THE CRISP MORNING SUN OVERTOOK THE NIGHT.

Two figures trended the dirt path from the stone gate that marked the official start of Liyue land. The events of the morning skirmish occupied their minds with conflicting ideas. [Y/N]'s hand that caught the blade flared with stinging pain, only comforted from loose gauze wrapped over it. Dark bags under the Inazuman's eyes felt like weights that threatened to shut his eyes if it were not the glaring sunlight.

On the other hand, Lumine wasn't doing much better as although she was spared most of the morning's events and had some rest, she was still exhausted. Even the floating fairy had not escaped insomnia's grip as she lazily lingered behind Lumine, her eyes half-closed.

Perhaps it was wise to rest at Wangshu Inn [Y/N] thought as they were trekking through Dihua marsh. The mixture of cobblestone and soil accumulated into a traversable path that weaved and turned. Lantern posts flanked the road every once in a while, flora flourishing in the bright daylight. The dins of distant birds chirping and the ambient sound of nature filled the air around them.

The clouds dotted the sky in clusters, allowing the blue sky to flaunt its beautiful form. The rivers that carved themselves into the landscape were crystal clear, its banks being home to collections of soft, luscious plants.

"Paimon's hungry..." The grumble from the mascot's belly broke the silence that [Y/N] had enjoyed. Lumine looked over her shoulder and spotted the hovering fairy. Her mouth drooled at the images of food in her mind, hands on her stomach, trying to soothe her complaining stomach.

"Wangshu Inn is nearby so we could get something to eat there." [Y/N] suggested, pointing to the towering distant building. Lumine's eyes glistened at the idea and turned to paimon, who just seemed to drool even harder at the prospect of actual authentic meals instead of what was in her head.

"Well, lunch does sound nice," Lumine added as now her stomach's growling now was made apparent. "Though, seeing we have to feed Paimon here.." Lumine's expression mirrored the horror she had to endure every time she took Paimon out. Her purse was at this point in the grave.

"Hey! Paimon just loves food!" She stomped her tiny feet in the air. "I do not mind paying for the expenses." [Y/N] extended.

"I couldn't possibly ask someone who's assisting my commission to pay for my lunch!" Lumine denied, waving her hands in disbelief. "Oh please, this is a mere brush of my mora, even if your companion bought the entire menu." [Y/N] flatly stated. He knew he was critically low on mora, but it didn't matter.

Building a sense of "trust" is more important than saving mora.

"Yipeee!" Paimon cheered in the announcement of free food, an offer she wouldn't ever dare refuse. Lumine, however, narrowed her brows in suspicion. [Y/N] did not appear to be affluent in wealth, far from it. His clothes were cheap, bearing origins from Mondstast. The only thing considerably ornate was the polished sword tied to his waist.

"Well, if you insist, It would be nice to have something to eat." [Y/N] nodded and began leading the way to the Inn. Paimon continued to chant, promising [Y/N] he'll get to Inazuma and do what he has to do.

⥷☐✦──Wangshu Inn──✦☐⭃

The trail was replaced by timber as the group trekked over the bridge that led into Wangshu Inn. The overhead archway overlooks above as they continue to walk. Small groups of wagons and merchants clustered around the area. The air was filled with the rattling of equipment and people alike. The outdoor restaurant was mildly bustling, footsteps of waiters and customers with the clinking of plates filled atmosphere. The massive log the Inn was built on overshadowed a large portion of the dining area, receiving [Y/N]'s gratitude for a break from the ever-increasing dazzle of the sun as the day reached its zenith.

Though it was busy, [Y/N] was able to acquire a table. Lumine breathed in relief, her heels aching from the trip while Paimon lazily rested on top of her head. Minutes later, a sound of approaching footsteps turned [Y/N]'s attention from the menu to the incoming waitress, metal tray to their chest.

"Welcome to Wangshu Inn! My name is Yuhua." The waitress bowed as she motioned the tray to her sides. "Are you ready to order, or are you ready?"

Lumine gave the menu a quick scan before her eyes settled. "I'll have a plate of Golden shrimp balls." Lumine pointed to the text of her order. "Paimon? What do you want?"

