The air was stiff and heavy. The smell was rustic.

She expected that was due to how people were allowed in the building. After all, this was the ceremonial throne room of Tenshukaku. Only a few andon were aligned correctly on each side of the room sparsely and on the shrine to the Archon herself to light the room minimally. Toward the end of the room, in the embedded shrine with the different chochin hanging symmetrically on each side was the Electron Archon symbol.

And standing before that very symbol before slowly making her descent down two flights of stairs of the shrine towards the three heads of the Tri Commission...

Was the Almighty Shogun herself.

The elegant stride of each step she took and unwavering conviction as she strode forward. The rippling in the air as she descended, her eyes unblinking as she looked upon the governing body she held accountable for her precious Inazuma. It was an intimidating sight to behold.

Her Archon was beautiful and terrifying simultaneously. But for one of the few times in her life, this mesmerizing scene before her left her with nothing but contentment. And unfortunately…

It was the puppet that strode before them, not the real Archon.

Ei had returned to her realm, it seemed. That would make carrying about this far more tedious. The mortals did not need to know what her Archon had done to combat erosion and to try to live eternally.

However, this also could make things…

Easier.

Miko bowed along with the heads of the commissions as the Shogun reached the final step and stood before them, standing unwavering as she looked upon them. She could almost feel the puppet's gaze linger on her for a moment longer before it returned to her duties.

She had attended many meetings in the hundreds of years she had been doing this. To the Shogun, her creator's familiar presence was nothing abnormal over the years, especially when important matters needed to be discussed.

And it even seemed the Shogun wasn't entirely pleased with her creator's actions despite her tone as she spoke to the tri-commission officials in her cold, callous voice. "Kujou Takayuki. I have received reports of an experimental Fontaine machine capable of filtering and purifying Electro particles on Yashiori Island. Is this true?"

"Yes, Almighty Shogun!" The middle-aged clan head of the Kujou clan bowed reverently before her Excellency. "The Mikage Furnace. There have been some struggles with it recently. A new report from the Fontaine researcher said a Vision user was required for assistance to solve the issue, and due to the decree…"

"Dispatch Sara." The Shogun decreed without hesitation as she robotically gazed at the head of the Kujou clan. "Her eternal loyalty and staunch dedication to Inazuma's eternity is why I have allowed her to retain her Vision. A technology that can resolve the current crisis at hand…"

"Is a necessary evil. Hiiragi Shinsuke, ensure proper funds are set aside and provided when the problem is taken care of. Kamisato Ayato, acquire rights and space for the needed equipment when ready. More may be needed depending on the device's radius of effect." The Shogun continued to command her officials.

"It will be done, Your Excellency." Ayato bowed respectfully, and the Kanjou commissioner did the same.

"Very well," The Raiden Shogun spoke in a cold, calculating tone without the hint of remorse or care as she turned her back on the three commissioners. "Now, to the reason I have summoned you…"

"There will be a partial lifting of the Sakoku Decree." The Shogun announced as the three heads were surprised and caught off guard while Yae deeply frowned despite having come to expect something of this nature.

Ei needed the doors open for him to come to her, so this was a necessary change. Despite the other issues it could cause when others would see what was happening in Inazuma, she was too focused on her goal. Short-sighted, as usual. "We are to be more welcoming to trade through Ritou port for the time being and vet all that come through more thoroughly. Those that wish to leave must still follow the same assessment protocols."

"Kamisato, I also require a trusted member of the Shuumatsuban. One that will not fail the task I will assign them as it will take them away from Inazuma and into distant lands." The Shogun turned around, turned her attention, and focused directly on the light blue-haired head of the Yashiro commission.

Remembering what he was speaking of with Lady Guuji before being summoned to this meeting, Ayato couldn't help but think of the golden light seen during the night. The one that seemingly triggered this course of action from her Excellency. And given her reaction to him bringing it up, it felt like something divine was occurring.

And that wasn't good for the mortals caught in the wake of their God's actions.

"It will be…"

"Actually," Miko's sly voice interrupted as she closed her eyes, taking a step forward as her arms slid into her sleeves and smiled graciously. "If you mind so terribly, I believe I have the appropriate person to send only…"

"They require a retainer."

Ayato's eyes narrowed as he knew exactly which member of the Shuumatsuban the head priest was referring to. And given everything he had seen up to this point, the last thing he wanted to do was put her in harm's way.

"I see." The Shogun turned her gaze upon Yae and looked upon her smug expression, taking it in for a moment before speaking. "If you believe they are capable enough, I will consent."

