Chapter Text
Keqing dragged me to Sangonomiya Shrine in the early morning, barely letting me finish my breakfast with my father. “I see—oh my, Yoimiya, you look absolutely distraught.”
“Please don’t joke around, Kokomi; I’m sure you’re already aware of what’s happened,” Keqing stated.
Kokomi sighed. “I suppose looking into the future is always a much more fruitful endeavor. Many parties, including myself, are aware of the … certain drama that occurred yesterday.”
I smacked my lips, scowled, and looked downward. Please … anything but talking about that.
“But if you will only listen to me, Yoimiya—you will know that hope still exists.”
“Wait, is this what Keqing—”
I was cut off by Kokomi. “Yoimiya, you may be smitten by Ayaka, but there may be parts of her life you might not be the most ‘in-the-know’ about.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, “she did tell me a lot when we were together.”
Kokomi shook her head. “Two or three weeks is not enough time to bask in the degree to which her life has been a tightrope walk. She must work hard and be diligent, supporting the people of Inazuma—but all the while she present a graceful and flawless aura. She must dance a dance that would require six limbs for an ordinary person while looking like she is only putting in the effort of two. Quite the predicament, isn’t it?”
She walked over to one of her small fish tanks and began softly gazing at the fish. “Tell me, Yoimiya, I’m sure you’ve heard her say the following words: ‘be strict with oneself; be lenient with others?”
Those words …. They couldn’t be! “... when we went to Amakane Island. I brought her around, and she saw a shogi set. She proposed we play a game, but started apologizing and saying she should’ve considered my skill level since I had just started ….” Even in a festival I brought her to for her enjoyment, she was still looking out for me.
“Yoimiya, when she broke up with you … do you remember her expressing any sort of similar sentiment?” Keqing prompted me.
I remember every word of what she said, I thought, but which ones …? “‘But for every ounce of anger I feel, I feel ten of disappointment—disappointment toward myself. Disappointed that I was foolish and blind …,” I said, my voice trailing off at the end.
“Exactly. Do you know what this means?” Kokomi asked; I shook my head. “Tell me then: did Ayaka tell you about the sun in Enkanomiya?”
“Yeah, she said something about the Dainichi Mikoshi and how it isn’t normal.”
“To be more specific, the Dainichi Mikoshi controls whether it is Whitenight or Evernight, not any sort of time. But within Enkanomiya exist a number of ‘switches;’ switches that can be flipped that can change Enkanomiya from Whitenight to Evernight and vice versa.”
“But … why are you telling me about this?”
“Normal people might be like the normal day-night cycle; they need time to settle down and change. Ayaka is obviously not normal—she has never had the privilege of ‘time.’” Kokomi turned around to stare at another fish tank. “She has only been able to quickly switch—just like Enkanomiya.” She quickly snapped her fingers a few times in succession to emphasize her point.
“One-tenth of her is filled with longing toward what she had with you and what she could only experience with you. An equal part of herself is filled with that morally heated rage at you tricking her.” Her clear-as-pearls eyes turned and stared into mine. “The remaining eight are filled with self-hatred and disappointment. She is a perfectionist who thinks she has failed.”
“Perhaps there is a switch within her that just needs the right push, and she will realize she has been staring a horrid mirage this whole time.”
“Err … that’s a lot of cool words, but what does this really mean?”
Keqing smiled. “We need to show her the real Yoimiya again. The kind-hearted, golden, reliable Yoimiya.”
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“So … you seriously decided to bring me here? What’s that going to do?” I asked Keqing. I stared out onto the blue sea full of inward and outbound ships, wondering what could have possibly warranted her bringing me to Ritou—and to the docking harbor part of Ritou, no less.
Keqing rolled her eyes. “You know, Inazuma has been gaining popularity as a travel destination for a while now. It’s grown so much that government even set up a travel agency. Today, we’re volunteers and our job is to help new travelers around Inazuma. You know, show them all the popular sights, give them a good experience, and all that.”
I mouthed an “oh” as I nodded along. “But …,” I said, scratching my cheek, “couldn’t we pick something that, I don’t know, I’m a little better at? Like, couldn’t I go help some kids or make fireworks for another festival or something?”
She shook her head. “If you don’t step out of your comfort zone, how will you manage to flip Ayaka’s switch? The barrier’s she’s erected will rationalize any good you do in a field you’ve done extensive work in as part of your ‘trickster persona.’ You know as well as I do that you are kind of a trickster. She can also just make an association between you and Hu Tao. Also, this is a government thing, so it could possibly appear in Yashiro Commision records, which Ayaka would presumably read.”
“But seriously—” I groaned.
“No buts! Plus, didn’t Ayaka lead you around Enkanomiya, Fontaine, and Mondstadt? Surely you must have picked up a thing or two from her about tour-guiding, given you attentive to her you are. Plus, you did remember taking her to Amakane Island for that one festival ….”
