Good Evening Traveler

Chapter Two: Miss Kamisato

As Xiao looked about, he noticed he was not far from the nearby city. Perhaps the traveler would be there? Walking over, the people of Inazuma all stared at this newcomer. Yes, travelers were allowed in and out of Inazuma, but it was likely the feeling of Xiao's Karma that made them feel uneasy. Somehow, this did not stop someone from tapping Xiao on the shoulder. 

Swiftly, he turned around to see a young woman standing there. She had light blue hair, and was dressed in a dress with bells that jingled as she walked. "Hello! I haven't seen you around here. Are you a traveler perhaps? Are you lost?" The woman asked. 

"No, I'm fine," Xiao grumbled, continuing to walk off, though the woman followed him. 

"I don't mean to be intrusive, but you appear to be looking for something! I'm Kamisato Ayaka of the Yashiro Commission. It's a pleasure to meet you. What is your name?" 

"Adeptus Xiao, Conquerer of demons." 

"Well, you're quite talkative!" Ayaka giggled, "Would you like some help? I would be glad to assist." 

"I don't need your help." 

"Are you sure? I'd hate to see you get lost!" 

"If it will get you off my back, I'm looking for the traveler." 

Ayaka smiled brightly, and looked like a lightbulb appeared over her head. "I know where she is! I assume you're talking about Lumine, if I'm not mistaken. She is out doing her commissions. If you'd like, I can have someone locate her for you," She smiled. 

"That will not be necessary. I can handle this by myself." 

"Are you sure? I could give you a place to stay- plus the protection of the Yashiro Commission will ensure your survival! I could call the guards at any time y'know." 

Xiao thought to himself. Perhaps this... Ayaka knew where the traveler was. Not to even begin mentioning it would be preferable to have more protection from the enemies. "Fine." 

"Is that all? Do I count that as an agreement?" 

"Yes. Just lead the way." 

"Follow me!"

Ayaka led Xiao back to the Adventurers Guild where they met up with Katheryne. "Aad Astra Abyssosque, welcome to the adventures guild...Oh! Miss Kamisato! What brings you here today?" 

"I have brought Adeptus Xiao with me to help locate Lumine. Where are her commissions for the day?" 

"I'll write them down for you, just a moment!"  Katheryne smiled before quickly writing the four commissions for Ayaka and Xiao. As she promised, it was merely a moment before she continued. "You can visit whichever you'd like- I do not know which ones are completed yet and which ones are not. I wish you good luck on your search!" 

"Bye Katheryne!" Ayaka waved before leading Xiao elsewhere, "It seems that they are relatively simple today...Lightning Bottler, Plug-and-Play Plan, a crackling crisis, and...oh dear..." 

"What is it?" Xiao sighed, unamused. 

"Well...the last commission is to 'Defeat the Manguu Kenki and deliver three Marionette Cores to Mikoshi Genichiro for his store." 

"Well, how bad can that be? You claim to know the traveler, but seem to be underestimating her fighting ability." 

"And you seem to be underestimating Inazuma. The Manguu Kenki is a demonic humanoid puppet monster. Extremely deadly. I'm sure it's no match for the traveler, but...the attacks are quite powerful. A single hit can send you to the hospital!" 

"We are going there first."

"...Fine. I'll agree with you this one time, ok? Let's go!" 

Ayaka began to lead Xiao to the island where the Manguu Kenki resided, but not before asking a few questions. "The traveler speaks about you often, y'know. Though...You've been described as much warmer than you are really," Ayaka smirked. 

"I strive to be as warm as dragonspine. I don't like to be caught in mortal affairs. I am only here to see the traveler," Xiao sighed, "I do not care much for your attitude." 

"Oh, my apologies. Anyhow, how did you meet the traveler?" 

"I'd rather not disclose." 

"Please?" 

"No." 

"Pretty please?" 

"No." 

Their...interesting discussion went on for a little while longer before they reached the battlefield. The two searched all over, but the traveler was nowhere to be seen. "Phew! Thank the Shogun!" Ayaka sighed with relief. "Don't relax just yet. The traveler could be returning soon. It is best we check the other commissions first. Perhaps the traveler is not here, but will return later. We should begin at the easiest, and work our way up, ending with the Manguu Kenki. Does that seem suitable?" Xiao rolled his eyes. 

"Actually, it does! I'll lead the way!" Ayaka smiled. 

"No need. I can go by myself." Xiao began to walk off, but the young woman grabbed his wrist with fury. "I won't allow it!" She shouted. 

"There is no need, nor no reason. You may return to your duties of the Yashiro Commission. If you have not realized, I do not take orders from mere humans such as yourself." 

"And I don't take orders from the adepi! It wouldn't kill you to get some help- plus if you really care about the traveler, then you would realize there's strength in numbers! I'm going with, wether you like it or not," Ayaka glared at the Yaksha, tightening her grip. Perhaps it was her swordsmanship that allowed her to nearly cut off the circulation to Xiao's arm. 

"Fine. I don't care to argue with you at all. It's not worth my time. Come along then." 

"You've forgotten that I have the list of commissions!" 

"...ugh. Just move. We've wasted too much time already having this pointless argument." 

"It's not pointless if it can knock some sense into you! You should realize that you're not the only one who cares about Lumine!" 

Xiao did not respond, but merely continued to grumble. Swearing under his breath, he (reluctantly, might I add) followed Ayaka. The two walked from commission to commission. They spoke with nearby people, looked at nearby enemy camps, and even try to do the commissions themselves. It was sadly all worthless in the end, with the traveler nowhere in sight."We're returning to the Manguu Kenki as planned, correct?" Ayaka asked. 

"Where else would we be going?" Xiao angrily sighed. Soon enough, the pair made It to the battlefield without any major arguments. They looked down to the battlefield, and saw the signature attacks that belonged to the Manguu Kenki. Though, who would be brave enough to challenge it? They found the answer soon enough, lying upon the voice that only could belong to one person. 

"Lumine?"