"Oooo! Paimon wants this! and this! And don't forget this!"

"I meant something reasonable!" Lumine scolded the girl as Paimon defended herself with her tiny arms. "Fine! I'll have the Jueyun Chili Chicken." She pouted. If it weren't for Lumine, you would have most likely had to trade everything you held.

"[Y/N], aren't you going to get anything?" Lumine asked. [Y/N] was hesitant as most of the foods on the menu were utterly unknown to the Inazuman. "I'll have the Mixed Yakisoba." He finally replied, the waitress nodding in response.

"I'll be right back with your orders!" She turned on her heels and melted into the background of tables and people.

"It's a shame they don't serve Tonkotsu Ramen." [Y/N] scratched at the top of his head. Yakisoba, when compared to Tonkostu, was an insult to noodles, at least according to him. However, it was acceptable for the Inazuman as it didn't wholly roast his stomach with spices.

"Tonkotsu Ramen?" Paimon perked her eyes from her nest of Lumine's hair. "It's a common dish in Inazuma. Cheap and tasty. Serve it alongside Tri-color Dango, and you find yourself very happy." [Y/N] responded.

Paimon's eyes practically drooled at the names alone, images her wild mind could imagine where all her eyes could now see. Lumine smacked Paimon on the side of her head before she went too far and drained both [Y/N]'s and her wallet over lunch.

"Once we get to Inazuma, I'll treat you guys to a feast." [Y/N] responded. "Once I've taken care of something, though. Otherwise, It might be hard just getting to a shop." Paimon and Lumine shared worried looks but continued to remain silent.

It was strange to see this seemingly young boy go from distant to all friendly within 48 hours. He even offered to pay for lunch despite his ragged and more diminutive than affluent appearance. But, of course, Paimon hadn't minded it at all while Lumine mentally narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

It wasn't the brightest idea to doubt someone who's helping them, but she couldn't shake off the feeling something was being hidden away behind those [e/c] orbs. It was as if he was wearing an invisible mask.

"Well, Paimon will nag me until my ears fall off, so I'll take you up on that offer," Lumine responded, Paimon's eyes gleaming with excitement. However, the little mascot's nose straightens at the aroma of Jueyun Chili Chicken.

"Ahhh! Our food is here!" Paimon flipped in the air in joy as Yuhua set down the tiro's lunch. The warm scent of Yakisoba and Golden shrimp balls overpowered their noses, the Jueyun Chili Chicken seemingly already have disappeared from the table by some unknown hovering force of nature.

The meal was exquisite, no less expected from the known Wangshu Inn. [Y/N] peacefully enjoyed his Yakisoba while Lumine was pestered by a continuously sneaky Paimon who stole a golden shrimp ball whenever she could. Their meal was quick, however, as their plates and bowls ran empty within minutes.

Now satisfied, [Y/N] flagged Yuhua over to bring the tab, which she did. A quick glance at the price was reasonably unremarkable for merchants passing in and out of Wangshu Inn if [Y/N] was only a wealthy merchant. Then, opening his backpack, he rummaged through its contents in search of the gold currency before grabbing a small sack of mora.

"Is this enough?" [Y/N] turned to Yuhua, who counted the mora and nodded. The waitress bid them farewell before disappearing to attend another table. "I hope you're settled, for now. It'll be evening until we reach Liyue Harbor." Paimon murmured at the prospect of no snacks during the travel.

"How's Paimon gonna survive!?" The fairy wailed, kicking her feet in the air. "We can stop by vendors on the road, and we can visit Xiangling at Wanmin Restaurant, so you should just be barely alive by then." Lumine humored the idea with a smirk.

"Let us not waste any more daylight." [Y/N] stated, beginning to walk down the steps and onto the familiar dirt path. Lumine and Paimon followed closely behind. The banter between the blonde and mascot made the time fly by faster.

⥷☐✦──Liyue Harbor Outskirts──✦☐⭃

The hue of the sky turned from the bright dancing blue to a symphony of flaming calm ginger. The dirt turned to cut stone as stones began ascending the hill. Guard posts dotted the sides, Millelith soldiers ensuring security. Stone lanterns lit up the road, illuminating the dozens of merchants and wagons that were about to enter one of Teyvat's most prosperous cities.

