Guess I'm back to an extent on here.
Some things are working, like notifications...
However issues such as stats are still broken going on two months not to mention there still other bugs and issues to sort out.
So I'm still in the middle of protesting of sorts.
So, not to ostracize, you, the readers, I've come up with a middle ground.
I will continuously update on Ao3 throughout the month if you want to keep updated on my stories and read them when they come out.
However, around the end of the month, I will have a massive dump of updates of whatever I've worked on, spacing out chapters if something had multiple releases in that time.
Sound reasonable enough?
Edit... Bonehead here forgot to mark everything back to In-Progress...
Story of my life.
RETURNING READERS, SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 3 & 4 HAVE BEEN REWRITTEN! CHAPTER 3 IS IN THE FINAL SCENE, CHAPTER 4 IT IS IN THE FINAL FEW SCENES!
Electro-purple eyes gaze into the morning sky, feeling the gentle breeze carry Sakura petals around her.
Holding out her hand, allowing one to settle within her palm, Miko closed her eyes and let the petal float away.
Her mind was a turbulent storm.
He had returned…
And had asked for her assistance.
Having learned exactly why he hadn't returned to them for all this time, how he made his way back, what he had been accomplishing since his return…
Then, there was the issue of what she saw as she left. Those eyes that peered beyond the threshold, watching her every move carefully…
Fearfully…
What was the Hydro Archon doing here in Inazuma?
She was aware of the rumors that she was traveling about Teyvat. She had also heard that she had stepped down from the role of Hydro Archon, making her travels make further sense.
The Archon was searching for an heir apparent, either finding them or creating one.
It wasn't well known how most Archons were created, and she was one of the few privileged to know that every one of them had different origins, thanks to her travels with Naruto.
However, given the Lady Archon's status, Miko had assumed she would have been traveling with a trusted entourage. With what she knew about the Iudex, she would have expected a security team to be traveling with her.
Perhaps their top duelist at minimum, but instead, they entrusted her to an outsider?
It was Naruto, someone she knew who could garner the trust of nearly anyone, but it still baffled her that the Hydro Archon was allowed to leave her nation alone with him? And now, with an Eremite traveling with them?!
Somehow, she knew this would be extraordinarily troublesome…
A wry smile worked its way onto her lips as her eyes opened, stepping toward the cliffside of the shrine that viewed Inazuma City, eyes glimmering with mischievous intent. "Oh, if I know you, I know precisely what you are about to do, and I don't want to miss that show. You always had the most fun tormenting them…"
"Lady Guuji!"
"Hm?" Yae turned upon hearing the voice of one of her shrine maidens, Maki swiftly crossing the shrine to meet her. "Now, now. There is no need to rush. Whatever the situation, there isn't a need to fluster yourself…"
"We have a diplomat from Snezhnaya that wishes to speak with you!" Maki gasped, her eyes darting to the front of the shrine. "A representative arrived while you were out yesterday wishing to speak with you. We would have informed you sooner, my lady, but you arrived so late last night and looked so distracted no one wished to disturb you. She seems to be aware that you arrived last night…"
Scowling, crossing her arms across her chest, Miko refrained from scolding her priestess. She would have rather known than have a Fatui diplomat arrive at her shrine without knowledge they were looking for her.
With what she had recently learned, they were not the most trustworthy individuals. Not that they had been doing themselves any favors with their actions across Teyvat, regardless…
It seemed Maki could read her expression, attempting to deal with the situation herself. "If you wish, we could send them away. They may be incredibly intent on their operations, but they are respectful…"
"No, there will be no need," Miko responded, returning to her usual aloof demeanor before striding past Maki. "I will handle this. Continue to handle your duties as usual. But if you would, fetch me our little sleepy shinobi for me…"
"I have a job for her."
Miko strode to the front of the shrine elegantly, leaving Maki to her task. If things were processing as expected…
Only to stop at the sight of the refined woman standing before her shrine…
Recognizing her.
Electro purple gazed deeply into the opulent silver gaze of an amused expression of a dignified woman. "Ah, so the Head Priestess of the Shrine has finally decided to bestow me with her presence. My, it has been far too long, young Miko."
A pause followed her statement, adding to the Fatui's delight as she gazed at the silent Miko. Enjoying every second of the uncomfortable silence.
"Oh, are you surprised that I'm still amongst the living, dear?" The white-haired woman wearing a black mask spoke with gratified amusement. "I supposed, with the events of the Cataclysm, that is to be expected. And we humans are not gifted with long life such as other magnificent creatures, so you must be wondering how it is that I'm standing…"
"Rosalyne, it has been far too long." Yae interrupted calmly, stepping forward once more unabated. "Or do you go by something different nowadays? It's hard to remember all the changes in these past five hundred years… Especially when mortals mess with magic they shouldn't and mar themselves with its power, Crimson Witch of Flames."