"Oh, I do believe they are." Miko opened her eyes, a playful glint gleaming from them as she glanced at the puppet before her. "If anyone knows better than me what your request is, dear…"

"She's the perfect one for the job."

"Very well," The Shogun nodded her approval as Ayato silently fumed behind his schooled gaze, looking at the priestess with contempt before the Shogun's attention returned to him. "Have their travel permit ready and prepared…"

"One more thing," Yae spoke again, her smile never leaving her as she kept her gaze on the Shogun. "Given the dangers outside of Inazuma, I would like to make a temporary arrangement for her retainer to ensure her safety. Traveling is dangerous enough, but in foreign lands…"

"My, it is positively dangerous, and there is only so much even a Shummatsuban with a Vision, and a single Shrine Maiden could do all on their lonesome." Miko feigned being terrified for the two, moving her hands as she clasped them together. "I can't help but think of the horrible unknown in the great beyond…"

"My patience is wearing thin," The Shogun coldly responded, annoyed with kitsune as she glared at her creator's familiar but the compelling nature from within called her to respond.

She hated the fox sometimes.

"What is the request?" The Shogun flatly stated as she stared at the priestess, slipping her arms into her sleeves and crossing her chest disapprovingly.

Miko's eyes glimmered. It was too easy. Her directives were simple and easy to follow. She was programmed to give leniency toward her and permission to enter the Plane of Euthymia. And when Ei was deep in meditation and couldn't be bothered, she would sometimes direct the Shogun in a more enlightened direction.

Someone had to. Ei was cooped up in her solitary world, ignorant of the changes around her. She wondered how much the Shogun told her and how much was told to the Shogun.

Or even how much she truly knew what was happening.

"It's a simple request, dear. One that only you can rescind, as I'm most certain she'll volunteer it back on her return to Inazuma. If I recall, she handed it in to protect her friends and get them out of jail." Yae's eyes glinted, and her ears twitched behind her. "So all I request is…"

"That my Shrine Maiden has her Vision returned so she can adequately protect herself on this journey."

Where…

Was he?

All he remembered was the all-consuming darkness. It had been all he knew for so long that this was strange—the rough and coarse scratching against the midriff of his backside and throughout his hair. The feeling of warmth spread across his body from head to toe as it started slowly getting warmer until it became a bit too uncomfortably hot.

An aroma lingered in the air. Not the greatest of smells, acidic almost, but one he recognized. His stomach grumbled in hunger. The acrid smell was a touch pungent, but if he was correct, he smelled campfire-cooked fish, and if done right…

His stomach grumbled again. If it were edible, he would take it. He felt like he hadn't eaten in years…

And the gentle laps and sounds of splashes filled his ears. Droplets occasionally sprinkled on his face, and a soft, salty wind tickled his hair and carried the aroma of the cooked fish around him.

Everything started to come together, and his eyes opened for the first time in what felt like forever…

He saw mostly blue skies with a few clouds drifting slowly through.

It was real. He had escaped his torment and prison.

He was free. And that meant he could save…

"I see you are awake." A nearby voice caught his attention, and his head shifted slightly to the right to see a burning fire and a man wearing orange. "You are recovering faster than I thought. Even with my help, I thought you'd be out for at least a couple more hours. You looked utterly exhausted when I pulled you out of the water."

"Got some fish ready," The man nodded at the fire before reaching out and taking one and offering one to him. "Thought you might be hungry when you woke up. I've been catching fish all morning to satisfy my appetite and have only begun to feel somewhat satisfied…"

"Gonna need a whole bunch of ramen before I'm satiated, though…" The man muttered under his breath as he slowly tried to rise from the sand, feeling tired but surprisingly refreshed.

At the moment everything happened, he was physically exhausted, and if it weren't for the man before him, he would have drowned. It was surprising that he was so spry now. He hardly felt any soreness in his muscles, which was comparable to that of a light exercise.

A roar echoed in the small strip of coastline they sat amongst, and he looked sheepishly as the blonde man in front of him grinned. Then, graciously accepting the fish handed to him, he gave the slightest bow. "Thank you. I am starving."

"I can tell!" The blonde man with strange marks that looked like whiskers on his cheeks boisterously laughed before picking a fish for himself. "Help yourself! I've got a few more to cook if you are still hungry! I caught dozens of the suckers, as after one of my naps, I need to eat a lot to replenish my stamina!"

"The name is Uzumaki Naruto. Or Naruto Uzumaki if I'm here in Mondstadt or regions that prefer the given name before the family name." Naruto introduced himself as he took a bite from the fish's midsection with hunger, ripping into it with vigor.