The imposing colossal stone archway reminded [Y/N] of stories he was told of Liyue's archon, Morax. According to the texts, the Geo archon hurled massive spears from the heavens that pinned and trapped his foes within stone pillars. [Y/N] didn't know what Morax did in the present time, but when [Y/N] was still a mere mortal, Morax still held a reputation from millennia ago as a fierce warrior who summoned the 5 Yakshas.

[Y/N]'s past history with Liyue was limited as he only ventured to Liyue with the former Raiden Shogun as a child to meet the Geo Archon. However, it was an experience indeed as he was only accepted into the Imperial hold a few months ago, where Inazuma was the entire world to the boy a few short months ago.

The group had stopped at a resting point near the gates of Liyue harbor as Paimon snacked on both Fried Radish balls and the mora in Lumine's pockets. Their feet ached from the long journey, but as Liyue harbor was just around the corner, their cries for long-term rest were ignored.

"Paimon, that's the final one you're getting, got it?" Lumine glared at the hovering fairy that munched on the last remaining sticks. Paimon simply nodded before continuing to devour her snack. "Lumine, does Paimon always require such a demanding quantity of food?" [Y/N] turned over to Lumine, who looked back in return.

"Paimon loves anything involving food, so I would say so," Lumine responded. "Alright! Let's head into Liyue harbor!" Paimon ecstatically shouted, the last of the Radish balls gone. The (h/c) Inazuman sighed in relief, and the group began its journey again.

It only took a few moments until the glistering lights of Liyue's evening began to shine in front of their eyes. Even fewer moments for Liyue harbor come into full sight in all of its glory. Orange hues fought back the night's darkness, rays outlining the massive stone foundations many buildings sat on. Indeed a glorious city when taken from afar.

"Ah! Paimon missed Liyue!" The mascot rejoiced with outstretched arms while Lumine deadpanned her.

"We've been gone for less than 2 days."

"And two days too long!" Paimon huffed as she pouted away, arms crossed over her chest.

"That reminds me! Paimon hasn't seen Xiangling and the others in a while!" The mascot gleamed over the blonde, who nodded in acknowledgment. "It is evening, and it would be great eating at Wanmin Restaurant again," Lumine responded. [Y/N]'s brow raised in question, slight confusion on his expression.

"Oh! [Y/N]! We should introduce you to our friends here in Liyue!" Paimon hovered around [Y/N], expressing her excitement. "It would certainly be a pleasure to be introduced to your friends, Paimon." [Y/N] replied, continuing to walk down the path and onto the grand wooden bridge.

⥷☐✦──Liyue Harbor, Wanmin Restaurant──✦☐⭃

The narrow streets of Liyue were overwhelming to the (h/c) Inazuman. He was no stranger to crowds or narrow streets as he had experienced from Mondstast, but Liyue screamed something completely different. Salesmen and merchants were always bustling to and from places with members of the Millelith at the watch.

The overpowering smell of spiced food invaded [Y/N]'s nose, which mildly irritated him, though it would worsen once they reached their destination. Then, a Dark indigo-black-haired girl with golden yellow eyes dressed in a decorated leotard with large boots and gloves exited the Wanmin Restaurants doors in her hands, a small packaged box that was large enough to fit a meal inside of.

"Xiangling!" Paimon waved to, catching the attention of the girl. "Oh! Paimon! Lumine! Welcome back!" The girl introduced, stopping to face them.

"Who's your new friend?" The Indigo hair girl asked, motioning her filled arms towards [Y/N], who stood beside Lumine. "This is [Y/N]. He's helping me with a commission I had put out," Lumine responded. [Y/N] bowed respectfully towards the girl, who panicked for a moment.

"Woah! Woah! There's no need to do that! If you're a friend of Lumine, then you're a friend of mine." Xiangling explained.

"Ah, I see." [Y/N] returned to his previous position.

"So, what brings you back here, Lumine?" Xiangling asked. "We were hoping we could get something for dinner if that was alright," Lumine explained while Paimon hid within the blond's hair, still holding the trauma from nearly being turned into a 5-star meal by Xiangling.

