Chapter Text
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The Sun rose, and the gulls sang as men woke. The hustling of tinkers chimed the sea while the buzzing of markets echoed the wind. The morning dew was no longer in view as the city of men began anew. Such were the daily routines of locals in port city Liyue and their liveliness could even be heard miles away.
A young man with silverish white hair stood idly on the highest mast. Eyes bright and gleamed crimson by the morning sun. He gazed down to the flagship below him. The crew had awoken and began their duty.
Hmm. Today is the day.
It was early in the morning while Kazuha started to paddle the boat and headed towards the open shoal of Guyun Stone Forest. His mind floated like the cotton clouds while his heart was eager like the rushing wind. A little bit of Anemo gust wouldn't hurt as he sped up his boat towards the meeting place.
Kazuha waited as he sat on the warm morning rock, facing the open sea. He stole a gaze at the strange device underneath the tree. A Waypoint Teleporter—he said. Incredible where none would think the ancient device left by the long-lost ancestral would be of use now.
Kazuha had been waiting for this moment. A chance to meet with the mysterious outlander he deemed ever so curious. Ever since he set his eyes upon the traveller, he knew that person was far beyond ordinary. The lingering scent around him was enough to shake the dormant laws of this world.
The young ronin remembered the day he spent travelling to an old ruin within Lingju Pass. Kazuha was strolling through Liyue marketplace when he spotted the traveller with his flying companion as they invited him to join their mini adventure to see the ruins. Kazuha did not decline and enjoyed the whole journey with them. Watching, listening and indulging himself with the mysterious outlander—just to fill his curiosity over the reason why the traveller was able to wield elemental without a Vision. Oh, and of course, he was good at cooking.
A week after their second fateful encounter, Beidou had sent her men to notify the Adventurer Guild. Luckily, the traveller was nearby and received the Crux Fleet invitation. He told the crew that there was no need for an escort and knew the way to the Alcor. Nonetheless, Kazuha volunteered himself to bring in their guest of honour today.
The morning warmth soothes my heart.
Kazuha slowly closed his eyes and quietly meditated. To cleanse and ease the mind and soul within himself. Perhaps, a verse of haiku would accompany him while waiting.
Hmm. Land afar they hail,
Kazuha picked up a familiar scent in the wind. Flowers blessed by the grace of songs and gentle breeze—Cecilia.
Coal stench trailed within the mist. Dust burst from bequeathed will by the golden king—Cor Lapis.
Kazuha breathed in and fluttered his eyes awake. A familiar scent he knew well by now, appeared before him. As the twinkling chimes echoed, a figure slowly glowed in pleasure shape.
Wind and stones abide in harmony though the lingering scent underneath was more of a mystery—Stars.
None knew of the scent, yet one can know. For an outlander that shined than the rest. As if the Sun came to the land below, carried light and hope to where they may go.
Stars and Sun alike—Ah, it seems I have to continue this later at night.
There. Silky flaxen hair, neatly braided and gleamed by the morning sun. Fair face adorned with amberite eyes. The air where he walked filled with the scent of stars. This person Kazuha was eager to meet most. The traveller, Aether, together with his little faithful fairy companion twirling by the side, Paimon.
"—but this is heavy! Why does Paimon need to carry this?" The fairy floated slowly while her shoulder carried a strap of paper bags.
"It's yours. You're the one who said, can we bring lotsa, lotsa Fisherman Toast, pretty please?" That soft yet clear voice—chirping by the sea like waves hitting the beach.
"But, but, sea voyage will make Paimon hungry…"
Kazuha quietly chuckled. Ever so amusing these two companions. He picked up his katana and leapt down from the rock he sat on.
"Quarrel in the morning? You might awaken the bears," he teased them.
"Kazuha!" Surprised by the unexpected greetings, Aether beamed with glee.
"What! There are bears here!?" Paimon turned her head frantically.
Aether laughed, "Silly Paimon, of course not. Kazuha was joking."
"Kazuhaaa!" she stomped her little feet in midair, cutely angered.
Kazuha chuckled, "Alright, alright. Please accept my apology, little friend." He tilted his head a little and smiled, "good morning, Aether, Paimon."
"Morning Kazuha," Aether replied with a most sincere smile. "Why are you here anyway? Are we… late?"
Kazuha softly shook his head. "You're just in time. And I am here to pick you both up." He gestured his hand towards the little fairy which she realised Kazuha offered to carry the bags she was holding. "I have a hint that you will use the waypoint device. So I waited here."
Paimon twirled happily now that she was free from the heavy loads.
