#araumi ruins

[pablokoutanya]

Explorando las ruinas de Araumi ⛏️✨| Parte 59 | 🌄 Genshin Impact 🌸 |Pabl...

¡Embárcate en una emocionante aventura en Genshin Impact y descubre los secretos subterráneos de las ruinas de Araumi en Inazuma! Únete a nosotros mientras exploramos las misteriosas ruinas antiguas y desentrañamos sus enigmas ocultos. Prepárate para sumergirte en un mundo lleno de intriga, peligros y emocionantes descubrimientos. ¿Estás listo para desvelar los secretos ancestrales que se esconden bajo tierra?

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 Tags:

 #GenshinImpact #AraumiRuins #SecretosSubterraneos #RuinasAntiguas #Inazuma #Exploracion #Misterios

[shalomniscient]

do you think in sevchisara, arlecchin would teach sara to do more than glide with her wings? it would be such a cute dynamic maybe a way to show each other's vulernable side is showing each other's second from like sara's tengu form etc..

how do you think arlecchino would pamper sara?

YES !!!! i rotted over this in the early stages of sevchisara… in my mind prison arle, sara and i go to araumi where there are a bunch of peaks and (after clearing out the 10 billion ruin machines) arle begins her flight lessons w sara. the tiny little rock formations aren’t too high, so in an emergency sara could just glide the way she normally does. as they progress higher, arle keeps a closer watch and is always at the ready to catch her and ease her fall. i think they do run into some trouble because in her ‘regular’ form arle has one pair of wings, meanwhile sara has two pairs. arle has to tweak her teaching style a little, but she’s a good teacher and sara is an apt student, so they work it out in the end. the entire time my job is to sit and look pretty and be moral support with good job kisses at the ready. when sara finally starts to truly fly, it definitely becomes a small bonding activity between her and arle. the tengu people enjoy races, and i think sara would want to race arle just to see who’d be faster. arle’s never had a reason to indulge the use of her wings before, but she does just for sara’s enthusiasm. they probably also fly up to mountaintops or any tall, isolated place to just enjoy each other’s company in comfortable silence. aaaa i love my winged husbands……

as for pampering… definitely preening. since there’s two of us, arle can take one side while i take the other. arle is for sure a little more touchy about it, deliberately prodding at more sensitive areas just to revel in the flush that creeps up sara’s neck. but she takes great care in the act nonetheless, carefully picking pin feathers ready to be opened and avoiding the ones still developing. also, as a pyro user, arle has naturally warm hands. so i think she’d give pretty good shoulder massages, and archons know sara needs them after being hunched over reports for an unhealthy amount of time. arle would also use her pyro to corral sara into a nice, relaxing bath—sara probably has never indulged in a long bath because of the pressure of her job and father, or if she has, it probably wasn’t as relaxing as it was supposed to be. arle would lure her in with the premise of a quick bath and then keep her in the water and warm it up. she’d protest, but the warm water feels way too good for her sore muscles so she eventually caves and just sinks a little deeper. sara is horrendously touch starved so another thing like washing her hair for her would have her turn literally boneless. moreover, since arle has a leadership position as well, i think she’d be able to give some good pointers to sara, or maybe they’d help each other out. if there’s an issue they can’t quite cut in a way they’d like, a fresh set of eyes and a different perspective could help. also !!! cake !!! arle is french and i’m a believer in secret sweet tooth sara so arle would for suuuure buy some fontainian cakes for her petit corbeau…… she has a tiny, self satisfied smile that she hides behind her teacup when sara’s wings twitch in unrestrained enjoyment at the taste. ueueueuueue them ,,, i love them ,,, my darlings ,,,

[mielmoto]

@visionkept said:

❝ if you leave now, i can hold them off! ❞

"I'M FINE, JUST GO ON WITHOUT ME!" PROMPTS | accepting

         Their words ring not as a simple statement, nor a warning, but a COMMAND—gone is the easy humor of their voice, the casual warmth and charm, replaced instead by something concise, sharp; the battle-hardened knowing of an honest-to-goodness SAMURAI. It was easy to forget, sometimes, (in the sprightly conversation and traded laughter; in teasing banter and quiet walks), that theirs was a name echoed with respect, awe, and a reasonable amount of fear in certain circles for a reason.

        It would seem, then, that she had every reason to heed such an order—wasn't that what she'd HIRED them for in the first place? protection?

        Someone to scare off the stray nobushi and other bandits said to plague the island roads; to make any leery eyes think twice about trying to accost the extravagant little traveler, a barrier between scavengers and seemingly easy, delicate prey. And it worked a charm, most days: a scuffle here-or-there when a few felt bold enough to try their steel, or when their path strayed a touch too close to some abyssal servant's camp; nothing beyond what they could handle in a quick dance of their blade and some flashes of lightning from the vision at their side.

