Sorry for the wait...
This is really my backup story and my go-to when I'm just feeling down.
Smaller chapter, but most chapters I write now are 4 to 5k for my own sanity.
Not to mention I am currently on break for mental health reasons.
But had some inspiration to write this while playing Genshin and was waiting for the patch to download...
Another character is being introduced, a personal favorite of mine, but she'll be a struggle to write...
But considering she's my choice for Mona's ship, bringing her in just as things are about to start is the best way.
Enjoy.
"Interesting… I've never seen so much movement from one thing before…"
"I'm curious as to what it could be. With such an incident to not only draw the attention of the Qixing and the Adetpi but the eye and focus of Rex Lapis… Something immense just awoke in Mondstadt and piled onto their troubles. I can't wait to see the look on her face if it blows up and makes her relations with them worse! Ha, that would be wonderful!"
"Such a troublesome child you are. It's no wonder you have so much trouble with Ningguang's personal agent!"
"Seem to remember she's bested you as well!"
"Ah, but we have had many spirited tests of intellect, my dear boy, and she is the most challenging foe! I dare say it is something you will understand when you are old… Something the matter over there? You seem quiet. Is it perhaps the parting of the storm clouds around Inazuma? Are you that forlorn…"
"We need to watch our step carefully… I believe I know what has awakened."
"Oh, now that's interesting. Do tell. I would love it as if it is something you are aware of… I dare say it's related to her, isn't it? And if my historical knowledge of Inazuma is close to accurate, I think I may know exactly what it is we are dealing with now things have infinitely become more interesting! The Tsaritsa must know at once!"
"Wait, why is this such an exciting development… Now I'm at a loss…"
"You… Are too bold, Regrator. He is beyond your reach."
"Maybe so, but a plan must be made! For one whose desire matches hers is awoken in such a state…"
"Let the game begin!"
"You are… Not making haste back to Inazuma?" Xiao whispered, his golden eyes slanted as they questioned his master's decision. "Given her response, something doesn't add up. I am well aware of your relationship, master… What has changed?
Naruto only sighed as they lagged, allowing the peculiar witch of Hexenzirkel to lead Aether and Shenhe toward Mondstadt, considering that was where his goal was. She was more than willing to do so, wanting to learn more about the boy who fell from the stars, and Naruto pushed him to his helpless fate, sealing his doom.
He wasn't dealing with her at the moment…
She was an odd one…
Slicking his hand through his spiky locks while his other hand fingered his memory scroll, Naruto's eyes glistened. "There are… Some things you aren't aware of and are… Not meant to be known by those outside of the Shogun's trusted confidants. Things have changed because… They aren't the same any longer."
Xiao snapped back before scowling. His eyes narrowed further and held a more dangerous tint to them. "What does that mean? You stated you still had business to attend to but aren't not heading there with haste, so I don't…"
"Makoto is dead, Xiao… It's her sister that sits upon the throne as the acting Shogun."
Xiao's body went rigid as he heard his master's sorrowful tone and vacant look in his eyes.
He knew his master had no reason to disclose the truth, which only intensified the astonishment. The sheer amount of discrepancies over the years of the actions this Shogun had taken compared to her benevolent past actions made it painfully clear something had happened…
But much like Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya, it was expected something changed the Shogun after that event, for even Rex Lapis stated he was not without scars due to what happened…
A gentle breeze whispered through the wind, brushing through their hair as they stopped walking.
