Chapter 3: Journey to the South. Let's go to the great port of Liyue!
A certain merchant from Liyue was having a bad time, he was in the middle of the road to the port with his cart being pulled by his assistant, the problem was that some Treasure Thieves had intercepted them, they must have already followed their trail, they were carrying simple artifacts the Xigu antique store, which although the merchandise didn't look like much at first glance was actually very valuable.
The man was hurt by what was happening, this was going to be a big blow to the store's profits as well as his reputation, but he couldn't do anything, there were six well-armed men, he had a lot of anger inside, but really I wanted to be able to do something.
- Make way!
The voice of a child was heard shouting very loudly, but when one of the thieves turned his head, he received a strong kick in the face that took him away from the cart he was looting. The other confused companions looked at the one who caused that, and they They were stunned when they saw that figure.
It was a little boy of about nine years old, he looked a little confused looking at each of them while holding a red fighting stick and wagging his tail, suddenly this child opened his eyes wide.
- I see! You are treasure looters! I thought so.
- Hey brat! Who do you think you're dealing with! You can't imagine what we'll do to you for hurting our partner.
The largest of the group spoke, but only to immediately receive a roundhouse kick in the mouth, she literally knocked out all her teeth shooting in different directions and could only fall to the ground to cry from the pain.
- Hey boss, what the hell happened! -one of his henchmen told him.
- I'm sick of you! They'll deal with me!
The merchants saw how a small child defeated each of the thieves, some were completely unconscious, others were just writhing in pain. The two merchants were left speechless by that spectacle while the only thing the boy did was return the bags with stolen things.
- There it is, sir! That would be all - said the smiling boy.
- E-eh huh? Thank you very much...-said the man who was carrying the merchandise, still trying to process what he saw.
- It doesn't matter! Those treasure thieves are everywhere. They think they own everything, damn them! The good thing is that they always learn their lesson-said the boy as if beating criminals was the most normal thing in the world. Suddenly he looked at the sun and made a scared face-True! I have to hurry! See you gentlemen!
- Hey wait little one! We are very grateful for what you did. Isn't there a way to repay you? Money? Maybe sweets?
- Do not worry sir! My grandma already gave me the allowance to buy a book at the Wanwen store! See you later!
The little boy left with the same speed in which he arrived, raising large curtains of dust behind him, the two men could only watch without words.
Two years have passed since little Sun Goku saved the Chingtsé village. He was recognized as the hero of the place by all the children and grandparents. However, on his ninth birthday he received his first allowance, it was enough money for the little one can buy the first volume of a book that he longed for, The Legend of the Lone Sword, which he had heard a lot from Mr. Chang and thanks to finding out about the Wanwen store from that man he went straight to the village, but of course , Grandma Ruoxin also gave him money so he can eat at the Wanmin restaurant, without first giving him the typical little speech about how to use money moderately.
Goku was very excited to reach the port of Liyue, it was the first time he had gone so far from his village, but thanks to the map he was able to get there without any problem, just as he was also able to locate it because he climbed the chasm of certain inn made in a huge tree, he remembered that a boy with green hair looked at him with a very confused face when he was at the top.
Just when he was between the two enormous mountains that would be the entrance to see the city, the boy decided to climb one of these in order to have a general view of what the place would be like. He went to the highest one and when he reached the chasm he He was left with a amazed smile.
The city was beautiful, you could see the port with several ships but the most fascinating thing were all the buildings there were, Goku had never had so many, these were large and different from each other, thus creating a beautiful work of art, further into the background You could see smaller buildings but you could still see quite a few people in the distance, what also caught your attention was that area that had about two squares, it was above the other buildings and had much larger buildings, He remembered that his grandmother told him that this was the Yujing Terrace. The very happy boy went down the mountain by jumping over the different projections, and then began his race towards the entrance.
Some somewhat sleepy guards were guarding the entrance to the bridge, however, from one moment to the next a figure passed at an imperceptible speed, only one of the guards was stunned by tremendous speed.