“I’m the queen of the festival! Of course I can take her to a festival—”
Keqing interrupted me. “Shh. It looks our guests are here. Well, they’re more like yours. I promised Ganyu a date, so I didn’t sign up,” she said. She flashed a devious smile before scampering off at light speed.
I turned around to look at the people I was to help, and they certainly looked unique. Are they … those rich and noble Fontanian noble ladies you only see in those light novels from the Yae Publishing House?
The two women I saw were of similar height and high-fashion sense, but that was about where the similarities ended. The taller one had some of the shiniest and most radiant blonde hair I had ever seen; it had more waves than the tides outside Ritou harbor, and it was longer than the train to Fontaine I took with Ayaka. On top of her hair lay what looked like a ship captain’s hat, but it was clear it was more of a fashion accessory. A few blue gemstones hung off it, which also appeared on her necklace. Her umbrella was even more extravagant, with the outside colored black as her hat and the inside golden as her hair.
Her clothing was no less ornate. Her top was tightly-fitted, with wide white, horizontal stripes at her chest that slowly tapered off as they traveled downward; the remainder was black, with six sharp arrow-shaped sigil-like objects binding and linking the black and white sections together. She wore the longest black lace gloves that could have been mistaken for sleeves; small rhombuses were embroidered on them, with a final blue gemstone near her wrists. From her back extended a long cape with a gold and black pattern similar to her umbrella, seemingly stitched to her top with a small six-pronged steering wheel. How in the world does she ever get around in that?
Capping off her outfit were her tights and boots, both embroidered with intricate shapes and patterns that somehow were still completely clean. On the top of her thighs were small black ribbons and an even more detailed pattern of golden arches.
The shorter woman next to her was no less stunning. In contrast to the bright gold of the taller woman, her aesthetic was fully dark purple and black. A single white feather rose from her long, pointed hat, and a low ponytail of luscious dark purple hair flowed with the slight breeze. Draped across the back of her shoulders was a cape, just as deep as her hair, with the same rhombus-shaped stones hanging off—just differently colored.
The rest of her outfit was much simpler. Her top was tightly fitted with the higher section white and the lower black, but she was fully covered—even wearing a pair of seemingly high-class, stainless white gloves. Her tights were plain and simple, half-opaque and half-transparent, and her shoes were certainly—save for a few golden patterns etched onto them—nothing too much out of the ordinary either. Wait a second … are those knives that are stuck in there? There’s no way!
“Heya! My name’s Navia!” the taller, golden-haired one excitedly shouted and waved. “Nice to meet you!”
“The name’s Clorinde. It’s a pleasure,” the shorter, purple-haired one said and nodded, flashing a slight smile.
Ahh … well, I guess I’ll have to suck it up for now. Can’t go around being a downer around my guests, after all …. “Nice to meet you two! I’m Yoimiya!” I waved them over and began walking. “Come on, let’s go! The only interesting thing in Ritou harbor is the sea, which I’m sure you’ve seen enough of already.”
Navia and Clorinde shared a brief glance before following me. “So, what brings you two to Inazuma?” I asked.
“Well, I love traveling, and wherever I go, I of course bring my darling Clorinde along,” Navia said. I felt my mouth sag at the mention of the word “darling,” but I forced myself to uplift my expression. “And among the places to travel … Inazuma caught our eye. Mm, those sweets Chiori brought back to Fontaine were the best! Even Escoffier had a compliment or two to give them.”
“That’s right. Those treats were quite exquisite,” Clorinde said, “though they couldn’t compare to Navia’s macarons. Plus, I heard Emilie collaborated with her to develop some Inazuman-insipired perfumes. It felt like my olfactory senses flipped a new page when Sigewienne delivered some of them to me.”
Ah, so they are Fontainian. But Chiori, that’s not a Fontainian name …. That’s …. “Chiori? That sounds like an Inazuman name ….”
“That’s right! Chiori was actually from an Inazuma, but now she’s a big-shot fashion designer in Fontaine. She’s very unique—when you get to know her and her designs, you won’t miss them ever again,” Navia said.
“I’ve been to Chioriya Botique a number of times in the past. The fabrics there are good quality and reliable,” Clorinde added.
“Oh right! She’s known all around Fontaine not just for her clothes, but her personality! You know, she says a bunch of stuff about ‘carving her own path’ and whatnot. I guess that’s where all of her really unique and crazy designs come from … and how she’s willing to help me with crazy stuff. I suppose that’s one reason why she’s been able to break into the tough Fontanian fashion industry, even as an immigrant from Inazuma. She’s quite forward too, unlike most orthodox Fontanian designers—if she’s displeased, she’ll make it clear immediately! She’ll dismiss designs she deems as mediocre without a second thought, and I heard she sometimes throws customers out of her shop through the windows just because they’re giving her some attitude!”
I turned around and stopped almost immediately. “Wait, she physically grabs people and throws them? And people still go?”