"Let us be off. Everyone is waiting for you."
Kazuha led them to the wooden boat. Of course, a better travel choice than on foot to cross the Guyun Stone Forest, evading any unnecessary morning battle with the hilichurls. Paimon cheered the two lads paddling the boat until Aether had the same idea that Kazuha used before. Anemo wind for a little easy push.
They reached the open waters where the amazing Alcor anchored behind the great spearhead hills. A war remnant left by the Geo Archon, where Liyuen said Rex Lapis lay his spear to mow down the creature below. Aether was mesmerised by the flagship once the boat they paddled was getting nearer.
"We came by gliding from that hilltop." Aether pointed to the highest peak of the spear hill. "So the view wasn't as spectacular as seeing it from below."
Kazuha suddenly laughed, "Yes. I remembered. It was a memorable event for the whole crew. I also saw how you glided down from the hill, thinking it was a huge bird trying to fly across the sea. They shouted—some strange kid landed on the ship and chased you around."
Paimon laughed and earned a pinch on the cheeks from the embarrassed Aether.
"Alright, we are here. Mind your step." Kazuha took the hanging chains down and hooked them on the boat hull.
Aether carefully climbed the rope ladders with his saddlebags hanging on his shoulder. Paimon carried her lunch bag and floated up to the deck above.
"Oi! The lad is here!"
"Heya our Crux Champion, welcome aboard!"
"Captain! The traveller is here!"
Kazuha heard the yells of the crew. Ever so loud, yet he paid no mind. A jolly welcome for the traveller will brighten up the crew morales. He quickly climbed up the ladder to join the rest.
"Oi Kazuha, where have ya been!? You miss your morning duty!"
"Huh? Have I not mentioned before that I went to pick up the traveller?"
But his words were deaf to Juza—Chief Mate of the Crux Fleet. A well-built muscleman in charge of the crewmates—Captain second in command.
The large man dragged Kazuha away from the crowd, further and further from the traveller he wished to be around. Aether saw him and waved. The traveller looked uncomfortable standing in the middle of the crowd until Beidou came and made the guest at ease with her presence.
"Men, time to start sailing! Destination, Port Ritou Inazuma!"
The whole crew cheered as loud as they could. The Crux Fleet Captain finally gave out her order to weigh anchor for their sea voyage. Every crew member quickly returned to their duty as songs and yells of men echoed throughout the sea, rousing the spirits of seamen on their next journey.
The sea breeze was wonderful and the weather was delightful. Aether and Paimon strolled around the ship with faces plastered with never-ending amusement. Little Yue showed them around while the grownups handled their tasks. The traveller noticed the snowy maple hair on top of the ballista. They both waved as Kazuha watched him stride along the ship deck.
Kazuha sighed. He watched with slight frustration, observing from his post while handling the sails with the other crew. This was not supposed to be his job. However, as a fast learner, he started to familiarise himself with all the assigned tasks. Once he knew his way around the ship, the Chief Mate likely dumped any jobs onto him.
Oh, how I wish to reclaim my wanderer path.
The Guyun Stone Forest drifted further from his view. A sight that Kazuha had gotten used to by now. Sure, this wasn't the first time the Alcor returned to the land he called home. Many times the ship docked at Port Ritou, but not once Kazuha had braved himself to return. Let alone stepping out from the ship. To this day, he was still being hunted by the Shogunate. Branded as a fugitive by his dear homeland.
Kazuha was solemn by the thoughts.
Never could he forget the sight which brought him terror and despair.
He quietly gazed at the sparkling sea and calmly breathed the ocean wind. Salty as usual but today might be a little different. Standing by the wooden rails, that long braided hair gently swayed like a mermaid's tail. Hair embellished with silk and gold as they shine gracefully by Helios' flow. Delicate figure through a gallant poised as the majestic cape fluttered like those from fairy lores.
There he is. Kazuha giggled to himself. Surely, with a single glimpse, that person could be mistaken for a prince.
Kazuha finally completed his tasks. He leapt forward but stopped his pace when he saw Beidou was calling for the traveller. He could hear very well even with the strong wind flapping the sails and waves splashing the hull.
"—really. It wasn't necessary. We can sleep anywhere as long as there are blankets to warm us." The traveller looked troubled.
"Beds are nice… but if Aether says so… Paimon agrees!"
"Ha. How modest. Still, you are our Crux Clash champion and honourable guest on board," Beidou smirked while resting her hands on the hips. Aether was flustered but proud at the compliment.
A chance for hospitality. Why would he decline?
