A/n: There will be some major cuts/differences to the events of the game. You probably already knew that after reading the previous chapter. Hope you all enjoy! Love you all!!!
~✨Celestial✨~
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On the way to Mount Tianheng, Konomi cozied up to Aether. The disciple told him and the others about Izanami. She told them various stories about her when she was an almighty shinigami worshipped by millions in Inazuma.

Xiao was familiar with most of the stories Konomi shared because Izanami shared much about her past with him. He felt honored and happy to know so much about her.

"So Izanami used to be emotionless?" Aether asked out of shock. "I can't believe that after seeing how expressive she is."

"Definitely!" Paimon agreed. "Paimon's not buying it."

"It is true," Konomi replied. "Lady Izanami used to show no emotion. It wasn't until she started gaining worshippers did she learn about emotions and human customs. She became curious of humans and watched her people every day just to learn something new. It took her nearly a century, but she was able to express herself in various ways."

"It seems that aspect of Izanami is something she shares in common with Xiao," Zhongli chimed in. "How fascinating."

Xiao remained silent. He knew how much he had in common with Izanami. It was because of those commonalities he was able to get along with her rather easily.

Arriving at Mount Tianheng, the group immediately get to searching for any sign of the Fatui. They scoured the road and shrubbery for any indication the Fatui were in the area. Because of the storm created by Osial reawakening, many of the leads that would've proven beneficial were washed away.

"This will be quite difficult," Zhongli said. "Perhaps an adjustment in tactics is in order."

"Yes. With the storm waged by Osial, all traces of the Fatui have been washed away. Another approach we could try is waiting in hiding." Konomi saw Xiao was going to speak up, but silenced him. "I know how eager you are to get Lady Izanami back, but we can afford to wait for a short while. With time, we just might be able to find where the Fatui are imprisoning her."

Zhongli eyed the fox. "It appears you may have a grasp on their plan."

The animal nodded. "I think I know what they're planning. On one of the letters Childe showed us, there was a stamp I recognized. It belongs to the Shogunate. From the stamp and the context of the letter, I believe the Fatui are planning to hand Lady Izanami over to the Shogunate."

Aether's eyes widen as he remembered what he overheard at the docks in Liyue Harbor. "Wait a second..." He was assembling the missing pieces to the puzzle. "People at the docks were talking about a strange ship that docked in Liyue Harbor a few days ago. They mentioned a strange symbol printed on the sails. Now that I think about, the symbol they described looks like the one stamped on the letter."

"So the Shogunate is already in Liyue," Zhongli deduced.

"Why would they come here when the Fatui can just sail to Inazuma?" Paimon pondered.

"The Shogunate is skilled in traversing through the storm that protects Inazuma's borders. It is also their duty to apprehend Lady Izanami and deliver her to the Raiden Shogun." Konomi hopped onto a boulder and sat on her hind legs. "To clarify, the Fatui will hand Lady Izanami over to the Shogunate. Once they have her, they will sail back to Inazuma."

"Since we don't know when or where the exchange is supposed to happen, our best chance of finding the Fatui is to wait. I don't like it, but it's the only way," Aether sighed. "I just hope we can save her before the Shogunate leaves Liyue..."

Xiao held out his hands, clenching his fists tightly. "We wouldn't need to wait if I could sense her..."

Konomi tilted her head to the side. "Not even I can sense her presence. It is like she does not exist. It seems the Fatui really did plan for everything." The fox stood up and nodded her head in the direction of an abandoned camp. "We shall wait there. Once we spot the Fatui, we will follow them. Does anyone object to this plan?"

"I think all of us are in agreement with the plan," Zhongli stated.

They relaxed at the campsite that was hidden by shrubbery. You couldn't see the campsite from the road unless you were looking for it. Aether, Paimon, and Konomi warmed themselves around the fire. Zhongli and Xiao acted as lookouts. They watched the road carefully, but so far they had only seen animals and townsfolk. Not a single Fatui had strolled by.

Hours ticked by and the sun had set. Xiao was growing impatient. He was perched in a tree near the road, hidden from plain sight. He stood on a high branch, back pressed against the trunk. Arms crossed, he tapped his jittery fingers against his upper arm. He was getting restless from waiting for so long. He feared the worst and was tempted to scour the entire mountain for Izanami.

Another hour passed, but still no sign of the Fatui.

Konomi saw the fidgety adeptus in the tree from the campsite and decided to join him. She climbed up the tree and sat on the branch Xiao stood on. "You are a wreck, Conqueror of Demons. Never did I imagine an adeptus looking so worried."

"I am often patient, but it is impossible to be given the circumstances," Xiao responded. "I...am deeply concerned about Izanami and fear we are too late."

"I understand. Even if the Shogunate leave with Lady Izanami, we still will be able to save her."

"If they leave Liyue, I will not be able to pursue them and I will lose her."

Konomi's eyes flickered with annoyance. "Is Lady Izanami the woman you love or not? Will you truly let a contract stop you from saving the person you love?"

