A/N: This story will loosely follow the plot of the game but with some details changed here and there. Hopefully that's not a turn-off for some readers. Love you all!!!
~✨Celestial✨~
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The following afternoon, Izanami was in Liyue Harbor, alone. She had left Wangshu Inn early in the morning to travel to the city in search of someone who was willing to saip through the treacherous storm that protected Inazuma from outsiders. She had asked a handful of sailors, but all of them refused. She was disheartened by their refusals, but she didn't blame them. They were simply trying to protect their lives' work. It would be a shame if their vessels were damaged beyond repair or sunk because of her seemingly selfish request.

Deciding to try another day, the shinigami wandered the streets of Liyue Harbor for a couple hours to clear her head before returning to the inn. She rode the lift to the top and headed to the upper balcony in search of Xiao. Instead of finding the adeptus, she found two familiar faces--Aether and Paimon. She never expected them to come here. "I never expected to see you two here of all places."

Aether smiled at the shinigami. "It's great to see you again, Izanami."

"What brings you here?"

"There was some minor trouble in Liyue Harbor..."

She arched a brow in confusion. "Like what?"

"Well, um..." The blonde rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Rex Lapis is dead and the Millelith are convinced we're the ones who killed him. Someone told us to meet with the adepti to clear our names. We heard one lives here at the inn."

Izanami bit the inside of her cheek, knowing there was no murderer to catch. Morax himself faked his own death to relieve himself of his archon duties, knowing Liyue no longer needed him. However, the ex-god didn't intend for a random innocent person to be blamed for his "death." This was something she would have to tell Zhongli. "Oh, you mean Xiao?"

"You know him?" Paimon asked.

She nodded with a bashful smile. "We're quite close, actually."

"Is there a way we can speak to him?" Aether pondered.

"Well, um..." The shinigami fiddled with her fingers. "Xiao prefers not to be in the company of mortals due to some...certain circumstances. But if you really want to try and speak to him, he does have a soft spot for almond tofu. I can help you make a serving if you'd like."

"We'd appreciate the help very much!"

"Then let's head to the kitchen. Yanxiao always lets me use it whenever I want to cook."

Aether and Paimon followed Izanami to the kitchen. There, they followed her instructions and made a serving of almond tofu. To add to the meal, Aether made his specialty--a satisfying salad. The shinigami was positive Xiao would eat the tofu but not the salad. They return to the balcony, where they find Xiao overlooking Dihua Marsh.

Izanami nudged Aether forward as he held the two dishes. She kept her distance while the blonde and Paimon managed to keep the adeptus from leaving by handing over the food. While he ate, the two explained what happened to Rex Lapis. Xiao, having known Morax's plan, feigned shock to avoid being questioned by the traveler and his floating companion. "Rex Lapis... How could this be? I...can't imagine it. Though times have changed, I've never imagined a Liyue without him. The ruling Qixing... Just what role have they played in this?"

Izanami wanted to give him a round of applause for his acting. He truly did sound devistated and easily fooled Aether and Paimon.

"I will seek Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Cloud Retainer. It is time they too made their decisions," Xiao said. That, was not a lie. Although he respected Zhongli's decision to step down, there still had to be someone to watch over Liyue. It was time for him to speak with the other adepti to discuss such matters.

"Will the adepti take over his role in Liyue?" Aether wondered.

"Adepti do not turn on their responsibilities. I have my reasons to not want to be tainted by the mortal realm, but...responsibilities are responsibilities. Our god is the God of Contracts after all."

That marked the end of the conversation. Xiao glanced at Izanami for a split second before vanishing. Aether and Paimon turn to face the shinigami. The fairy floated towards her with a curious glimmer in her eyes. "Sooo, how in the world do you get along with someone like that?"

"We get along pretty well. Once you break down the walls of someone's heart, you can form an unbreakable bond. Xiao is someone who hides his emotions from the world, but not from people he cares about. He also is a caring, protective person which is why he doesn't mingle with mortals. If you want the full story, well...I'm in no position to share details. Only he can be the one to tell you."

"Thanks for helping us again, Izanami," Aether said.

"I'm happy to help in any way possible." Izanami's ears twitched slightly as a question popped into her head. "By the way, what did you need to discuss with Rex Lapis?"

The blonde's cheerful demeanor vanished. "I'm hoping the Seven will help me find my sister."

"You were separated from her?"

"Yeah, and now I'm trying to find her."

"I admire your determination," she smiled. "I know you'll find your sister, Aether."

He nodded, his smile returning. "No matter where she is, I'll find her."

Now Izanami really wanted to tell Aether the truth. He was looking for his family and the one person who could possibly help him was Zhongli. Regardless, she would keep her promise and not tell a soul that Rex Lapis was still alive and well. "I wish you well on your search, Aether."

"Hey, maybe you could join us!" He proposed.

"I'm sorry, but there's someone here who needs me more right now. Thank you for the offer, though."

"I'm sure we'll see you again soon. Stay safe, Izanami."

"You too, Aether, Paimon."

