Izanami regained consciousness a few hours later. She sat up, pressing a hand against her forehead. Her vision was slightly blurry, but it cleared up once she blinked away the haze. Looking around the room, she spotted Xiao tucked in the corner of the room. His head was reclined against the wall and his eyes were closed. She saw the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

Climbing out from underneath the covers, Izanami quietly crawled over to the sleeping adeptus. She sat in front of him on her knees. She slowly reached out to place her hands on his cheeks but froze when she heard him speak.

"What are you doing?" Xiao asked as his eyes slid open.

Izanami felt the fur on her tail and ears stand up at the sound of his husky, half-asleep voice. "I was just checking on you."

"That does not require you to touch me."

Her ears flattened against the top of her head as she scowled at him. "Someone's moody..." She lowered her hands and slapped them against her thighs. "Come find me once you're in a better mood."

Xiao reacted quickly. He grabbed her hands with his and kept her from leaving. "Stay."

Izanami gazed into his golden eyes at his softer, gentler tone. She knew he sometimes came across as rude because of the tone of voice he used. That would be something she could help him work on. In the meantime, she would continue to help him with emotions and understanding human traditions. "You know, you can go back to sleep. I can even pull out a spare futon for you if you'd like."

"No." Xiao tugged on her hands. He caused her to lose her balance and fall directly on him.

The girl's face collided with his chest. She felt his left arm snake around her waist as his right trailed up her spine to come and rest on her upper back. Goosebumps littered her arms and legs when his right hand left her back and crawled upward to rest on the back of her head. The moment she felt his fingers beginning to massage her scalp, she slumped against him. She nuzzled her nose against his chest as her eyes fluttered shut. A hum of content slipped from her slightly parted lips. Her ears lowered and laid flat against the top of her head while her tail curled around his right ankle. She truly was enjoying the moment.

Xiao leaned forward. He rested his chin on top of her head between her ears. The one ear tucked under his chin brushed against his skin. He was always in awe at how soft her ears were. No wonder why he would often try to touch them. Of course, he was able to restrain himself most of the time. There were only a handful of times he was unable to stop himself before touching her ears.

The adeptus was ripped from his thoughts at the sensation of fingers caressing his side. He tensed and squirmed at the ticklish sensation. He choked on the chuckle that threatened to erupt from his throat. With the hand he had around her waist, he grabbed the hand that was stroking his side. "What are you doing?"

"Touching you," Izanami innocently replied. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"No, but it feels...strange."

This piqued Izanami's interest. A theory came to mind and she tested it by trailing her fingers along his side. She felt him squirm and try to move away from her touch. She snorted with laughter as her theory was confirmed. "You're ticklish~!" She used her free hand to tickle his other side with a cackle.

Xiao feebly glared at her as he grabbed her other hand. He now held them tightly in his. "Stop it."

"No way!" She broke free from him and scooted back. Once there was enough space between her and him, she took him by surprise. She grabbed his ankles and yanked him towards her. He fell on his back as he was dragged across the tatami towards her, eyes as wide as saucers. She giggled like a maniac when she released his ankles and straddled his waist. "I'm gonna abuse this newfound secret." Her hands shot to his sides and started tickling him.

Xiao was weakened from her attack, but that didn't stop him from trying to escape. He clutched her hands as they dug into his sides. Using his larger size as an advantage, he used his weight to flip their positions. He pinned Izanami to the tatami mat, but his victory was short-lived. He found himself back on his back with her above him.

The shinigami grinned victoriously. "Nice try. You're not winning this time, sweetheart." Her hands snuck to his sides to continue her assault, but they froze midair. Her head snapped up and she eyed the sliding doors. "Visitors?" She carefully climbed off Xiao and left the room.

The yaksha was surprised at her sudden mood change and followed her. He left the spirit world with the triplets and the shinigami.

In the real world, Izanami cautiously approached the visitors. She wasn't sure who they were until she was close enough. She gasped at the sight of two familiar faces. "Ayaka! Yoimiya!" With a smile, she walked over to the two women. "I never expected visitors so soon. I was frightened because I thought Baal had made her way here."