- What was that?
- Ignore it, it must have just been the wind - answered the older guard, who only said that so he wouldn't have to deal with whatever happened to the city.
Suddenly Goku stopped in a certain section, he remembered that they had told him that in the city it was better to go slowly, since it could cause an accident, so the boy adhered to the teachings of his beloved grandmother, walking calmly as he had rarely done. in their life. Still, this was a good experience, since he could better admire what he had around him. The houses, the clothes and everything that surrounded him was a new experience, for the first time he could feel the sea breeze and the smell of it, he could appreciate how big some of the buildings were, but further down there were several stalls. whether from minerals or even fish. But before he bought anything he remembered that he had to be responsible with his money, because otherwise he wouldn't have anything with which to buy his book.
He went to Feiyun Slope where the Wanwen Book House stall was supposedly located, but he noticed that there were several balconies with large terraces, these had several stalls of multiple objects, but from below he couldn't see well what each one was about and even less. find the book store, but an idea occurred to him.
A few people looked in amazement at how a child jumped so high and passed several buildings. Many thought it was a simple hallucination, but what they were seeing was actually authentic.
- I found it! - Goku shouted in the air.
At that the boy fell on his feet and went up the stairs, but of course, it was with the trot of an ordinary child. He could see that the person he was serving was a young lady along with a teenager, apparently this was his daughter due to the way she spoke to him. The manager turned around when she sensed the presence of a customer, as if she had an instinct for that. This she with a smile she walked to the counter looking at the boy.
-Hello little one, are you looking for a book? Maybe a collection of ancient tales or myths and legends? - said the young woman kindly.
- I'm looking for the first volume of The Legend of the Lone Sword! I heard that you sell it, right? - said the boy, resting his hands on the table.
- Well yes, if we have it, I see that you are a child who likes action stories - he said looking at the cane that he had in the holster on his back, then he handed him the book - It would be about three thousand blackberries. Do you have that? little?
-Yeah! - said the boy, giving him the money.
- Wow, then enjoy it, thank you very much for buying at La Casa de Libros Wanwen.
The very grateful little boy left with his beloved book, which he kept in a cloth bag.
With his stomach growling, he went straight to the address they had given him of the Wanmin restaurant, which was located in Peñasco Chihu, literally just a few streets down. Upon arriving at that area of the city, his nose was filled with the multiple dishes that were being prepared, however he had to contain himself and only focus on the famous restaurant, fortunately it was easy to locate, the boy sat in the chair and waited. to the waitress, fortunately she attended to him quickly despite the several people who were also in the premises. The boy ordered some Golden Shrimp Meatballs as a starter, then a Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish and to accompany it a large cup of white rice, and for dessert, almond tofu. The woman laughed a little after placing the order, however, she still took note of each dish and then went to report the order. The boy seemed excited to be in the city, despite being seated he looked at every corner and person that his eyes caught, suddenly he felt the chair in front of him move, he turned his head and found a certain young girl, no more than eleven years old, accompanying him at the table.
- I see you very curious. You're not from around here, right?
The girl had a somewhat peculiar appearance, she was taller than the boy as anyone would be at that age, but her hair was a light peach color, intense green eyes that looked like emeralds, but she was wearing a hat that was a little big on her. , but the most striking and surprising thing were the horns that hung under his hair. The girl smiled at the little boy's reaction, but he then tried to take a look behind the girl, which confused her.
- Hey, where do you think you're looking? - said the surprised girl.
- I'm looking to see if you have a tail, like me - said the boy, lifting it up behind him.
- Wow! That's not something you see every day - said the young girl - I'm Yanfei. And you?
- Sun Goku A pleasure! - said the boy - And what are you doing here? Are you hungry too?
- No, I'm just passing through, I like to meet new people - said the young woman, but something that the little boy didn't notice is that it seemed to have been a lie - And what brought you to the port?
- I wanted to buy a book, and also eat here, I heard it's very famous - Goku said happily.
