends of Aether, she opened a door for compromise."
"And what are the conditions to prove our situation true?" Yelan questioned.
"What anyone would want; proof that it's actually true," Ayaka answered. "Therefore, unless you have proof of anything related to the situation, I'm afraid that your request will be looked at as nothing but a case of a joke."
Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan were not surprised by this outcome; they'd react the same if some random person had come to them wanting to see Ningguang over a matter that seemed like the plot of a war novel. They would've proposed the same condition, so this wasn't anything unexpected.
"No surprise," Yelan responded. "This Kujou Sara lady did the right thing, and, luckily we actually do have proof of an android existing. However, Inazuma lacks the proper technology to see it through, seeing it requires a computer. Technology that only Sumeru and Fontaine have access to."
"I see," Ayaka assured. "If you don't mind, could you show me exactly what this proof is?"
"Sure," Yelan answered simply, reaching into one of her pockets and pulling out the microchip that she and the professor had extracted from Reshav's decapitated head.
Yelan slid the chip across the table, following with Ayaka grabbing and beginning to examine it.
"I've heard of these existing, but, given that the Shogun had kept Inazuma in a state of limbo for centuries, we never developed the technology to examine these kinds of things. While I have no reason to not believe you about this, I'm afraid that, unless we can actually show Sara the contents on this, she won't accept it as evidence."
"Then it looks like we have no choice but to send Ms. Sara to the Academia or to bring Professor Oswalch here," Yelan finalized.
"It's not so easy to persuade the second-in-command of an archon to leave her post for at least two days, therefore, it's likely going to have to be the latter option."
Yelan nodded.
"Then so be it," she concluded, following with a last statement. "What's the fastest way to get a message from here to Sumeru, Ms. Ayaka?"
"Simple. You'd have to write a letter, take it to the postal service station in Ritou, and wait for a response."
"And how long would that take?"
"I'm not sure. It's a matter of when the ship that delivers comes back and where it needs to travel to on its voyage. It could take days, weeks, or even months."
Yelan didn't like that answer. They didn't have time to wait for weeks or months for Oswalch to get their letter and travel there. The Tsaritsa was already in action, and the more time they wasted, the more the archons were at risk of danger.
She was at a loss.
"That's not going to work," Yelan clarified. "Every second that goes by gives the Tsaritsa more time to develop her army. This Kujou Sara is putting her archon in more danger than she is protecting her with this compromise."
Ayaka sighed heavily, knowing her ally was correct.
"I understand, and I tried to make her see that, but she wouldn't listen," Ayaka confessed. "I'm sorry I couldn't get you a better option."
"Ms. Ayaka, there's no need for you to apologize," Ganyu sympathized. "You did everything you possibly could, and we appreciate all of your efforts."
"Exactly," Keqing added. "In the end, this Sara's compromise just isn't acceptable, so there's only one option; We need to come up with a new plan."
Yelan nodded in agreement, speaking up.
"I completely agree, so, for now, we forget trying to compromise with the Shogun's second-in-command and move on to coming up with another plan."
Yelan turned her gaze to Ayaka.
"Ms. Ayaka, is there anybody else you can think of that could get us through to the Shogun without wasting too much time?"
Ayaka put a hand to her chin in thought, trying to think of anybody in Inazuma that had a direct connection to the electro archon. Immediately, she came up with a solution, remembering one specific person that was just as close to the Shogun as Kujou Sara.
"Yes. There is one other person who may be able to get you through Tenshukaku's doors, and she may believe you due to her vast knowledge."
"And who is that?" Yelan questioned.
"The head of the Grand Narukami Shrine, Guuji Yae."
The hike to the Grand Narukami Shrine had been a task that made hiking the peaks of Liyue's vast mountains feel like child's play in comparison. Had Ayaka not been with them, there was absolutely no shot that they would've found the way to the top of the mountain that housed the shrine. It was clear that the trail was designed to keep any people with malicious intent out, seeming less like a trail, and more like an obstacle course.
Upon meeting the Grand Narukami Shrine, they were greeted with the sight of one of the Shrine Maidens that acted as additional security for the sacred monument. Having been accompanied by Ayaka, the maiden let them pass, the Kamisato's being a trusted name in the shrine's history.
