Chapter Text
Captain Beidou is a woman that believes that everyone that comes aboard her ship should be able to fend for themselves. She’s right, of course – the seas are a dangerous place, and that sort of life isn’t for everyone. However, her determination can lead to her being uncaring on occasion, and not thinking about the needs of her crew when she finds something more interesting on offer. The crew love her regardless, and her antics are met with an eye roll and a shared smile.
This attitude leads to precisely how Kazuha ends up alone on the docks of Liyue Harbor. Though he has spent some time in Liyue before, he still feels largely out of place here. Most of his time has been spent on the Alcor and around the docks, only rarely venturing into the rest of the city, and never unaccompanied. But as the rest of the sailors disappear into the city, excited to enjoy Lantern Rite, Kazuha notices how alone he is.
The festival is designed to be enjoyed with friends. Food stalls line the streets, and although Kazuha is intrigued, he isn’t entirely sure what these things are, and doesn’t want to risk it. If he were in Inazuma, being alone would be less intimidating, as he would understand what was happening more. He watches a few people attempt some of the games on offer, before deciding that perhaps the Lantern Rite isn’t for him.
It feels like a uniquely Liyue affair. When Beidou had described it, it didn’t sound entirely dissimilar to festivals back at home, not that he ever partook in that many. But the atmosphere is different, less relaxed, and more anticipatory. This is the final day of the festival, and Kazuha is aware that the celebrations end with a large fireworks show that supposedly can be seen from all over Liyue.
Vaguely, Kazuha wonders if even the fireworks will be different from home. He has never met the proprietors of Naganohara fireworks, but he understands that they tailor their fireworks to individual people, each special event getting their own fireworks. In Inazuma, the fireworks are made with love, but Kazuha expects the fireworks in Liyue to be showy, but not special.
Perhaps it’s just the fear of the unknown talking. He tries to relax, to join in with some semblance of the festivities. The whole city is buzzing with people – Kazuha is certain that a large amount of these people have travelled in especially for the occasion. That thought helps him on his way to enjoyment – even if they are Liyue natives, they are as out of place as he is.
He finds a quiet spot, higher up in the city, and leans against the railing, looking out over the celebrations below. The crowds are thick down on the main streets, hundreds of people pushing through, trying their best to get to the best food, play the best games, watch the theatrics down in the other side of the harbour. Kazuha wonders what the rest of the crew are up to. Most of the rest of them are from Liyue too, and were excited to see their families for this special time of year.
Beidou is his family now, he supposes. Though they met under unlikely circumstances, she hasn’t seemed to have given up on him. He’s still surprised she came to Watatsumi Island with him. It wasn’t her fight, not her country, and even though she was paid handsomely by Kokomi for her efforts, it still comes as a surprise that she would actually accept the offer. Despite knowing all this, Kazuha is certain that he wouldn’t be able to put into words what Beidou means to him if someone were to ask about their relationship.
He has no idea where she’s ended up, having sped off to the festival herself. Kazuha is all too aware that the captain has an interest in the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing. He’s not too sure what that position entails, but he doesn’t think that has anything to do with Beidou’s interest in the woman. That’s probably where she is now.
Slowly, he makes his way back to the boat. It will be peaceful there, a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The sun only just threatens to dip below the line of the horizon, the best parts of the festival yet to come. Kazuha supposes he can enjoy it from the ship.
Liyue is the home of Beidou, of Sea Drake, of all the members of the Alcor crew. Kazuha doesn’t have a home anymore, not really, even if the Kaedehara residence still waits for his return. The Alcor is his home now, and just like everyone else, he will enjoy the Lantern Rite from there.
Of course, his plan is interrupted by the captain, who stops him from even boarding the ship. Beside her stands a girl that Kazuha has never seen before, with fluffy hair pulled into two high buns, dressed all in red, with a bright grin on her face. She looks to be around the same age as Kazuha, and even though she isn’t a member of the Crux fleet, Kazuha knows this is one of Beidou’s attempts of getting him to make friends.