- Well, yes it is, Chef Mao is one of the best in all of Liyue - said the girl, but decided to change the subject - And where do you come from? It's the first time I've seen a child with a tail. Are you from Agua Clara Village?
- Huh? What's that? I come from Chingtse Village.
- You came alone?
- Yes, it's the first time I've gone so far from home - he said as if it were completely normal.
- Did you come alone, without the company of an adult, for several kilometers here? -said the girl, resting her head on her hands and with her eyebrow arched.
-Eh yes? What's with that? - asked the innocent boy.
- No, it has nothing - said the girl, changing her attitude - Do you want me to tell you a little about what's here? Just to get you a little familiar.
- Yes of course!
- Well, here in Peñasco Chihu you will find many vendor stalls, they mainly sell everything from perfumes to jewelry, but the most popular thing is their food - at that the girl pointed to the most striking building in the place - That is the Los Tres tavern Cuencos, is famous for the storyteller who tells a legend or story every night, they are very entertaining - at that the girl pointed to another building behind the boy's back, he turned to see it - That's The Adventurers Guild, That's where many people run errands and do research, they are always exposed to danger.
-TRUE! I remember someone told me about it, but I don't remember who. One day I plan to get involved!
- That's good - the girl continues with her sitting guide - Next to Los Tres Cuencos there is a fireworks store, and from there there would only be more various stores, such as clothing or flavorings.
- Wow! Yes, you know the Port well.
- Of course yes, I live here, I know the port like you should know your village. Don't you think that's good?
- Well yes - said the boy thinking about that, but then he saw the pair of antlers moving - Hey! And why do you have those horns?
"Hehe, I'll say it if you let me touch your tail," the girl said with a smile.
- That?! Mmm...that's fine-said the boy reluctantly, but his curiosity got the better of him, so he put his tail on the table for him to touch.
- Well, these horns are a trait of my Adeptus offspring on my father's side, just as I also have part of his great intelligence - he said, already leaving the tail, he had touched it enough - It's very soft! Are you half Adeptus too?
- No no, neither my grandmother nor I know why I have it, but what is an Adeptus?
- Huh? How would you not know that he is a child Adeptus? - said the young girl confused - The Adeptus are the illuminated beasts and gods of Liyue, who made a deal with Morax to protect the entire region.
- Wow! I think my grandmother told me about them, I think she should read me a book that deals with them-said the boy-Do you think she is half Adeptus?
- Mmm I don't know, you don't look like one, plus I don't know one with a monkey's tail.
- I see... - answered Goku, who began to feel a little bad for some reason.
- Oh! I think I have to go, I have tutoring at this time. See you kid!
- Bye bye!
While the girl was leaving, she saw how the boy's food arrived. He ate it with such speed that he knew he was going to finish it in a short time. However, she didn't go to him by mere chance, no, really. There was something strange about that child. Because of her Adeptus blood, she was able to detect what other people could not, the strange aura that emanated was like Adeptic energy, but so to speak of a very different essence, very foreign to what she was used to, but she preferred not to get further into that. matter, maybe the adults will take care of it.
When Sun Goku finished eating, his belly was very swollen and full, the food seemed like the best he had ever tasted in his life, it was worth the time it took to go from his village to the port, although of course, it wasn't much. . After paying the bill, the boy left on his way home, but a certain person in charge of the restaurant noticed his peculiar tail.
- Hey kid! What you have is a tail, isn't it? - said someone who had come out of the restaurant kitchen, he was a man in his early thirties with a hard face.
-Eh... yes, that's right. What? Do you want to touch it? -said the boy somewhat uncomfortable, many people already touched his tail that day.
-No no no, I think I've heard about you. Is it true that you fish with her and swim in waterfalls? - the man asked again.
- Yes, what happens with that? - the little boy was confused.
- Thanks to the Adeptus! I didn't know if it was true, but I heard a lot about you from my daughter and her friends - said the man - Boy, I need you to do me a big favor.
- What do you need, sir? - said the boy approaching him.