It wasn't Beidou's decision but the women crew to give the honoured guests a personal cabin after they had taken a liking to the traveller and his little companion. Kazuha undoubtedly agreed with them as he was not inclined to let Aether and Paimon sleep outside with some of the crew—especially if the men had their drinks for the night.
"If I may, Captain," Kazuha stepped in. "Aether and the little one can share my cabin on this eventful journey." Kazuha turned to look at the young champion while hearing the little fairy repeating her name.
"Eventful ay? I rather not stumble upon any sea monster and gods. The thick thunderstorm is enough." Beidou faced Aether as she crossed her arms, "So how 'bout it? Other sailors are sharing with him as well if ya don't mind tighter space."
"Yes. I don't mind," Aether nodded and agreed to Kazuha's invitation.
"Alright. Kazuha can show you the way then." Beidou suddenly slapped Aether on the back. "Come up to the main deck if ya done settle your stuff down. I heard this is your first time sailing with a bigger boat . So don't miss out on your sea journey!"
"Aye, aye, Captain!" both Aether and Paimon spoke simultaneously while doing the hand salute above their faces.
Kazuha chuckled at the bright hero. A bunch of amusing fellows and everything about him is—fascinating. Kazuha took one of the saddlebags Aether was carrying which surprised the lad. He gestured his hand to come with him to the lower deck.
The shades inside made the area dim as their eyes slowly adjusted to the dark. Once their sight regained its light, they could see the lower deck area was not that dark after all. They could see a narrow corridor that led to spiral stairs below. The traveller walked behind Kazuha while the fairy glided closely to them.
"Thanks, Kazuha," Aether suddenly spoke.
Kazuha turned and bowed his head a little. "Glad to be of service." Although, he could not help but wonder, "why refuse?"
"Yeah. Paimon wants to know why!?"
Aether looked at both of them while his face clearly showed he was bothered by it.
"Oh, no big reason in particular," Aether scoffed, "but lately… I feel like I'm being spoiled too much by others. If possible, I would prefer not to owe anyone anything. Since I will—" he stopped his words.
Hmm?
"Haha. It's nothing. Really. If I get too comfortable, I'll get rusty."
Kazuha saw the hidden sorrow underneath the broad smile. This was not the first time the traveller had to put up a tough face. Bold and naive—Kazuha’s impression of him. Yet, those eyes were not of a child. That solid determination to pursue a goal.
Ambition.
Kazuha did not wish to press further, "Ah, a wanderer virtue. I understand."
"Paimon don't!"
The two lads laughed. Kazuha stopped at the third last door before the stairs to the Captain's cabin. He pushed the door open. Inside was a small room with two bunk beds on both sides of the wall. Two hammocks hung by the windows though it seemed they were unused for a while. A small wooden table by the corner and a storage trunk underneath.
"This cabin is occupied by me alone." Kazuha gently laid down the saddlebag on the table.
"Eh?" The guests were puzzled.
"The sailors prefer to sleep outside. In other words, they always drink for the whole night and pass out. I, for most nights, enjoyed my alone time in the cabin."
Kazuha pushed the small window open as the dimmed cabin turned brighter with the scent of salt and moisture filling up the cabin's air.
"Then, are we intruding?" Aether mildly frowned.
So humble.
"Not at all. I'll be enjoying my days with you here, Aether." Kazuha caught the reddened colour cheeks. He continued, "or are you the type to make noises when asleep?"
Aether immediately pointed his fingers to Paimon while the little fairy pointed hers as well.
"What! Paimon did not make any noises when asleep!"
"Yes, you do. You always sleep talking about food and your tummy growling so loudly. And what do you mean I make noises too!?"
"You did! Well, not all the time. But you snore!"
Aether made a shocking expression since he had no idea he had been snoring in his sleep till now.
"Alright, you two. It was merely a jest." Kazuha refrained from laughing.
He walked to the storage trunk and clunked it open as he took out a stack of white clothes and small cushions. Aether watched Kazuha and noticed the clothes were new bedsheets and a pair of pillowcases.
"Had I known you declined the Captain's offer, I would have prepared this sooner. Pardon me," Kazuha unfolded the bedsheet.
"I'm the one intruding. Let me help as well." Aether took one of the clean sheets and spread it down on the other bunk bed.
"Paimon too!" The little fairy flew and took the pillow and the casing.
After a few minutes, they settled folding in the new fresh bed sheets. Paimon rolled over the bed happily yet she mumbled Liyue inn's bed was softer. Aether took out a few of their belongings, mainly books, perhaps a travelling journal and hung the saddlebags on the bed hook. Kazuha watched them both with a tender stare. A self-amusement for himself until he noticed the young man's expression slowly turned paler. Aether suddenly swayed and quickly sat down on the bed while he breathed.