Clorinde nodded. “In my opinion, it her ability to stick to her own judgment that has brought her this far. I’ve read Steambird articles interviewing her, and she’s asked about her personality, always says something along the line of, ‘if you always follow others’ footsteps, you will never surpass them.’”
“Huh, that’s interesting,” I said, nodding and walking along as I led them out of Ritou and into the more interesting parts of Inazuma. Oh! Is that a … snack stall? “Hey, you two said you like the treats Chiori brought back to Fontaine?” They nodded. “Why don’t we get some snacks—made right here in Inazuma, fresh and tasty! I’m sure you both are hungry anyway ….”
“That sounds amazing! Clorinde, what do you say?”
“I’ve never had fresh Inazuman treats … I think it would be quite good.”
“Hey, boss!” I shouted while approaching the stall and inspecting the menu. Hmm … what looks good here? “Can you get us … three anko taiyaki, three onigiri, and … three tricolor dango! That’ll be it, please.”
He nodded and pushed forward a small metal tray. “Of course! That will be … 2268 mora!” He scurried off, took out his large taiyaki mold machine, and began pouring batter.
I looked into my pocket to check for some coins, but Clorinde put her hand on her shoulder and interrupted me. “Don’t fret the cost. You’re providing your services here, so it’s only fair and just that we should cover your share.”
Clorinde put her coins in the tray just as the man emerged once again, food in a bag. “Enjoy your food! Please come again!”
Waving back at him, I realized that Navia had slowly walked her way over. “Wow! That sweet smell … it’s thick and creamy!” she exclaimed.
“Well,” I snickered, “that’s the power of good anko—red bean paste. Why don’t we have a little picnic?” I began wandering around the grassy field before picking a spot to sit. “Sitting in Hanamizaka is one of the best things to do in Inazuma.”
A small pause permeated through the air as I began sifting through the bag. “It is quite beautiful,” Navia said, “Fontaine doesn’t really … doesn’t really have colors like this.”
“Hey, you seemed to like the smell of these a lot, so why don’t we try these taiyaki first?” I said, taking the fish-shaped pastries out of the bag.
“Ooh! Wait a second—don’t these kind of look like the things Chiori makes sometimes?” Navia said, grabbing her taiyaki and examining it up and down.
“The outside does bear resemblance in terms of feeling,” Clorinde said while taking a tentative bite, “but Chiori’s are shaped like her fashion designs. I must say that despite being shaped like a fish, it does not taste like one. It’s quite delectable. Although, this taste is new. What fillings does Chiori use?”
“Chiori probably uses Fontanian stuff like cream or custard …. Wow, this really is good! This red bean paste stuff is the real deal! I gotta tell Escoffier about this—I could try making some red bean macarons with this!” Navia’s taiyaki disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
“I know, right? It’s a pity red bean paste is real tough to make by hand,” I said, handing out the tricolor dango to them. “These are just as good! Trust!”
I watched as they bit into the first of the three dango—the pink one, with sakura petal flavors. Clorinde simply nodded along as she chewed the thick ball, but I could tell by her facial expression that the dango was just as good as the taiyaki.
Navia’s face revealed much more expression. “Oh my! I need to show these to Escoffier too ….”
“Wait a minute, who’s Escoffier?” I asked as I handed them the wrapped-up onigiri.
“Escoffier’s a good friend of ours! She’s a really, really good chef,” Navia explained. “She spends so much time practicing her cooking or whatever, but I don’t know anyone better than her. Heck, she could probably find a way to make Clorinde like fish.”
Clorinde scoffed. “I’m not that picky, Navia. But yes, she does not understate her talent. I’ve been brought by Navia to have food made by her, and it’s never disappointed.”
“So … she could like, I don’t know, make onikabuto beetles taste good or something?”
Navia raised her head in thought. “You know, I don’t know … beetles might be a little too out there, you know? But I’ve learned to not bet against Escoffier. She’s the kind who will beat herself up if she can’t get something to absolute perfection.”
The kind who will beat herself up if she can’t get something to absolute perfection? Sounds a whole lot like someone I know …. “Wait, really? Does she actually smack herself with kitchen utensils or something?”
“Of course not, silly! Well, she would sometimes lock herself up in her kitchen and come out looking like a ghost. Or she would go on wild adventures and experiments just to see what was wrong—at least, she used to,” Navia said.
“She’s certainly calmed down a bit,” Clorinde added, “after that incident. She saw firsthand what that kind of mentality could do to someone. Here, this should explain everything.” She pulled her phone out and showed me a news article.
Breaking news from the Steambird! Prodigy chefs Escoffier and Savannah almost killed in ancient ruin collapse!
In a quest to improve and find the original ingredient used in the first Gateau Debord, the two chefs followed notes left by Modeste into a secret Remurian domain. However, they soon encountered …
[read more]
“Huh, so she almost got herself killed ….” I muttered, my voice and tone noticeably tapering off. Wait, what was that one tale Ayaka told me about once …? “Almost like Icarus and the sun ….”
