𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐁𝐘𝐒𝐒. genshin impact

CHPT. 40 Of perpetual storm

"巫女と皇后"
━━━━━━

"So Vindagnyr has been reformed... The Dendro Archon has changed... Liyue isn't the nation with the strongest military..."

Astaroth examined his sword, festering desire, while Nyx explained the current changes of Teyvat to Durin. The gem upon the blade that was similar to an eye glowed for a fraction of a second, before flashing violently. He narrowed his eyes at this, before turning to the direction of Mondstadt.

The sword ― denying that it's connection with Albedo was a lie. It helped with monitoring the alchemist, and it was the perfect catalyst for Durin's soul while Astaroth was focusing on the body he was making. Though it was impressive of him for creating a vessel at such a quick pace.

But now ― it was but a sword made for outlanders. A sword that was powered by a curse he created. Ironic how the curse only applied to those of Teyvat, while people outside of this world could freely use the blade.

Even Archons could not withstand it's power. You wouldn't know surprised he was to see Albedo use it― before finding out his origins. But it was still a great accomplishment to use Festering Desire, Homunculus or not, Albedo was still a being from this world.

"Alright..."

The two beings of shadows blinked as he stood up, twirling his blade for a few seconds before immediately dispelling the sword. He gave them a close-eyed smile, ushering them to follow him.

"It's time we go visit Inazuma. I did promise Aether that we'll meet along his journey."

Nyx grinned brightly, having missed the lands of eternity. She grabbed Durin's hand, and jumped into the shadowy portal Astaroth had summoned.

Their feet landed on viridescent grounds, and the first thing Durin saw was the gleam of blue and pink leaves, swaying as the winds pushed at the branches of the trees. His eyes glimmered in curiosity, before a tap on his head had him yelping in fright.

Astaroth smiled at him, pulling up the hood of their cloaks, as they wandered around Inazuma for a moment. More or so ― the Narukami shrine. The steps were long, tiresome and even Durin almost gave up to the stairs. Whilst Nyx snickered with her heels clacking against eachother.

The crimson roofs of the shrine shone under the dim light, as the Sakura trees surrounding the area shimmered under the rays. Very few people were there, while Shrine maidens glanced at the hooded trio, trying their best to mind their own business.

"Hm. This is... Where Yae Miko works, right?"

Nyx questioned, narrowing her eyes at the shrine. She hurried towards the back of the shrine, her eyes falling upon the sacred Sakura tree, the wood resembling a fox much to her amusement.

The sacred Sakura tree, known for it's roots that spread across all of Inazuma. A tree that protected Inazuma, from the essence of none other than the late Kitsune Saigu. A fox envoy that was good friends with the electro archon.

But the serpent found herself smiling, noticing how both Astaroth and Durin looked over the mountain rather then the sacredteee in the middle. The 'father-son' duo were distracted by conversation, whilst Nyx grin as she turned around, coming face to face with a familiar woman.

"Miko."

The fox envoy stood there in shock, her amethyst eyes staring into a shining pair of silver hues. A tempest of emotions swirling inside them, the nostalgia and longing of their old friendship sparking once more.

The Fox and the Snake.

Despite the two known for completely different things, between them was a bond that could not be easily destroyed. Hand in hand, the two stood by eachother's side, always there for one another in times of need. Yet―the one who left would feel pain for a moment, but the one left behind would be cursed with longing and anguish for what they had lost.