Almost shaken by the voracity of his savior, he timidly took a few bites and swallowed them gently to let them settle first. He knew that having not eaten in a while, overeating at once could lead to severe stomach issues. And while it was well cooked, he needed to take it slow, so he didn't injure himself while eating. And after settling down and feeling more comfortable with his fellow blonde, he finally answered.

"Aether."

Giving the kid kudos for taking a slow approach and not scarfing the thing down, as he most likely wanted to, given how his stomach was rumbling, Naruto carefully kept his gaze on him as he munched on his fish. He still wasn't sure what the kid's deal was, but he knew a little more after assisting ever so slightly with his recovery.

He definitely wasn't a human from around here, that was for sure—an offworlder. So the question was, why did he come from Celestia? It was curious.

They ate in silence for a few moments longer. Naruto quickly snapped up another fish and started to devour it with a gleeful gusto that made Aether mildly nervous as he watched. He then sighed contently after a few more bites, feeling his stomach start to fill. Then his face slowly fell as his thoughts drifted. "Thank you for the food. For saving me. I can't repair such hospitality when I'm horribly lost and don't know where I am."

"Or where my sister is."

Stopping before his next bite and drifting it to the side, Naruto's cerulean gaze focused on the blonde. "So, the girl's name you mentioned last night before you passed out. Lumine. I take it. She's your sister."

"I was that incoherent?" Aether grimaced, flinched his head back, and winced before sighing as he slumped forward and nodded. "Yes, she is my sister. Heh, you might not believe this. But we travel through the stars and go to new worlds all the time. That was until we reached this place."

Hearing Naruto snort, Aether snapped his head at his fellow blonde to see him grin. "Tell me something I don't know, kid. I saw you crash into the ocean from the stars above. The more prevalent question is…"

"Is why did you come from Celestial if you travel the stars? They're the most anti-human group there possibly can be, and a couple of humans transcending worlds would piss them off." Naruto added before reaching forth and taking another much more reasonable bite of his fish. "They get off on enforcing their will against anyone they deem not obeying their Heavenly Principles before subjugating and punishing them."

Hearing him say this, Aether frowned. That seemed to line up with what he remembered when meeting…

Her.

How she detested their very existence and didn't care that they weren't of this world. It lined up. And given everything that was happening…

"Was that why that place was in ruins?" Aether pondered the memory of his last moments before suddenly arriving here.

Swallowing the bite, Naruto's eyes dilated as he squinted his eyes at the young man sitting at his campfire with him. He then took a deep breath as he drove the rest of the fish's stake into the ground and looked Aether straight in the eye. "All right, kid, now you got my attention."

"Start from the beginning, and let's figure this out and why you are stuck here on Teyvat. Something doesn't feel quite right. I feel it all leads back to Celestia and to a place I'm hoping it doesn't." He growled as he withdrew an odd scroll from a pouch on his person, opening it and placing his hand on the elaborate black array displayed on it.

"Because if it does, I think we're far more connected than we realize."

"And that's the last of you!" A happy voice cried out as a shadowy body hit, dissolved, and burned into the ground, the flowing grass surrounding the area lighting ablaze. "Oh, need to take care of that!"

A jewel began to burn brightly, and the fire fizzled, leaving the brown-haired woman in red smirking as she concentrated for a moment, and the bow in her hand dispersed. It was a handy trick she had only learned recently, something that only Vision wielders could do. And she grinned as she saw her fellow compatriot do the same with a massive claymore as she reached up and adjusted the goggles on her head. "All clear! No more hilichurls over here! Wonder what's drawing their attention over here?"

"It seems they are drawn like moths to an open flame here for the same reason we are." Eula gazed scornfully at where the last goblin-like creature was slain before her eyes scanned the area. "I believe we are nearing the epicenter given the frequency we've come across roaming in this direction."

"We're nearly at the ocean." Amber frowned as they had traversed across the Whispering Woods and into the Stormbearer Mountains and still had not found any traces of what caused the golden pillar of light, only slight damages to the trees letting them know they were on the right trail. "Eula, do you suppose it was something out at sea? We're not that far off, so it seems likely now. Could it be that an ancient Sea God awakening like the one supposedly trapped beneath the Guyun Stone Forest?"

Stopping, squatting down, and looking at the nearby trees snapped, with a few more even pulled from their roots nearby, Eula thoroughly examined the carnage and took what she knew. Amber was doing the same and making an educated guess, one she couldn't fault her for as it seemed plausible at this time and one she feared could be true.

