An Adventure for Two || XiaoLumine

Arriving

I have been recovering in Liyue for two months so far. Gathering leads on how to find Paimon has been difficult. I assume she's with Thoma and Ayaka but it's not safe for her to be anywhere in Inazuma. I'd been working with Ningguang to find a way back to Inazuma without going through Beidou. Beidou would undoubtedly deny my request to return to Inazuma because of how things ended last time. Ningguang suggested I approach her again but I could feel someone watching me. Every time I turned I saw the familiar black and blue smoke. Xiao was watching my every move. It would be impossible to approach Beidou with him following me like this.

"And you're sure he's the one following you?" She asked me, "We could station a guard around you if that would help you get things done."

"No, that isn't necessary. He'd find another way to keep me from going."

"I'm going to send one regardless." She motioned to one of her secretaries. "Baixiao. Find one of our most capable guards to accompany Ms. Lumine."

"Yes, Lady Ningguang" She walked away.

"Ningguang, it's not necessary-"

"Lumine, I promised I would help you no matter what it took. I think giving you a guard is a wonderful idea."

"Then I thank you. Any leads come up on your end?"

"No, It's truly disappointing that I can't help you more."

"You've done so much Ningguang. I can't thank you enough."

The guard walked in and bowed to Ningguang. "Reporting to post, Ms. Ningguang"

"Good. Now, I suggest you go find Beidou pretty soon if you want a chance to get back to Inazuma."

"I will," I said before leaving the chamber.

The guard followed me to the docks. I couldn't feel Xiao watching me anymore. I silently thanked Ningguang for the guard and continued walking. We approached the docks and I could see the familiar red sails of the crux. I could see Beidou speaking to one of her crew members.

I waved to her. "Hey, Beidou!"

"Hey, traveler! How are you?"

"I'm doing much better! I was actually here to speak to you about something."

She waved the person away. "What did you need?"

"I want you to take me back to Inazuma."

"Ehhh- Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

She sighed. "Well, if you insist. We're going back in a few days to drop some cargo. On Thursday to be exact, make sure you're here early."

I let out a sigh of relief. "Beidou, thank you."

"Anytime!"

"I'll see you then!" I walked away.

I spent the next few days wandering and gathering materials for the trip. The guard stayed with me most of the time. I hadn't seen Xiao since the guard was assigned to me. I often thought about what he could be up to. Most likely scheming a way to keep me from going. The day finally came. I woke up at dawn, gathered my things, thanked the guard, and made my way to the docks. I met with Beidou there.

"Morning Traveler!"

"Morning!"

"Ready to go?" She seemed distracted.

"Yea!"

"Then get on board!" She followed after me.

The trip there was just as fun as the first. The crew had great parties far into the night and the cooks made good food for everyone. We soon arrived in Inazuma and I was dressed in a cloak to disguise myself from the Shogunate. I walked to the plaza near the Omnipresent statue, removing the cloak. There were guards whispering when they spotted me, some running off with serious looks on their faces. I continued walking and one shouted.

"The Shogun has been alerted!"

I knew what was coming. The Shogun has probably changed her attack patterns by now. I need to be prepared for anything. There was a good chance I wouldn't make it out. The Shogun appeared in front of me. Her eyes were filled with anger and determination. She drew her sword.

"You are here. You know how badly I injured you and yet you still return. But do not worry, 'Threat to Eternity'." She charged toward me shouting. "For I shall strike twice!"

I stood frozen. Inches from her blade. I could not move away. I was done for.