Chapter Text
Chapter One
The White Heron and the Broken Cage
There was much rejoicing in the Komore Teahouse. The Raiden Shogun had abolished the Sakoku Decree, meaning the country of Inazuma would at last be open to outsiders. This was a dream come true for the Kamisato siblings, who had thus far quietly opposed the oppressive Shogun’s policies. None of it could have been possible without the help of that mysterious blonde-haired traveler and his floating companion.
Just the thought of him was enough to stir something in Kamisato Ayaka’s heart. She had not seen much of him since he had to part ways with her and flee to Watatsumi Island, but the memories she made with him at that summer festival were as vivid as if they happened yesterday. How they walked hand in hand among the stalls. How they admired the fireworks. How she performed her special dance for him in Chinju Forest. Her porcelain like cheeks burned at the thought of it.
“Your tea, milady.”
The elderly Nakanishi held a tray with a full tea set, steam rising from the cup like a chimney draft on a cold day. She gladly took it while her beloved brother, Ayato, only drank from his boba tea.
“So the gates are at last opened,” Ayato thought aloud to himself. “I never would have imagined Her Excellency would finally abolish the Sakoku Decree. The Traveler has a talent when it comes to winning over others.”
Ayaka’s heart skipped a beat at her brother’s compliment. Indeed, Aether seemed to draw followers and make friends wherever he went. He could recruit others to go on his adventures (for a short period of time) and fight dangerous enemies. He defrosted the icy Raiden Shogun and made her see the folly of pursuing “eternity.”
And, not least of all, he managed to capture her heart.
“Y-Yes. He’s certainly extraordinary in that regard.”
How she wished she could accompany him on his journey. To see all of Teyvat and explore the world sounded like the perfect dream come true.
But such a dream was impossible. He had to find his sister, and she had her duties to both her clan and the Yashiro Commission. She would likely just get in his way if she tried to impose on him.
“Now that the country will be opened,” Ayato continued, “we should take this opportunity to improve our relations with the rest of Teyvat.” Ayaka tilted her head, slightly confused.
“Brother…?”
“Trade and travel were extremely limited, and as such we had no formal diplomatic relations with the other nations. The Yashiro Commission was normally concerned with internal matters, but now, Her Excellency has seen fit to entrust us with diplomacy as well.”
“Why are you telling me all this, brother?”
“Because, in a few weeks, I’ll be leaving for Liyue.”
In an instant, Ayaka’s world came to an abrupt halt. Her brother was being charged with acting as an ambassador. It made the most sense since the Yashiro Commission was now seen as the least compromised of the three; both the Kanjou and Tenryou clans were still rebuilding their reputations after their backhand deals with the Fatui. But that was not what concerned Ayaka; rather, it was the chance to see Teyvat. Perhaps, she thought, she could accompany her brother on this trip?
“Oh, I’m happy to hear that, brother!” she congratulated, sipping her tea. “How long will you be gone?”
“I’m not sure at the moment. I will not just be visiting Liyue, but Mondstadt as well. We’ll need good relations with both the Qixing and the Knights of Favonius if we are to counter the actions of Snezhnaya’s Fatui.”
“Who else will be coming with you?”
“I’ve reached out to the Traveler, and he has agreed to accompany me.”
Ayaka nearly dropped her tea. Aether was a part of this? Again, it made sense, seeing how he had close connections to many important people in Liyue and Mondstadt, to say nothing of all the good he had done for the Yashiro Commission across Inazuma. But at the same time, the allure of traveling the world with him, a dream she had had for so long, was too strong to ignore.
“Is…it important that you go, brother?”
Ayato blinked, somewhat puzzled by her question. Ayaka surely knew the answer to that. So why ask?
“But of course, dear sister. It’s now the duty of the Yashiro Commission to represent our country to the rest of the world.”
“That’s not what I mean. Is it important that you go?”
In an instant, Ayato understood, and a small smirk sneaked into the corner of his lip. Given how often Ayaka spoke of him, it did not take long for him to figure out the nature of their relationship. Indeed, when he met the Traveler for the first time and enlisted his help in uncovering the truth behind the Hiiragi and Kujou clan’s marriage, saving Chisato Hiiragi from losing what influence she had in her family, the Traveler proved crucial in exposing the plot. He was every bit the man Ayaka said he was.
A soft, knowing chuckle escaped his lips before sipping his tea.
“You really want time with the Traveler that badly, do you?”