The shinigami waved farewell as the two left Wangshu Inn. Once they were gone, she headed to her room. There, she found Xiao waiting for her. He was gazing out the window. She strolled over and stood beside him. "So, it's finally time to discuss the future of Liyue with the adepti."

"Yes. There will be much to discuss, including the Qixing. It will be some time before I return." Xiao turned away from the window. He gazed into the shinigami's golden eyes with concern. "Will you be fine in my absence?"

She beamed reassuringly at him. "I'll be fine, Xiao."

"Even so..." He took her hand in his and lifted it up to his face. Thumb caressing her knuckles, he never broke eye contact. "I fear there is something transpiring in the shadows of Liyue, and I do not want you involved. Regardless of where I am, never hesitate to call my name. I will be there for you."

"I will. Take your time. I'll be here when you come back."

Xiao kissed the top of her hand. "That is all I want."

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It had been a couple days since Xiao left Wangshu Inn to meet with Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Cloud Retainer. Izanami was back in Liyue Harbor, searching for a sailor who would take her to Inazuma by the end of the month. Like before, she was unsuccessful.

The shinigami wondered what to do since her plan failed. She meandered around the city for a while before deciding to head to the souvenir shop or more commonly known as Mingxing Jewelry. She greeted the shop owner and perused the various items that were on sale. Coming across a set of vayuda turquoise gem shards, she couldn't help but be reminded of Xiao's hair. It had only been two days, but she already missed him dearly. She wondered how she'd survive in Inazuma if she can barely stand a couple days without him. It truly would be a hurdle to overcome.

"Izanami!"

The snowy-haired girl turned around to see Aether, Paimon, Zhongli, and a face she wasn't familiar with. The one who exuberantly called out her name was the blonde.

"It is a pleasure to see you again so soon, Izanami," Zhongli said.

The fairy-like girl gazed at the death spirit. "Is there anyone you don't know?!"

"Well, I don't know him," Izanami replied, gesturing to the redhead standing beside the ex-archon.

"Ah, yes," Zhongli chimed in. "This is a close friend of mine, Childe."

"It's nice to meet you, Childe." The shinigami tilted her head. Childe's attire, like Aether's, told her he wasn't from here. "If you don't mind me asking, where are you from?"

Before the redhead could answer, Paimon spoke up. "He's from Snezhnaya, and he so happens to be a member of the Fatui!"

Izanami was familiar with the Fatui, especially their influence in some of the Raiden Shogun's diplomatic decisions. She wasn't particularly fond of the Fatui because of their presence in her homeland. "Oh..."

Childe tried to smile, but it faltered. "You don't sound happy about who I am."

"It's nothing against you, but the Fatui have been known to dabble into affairs that are none of their concern."

"Trust me, I'm not one to shove my nose into other people's business."

Izanami wasn't convinced but didn't want to judge Childe simply because of him being a member of the Fatui.

Aether was the next to speak. "What're you doing in Liyue Harbor, Izanami?"

She trusted everyone except for Childe. To hide the truth, she sugarcoated it. "I was asking the sailors around the dock if they could take me to Inazuma. I'm feeling a little homesick and wanted to visit for a little bit."

"But what about-?" Paimon started, but Aether shushed her.

Izanami mentally thanked the blonde for silencing her. The truth would remain a secret between her, Zhongli, Aether, and Paimon. "Anyway, what're you all doing?"

"I've got business elsewhere. These three are busying themselves with the Geo Archon's last rites," Childe explained. He walked away with a small wave.

Izanami glanced at the ex-archon. "Oh, that's right. The Qixing no longer holds memorial services for adepti."

"It is sacrilege," Zhongli stated. "I have decided to take it upon myself to see to the Geo Archon's rite of passing with assistance from my new acquaintances."

Hearing that, the shinigami smiled. "Well then, I wish you luck on preparing everything. I'm off to the Adventurers' Guild to see if there are any commissions available."

"Before you depart, I do wish to extend a helping hand for what you've done for me in the past, Izanami. I will check with my contacts to see if one of them will be willing to escort you home."

"I'd appreciate that very much, Zhongli."

"Why do you have to return to Inzamua?" Aether asked.

"Isn't it too dangerous?" Paimon inquired.

"Regardless of how dangerous it is, I must perform my duty as a shinigami to ensure Inazuma's safety. Even if people want me dead, I won't allow an entire nation to suffer because I refused to do my duty."

"That's really admirable of you," the blonde commented. "When the time comes, perhaps Paimon and I could join you."

"It would be nice to have company," she giggled. "In the meantime, make sure Zhongli doesn't spend too much mora. He has an eye for exspensive things, but always seems to lack the proper amount of mora."

"Childe did give us a decent amount of mora. Let's just hope we won't have to ask for another loan," Aether laughed nervously.

"Just make sure Zhongli isn't doing the haggling."

"We'll make sure!" Paimon chanted.

Izanami waved to the trio before heading to the Adventurers' Guild. She talked to Katheryne about the commissions that were available and came across one detailing an increased amount of treasure hoarders in the Guili Plains. The region was home to ancient ruins, making it unsurprising to know treasure hoarders were flocking to the area.

