Here we are at a brand new story. I've had this one in my head for a while, but I was waiting to post it until I had more details planned out. This story is non-canon for both series, but adds a few aspects from Genshin Impact like the existence of Archons and puts them into the world of RWBY. As for why Ei is the main character of the story, it's simple: it's because she's my favorite character from the game. Also, just imagine her skirt fully covering her undergarments, unlike her game model. Trying to keep things a little modest here LOL. Other characters from the game will be in the story as well, and their abilities will be their semblances, though some will have changes or even new abilities for their semblances because I couldn't make them work for the story. Anyway, I do not own RWBY or Genshin Impact. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 1. Enjoy.
Chapter 1: To see the World
"So, you're sure about this?" Yae Miko asks.
The fox meets Ei one day after they haven't seen each other with the Raiden Shogun being busy.
"Yes. My duel with them, and other recent events, has made me see things differently. I desire eternity for Inazuma, and yet, it still changed right in front of me. Yet, I was blind to it all. You once told me that I was acting out of fear. The fear of loss... And you were right, Miko," Ei says.
The two sit together under the trees at Miko's shrine, having tea and a serious conversation.
"Well, you're right about that. You really could listen to me more, you know. There's nothing wrong with seeking eternity for Inazuma, but if you keep it caged in, it will eventually stagnate and fall apart. It nearly did actually. And do you know why?" Miko asks with a knowing smirk.
Ei sighs, "Yes. I turned my eyes away from the world. Meditating in my Plane of Euthymia. I left the Raiden Shogun I created to act in my stead, but it too was blind. If things remained unchanged, it would've been the end for Inazuma. I dedicated my life to eternity, and yet I nearly costed my home such a thing,"
It has not been long since Ei changed her policies and ended her more authoritarian rule over Inazuma. What's more, they exposed a conspiracy against her home from an unknown group in the shadows. The were able to stop them, but they were not able to figure out who was really responsible. Ever since they and Miko opened her eyes to the truth, Ei has learned more and more that change is nothing to be afraid of. Change happens no matter what stands in its way. And now if she wants to truly ensure eternity for her home, Ei too must change.
"And so, now you want to go out and learn more about the world. Nothing wrong with that. I know it will help. But, must you do so as a student at one of those huntsmen schools? I mean, you certainly look young enough, even if you'll be the oldest student there," Miko asks.
Ei nods, "Yes. The knowledge you've given me has been very valuable, Miko. That is why I believe what you told me about being a huntress is the best way to accomplish my goal. This is something I have to do. They have such strength because of their travels. Because that's who they are, and one of the reasons why they defeated me. If I am to achieve true eternity, for Inazuma and myself, then I must go,"
Yae Miko sighs, "Very well. I know how stubborn you can be sometimes. Just know that you'll owe me for this. I told you plenty of things that will help you in the outside world, but I didn't have the time to teach you everything. Not everything is as it was when you shut yourself away in the Plane of Euthymia,"
"Yes, I'm aware. The knowledge you gifted to me was most appreciated. I have already made a few adjustments to the Raiden Shogun, so it shouldn't pose any issues for you. If you require assistance, I'm sure Kokomi will lend her aid. And I know Sara will work hard to keep the peace," Ei says.
"Alright. Just don't stay away for too long. You'll be at Beacon for a few years, which is nothing for people like us, but it's different for normal mortals, remember," Miko reminds her.
"Yes. I won't forget. Also, if I may make one last request. Should they ever return to Inazuma, give them my thanks and regards," Ei asks.
Miko smiles, "I'll be sure to do that. They always did keep things entertaining. Don't worry, I'll make sure Inazuma is here when you return. Just one thing,"
"What is it?" Ei cocks an eyebrow.
"While you're out learning more about the world, make sure to enjoy it as well. Eternity doesn't sound so good if it's full of nothing but boredom," Miko says.
Ei smiles, "I'll try to do that,"
With the matter settled, the two continue with their tea while making mild conversation. It would be a while before their next one.
...
That was a short while back, a couple days before Ei left Inazuma. Miko recommended she go to Beacon Academy above Haven, despite the school being much closer. Inazuma lived on the continent of Anima, far away from Mistral. Despite that, they have stood against all threats, including the grimm. Ei was at least familiar with them. The Creatures of Grimm have been around since the beginning of Remnant. Before Inazuma was born. Some things didn't change in Ei's absence, it would seem. Ei stands at the bow of the ship taking her to Vale. The kingdoms were around for a long time, but it's been quite some time since she set eyes upon it. No doubt there were some changes. Thankfully, Miko told her plenty of important details to help get her on her way. Including how to use the device in her hand.
"A scroll huh? Hmm, how amusing. Not like the old paper scrolls I'm more familiar with. Another example of how change occurred while I looked away from it all," Ei mutters.