“Stories written by the Steambird are captivating, but if we wanted to talk about our friends, we didn’t have to travel all the way to Inazuma to do so,” Clorinde said. “Yoimiya, do you have any other recommendations here? If you’d like, I can sign you up for a free subscription to the Steambird online once we’re done.”
“Ooh, a free subscription? Heck yeah!” I stood up and stretched. “Hey, why don’t I bring you both to Grand Narukami Shrine? It’s one of the most famous shrines in all of Inazuma, and I’m sure you’ve all heard a ton about Inazuman shrines.”
“Sounds great! I’ve always wanted to see what an Inazuma shrine is like, especially compared to the cathedrals in Fontaine ….”
“Oh, but beware! It’s a bit of a hilly walk,” I said as I gestured for them to follow me out of Hanamizaka.
“Hey, what’s up with all this purple light?” Navia asked as we walked.
“Oh, we’re entering Chinju Forest right now. It’s right at the foot of Mt. Yougou, which is how we get to Grand Narukami Shrine. Legend says that Chinju Forest is home to lots and lots of tanuki, but they like to play hide-and-seek, so you won’t really see them that much …. Something special in the forest causes the light to be darker, especially in the day, but I don’t know why,” I explained as I stepped over a creek. Ahh … Chinju Forest, the place where Keqing and the Fatui helped me rob the Kamisato Estate … good times.
I stretched my hand to grab a group of transient, pink petals, but they quickly dispersed. “These are Chinju Forest’s special sakura blooms. I don’t know why, but they don’t clump together like most sakura blooms do. Don’t ask me why, because I have no idea,” I said and shrugged.
“Wow! They really are some rascals!” Navia said, darting back and forth and trying her best to grab onto some clumps that always managed to barely escape her.
“Allow me, Navia.” Clorinde approached one of the groups of scattered sakura blooms and managed to deftly clump them together for collection.
“Woah! How’d you manage to do that?” Navia and I simultaneously shouted.
She shrugged. “I suppose a hunter will never let her prey escape thrice. But we should get climbing, a mountain this steep does not favor procrastination at all.”
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The top of Mt. Yougou and Grand Narukami Shrine were no less impressive than the select few times I had been before. Hold on, when I went here last year … is that the same lady? The one whose husband is always away. She’s always here ….
“Hello travelers to the Grand Narukami Shrine,” a shrine maiden said from behind a booth, “my name is Enyashi Yukari, and I’m a shrine maiden here. Is there any way I can assist you?”
I looked back at Navia and Clorinde for some silent confirmation. “Not really! We’re just here for a quick visit.”
She gave a light bow as we headed in. “May your wishes come true then.”
“We should draw fortune slips first,” I told Navia and Clorinde as we walked deeper into Grand Narukami Shrine. “Hey! Ringo! These two would like a fortune slip!”
“Hm? Are you not going to participate in this activity as well?” Clorinde asked.
Ah … but the last time I drew fortune slips was with Ayaka on Amakane Island … I kinda …. “You know, I think that it’s more exciting to go into each day not knowing what to come!” The two of them seemed to take that as an acceptable and reasonable answer.
“Please shake the box and take a bamboo slip,” Ringo said as Navia and Clorinde approached the box, “wait, wait, wait! One at a time.”
“Ladies first,” Clorinde whispered to Navia in a slightly flirty and seductive tone.
“Why thank you, dear Clorinde,” Navia said, suppressing a laugh. She vigorously shook the box for a few seconds, and sure enough, a bamboo slip fell out. “What do I do—”
“Give me the slip.” Ringo cut Navia off, and I swear I could hear Clorinde scowl. Well, that’s just Ringo’s personality … guess it’s her first time, after all. She isn’t used to it. “Wow, looks you’re like in luck today. This is a good fortune, written by the Lady Guuji herself.”
“Oh wow! Did you hear that, Clorinde? It’s a good fortune written by the Lady Guuji herself!” Navia exclaimed, hurriedly rushing and tackling Clorinde.
“It’s quite auspicious for sure.” Clorinde patted Navia’s back before making her way, shaking the box, and giving her slip to Ringo.
“Ooh … that’s unfortunate, it’s misfortune,” Ringo said, “and no, you can’t draw again. One fortunate per day per person.”
Clorinde tilted her head. “Is there any way I can dispel this misfortune then?”
“Uh ….” Ringo looked up for a moment before facing Clorinde again. “I kind of forgot. I guess you’ll have to live with it; it’s the fortune the Archons gave you after all.”
Clorinde turned around and gave Navia and me a tired glare. “Does this lady really know what she’s doing?” she spoke with her eyes and facial expression.
“Just tie your fortune on that rack over there,” I whispered to her, pointing at a rack with lots of bamboo slips tied to it, “they say that that’s how you ditch your bad fortune.” She nodded and efficiently hung her misfortune slip on the rack.