“Enjoying yourself?” Beidou asks as Kazuha comes to a stop in front of her.
“Oh, yes,” he says. It’s only sort of a lie.
“Then why are you back here?”
“Why are you back here?”
“Enough. Look, I knew you’d do this – you’re too anti-social to enjoy things like this. I know you’re not used to these types of festivals, but I enlisted Xinyan’s help. She’ll show you all the sights. And then you can come up to the Jade Chamber later on. Don’t worry, I asked Lady Ningguang, and she’s expecting you.”
“Okay. Nice to meet you, Xinyan.”
“Same t’ you!” He’s blinded by her accent momentarily, so different to the well spoken nobility that he has met in Liyue so far. She reminds him more of the sailors, and immediately he relaxes.
“I’ll leave you to it. Please try to have at least a little bit of fun, Kazuha. Lantern Rite only happens once a year!”
He gives her a wry smile as she disappears, heading off in the opposite direction than where he came from. Although Xinyan seems nice, he would have much preferred to have a first meeting with her with Beidou there for more than thirty seconds. He flounders for a way to start a conversation, but Xinyan has things handled, walking around him so he’s forced to start heading back into the city if he wants to keep up with her.
“So, Kazuha, right? I heard you’re from Inazuma! Quite a far way from home, hm?”
“Indeed. I am grateful to the people of Liyue for their hospitality.”
“Aw, no need to be so formal! Especially at a time like this. Liyue Harbor is filled with people from all over during Lantern Rite.”
“I suppose many people travel to Inazuma for our cultural festivals too.”
“I was in Inazuma myself not too long ago. Not for any festival or such, but I wouldn’t mind trying one out. I heard the music in Inazuma is the best!”
“Ah, you’re a musician then, Xinyan?”
“You bet!” She turns her head to him, grinning once again. “I play guitar, mostly. Though I can play pretty much anything if I put my mind to it!”
“A wonderful skill to have indeed.”
“I’m glad you say it like that. A lot of people call it a talent… and yeah, that comes into it a bit. But I’ve been practicing hard for years! I should get some credit for that.” She sighs, mood dampened momentarily. However, she seems to spring back almost immediately, and Kazuha has to admire how quickly she turns it around. “Do you play?”
“Not really. I learned to play the Shakuhachi as a child – an Inazuman flute. I can make a tune with a leaf, I suppose, but I am more of an appreciator of music than a player.”
“Hey, I could never make a sound with a leaf!”
“It’s just the odd note,” Kazuha says, the tips of his ears flushing red, embarrassed by the attention that Xinyan gives him.
“Oh! Enough of that – we’re here at the first stop.”
Kazuha recognises the restaurant – Beidou brought him here once before. He vaguely recognises the girl in the kitchens, but wouldn’t dare say hello. She seems busy anyway, and although the queue is long, Xinyan tugs on Kazuha’s sleeve, pulling him into the line.
“Anything you don’t like?” She asks. “I’ll order you only the best, don’t worry.”
“I am not a picky eater,” Kazuha assures her. “I will eat most foods, particularly with fish. As long as it is cooked with care, I am certain that I will enjoy it.”
“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that here! I think Xiangling cares more about food than anyone else I’ve ever met. Always trying weird combinations, new ingredients… but it always works so well!”
When it comes to their turn to order, Xinyan takes the lead as promised. She talks to the chef as if he is her best friend, ordering all sorts of dishes that Kazuha has never heard of. They don’t have to wait long for their meals either – despite this being a popular restaurant and a busy time of day. Xinyan comes away with four boxes of food, and leads Kazuha a little further away to find a seat.
There are no benches or chairs, but many of the citizens sit on the ground, chatting animatedly. Kazuha has no qualms with this, and as Xinyan flops down, he carefully takes a seat beside her. She seems to have an order prepared for the food, starting with a warm tub of Jewelery Soup, which she offers to Kazuha first. Though hot, the soup is fresh, the green taste of the vegetables coming through.
“It’s good,” Kazuha comments.