An ancient God awakening at sea while dealing with Stormterror with depleted forces would be next to impossible. They were hardly managing as it was, and Jean was putting on a brave front. And seeing that the Acting Grand Master was showing reluctant restraint in dealing with Stormterror for some reason, she couldn't explain…

"Eula, take a look at that!" Amber called out as she spotted something and started running toward the cliffside.

Snapping her head in that direction and seeing her partner heading that way, Eula wasn't entirely sure at first what she noted when it came to her. She knew these lands well and…

That abrupt cliff did not exist before. And they didn't look to be very stable…

"Amber, be careful!" Eula called out as she quickly trailed behind, looking at the scenery in horror before realizing her friend was rushing in. "The ground's stability may give way.

"I always have my glider. I'll be fine!" Amber called out as she strode ahead to the edge, swiftly making it and checking upon the scene in awe before noting Eula's fears were correct, jumping back several steps before slipping and falling on her rear as some of the earth collapsed into several chunks, giving way and falling below. "Whoa, yeah. Still fresh. We found the blast radius!"

"Please stop making me worry," Eula scolded Amber as she came from behind Amber, gently wrapping her arm around her waist before helping her partner to her feet. "We can glide down to get a better view that way. There is a beach to land on nearby, so we can make further observations and report back."

"Right, good plan." Amber nodded in agreement as she carefully returned to the edge, scouting for the beach when she spotted a peculiar sight. "Oh, smoke? Someone's here?"

"After last night?" Eula narrowed her eyes as she observed the area once more, looking upon the sea to see if there were any noticeable signs of seafaring vessels but found nothing. "Amber, let's be cautious. I don't…"

"But what if they're hurt by what happened last night and need our help?" Amber frowned at Eula and shook her head at the distrusting knight. "It is our duty to help those in need within Mondstadt borders. We cannot take the chance that someone may be in danger with all the Hilichurl activity and what happened last night. Given that our patrols are thin as they are, we must provide what help we can!"

Eula closed her eyes and wanted to retort. It was her job as Reconnaissance Captain to be distrusting and root out all possible threats to Mondstadt. Instead, she took a deep breath and sighed at her friend's nativity. She was also correct. As one of the Knights of Favonius, it was a sworn duty to be courteous and help all who needed it. And if they needed it, which could be very likely given the circumstances…

And since they had to land on the beach regardless, they might provide useful information at the very least. So as much as he didn't like it, she would follow Amber's lead. "You're right."

"All right!" Amber grinned as she pulled down her goggles and two black wings emerged from her back, dispersing her hair momentarily before it settled back down, as the same happened for Eula. "Let's observe and then check and make sure what's happening at that camp!"

"Who knows, maybe they saw what happened here?"

"Please… Tell… Me…" Mona Megistus panted heavily as she came to a complete stop as she neared a small spring and waterfall cascaded, seeing the divine crane and illuminated had come to a stop on their own. "That… You are taking… A break."

"I told you not to follow us." Xiao retorted coldly as he strode to the waterfall, outstretching his hands momentarily in a cupping fashion, dipping them into the water by the falls before scooping the water into his mouth.

"Seriously!" Mona recoiled at the sight while she watched Shenhe retrieve a small, corked bottle, most likely used for water, from her pouch and approached the waterfall. "Wait, you too! Don't you know what could be in that water?!"

"The water here is fine," Xiao responded as he took another sip from the water before dosing his head under the falls for a brief period; having run for so long was even mildly exhausting for him. "The nearby town uses this spring for their water, and the waterfall acts as natural filtration…"

"I know all that, but they all filtrate further before using it themselves!" Mona bemoaned as she twitched at the two in annoyance before groaning in despair as she stepped forward before Shenhe could draw her water. "Fine, at least let me use my hydromancy to cleanse the water further before consumption! Who knows what else lies in there? An illuminated one obviously has far more tolerance for these kinds of things."

"I am quite used to it." Shenhe simply shrugged as she watched curiously, wondering what the Astrologist would do, and pulled her bottle back. "I was raised and trained in this manner. However, where the Adepti dwell, water is naturally purified, making it safe to drink. I am unsure of the realms outside."

"It's similar everywhere, Shenhe," Xiao stated as he kept his eye on the situation and let the water drench downward, enjoying the cooling sensation. "As long as you remember the basics, you will be fine. She…"

"Will not last long on her own if she can't handle such simple things." Xiao bluntly added as he walked by.

"No, I simply know far more about the microorganisms that dwell in every droplet of water you just swallowed." Mona retorted, catching Shenhe's attention as she was curious, as she knelt before the water, took a deep breath, and dipped her hand into the water. "I prefer not to have any harmful ones in my body. Thank you very much!"