Xiao wanted to retort but had nothing to say. He opened his mouth and promptly closed it with a huff. There was no doubt in his mind he loved Izanami with every fiber of his being, but he was unsure about the second question. Would he allow a contract to get in the way of saving the one person he cherished with all his heart?

The adeptus pondered the question for a while before his attention was drawn to a shadowy silhouette in the distance. Eyes narrowing, he examined the figure. He recognized the lanky, tar-covered form from anywhere. It wasn't a member of the Fatui but a malevolent spirit. "There is more of them...?"

Konomi followed his gaze. She too recognized the malevolent spirit. It was a normal occurrence for malevolent spirits to seek out shinigami. The corrupted souls desired the head of the death spirit who failed to deliver them to eternal peace. However, she was shocked to see the malevolent spirit made it to Liyue. "I cannot believe a corrupted soul ventured this far from Inazuma. Its hatred must be strong if it had the strength to make it this far."

Xiao stared at the tainted soul for a few seconds before being struck with realization. Without a word, he jumped down from the tree and pursued the spirit. Konomi followed close behind, able to connect the pieces. The malevolent spirit, unlike her and Xiao, was still able to track Izanami. They remained hidden and watched the corrupted soul. Taking a closer look, the two saw it was looming over a small pool of blood. Its body swayed as if it were being manipulated by the breeze.

As the malevolent spirit began to walk away, Konomi ran back to get the others. Xiao remained on its tail, noticing it was following a trail of blood. He kept silent to avoid blowing his cover.

With silent footsteps, Xiao followed the malevolent spirit all they way to a cave. He froze when it stopped moving. Looking around the cave, he saw remnants of a campsite. Among the various things left behind, he spotted a recruit's insignia on the ground by the snuffed out campfire.

Suddenly, the malevolent spirit bellowed at the top of its lungs, alerting the adeptus. He summoned his spear jut as the tarnished soul turned around. He thought it was going to attack, but it didn't. Instead, it created a black puddle and sank into the ground. He wasn't sure what happened and didn't question it because he found the place they'd been seeking. He scoured the items left by the Fatui and managed to find a letter that was partially burnt. It looked like the Fatui were trying to cover their tracks, but the fire that was meant to obliterate the letter was snuffed out before it finished the job.

Xiao read what remained of the letter. He discovered the Fatui were near the outskirts of Liyue Harbor. According to the letter, the Fatui were going to hand over Izanami to the Shogunate near the cliffs located south of Liyue Harbor. Furious, he crumbled up the letter and tossed it to the ground.

Just then, Aether, Paimon, Konomi, and Zhongli caught up. They entered the cave only to be ignored by the yaksha as he walked away.

"H-Hey!" Paimon shouted. "Xiao!"

The adeptus stopped but kept his back to them. "We don't have time. The exchange is happening today near the southern cliffs."

"Then let's make haste," Konomi said. "I do hope we aren't too late."

Crossing the mountainous terrain, the group moved as quick as possible. They crossed the river and followed the road until they reached the outskirts of Liyue Harbor. Veering from the road, they travel alongside the cliffs until they had to climb. They followed what little evidence the Fatui left and soon reached the southern tip. There, they found the Fatui overlooking the ocean. However, there was no sign of Izanami.

Xiao heard the Fatui cackling while tossing around a large pouch of what he assumed was mora. Hearing their laughter and connecting the pieces, his body shook with rage. He held out his hand and summoned his spear. Without thinking, he attacked.

The Fatui stood no chance against the adeptus and none of his companions tried to stop him. This was the first time he attacked mortals. He made quick work of them, simply incapacitating them. He needed them alive. The only one that was still conscious after being pummeled by the yaksha was an anemoboxer vanguard. Pointing his spear at the man's throat, he focused his fiery glare on him. "Where is she?"

Frightened by the adeptus, the man didn't lie. "I-If you're talking about the shinigami, we've already given her to the Shogunate. They're on th-their way back to Inazuma as we speak."

Xiao wanted to drive his spear through the man's throat, but held himself back. Killing him would not bring Izanami back. Withdrawing his spear, he knocked him unconscious with a swift kick to the head. With the Fatui no longer an obstacle, he jogged to the edge of the cliff. He saw a ship sailing in the direction of Inazuma. Seeing the symbol Aether described on the sails, he knew Izanami was on the ship. He wanted to jump off the cliff and pursue the vessel, but it was too far for him to reach by any means.

While Xiao was trying to think of a way to retrieve Izanami, Konomi wandered over. She spotted the ship and steeled her resolve. "I will stall the ship for as long as I can. You and the others need to head back to the city and find a ship."

Xiao went to question the fox but wasn't able to before she vanished. Deciding to trust Konomi, he turned to Aether, Paimon, and Zhongli. "There must be someone in the city who is willing to aid us."

"Actually...." Paimon smiled. "We might know the perfect person!"

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In Guyun Stone Forest, the group was gathered around a makeshift arena that had been set up for the Crux Clash. Xiao and Zhongli were confused as to why the traveler brought them here.

