Chapter Text
"It's awfully bright today," you commented, arm upon your forehead as you squinted into the sky.
The sun was high above you, vividly glowing in the cloudless blue, and as you swept the sakura-littered planks of Grand Narukami Shrine you basked in the warmth it radiated. How beautiful a day where it dared not rain nor tempt the land in frost, for desire was perpetual in the land of eternity, but you were content with complacency so long as you were safe.
The shrine smelled lovely with the fresh cherry blossoms in full bloom, though lively as they may be on Spring's first night, you much preferred their departure as they danced and intertwined with the wind in spite of the mess you'd inevitably be stuck cleaning up. It was quite the sight; a tide of flurried pink emerging amidst the sparkling sun as if it were a precious ocean adorned with wishful thinking. You reached up towards a lonesome petal drifting aimlessly, though not lamentably, and you studied the lightly delicate texture of it along with its alluring fragrance. Then, you let it go to be washed away with the next flow of the tide.
You thought back to the world outside the shrine you've resided in for so long. Inazuma was less-than-tranquil with the rather controversial Vision Hunt Decree being enacted throughout the land. You pitied those who had their visions stripped from them, but you would not fear it unless the Electro Archon herself descended to seize your vision. The humans who enforced it were far inferior to your divine being, a kistune; not to mention the many years you had spent honing the hydro element. But more than anything, they feared the repercussions of defying Yae Miko; you weren't positive you could hold your own against her either.
"Did you hear about the outlander who cleansed the Sacred Sakura?" a young shine maiden asked to someone out of your view.
You could hear their footsteps, which were light and in unison, and their voices were ignited with curiosity. Another voice replied, "I caught a glimpse of her speaking to Lady Guuji. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but they seemed rather close."
"Oh, how I wish I could be close with Lady Guuji," the other sighed in wonder.
You smiled to yourself, remembering how kind Yae Miko had been when you were in peril. In some ways you were wary of her cunning nature, not that you were much more upfront, but the overseer of the shrine cared for others in her own genuine away. She had welcomed you into her protection when you were desperate and alone; no matter what she did you would always be grateful, so when a strange newcomer entered the midst under the beckoning of Yae Miko, you knew better than to intervene, but instead observe.
The outlander: a blonde-haired girl by the name of Lumine seeking audience with a god. Her origin was unknown and her ability to control the elements without a vision was even more of an enigma, yet Yae Miko at least seemed to trust her to an extent, therefore, you would trust the Guuji's judgement despite your wariness.
Still, gossiping about it wouldn't complete their chores. You approached the two awestruck girls, finding amusement in the horror that claimed their faces as they realized you caught them. "Now is not the time to idly chat; there is an esteemed visitor acknowledged by Lady Guuji in the shrine," you reprimanded them.
"We'll get back to work right away, ma'am," the two bowed apologetically in unison before scurrying off. Of course, you knew they weren't really going to get back on task, but if order was never maintained then no order would ever be followed.
You shook your head, a soft smile replacing the stern expression previously occupying your face. It was too peaceful a day not to smile at the fragrant aroma only Spring could offer, and besides, you were simply happy. Admiring the view, you descended the steps to the courtyard where you often welcomed visitors, and kneeled next to the water. It was such a vibrant blue that sometimes you wondered if someone were secretly dyeing it despite knowing it was due to the blessing of the Sacred Sakura.
You cupped your hands, dipping them into the radiant liquid and bringing it to your lips. It was cool and refreshing—like sweet syrup dripping into the snow from a maple tree in early Spring—you relaxed at the smooth sensation as it glided down your throat. Ripples emerged from where you hands had previously disrupted it, cascading down the surface and gradually settling into its natural wave. Would you ever touch that same water again?
It reflected the sky, yet not the horizon—the water, that is. Even the moon as it crossed its summit gloated in its own beauty, but among the ocean waves the horizon illuminated far more than the moon could, except in such an angle where it could not be seen.
You stepped away from the water and walked to the onset of the curved slope leading downwards from Mt. Yougou. Off in the distant you could see Inazuma city, a place you had once wandered as you pleased, and as you gazed upon the beautiful landscape you absentmindedly reached your arm out before quickly retracting it. Pastel foliage dotted the exquisite architecture and the surrounding land, gleaming like a child's eyes for candy, but you dared not venture out of Narukami Shrine now. A knot tightened in your stomach at the thought and turned away so as not to convince yourself to leave.
Just as you tore you eyes from the city, a blue-eyed shrine maiden called to you, "Miss Y/n!"
"Hm?" you motioned for her to continue speaking.
"Lady Guuji has requested you speak with her; come, she's in front of the Sacred Sakura," the girl explained as she waved her hand for you to follow.
