Burden of the Abyss: Internal Refraction [Genshin Impact x (O)OC]

Arc 5 - 7: Jailbreak

[helloimtea_ on Twitter, Wattpad...]

"What's the Shogun like?" Mono asked Ayaka.

The two were sitting at a table in Komore Teahouse, and Mono was drinking clear soup again, whilst Ayaka watched in amusement.

"The Almighty Shogun... I have seen her on but only a few occasions, most of them formal ceremonies..." She began, recalling her meetings with the tyrant.

"She inspires awe, commands respect, and exudes a sense of absolute authority. But as I recall, there was something else about her that struck me even more deeply..." Ayaka pondered, "it was here almost complete lack of any emotion. In that sense, she appeared to me to be less of a ruler and more of a, well, an executive official, I suppose. Focused exclusively on her single goal of implementing Eternity, acting accordingly without feeling." Ayaka explained.

"Sounds like another Fatui plot." Mono and Reona commented with straight faces.

"Wha... What?" Ayaka muttered in shock.

"Executive official. No emotion. Carrying out one goal without feeling. Sounds like someone's been coerced and lied to." Mono deducted.

"If I had to guess, La Signora again..." Mono said with a sigh. "She almost got the Geo Archon in a similar sly behind the scenes fashion— but, uh... She kinda," Mono rubbed his nape before Reona blurted it out.

"The ex-Geo Archon fell in love with him." She said with a scowl.

"I don't know that yet." Mono defended himself.

"Anyway, don't take my word for it— at all. It's best to assume she's just crazy than to think the Tsaritsa wants her hands on another Gnosis." Mono said sternly.

Ayaka slowly nodded at such a preposterous and outlandish scheme, but it seemed to have happened before. After all, he'd stopped two of the same plots before.

"By the by, are we the only one's fighting the Vision Hunt Decree?" Mono asked.

"The issue with this, is that for the vast majority of people, the Vision Hunt Decree is something that has no implications whatsoever. After all, it is but a tiny minority of people who receive Visions. Moreover, it is not unknown for Visions to spark jealousy in others." Ayaka explained. "Because of this, the attitude of most people towards the Vision Hunt Decree is one of indifference."

"Hm. Understandable and reasonable." Mono rolled his eyes saying this, though.

"Nevertheless, as I stated earlier, there is the Resistance on Watatsumi Island." Ayaka continued, making them nod.

"And~ they're making me wait... like
I didn't already wait three months." Mono mumbled.

"Many who have lost or fear losing their Visions have rallied together under Sangonomiya on Watatsumi Island to form a resistance group. Historically, there has always been some conflict between them and the Shogunate of Narukami Island due to different belief systems." Ayaka informed. "I do wonder if there is some other agenda behind their resistance movement, beyond merely fighting the Vision Hunt Decree..."

"Hmm..." Mono hummed hearing of another party. He'd be assisting them in their battles soon, so getting information on them was good, no matter how little or trivial.

"While we're on the topic, there is a problem we need your assistance with." Ayaka began again. "Finally." He commented.

"The issue we are facing right now, is that Master Masakatsu, a man making counterfeit Visions to ward off the Tenryou Commission, has recently arrested last night." Ayaka said standing up from her kneeled position.