At that, Ayaka’s porcelain face turned as pink as a Sakura tree in full bloom. She looked away, trying to equivocate.
“I-it’s not just that. I’ve never been outside Inazuma before, and the thought of seeing all that Teyvat has to offer is…well…exciting.”
“Sister, this is not some vacation. It will be rather tiring, as you would be representing our nation to various foreign leaders. You would do well to remember that.” Ayaka’s brow dipped in slight resentment.
“As I recall, Ayato, you’re not one for making small talk yourself. I imagine that any discussions with the Liyue Qixing or to the Knights of Favonius would involve plenty of that.”
Ayato fell silent. Indeed, of the two of them, Ayaka was the face of the Yashiro Commission. She always turned heads and made eyes follow wherever she went. People respected her, adored her even. He, on the other hand, was more concerned with the bureaucratic side of things, be it maintaining his clan’s standing among the nobility or simply planning a new festival. He certainly had his hands full with the latter.
“Brother, I assure you I am well aware of the implications of such a journey. But we agreed to a division of labor. As the face of the clan, it should fall to me to represent Inazuma abroad.”
“…are you sure it’s not because of the Traveler?”
“Would it matter if it was?”
He sipped on his boba tea, the smirk never leaving him.
“Not especially. In fact, I can’t think of a better companion to accompany you.”
Ayaka’s crystal eyes lit up like fireworks at a festival. Did this mean that she could go in his place? Travel with Aether at last? See the world and all it had to offer?
“Brother…does that mean that you…?”
“I will put it to Her Excellency and see what she says. We must ultimately abide by her decision.”
“O-of course. I understand completely.”
“I’ll be sure to put in a good word for you, of course. However, if she assents, there is one thing of which I must remind you.”
“And that is…?”
Ayato set down his boba tea and the aura around him changed. While in private he had a mischievous sense of humor and could even tease her and Thoma, he also could be intimidating and formidable. He had proven as much in safeguarding their clan in the years since their mother passed away.
Just as he had to navigate the complicated politics of the Shogunate, Ayaka’s journey across could easily prove another challenge. While their clan was not as vulnerable as in the past, some walls of the castle had yet to be completely built.
“Ayaka, remember: the Kamisato clan must endure, no matter what. The bloodline must continue.”
The teal-haired princess’ face turned as red as a tomato, but she nodded firmly. That had been at the forefront of her mind since…that time.
“Of course, brother.”
---
Aether had been told to report to the Kamisato Estate for one final briefing before setting out for Liyue. To him, it was simply another job for the Yashiro Commission. A diplomatic tour across Teyvat with a member of the prestigious Kamisato clan. It was a dream job, to be sure, but without the inclusion of one person, it wasn’t as glamorous or as interesting as he would like it.
That person was Kamisato Ayaka.
Ever since the time he and Ayaka visited that festival and watched her perform that mesmerizing fan dance in Chinju Forest, the White Heron Princess had found a way into his heart. He had met many people in this world, had visited countless worlds before, but none had stuck with him. None like her. As for why, he could not easily put into words. However, he could certainly think them.
Perhaps it was her elegance and grace. Perhaps it was her prowess in battle. Or maybe it was simply because she seemed more interested than anyone else in helping him find Lumine.
Whatever the reason, Ayaka never left his mind after initially leaving Narukami Island. In the times since the repeal of the both the Vision Hunt and Sakoku decrees, he distracted himself as best he could. Taking on commissions, visiting his teapot and making new furnishings, or fighting intimidating enemies, always enlisting the help of others to take them down. Yet, he could never fully shake the grasp of the White Heron Princess.
If only he could find a moment with her to pour out everything he was feeling. All the pain he endured. The terrible truth of Lumine’s alignment with the Abyss Order. How, despite all his lauded efforts, he was no closer to finding his sister and bringing her back.
A traveler’s life could be very lonely.
As he contemplated all of this, Paimon’s greeting to Thoma shook him out of his deep thought.
“Hiya, Thoma! We got a message to come here from Commissioner Ayato! We’re not late, are we?”
“Good to see you guys again! You’re right on time. Lady Ayaka is expecting you. Please follow me.”
Thoma escorted them through the courtyard, but Aether was struck curious. He thought for sure Ayato would greet him. Perhaps it was simply a chance for her to say goodbye to him before they left to Liyue and Mondstadt. The thought of parting ways with her when they had seen so little of each other before just made the young Traveler bite his lip in frustration. If she could come with him, accompany him on his travels, it would be a dream come true. But alas, they both had divergent goals. Knowing her, she would never give up her duties in the Yashiro Commission.