"Don't worry, Izanami," Ayaka said. "Some members of the Yashiro Commission are watching over the island. If anything happens, you'll be the first to know."

Yoimiya couldn't contain herself anymore. She leapt forward and hugged the shinigami tightly. "Oh, Archons, I am so happy to see you! I was in so much shock when Ayaka told me that you were back." She pulled away and shook her by the shoulders. "Are you crazy for coming back?! It's way too dangerous for you in Inazuma!"

"I needed to come back or all of Inazuma would've been drowning in malevolent spirits. I didn't return like I wanted, but I'm here to perform my duty as shinigami," Izanami stated.

"Please tell me your evening is free," Yoimiya begged.

"Considering I overworked myself yesterday, yes."

"Great!" The archer cheered. "I've got a surprise for you! Meet me on Amakane Island at sunset. Oh, and bring whoever you want!" She had been looking at Xiao when she added the last part.

The triplets dashed over to Yoimiya. "Are you leaving already, Yoyo?" They asked in unison.

"Aw," Yoimiya cooed as she squatted down to their level. One by one, she petted them. "I've missed you guys so much. I really wish we could play, but I've got a few things to do before tonight. Oh! You three should come with Nami! I think you'll love the surprise just as much as her!"

Machi, Michi, and Mochi turned their gazes to the shinigami. "Can we, Lady Izanami?"

Izanami smiled warmly. "Of course, but make sure to ask Konomi and Kaname, too."

"Yay!" The triplets chanted before returning to the spirit world housed within the shrine.

Ayaka giggled at seeing the three siblings' excitement. "It's been a while since I've seen those three so happy. Your return is to thank for that, Izanami."

"Have you been checking on them in my absence?" Izanami asked.

She nodded. "Yes. Thoma and I often visited to see how they were faring. Even Yoimiya came with us from time to time to play with the triplets."

"I appreciate you both for checking in on them while I was away. I was worried about them."

"Don't mention it," Yoimiya replied. "I love playing with those three."

Izanami continued to speak with Yoimiya and Ayaka for a few more minutes before the women had to leave. The snowy-haired girl waved to her friends as they left Kami Island. She turned to Xiao, who was leaning against one of the few wooden columns that wasn't destroyed. "With part of the Yashiro Commission watching over the island, we can relax. And perhaps we can look into getting our hands on some supplies to rebuild the temple. But we'll leave that for another day. In the meantime..." She placed her hands behind her back with a gentle smile. "Will you join us tonight?"

Xiao uncrossed his arms. "You mean to this "surprise" your friend mentioned?"

"Yeah. I did promise to show you some customs of my homeland. I wish I could casually walk around the island to show you everything, but with the Shogun's Army and the Fatui crawling around that'll be difficult. If I know Yoimiya, I think her surprise will give you a small taste of what the people of Inazuma do for celebrations."

"Even if I did not want to go, I still would. This place is not safe for you and I won't leave your side," he responded.

"It's only us. Just say you want to go."

The adeptus sighed. "I...want to go."

She giggled at his cute pout. "Now was that so hard?"

"Yes."

━━━━━━━━༺❀༻━━━━━━━━

The sun was beginning to set. Izanami and Xiao were standing outside the temple in the real world with the triplets, Konomi, and Kaname. She was overjoyed they all would be going together.

"We're like one happy family!" Machi giggled, her red tail wagging erratically.

"One weird happy family," Michi snickered.

"As long as we're a happy family," Mochi commented.

"Except for Xiao. He looks kinda pouty..."

Izanami snorted unattractively at the yellow fox's comment. She quickly clamped a hand over her nose and mouth just as Xiao glared at her. She cleared her throat and lowered her hand to reveal an apologetic smile. "Sorry." She put the haori on and tucked her tail underneath. "Anyway, let's go!"

"Yay!" The triplets chanted.

