The land has just started turning over a new leaf, the fields that were once littered with the bodies that you've brought down are now sprouting new flora. The animals that once fled for safety have slowly started coming back, grazing on the grass that were once crimson red from the war that you've just ended with your comrades.
The peace brings you little to no ease, your shoulders tensed, ears straining to hear any single creak that may come your way, your hand tightly gripping onto the hilt of your claymore beside you, your stature barely taller than the weapon by your side. Next to you, your fellow warrior stands, his eyes as keen as yours as you both await your master to arrive.
You have only known him for a few decades, merely hearing of his presence from fellow demons in the area, until you were both rescued by the Geo Archon. Your chains are broken and now you run free, protecting the lands that your God now rules over. It has become your reason to live. No matter what may occur, whether the rocks erode, the winds change or the plants die out. You will protect Liyue with all your life, sacrificing all that you have.
Which is not a lot.
You merely have your life.
But that is enough.
Quickly, your eyes dart in front of you, much like Alatus did, as the Geo Archon appears before you, the white cloak covering his visage momentarily before he sheds it off to showcase the numerous scales littering his body.
The first time that you had seen him, he stood over your body, noticing him as soon as he had arrived while you were in the middle of an attack. The God that ambushed you about to flee away if it weren't for the Geo Archon's spear piercing right through the lower God's head. By then, you thought that it would be your turn.
Such a powerful God wouldn't have any use for a rogue demon such as yourself, your sins greatly overpowering any of your usefulness. And so, you bared your teeth and prepared yourself to fight until you die, no matter how useless that would be.
But alas, even with your bared fangs, the God before you did no such thing. Instead, he offered you his hand. "Would you join me in this war?" He said with such grace that you couldn't believe it for a second.
It had been years after that. You now go by a different name. Your purpose to live now is different. You have also met your fellow yakshas - to which they too have left you and Alatus by your lonesome after merely a few decades together. You've experienced gain and loss. Now, you've survived another cataclysm.
The country once known as Khaenriah is now forever gone.
Families and cities burnt to ashes.
Those who survive will live the rest of their lives in pain. Their bodies bleed thorns with every breath that they take.
And now, you stand before your God, listening to every word that he says. "I'll be paying the Electro Archon a visit for a few days to pay my respects. The loss on the nation was unfortunate though their citizens know nothing about it." Morax sighs before looking at you, a gentle smile taking over. "I will require (Y/N) to accompany me per request of Yae Miko as well. She says that there is someone that is eager to meet you in Inazuma."
At the mention of the Kitsune's name, you can't help but grow cautious. Nothing ever comes easy when the kitsune is involved. Your hold on the handle of your claymore tightens just a bit before you bow your head to your God. "I will make sure to prepare as soon as possible."
"I'll standby and guard Liyue while you're away." Alatus declares as Morax gratefully nods, obviously happy that his last two yakshas have grown up quite well in the decades after his first meeting with you two.
It doesn't take long for Morax to disappear once more, mentioning how he has a few things to discuss with the other adepti before your departure in a few days.
Heaving a sigh, you will your claymore to disappear, your eyes scanning over the land as you sit yourself down on the edge of the cliff, Alatus following suit as the two of you silently contemplate what's about to happen.
"Keep your guard up. The Kitsune has taken a liking to you, though her powers won't be able to do you harm, it is still best to be wary." Alatus whispers, already aware of the pink-haired Kitsune's antics and of course, you can also see the hidden warning in his eyes, telling you to always make sure that Morax is safe while away from your homeland.
Humming, you place your palm against the land, focusing a little on the centre before you feel it. Raising your hand, you carefully pluck the Qingxin, carefully handing it over to your fellow yaksha. "I know. I will make sure to keep Morax and I safe. And I will keep my guard up. As for you, Alatus, I take it that you'll take care of yourself as well."
You merely hear a grunt from him before you stand up, dusting off your pants as you look over into the distance, planning on starting your rounds throughout Liyue, keeping its citizens safe from the monsters that started lurking after the cataclysm. Despite your thoughts starting to simmer and readying yourself with your nightly rounds, you can't help but think.
Think of what Yae Miko may have planned for you.
What does she have in Inazuma that requires you to be there?
Taking in a deep breath, you shake your head.
You have no time for such trivial thoughts.
Giving Alatus one final nod, you disappear in front of him, your mask quickly covering your face as you start your battle with the monsters.
Risking your life once more to fight off those that pose a risk towards the citizens of Liyue. For that is the duty given to you by the Geo Archon. That is what it means to hold the title of Dendro Yaksha.