And the sparkling blue water in the immediate vicinity pulsed as a seal-like array swept through it like a surging wave. Then, swirling her fingers gently, a vortex slowly formed at the center of the array. With a calm turn and lifting of her hand, water was gradually pulled from the vortex into a floating orb. It rose from the water before slowly reaching her, gracefully hovering above her hand.

"There," Mona happily smiled, turned to Shenhe, and nodded, "water filtered and purified. Go on, have your fill. Dip in like you normally would."

Shenhe's eyes sparkled as she watched the scene unfold. It mesmerized her as she had seen nothing quite like it. While simple, it was elegant, graceful, and serene. Everyone's Visions and abilities with them were so fascinating as they were so wildly different and capable of doing splendid things with their element.

Uncorking her bottle, she cautiously dipped the tip of the bottle as she was still worried it would shatter the moment she made contact with the floating orb of water. But it was surprisingly firm, like the surface of the water, so she could easily submerge her bottle in and fill it up.

And taking a small drink of it, curious about how it tasted, her eyes shimmered momentarily as she corked the bottle. "Unexpected. I've never tasted water so crystal clear before. It is unique, to say the least."

"I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not." Mona twitched before giving a heaving sigh as she took a canteen from her back, easily filled it, took a leisurely drink, and lifted the water back to where it came. "However, since you said you were raised in this manner, I can only assume illuminated beasts raised you. Given his temperament, a lot is explained…"

"Master?" Shenhe tilted at a silent Xiao, whose back was turned to the event, his hair swishing as his head swiveled away from them. "There are similarities that I see. Birds of a feather…"

"Shenhe," Xiao spoke, his voice irritated and disapproving as his head turned and his eyes gazed upon her. "We needed to make haste. The more time we waste on this frivolous…"

A rumble interrupted his speech, and his eyes shifted to a feverishly blushing witch as she tipped her hat to try and hide her face from embarrassment. He blinked momentarily before closing his eyes, remembering he was traveling with a human companion. Whether or not Shenhe acted more like an Adeptus was a trivial matter. She still needed more substance than the measly herbs she was chewing on.

"Shenhe," Xiao turned to a nearby tree, and with a simple flick of his right wrist, his polearm appeared and severed and cut the tree down. "Do you remember the survival skills I taught you?"

"Yes, master!" Shenhe nodded and was ready to prove herself.

"Good. Time for them to be put to the test." Xiao stated as he turned and faced the divine crane. "I've given you a head start. Let's see if you can set up camp this time and help your hungry friend here. Should be a few fish in the spring. I believe I showed you how to do it before. It's the same way my master taught me."

Hearing that and knowing why they were on this journey, Shenhe understood and scurried. Then, with strength that alarmed Mona, she shattered the severed tree with unheralded force and broke it down into much more manageable pieces before moving to find a place to set a campfire.

"What kind of strength does she have? She broke it with her hands…" Mona looked on wide-eyed as she watched Shenhe for a few moments before shaking her head and turning her attention to the teal-haired Adeti, watching his pupil set up a camp. "And what's with this sudden shift? I thought you needed to make haste?"

Xiao responded with a grunt as he carefully watched Shenhe's movements, ensuring that everything he had taught her was appropriately used. That not a skill was wasted and that she could survive as slowly, but surely Adepti were fading from this world and soon…

He and Cloud Retainer would be amongst them too. Of that, he was certain. And if it were to be during her time alive, he wanted to make sure she could fend for herself and…

The skills he was taught were passed down to another.

"Or is it because you fear what will come when you see the Ancient Fox God again?" Mona's voice quipped and snapped his focus.

And his eyes darted dangerously toward her, a scowl written on his face. He then turned away from her and snarled at her. "You know nothing of what you speak."

"Oh, don't I?" Mona grinned before shrugging her shoulders and turning her gaze from the illuminated beast to the rest of the springs. "Well, you shouldn't worry too much. I have foreseen destiny, and if something catastrophic were to happen…"

"Would I be willing to risk myself to pursue that knowledge?" Mona casually finished as she started to walk toward the spring itself and see if she couldn't help somehow.

Or at least look around and see if there was the possibility of making something that wasn't fish related. She would accept it if it were her only choice…

Well, at the very least, she wouldn't be paying!

Inside an elegant room with a table on the tatami mats, two individuals sat at the table on a zabuton facing one another. While one looked confident and content with the situation as they sipped on a cup of tea, the other seemed displeased as he gazed at the other.

"What are you thinking? The Shogun is sending the youngest member of the Shuumatsuban and a Shrine Maiden in name only on a disturbingly dangerous mission." A very irate Ayato kept his calm composure as he spoke and stared directly at his counterpart.