         This was not what she'd intended, and yet had none but HERSELF to blame. They hadn't objected when she steered them off the beaten path which wove by Araumi, hadn't raised more than an eyebrow and a halfhearted question as to "what could [she] possibly be looking for down there?" as she lead them further into the broken temple, acting lackadaisical and curious as ever. She didn't—couldn't—explain the pull which so often drew her into these ancient depths... but, usually, she had the good sense to answer that call alone.

         Not like this: dragging them down into the mire of stone and mystery only to awaken the slew of ruin machines which had long slept in the abandoned chambers, stirred violently to life in an instant. Perhaps it's the suddenness, perhaps the sheer number, but either way their kimono is shorn through on one arm with a searing blow before either could gather their bearings, and another blast narrowly dodged as Tomoya quickly strafed and took Honey along with them; putting themself between her and the brood of automatons.

❝ if you leave now, i can hold them off! ❞

         Maybe so. And maybe they thought that was the best call, with good reason: get their clumsy, combat-adverse employer out of the frenzy before she could suffer any serious consequences for her carelessness; clear the way for them to fight as ferociously as they could, for however long it may last... but they were already hurt. Already a step behind, even as they threw themself back into the heat of battle and fought to draw attention away from her. She could escape, yes, in that narrow window of opportunity they'd carved out—but what about THEM?

         No time for questions. She RUNS.

         The violent violet crackle of electro in the air suddenly catches, shimmers, as it amplifies through a mist of glassy crystals, iridescent spotlights dapple the harsh automaton figures and cold stone walls as the gem at the heart of her catalyst spins and flourishes, a rhythm closely synched to the pulsing light of the VISION which laid over her racing heart. She was at their side in an instant, with an urgency seldom (read as: never) seen.

         ❝ that wasn't our deal, though, was it?❞ Honey shifts; the ornate hoops of the jeweled catalyst spin, chasing their strikes with a burst of bitterly cold elemental energy, all while a soothing shrowd of cool, cryo dust circles them, MENDING what damage had been done thus far and preparing for that still to come. ❝ I told you: I feel much safer with someone strong at my side, so I'm not about to run off all on my own now—not without MY samurai.❞

[twilightichor]

𝐂𝐋𝐗𝐈𝐗. Addressing the matter of Khaenri'ah practising espionage in more than one country on private makes me think about how widely-spread that was not only in the vicinities of the door to Khaenri'ah and the immediate parts of Sumeru or Enkanomiya alone, but also the lost empire of Al-Ahmar, the civilization that existed in Tsurumi Island, the region of Araumi and the depths of Seirai Island in Inazuma, places where we find Ruin Guards and other kinds of automatons of Khaenri'ahn making purposefully enclosed behind intricate portals of puzzles that can only be undone from the outside and not the inside by the same automatons.

[zololacan]

The physical record of Inazuman history is easily the worst of the nations we have so far. Almost every island has been beset by major disasters that have drastically changed their landscapes. As a consequence, the actual purposes of almost all of its truly ancient ruins have been lost. Take the massive complex at Araumi. Despite being one of the largest complexes in all of Inazuma, there is no reasonable purpose to it that can be seen today. The Sacred Sakura couldn’t have existed when the complex was built as it only sprouted 500 years ago. Meanwhile the architectural style of these ruins indicates it was once a part of the Unified civilization. Making them at least 5 times older. It also couldn’t have been for the Perpetual Motion Machine as that was likely built by Khaenri’ah. Which of course existed long after the Unified fell. If neither fit the complex, then we have no clues as to what it could possibly have been used for. With the meaning of such sizable ruins being lost, it's unsurprising that the purposes of other ruins would be lost or distorted due to time. The most noticeable of which should be Fort Mumei. Despite showing very little signs of being a militaristic site, it has still gained the moniker of “Fort”. In this analysis we are going to talk about what Fort Mumei might actually be, and what of its features may have led to the creation of this misnomer.

Why Has it Been Named a Fort?

Before we can get into why it isn’t a fort or what it actually is, we first need to address how the concept of it being a fort first could have come about. I believe there lies 2 distinct possibilities as to how. Location/geography and the ruins' current state.

Location/Geography:

The first war between Watatsumi and the Shogunate was fought over Yashiori Island. The details of the conflict are unimportant here but it ultimately culminated into a Shogunate victory after Orobashi and his generals were slain. However tensions remained high after this victory. Thus, for some time immediately afterwards, the Shogunate likely kept a large military presence upon the island. It’s possible that during this time the ruins were used to house military equipment and personnel. Due to its proximity to Watatsumi it would provide an excellent front line position should any disillusioned denizens of Watatsumi decide to try something. Additionally, the islands surrounding the ruins provide a natural protection against naval attacks by forcing ships to enter in smaller predefined locations. Making it a fantastic place to route an opponent that can only invade by sea. Even temporary bases are often named, and with the large number of personnel that would likely have been stationed upon the island the name this temporary moniker of “Fort Mumei” ended up sticking.

