Chapter Text
"So? We just need an escort and a ride over," the architect said, “It can’t be that hard.” The Akademiyan scholars were looking for a way to get to the newly opened gates of Inazuma and, so far, weren’t having much success. To make things even better, the port they were at didn't allow stowaways, which would be necessary for the relatively poor group. “Why do we need an escort again?” Faruzan asked, getting a quick answer from Alhaitham, “It’d be better to be registered. Travel is still limited there.” The eight looked at each other, waiting for an idea. “Excuse me,” a small voice spoke, “Do any of you know where I can get Padisarahs?” Everyone turned in the voice’s direction, gasping in shock and surprise. The little voice was a god. “Lesser Lord Kusanali?” Nilou gawked. “Am I interrupting something?” the small girl inquired. “We are trying to get to Inazuma to study there for a while,” Alhaitham answered, “And need an escort while we’re there.” “A ride and an escort?” Nahida smiled, “I may have the perfect person!”
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Nahida had told the group they would start the journey at three in the morning and arrive at a guesthouse at midnight. Oh, and that someone would join them after arriving in Liyue since their escort didn’t know the way through The Chasm that well. The only thing that they didn’t get informed about was who their escort was. They knew they were from Inazuma and that every scholar there had spoken to them before. Safe to say, they were shocked at a small, indigo-haired boy at their doors. The first of which was Faruzan, and then Layla, since they both lived in the dorms at the Akademiya. The rest were told to make their way to Gandharva Ville since they knew they couldn’t make it to Port Ormos and back. Cyno and Nilou lived in Sumeru City, so they were next, and everyone else gathered in Gandharva Ville while Hat Guy, Cyno, Nilou, Faruzan, and Layla were on their way. Once they arrived, they quickly made their way to a cave a short distance away leading to a giant, open mine.
“Boo!” a boy with white hair exclaimed. Hat Guy was visibly disturbed. “I get the memo,” the other boy said, “So, you need to get to Baiju Guesthouse, right K-” “Shut it.” Hat Guy hissed. “Do they not know your n-” “No.” The others behind them watched as Hat Guy shut down everything the white-haired boy said as they transitioned to Japanese. “Excuse me,” Collei squeaked. The two stopped and looked at her. “Who are you?” She pointed at the boy. “I’m Kaedehara Kazuha or Kazuha!” he said, “It’s a pleasure meeting you all!” “He’s guiding us through The Chasm and is accompanying us to Inazuma 'cause I’m not filing all the paperwork.” Hat Guy explained. Kazuha started walking, and Hat Guy was quick to follow. “それで? (So?)” Hat Guy challenged, “それは新しいことではありません。 (It isn’t a new thing.)” Kazuha sighed, “それでも、名前を変更することは繰り返されるべきではありません。 (Still, changing your name shouldn’t be recurring.)” They bickered in Japanese through The Chasm, leaving the rest to converse amongst themselves and try to keep up with the guys leading.
By the time the group had gotten out, everyone other than Kazuha and Hat Guy was tired. They were about halfway and could see Lingju Pass to their left. Collei brought Pita Pockets for lunch, but they had to eat on the way to ensure they made it on time. They had reached an arch close to Mt Tianheng leading to the harbor when Kazuha started talking about the journey. “The ship we will be taking is called the Alcor,” he said, “Its captain is Beidou, “The trip will take 10-12 hours, and we’ll leave around 11 am.” They walked over a hill to see an orange city.
The scholars looked out into the beautiful lights of Liyue in amazement. They hadn’t even realized how tired they were when they saw the harbor. The guesthouse they were staying at was a few minutes away. When they got to the door, Kazuha kissed Hat Guy on his hand and wished the group a good night as he left. The party settled into three rooms. One for the girls and two for the guys since they couldn’t sleep in one. The girls said goodnight as the boys were getting to their rooms and all fell asleep for the night.