Avian eyes peered upon the sullen and depressed form of their master as his expression faded and his head and shoulders sunk. He had never seen him like this…
He was reminding him of his other master before the end…
And seeing how full of light he was the last time he had seen him with Miko as they played, he could see how much being Inazuma had changed him over several millennia…
"That's what I felt when I awoke… Why my emotions slipped out of control and caused my power to explode…I don't want to head there, and deal with that, if I can't deal with myself, ya know?" Naruto whispered as he clenched and unclenched his hand and grimaced. "If I don't feel capable of handling and taking care of my mess, what makes me think I can handle the mess over there? …I believe I am barely capable of handling the kid's ordeal. And even that might be asking too much of me…"
Xiao's eyes shifted forward to those traveling ahead, seeing a genuine smile on the young man as he seemingly nervously tried to avoid answering a question from the coven witch while Shenhe looked on curiously, only wanting to know more. If he was the falling star, managing to break free from Celestia's hold on him, that could only mean…
"Xiao," He snapped his attention toward and looked into his gaze, seeing an almost desperate look in his eye. "I need your help… I don't know how much longer I have left after that incident. I'm gonna need you to help hold me together long enough to get me to Inazuma so I can finish this… But most importantly, to make sure he's ready to deal with what I fear is likely to come…"
"Can I count on you for one last mission, Alatus?"
"How's this?"
"Whoa! Hey hey! That's pretty good!" Itto grinned as his eyes widened in surprise, seeing the small girl wearing a Mujina costume transform into a barrel. "I can hardly tell you apart from the barrel next to ya!"
"Your tail is still showing." Kuki flatly responded and caused Sayu's barrel to jump in alarm and reveal there was, indeed, her Mujina tail sticking out behind it. "Not to mention, there is a leaf on top of it that looks mysteriously like the one on your costume. So if anyone had seen you before, they might recognize it and see through the disguise."
"Oh, wow…" Itto scratched his chin as he took further note of what his second-in-command had caught before grinning. "I didn't even notice! Good eye, Shinobu!"
"Of course, you didn't… I wouldn't expect you to, you big, adorable, idiotic lug…" Kuki hung her head and let out an exacerbated sigh as Sayu transformed, a defeated expression worn on her face.
Shinobu gave her a reassuring pat on the head and softly smiled as Sayu looked up at her expectantly. "Don't worry about it too much. It's why we are practicing. You'll eventually get it right. It just takes time and effort. That's something the big lug over here can attest to. Look how often he still gets into trouble despite knowing better!"
"Hey, hey, hey!" Itto twitched as he put his hand on his hip and glared at Kuki before grinning. "If you are gonna bring Arataki Numero Uno into this lesson, it best be about determination and grit 'bout never givin' up and smashing ya way through whatever is in ya way to be the best!"
"Well, those are your good qualities when put to good use and not used for your usual antics…" Kuki admitted those traits she admired in her leader, but too often, they also led to very negative consequences.
That she proceeded to bail them out of. At least Granny Oni was always appreciative of her deeds…
She always had some baked and ready for her, or it felt like it and ensured she was served before any of the boys.
However, her attention was redirected at the solemn nod from the young ninja, and she frowned. "I understand… I'm just not very good at them… I never fully mastered the technique since master…"
"Since your master what?" Itto frowned after a pregnant pause, noticing the tone the little girl took and despised it when a child used such a tone, now wanting to figure out what was wrong. "Little tan… Ah! My ribs! Shinobu, what was that for?"
Seeing a sharp glint coming from his lieutenant's eyes, Itto put up his hands defensively and took a step back, recognizing there was something he didn't quite know about the little girl. And it frustrated him, making him crack his knuckles as he saw Kuki lightly comfort the young girl.
If something happened to the young girl's master, oh, he'd find out. Or find him…
He'd do something! No kid should be sad and depressed! They should all be out having fun! That was what it meant to be a kid!
"If you need help with the technique, all you had to do was ask." Kuki smiled as she gently rubbed Sayu's shoulders while kneeling in front of her. "I can help you with it."
"Huh?" Sayu pulled back and looked up at Kuki in shock, her eyes wide and round. "But only Shuumatsuban are supposed to…"
"Whoa!" Sayu and Itto's voices resonated simultaneously as Kuki suddenly turned into a barrel, and Sayu jumped into Itto's arms from the shock. "Okay, you got some explaining to do! When do you learn to do that?"
Shinobu only laughed as she transformed back, her hand on her hip with her head tilted as her face lit up with glee. "I thought you would have known the answer to that. How many job titles have I mastered?"