It was nice to dream, though.
Thoma opened up the door to headquarters and ushered him in. Immediately, Aether felt more at ease. Coming to the estate, whether it was to speak with Thoma, help Ayato, or share tea with Ayaka made Inazuma feel more like home. The very thing he had been searching for before losing his sister. In fact, all of Inazuma seemed like a good place to call home. The people were warm and welcoming. The food was unlike any he ever tasted anywhere. The sun always shone in the city, no matter the weather.
Sure, in Mondstadt, people were free, and in Liyue, people would never break a contract, but Inazuma had something more. Something that combined the best of all the lands he had seen. And of course, there was a beautiful, elegant girl who welcomed him into her home each and every time.
What will happen if I reach Sumeru?
“Milady, the traveler and Paimon are here.”
“Thank you kindly, Thoma.”
From behind the screens, the White Heron Princess stepped out, fanning her face and instantly capturing the Traveler’s heart. Aether had to stop himself from passing out upon seeing her. She never failed to make an impression on anyone she met, and he was no exception. It’s no wonder the people of Inazuma loved her so. Did she know how easy it was to fall for her charms?
“Greetings Traveler, Paimon. It’s been quite a while, hasn’t it?”
“Sure has, Ayaka!” Paimon chirped. “How have you been?”
“I’ve been…well,” she returned, hiding some reservation in her words. “It’s good to see you both again. Have you traveled to Sumeru yet?”
“Mmh…no, we haven’t.”
Aether glanced down at his shoes and bit his lip. The next stop on his journey was at the forefront of his mind. It seemed like there would be no way forward anytime soon. The most he could do was
“Yeah, I…still haven’t found a way there yet.”
At that, Ayaka’s smile fell slightly. Despite her best efforts, there was not much she could do to help him, and that, more than anything, made it harder to admit to him just what she felt in her heart.
“I…I see. Well, don’t give up hope. I’m sure you will find a way to Sumeru, and find your sibling.”
Aether gulped. If only she knew the truth. Lumine wasn’t lost, at least not in the way Ayaka thought. Instead, she headed a faction that was a constant plague on Teyvat since he first arrived in Mondstadt.
“Sooooo,” Paimon asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence, “where’s Ayato? He’s going abroad with us, right?”
“That’s actually why you were all called here,” Ayaka revealed, hiding her blushing behind her fan. “There’s been…a change in plans.”
“Huh? What do you mean? Are we not accompanying him?”
Ayaka closed her fan and stepped closer, wearing a knowing smile on her lips.
“You’ll be accompanying me. Brother and I discussed it and we both agreed that I am the better person for this task.”
The Traveler’s heart stirred and fluttered like a butterfly’s wings. He and Ayaka would finally be together on a mission after so much time spent apart. It was as lofty a dream as finally being reunited with Lumine.
“Oh, i-is that so?” Aether asked, somewhat nervously. “What changed?”
“Well, brother is not one for small talk, as you likely know. I’ve always been the face of the Yashiro Commission, and now that we have the duty of managing our relations with the rest of Teyvat, it only seemed right for me to take on this role. Ayato isn’t very comfortable with public gatherings, anyway, and the Raiden Shogun has agreed to this arrangement.”
“Well, I guess if Ei—er, I mean Her Excellency is okay with it, then who am I to question it?”
“Are you…disappointed?”
Aether’s lip curled in one corner of his mouth.
“Why would I be? It’d be my pleasure to accompany you. Besides, there are some places and people I would love for you to meet.”
Ayaka’s cheeks flushed slightly at Aether’s offer.
“I…would like that very much. This is my first time traveling outside Inazuma, so I am relying on you to be my guide, Traveler.”
“Paimon swears we’ll take good care of you~!” the little floating fairy promised. “And we’ll be sure you have a lot of fun, too.” Aether nodded.
“Yes, you can count on me. I’d hate to see your first trip abroad to be an unpleasant one.”
Ayaka laughed quietly. If only she knew how traveling with him, seeing the world with him, was a dream come true. It could only be made better if they uttered three little words. Now was not that time, but there would come a moment. Both just had to find it.
“In that case, I entrust myself to you, Honorary Knight of Mondstadt.” Aether grinned and playfully bowed.
“I won’t let you down, Heiress of the Kamisato Clan.”