And she was somehow agitating him further. Her closed eyes and that knowing smile put him off as the woman was striking all his nerves. "I don't know what game you are playing, but I will not allow you to endanger the lives of…"

"Relax, my dear boy," Miko gingerly placed her cup back on the table as her eyes slid open, and she met his gaze firmly. "Do you think I would put the poor child or the girl entrusted in my care by the halfwit in danger?"

"Given your history, one can never be certain," Ayato responded callously as he folded his arms together. "To get what you desire, I would be so bold as to say you would sacrifice what you need to obtain it, especially if it was for the Shogun. History has shown that to be true."

A sly grin crept onto the corner of Yae's lips as they quivered. She then chuckled as she held her hand over her mouth. "Oh my, you did your research well. You're absolutely right. That would be the case…"

"Under any other circumstance." Miko's purple eyes glimmered as she broke eye contact and looked despondently away. "What if I were to tell you that my devotion to the Shogun is equaled by another?"

Frowning and wondering what game the head priestess was playing here, the head of the Kamisato clan took in the sight of the kitsune in front of him. The lowering of her ears, dropping of her shoulders, and breaking eye contact were unusual traits for her. Nevertheless, for her to say something that truly matched her devotion to the Shogun, he simply couldn't believe it.

"I truly cannot fathom that. I am aware of your love for the written arts and tireless work to share them with the whole of Inazuma, but even then, it pales in comparison to your commitment to your Excellency. You have always shown her the utmost care even if your respect sometimes is lacking." Ayato stated the facts as he knew them.

Yae chuckled as she lowered and shook her head. "Funny you bring up the written arts. I have been fascinated with them since I was a child as I grew up watching the one I loved the most write the most wondrous stories about his homeland. They were always so extravagant, and the spins he put on the tales, while boisterous and lavish, always sucked me into the world he was sharing with me."

Ayato's attention was drawn as he sat perfectly straight as Miko returned her gaze to him as she exhaled deeply. "The golden light is vital to both the Shogun and me. She, however, has long since moved on and only sees the dangers it possesses. And I wish nothing but to protect it and keep it from her until it's ready to return to Inazuma…"

"And return home and lay all of this unease to rest."

Keeping his impassive gaze as he studied Lady Guuji, Ayato found it quite curious. Having dealt with her for years, this was in stark contrast to everything he knew of the Grand Priestess, yet it contrasted perfectly as she was conflicted. She wanted nothing more than to please her Shogun, yet at the same time, whatever this was…

The story she told of literature clicked with Ayato as he reached forth and lifted his cup of tea before taking a sip of it. "So I can only assume this deal with the ancient Gods and one has awoken again. And given the scope of its awakening, I can only guess her excellency wishes to personally see the deed done or have it drawn here to do it herself. Again, I fear sending a child and young woman for such a job…"

"They will be fine. You have my word. That event, while cataclysmic, was due to circumstances outside of his control." Miko cut in, her eyes darting at Ayato before huffing in response. "The Shogun only made it easier to do what I was already planning. I wanted to send her out to find her personally as she is the best candidate for bringing him home and…"

"Keeping him away for as long as he needs to be." Yae's stern gaze bore into the Kamisato head before her ears suddenly perked ever so slightly, and she grinned. "And it will be the best thing for her ever since her master's disappearance. She'll learn the arts of Shummatsuban from where they originated and maybe help find her motivation again as his kindred spirit has burned brightly, even through his erosion."

"The originator of the…" Ayato muttered before he genuinely expressed his surprise before Miko continued. "Wait, do you mean the golden light was…"

"Yes. I see you have done all of your history research thoroughly, unlike many others. Good. I expected nothing less from you." Yae gave a foxy grin before gazing up wistfully. "Yes, the light is that of our Archon's betrothed. The ancient Golden Fox that many simply thought vanished and died shortly before the calamity."

"He never did." Miko's gaze dropped, and her eyes glistened sullenly. "He went home to rest, and in his sleep, many tragedies occurred, and the Shogun's once eternal love for him has seemingly faded to distrust and loathing. When Inazuma needed him most, he wasn't here, and she holds him accountable for it. My heart breaks for her, but to blame it all on him, I do not accept. Her feelings are misguided, and I need time to help soothe her troubled mind."

Bringing his right hand to his chin, Ayato thoughtfully pondered why she was willingly telling him this now. Yae had expressed she wasn't keen on informing him before the meeting, but now she was indulging him in such a manner, so obviously, something had changed. He knew she had met with the Shogun after the meeting was dismissed. She came here after, and he couldn't help but wonder what that conversation dealt with, considering the priestess' current mood.