-
Beep, beep, beep. Beep, beep, be-. Hat Guy turned off his alarm for 9 am. He got up, brushed his hair and teeth, got dressed, and woke up Kaveh and Alhaitham. The guesthouse had 3 rooms, all next to each other. The rooms had a double and single bed in each, fitting 9 people exactly. The plans for that day were simple. Wake up, have breakfast at Wanmin Restaurant, tour around, and take the Alcor to Inazuma. Kazuha was meant to meet up with them outside the guesthouse at 9:30, leaving plenty of time to get up, maybe shower, and get ready. Hat Guy decided Kaveh and Alhaitham weren’t morning people fast. It took 15 minutes to get them awake and five more to get them standing. Safe to say, Kazuha would have to wait for a while. When the three finally left, the rest were already with Kazuha. “Good morning, Hat Guy,” Kazuha greeted, “You seem tired.” Kazuha tipped the Hat Guy’s hat back with one hand and grabbed the Hat Guy’s hand with the other. “Blame those two.” Hat Guy replied. Kazuha smiled and led him, and the others to Wanmin Restaurant.
“Kazuha!” Xiangling yelled out, “Nice to see you again!” Kazuha waved, “You as well, thank you for assisting us with breakfast this morning,” The nine sat down with Kazuha and Hat Guy sitting right in front of the energetic girl. “You know it’s no problem,” Xiangling laughed, “Now, where is everyone from?” “Everyone but Kazuha and I are from Sumeru,” Hat Guy answered. “Let’s see, Sumeru. I don’t know many meals from there. Typically healthy, a lot of dishes include rice and meat. Maybe we should steer toward vegetarian meals? Sumeru tends to have foreign ‘local’ meals and flowers within the dish… Okay!” Xiangling seemingly found a meal for them to eat.
Hat Guy took this time to tell the group the game plan, “We have time the second half of the first day to look around Narukami, though preferably we won’t do more than that. Our second day will be a more in-depth look. I’m hoping Heizou will be able to help look through Araumi with a few of you. Kazuha will be looking in… I don’t think it has a name. It’s below the shrine and southwest of the Kamisato Estate?” Kazuha nodded. “And I’ll be taking the rest to get a better look at historical things. I might have a ‘dancer’ help out Nilou if she’ll respond.” Nilou seemed excited after that comment. “That night, we will make our way to Kannazuka and sleep in an encampment nearby under the Kujou Clan.” “You care about this group don’t you?” Kazuha asked. Hat Guy looked at him, “It wasn’t hard to get Sara to listen to me for once. I won’t be joining you for Kannazuka, Kazuha and maybe Heizou will. We’ll meet up in Yashiori the next day. We won’t be spending the night there. The general on Watatsumi has offered us full protection and guards helping us around the island including her pet.” “Pet?” Kazuha thought for a moment, “Gorou isn’t the pet is he?” Hat Guy smirked, “She didn’t give me his title, and the person who helped me arrange this calls ‘Ms Hina’ a pet. Anyway, we will be staying two days because there are a lot of puzzles and history relating to Watatsumi including a special look into a place called Enkonomiya. After that, we’ll make our way back towards Kannazuka and spend the night by the edge. In the morning, we will go to Seirai. We will be staying 2 days as well for puzzles and history relating to Inazuma’s archon. The morning of the next day, we will be heading to Tsurumi. I’m not sure exactly how long we will be staying. I’m not even sure if we’ll be able to explore any because of the fog. Apparently, the fog has been lifted? I can’t be positive but if the fog isn’t there we will talk about the history of the island.”
By the time Hat Guy had finished talking, Xiangling had finished two big plates. “This one is Vegetarian Abalone, which is our vegan option. The ‘meat’ in Vegetarian Abalone is Matsutake mushrooms, it tastes identical to meat! On this one is Lotus Flower Crisps. It’s a bit sweeter than the other and it is seen as a snack. It has butter in it, making it vegetarian,” Xiangling explained. The others got a few things on their plates. “The Abalone has snapdragons in it from Monstadt and the Lotus Flower Crisp has almonds, flour, and sugar from a local shop. Hope you enjoy! I have to leave because of a meet-up with some friends but please do come back!” Xiangling basically ran, leaving no time for the group to say thanks. Kazuha and Hat Guy said a quick thanks before eating. The food in Liyue tasted suspiciously similar. As it turns out, a lot of ‘local’ meals in Sumeru take a lot of inspiration from other places. Sumeru never grew crops often, which is surprising when you look at the agriculture (which is closer to years of horticulture). Appearances were always better than growing food for a lot of farmers. Safe to say, the group had tasted the food in front of them before. They all agreed that Xiangling was a better cook than a lot of Sumerians.
