Maple Leaves { Kazuha X Reader }

V

Y/n POV

"Mother, I'm home," I called out as I stepped into the familiar of my family home, the bouquet Kazuha had gotten me holding gently in my hands. The scent of the Liyue flowers filled the air.

"Mother, my friend got me flowers from another nation come look." my voice echoed through the home.

but something felt off. The usually bustling home felt eerily empty, the silence echoing in the empty spaces.

I walked over to the small table where a pot adorned with a painting of our family sat, carefully placing the bouquet inside. As I did, my eyes caught sight of a folded piece of paper resting beside the pot. Curiosity piqued, I picked it up and unfolded it.

If only I didn't pick it up.

The note was short.

your mother has been taken into custody by our operatives. As you know she possessed a vision of significant power, making her a valuable asset to our cause.

From Fatui,

The fatui, but why would the fatui kidnap my mother? She didn't possess a vision if she did then she would have told me.

I paced back and forth in our home, the silence louder than ever. Every creak of the floorboards and every whisper of the wind outside the window echoed.

What could the Fatui possibly want with her?

My mother was a kind woman, a healer in our village, known for her gentle touch and soothing remedies. As far as I knew, she wasn't involved in anything dangerous or political.

I rummaged through her things, hoping to find some clue, some explanation that would make sense of this madness.

Her belongings were simple: herbs, salves, and a few books on medicinal plants—nothing unusual.

I ran my fingers over the worn leather cover of her journal, hesitating for a moment before opening it.

Her handwriting neatly filled the pages with notes on her patients, potion recipes, and the occasional personal reflection. Nothing unusual, nothing.

I needed to find her, to understand why this had happened. Could she have crossed the Fatui somehow? Did she unknowingly possess something they wanted?

Or was there another reason entirely, one that I couldn't even begin?

The more I thought about it, the more questions arose. Why hadn't she told me if she was in danger? Had she been trying to protect me? I felt a pit of guilt at the thought.

If she had been hiding something to keep me safe, then I had failed her by not seeing the signs.

I knew I couldn't stay here, drowning in my thoughts. I had to act. I had to find out where they had taken her and why.

The village elders might know something, or maybe I could find someone who had seen the Fatui in the area.

My mother needed me, and I couldn't let her down.

As I stepped out into the night, I made a silent vow: I would bring her back, no matter what it took. And I would uncover the truth behind her abduction, even if it meant facing dangers I couldn't yet imagine.

——

The village was quiet as I made my way through the darkened streets. A few lanterns flickered in the windows, casting long shadows that danced eerily in the corners.

I headed toward the village square, where the elders often gathered to discuss important matters. Maybe they had heard something, seen something that I had missed.

I knocked on the door of Elder Mei's house, the oldest and wisest of our community. She answered quickly, her sharp eyes studying my face with concern.

"Come in, child," she said, ushering me inside. The warmth of the fire was a welcome relief from the biting cold outside. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Telling her about my mother's abduction could cause panic or unwanted attention. "It's about the legends of our village," I said carefully. "I need to understand more about them, especially anything involving the Fatui."

Elder Mei's expression turned grave. She motioned for me to sit, and I took a seat by the fire, my hands trembling. "The Fatui are a dangerous lot," she began, her voice steady. "But why this sudden interest, child?"

I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. "I've heard rumours about an ancient power hidden in our village. I was wondering if the Fatui might be interested in something like that."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded. "There have been whispers about such an artifact who possesses some power. It is said to be a relic from the Archon War, a piece of a long-lost treasure. The Fatui would indeed be interested in such a thing. However, its exact location remains a mystery."

I felt a flicker of hope. "Do you know where I might find more information about it?"

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Old Li, the historian, If you see him maybe he will tell you a bit more about it"

Before I could respond, Elder Mei placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "But it's late, Maybe wait until tomorrow when the sun is shining. Your mother is probably worried sick about you."

The mention of my mother stung, but I forced a smile and nodded. "You're right, Elder Mei. Thank you. I'll visit him first thing in the morning." I stand up and bow thanking her in return.

I left her house, the weight of my secret pressing down on me. My mother's life was in danger, and every moment counted, but I couldn't raise suspicions. I headed home, trying to keep my emotions in check.

The next morning, I woke before dawn, As soon as the first light touched the sky, I set off for Old Li's house, hoping he would be awake and willing to help. The historian's house was on the outskirts of the village, a small, cluttered place filled with scrolls and books. I knocked, and after a moment, the door creaked open to reveal Old Li, his eyes bleary with sleep.

"Who is it?" he grumbled, peering at me.

"It's me Y/N, Li I need your help with something important."

His eyes softened, and he stepped aside to let me in. His expression grew more serious as I explained my interest in the artifact. "The artifact you're talking about... if the Fatui think it's here, they won't stop until they have it."

"Do you know where it is?" I asked, trying to keep the urgency out of my voice.

"No but the last person that was close to finding it was your father," said Li.

I felt a chill. "My father?"