- My little Xiangling had left on her way to Mingyun Village, she said she was going to look for some crystal bell in the morning, but I think because it started raining at that time she hasn't come back. Could you please look for it?
- But maybe she's on her way or she just fell asleep.
- But she's just a girl! - said the chef, somewhat upset, but then he calmed down - Look kid, let's make a deal, you bring me my daughter and I'll prepare whatever you want. Is that okay with you?
- What I want?! - said the boy with his face lighting up.
- That's right, so please, if you can, find her.
- Of course sir, here I come!
Before Mao could thank him, the boy simply disappeared leaving a trail of dust, he was left speechless as were the people who witnessed it, apparently all the stories were true. The good thing is that he would see his daughter soon.
Sun Goku knew the ruins of Mingyun Village, he had it on the map as a point of interest just as he had seen it from that giant tree that functioned as an inn.
His journey was not long at all because it was much faster than the way there. When he arrived he found a few Hilichurls that he defeated with one blow and then he began his search, and there he saw that he had a problem. How the hell was he going to know where a girl was in the middle of several mountains?
The boy sat on one of the highest stone peaks and began to think about what he could do, just as he did if he found a girl walking. The latter didn't work, but an idea occurred to him, which, just like how If he did with the Hilichurls, he would look for footprints or any other type of trail, so he went down from the place and went in search of them, but the problem was that sometimes these did not lead to anything or they took him to a Hilichurl camp to which he later He gave them a big beating. At that point he decided to look everywhere for abandoned houses or ruins, since he remembered that perhaps the little girl could have taken shelter from the rain. Unfortunately, several of these were empty and showed no signs that they had served as temporary shelter.
The boy felt bored for not finding anything so far, so he decided to go in search of a place to rest, but suddenly while walking calmly among several mountains he smelled a peculiar smell, it was cornbread. The little one, whose belly was growling at Chef Mao's promise, followed the aroma as if it were a dog.
When he arrived at the place where the smell was strongest, he came across a small cave, it did not have a very large entrance, but when he entered he found not one, but two big surprises.
The first thing was literally a teddy bear, but large and orange in color with black spots in its eyes. However, it had life and was actually finishing a cornbread. The second was good news, since in front of what seemed to be an old altar was a five-year-old girl offering a piece of meat to the strange being, although she then fixed her gaze on the boy who had arrived, even so Sun Goku stared at the bear just as it did the same thing as him, however he did not do it for the same reason of surprise as the boy.
The teddy bear, which many centuries ago was considered a God, could see the strange adeptic energy that it emanated, however, the bear did not remember what that was, only that it seemed familiar, but just like what happened with Yanfei, something It didn't fit that aura, it was very different from the one he supposedly remembered in his fragmented memory.
- Um, do you know him?
The girl looked at the bear for a moment, which did not take its gaze off of Sun Goku, however, she then looked up to look closely at the boy again, when she saw that there was a tail coming from his back.
- Hey! You are the boy from Chingtse village?! - said the little girl.
- Huh? There are many children there - said the young man, raising his eyebrow.
- Yeah! "But you're the one with the monkey's tail, who fishes with it and pierced a huge Hilichurl," he said with emphasis on "huge." "It's you, isn't it?"
- Well yes, I'm that one - said Goku, who will feel strange that several people know about that.
- Incredible! Chongyun told me and the others about your exploits! You really are real!
- Oh yeah?... Hey! Did you say Chongyun? - said the boy surprised, remembering that boy - Did he really tell you all that? Where is the?
- He must be in his busy clan, that's why I went here alone - said the little girl - And why did you come?
- Well, you're Xiangling, right? -He received a nod in response-Well, your dad is looking for you, he says you left a long time ago.
- It's true! "It just started to rain and I think I fell asleep," said the little girl, grabbing the teddy bear's hand.
-And what is that strange animal? - the boy asked.
- Ah!... he is... Guoba - said the little girl and the bear looked at her - We have become friends now.
- I see... - said the boy, somewhat uncomfortable with the being - Well, your dad said he was going to prepare me whatever I want, so let's hurry up.