After brunch, they had 30 minutes to look around before having to make their way to the ship. Tighnari and Collei went to a pharmacy in the southwestern part of Liyue. Kaveh, Alhaitham, and Cyno walked around and ended up at a funeral parlor. Nilou, Layla, and Faruzan found a musician and watched for… 30 minutes. And Hat Guy and Kazuha waited at the ship and talked with the captain, to avoid any accidents or miscommunications. The 30 minutes passed quickly and the groups reached the shore. “I’m Beidou,” the captain introduced, “Welcome to the Crux!” The ship being large was an understatement. It was a big rugged, worn down so to speak. “Make yourself at home, we have plenty of time!” Beidou insisted. They started splitting into groups, with one on the bow, one in the hull, one on a ballista, and the last right by the entrance.
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“I want to get my hands on yomogi because it can help with many issues I see happening in the forest.” Tighnari briefs, “I’m guessing you came for a diversity of weapons?” Cyno pauses for a minute before replying, “I’m not sure why I came actually, I’m not good at history and a lot of Inazuman culture and weaponry is involved with it.” Tighnari looked at him and then up at the two guys sitting near the front of the ship. “I wonder if either of them can help,” he starts, “They come from Inazuma after all.” Collei looks at them, “I’m still startled by the fact Hat Guy is from Inazuma.” The three of them return their gazes to each other. “I didn’t even know you knew Hat Guy,” Tighnari stated. Collei flushed. “Anyway, we should be leaving soon,” She changed the subject, “Do you think the weather is going to be good?” “How did you two meet?” Tighnari inquired. Cyno sighed. Collei hesitated a bit. “I met him before you both, a little before at least, I think,” she started, “I only remember him from talking with him recently in Sumeru.” The two boys both look at her, kind of shocked. It was one thing they knew each other, but it meant that Dottore was involved, which was just great. “Was he also used for experimentation?” Tighnari interrogated. “I’m not sure... No?” she questions herself, “He was there when I was there, I just don’t remember him that well.” HONK. “All passengers need to try staying away from the edge of the Alcor while intoxicated, or with no people watching over you! We leave in 10!” Beidou screams from the deck, sidetracking Tighnari’s interrogation. “Can you tell the three down in the hull we are departing, Collei?” he asked. She hummed and walked over, leaving Cyno and Tighnari to think, if only for a little while.
-
The hull looked better than Nilou thought it would. It is a bit dirty, but in much better condition than the outside would make her think. “Look! The beds have names on them!” Layla exclaimed. None of them knew if the captain or crew knew our names, but they had our names on little signs connected to the beds. Layla found hers and flopped down. “So, why are we all here? I’m here to study different puzzles and technology in Inazuma.” Faruzan explained. Layla went next, “I heard the stars are wonderful there, many people can’t explain them.” Everyone nodded, “I want to learn a few styles of dance. There is so much history in the dances!” Nilou finished. Faruzan looked at the dancer, “I’ve heard of a few, Kabuki and Noh mai, but I never figured out what they were.” Nilou thought for a moment, “Kabuki is a form of Inazuman theater and Noh mai is a dance with flutes and hand drums called tsuzumi. There are a lot of vocal and percussive moments in Noh mai. I’m looking to learn Nihon buyō. It’s like Kabuki, but Kabuki is typically a male dance.”
They both looked at her and Faruzan laughed, “You’ve definitely done the most research out of us three.” Nilou laughed a bit, “It’s not like you can do a lot of research on Inazuma right now. They only lifted their decree a few months ago.” The astronomer sighed, “I wanted to study more, but there weren’t many pictures or scientific articles written that weren’t praising the views there.” “I agree,” Faruzan affirmed, “There is a lot of history, and Inazumans are good at keeping secrets.” Nilou thought for a minute, “What do you mean?” Faruzan chuckled. Faruzan quickly defended herself, “I just meant to think about Hat Guy. We barely know the guy. Also, how much do we really know about Inazuma? Their people have to be relatively secretive to hide that much!” “I guess,” The other girls said, almost in unison. HONK. The three heard muffling before a door opened, and they heard a calm voice say, “We are leaving the harbor soon.”