The group left Kami Island and made their way to Amakane Island. They were extra cautious the closer to the city they got. They didn't use the main roads to travel and stuck to the foliage to keep from grabbing the attention of anyone.

An hour later, the group arrived at the western shore of Narukami Island. They navigated the sand bars to cross the small strait that separated Amakane Island from the mainland.

Once on the island, they rendezvoused with Ayaka and Yoimiya.

"You're here!" Yoimiya cheered. "And it looks like everyone decided to come! Great!"

"Even though this isn't an official event, we did ask some of the vendors to remain open just for a little bit," Ayaka stated. "That way, you can enjoy the entire island."

"W-Wait, what about...?" Izanami tried to ask a question, but her voice trailed off.

Ayaka knew what she wanted to ask and smiled. "There's no need to worry, Izanami. Everyone on this island is still a devoted worshipper of you. It was because of you they wanted to remain open."

"You told them I was coming?"

"Yes. They are all excited to meet the great Izanami they cherish in person."

"So that means..."

Ayaka undid Izanami's hair and removed the haori to reveal her fox features. "You don't have to hide. Enjoy yourself. Yoimiya and I will take Kaname, Konomi, and the triplets while you and Xiao spend some time together."

"But we want to spend time with everyone!" Machi complained.

Konomi eyed the younger fox. "Now, now, Machi. Let Lady Izanami and Xiao have some time alone. In the meantime, the rest of us will enjoy some ramen together."

Michi gasped. "I haven't had ramen in so long! Let's go!"

Izanami watched the group of seven leave before grabbing Xiao's hand. She gazed at him with a smile. "I know you aren't a fan of food other than almond tofu, but I was hoping you'd try some dangos with me."

Thanks to her, Xiao had become more open-minded and willing to try new things. He was still skeptical about food that wasn't almond tofu, but if him trying dangos would make her happy, he would. "All right."

Her tail swished back and forth at his response. Hand in hand, she escorted him to the food stall that was selling tricolor dangos. She was happy and nervous at the same time as she noticed the man managing the stall spotted her. Unconsciously, she gripped Xiao's hand tighter when she greeted the man. "H-Hello."

The bespectacled man swallowed the lump in his throat that threatened to silence him. "Y-You're Lady Izanami! It's a pl-pleasure to finally meet you. Would you like to try some dangos?"

Izanami felt more relaxed once seeing he was just as nervous as her. "I'd like two, please."

"Coming right up!"

When Izanami and Xiao were served three dangos each, the woman thanked him and they bit into one. He was more hesitant than her since he wasn't sure how good the food would taste. However, he was thoroughly surprised by the lavender melon flavor that spread across his tongue. It was sweet and chewy, which didn't disgust him at all. For the first time in forever, he found another food he liked besides almond tofu.

Izanami was analyzing Xiao's expression and how he ate the dango as they walked up the path. Seeing he wasn't grimacing or spitting them out, her eyes gleamed with hope. "Do you like it?"

He nodded. "Yes. Just like tofu, it tastes like...dreams."

"How so?"

"Although not as soft, the sweetness is subtle yet sophisticated. The same can describe the sensation of dreams."

Izanami had heard Xiao compare almond tofu to dreams before, but now she completely understood what he described. If she were to explain the blissful world of dreams, she would compare it to almond tofu and dangos. It made her want to smile, but she then recalled his past and how he was forced to devour the dreams of his victims. It reminded her of the truth behind shinigami. She too was forced into a role she didn't want to have anything to do with. Her hopes and dreams were stolen from her the moment she became a shinigami. She stared at the two remaining dangos on the skewer. "Dreams, huh...?"

Xiao heard her feeble whisper and called out her name when seeing her sorrowful expression. "Nami, am I the cause of your despair?"

She met his gaze. "No. It's just..." She sighed heavily. "Have I ever told you how one becomes a shinigami?"

Xiao lowered the skewer. "Is it not through birth?"

"No." She looked up at the darkening sky. "Shinigami aren't chosen or created by the gods. Those who have become shinigami were forced into the role. We were sacrifices for the greedy."

