My Little Stowaway | Beidou x Reader(platonic)

Part 6: Valued Expertise

     Three days. It had been three whole days since your oceanic dreamscape adventure, which had passed in a restless blur. The morning after the whole ordeal, you'd told Beidou about your newly gifted hydro vision, which she proceeded to loudly and excitedly announce to the entire crew, in turn making you blush. She and Ren now liked to joke that joining the Crux had been the best decision you'd ever made since you now had a fraction of archon given power. The one thing you'd decided not share was the information concerning the dream and the necklace. For safekeeping you kept it around your neck and tucked into your shirt so no one would ask questions. But now, you were prepping to dock in Inazuma for the supply run the captain had mentioned. Leaning on the rail of the deck, you were deep in thought with the countless questions you'd been asking yourself when a familiar voice greeted you from behind. "Good morning stowaway." Not expecting anyone, you whipped your head around to see Kazuha leaning next to you with a pleasant smile on his face. Composing yourself, you rolled your eyes at the nickname your sea family has taken to calling you. "Good morning yourself Kaedehara kid" you retorted with a sarcastic smile. Both of you chuckled. "That sun sure feels nice after nothing but those storms so kindly provided by the Shogun these past few days" you commented. "Indeed it does. This weather gives way for smooth docking in Ritou. If the opportunity arises, I would much like to walk around the city, and sleep on a rock bathed in the afternoon sun." He had a tinge of longing in his voice. "Don't tell me you're leaving the rest of the work to us while you take a pleasure nap until evening" you replied, lightly elbowing his arm. "I wouldn't dream of it. Captain Beidou would so kindly leave me to picking barnacles off the side of the ship as a punishment for drunkards who sleep on duty." You grimaced at the information. "Remind me not to drown in sake while we're docked" you smirked. Both of you laughed again, and then stood in comfortable silence watching the waves go by. After a few moments, Kazuha turned to look at you and spoke. "Is something on your mind?" He was blunt. Too blunt. You turned to him, somewhat surprised that he'd noticed despite your nice conversation. Then again he was connected to nature or something like that. Deciding to play it off, you responded with a forced laugh, "Now why would you think that?" "Well, forgive my saying, but you seem a little... out of it as Beidou might say; exhausted. I'm only concerned for your health and well being if this is the problem." You knew that he meant well, but you were still unsure about the entire situation, so you decided against telling him. "I guess I've just been shocked about the whole situation. I mean a vision? It feels like a lot to handle..." You rubbed the back of your neck. "Ah, I see" he replied. "A vision is truly a powerful apparatus. However, the way I see it, you're also a powerful person. With your ability, I feel it could be useful for you in your journey." Everyone was right about Kazuha, he really did always know what to say. Suddenly a voice rang out. "LAND HO!" And that was both of your cues to man your stations, as you were approaching the docks of Ritou.

>•<

It had been two days since your arrival in Ritou. After unloading merchandise and reloading supplies and other marketable goods, the crew could now relax. You and Beidou had gone out drinking the night after you finished, saying she new a place with the finest sake on the island, or so she claimed. As you hadn't been exposed to much alcohol before as it hadn't been affordable to you, you were soon found to be a hell of a lightweight and had to be carried back to the Crux by Beidou. The next day you woke up with the worst hangover of your life and a very smug captain taking care of you. After sleeping it off for several hours, you went above deck for some fresh air. It was mid afternoon, and the sun felt good and warm on your bare skin. Kazuha had gone for a walk to take in the scenery of Ritou, and Beidou had gone out with friends doing archons knows what. It was relatively quiet on the ship actually. You were looking for one person in particular however. Now that it was quiet you felt getting her alone would be best now. Ren, your bunk mate, was well versed in the value of precious materials. Your thinking is that she of all people may have an explanation concerning the necklace. You found her waving goodbye to a younger crew member, finishing a conversation. You called out to her and she turned to you, waving you over with a smile on her face. "Hey stowaway! What can I do for you?" She patted your shoulder. "Actually, I have something interesting to show you. I couldn't figure out exactly what it was, and figured you might" you answered, reaching to unclasp the necklace and handing it to her. Ren's eyes widened a bit in interest and she gently took it by the chain as not to damage it. She adjusted her glasses and was quiet for a few moments as she examined the koi and traced their shapes and the like. "You didn't steal this from some rich merchant did you?" She asked with a sweet yet playful smile. "No... of COURSE I didn't" you replied sarcastically. Ren playfully rolled her eyes and sighed at you, keeping her warm smile. "Concerning this jewelry, it's market value would be quite high, considering the silver appears to be real, as well as the noctilucous jade the fish are made from. However, I'd need to run a few simple tests to be sure. But... besides financial value, it seems to have a more, how should I put this, spiritual value. There's an energy coming from it. You could have very well found some kind of ancient artifact." Your eyes widened, fascinated by her expertise. She was experienced in her craft after all. "I'll tell you what" she continued. "There's a man back in Liyue, who's a friend of mine. He is a renowned expert in Liyuen history, artifacts, craftsmanship, pretty much anything you can think of. I'm positive he would know much more about this then I would. He works at the Wangsheng funeral parlor: Mr. Zhongli. When we head back to Liyue I'll take you to him and introduce you personally, on the small condition that you pick up the perfume I ordered a few weeks ago from another shop" she said, putting her hand on her hip, giving you a glance full of knowing and confidence. "This guy sounds like a living library at this point. You sure with his knowledge he won't know that I'm a wanted criminal back home?" You raised your eyebrows at her and crossed your arms. Ren chuckled and scoffed. "Captain Beidou told you, there's nothing to worry about. No one got a good look at your face because your sly ass just couldn't get caught. Wanted posters could hardly be drawn up for you at all from what we know." She walked behind you and carefully clasped it around your neck again. "I'm excited to meet this Mr. Zhongli then." You looked back up at her. "It's all settled then! I'll see you later tonight for bed" she replied, clasping her hands together like she just made some kind of deal. "Oh, and one more thing?" Ren said, pivoting on her heel back towards you. "Hm?" "Keep that jewelry hidden. Ritou and Liyue dealers alike would eat up a chance like you." She smirked, walking off into the sunset with an air of elegance like she'd made you the offer of a lifetime. I guess that was it then. You'd meet this auspicious "Mr. Zhongli" and hopefully figured out the truth to this whole vision situation. Hopefully even find someone to teach you how to use it, as all it did so far was got you wet. You just hoped Zhongli wasn't too... refined and big worded for someone of your standard.

P.S. Guess who's back, back again. Also side not about the necklace, I imagined the koi fish to be the rusty koi species from Genshin. Yes, there is a reason for this...