-
“What do you think Inazuma is like?” Kaveh asked. He was sitting on the bow, back to the ocean. Alhaitham was in front of him, standing face to face. Kaveh was slightly taller from this angle. “Cultural, Lots of Hiragana.” Kaveh tilted his head, “The language that Kazuha and Hat Guy were talking in the Chasm?” “Not quite, it is the written version. They have more than one alphabet in Inazuma. One is of non-Inazuman origin, one is of Inazuman origin, and one is similar to Liyue characters. They are often used together according to my research.” Alhaitham concluded. “Then why specifically Hiragana?” Kaveh asked. “All the pictures I found of Inazuma only included Hiragana. Hiragana is used for Inazuman origin so it is more common than the other two. A theory was that it was the first alphabet of Inazuma and that is why there is more of it than anything. Culture, again is a big aspect of Inazuma.” the taller explained. Kaveh hummed and looked towards Liyue, specifically the Jade Chamber. “I wonder what it would feel like to build something so… unrestrictive.” Alhaitham looked towards where Kaveh was looking. “It looks pretty restricting to me.” he scoffed. “It isn’t really. It’s held up mostly by the rock at the bottom which has levitation properties, the only restrictive part is the weight it can carry. The rock they used, plaustrite is typically very strong and can bring basically anything up with it. After that, the structure only matters to the walls and roof, which is a lot less to worry about when drafting.” Kaveh admired. “Well-” HONK. “All passengers need to try staying away from the edge of the Alcor while intoxicated, or with no people watching over you! We leave in 10!” Beidou screams from the deck. Both of the guys looked over to the captain. She had a megaphone in her hand and a big smile. She put it down and walked over to the wheel, talking to a crew member. “What were you saying?” Kaveh asked. Alhaitham looked back over to him. “Nothing important,” He said. “What do think we will do in Inazuma?” Kaveh questioned. Alhaitham hummed and looked out towards the storm near their location. It isn’t important after all.
-
The older closed his eyes and laid his head on the other boy’s shoulder. “How has it been in Sumeru, Hat Guy?” Kazuha asked. “It’s okay. Did you ever go to school?” Hat Guy asked. “Not the type of school Sumeru has,” Kazuha acknowledged, “I got taught swords and their history. I picked up poetry and a bunch of other things.” Hat Guy hummed. Kazuha started rubbing the other’s back, “Who are the three behind us?” The scholar thought for a moment, “Should be Tighnari, Cyno, and Collei.” Kazuha wrote down their names, removing his hand from around Hat Guy to write down their names. “They’re looking at us,” he said, “Well, they were looking at us.” the other stopped him, “They all have a lot of questions,” Kazuha sighed, deciding to change the topic, “Are we going everywhere? What about-” “I asked you to come so you or Hei could take them to Tatarasuna,” Kazuha chuckled after looking at the other boy, “I can’t say no, can I?” the other shook his head. “Alright. What are the names of the two on the bow?” Hat Guy looks at the two boys bickering at the front of the ship. “The taller is Alhaitham, and the shorter is Kaveh,” he said, “I don’t know why Alhaitham is here. It’s the same reason as Faruzan I guess, but they don’t work well together.” he lays his head back down. “How come?” Kazuha inquired, “Faruzan has an age complex.” he replied quickly, “She thinks she’s better (and older) than me cause she’s more than 100 years old.” he mocked. “The last three are the ones in the hull,” Kazu inquired. “Layla is the tired one, Nilou, and Faruzan,” HONK. “All passengers need to try staying away from the edge of the Alcor while intoxicated or with no people watching over you! We leave in 10!” Beidou screams from the deck. “I hate that horn,” Hat Guy scoffs. Kazuha puts his arm back around him and hums, “Their documents are ready if you want to add anything,” the other sighs, “Just let me sleep, please,”
-
The ship departed shortly after the announcement was made. Despite the rather fishy smell, it was a beautiful morning. The breeze was perfect and the day was ripe. The oranges of the city were replaced with a dying fog and the early chatter of people which would fade away once they made it far enough. You could hear every little thing happening as the ship departed. The anchors lifting, the sails blowing in the wind, and the subtle sound of oars rowing on the side of the boat. You could see drops of water shimmering on the side of the Alcor, blessed by the sun. The droplets were brought by the splashing of the oars. The captain laughing gently in the front brought a feeling of excitement to the Sumerian visitors, subtly realizing their destination despite already knowing. The bow of the ship was an exception to the noise of the surrounding areas. The subtle sound of water brushing across the bottom of the figurehead is the only noise to be heard coming from it. The wind was a bit overwhelming if you had never ridden on a vessel such as the Alcor. The reactions from the rest of the crew seemed odd to the visitors. They reacted just as they did, excited like they were new to the experience. It was an unfathomable experience. The wind blowing, pushing them back, trying to make them fall. Sun shone down on the boat, making everything metal or liquid glimmer and glisten. Once they had gone far enough away, everything faded. The experience was the same, but you couldn’t hear the busy streets of Liyue. You couldn’t hear the excitement of a new-ish journey from the crew. It was calmer than before, but the enthusiasm would not change on the way.