- I'm very fast! But I don't think I can be that fast. Could you take me and Gouba?
- Huh? Do you want me to carry you and the bear? - The girl as well as the Gouba nodded - Mmm, you're small, so I don't think it's a problem.
The boy picked up the girl and the bear clung around his neck, but neither of them bothered him at all, they were actually quite light.
- Well, hold on tight. Here we go!
Goku ran and jumped at the high speed he always went, but unlike what he thought, both the girl and the bear seemed to have a lot of fun on the ride. Xiangling experienced an adrenaline rush that he had never felt and will never feel, it was as if all his worries were gone, as if he were one with the wind itself, he couldn't be happier; And not to mention the little bear, who loves how the breeze hit his face.
When they reached the entrance to the port, Goku made him get out of his arms just like Gouba, this time they calmly passed through the bridge where the same guards from a few hours before were, and before the young man could say anything Comrade was interrupted.
- We didn't see anything, we won't say anything.
The two children walked calmly through the city together with the bear that attracted the most people's attention.
- Hey Goku, why don't we go super fast?
- You can't here, there are many people, once because I was going too fast I made Chongyun fall into a lake - the little girl laughed at that anecdote, it was something that the young man had not told - But wow! I can't believe you're the daughter of one of the best chefs in Liyue. She must cook well, right?
- Yeah! That's why I want to cook too! What I'm looking for is to make food that has never been there before. Anything can be food! -said the little girl firmly before her ideal.
- Anything?
- Yeah! Like slimes, mist flowers, lizards, ferrets, EVERYTHING! -said the little girl with a childish spirit but her words could terrify anyone.
- And also Hilichurls? - but Goku wasn't just anyone.
The girl stared at him with a face that expressed confusion, but she began to reflect on it, until she looked directly at the boy as if she had a great idea.
- Of course! -She said with a warm and innocent smile.
The Hilichurl with the blue hat was on a hill very far from the Chingtsé village, he did not want any more problems with that boy. He will now live alone in "peace" with another group of Hilichurls looting caravans or houses at night. He was cooking dinner which was an exquisite soup made from whatever they had found, but then he suddenly felt something, his alert instincts activated, these told him that a predator had been born, and he knew that it was not going to leave no bones of any Hilichurl.
- Ah, but they turn to dust when they die, it's a shame - Goku said without much importance.
- Really? - said the girl with a tone of disappointment - It's true, it's a shame...
At that moment he felt that that predator had disappeared forever, however, he could not be calm for several weeks after that experience.
The two little ones walked towards the restaurant while it was already beginning to get dark, and when they were in the Plaza del Peñasco Chihu the girl could see her father in the distance at his post. She ran straight towards the man and without hesitation she rushed towards him to hug him.
-Oh darling! I knew you'd be fine! - said the gentleman.
"Isn't it that he was very worried that something would happen to him," Goku complained internally, who was left alone with the Teddy bear?
At that Gouba went with a funny trot towards where the man looked at him strangely but the doll greeted him.
-Eh... And that creature that is Xiangling? - the man asked, too confused.
- This is Gouba! I met him when he was sleeping in a cave. He's friendly, he won't hurt!
- Ok... - Chef Mao said, but then he saw a Sun Goku in the distance with his arms crossed, pouting.
- We have an agreement, Mr. Mao! "Remember to keep his word," said the boy.
- Of course! Thank you very much little one! - said the man with his palms together as a gesture of gratitude, but then he regained his composure - And what do you think is small? Anything, just tell me.
- Mmm, well...
The list wasn't long, it was huge. Mao realized that he should have been more specific with his word, because preparing whatever he wants is not the same as whatever he wants, but he couldn't do anything, the good thing is that he had the help of his little Xiangling, but although She still stayed and ate with Sun Goku, she even had a new assistant, and it was Gouba. That teddy bear was quite a genius when passing the ingredients or preparing simple things like adding seasonings, he realized that his daughter made a good companion.