“By the way, isn’t this where the Sacred Sakura is? The tallest sacred tree in all of Inazuma?” Navia asked.
“Mhm, that’s right! Right this way!” I led them around the shrine, and I heard them physically gasp as we rounded the final torii gate. “It’s a lot more impressive in person than in books or in pictures, right?”
“It’s radiating …,” Clorinde commented, “not to mention its wide berth of leaves.”
“It’s shaped like a fox too! What’s up with that?” Navia asked.
“Apparently, the ones to tend to the Sacred Sakura for the longest time were kitsune or fox spirits, so their energy—or something—turned the Sacred Sakura’s shape into what it is now. I guess you could say the blue light is a manifestation of their power …? Hm, don’t quote me on that though, I’m not the most knowledgeable in these traditions.” I shrugged and briefly glanced at them. “Well, they do also say that the Sacred Sakura give its power to protect all of Inazuma. I guess that’s why its leaves are like that. It has to stay strong.”
“I suppose that story must at least have some merit. It seems like that woman,” Clorinde said, shifting her and ever-so-slightly pointing at her, “is a fervent believer in the Sacred Sakura’s power.”
“Hm? Oh, her?” Wait, it’s that businesswoman who always comes here to pray for good luck … at least, she’s always here when I’m here, and she’s always here whenever I hear someone else come to the Shrine. “I heard she prays for good luck in business! Though,” I began whispering, “I think the Sacred Sakura is looking out for her enough. I mean, she always enough mora to keep herself afloat. Why not enjoy yourself at that point? When you’re having fun with your friends at a festival or having a good night in, a thousand or a million mora won’t make a difference to your happiness.”
“Well,” Navia said, “I guess that we should make a wish then?” We all paused as a silent confirmation. “I guess I’ll go first! I wish … that all of Fontaine can live together as comrades and love one another.”
Clorinde closed her head and said, “I wish that all Fontanians may live their lives in freedom and peace, free from worry.”
Wow … those are some deep wishes. But I’m afraid …. “My wish …,” I resolutely stated, “is much more simple ….” My voice trailed, but I forced myself to regain my composure. Maybe the Sacred Sakura can help me …. “I just want to talk to Ayaka one more time.”
An awkward silence penetrated the space. “Apologies for intruding,” Navia said, “but … is Ayaka a deceased friend of yours?” She paused. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that,” observing my slightly crestfallen facial expression, “I shouldn’t have brought back painful memories.”
“No, no … it’s nothing like that.” I sighed. I guess I can give them a short version …. “It’s not that bad. But we shouldn’t be talking about such bad memories in a shrine; it kind of ruins the aura and power that it has. Why don’t we get some food, and I can tell you my story on the way? I mean, you’ve told us a lot about your life—it’s only fair I tell you about mine.”
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As it turned out, I did not give them a short version; it took until we got piping hot bowls of unagi chazuke at Shimura’s for me to quickly (as quickly as I could) recap the events of the past few weeks to them. “You know, Yoimiya, I don’t quite blame you too much for this one,” Clorinde said.
“Really?” I said, quickly snapping my head to look up at her for some sense of reassurance and security.
“Of course. Even the most courageous among us require a push sometimes to do things they see as daunting. This ‘Ayaka’ person just seems to not be able to understand that.”
“You … really think so?”
She nodded. “In my line of work with the Fontanian police force, there are always one or two officers who are afraid of a dangerous operation. And no fault to them of course—this is dangerous work, and they have every right to stand in our ranks after the training they’ve been through. I’ve gotten squirmy a few times way back.” A slightly sullen look painted her face. “But after seeing their comrades bravely charge forth, their spirits are rekindled, and they follow suit.”
“I can attest,” Navia chimed. “It’s a bit personal …,” she said, sharing some silent signal with Clorinde, “but Clorinde and I used to be like that for a while.”
“Huh!? But you two seem … just made for each other. You two really had to be pushed together?”
“You’ve shared your troubling story with us, so it’s only fair we do ours with you,” Navia said.
“Allow me, Navia,” Clorinde interrupted. “Navia and I were inseparable as children. However, Navia’s father, Callas, was an important figure in Fontaine; he was the head of the Spina di Rosula, an honorable and powerful organization that sought to battle corruption and vice. Unfortunately, that meant that Mr. Callas was the prime target for such evil entities, whose power could have been stated to be lesser than that of the Spina.”
“This meant that the Fontainian police would often assign bodyguards to protect Mr. Callas against evil parties. One of my first assignments was to be Mr. Callas’ bodyguard, along with a more senior member of the police.” She deeply sighed. Don’t tell me …. “I was stationed inside his room, and my partner outside. Unfortunately, he took a careless position, and was quickly ambushed and defeated.”