The Shrine Maiden had also caught onto the reasoning of their arrival, having walked off to fetch the main head of the monument, Guuji Yae aka. Yae Miko. If any of the Kamisato siblings showed up at top step of the shrine's entrance, it usually meant that it was due to some kind of ordeal that only Yae could deal with.
There was no telling how said lady would react to this visit, but, given Kujou Sara had given them an impossible proposition, they had had no choice but to resort to this.
Within a time of less than five minutes, a woman with long pink hair dressed in an attire similar to her fellow maidens appeared from behind the main building out from in front of the four girls. She also had two curved flaps on both sides of her head that Ganyu specifically noticed.
They were similar to a young alchemist's that she had met in her time in Mondstadt, having two similar curved flaps that she later found out were ears. That made her wonder if the two extending from Yae's hair were also ears, but she didn't want to be disrespectful, so she kept her mouth shut.
To say Lady Yae looked majestic and very wise was an understatement; it was clear that, just like Ganyu, she was someone of an ancient age and carried an unbound amount of ancient knowledge. It fit perfectly given her occupation as the head maiden of the shrine, but the question was still in the air of whether or not she'd actually help them in their current predicament.
"Ms. Kamisato and….friends, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Yae greeted.
Her voice was somewhat-lazy and sarcastic, as if she were lying about having any pleasure in them pulling her away from her work to hear them out.
"Greetings, Lady Yae," Ayaka followed. "I apologize for the unexpected visit, but something that concerns the whole of Inazuma and Teyvat has come up, and we are hoping you can help these three."
Her piercing violet eyes averted to Yelan, Ganyu, and Keqing. It was intimidating, but they all held their ground strong.
"Oh, and what is it that these poor dears need from me?" she said sarcastically. "I am but a mere maiden of this shrine; I have nothing like the strength or will of a god."
Ayaka turned her gaze to Yelan as a hint to start explaining, to which she caught and followed through by explaining everything that had occurred over the past weeks and why they had come to her for help.
At the end of the explanation, Yae's intimidating demeanor had shifted to something more serious. That proved one thing and that was a good sign; they had managed to convince her that this wasn't misinformation in any sort of manner.
"So, that ice witch has finally decided to actually do something after all this time," Yae responded, following with a sigh. "Look, I usually wouldn't even care about affairs that don't even concern myself or Inazuma, but given, just by looking at your demeanors, and the fact that Ms. Kamisato believes you, I don't even need to sleep on the matter of whether or not you're telling the truth.
I've been around long enough to know when someone is speaking truthfully about something of this caliber, and I can tell you've spoken only the truth. Therefore, I will hear you out on this, and will escort you into Tenshukaku myself. If this didn't involve Ei and all of Inazuma, I would've sent you all packing. However, this is no longer a manner of if Ei and all of Inazuma will be involved, it's a manner of we will eventually be involved.
Therefore, I will help you to convince Ei that this is no small matter. I rarely visit Tenshukaku, so my unexpected presence will likely be enough to drive Ei out of her Plane of Euthymia. From there, I will do all I can to help you, seeing you actually care to protect all of the archons. That is enough for all of you to earn my trust and respect."
Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan were shocked at how easily they had convinced Yae, but it was clear that she cared for the electro archon and Inazuma as if they were her family. They wasted no time to agree by thanking the maiden, feeling as if a ton of weight had been lifted from their shoulders.
"Thank you for hearing us out, Lady Yae," Keqing stated.
Yae didn't say anything, just nodded with a serious expression on her face, following with a simple statement.
"Follow me, and I'll take you to Tenshukaku."
The four ladies agreed, starting to follow Yae to the steps of Tenshukaku to achieve what they had set out to do.
Upon meeting the first set of steps to Tenshukaku's doors, a familiar face to Ayaka met them in the form of a barricade. Kujou Sara stood valiant and loyal in place, not budging to grant them entry.
"Unless you show me proof of this supposed-war on the horizon, nobody is getting past," Sara directed in a stern voice.
Nobody said anything, Yae taking the lead by walking up to Sara and giving her a glare that showed that what she was about to say was not anything sarcastic or of a joking manner as usual.
"They've provided enough to me, and you know full well that I have no malicious intentions towards Ei," she directed sharply and clearly.