- Mr. Mao! Their food is the best! So does Xiangling! You cook very well for a little girl! - Goku said, eating a Celestial Axis style Meat in just over five minutes.
- Hehe It's part of the family heritage! - said the little girl smiling - The happier the customers are, the more we can cook!
- Well, I'm very happy! - Said Goku, eating a Blackberry Meat in one bite - More please!
They stayed like that until night fell, Sun Goku had a more than full stomach, he had never eaten so much in his life, while Chef Mao was tired, but he would have been more tired if he didn't have the help of Xiangling and Gouba.
- Thank you very much, Mr. Mao! The food was really delicious - said the smiling boy.
-Oh, no problem, boy, that's what you deserve for finding my daughter.
- You're leaving now? - Xiangling said with a sad tone.
- It's getting late, I don't want to worry my grandmother, but I swear I'll come back one day, I'll never forget this restaurant - said the little boy, calmly leaving the place.
Goku, satisfied, walked through the streets already bathed in the darkness of the night, however, the views were much better than in the day, the lights of the houses and lamps made the streets a magnificent work of art, the boy felt even Moved by the beauty of the city, he simply did not have many words.
- How beautiful Liyue is... - he said to himself while admiring his surroundings.
However, he felt like he was forgetting something, it wasn't his wallet since he was carrying it with him, and even less his cane, it must have been something important, but he didn't remember what.
Suddenly he had the feeling that a gaze fell behind him, he didn't know what it was but it made him nervous and even almost terrified, the only thing he did was speed up his pace and completely forget what he was trying to remember, however I never look back. From one of the windows of the houses there was a girl with long pigtails decorated with bow flowers, one could say that she looked tender, but Hu Tao's gaze was empty of empathy and mercy and said quite the opposite. He watched like a predator as his monkey-tailed prey left at a fast pace. Hu Tao has not forgotten and will never forget what he did to her, but that was not yet the time, his revenge would still have to wait.
Sun Goku was going at his normal speed when he managed to leave the city, however, he wanted to see her from the same mountain he climbed earlier.
As could be expected, the port looked much more beautiful than during the day, the lights matching the style of the buildings and houses. These were also reflected with the sea, thus giving a magical touch, it was simply fascinating, but then I noticed something in the sky that made my gaze completely fixed.
It was the Moon, it was full.
Anyone would think it matched Liyue Port, but Goku didn't think so. He wasn't thinking about anything, he just had his gaze glued to that star as if it depended on it, suddenly his heart began to beat, but with an intensity that made his chest contract very strongly, the beats could be heard a meter away, but even so the boy had his sights still fixed. His heart continued to pump harder and harder, he felt that something was going to wake up in him, something that not even he could contain... but if it did, the boy tried to relax, he did not let himself be carried away by his instincts, he already knew it. This had happened before and it could be controlled, since these instincts also told him that that Moon was not what it seemed, that it was not real, that it was dead. Never in his life had he let himself be consumed, he was curious that day, but it was better not to, he had the feeling that something horrible could happen.
The boy left for home still with that feeling, however, he decided to think about the beautiful moments in Liyue, but at the same time he tried to remember that he was forgetting along the way.
In Liyue, in a very luxurious and decorated house, a girl was in the courtyard practicing a beautiful choreography, although she looked very professional while wearing a beautiful dress, she did not seem to be very satisfied. Her opera classes were very demanding, and even though she was the best in her entire class, she felt like she wasn't enough.
Even so, he had to rest, it was already getting late and he had classes early, so he decided to go to his room.
However, she had a habit, and it was to always go to her desk and continue with a certain work that she was doing alone, she had dedicated it to a friend she hadn't seen in a long time, but it was not yet time for it to see the light, Yunjin had to perfect that letter, and when it is ready you will do the best work of your life.
And well, this is the third chapter of the fanfiction, I know it took a long time to upload it, so, as compensation, I will also upload chapter 4 in a row. So, I hope you have a nice night and that you enjoyed it. See you!