“See, I told you you’d like their food! Have you eaten anything else at the festival?”
“No,” he has to admit. “I was tempted by some snacks earlier, but also… overwhelmed by the choices.”
“Okay, okay! Try this next.” She shakes a second box at him. Three balls on a stick, coated in breadcrumbs. The shape reminds him of dango, though he’s sure they aren’t a sweet treat. “Fried radish balls,” Xinyan explains when he hesitates for a moment too long. He takes a bite, surprised by the intense amount of flavour packed into such a small amount of food. He nods as he chews, looking over to Xinyan to see the same excitement on her face.
“I take it this is one of your favourites?”
“Well, most things are my favourites. I’m like you – not a picky eater at all. Gotta have some flavour – that soup we had can kinda suck if it’s made by the wrong people. But Wanmin Restaurant always make everything perfectly. Xinagling and Chef Mao are geniuses in the kitchen!”
“When we dock in Liyue Harbor again I will certainly be coming back here,” Kazuha says, setting the stick back in the box. Xinyan offers him the next box – some sort of fish, by the looks of things.
“Squirrel Fish!” Xinyan explains. “No squirrels involved, don’t worry. It’s named after the shape of the fish.”
“I am excited to try.”
“Well, you did say fish was one of your favourites, so…”
“Thank you for picking it for me,” Kazuha says, bowing his head to her before taking the first bite. It is as good as it looks, the flavours deepening with every bite, sweet and sour at the same time. He finishes the portion in silence, stealing a glance at Xinyan to see if she is enjoying her part as well.
“Okay, last one! This one isn’t as interesting, but it’s a new dish from the restaurant for Lantern Rite. Rice Pudding!”
“Ah, I have had this aboard the Alcor a few times. I am intrigued to taste a professionally made one.”
One spoonful and Kazuha knows that he has found a favourite dish. He watches Xinyan’s eyes light up too, shining even in the rapidly dimming light. This is Kazuha’s cue to scramble to his feet, knowing that the fireworks must be starting soon.
“Where are you going?” Xinyan asks, making no effort to move herself. When Kazuha looks around him, everyone else is stuck to their spot too.
“I thought it was nearly time for the fireworks?”
“Nah, not yet! Finish your rice pudding, Kazuha, then we’ll do some more wandering!”
She seems to have a plan, and since Kazuha is so confused, he does as she says, settling back in beside her. She grins, a dazzling sight, and Kazuha finds himself a little taken aback. Xinyan is so friendly it shocks him, though he can hardly say it isn’t appreciated. He was not enjoying Lantern Rite before he met her, and even though Beidou forced them together, he has found himself admiring the festival. Perhaps it is the festival, and perhaps it is Xinyan.
He goes back for second and third tastes of some of the other dishes before finishing the rice pudding. Xinyan disappears their containers, and soon Kazuha finds himself being trailed along by the wrist in the direction of the thronging crowds. It is a little daunting at first – he avoided these crowds for a reason earlier – but Xinyan looks back and flashes him that grin, and he feels at least a little reassured.
She brings him to play games – make your own firework, take part in a paper puppet show. It seems mostly aimed at children, but Kazuha enjoys himself nonetheless. Life has been busy for the last few years, and for once, he doesn’t feel overwhelmed. Even in such a busy environment, he can relax. Xinyan shows him another game with lanterns and shadows, and although he doesn’t really get what he’s supposed to be doing, it’s great fun to watch the masters at work.
“You’re into music, you said?” Xinyan asks as they walk through a quieter part of the city.
“Indeed. I am surprised to have only heard snatches of Liyue music here and there.”
“Well, I have good news for you. The Yun-Han opera troupe are doing selections from their newest opera. We could stop by for a few minutes to hear a few snatches?”
“I’d be delighted to hear some Liyue opera. Not something we have much of in Inazuma,” Kazuha hums.
“My friend Yun Jin is the director. And star! I think we’ll be seeing her later at the Jade Chamber too.”