"I know you don't, but they-
-are trusted colleagues of mine," Yae intervened. "Now, unless you want my friend and your Shogun to end up potentially kidnapped or worse, you will step aside and let these ladies proceed to Tenshukaku with no further interruptions."
Sara was pinned, and she knew she couldn't argue with a kitsune that had thousands of years worth of knowledge and experience. Therefore, she surrendered and stepped aside, allowing Yae and the others entry to the pathway that led to the Raiden Shogun's abode. Yae passed first, following Keqing, Ganyu, and, lastly, Yelan. However, just as Yelan was about to pass through, she was stopped by Sara.
"If anything happens to the Shogun, your heads will be removed from your shoulders. That's a promise."
Yelan didn't say anything regarding the clear threat, and rushed to catch up with her comrades.
They were at Tenshukaku's entrance in little time, stopping shortly to compose themselves for the confrontation just beyond the two doors before them.
"I'll do the talking first," Yae directed. "Don't say anything until I direct one of you to speak, is that clear?"
"Crystal," Yelan answered.
"Got it," Keqing followed.
"Understood," Ganyu finished.
With assurance that her fellow comrades understood her previous statement clearly, Yae wasted no time and pushed open the massive double doors, leading the others through into a long, wide, and quiet room.
Upon the double doors closing and clearing the entrance, all of their gazes met the one lone occupant present in the room. She was seated on a stage with the symbol of her nation, a Mitsudomoe, as her background. This was in no doubt the royal court of Inazuma's Raiden Shogun, and, upon said archon meeting their gaze, it became even more apparent.
"There were no guests scheduled to meet with me at this hour," the Shogun spoke somewhat-robotic, as if she were emotionless. "Who has come to seek an audience with me unannounced?"
Yae followed through with the plan, speaking first.
"Cut the theatrics," she demanded as if she had higher power over the Shogun. "I've come to speak with Ei, not you. It's imperative that she comes out to speak on this matter."
The Shogun didn't shift in any way, as if she hadn't even heard Yae's words, but upon the archon's next statement, that assumption had been proven false.
"I cannot guarantee that your request can be accepted, but I will oblige to your request, Yae," she responded in the same robotic tone. "However, before I take any further actions, I must request that you tell me who you have brought here, minus Ms. Kamisato."
"These three are Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan," Yae replied. "They have come regarding a matter that concerns you, Ei, and all of Inazuma itself."
Again, the Shogun didn't even budge the slightest from the statement, but she answered with a simple nod.
"I can see why this matter requires what you have requested, Yae. I will follow your request and allow you to speak with Raiden Ei."
It went silent for a minute, but upon the archon's demeanor changing entirely, Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan were beyond confused. It was as of the Shogun had two different people living in one body.
"Miko?" the Shogun spoke in a whole different tone of voice, rising to her feet from her sitting position. "What's going on? Why have you brought three strangers to Tenshukaku?"
"Forgive the abrupt interruption, Ei, but you and Inazuma are in danger," Yae spoke.
"Danger? Yae, what is going on?" Ei questioned, clearly confused.
"I'll let these three explain, seeing they were the messengers of this news," Yae stated, giving Yelan the permission to start talking.
"To put it simply, your highness, our home, Liyue Harbor, was attacked and sunk into the ocean by a group of androids that were created by the Tsaritsa herself," Yelan explained. "Over the past few weeks, these two and myself have traveled across Teyvat and have discovered evidence that proves that the Tsaritsa is planning to kidnap the archons for malicious purposes. On top of that, she's also planning to end all of the major nations of Teyvat using the power of the archons, including you, and recreate a whole new world."
Ei was shaken but not convinced, looking down at Yelan with somewhat-belief.
"This sounds heavily far-fetched, but, given you convinced Yae, I do have some incentive to believe you," Ei said. "However, I must question one thing. How do you know that a fellow archon of this world plans to kidnap and use the power of gods for destruction?"
"Because this wouldn't be happening if Rex Lapis aka. Morax had been present in Liyue Harbor the night it all happened," Yelan countered. "Ganyu and Keqing checked his usual haunts, but he was nowhere to be found. On top of that, the Adepti, fellow guardians of Liyue, were also absent, and they were the same case as Morax. The Adepti and Morax are all missing, and, given what Ganyu witnessed when Ningguang aka. the Tianquan was killed, it's clear they already have access to godly power."