You nodded and followed her to the courtyard. Sure enough, there was Yae Miko, though she was not by herself, for Lumine was there as well. They stopped their conversation as soon they heard you approach, almost as if you were some type of important guest to be entertained—it unsettled you.
"I've asked you here because this is something that concerns you due to your dealings with this individual," Yae Miko stated, looking down at you from the top of the steps. You suddenly felt like a mouse cornered by a cat; your heart began to anxiously pound for a reason you couldn't quite discern.
You glanced at the shrine maiden who had led you there, and she bowed respectfully before promptly leaving. If it required the three of you to be alone, if must be of grave importance, you thought to yourself.
"There is unrest within Inazuma, and as you've likely suspected, that is due in part to the Fatui," she began. "Inazuma was being used to manufacture delusions."
You still felt uneasy, "I'm not sure why you're telling me this. As much as I'd like to, there's not much I can do to help."
Yae Miko glanced at Lumine's neutral expression which only added to your nerves. "I found who was manufacturing those delusions," said the foreign-looking girl.
You didn't like where this was heading.
She continued, "But when I confronted him I was rendered unconscious."
"So in order to save Lumine, I had to trade her life for the gnosis," Yae Miko informed you.
Still confused, you replied, "It was entrusted to you. I have no say in what you choose to do with it."
Yae Miko sighed, "Y/n, I had to give the gnosis to the 6th Harbinger, The Balladeer."
Your breath caught in your throat.
"Or as you know him—"
Your heart stopped, blood running cold as you anticipated what she was about to say.
"—Kunikuzushi."
The world fell silent for a moment as if it were sitting on the edge of its seat, eyes glued to the stage as the climax of a play was about to reach its peak, except this wasn't a play and you weren't a bystander simply watching. Like a spotlight shining in the middle of an audience, you suddenly felt as if you had been ousted from your masquerade of a spectator's life. Your hands felt clammy, chills running down your spine and knots tightening in your stomach to the point where it felt as though you were being wrung out.
"Are you alright, Y/n? You look pale," Yae Miko said as she began to approach you.
She brought you to her chest and rubbed slow circles on your back soothingly, though it did little to quell your increasing uneasiness. You should have known it was too peaceful when everything outside of the shrine was thrown into such disarray.
"I know I promised you could reside here, but it would only be safe for so long," she cautioned with a slight hint of regret in her tone.
You looked up towards Lumine who had been standing wordlessly for quite some time. Perhaps she did not wish to intervene or she simply felt guilty, but either way, you couldn't blame the girl. How could she have known your situation? How could you have known that involving yourself with him was a mistake from the beginning.
Then, you felt resolute, "Yae, I have to go."
Yae Miko stepped back and locked eyes with you, "I know, but it's been many years. Please do not underestimate the change the world has undergone in your time away."
"I understand," you nodded.
"I'm sorry there was no time for a proper farewell," you heard her say as your back was turned and you were about to leave.
A gust of wind blew threw the courtyard. It smelled of fresh blossoms mixed with malaise and the scent of the sea as it tempted you to throw yourself within it.
"Thank you for everything," said you, though you did not turn to look at you, for even though you weren't angry, you felt that if you saw her crestfallen expression you wouldn't be able to leave.
With the wind as your guide, you grabbed an old wind-glider and descended down the mountain. You would have preferred to depart to another nation as soon as possible, but the Sakoku Decree would prevent you from doing so for a rather lengthy amount of time. Until you could figure something out, you reckoned the abandoned shrine on Seirai Island was your safest option. However, finding a boatman to take you could be troublesome.
You landed at the edge of Chinju Forest and used the cover of the trees to transform into your fox form. Your pelt was a sheening white dipped in red, and while beautiful, it was far too remarkable to pass yourself off as an oblivious animal. However, traveling was much quicker compared to your human legs, and you knew it wouldn't be long before Kunikuzushi caught wind of your whereabouts.
No, you thought. I will never call him by that name again.
You scampered off, skillfully avoiding the eyes of monsters that plagued the area and followed the scent of the wind to some kind of port. Unfortunately, that lead you to the biggest city in Inazuma where you would most definitely stick out. Yae Miko was right; Inazuma had changed far more than you had expected. You might have seen it from a distant, but your eyes betrayed you more than your time away had. The land had been expanded upon, worn out pathways leading to a grandiose center of civilization, and more than anything, the people were different. Their attire was a shadow of their former clothes, simplifying the old, complex garments they once donned. You didn't recognize anyone either; time was cruel to humans, after all. Were they as accepting as the people you once knew? Did they remember any of those you had honored for their intelligence and integrity?
As it turns out, time was cruel to you, too.