"Uh…" Itto gently let down a stunned Sayu, processing what she saw before beginning to use his fingers to count and becoming frustrated as he hit a number past the number of fingers he possessed. "Too many…"
Smirking at her leader's frustration, Kuki knelt before Sayu and held her gaze. "I can tell you this, I wasn't just selected to come with you to be your Shrine Maiden, Sayu. This armor I wear isn't just for show. I take every job I apply for seriously, and if it wasn't for lug…"
"I wouldn't be a Shrine Maiden, that's for sure."
"I wonder what they are talking about…" Shenhe absently gazed behind toward Xiao and Naruto, seeing them lag further behind, and wondered exactly what the two were discussing as they were told to push forward to Mondstadt.
"Ugh, I want to know too!" Mona groaned as she placed her hands on her hips while strutting forward, hardly noticing the transition into a forest. "I came here seeking knowledge of the Old World, and it's slipping through my fingertips! This is so frustrating! …Maybe if I use my hydromancy to sneak behind them to hear what they're talking about…"
Scratching his head, glad the extravagantly dressed witch was no longer inquiring about him, Aether could only shake his head. Taking note of the forest they had wandered into, having been on the road path needed to reach Mondstadt, he frowned, recalling that the colossus dragon that flew overhead had landed here not too long ago.
And he hadn't noted it had taken off any time since…
"You said…" Shenhe's voice caught Aether's attention as she brought her hand to her chin thoughtfully. "You were separated from your sister? After being attacked?"
"Uh, yes?"
"So wouldn't searching for and crushing the attackers be the most logical solution?"
"How is that the most logical solution?" Mona returned her attention to Aether and Shenhe and looked wide-eyed at her white-haired counterpart. "While it has its merits, that would require knowing who they were and where they are! And there is no guarantee they would still have his sister, or she hadn't escaped like he has!"
"But is it still not the first route to be taken?" Shenhe curiously tilted her head. "I do not necessarily understand this other option or its necessity."
"Well, I want to ask them directly; Ms. Megistus here is correct. We don't have any clue where to start with that. So this is currently my best option." Aether responded with a light smile, seeing her inquisitive gaze. "Traveling from place to place, making people aware of my sister, and having them search for her means more eyes are keeping a lookout while I gather information I need. So if she's spotted while I'm looking for any signs somewhere else…"
"Oh, I believe I understand." Shenhe pursed her lips and nodded. "Yes, that does make sense. Getting more information on where they could be and what you are up against. Very prudent decision… What is this powerful aura I'm sensing?"
"What?" Aether's attention snapped forward as he noticed Shenhe narrow her eyes and gaze directly ahead. "Oh no… I think I know what it is… That dragon never left the forest."
"Dragon!" Mona screeched, blanching and looking alarmed. "Hold on! The only dragon I'm aware of around Mondstadt that I'm aware of currently is… Ahhh! My hat!"
Mona's hat was ripped from her head as a furious gale swirled around them, and a vicious roar echoed around them. They were forced to crouch to steady their balance, barely able to keep their footing as a massive scaled dragon swooped just over their head, mere feet above their heads.
"No, no, no!" Mona cried as she fell to the ground, Shenhe drew her spear, and Aether drew his sword defensively, only for the dragon to soar upward through the trees and the skies above. "I did not foresee this! It looks like it's heading for… The city!"
"Okay, that's not good!" Naruto leapt forward, joining the three of them along with Xiao with narrowed eyes seeing the dragon. "Dvalin, what is wrong with you? What happened, friend? Why are you like this… You!"
"Ah!" A shrill voice cried out as anAnemo wind swirled around a young boy with a green beret over his black hair and green cape before dispersing in the wind.
"Oh no you don't!" Naruto roared as his eyes burned orange and his body a bright gold. "Xiao, take care of the kids!"
"Master, wait!" Xiao cursed as a golden flicker of light was all that was left, and he scowled before rushing forward with Anemo energy swirling around him rapidly. "Shenhe! Master cannot be left alone in this state! I'm leaving you in charge of the situation here!"
"Huh?" Shenhe blinked, seeing her master burst forward and disappeared with a gust of Anemo energy. "Did I miss something?"