Even the ship she's on was new to her. As was the lien to get on board. Miko's company, the Yae Publishing House, provided her with the funds for the trip, and an allowance should she require it. If she's going to pretend to be a student, then she'll need money. Miko also explained to her how most people don't know about the archons these days. As time went by, the people began looking to other places for faith or inspiration. As such, the archons chose to simply watch over them. Mingling with the people while hiding their divinity. To see where humanity would go without them always holding their hand. It was the same for the other deities. Not that Ei minded. She learned for herself that people tended to be more on edge when in the presence of a god. Though, that might be more because of her previous conduct than anything else. Miko also gave her a bag and some supplies for the journey and for her time at Beacon. Given that Ei still does not know everything, Miko told her she would male her other items she'd need during her time at Beacon just in case. Of course, the fox said that Ei would owe her for that as well. Ei groans slightly as her debt to Miko continues to get bigger.
She watches as the port comes into view.
"Vale... It has truly been a long time," Ei mutters.
"Oh, you've been here before, lady," one of the crewmen asks upon hearing her.
Ei turns to him, "Yes... though it has been a while," Ei says.
"I see. Well, Vale's a pretty good place if you ask me. Way better than Vacuo or Atlas. Maybe better than Mistral, but that place isn't so bad either. Well, be sure to enjoy yourself. We're about to dock," and he walks off.
Ei looks back to the city as they reach the port, "Enjoy myself... I'll certainly try,"
...
Ei makes her way through the city, heading straight for Beacon. Miko told her how the school was built outside the city's limits, but still within its walls. To get there, she'll have to take an airship from the city to the school. As she does, she takes the time to look around and get a feel for the city. There are plenty of people about, moving vehicles. She glances through the windows of the stores to glance at their products. So many new things stand before her.
"Humans truly are an interesting race. Even now, they continue to create so many interesting things. Even if they have such short lifespans, they still strive to grow, despite the dangers that may come. I must learn from their example," Ei notes as she watches a pair of kids run by.
She checks her scroll for the time. She hasn't used all of the functions on it yet, but that will come with time. And time is something she has plenty of. As she walks, she sees one of those 'TVs' that Miko mentioned at one of the store windows. Miko gave her a summary of how they work so she wouldn't make the mistake of saying 'what's a person doing inside that box' in public.
"And in other news, another Dust shop robbery was committed by the criminal Roman Torchwick. Torchwick is a career criminal who has spent years in and out of jail for a multitude of offenses. However, like the previous robberies he's committed, he has only stolen the Dust, but left the money behind. Investigators are still searching for a motive for this. Anyone who has any information that could lead to his arrest should speak with the Vale PD," a newswoman states.
Ei hums at the broadcast. Just like in the past, crime remains as well. Even if the crimes themselves have changed. While some humans are good, others are not so much. If she encounters this 'Torchwick' character, she'll put him down. Continuing on her way, she spots some Faunus and humans together. Miko also informed her of the discrimination the Faunus have faced over the passing of time. She told her about the White Fang and what it's become and to be wary of them. Hearing of such things made Ei sad. Humans can be both amazing and sad, it would seem. As she walks towards an intersection, Ei hears some noise and looks to see a red car going down the street at high speed. Behind it is a police vehicle with its lights and sirens blasting. The two people in the red car are wearing masks, with one of them firing a gun at the cop car. They head towards her intersection. Ei wonders if she should intervene when a group of kids run past her into the street. One of them, a little girl, trips and falls in the middle of the road.
"Oh no!" one of the kids yells.
The girl looks up as the red car gets closer to her. She screams and closes her eyes. However, Ei suddenly appears and picks her up. She turns to the getaway car and brings out her naginata. With a swift upward swing, she bisects the speeding car in half; the two halves falling onto the side behind her. The two crooks inside are so shocked by what just happened that they don't move.
Ei puts the girl down, "Are you unharmed?" The girl just nods. "Good. Now go to your friends," she says and the girl does just that.
The police arrive and quickly subdue the two crooks. One of them looks back to survey the damage.
"Hey, thanks for the help. You a huntress?" he asks.
"Not yet. I'm on my way to Beacon to enroll," Ei replies.
"A new student?" he looks between her and the car that's now in two pieces. "What are they feeding these kids these days... well, thanks anyway. These guys robbed a bank and tried to make a break for it. Who knows what would've happened if you hadn't shown up. Still, you might've gone overboard here,"
"Did I? My apologies. I had to make a quick decision, and so I did," Ei replies.
She wasn't wrong.
"Well, if you could just give us a quick statement, that would be appreciated," the officer says.
"That's alright. But, could you point me in the direction to the landing pads. I need to get to Beacon," Ei asks.
"As soon as we're done here, I'll do you a solid and escort you over there. It'll make up the time," the officer replies.
Thankfully, it doesn't take long for the officers to finish their work. As promised, the officer escorted her to the landing pads to Beacon. She thanks the officer and boards an airship heading for the school. The airship itself was quite the wonder for Ei. To fly in the skies like this just like a bird. Humans truly are capable of many things. As the ship nears the school, Ei takes a moment to bask in the image of it. The school boasts quite the architecture. It looks far more like an older castle than a school. But then again, a school designed to train warriors would hardly be considered normal. The ship lands, with only a few people getting off. However, as soon as Ei steps off, she's met by an older man with a cane and wearing glasses.