However, he knew a ploy to gain his trust when he saw one. Sympathy was a well-used tool, and Lady Guuji could employ it well. Even in this circumstance, when her feelings were genuine, she was still cunning and using them to coerce him to do as she wished.

It left a bitter taste in his mouth. She was ever the manipulator. But sympathy for her and the Almighty Shogun he was sworn to serve…

And he still didn't feel like he was being told everything. He was only being told just enough to satiate his curiosity, not sufficient to inform him fully. It was agitated but expected coming from Lady Guuji, and if it was about her past, especially her history with the Shogun, she was…

Well, historically cryptic about it.

"You stated that the Golden Fox is eroding." Ayato brought his hand down and rested it on his lap, his gaze questioning as he held hers. "How can we be sure that he isn't finally breaking down like many of the old Gods have? The pillar of light could be a sign that he has lost control and needs to be put down, and the Shogun simply displayed her might and sorrow to all, signaling she'll do it…"

"And that day is not now," Yae stated as she closed her eyes, cocked her head, and grinned. "I know everything is fine with him as, like our dear Shogun, I have a familial bond with the Golden Fox. I can roughly feel his mental state and presence in the distance and…"

Closing her eyes, taking a deep breath, and letting the world draw her, Yae felt everything around her and everyone around her. It was beautiful as it always was, and she smiled, but she looked for a specific feeling as it was more substantial than most others. Usually, searching for anything outside of Inazuma would be foolish as she wouldn't be able to pick up on it, however…

A golden glow filled her presence, but unlike when she was younger, the energy and hope she felt every time she came across it was replaced with remorse and…

"I feel his sorrow and pain. He's woken up and recognized a terrible tragedy had occurred while he slept, unable to do anything about it. And in a moment where erosion had crept in, he wasn't able to restrain his powers as he grieved." Miko opened her eyes, and they misted over briefly as her ears dropped further behind her. "There are a lot of other complexities, but he is in the stages of grieving…"

Mildly frowning upon hearing this, as this was information the Shogun must know, Ayato was confused by last night's actions and the resolute nature of the Guuji, wanting to keep the Golden Fox away from Inazuma for some time. It was possible the previous night was an aberration, and she acted out violently, which historically had merit. But there was the fact she also stated she needed time to influence the Shogun's opinion, which meant…

She felt justified in her actions. And the Shogun was not one to be swayed so easily, given how difficult it was to overturn the Vision Hunt Decree. If they could only get her attention to the damage it was doing to her people…

"Lady Yae, if I may be so bold," Ayato sternly gazed into her eyes, "with the Vision Hunt Decree, many have sought refuge and hiding because of it. Yet you would willingly oppose the act to help someone else have theirs returned to them, so I must ask this. Why have you done nothing to oppose the act so far?"

Of all the reactions he could get, Ayato was flabbergasted by the one he received. She smiled at him with closed eyes, tilting her head. "Oh, what makes you think I haven't?"

"We all have separate ways of protecting what we cherish and love. One may be hiding those underground, helping them escape Inazuma, making fake Visions, or at worst directing them to the resistance when all fails." Yae grinned as she made Ayato uncomfortable, listing things he and his sister were actively doing, making it very clear she knew what they were doing. "Myself…"

"Well, it's much better not to look like we're colluding, my dear boy! The less we know about what each other is doing, the better." Miko purred as Ayato still looked quite uneasy before her eyes slowly opened and gazed into his once more. "So now that we know a bit about our little rebellions, can I get your assurance that when they arrive here, and they will, you'll be on board with my upcoming operation?"

"To help restore Inazuma and give a breath of life back to this country?"

As Aether finished telling his story, Naruto was silent and took it all in. It was quite the tale of how they ended up here in Teyvat and how the Goddess, whom he had a sneaking suspicion he had met before, ruined the young man and his sister's life.

"Well, that's something you don't hear every day," Naruto muttered to himself, rolling and flicking his now sealed and rolled scroll in between his fingers before focusing on the traveler of the stars. "You broke out of their prison because you saw my light. Just my luck, I signaled my awakening to everyone and have seemingly caused a chain of events to start to unfold."

"Yeah, that sounds right. That's unfortunately in my playbook." Naruto grumbled in annoyance, flicked his left hand through his hair, and rolled his eyes before waving at the young man. "Got to hand it to you, in any case. Props on your incredible will to keep fighting for that long and getting away from them, but man, I, well…"

"At least something positive came out of my lack of control. That's a rarity." Naruto sighed before throwing his head back and looking up at the sky. "Man, we both have screwed-up issues due to the Heavenly Principles. And now that place was involved…"

"Khaenri'ah."