"So you will be a challenge…" A cruel smirk crossed Rosalyne's lips before casually flicking her hair to the side daintily. "Good. I would expect nothing else from you, especially with all the positive things I have heard and have gathered about you over the years. I look forward to our encounters with anticipation…"
"And it's La Signora, if you wouldn't mind. I purged that name when I lost my love and turned to the flames." Signora added as she placed her hands on her hip as Yae stood directly before gazing upon the shrine. "My, this place is lovely. From my knowledge, this tree didn't stand before the Cataclysm, no? Must have been him…"
"What is it that you came to discuss?" Miko cut straight to the matter, observing her gaze, and found it distasteful.
She was searching for something, and she suspected she knew exactly what it was.
"Oh, is it not enough that I wanted to come and see an old friend?" Signora placed her hand on her chest, feigning indignation.
"Given the Fatui's recent agenda across Teyvat, I find that hard to believe. All these horrid acts outweigh any positive efforts the Fatui have surmounted. So forgive me for doubting your presence here, Lady Signora." Yae carefully chose her words before snidely retorting, waving her hand at a bemused Signora. "I feel pity for your Number Four… The Knave, is it? All the hard work she put into making solid relations with Fontaine to be crushed and undone by all her peers and fellow compatriots worldwide?
To Yae's surprise, Signora gave a short but haughty laugh before covering her mouth. "Ah, yes, to the outside, our actions may seem villainous. But alas, the world will only know how glorious our purpose is after we achieve it!"
Yae refrained from huffing. She was well aware of what their goal was…
And how disastrous that could turn against them if they didn't give the care to take and convince the reincarnation to their side…
Or if the followers of the Heavenly Principles found out what they were attempting…
"Alas, what I came for isn't here, I'm afraid." Signora exhaled and directly looked into Yae's scornful gaze, quickly catching her meaning and knowing she was no longer playing with her, seeing her serious expression. "As much as it pains me to cut our engaging conversation, alas, it was not worth my time to travel here. This place only seems to be a place of worship for inferior Gods and a worthless hero it seems."
This time, Yae couldn't repress her snarl at the comment. She deigned to call her Gods and the shrine of their hero inferior?
She wanted to snap her teeth into her throat, laws be damned!
Put the Witch in her place!
Her eyes narrowed as Signora turned her back and waved goodbye as she strode away from the shrine and toward her entourage waiting at the shrine's stairs. "Well, it was wonderful to see you again, child. Let's not wait another five hundred years for our next meeting, no?"
Repressing every urge in her body to transform and reveal her full glory and power to the woman, Yae watched her retreating back until she disappeared with seething hatred.
And the moment she did, a breath escaped her lips. "That woman… Another five hundred years would be too soon…"
"As I fear, I won't hold back if you dare insult my Gods and our country's, nay, Teyvat's greatest hero, to my face again!"
"Ya know the margin of error for this plan, even with my assistance, is very slim, correct? I'm gonna still be the backbone of this operation."
"Unfortunately, I am well aware of that, and I despise having to ask you to do so much. Having calculated all the risks and every possible outcome, this gives us the best possible outcome to rescue Lesser Lord Kusanali. If we do not act now, the odds lower dramatically, and we lose our chance. I would have preferred anyone else in this role…
"Nilou would be perfect for this. I'm sure I can round her up and convince her. She and Dunyazard were nearby at the theater…"
"Are you doubting my abilities?! I will have you know this is no finer performer than myself! There shall be no need for a substitute! I will come forth from my retirement and dazzle all with my marvelous performance!"
"It's not that, Lady Furina. It's that risking another nation's Archon, even one that has renounced their title, for ours doesn't sit well with me…"
"How uncouth of you to think I am just a damsel in distress! I am more than I seem!"
"I've seen evidence to prove otherwise…"
"Very well, allow me to prove to you why I am most suited for this leading role! I will dazzle you with a performance like none other and draw all eyes upon me! None shall be spared, and all weep before my acting prowess! I shall never allow another soul to experience the loneliness and despair I have endured! As long as I draw breath and have the power to do something about it…"
"We will break Buer free of her captors and reunite her with her adoring country!"
"She didn't stay the night, did she? It is safe to come out, correct?"