Ei took a moment to ponder on the answer Yelan had given her, finding the whole thing as unbelievable as one of Yae's romance novels that she had once read. To be safe, she responded with something that would give her full clarity on her decision.
"Alright, but let me ask you a simple question to determine my decision," Ei offered. "What is the reason you have come to Tenshukaku to seek an audience with me?"
"To warn you of the danger and seek Inazuma's assistance in this war," Yelan responded. "The Tsaritsa has already acted, so there's no room for if Inazuma will be a target, because you already are a target."
Ei paused, taking in all of the information. All of this sounded like impossible nonsense to her, but a part of her wanted to believe it was actually true. However, she couldn't believe something like this without some kind of proof.
She sighed.
"While you all seem like good people, and even Yae heard you out, I'm sorry, but I cannot believe something so unbelievable without proof. Therefore, unless you can give me proof that any of what you have said has happened, I will not take any initiative to accept your request any further."
Her decision was made, and they were back at square one. Even with her closest friend supporting their request, the electro archon had still denied them any chance. All three of them felt like they had just been punched in the stomach by a Giant Mitachurl, any feeling of victory sinking like a stone in water.
"Ei, as your familiar, I must ask that you reconsider your decision," Yae attempted to persuade. "You know that I've been around for thousands of years, so my judgement is correct most of the time. If you don't trust them, then let me ask this; do you trust me?"
That was a solid counter, and gave the three hope for just a second.
"Yae, you know I trust you with my life, but this matter requires so much that could cost lives or make us vulnerable to any malicious actions these three may have, if they are lying. I cannot take such actions until I know we are actually at war with the Tsaritsa. Now, unless you three can provide any evidence of your supposed-situation, I ask that you kindly escort yourselves out of Tenshukaku," she commanded.
All hope was lost.
There was nothing they could do. There was no chance that she'd leave her nation to see the remains of Liyue Harbor in ruins, nor would the chip be enough to convince her. For the first time in this entire endeavor, nobody had a plan B, therefore, they gave up and started towards the door.
However, just as they were about to creak the door open, Ganyu suddenly spoke up, surprising everyone, even her beloved.
"Wait! I think I have a way of proving to her that we're not lying!"
The sudden exclamation of a hopeful solution made everyone jump, even Yae. However, they were open to any potential solution to Ei's rejection, so they just continued to listen.
"While I usually don't speak of my true identity, I am half-qilin, your highness," Ganyu explained, walking back towards the center of the room. "Qilin possess special abilities that are connected to the soul of one's being, and, given the events of the past three weeks traumatized me and are burrowed deep in my soul, I believe I can show you exactly what I experienced the night it all started."
Ei didn't seem to flinch, but, by just looking at her posture, she was clearly intrigued. After a long moment of pondering the matter, she came to a decision.
"Very well, I will accept this request," Ei answered. "Just know that I'm only agreeing to this over the fact that I know you aren't lying. Miko posseses a very similar ability, and I've seen for myself that it can be done. However, in return, you must agree to leave if this doesn't work. Are we clear?"
"Yes. I will honor your conditions, your highness."
Ei nodded as a closure to their agreement, stepping down from her throne and meeting Ganyu's position. At first, the two didn't say anything, only stared in suspense over what was about to occur. However, the tension was broken upon Ganyu reaching out her right hand to Ei, preparing to channel all of her traumatic memories to the matriarch's own soul.
"Take my hand," Ganyu directed, to which the Shogun nodded and held out her left hand.
Following that action, Ganyu let out a shallow breath and closed her eyes, gripping Ei's hand gently and leading all of her memories into the matriarch's mind and soul.
Upon the flow of negative energy meeting her body, Ei immediately began to see the cluster of visceral and traumatic memories that Ganyu had collected ever since the night she had awoken to the knocks of Baiwen. Almost immediately, Ei's demeanor began to shift at the imagery playing out before her eyes.
The ungodly amount of fire engulfing every inch of Liyue Harbor.
Hundreds of charred corpses of men, women, and children.
Keqing's horrid state when Ganyu had found her amongst the chaos.
Ningguang's demise.
