Fugitive of Inazuma (Genshin Impact)

❀ X ❀

A/n: There will be some major cuts/differences to the events of the game. You probably already knew that after reading the previous chapter. Hope you all enjoy! Love you all!!!
~✨Celestial✨~
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On the way to Mount Tianheng, Konomi cozied up to Aether. The disciple told him and the others about Izanami. She told them various stories about her when she was an almighty shinigami worshipped by millions in Inazuma.

Xiao was familiar with most of the stories Konomi shared because Izanami shared much about her past with him. He felt honored and happy to know so much about her.

"So Izanami used to be emotionless?" Aether asked out of shock. "I can't believe that after seeing how expressive she is."

"Definitely!" Paimon agreed. "Paimon's not buying it."

"It is true," Konomi replied. "Lady Izanami used to show no emotion. It wasn't until she started gaining worshippers did she learn about emotions and human customs. She became curious of humans and watched her people every day just to learn something new. It took her nearly a century, but she was able to express herself in various ways."

"It seems that aspect of Izanami is something she shares in common with Xiao," Zhongli chimed in. "How fascinating."

Xiao remained silent. He knew how much he had in common with Izanami. It was because of those commonalities he was able to get along with her rather easily.

Arriving at Mount Tianheng, the group immediately get to searching for any sign of the Fatui. They scoured the road and shrubbery for any indication the Fatui were in the area. Because of the storm created by Osial reawakening, many of the leads that would've proven beneficial were washed away.

"This will be quite difficult," Zhongli said. "Perhaps an adjustment in tactics is in order."

"Yes. With the storm waged by Osial, all traces of the Fatui have been washed away. Another approach we could try is waiting in hiding." Konomi saw Xiao was going to speak up, but silenced him. "I know how eager you are to get Lady Izanami back, but we can afford to wait for a short while. With time, we just might be able to find where the Fatui are imprisoning her."

Zhongli eyed the fox. "It appears you may have a grasp on their plan."

The animal nodded. "I think I know what they're planning. On one of the letters Childe showed us, there was a stamp I recognized. It belongs to the Shogunate. From the stamp and the context of the letter, I believe the Fatui are planning to hand Lady Izanami over to the Shogunate."

Aether's eyes widen as he remembered what he overheard at the docks in Liyue Harbor. "Wait a second..." He was assembling the missing pieces to the puzzle. "People at the docks were talking about a strange ship that docked in Liyue Harbor a few days ago. They mentioned a strange symbol printed on the sails. Now that I think about, the symbol they described looks like the one stamped on the letter."

"So the Shogunate is already in Liyue," Zhongli deduced.

"Why would they come here when the Fatui can just sail to Inazuma?" Paimon pondered.

"The Shogunate is skilled in traversing through the storm that protects Inazuma's borders. It is also their duty to apprehend Lady Izanami and deliver her to the Raiden Shogun." Konomi hopped onto a boulder and sat on her hind legs. "To clarify, the Fatui will hand Lady Izanami over to the Shogunate. Once they have her, they will sail back to Inazuma."

"Since we don't know when or where the exchange is supposed to happen, our best chance of finding the Fatui is to wait. I don't like it, but it's the only way," Aether sighed. "I just hope we can save her before the Shogunate leaves Liyue..."