--
The Next Day
At Ritou Port, a large crowd had gathered to see off the beloved White Heron Princess. High-ranking members of the Tri-Commission stood near the edge of the water by a ship bearing Liyue banners. From the deck, a one-eyed brunette in a blood red qipao dress wielding a black claymore and Electro vision looked down on the crowd with a prideful smirk. In particular, she was drawn to Aether and his new companion. For the captain, this was simply another job, but with the renowned Traveler joining her crew once again, it was something to be celebrated.
Kamisato Ayato, rarely seen in public, made a speech (pre-written beforehand, seeing how improvisation was not his strongest trait) regarding the new policy of Inazuma.
“When Her Excellency conceived of Eternity, she envisioned a country forever in stasis. Unchanging and motionless. But life and the world move ever onward, regardless of whether we want Eternity or not. With the Sakoku Decree abolished, and our nation’s doors opened, it is not only essential that we share our bounty with the world, but that we share the world’s wealth and knowledge as well. Indeed, there are many areas in which our nation has lagged behind while in pursuit of Eternity. Thus, it falls to us, the Yashiro Commission, to forge strong and positive relations with the rest of Teyvat. And I cannot think of a better representative for our nation than my sister, Kamisato Ayaka.”
At the utterance of her name, Ayaka stepped forward to the cheers and applause of the crowd. The Tri-Commission leaders only politely clapped, while Aether and Paimon maintained their stance. For Aether, he was content to simply watch and listen. Ayaka’s silvery voice and her elegant appearance were enough to entrance him.
Ayaka wore her normal attire: a royal blue kimono consisting of a pleated skirt with embroidered floral patterns in gold, a light blue shirt, geta sandals with white socks, and a black breastplate and armored plates bearing the emblem of the Kamisato Clan. From where Aether stood, he could see plainly her long ponytail holding up her pale blue hair, the tips of which reached down to her backside. To Aether, she was the picture of elegant beauty. A blossoming young woman.
A mature white heron, ready to spread her wings and fly.
“Thank you, dear brother,” Ayaka started, her voice subdued and restrained. “This is truly a most auspicious occasion for our nation. Starting today, Inazuma will enter a new era of integrating with Teyvat. For as long as the Sakoku Decree was in effect, our relations with the rest of the world have been cold. Distant. Even hostile. But now, with the doors opened, we must mend the ties that have eroded like crumbling rock. It is my earnest hope, and indeed the hope of the entire Yashiro Commission, that through this journey, better relations can be cultivated. Relations founded upon trust, understanding, and good faith. Just as I have been the face of the Yashiro Commission at each and every festival, so too must I now be the face of Inazuma to the rest of Teyvat.”
Ayaka stole a glance at Aether, who flashed a gentle smile her way. This was an important job to be sure, but it would be more than simple diplomacy and politics. More than navigating the complicated world of international relations. Instead, it will be a chance long sought for to see Teyvat. With him by her side.
The woman returned his smile before concluding her speech with a simple promise:
“I will return to Inazuma when I can safely say that we have forged strong, positive relationships with the rest of Teyvat. We will need them in the years to come not just to bring the other nations’ wealth to our homeland, but to bring us back to the modern world. If any of you feel trepidation or anxiety, do not fret, for I will not be travelling alone…”
She looked back to Aether, her gentle smile returning to her lips.
“I will be accompanied by the famous Traveler, who subdued Stormterror, brought an end to both the Vision Hunt and Sakoku Decrees, and defeated Osial in Liyue.”
At that revelation, there was a scattered murmur of fascination in the crowd. Some members of the Tri-Commission whispered to each other, as if suspicious of something. Ayato made a mental note of who spoke and who looked askance. Even if the esteemed Traveler was accompanying his sister, there was no telling if there were those looking to do their clan harm.
“I have no doubts in my mind that my journey will be a safe and pleasant one with him by my side.”
The one-eyed captain stifled a chuckle. Aether certainly had a way of attracting new friends…and especially women.
The crowd cheered again as the White Heron made her way up the gangplanks to the Alcor, followed close behind by the Traveler and Paimon. She gave a parting wave to all, who shouted goodbyes and wishes of good fortune. The Alcor soon cast off its moors and began to pull away from the docks and out into the open ocean.
As for Ayato, he only looked on with a satisfied look…before looking off to the shadows and giving a nod. Someone had to keep an eye on the bodyguard, after all. Immediately afterward, a small shadow dove into the sea and swam towards the departing ship. Ayato blinked before whispering the words,
“Let’s just hope that little fairy doesn’t get in the way.”