The adeptus' body stiffened. "Sacrifices?"

"I don't know the stories of the shinigami that came before me, but I fell victim to a person who I thought was my best friend. She fell in love with the man who was my predecessor. He was immortal and she wasn't. In order to be together, they chose to deceive me. I became a sacrifice for their selfishness. I took his place as shinigami while he lost his immortal status to be with the woman he loved." Izanami lowered her head as she twirled the skewer between her fingers. "It's strange, though. I should be mad at them for taking away my hopes and dreams, but I can't bring myself to hate them. They were deeply in love and wanted to be together. I don't blame them for seeking happiness."

Xiao was in shock. He had no idea shinigami were victims. He thought they were mighty beings who were created by the gods to usher the dead to the afterlife. Alas, he was wrong and he wasn't sure how to reply. He had so much to say yet couldn't utter a syllable.

Izanami continued as he remained silent. "I want this vicious cycle to end. I will not force someone to take my place. That is why I want to look for another way. Once I do, I will be free to live my life how I see fit. The duty of a shinigami won't be able to anchor me down." She walked up to a mask rack and took one of the kitsune masks.

Izanami placed the mask over her face and turned around to face Xiao. "Or perhaps I will be imprisoned forever, damned for all eternity to serve the dead."

Xiao closed the distance between them. He removed the mask from her face and gazed into her golden eyes. "I won't stand idly by while the person I love is used as a tool. You deserve much more. I will help you." He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers.

"Thank you, Xiao." Izanami gently took the mask back from him. She placed it on his head with a smile. "It's not as cool as yours, but it'll make for a nice souvenir."

Continuing up the path, the couple finish their dangos. They explored the other stalls until they were escorted up the hill. They sat down by the cliff on a blanket that had been prepared for them. There was also a tray with a tokurri filled with sake and two matching ochokos.

Izanami glanced between the sake and Xiao. Never had she seen him drink alcohol, but now she wanted to know if he would like to try some. "Y'know, I've never seen you drink alcohol."

"I have never been one to enjoy alcoholic beverages," he explained. His eyes drifted to the tray beside the blanket. "This smells fruity. Is it truly alcohol?"

"It is." She took a single ochoko and filled it with sake. "Now that I think about it, I've never tasted wine from Liyue or Mondstadt. The only alcohol I've ever tasted is sake, and the only reason for that is because my worshippers often brought some as an offering."

Like Izanami. Xiao didn't need to eat or drink. He still did from time to time simply to enjoy it. Nonetheless, alcohol was never on the menu. He never asked for it nor was it offered to him. Alcohol was foreign to him even though he's seen Zhongli drink wine on numerous occasions. His interest in alcohol bloomed somewhat as he remembered the past. A single cup of sake wouldn't hurt him. "I will try it."

"Are you sure?" She asked. When he nodded in reply, she poured sake into the second ochoko. She handed it to him and grabbed her own cup. She went to take a sip but stopped when she saw Xiao examining the sake inside the small cup. "You don't have to drink it if you don't want to."

Xiao glanced at her but didn't say anything. Instead, he took a sip and was thoroughly surprised by the gentle fruity taste of lavender melon. Perhaps he was a fan of Inazuma cuisine. So far, he's enjoyed the dangos and the sake. "Strange yet delectable."

Izanami nearly choked on her drink. She swallowed quickly and coughed a few times. Clearing her throat, she placed her cup down. "So you like dangos and sake. That must mean the world will end tomorrow."

The yaksha's eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"

"Nothing! I'm just surprised you found two more things you enjoy in a single day. I've known you for two years and this is the first time you've liked something else besides almond tofu. I'll have to make sure to take some dangos and sake back with us when we return to Liyue."

As Xiao went to make a snarky remark, an explosion caught his attention. Looking to the sky, he saw explosions of light in the night sky. He was in awe at the beautiful sight.

Izanami admired his dumbfounded expression before watching the fireworks. She smiled, knowing this was the surprise Yoimiya had set up. "Thank you, Yoimiya."