“I had to face the intruder in a life-or-death duel in the confined room just as Mr. Callas began to come to his senses. It was a struggle, but I managed to subdue him,” she said, her tone conveying hesitance as she ended her statement.
“But didn’t you win?” I asked.
“It is … not so simple. It was the first time I had taken a life, and my will began to waver. By the time I had come to my senses and thrust my weapon at him, he had managed to pin Mr. Callas under him; accepting defeat and death, he had decided to resort to tricks to accomplish his mission. Though I managed to defeat him … swords know neither ally nor enemy. The blade that pierced his heart would not that of Mr. Callas.”
I sat in awe, unable to speak. So Clorinde ended up … but it’s not her fault! It’s not she was trying to kill him ….
“I can see in your face what you’re thinking, Yoimiya,” Navia said, “but I didn’t really have it in me to think about it, you know? I mean, my father just died. So all I could do was see what seemed to be—Clorinde’s blade in my father’s heart, and I ended up blaming her for it. I thought that she was derelict in her duty, and in her incompetence, killed my father.”
“Of course, that was a silly thought at the time. But my father had been murdered, and I had to helm the Spina—I wasn’t in the best thinking state.”
She sighed. “But I digress. Out of distrust from the official Fontanian police force, I hired two my father’s most trusted subordinates, Melus and Silver, to be my bodyguards. I also actively took steps to avoid Clorinde; I really didn’t want anything to do with her. The Steambird that released after my father’s passing—I threw it away after seeing her name and face on it.”
“It took a while to at least partially accept her side of the story. Melus, Silver, and I … we were ambushed by gardemeks, sent the same ones who sent the assassin after my father. We held them off for a while, but they just kept … coming and coming. But then Clorinde showed up—and she defeated the whole bunch of them. Even I couldn’t hold it against her that much; she saved my life, after all, so I began to partially forgive her. Plus, I heard she was working on apprehending the mastermind behind my father’s death, so I reluctantly decided to reopen communications with her. I even kept Steambird issues that highlighted her, just to see if she had found anything interesting relating to my father.”
“I guess … we really only truly made up after the true criminal was apprehended. I suppose that it took all that work by Clorinde for me to accept that maybe, just maybe, her heart was pure … so I was willing to hear the full version from her. After all that happened and all that she did, there was no other way to spin it—she valiantly protected my father to the very end, and she was noble in her pursuit. I no longer blame her for what happened in the past,” she said, shaking her head, “and now we can forge a brighter future together.”
“Well, I’m glad you two managed to make up in the end!” I said, enthusiastically smiling. Though I guess that was already pretty clear by them travelling here together ….
“I don’t know this ‘Ayaka’ fellow as well as you, so I can’t offer specific advice,” Clorinde said, “but I do hope that Navia and I’s story does somehow help you in resolving your dispute. Knowing how much time, all those years we lost over something so … easily explained, it would pain me to see that happen with others in front of my own eyes.”
I could only look down to hide my small sniffles. “Thank you … you two.”
“It’s no problem! The Spina’s mission is to help people all over Fontaine—but what’s stopping me from doing it all over the world? The president must go above and beyond to set an example for her followers, after all,” Navia said while beaming. “Ah, but that’s enough of this philosophical stuff. Got any recommendations as to where we should go next?”
Smirking, I whispered, “I know a really interesting place … but it’s a little dangerous. It’s called Araumi—a section of town that’s basically just abandoned buildings. They say that a lot of rogue robots, they’re called something ‘ruin’ …, gah! I can’t remember the name. Basically, there are these evil robots roaming around. Are you guys up for it?”
Clorinde raised her eyebrow. “Are you taunting me? I’ve never been one to shy away from danger when the time calls. These ‘ruin’ whatevers stand no chance against me.”
I led them out of the restaurant and yawned as the sunlight hit my face. “We’re going to walk back around Byakko Plain and Hanamizaka before heading along the coast to reach Araumi,” I explained as the flowers in Hanamizaka came into full sight.
“By the way, Yoimiya,” Navia said as she stepped over yet another creek, “why are there so many of these small creeks in Inazuma? It really seems you have water everywhere … they were at the bottom of Chinju Forest too.”
“I didn’t pay enough attention in geography class to know exactly why.” I shrugged. “But I guess it’s because Inazuma is just islands surrounded by water? I mean, some of it has to get in somehow. You know, like, if you put tofu in a bunch of soy sauce or something, it starts tasting more like soy sauce? Or like a sponge soaking up water ….”
“These waters do fondly remind me of home. They flow abundantly, just like the rivers and tides in Fontaine,” Clorinde remarked.
Hmm … Fontaine did have a lot of water when I went with Ayaka …. “Well, I’m glad you two like Inazuma so much. When I went to Fontaine, I loved it too!” I stepped over another creek, and the big, blue, beautiful sea came into view. “Look! It’s the sea! Now all we have to do is follow it, and we’ll be in Araumi.” Clorinde and Navia squinted. “Don’t worry! We’re almost there; once we see the sea, we’re already pretty close to Araumi when travelling from the main part of town.”