"I think we all did." Aether slowly stood up while dismissing his sword, scanning the area. "I'm worried about who that kid was to get a reaction like that out of him. He doesn't have the greatest recall, but if he had that strong of a reaction to him, something tells me that kid isn't to be taken lightly…"
"Appearances are quite deceiving. I'll have you know." Mona scowled as she had to help herself off the ground and dust off, looking for where her hat was blown off toward. "Believe me when I say some of the most ancient people I know look younger than anyone present. It is quite unsettl… Oh, what is that?"
Mona's eyes glistened with wonder. Scurrying toward where the boy was and past Aether and Shenhe, up a slight incline catching their attention. Eliciting a gleeful giggle at the sight before her, she outstretched her hand…
"Ow!" Mona cringed as her hand was shocked and repelled by the crimson floating gem and scowled. "What is this? It's most assuredly corrupted, I almost want to say by Abyssal taint."
"Corrupted?" Shenhe stood next to Mona while glancing at the glowing crimson gem with wonder. "I sense a negative aura generating with it. Perhaps I could exercise and purify it?"
Hearing no objection, Shenhe radiated an icy aura around her as a spell tag generated in her hand. A black haze wisped from the tear-shaped gem as she placed the frosty tag nearby, but to her immense surprise, a shock snapped her hand and shattered the tag and tried to repel her hand away.
Her eyes narrowed at this development. She could see what the strange girl following them flinched from the object. However…
Shenhe, refusing to back down despite the pain, snatched the gem in her palm despite the tremendous pain it caused her. She felt as if something was screaming and crying out in agony as she gripped it, and it caused her expression to waver. With a swift motion, she moved it into her pouch, and her breath hitched.
That was more difficult than she expected…
Her master and his master would need to be informed of this gemstone. It was dangerous and required to be kept away from the world of man.
"There," Shenhe shook her hand despite her face looking impassive. "It is taken care of. Master or someone more knowledgeable can inspect it later. We should head to the city without delay."
"If that dragon has flown toward civilization, I can only assume the worst is to come."
In the middle of a heavily forested area with felled trees, several wolves ran freely across one of the broken stumps chasing a boar. A terrified shriek soon fell upon nearly deaf ears.
But for one young fair lady dressed in black with blonde hair that stretched to the middle of her back despite having two portions of her hair parted into ponytails by black bows, she was undeterred by the sounds. She continued her forging, for she was on a mission, the growls leaving her unphased as she pulled Lamp Grass from the roots of a tree.
Wolves were not something to fear, at least not here. She knew the ones here. They were family to a friend of hers that she would occasionally visit when she came out this direction…
She quite liked him as he wasn't bothered by…
"Mein Fräulein…"
The voice redirected her attention as she stopped picking Lamp Grass. She gazed upon a raven manifest of pure darkness and shadows and the occasional spark of Electro pulsing through his body.
It was her familiar: her loyal companion and the being she most trusted in the whole world.
She frowned at the sight and placed her hand on her hip. "Oz, what is the meaning of interrupting me? This is an urgent task entrusted to me by Lady Katherine, and we cannot afford to waste precious time, no?"
"I'm afraid you were misled as to why she gave you this urgent task, mein Fräulein…" Oz winced, remembering the events that led to Katherine having them sent out on this quest, knowing that his mistress's nature sometimes could cause issues with others at the guild. "However, this is a much more urgent matter needing your attention. Allow me to show you…"
"Oz?" The young blonde lady looked upon her raven familiar as he flew up and out of the forest, her frown deepening.
A glint of Electro particles sparked from her left eye, covered with an eye patch, and she gasped as a vision was shown to her.
It was the capital of Mondstadt! But all those storm clouds gathering around it…
With vortexes beginning to descend…
And was that…
"Oz, we must return at once!" She cried, a bow generating in her hand as her visible emerald eye glistened, hurriedly sprinting down the path out of the forest as Oz swooped to her side. "I, Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, cannot let the place of my residence fall! We must proceed with all haste and thwart this assault upon our new home!"