Just as the tournament was about to be announced, Aether walked over to a woman and man who were chatting. He then brought them over to his companions and introduced them. "This is Captain Beidou and Kazuha."

"Ah, the esteemed captain of the Alcor," Zhongli replied. "A pleasure."

"There is no time for pleasantries," Xiao snapped. "We must bring Izanami back."

"Izanami?" Kazuha mumbled. "Is this Izanami you mention perhaps the shinigami from Inazuma?"

"You know her?" Paimon asked.

Kazuha nodded with a faint smile. "She is a friend I haven't seen in quite some time. What has happened?"

"The Shogunate has her aboard their ship," Aether explained. "They plan on taking her back to Inazuma."

"That..." The samurai turned to Beidou. "Captain, we must prevent this tragedy."

Beidou crossed her arms. "Well, I never expected to see you this worked up. At least you're not spewing poetry now." She then looked around at the faces of the others. "As much as I would love to finish the Crux Clash, it sounds like this friend of yours is quite important. Canceling the tournament for such an important rescue mission is something I won't argue with. I will gather my crew. Meet me on the Alcor."

Departing from Beidou, the group and Kazuha board the massive ship. There, the wandering samurai questioned them about the captured shinigami. Aether was more than willing to share, but Xiao was hesitant. Alas, that didn't stop the traveler from answering Kazuha's questions.

In the midst of their conversation, Konomi returned. She was wounded and collapsed at Kazuha's feet. Seeing her condition, he knelt down and gently took the small fox into his arms. "It has been a while, Konomi."

"I never knew you were in Liyue, Master Kazuha," Konomi feebly replied.

He shushed her. "Rest." Kazuha cradled the fox in his arms as she fell unconscious. While comforting her, he spoke to the others. "I have heard what happened in Inazuma. It is appalling at what the Raiden Shogun has done. Never did I imagine she would target Izanami."

"I can't believe the Raiden Shogun was able to turn Izanami's worshippers against her," Aether said.

"Not all her worshippers fell for the Raiden Shogun's deception. I am one who is able to see through her lies. I do believe there may be others who also were not deceived."

Paimon looked around with a worried expression. "We will make it in time, won't we?"

"We must," Aether said. "We can't let Izanami be taken back to Inazuma. Who knows what the Raiden Shogun will do to her."

Kazuha was about to agree when he saw Xiao standing at the bow of the ship, eyes casted to the vast sea spread out before them. He didn't even need to ask what he was looking for. Just from his body language and longing gaze, he knew volumes about the adeptus' deep connection to the shinigami. A smile grew on his lips. He was relieved and happy to know someone cared deeply for Izanami. "It is comforting to know she is not alone."

A few minutes later, Beidou arrived with the rest of her crew. The men and women rushed to their stations as the captain rendezvoused with the group. "Before we depart, give me the breakdown of the situation."

Aether and Paimon explained the situation. They informed her of the ship that was sailing to Inazuma with Izanami aboard. They also mentioned how Konomi was able to stall them for some time.

Beidou placed a hand on her hip. "I see." She glanced out at the ocean. "I've never been one to intefere with the Shogun, but if it avoids disaster, I'm all for it. Besides, I've never seen Kazuha this unsettled."

Paimon glanced at the wandering samurai. "Uh..." She couldn't read his expression. "He's...unsettled? He looks calm to Paimon."

The captain grinned. "After you've traveled with him for a while, you learn how to read him like a book."

Xiao overheard their conversation and joined them. "We cannot afford to waste any more time. The Shogunate's ship won't remain anchored for much longer."

"Of course, I wouldn't waste precious time." Beidou walked to the bow, commanding her crew to set sail. Because of the mission's goal, the Crux Fleet would remain behind. Only the Alcor would pursue the Shogunate's ship.

The others gathered at the bow as the Alcor took off. They were eager to catch up to the Shogunate's ship before it entered Inazuma waters. No one said a word as they sailed across the bay of Liyue. They passed Liyue Harbor and caught a glimpse of the ship they were hunting. It was sailing straight to open waters.

The Alcor was slowly gaining on the Inazuma ship, but it wouldn't be long before the vessel left the Liyue region. Zhongli saw the boundary of the storm that protected the borders of Inazuma. They wouldn't be able to stop the Shogunate before they crossed the border. "We won't make it in time."

"Trust me, my crew and I have navigated this storm many times," Beidou claimed. "We'll stop their vessel even if it's in the midst of the storm."

"I do not doubt your skills or your crew's, Captain, but..." The ex-archon focused his attention on Xiao. "You are aware of what will happen, correct?"

The yaksha met Zhongli's gaze. He thought about what Konomi asked him earlier. Eyes brimming with determination, there was no sign he was going to back down. Looking away, he eyed the ship that had taken Izanami. Seeing how close they were, he didn't want to wait any longer. Turning his gaze back to the ex-archon, he didn't break eye contact. "Forgive me, Morax."

In the blink of an eye, Xiao was gone.