"That reminds me! I have some new recipes for you to try! Xingqiu and Chongyun refused to try them after I mentioned there were pieces of slime-covered frogs and live flower stamens in the new recipes. Is it alright you try them tomorrow?" Xiangling said, motioning to the package in her hands.


[Y/N] didn't know whether this girl in front of him was a chef or an alchemist.


"Tomorrow? Are you doing something tonight?" Lumine questioned, her eyes looking at the item within Xiangling's grasps.

"I am! I'm delivering Captain Beidou a welcome back gift." Xiangling brought the box up to her chest to reveal its content of freshly cooked Jade parcels.

"Captain Beidou?" [Y/N] spoke up. Lumine turned in a slight confusion to the boy before remembering something. "Oh! Xiangling, do you mind if we went with you?" Lumine continued, "I've wanted to meet Captain Beidou for some time now, and this seems to be the perfect time to do so."

Xiangling gave the idea a moment of thought. "Sure! I'm sure Captain Beidou wouldn't mind you guys as visitors." Lumine smiled and turned to [Y/N], who nodded towards Lumine. "So, [Y/N], where you from?" Xiangling's eyes formed into a neutral stance, waiting for an answer.

"I'm an escapee from Inazuma." [Y/N] responded in monotone. The blunt and straight response did not raise Xiangling's brows back up, though she trusted Lumine and her decisions.

"Wait, escapee!?" Xiangling responded in a mild shock of realization. [Y/N] sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Not a prison escapee. I am no convicted criminal." The Inazuman assured, "Well, at least by Liyuean law, I'm not." His small cheeky smile tipped it off to Xiangling.

The golden-eyed Liyuean lightened up and the explanation and motioned them to follow. "Well, come on then! Captain Beidou is a woman you don't want to keep waiting!" So Xiangling began walking, now trailed behind by the tiro. The bustling only intensified as they approached the harbor docks.

⥷☐✦──Wanmin Restaurant──✦☐⭃

The shouts of sailors mixed into the creaking of Wooden ships docked in the harbor. Ropes would buckle at the strain of large cargo crates as they were unloaded onto the harbor docks. Liyuean officials met with ship captains for discussions over ship fees, repairs, departures, and more listed on their clipboards of documents.

Amidst the organized chaos, a group of 4 weaved through towards a tall woman with waist-long brown hair and a red eyepatch covering one of her ruby eyes.

"Ah! Xiangling! It's good to see you." The Captain bellowed, hanging her arm around the young chef's head. "It's good to see you as well, Captain Beidou," Xiangling responded. A moment passed before the Liyean Captain realized there were others with Xiangling.

"And do you mind introducing me to your friends, Xiangling?" Beidou waved towards the tiro that was allowed to tag along. "Allow me to then!" Xiangling escaped the grasps of the Captain to head over to the tiro.

"This is Lumine and Paimon!" Xiangling pointed towards the blonde and floating mascot who was playing with her halo beforehand. "Lumine? Haven't I heard that from... Oh right! You're the one who fought against the Futai and Osial, right?" Lumine nodded in response. "My reputation does precede me then, doesn't it."

"Ningguang told me about you awhile back, so it's finally great to meet you in person." Beidou took the hand of the Traveler and shook it.

"And this is..?" Beidou trailed off as the Inazuman did not give off any reminders in her head.

"This is an escapee from Inazuma, [Y/N]!" Xiangling introduced as [Y/N] slightly bowed in respect.

"Did fate decide when did Lord Kiyoko would use such as surname?" A voice echoed from behind the Captain.

It was almost Nostalgic to hear that voice. It belonged to no one else but that wondering Samurai from years ago. The same one that helped him to escape from Inazuma.

"Kaedehara Kazuha" [Y/N] turned to meet the Ronin Samurai.

"It has been quite some time."

We are finally getting into the main story line now!
Just as a reminder, updates will be pretty slow but I will update it after 1-3 weeks.

Also, we will take some liberties with the main plot line to fit in [Y/N] into the story, but it shouldn't seperate from it too much.