"As you say, mein Fräulein."
"Why you running?"
"Ow, ow, ow! This is not necessary! You're choking me!"
"It is when you ran from me, Barbatos!"
"I wasn't running!" Barbatos was held in a firm rear-naked chokehold by a golden-glowing Naruto, who snarled at him, and he only nervously chuckled at him. "Well, okay, maybe I was a little… Ahk! Can't breathe!"
"Gonna strangle the life out of you, and ain't nothing gonna stop me!" Naruto tightened his grip around Venti's throat to get his message across before scowling at the Archon and tossing him to the grass below. "Alright, now why did you make me chase you like this? Or did you not expect me to find you?"
"Really was hoping you would find someone else first… Don't think I can handle the pressure of being the one to deal with you after that awakening…" Venti grasped his throat and gently rubbed it as he sat back on his knees, sighing but looking otherwise unphased by what had occurred.
"Bout to crank the pressure to eleven!" Naruto stomped his foot, and the earth shuttered and shook from his act.
"Please don't!" Venti panicked, wildly shaking his hands before him, and begged the Kitsune in front of him. "Enough is happening currently that we don't need you adding to the fire! Your awakening, as needed as it was, has come at the worst time!"
Refraining from growling as the golden aura around him faded, and his eyes returned to their natural cerulean state, Naruto snarled. "Explain. I sense there has been a significant amount of change while I have slept, and while I might not be in the best state to deal with it…"
"What exactly happened to push the world to this state? Why did Makoto have to die?"
"…Dammit… Control it… Don't lose yourself anymore… Have to keep pressing forward…"
"Torn to Oblivion!"
His hair stood on end. Eyes wavered as Electro particle waves tore through the air, ripping through hundreds of abyssal creatures from the rift almost effortlessly. Even as more poured out of the oozing waves, they were cut down.
Even if his body was rejecting his movements… He could just…
"Ahk…" Golden particles ruptured from around him as the earth shuddered beneath his stumbling feet, several abyssal creatures vanishing into shadows upon being purged by the light.
"Stay down." The cold and calculated voice of the Kagemusha resonated as she lightly stepped past him, Kusanagi no Inabikari gripped tightly in hand, her electric eyes focused firmly on the creatures before her. "You are of no use to Inazuma in the state you are in. Are you not supposed to be heading back to rest?"
"Really difficult when that idiot opened the door, even if it was by accident…" The Golden Fox muttered, picking himself off one knee before scowling. "And I'm far from… Gah!"
Dropping to his knees as the golden light flickered and pulsed erratically around his body, clutching his head and chest as a searing pain scalded through it while his heart thunderously thudded within. Yet all he heard was a simple, caring voice before him…
A voice that did not sound like Ei's usual tone…
"Stay down… You have done enough. No harm will come to Inazuma as long as I draw my blade to defend it…"
"And you. We cannot lose another friend…"
Electric eyes opened and gazed open her realm, feeling the warming sensation around her and noting the tinge of color that it had changed to. These memories…
That memory…
Was she having them because he was awake? Because of her connection…
With him? That she could still feel his presence…
Yes, it was struggling. Wavering. Damaged more than it ever was before. His rest did not help as they had predicted.
He was fading…
She could feel it.
The damage erosion left upon one was horrifying. The inability to control one's body after years despite finding ways to navigate and circumvent the loss of memories. It still crept upon in other ways…
And why she shed her true form as she had seen the degradations it had caused. Even still, she felt the effects of erosion, for they were only lessened.
But if they were lessened for her…
Her eyes shone for a brief moment. If such a thing were to pass…
She would not allow it! Such preparations were necessary to make sure he would face his atonement. He would return here and face his sins!
She would see his face one more time…
And deliver his judgment upon him!
The version of him she remembered!
The warrior that stood above all…
Ei's eyes vividly shone as her world glowed with bewildering tints as she stood from her meditation, speaking seemingly for no one to hear, but it was clear her will was being listened to. "I require Miko's assistance along with the blueprint…"
"This one will need to be modified to work in a different manner."