-
“The way to Inazuma will always feel new,” Kazuha reminisced, “Though, it will always change as well. I remember being a bit scared to come back the first time after I joined the Crux.” Hat Guy just hummed. He was now leaning against Kazuha’s shoulder half-asleep and half-falling off the wrench of the ballista they were sitting on. Kazuha moved to stop him from falling off, leading Hat Guy’s head to fall onto his lap. “Are you that tired?” Kazuha asked. “I haven’t slept in a while. In Sumeru, you get sleep when you can.” Hat Guy explained, “We just got a few rounds of testing as well. Nahida got me out of a few for this.” Kazuha chuckled, taking a bit of the mess of indigo hair on his lap and starting braiding it. “What are you two doing?” A feminine voice asked. Kazuha looked up to see Beidou, “Kuni is tired.” Hat Guy swatted away Kazuha’s hands, “Don’t call me that,” “No one else is here?” Kazuha questioned. “Tighnari has ears.” Hat Guy explained. “The guy behind us? He’s been questioning the girl about her association with you a bit.” Kazuha remembered, “I think he would be a good start to opening up. It would be good for you!” Hat Guy scoffed. “You liked to be called Kuni right?” Beidou questioned, “Why did you change it?” Hat Guy thought for a moment, “I always tend to change my name when I’m trying something new. It kind of stuck from way back. Kuni is the name she acknowledges so I haven’t appreciated that much.” Kazuha picked up the strand of hair again, “Whatever name you use fits you perfectly.” Hat Guy flushed a bit and looked away. Beidou laughed, “You two are cute together.” Hat Guy quickly covers his face as Kazuha laughs a bit. “We aren’t together!” Hat Guy quickly bites back. “It’s nice you insinuate that is what she meant.” Kazuha comments, “She never said it like that.” Hat Guy realizes a bit too late and curls up into a ball, covering his very flushed face.
“Now, back to what I initially was going to ask.” Beidou continued, “Do you know what the group all came for?” Hat Guy slowly moved back to how he was, “I know a few. Nilou came for dance, Layla came for stars, and Tighnari came for plants.” He paused after those three. “Is that all you know?” Kazuha asked. “No, the rest are just a bit confused or confusing. Collei probably came because Cyno and Tighnari came. She probably also came for Tighnari to teach her various Inazuman specialties in person. Faruzan and Alhaitham are both in Haravatat. It’s Semiotics, the meaning of signs and something else, bla bla bla. Simply put, they like puzzles. A lot of Inazuman history is hidden behind puzzles. I assume they want to find something out about the history of Inazuma. Kaveh probably came for Architecture.” he finished. “And Cyno?” Kazuha asked. “I’m not sure, protection, attachment, history?” Hat Guy responded, “He’s probably interested in weaponry or attack styles. He uses a polearm, he has connections to something called the Temple of Silence in the deserts of Sumeru. He doesn’t seem like someone who remembers history that well because of recent events. You can try teaching him the basics of the Gokaden?” Beidou takes a seat farther up the Ballista, “That can wait, we still have 20 hours or so.” Kazuha hums, “I hope you realize I never paid attention to the Gokaden, I’m just ‘part’ of it” He makes quotes with his hands. Hat Guy didn’t respond. He had his eyes closed and seemed to have gone limp. Kazuha whispers something and looks out at sea with Beidou. It can always wait.