"How are you so sure from everything I said?" Aether chewed on a second fish slowly as Naruto had put more into the campfire and had them cooking and felt his stomach was ready to handle them now after the first.

Gazing at the slow-moving clouds above, frowning as he knew what this world was, Naruto sighed deeply. He then looked back and glanced back at the young offworlder, and gave him a soft but sorrowful smile. "I know a thing or two, and that isn't any of the continents of Teyvat, that's for sure. And given that you said it was amongst the clouds, only they would have been bold enough to reach for the heavens."

"At least the true heavens…" Naruto muttered under his breath before sliding the scroll into his pouch and looking at the fire before him.

Turning his attention to the fire crisping the fish, remembering the destruction as he and his twin ran to escape and head to a new realm, Aether lowered his head. "That place…"

"It doesn't exist any longer, does it?"

"Long gone, I'm afraid." Naruto slowly drew one of the fish from the fire as his appetite had turned sour despite still feeling starved. "Someone I dearly cherished…"

"Perished there while I rested for the last several hundred years."

The solemn silence that followed was louder than any roar as they both stared into the fire. Aether wished to express his condolences. But he couldn't find the words or the strength to muster them. And in his heart, he wanted to know more, but he wasn't willing to push since the sorrow in his eyes seemed fresh. He didn't want to burden him further.

And then his thoughts turned to Lumine.

Not knowing what his sister could be suffering if she was still imprisoned. If she had fallen into these lands without her power. Left hollow and weak, possibly in a more dire situation than he was.

Clenching his fists tightly, his eyes hardened. He needed to leave. He needed to find her. To get to her. She was strong, but she was his little sister. They always tried to take care of one another, and he was sure that if she was in his position or if he escaped her prison, she would be doing the same for him.

"Naruto," Aether began as he picked himself off the sand and started to dust himself off. "I thank you for everything you've done, and if there is anything I can do, you can count on me to help you at any time. But I need to move. My sister needs me and…"

"Yeah, you're right…" Naruto interrupted with a soft sigh before stretching out, lifting off the sand, and beginning to put out the fire. "It's time we head out then and get this journey underway."

"We?" Aether stumbled back and nearly tripped as he was startled by Naruto's comment as he smothered the fire and picked the last few fish out.

"Uh, yeah." Naruto blinked as he gazed over the traveler through the stars before tossing him one of the cooked fish. "What, did you think I was about to let a kid from another world that just nearly drowned go off on his own in a new world on his own? Especially hearing that he used to have mystical powers that were drained, and this world is full of terrifying monsters and bandits? What kind of irresponsible adult do you think I am?!"

"I'm coming with you, kid!" Naruto boisterously announced as he glared at Aether halfheartedly before fully investing in the act with a manic grin, a head tilt, a close of his eyes, and a fist pumped into the air. "If you're going to be traveling through this forsaken place looking for your sister or getting to them, you're going to need a guide! And I am just that guy!"

Aether couldn't help but drop beads of sweat at the sight before him and took a few steps back, unsure how to process the energy. It took a second to relax and comprehend the entire message, and a small smile graced his lips. "Are you sure? I don't want to take you away from anything you're doing…"

"Nah, let's hit the road. I always help those in need, so let's get out of here. Your sister is waiting for you." Naruto grinned and scratched the back of his neck before patting Aether on the back. "This is way more relevant than anything I have pending."

"Thanks." Aether grinned back before looking at the opening between the cliff sides as it was the only place they could get to. "I could use help adjusting to the cultures of new worlds. Lumine always said I was stiff and struggled with it."

"Heh, you and me both…" Naruto grinned before sighing as he looked back out at sea and grimaced.

He then exhaled and turned his head. For now, he took his mind off the thought as it wasn't his top priority. First and foremost, he had to take care of himself. Grieving and finding his way first before dealing with her was more imperative. Then once he was ready…

"Hello down there!"

"What in the…" Naruto blinked as he and Aether stopped, hearing a cheerful voice carried in the winds.

They both turned to see two young women slowly gliding down on black feathery wings, landing on the sandy beach in front of them—one with brown hair wearing red and the other with light blue hair wearing primarily black.

And it was her prismatic eyes that caught his gaze as she spoke. "If you wouldn't mind…"

"We have a few questions we would like to ask."

I thank those who were patient and have been enjoying the story.

Updates are slow and random as the focus is on Fox of Remnant, and this is the side project.

This chapter was a more celebratory break before I focus back in on Fox.