The Truth of the Lochfolk (Genshin Fanfic)

Chapter 11 - New Foe

'Huff, huff', My heart was pounding, body exhausted. I've only descended from Wuwang Hill a few minutes ago and I was already exhausted. Shenhe was miles ahead of me, however I knew she was somewhat waiting up for me. She then turned back and walked up to me.

"Zepheryln, what's taking you so long? We've barely walked for 10 minutes."

"Huff... I'm sorry... In Fontaine all I did was stick in my home for hours studying. I've never really traversed the outside world. The closest thing would be my weekly polearm training, but that mainly focused on perfecting our skills rather than stamina."

Shenhe's face looked concerned. A face that wasn't emotionless? She looked like she was about to say something when a giant crane like bird flew above us and landed next to Shenhe. It wasn't a normal crane; it had a beautiful mix of white and blue feathers with unique black accents. Most importantly, I could sense an ancient power from it.

"Shenhe! There you are, I've been curious about this new-"

The crane... Spoke?! I wasn't that startled however. If Fontaine had the Oceanid who were able to talk, who says the creatures from Liyue couldn't? However, I was more wary on how the mysterious crane stopped mid-sentence as she gazed at me.

"Shenhe, who is this? Is she a new friend of yours?"

The crane had a motherly feeling towards Shenhe. No way she could be Shenhe's mother... Right? I shook my head. No, that's a terrible conclusion. At most that crane would be her adoptive mother.

"Yes, Cloud Retainer. But can you leave us at peace for now? We need to find an Oceanid."

So, that crane's name was Cloud Retainer...

"But you're heading the wrong direction. The Oceanid resides at Wuwang Hill."

Shenhe then shook her head

"It's a different Oceanid, apparently resides between the border of Mondstadt and Liyue near Dragonspine. There's supposed to be a vortex in the ocean nearby."

Cloud Retainer's eyes then widened

"So... You're looking for her then? What suddenly made you want to look for her?"

Shenhe looked shocked behind that blank expression

"You know this Oceanid? If so, why not tell me?"

Cloud Retainer then took a breath, it looked like she was going to recount a story.

"You see... That Oceanid you're looking for goes by Kythulu. I have witnessed her monstrous power before in the Archon War. No wonder she was the original Hydro Archon's companion, her power even rivaled hers. Anyways, I don't suggest facing Kythulu if that's what you were thinking. I know your power Shenhe, but I also know hers."

This Oceanid's power even rivaled the original Hydro Archon?

"Oh, no. We're simply trying to find her whereabouts; I heard the vortex was quite a sight to see."

Shenhe turned pulled out a Kamera

"You see, me and my new friend were just taking some photos. She's from Fontaine, so taking a few pictures of some Oceanids felt quite fitting, no?"

Cloud Retainer looked suspicious, but then beamed gleefully.

"Oh good! Well in that case, would you want a ride there? Your friend looks quite exhausted."

I smiled in relief; this bird was my savior.

"Oh, thank you Cloud Retainer. We'd really appreciate it; I'd even let you recount the story of my childhood to the Traveller and Paimon next time you meet as a thanks."

Traveller and Paimon? Those names were popular among Teyvat recently, could Shenhe really be friends with them?

"Wonderful! You're much more open than Ganyu, that's for sure."

Shenhe then looked sternfully at Cloud Retainer

"Don't think I'd allow you to mention it to everyone however. Think of it as a one-time thing."

Cloud Retainer then fluffed up her feathers

"Hmpt! I guess I was wrong, you and Ganyu are exactly the same. Well hop onto my back before I change my mind."

I hopped onto her back, but for some reason I had a strange feeling she would just land on the tallest mountain and let us go from there in spite. I was praying she wasn't thinking that. I gripped on Cloud Retainer's body tightly; I didn't want to fall to my death. As I saw the view however, it changed my tune. It must be wonderful having the ability to fly, certainly beats climbing. I then wondered how useful it would be if I had received an anemo vision instead.

Over the distance, I saw a rather large icy mountain. Was that Dragonspine? That mountain gave me a bad feeling, I was relieved I didn't have to go there.

Cloud Retainer then lowered down and neared near a beach-like area, the pristine waves crashing in the sand-like islands.

"We're here now. I shall not continue further."

I hopped off, sad that the trip was over

"Cloud Retainer, remember what I said."

"Yes Shenhe, now if you don't have anything else to discuss, I shall be leaving!"

Cloud Retainer then flew away up into the high mountains. I found it strange that what looked to be a legendary beast, was acting incredibly sentimental about not being able to tell embarrassing childhood stories.

Over across the coast, I saw a rather ominous whirlpool sucking everything in sight. Was this where Kythulu resided?

"Come on. If you're scared, I promise to protect you."

Knowing how powerful and reliable Shenhe was, I nodded and grabbed her hand. We walked over to the whirlpool by creating an ice bridge and waited for the inevitable.