"My, my, having been in the city for less than an hour and already causing such a commotion. You could learn a thing or two about being subtle. But, I believe you mischievous friend excels at that," the old man says.
Ei recognizes this man. His appearance has changed since the last time she saw him, but she could never forget the aura that flows around him.
"It's been quite some time... old man," Ei replies.
...
In Professor Ozpin's office, Ei sits across from his desk, eyeing the sly headmaster. Standing behind him is a woman with blonde hair tied in a bun, wearing glasses and holding a stern, almost piercing gaze.
"I half expected you to want to have this conversation in private," Ei notes.
"Professor Goodwitch is my most trusted advisor and a good friend. Believe me when I say that you can trust her," Ozpin replies.
"I see," Ei glances at Goodwitch. "Now then, to what do I owe the honor of speaking with the headmaster in his office like this?"
"Now, now, no need to be coy. Can't a man have a simple conversation with an old friend... Almighty Narukami Ogosho, God of Thunder," Ozpin replies.
At the mention of this, Goodwitch's posture becomes more rigid. Yeah, she knows the meaning of Ozpin's words.
"Right. A talk between friends... wizard" Ei replies.
Ozpin merely smiles, "Since we're friends, perhaps you could tell me why you left your home at Inazuma to come all the way here to Beacon? Last I heard, you closed yourself off from the world to pursue eternity,"
"A request: I'd like to become a huntress," Ei admits.
Ozpin and Goodwitch freeze for a moment, "You... want to become... a huntress?" Goodwitch asks slowly.
"Yes," Ei nods.
Ozpin adjusts his glasses, "Forgive me, but may I ask why?"
"Recent events in my home have made me realize that what I truly seek cannot be found in the Plane of Euthymia. If I am to achieve true eternity, then I must understand the world I live in. I cannot do that by shutting myself away. Miko informed me about what I've missed since I last stepped foot in the mortal world. Though, she didn't have the time to tell me everything. I believe that by studying here, becoming a huntress, and going out into the world, I will find the answers that I seek," Ei explains.
Ozpin sighs, "I see you still cause quite the bit of trouble,"
"I resent that accusation," Ei frowns.
"Forgive me for asking, but what about your home? Your people?" Goodwitch asks.
"I left behind capable subordinates that I can trust. I am confident they can keep these in order while I am gone," Ei replies.
"You're serious about this?" Ozpin asks.
"I am," Ei says, determined.
They have a staring contest for a moment before Ozpin sighs again, "Very well. I will enroll you to my school. Despite the fact that you're actually older than I am, you look as young as ever. Young enough to be mistaken for a new student at Beacon. I'm almost jealous," Ozpin jokes.
"It's not my concern if you live by reincarnating every time you die. I simply keep on living," Ei shrugs her shoulders.
"That was a joke. But, I digress. We should get things settled before the new semester begins. The new students will be arriving in a week's time. That should give you time to learn a few more things about Vale and my school before the new term," Ozpin explains.
"That is fine. Miko said she will provide me with funds and items I may require during my stay here," Ei explains.
"While she can be quite the trickster, you can't deny how competent that fox is when she wants to be," Ozpin smirks.
"I think she's just mischievous," Ei replies.
Ozpin smiles, "Seeing you wanting to become a huntress... I wonder what Makoto would say about that," he thinks fondly.
Ei shares the sentiment, "She'd probably worry that I'd get into trouble. She was always mature like that,"
"She was indeed," Ozpin says, taking a moment to remember an old friend. "Okay, but if you're going to be a student here, you'll need an alias. Raiden 'Shogun' isn't exactly a normal name. Any ideas?"
Ei thinks for a moment, "How about... Raiden Ei Inazuma. This way, even if I'm away, a part of home will remain with me,"
Ozpin smiles, "I think that works perfectly,"
The rest of the conversation is made with idle chatter and settling a few more things for Ei's stay in Vale. After that, Ozpin has another faculty member escort her to an empty dorm room for her stay, at least until the start of the new term.
"Are you sure it was wise to let an Archon enroll at Beacon as a student, Professor Ozpin?" Goodwitch asks.
"Who knows? But, I have a feeling that this will be... an interesting year," Ozpin replies, looking out the window.
In her temporary room, Ei looks out her own window, "And so it begins... Watch over me, Makoto..."
And that's the chapter. Ei begins her journey towards true eternity at Beacon. I've already chosen who her teammates will be (other Genshin characters of course), and you'll see them in the next chapter. Also, while the events in Inazuma with the conflict with the Raiden Shogun did happen, I changed some details, like them not knowing about the Fatui being involved among other things. Anyway, what new trials await Ei on this path she has chosen? Who will she meet along the way? Until then, please Read and Review.