It all emotionally impacted her, reminding her of when she had found Makoto's limp body during the destruction of Khaenri'ah.
It was almost exact to what she was witnessing, and, with that, she knew immediately that these strangers that had come to warn her of this lingering danger were telling the absolute truth.
"That's enough!" Ei exclaimed emotionally, unaware that she had started to cry amongst the horror of Ganyu's memories.
Ganyu released her grip and channeled all of the memories back to her soul, catching the sight of the Raiden Shogun in absolute despair.
"Are you okay!?" Ganyu asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," Ei answered. "Your memories just reminded me of…something tragic."
Ei took a moment to compose herself before speaking any further, doing her best to rid herself of the maleficent thoughts currently plaguing her entire being.
It took a long minute to finally regain her composure, meeting Ganyu's gaze and speaking at long last.
"I need you all to tell me everything," Ei answered, declaring her verdict on the matter. "I now know for sure that all of Teyvat is in grave danger, and that this isn't just a matter that can be solved with the power of a lone archon like myself."
Keqing and Yelan sighed in relief that Ganyu's last ditch effort had convinced the Shogun, and, from there, they proceeded to explain every single detail about the past weeks.
It took a long while to explain everything, but it was clear that Ei was now on their side, so it was imperative to tell her everything they knew. They spoke of their alliance with Mondstadt, capturing Reshav and learning of his true identity, the contents on the microchip, and the fact that there were hundreds or thousands of androids being made and infused with Morax and the Adeptis' energy as they spoke.
At the end of it all, Ei looked pale in the face, and, for the first time in centuries, she was actually scared to death.
"I can't believe this," Ei stated in a tone of absolute fear. "I knew the Tsaritsa was different from myself and my other fellow archons, but to believe she'd actually use us as tools to fuel machines designed to end the world is just absurd."
"It is, but the matter of the fact is that it is happening, Ei," Yae replied, her voice stern and straightforward. "You, me, Inazuma, and the rest of the world are all not safe in any way as we speak, and we can't simply hide away anymore. Unless we stop that twisted witch from completing her army before it's too late, there may be no world to fight for anymore."
"I understand that, and I know what needs to be done," Ei answered. "First, we cannot leave our borders open anymore. These threats look like everyday regular people, so, as of now, all of Inazuma must be protected; something that only I am capable of doing. Therefore, I must travel straight to the center of all of Inazuma and use my power to amass a barrier that will stop any outsiders from entering or leaving.
It may take a massive amount of strength, but I must protect my people. I refuse to allow the Tsaritsa to use me as a battery for the end of the world."
"Don't forget that you have a familiar with thousands of years of knowledge and experience," Yae added. "Inazuma is mine and all of my fellow kitsunes' home too, so I will gather all of my fellow kin to fight as well."
Ei nodded, knowing she couldn't argue with Yae.
"Next, we must gain an alliance with Watatsumi Island's army," Ei explained. "Shall push come to shove, we will need every bit of help we can get. I will entrust that task to you three, unless you have any objections?"
The three shook their heads, Ayaka having already stated prior that that was a task she had in mind, shall the Shogun approve.
"Very good," Ei followed. "Lastly, the security of Narukami Island must be doubled to assure that, if there are threats already within our borders, we have a better chance of preventing what happened to Liyue Harbor. We must prevent another destruction of a nation."
"I will speak with my brother on that," Ayaka added. "Given its a direct order from the Shogun herself, he won't question it."
"Just in case, I will write a form with my request on it, Ms. Kamisato," Ei assured. "We can't afford to waste any time whatsoever."
"Understood," Ayaka agreed. "I will await your submission."
Ei nodded and turn her gaze to Ganyu, Yelan, and Keqing.
"I will assign you three an escort to Watatsumi Island shortly. Be safe and do your best to persuade their leader, Sangonomiya Kokomi, as you did me. After I have assigned Ms. Kamisato my order to the Tri-commissions and the Shogunate, I will depart with Yae to the centerpoint of Inazuma to form a safety barrier over its entirety."
"Understood," Yelan answered. "Be careful out there, your highness."
Ei nodded in assurance, concluding the meeting with one final statement.
"Thank you for all you've done for Inazuma. This will not be forgotten, shall victory come in our favor when doomsday arrives."