Taking a deep breath, repressing a sigh that wanted to be released as he sat in front of a boiling cauldron while making breakfast, cerulean eyes focused upon a dazzling dressed figure who stepped past the threshold. Her step hitched as she noticed Dehya standing at the side of the threshold, flashing a toothy grin, and she nervously strode toward him, attempting to regain her confidence.
Naruto smiled amusingly at their interaction.
She was uncomfortable around Dehya still but was growing more accustomed to her presence. Then again, she was used to having a strong masculine presence in her life that led the show…
The Iudex had been her guide for so long when she was uncomfortable… *
The same could be said for Dehya. She ironically got along with him better and instead spent her active time with him as he was someone she could relate and converse with…
But she was the main reason for Dehya being hired.
That and the lucrative amount of Mora offered from the Iudex to accept the position…
And Dunyazard finally being cured of Eleazar and convincing her she could face life for the first time without that illness weighing her down, allowing her to head out once more and blaze her trail once more…
While constantly writing letters to her, telling her about every little detail about the things she saw.
He shook his head of those thoughts, returning his attention to the demure and petite figure in the room, and gingerly smiled at her. He wanted to remain gentle with her.
Furina had been through enough, and he was asking the world of her to travel with him.
"Yes, she's left. But you don't need to worry about Miko. She's someone to trust." Naruto gave a patented and calming eye smile, his long, fennec ears flicking.
"You said that about Alhaitham," Furina frowned, placing her hand on her hip and pouting as her voice started timidly and began to raise in volume. "And he wasn't very trustworthy at all! Look at all the trouble we were brought into because of him! I was nearly thrown into jail because of the stupid plan, and if it weren't for Dehya and Cyno, the Matra would have locked me away to wither to dust!"
"That's because someone can't help but put on a show when asked to be an actress," Naruto muttered under his breath, ignoring the scathing glare he received from Furina before meeting the gaze directly. "And as if I would have let you get put away. You know better than that. And if I recall correctly, you were all for putting on the performance of a lifetime?"
"I… Uh… But…" Her eyes darted wildly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he recalled her reasoning for following Alhaitham's dangerous plan as her hands traced her Vision fashioned to her sash tied in a neat bow on her vest.
Her walls came crumbling down further as Dehya piled on, a gleeful grin on her face. "Oh, I remember her impassioned speech about freeing Lesser Lord Kusanali. It was a dazzling display…"
"You boorish fiend! How dare you defile me with your false praise!" Furina spat in frustration, stomping her feet in frustration and glaring at Dehya.
Dehya howled in amusement at Furina's reaction, enjoying her frustration with an amused grin. However, her attention was diverted toward Naruto, hearing him cough. "Huh? What's up? I ain't going overboard, and you know it! You've done worse!"
"Not where I was going," Naruto shook his head, not minding the teasing, noting Furina's demure posture had risen far more considerably since Yae had left. "I was going to say starting tomorrow, it's about time we started making our move…"
"Isn't it too soon?!" Furina shrunk, seeming very nervous and bringing her hands to her chest. "We don't know the dangers here yet! Not only if they find out Neuvillette doesn't have it, but if the disciples find out it no longer has any power…"
"Why did you choose the journey with me, Furina?" Naruto interjected with a question, his eyes piercing into her unique gaze.
Furina flinched, turning her gaze from him. Biting her lip, her nerves frayed, she exhaled as her eyes misted. "To continue deceiving the followers of the Heavenly Principles and protect my people from any further harm… To keep their gaze on me and the Gnosis, for their gaze was already focused on you. Traveling with you was the safest decision…"
Letting his gaze soften, standing from his seat, Naruto gently laid a comforting hand on her slumped shoulder. "And do you think I'm gonna let any harm come to you? To someone that has given everything they have over the centuries to protect their people despite their limitations and shone so brightly?"
Tilting her gaze up into his, Furina felt a sense of comfort. A genuine yet frail smile graced her lips. "No… I'm just overly worried about what could happen… And now that it is widely known that I'm traveling throughout Teyvat, it will be difficult for you to keep a low profile…"
"The most important person I wanted to inform now knows I'm here, so I think it's time to make our grand debut…" An ear-to-ear grin crossed Naruto's features, and his eyes twinkled. "And I have only one thought on how to make it…"
"I feel it's time for our majestic opener!"
"One has returned? I had not anticipated this."
"You had not anticipated this? Odd… You told me that I would have the choice whether to integrate with human society or not after assisting with building the new Jade Chamber. …I felt I didn't fit in and returned."
"Is that so? And what of the Travelers from Beyond the Stars? Was one not accepted by the siblings?"