After a few minutes of walking with only the sea breeze and sunlight as our companions, ruined and dilapidated buildings came into view. “Look! It’s Araumi! The ruins!”
“I … I never would have imagined Inazuma would have something like this …,” Navia said, “but doesn’t this just make travelling all the more interesting?”
I looked back and held a finger over my lips as we descended. “Shh … be quiet. We don’t want to alert those nasty robots, after all.”
I myself had never been to Araumi, having only vaguely heard it mentioned it Inazuman history classes. Most of my exposure to it came from urban legends told by Hu Tao that were probably half-baked lies—but I wasn’t about to risk fighting robots just because Hu Tao bullshitted half her statements.
Hu Tao did not exaggerate the degree to which the ruins in Araumi were, well, ruins. The stone that lay under the buildings was cracked and chipped, and rubble and stray stones were scattered along what I presumed to be streets. Anything less durable, like glass windows, seemed to have been deformed or shattered. Grass and other flora grew in between the rubble, as if the environment was reclaiming its territory from an overindustrialized and sinful civilization. Some large trees practically enveloped the buildings they surrounded. Still, some of the remaining buildings stood defiantly tall—monuments of an ancient kingdom, trying not to become forgotten in obscure texts. Plus, I’ve heard that there are definitely interesting things to be found Araumi ….
“It is … certainly something. Still, we should be on our guard,” Clorinde said, cautiously choosing the quietest spots to step on.
The tall buildings of Araumi should have blocked out the wind, but the silence among us made it seem quieter than it had been before; the only interruptions were some oohs and aahs as we headed deeper into Araumi. Small trinkets seemed to penetrate out of the rubble, but we all seemed to resist these odd treasures to continue exploring. “So …,” Navia said, “you know where the best spots here are?”
I shook my head and continued to dodge odd-looking pieces of stone. “It’s my first time here too. To be honest, I’m just wandering just as much as you two are.” Hold on … shit! “Do you guys still remember the way back? Oh no ….”
“Don’t worry; I’ll handle getting back,” Clorinde replied. Ah, that’s the professional Fontanian police officer Clorinde for you ….
“Psst! Wait!” Navia excitedly exclaimed as quietly as possible; Clorinde and I turned our heads around, and she pointed to an oddly shiny ornament sticking out of a piece of rubble. “Clorinde, isn’t that … a limited edition D&D set? Hehe, I guess my good fortune really came true!” she said, cautiously stepping toward it.
“Navia—wait, no, Navia!” Clorinde shouted as she bolted toward her; I turned around and noticed a very loose piece of stone begin to slip from atop one of the buildings—it was on a crash course right toward Navia, and it seemed like everyone else could see it too. Oh my Archons, no no no, this can’t be happening …, I thought as I winced and closed my eyes.
They instinctively opened as I heard a large crash—but Clorinde had successfully pushed Navia out of harm’s way. “Clorinde!” Navia shouted while shaking her, “Clorinde, are you alright? Say something!” Upon closer inspection, it looked like the stone had struck Clorinde’s arm instead.
Ouch! That looks like it hurts …. “Uh … are you still able to walk?” I asked while cautiously approaching her.
“Don’t talk to me like I just died, Navia; I’m stronger than that. Besides,” she said, gesturing with her head, “there’s a bigger problem at hand.”
We looked over to where she gestured and instantly heard the whirring of robotic engines. Oh my Archons, how much can this get any worse? “It’s the …,” I said, “I remember! They’re called Ruin Sentinels! We’ve gotta run!” I turned around but was met only with the sight of more Ruin Sentinels. So it could get worse! We’re surrounded now.
“You know what this means, partner?” Navia said, seemingly playing with her umbrella.
“Um … no?”
“Target practice!” She drew and released her umbrella, and she fired sharp shrapnel crystals. I stared in awe as one of the Ruin Sentinels shattered as it had never existed. Oh SHIT! That’s loud! Thank the Archons for the earphones the other time ….
“Ah, I suppose we forgot to tell you about the … modifications to Navia’s umbrella,” Clorinde said, drawing a gun and firing off two shots to immobilize a second Ruin Sentinel. “My right hand is rusty. I should have been able to take out two of them with two shots.”
“Holy shit! Does everyone in Fontaine just carry a gun everywhere!?” I yelled as I watched them gradually dispatch the Ruin Sentinels, hands still covering my ears.
“We police like to be prepared—so I carry two pistols in case one doesn’t work. Yoimiya, do you know your way around a firearm? We could really use some assistance.”
When I was in Mondstadt … Eula taught me how to shoot—kind of? Still, I barely hit anything …. What was it, two shots out of ten? I don’t think I’ll be able to do much, but …. “Um …,” I hesitantly said, “Eula—er, a police officer in Mondstadt—kind of taught me and Ayaka how to shoot the other day? I mean I wasn’t very good or anything; it was my first time, you know—”
“Save the self-deprication for later. Here, take this.” Clorinde wildly threw another gun at me, and I scrambled to catch it.