Xinyan leads him north, up stone steps to Yujing Terrace. The lantern lighting is softer here, casting a warm and inviting glow over the square. The walk past ponds and carefully pruned Silk Flower shrubs, admiring the Glaze Lilies just beginning to open their petals for the night. She beckons Kazuha through a stone gateway, and onto the main part of the terrace.
The orchestra is set up around the centre of the square, the audience dispersed in the round as they please. Two actors stand in the middle of the stage, one a tall man with an exaggerated beard, and the other a woman with a bedazzled headpiece. Slowly, the song comes to an end, and the man exits stage right, leaving only the woman on stage. This must be Xinyan’s friend – Yun Jin.
She opens her mouth to sing, and Kazuha is immediately blown away. Nothing like the quiet song that came before, Yun Jin’s startling soprano is like nothing that Kazuha has ever heard. She moves and sings in perfect tandem, weaving a story that he does not understand. This must be a popular number – he can hear the barest humming along from the audience.
Xinyan elbows him in the ribs, gesturing towards the stage. Kazuha nods, too awestruck to say any real words. While no one clapped at the end of the last song, this one is met with raucous applause. Yun Jin pauses on stage for a moment, takes a bow, and disappears as the next song begins.
“That’s the best part,” Xinyan says to him. “And the last time Yun Jin’s character is in the opera. I imagine she’s going to get ready to go to the Jade Chamber now – are you ready?”
“I… I think I will have to give it a miss,” Kazuha says. She raises her eyebrows, her expression showing real disappointment.
“Aw no! How come?”
“Truth be told, I am a little wary of meeting Lady Ningguang. Until incredibly recently, I was… a wanted criminal in Inazuma. I do not wish to cloud her first impressions of me with such… well, you understand what I mean.”
“Didn’t strike me as the fugitive sort, but I get it. No sweat, Kazuha! I’m sure Lady Ningguang will be happy to have you another time.”
“I just hope that Captain Beidou does not think ill of me for shunning her invitation.”
“Beidou? Nah. Between you and me, I think she’ll be distracted by other things. No time to think about you when there’s treasure in front of her, if you catch my drift.”
Kazuha laughs, well aware of Beidou’s fascination with the Tianquan. He bows his head to hide his smile, turning away from Xinyan. How does he say goodbye to her now? He would much prefer to head back to the ship, to nestle within the sails to watch the fireworks, what he knows to be the highlight of the evening.
“Guess… guess this is it for now,” she says, much more casually than he expected. “Well, it was a delight to meet you, Kazuha! I hope the tides let our paths cross in the future.”
“Indeed,” Kazuha says, her words bringing yet another genuine smile to his lips. “All the best to you, Xinyan. And thank you for being my guide through a wonderful evening.”
“No problem. See you again!”
And then she turns and leaves. An easier goodbye than Kazuha expected, no awkward pauses, no words that should have been left unsaid. He watches for a moment as Xinyan makes her way through the crowd and around behind the musicians until she is out of sight. Only then can he turn himself, making his way back the way they came.
The crowds are thicker now, humming with excitement as the time for the fireworks nears. Kazuha knows that he only has a little amount of time to get back to the ship, so he weaves his way through the masses, years of training kicking in as he carves out a path for them. It’s harder without Xinyan and her brazen attitude, shoving her way into spaces where there isn’t room for both of them.
Eventually, the crowds thin enough for him to walk normally towards the ship, dodging the odd inebriated festival goer who really shouldn’t be down near the sea. He clambers aboard, glad to find the deck otherwise emptied of the crew. Bracing himself, Kazuha climbs up the tallest mast, settling in the crow’s nest just as the first fireworks begin to blaze into the sky.
None of these are like the shows at home, but Kazuha enjoys the light show nonetheless. The sky lights up with reds and oranges and bright pinks, and as the explosions begin to end, thousands of lanterns float into the sky from the shores of Liyue Harbour. Everyone that he knows may be with their family, or up on the grandeur of the Jade Chamber, but Kazuha is sure that he has the best view in all of Liyue.