"I… I felt comfortable around them if that is what you mean. They were very accommodating and accepted me for who I was… Treating me just like I was anyone else…"
"Ha! One still has much to learn, it seems! One does not understand why one asked the Traveler to watch over a silly little child. You still have no clue as to what your heart yearns for."
"You asked them to watch over me? You expected me to…"
"One did not ask them… One asked him. Why else would one have unrestrained thy ropes to protect him? Dive into the depths with no regard for one's safety?"
"I… That feeling… I do not understand it…"
"One shall in time. But one must take the first step and integrate with society if thy want to discover the truth… Travel with them and become closer with them… With him… After all, one desires to see grandchildren before one grows old!"
"Huh? What are you talking about? Grandchildren? Why would traveling with them give you…"
"One is such a hopeless child… Even more so than my dearest Ganyu. It is a wonder why one has no grandchildren."
Iridescent eyes shone brilliantly as the morning sunlight glinted from them, their color changing within the light.
The gaze was fixated on a single figure resting. One resting in bed after their long discussion on what happened last night. And she sat across from the bed in a chair, keeping watch, having woken earlier.
She respected the wishes of the sibling to sleep in a different bed from him, but she still didn't quite understand. There was a feeling she had for him, but she wasn't quite sure what it was.
A desire to protect him. To see him safe…
To see his smile for it gave her this strange sensation. One she could not identify.
Shenhe pondered her master's words.
Was this the first step in becoming closer to him? To understanding her own feelings?
She felt she was learning how to interact with others through them and had learned how to communicate well. Learned more about emotions in a way. Felt far more comfortable around others, but especially him…
The way he talked…
Carried himself in tense situations…
How cordial he was, especially toward her…
Those sparkling, vivid eyes…
His luxurious blonde locks…
Why was her hand combing through his hair?
Why was she sitting on his bed now? With his head right next to her lap?
When did she get here? How? Did her body autonomously move over here while she was gazing upon…
Hearing a light groan escape from Aether's lips as his eyes flickered, the wind sucked away from Shenhe's lungs. Their eyes met, and she flushed as he stared deeply into her iridescent gaze—a mixture of confusion on both faces.
Were they getting closer to giving Cloud Retainer grandchildren?
This was not her goal! She was not even close to being ready for that commitment!
If Lumine saw this, she would be in massive trouble…
"Um, Shenhe?" Aether muttered, cautiously glancing to ensure Lumine was still sleeping as he kept his voice low. "Morning? Can I ask what it is you are…"
"I fear these emotions I don't understand are controlling me… I need to excuse myself…" Shenhe swiftly removed her hand, standing up, and rapidly headed for the exit of the room, stopping at the door. "I apologize for the rude awakening. …Please forgive me."
Awkwardly blinking as he watched Shenhe exit the room, rising from his bed, Aether frowned at her actions. Shenhe had been acting abnormally around him since she returned from Mt. Aocang, wishing to journey with them.
In fact, ever since Beisht, she had been acting strange toward him and had this peculiar look in her eyes and had a certain mannerism toward him. Lumine had picked up on…
"Are you purposely being dense? Or is it that you are playing the part?"
"Huh?" Aether fumbled and nearly fell back in his bed before glancing at the other bed, noticing Lumine was still lying in bed, unmoving but awake. "You've been awake! Wait, you were aware…"
"Hard not to be when someone sleeping beside you gets up early…" Lumine muttered, rolling her eyes and yawning as she sat up and gave her brother a deadpan stare. "You are an idiot. You do know that, right?"
"Hey!"
"How many civilizations have we seen crumble?" Lumine spoke, her eyes shimmering as she took in her brother's annoyed gaze before he shrunk back. "We have traveled through the stars for eons. We've seen empires rise and fall. Planets and stars form and fade back into dust. We've observed and learned so much from so many different civilizations. Fallen in love so many times and having watched our beloved become old and pass before our very eyes? " *
Aether's eyes glistened as he listened to his sister. He knew all this.
He had been purposely ignoring the signs, for it was true…
"Is it any different than what you are doing?" Aether hung his head, failing to meet his sister's gaze. "Ignoring the possibilities and involving yourself in a fantasy world so you will never have to experience the heartbreak again? Avoiding communicating and allowing me to do most of the talking while you do most of the guide work?"
"Analytical as ever," Lumine quipped, rolling her eyes before they fell to the floor as her shoulders slumped. "Although, you are not wrong… I fear we are both avoiding what we fear the most. I see it, and I know you do. And I know it's time to open again and give it a shot once more. After all…"
"It may be a blink of an eye to us, but to them, it's the most meaningful time in their lives, is it not?"