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11 hours later, Hat guy was still tired. He got woken up by the storm around Inazuma a few hours prior. Now, it was 10 pm and the rest of the group were heading to the hull. Kazuha pulled Cyno away to ask why he came and decided to give Cyno a bit of a history lesson. However, what was interesting was Tighnari side-eyeing the now hatless Hat Guy. Safe to say, he heard one of the ‘big secrets’ of Hat Guy. Hat Guy was not willing to answer questions. Though, when they all laid down, he was too tired to care. Tighnari approached his bed while everyone was coming in and asked about the name thing that he heard earlier. “You probably already know why I’m here,” Tighnari started, “Earlier, Kazuha called you by ‘Kuni’ and you responded to Captain Beidou saying you changed your name and implied you have done it multiple times.” Hat Guy was now looking at Tighnari. “What is that about? If you changed your name to Hat Guy, why would you choose such a name?” Hat Guy sighed, “My ‘aunt’ took care of me when I arrived in Sumeru. Later, she registered me in Vahumana under the name Hat Guy.” Tighnari looked satisfied and decided to put the topic down. He knew that the answer Hat Guy had given him was vague at most and he wouldn’t yield any result in questioning further. “Well then, would you like the group calling you something different in Inazuma? I’m sure Hat Guy isn’t a normal name anywhere.” He pointed out. “People in Inazuma don’t mind nicknames as long as you are a respectable person.” Hat Guy responded, “It’s getting late. I’d recommend getting some sleep before getting to Inazuma.” Tighnari nodded and headed back to his bed. It was early into the trip. It’s not like many people in Inazuma knew he existed in the first place. He just had to hope the group didn’t run into Yae Miko or Kujou Sara. He finally shut his eyes and fell asleep.
-
“Just to explain the basics,” Kazuha starts, “The swords relating to Inazuma get placed under five schools named the Raiden Gokaden. Sword art and types of swords are the same thing in a way. The idea of Isshin Art, which I use, is that the user and the blade are one. The sword is made specifically by and for the owner to become. Though, with other arts, it can be different how blades and users interact within a duel.” Cyno looks at him, confused. “Perhaps I was going too fast?” Kazuha questions, “The easiest way to explain the schools is the concept of secrets, I’d say. It’s a bit far-fetched but it's the best thing I can think of.” Cyno opens his mouth to question it before the other boy continues, “No one but people inside the school knows many details of its history and current action. If I were to tell you something and tell you to keep it a secret, you would have two options. Keep it to yourself, or share.” Kazuha continued, “If you keep the secret to yourself, no one will ever know about the secret. On the contrary, if you tell, the whole world will know, and depending on the secret, I might be upset. That’s how the schools work. Both result in duels and betrayals, even in families.”
The taller sighed. “So, any information about the Gokaden where either shared or kept forever? What happened to the schools?” Cyno asked. Kazuha decided he was terrible at describing Inazuma's history, “All but one of the schools are still active, but they are on the Shogun’s bad side still. Isshin is barely holding on but isn’t getting taught anymore. The ones who kept their secrets kept them well, there still isn’t anything known about them. There was nothing that remained on Senju Art, nothing about their history, nor their demise. The only information we have about the Hyakume Art is their destruction. Isshin is the only one who shared, we have the most known history out of the entire Gokaden.” “Sorry,” Cyno apologized. Kazuha looked at him with curiosity, “Why?” “Seemed like bad memories,” Kazuha laughed quietly, “I’m used to the system at this point. I’m sure some scholars have a mentality like that. Apologies, that lesson turned into a tangent.” Cyno smiled, “That’s how all lessons should be. I know more than I did before this lesson,” Kazu followed suit, “I assume we should try to get some sleep before we arrive.” They both walked down into the hull and tried to fall asleep before their arrival.
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The next morning at 7:30 am, most of the group was woken up by Kazuha, Beidou, and Hat Guy. They were arriving in 30 minutes, give or take. You could already see the shoreline in the distance. It seemed sharper the more they approached. The smell is odorless yet different. It was red. The leaves coming down were an orangey red, yet the trees and grass were a daring purple. Many people were already out, dressed in what the Sumerian visitors could only assume were work attires in Inazuma. The sightseeing from afar was short-lived as the 30 minutes went by fast. As soon as they stopped, Hat Guy called over to the group to follow him. The dock was clean, quiet, and peaceful. A boy a bit taller than Hat Guy came up to him, waving, “Hi! It’s a pleasure to meet you!”