She left Liyue Harbor and headed to the Guili Plains to deal with the increasing number of treasure hoarders. According to Katheryne, their overwhelming numbers had also been the cause of the rise of robberies for the innocent folks traveling the countryside. Unlike in Mondstadt and Inazuma, treasure hoarders were more common in Liyue. It wasn't odd considering the various of ancient ruins that spotted the mountainous region.

Arriving in the Guili Plains, Izanami easily located her targets. However, she didn't approach. A ruin guard who had been resting in the ruins was awakened. Its metallic body swung its protracted arms in circles, its upper body spinning at high speeds. Some of the treasure hoarders fled while the others were batted away by the automaton's arms. It was a sight she was enjoying all too much.

A few of the treasure hoarders had the confidence to stand against the ruin guard, but they stood no chance. The robot easily got the upper hand and defeated the men. It had done Izanami's job for her, but now it became her target. Even with the treasure hoarders gone, the ruin guard would cause trouble too. Summoning her fans, she snuck up behind the machine and attacked. Combining her fans and azure flames, she created a fiery image of a fox. It aided her in battle, tackling the ruin guard to the ground. She backed away from the flaming fox as it exploded. The azure flames melted the metal exterior of the machine, exposing its hardware.

Setting her sights on the exposed, metallic innards, Izanami attacked. She sliced off multiple vital components that caused the ruin guard to pop and crackle. It lost control of its body and a single arm fell off. One of its legs was loose, but it managed to remain in the socket until it stood up. Now with only a single arm and leg, it couldn't keep its balance or attack. Its body tilted backwards. Before its body slammed against the ground a second time, the shinigami delivered the killing blow. With a distorted grunt, its body dissipated.

Lowering her fans, Izanami stood over the spot where the ruin guard perished. She saw the one item she hadn't destroyed that was left behind by the machine--a chaos circuit. Although she didn't need it, she could sell it to a blacksmith or a shop to gain a small amount of mora. As she slid the item into the obi of her kimono dress, a gruff voice addressed her. "Hand it over, now."

Swiveling on her heels, the shinigami came face to face with a group of Fatui. Among them were a hydrogunner, two pyroslinger bracers, and an electrohammer vanguard. She stoically gazed at the bunch. "And what does the Fatui need with a chaos circuit?"

"Like we'd tell a pipsqueak like you," the hydrogunner retorted.

"I doubt it's anything good..."

"Y'know, it would make this easier if you just handed  it over, but it wouldn't be any fun." The hydrogunner raised his weapon and aimed it at the shinigami.

The other Fatui members raised their weapons and prepared to attack. Just as they closed in on the snowy-haired girl, an arrow lodged into the ground between both parties. Izanami took a few steps back, eyes searching for the archer. On top of a stone column was someone she never expected to see this far into Liyue--Venti. She gasped at the sight of the bard. "Wh-What're you doing here?!"

Venti hopped down from his perch with his signature cackle. "Am I not allowed to see a friend?"

"No, but..." She shook her head, revealing her fans. "Let's deal with these guys and then we can talk."

"All right!"

"You kids have no idea what trouble you've stirred up," the electrohammer vanguard scoffed.

"Kids?!" Venti shouted. "We're really old compared to you!"

Izanami sighed. "Now is not the time, Venti..."

"Bring it on, you twerps!" The man shouted.

The shinigami leapt into action alongside the Anemo Archon. Combining anemo and pyro, they fought against the Fatui. It wasn't long before the assailants were dealt with and peace was restored to Guili Plains. The girl ridded herself of her fans and faced the bard. "So which friend are you seeing?"

"You, of course!" Venti cackled. "It's been a while since you've last visited Mondstadt. So, I decided to visit you instead." He grabbed her cheeks and tugged with a wide smile. "How has my favorite shinigami been doing~?"

She winced at the slight pain in her face. "I'm the only shinigami you know and happen to be the only one in existence..."

"Aw, don't be like that!" He released her cheeks. "I really have missed you, Nami."

"Sorry I haven't come to visit, Venti," she apologized.

"Eh, don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're doing okay." The Anemo Archon adjusted his hat. "Are you busy now?"

"No. Why?"

Venti grabbed her hand with another chuckle before using his anemo vision to teleport them to Mondstadt. Izanami gaped at the sudden change in scenery. "I swear, you anemo users like giving people heart attacks..."

He tugged on her hand. "C'mon, let's go get a drink!"

Izanami allowed Venti to drag her through the streets of Mondstadt. She looked around, admiring the city she hadn't visited in over a year. She wished she could show Xiao around Mondstadt or her homeland. It would be nice to take him somewhere outside of Liyue, but that would be impossible unless his contract changed. She knew he would try to talk to Zhongli, but maybe she too should try.

"Here we are~!" Venti announced.

The snowy-haired girl looked up and saw they were standing in front of a tavern. "Angel's Share?" She had never been to any of the taverns in the city. The only establishment she's ever done business with is Good Hunter.

"I know you aren't one who drinks often, but I heard they've got something special I thought you'd enjoy."

"It has been a while since I've had a drink."

"I think I have enough mora for us both."

She sighed. "You're as bad as Morax..."