"Makoto… Makoto! No! Please, no!"
"Ei? You came? I'm so sorry… I prayed that I could change the outcome here, but alas, they would not listen…"
"No! Don't speak! I'll get you back home… Where is he? Why did he take my familiar on his journey when we were in crisis? He could have…"
"Ei, it's okay. All of Teyvat is in crisis. Solving and saving the world is far more virtuous than just our country… Then me…"
"Don't you say that! Nothing is more important than you! Without you… Inazuma will crumble! I… I can't…"
"You must… You can…"
"Makoto! Ei!"
"You! You are here! Don't you dare let her…"
"Save it! I got this! Her body is too damaged. Whatever happened, I can't recover it in the state it is in…"
"What do you mean? You said you can…"
"As long as her soul is still strong, I can… You can move souls, correct?"
"Yes? I am capable of such ability…"
"Good… Do it! What I'm about to do is difficult and the first time I've ever really tried the full version of the technique… Makoto, are you ready?"
"You two… Fine. I'm ready. …Do it."
"Creation of All Things!"
Standing within Tenshukaku, the Aether, for one of the few times in his life, felt chills run down his spine.
The pressure and aura of the room was palpable. The intimidating sensation of that electro-purple gaze as she looked down upon them from her steps.
Imposing her will upon them…
This was the will of only one of the twin Raiden Shoguns.
And it was as an imposing of a force as he had ever come across. Lumine was nervous and fidgeting against the pressure placed upon them, and even Shenhe was coldly locking eyes with the woman, defiantly staring at her.
He prayed that nothing would come of that…
It's mixture with the gentle and calming ambiance emitted by the one she towered over as if guarding, as she meditated before the electro throne, her eyes slowly opening to gaze upon them warmly. "Ah, the observers from the stars have finally arrived. I welcome you to Inazuma, dear travelers. It must have been a long, arduous journey for you and your companion."
"You unfortunately have during quite an agitated period in our country, and I must question your choice of arrival. Why would you travel here considering Sumeru borders Liyue, where you were last journeying?" The standing Shogun scowled, gazing down at the travelers condescendingly with an untrusting gaze.
"Ei, please, they are guests." Makoto rose from her seat, slowly descending the steps with the utmost grace as her purple kimono elegantly flowed with her, causing her sister to flank her side as she descended and arrived at the bottom of the steps. "Do please try and attempt to be cordial. With all that has been occurring, this was not happenchance but ordained by the fates to happen. Do not blame them for their choices."
Ei simply huffed in response, crossing her arms over her chest, keeping her unwavering gaze upon the travelers.
Makoto exhaled at her sister's defiance, her gaze softly falling upon the travelers. "As you must be aware, given your meeting with young Kamisato yesterday, Inazuma is facing a crisis. However, why I insisted on summoning and speaking with you first before others was… I wish to not call for your aid, but for you not to intervene but merely observe and record our history with minimal interference as you Watchers are supposed to."
"Despite being drawn into this world's problems by the Heavenly Principles, this is our problem." Ei sharpened her gaze toward the travelers. "You may have intervened in other nations, even at their behest. We, however… What is this? An intruder?"
Her gaze went straight to the door, her hand grasping her naginata that formed in her grasp, alarming everyone at the sudden aggressive act. However, a simple hand was placed on her shoulder, an amused expression on Makoto's face as her eyes glittered. "I sense… A familiar presence? How lovely…"
"He has returned."
"What?" Ei snapped her head to her sister before a commotion at the door drew all attention as the doors to Tenshukaku burst open.
"You are not allowed to…"
"Stand aside! I request an audience to judge my fellow Archons! For I am the Archon of Justice, and none are above my law!" A boisterous voice echoed from a young figure as she raised her hand into the air before strutting inside with splendor and triumph in every step.
Several guards casually tossed aside as two individuals walked a step behind her flank, one with a grin from ear to ear. His ears flicked as both sets of electro eyes fell upon him, one pleased.
The other…
"Yo! How ya doing? Been a while, hasn't it?"
Electro currents filled the air. The air became heavy and difficult to breathe as an immense pressure built within.
Storm clouds gathered and rumbled throughout the skies of Inazuma. Winds whipped wildly as lightning began to strike without warning.
Cerulean eyes locked in with a particular set of seething purple eyes. One tilted his head. The other flickered her naginata in rage.
Screams followed as electro filled the room.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!"
With stats still broken, if you would so kindly, R&R? Engagement is the fuel for us writers, without it, many stories would not continue.