Okay, this is getting real. What did Eula say again? Gah, this gun is different than the ones she gave us! Well, at least it isn’t as heavy …. I quickly fumbled around the gun and looked for all of its distinguishing features. So that’s the trigger …. Come on; don’t get distracted by all the gunshots! Feet apart, aim at the center of the Ruin Sentinel, and slowly press the trigger …. My eyes instinctively closed as my finger held the trigger; the lack of sight only served to enhance the deafening boom of the shot.
Did I hit anything? I hesitantly opened one of my eyes, and I saw collapsed circuits. I hit it, I hit it, I hit it—wait a minute, there are more where it came from …. Guess I’ll have to fire faster. Clorinde and Navia are relying on me.
Though I took some time to make minute adjustments to my stance and aim, I rapidly sped up the firing process, and I gradually accustomed myself to the sound of the gunshots. Even though it was likely that I missed well over half my shots, with the flow state I was in, it felt like I was mowing down the Ruin Sentinels like I was shooting large firework bombs into them. After a last lucky (or extremely skilled) shot, I managed to defeat the last of the Ruin Sentinels that stood in front of me. Wait …. “Was that … all of them?”
Navia assisted Clorinde as she began to stand up. “Yes, the threat should be neutralized,” Clorinde said, scanning the place around us.
“Great shooting partner!” Navia raised her hand, and I instinctively high-fived it. “But, um … Clorinde, are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yeah!” I said, “your arm looks really, really bad! We definitely should get you to a doctor ….”
---------------------------------------
“Wait, YOU’RE the DOCTOR?” I nearly shouted as I came face-to-face with the supposed “doctor” who was supposed to help Clorinde with injury.
“Hm? Are you surprised, Yoimiya?” Kokomi said, tilting her head before continuing to examine Clorinde’s arm.
“Aren’t you—”
“The services I offer at Sangonomiya Shrine are legit. So too is my professional occupation! Can’t a girl hustle?” She gave Clorinde a few pats before straightening herself back up. “You know, you’re pretty lucky! The block sort of just ricocheted off you, so it didn’t cause any major damage. You should feel a little soreness and pain, but that’s normal. Just don’t overexert that arm, and you should be fine in a few days.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Clorinde said and nodded.
“You know, it was really meeting you! Want to exchange phone numbers and stay in touch? I think this might be the Steambird’s next big scoop—an article about you! I should at least send you the article about you once the Steambird publishes it,” Navia said.
Well, Navia and Clorinde are definitely great people and friends! “Of course! Here’s my phone number ….”
Once Navia, Clorinde, and I had exchanged our contact information, they stood up and waved goodbye.
A figure who I most definitely did not want to see burst through the door. “Yoohoo! A little butterfly told me you went scavenging in Araumi~. Meet any ghosts? Or spirits?” It was Hu Tao.
“Wait—how did you know I went in to Araumi? And how did you know I was here?”
“It’s a secret~,” she said, wagging her finger at me. “Anyway, eventful day, huh?”
I sighed. Oh Archons … I am more tired than I originally thought …. “You definitely could say so ….”
“Aiya! So tired already? That’s no good?” She checked her pocketwatch. “Well, gotta scramble! Death waits for no one, after all~.” And with that, just as she had made her entrance, she made a mad dash for the exit.
“You should go home and rest, Yoimiya. The truth will itself to you in due time,” Kokomi said.
“Err … okay?” Well, I am really tired, anyway …. I guess I should take the chance before Keqing magically appears and starts grilling me.
Almost as soon as I arrived back, Navia texted me.
Navia: Look at the article the Steambird wrote about you! They sure do write fast.
Breaking news from the Steambird! The President of the Spina di Rosula, a Marechausse Hunter, and their Inazuman tour guide duel it out with ancient robots!
On their trip to Inazuma, Navia of the Spina di Rosula and Clorinde of the Marechausse Hunters took a detour to Araumi, a secluded and more dangerous spot, at the recommendation of their tour guide. Little did they know about the danger lurking in wait to ambush them! Navia’s testimony as collected by Charlotte:
Navia: “... and out of nowhere, I saw the limited edition set! It matched perfectly with my fortune from …”
[read more]
I closed my eyes and rested my phone on my chest. Man … how my life has changed ever since pursuing Ayaka! All these … great and interesting things happening to me.
“But ….” What in the world did Kokomi mean by “the truth will itself to you in due time?” I mean, why not just directly tell me what she means? Ugh …. I mean, I guess communication is important? That’s the one thing I learned from Navia and Clorinde, after all. But how do in the world do I get to Ayaka? She’s blocked me anywhere, and it’s not like I can raid her house like I did that one time … it would make everything worse. This is too tiring ….