"Aether?" Concerned, Kazuha walked over and sat next to him. "Are you perhaps seasick?"
"Hnngh."
"Eh~ but you rode a boat before. Why the sudden seasickness?" Paimon started to get worried.
"I… don't know. It feels like my head is swaying too much. It didn't feel like this before…" More wrinkles were formed behind the flaxen fringes.
"Mayhaps a smaller or speedy type of boat was what you rode last time." Kazuha guessed as Aether nodded.
"Is there any difference? Paimon can't tell."
"You might want to land your feet onto the boat to experience it, little friend." Kazuha offered his suggestion.
"Ehh, pass." She shook her head and declined.
Kazuha stood up and took Aether by his hand. Aether wasn't protesting as he quietly followed Kazuha out of the cabin while Paimon glided behind them.
"Let's head up to the main deck above. Vast sky, drifting breeze. Eyes glare to horizon sea. Look far and you'll see."
"Really?" Paimon eyed the Inazuma lad, reciting his poetic haiku when given any chance.
Half an hour had passed after Kazuha and his guests spent their time on the main deck. It seemed his idea only lasted a couple of minutes until Aether started wobbling again. The traveller couldn't calm his nauseousness even after enjoying the fresh air and the sea view. He slowly crouched down on the wooden floor to reduce the dizziness and his little fairy started to get worried.
"Wait a moment. I will bring the ship's doctor here," Kazuha reassured them. He was about to leave the two when he noticed a lady in a blue dress walking toward them. The person Kazuha was about to search.
"Is everything alright, Kazuha?" she asked while kneeling next to the traveller. "I couldn't help but notice your complexion looked pale and came by to check. I am Yinxing, by the way. Crux Fleet's doctor." She addressed herself to the traveller.
"Miss Yinxing. Our guest is having nausea. Is there any medicine to counter such illness?" Kazuha kneeled to the group.
"Oh my. Yes. Of course, there is. Please bring him to the medic cabin. He can rest there while I perform a medical amputation," she smiled.
"Am—amputation!!!?" Paimon squeaked in shock as Aether's face was paler than he already was.
"Miss Yinxing, you scare them," Kazuha tried to hold back his laugh.
"Stop teasing Paimon with scary jokes!"
Kazuha lifted Aether's left arm and let it hang on his shoulder for support. Slowly they walked up the stairs to the doctor's cabin. Much like any surgeon's room, this was no different except it was smaller but the room's mood looked comfortable for patients to be in. The little fairy shrieked when she saw the surgery utensils placed neatly on the hanging shelves.
"Here, this herbal drink will ease your nausea. It's minty and a little bit bitter. You'll get used to it," she smiled widely and somehow dangerously to both Aether and Paimon.
"Ugh… bitter." Paimon's grimaced, speaking for the traveller as he drank the warm herb in one go.
"It will make you drowsy as well, hehe. So you can rest here as long as you like."
Aether suddenly choked his drink while the lady doctor smiled happily. Kazuha was worried but seeing the traveller's little horror expression, he must resist the urge to laugh. Poor Aether. He was once a victim of the doctor too.
Not long afterwards, the seasick patient fell deep into sleep.
"Will Aether be okay!? Miss Doctor, don't you go amputate or something like that to him!"
Paimon cried in a high squeaky voice as Kazuha carried the little fairy out of the cabin. "Haha, don't worry. He will be fine. She's a good doctor," he reassured her.
"Why did Kazuha carry Paimon out?"
"Oh, you were noisy so I brought you out," he said, frankly.
"Hmmph!" Those chubby cheeks became more puffed from the pout.
"Well, you may go back in. But, Miss Yinxing might think you are a little too interesting, do you not think so?"
Paimon turned blue while Kazuha laughed jokingly. "You two are inseparable. It is nice to see you both care for one another."
"Well duh, Paimon is the best guide for Aether, so Paimon needs to take care of him too!" she held her head high in pride.
Kazuha watched the white fairy fly down the stairs. She glided along the rails until she stopped and circled near Little Yue for company.
"A companion to travel with."
I am a little envious.
He chuckled at his own musing.
A steel bond forged by hardship as stalwart hearts born from trust. Faith will foster conviction and one day might lead to one's ambition.
Kazuha gazed at the far horizon sky. His crimson eyes searched deep into the clouded fate. He sat by the rails and shall wait for the traveller to awake.
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