The Ruins Current State:

The other possible reason for this misnomer lies in the current state of the ruins themselves. The ruins at Fort Mumei are almost entirely underwater. Whether this is a result of flooding or the structure itself sinking into the sand and silt is unknown. Whatever the reason, with the majority of the structure out of sight, misconceptions are bound to arise. The average person is likely only going to be viewing these ruins from a distance. Such as the view seen below.

The people who live on Inazuma are very familiar with sea travel as it is the primary mode of transport due to its existence as a nation of islands. Seeing such a structure inside a cove is likely to prompt people into believing that the structure likely served some sort of marine duty. With the stone structures along the red lines maybe serving as anchoring points for docks. The military correlation may have come about both due to its proximity to Watatsumi Island and the presence of several Shogunate shipwrecks surrounding it. The important thing to remember is that the average person isn’t going to be giving much thought to something like this outside of trying to come up with something to call it. As a result the function of the unknown is often made to fit into something that would make sense to them, even if it’s wildly different to the truth. To the average Inazuman, these are simply some waterlogged ruins in a cove.

Why Isn’t it a Fort?

Of course the biggest question of this analysis is why isn’t this a fort, at least not originally. Unlike how its misnomer may have come about, simple observation of the ruins and the surrounding area creates several discrepancies towards the idea that these ruins were used in a militaristic function.

The Water:

If these ruins were originally used as a naval installation, then it makes total sense that it would have sunken at least a little bit over the centuries. But the issue with this complex is that that water was probably never supposed to even be touching it at all. There are several clues hinting towards this having originally been built on dry land. Such as this set of stairs on the northern side that go directly underwater.

Or the fact the circular center platform sits raised upon an ever larger circular platform.

Or this fallen wall carved far too ornately to have then been stuck underwater where it wouldn’t be seen.

Finally, both the north and south sides have walls or lines of decorated pillars that connect to ruins on the surrounding islands. Something that would make no sense to build if the area were originally covered in water.

north side

south side With the unlikely exception of some bizarre religious meaning. It makes no sense why a group of people would intentionally build such structures underwater. It would be ridiculous to expend so many resources creating such ornate structures only to hide them away where people can’t see them. And that's not even getting into how they even built them in the first place.Finally some of you might be wondering how this area could have ever not had water in it. For that we have to turn to the islands surrounding it. The best theory I could come up with is that islands surrounding the ruins were once both much larger and higher up. As a result, they created a natural barrier against the water. Which may have been further built up by the people who once lived there. However thousands of years of erosion have since destroyed most of that barrier, causing the entire area to be flooded. Evidence for this can be seen on the two northern islands. Which are actually still attached by a very shallow sandbank.Where are the Defenses?:There’s no such thing as a military installation without some kind of defensive structure. Now Fort Mumei does have one, the issue is that it’s the only one, and even then it's so far gone that it could easily have been for something else. On the northwestern island lies the remains of a stone tower. With only the base remaining, its true purpose can only be ascertained through guesswork. But what I can say is that it probably wasn’t a defensive tower. It is A. The only stone tower in the entire complex, and B. Is located away from most of the ruins, which would make it useless for anything defense related. It wouldn’t even be useful for lookout as you could just build something on Yashiori Island for that because it’s already higher than the area the ruins are in. Other than this incredibly unlikely candidate, no other defensive installations can be found anywhere within the complex.

Said tower, note how little remains making its function indecipherable So What is it?The Fort Mumei ruins are vast, comparable in size to the largest area of the Windwail Highland ruins (For more on said ruins see my Windwail Highland analysis One Two Three Four). Except unlike at Windwail Highland this is, or at least was, one continuous structure. No matter how prosperous a civilization is, such a large amount of time and resources would never be put towards something that didn’t have importance to the society as a whole.So if Fort Mumei wasn’t a military installation, then what was it? Unfortunately that’s a question we may never know the true answer to. There is no mention of Fort Mumei in contemporary texts and proper exploration of the site is prevented due to the water. That doesn’t mean we can’t make some guesses. In fact I have two of them.Ceremonial Site:The first theory I have regarding the Fort Mumei ruins is that they served a ceremonial and/or religious purpose. This conclusion comes mostly from the layout and location of the main body of ruins.For starters the ruins of Fort Mumei are both simple yet complex at the same time. Consisting of a single central pathway that leads to a large circular space. Such an open space would be a perfect site to perform ceremonies to large groups of people with relative ease. The pathway continues from the platform, heads up some stairs, and stops in front of a raised platform complete with a massive and ornately decorated arch.The arch itself is of important note. Being highly decorated and the only one of its kind within the complex, this archway was likely pretty important. Maybe even the most important part of the structure. This is further reinforced by the fact the central path doesn’t actually go to the platform the arch stands upon.Something to remember is that this complex was probably built about six thousand years ago (being that it’s likely from the unified civilization). Watatsumi Island rose from the ocean only two thousand years ago. Meaning at the time of its construction this was the furthest west you could travel in all of Inazuma. In the likely very culturally diverse place that was ancient Inazuma, it wouldn’t be too odd for there to be some people who saw this as important.

The pathway does not go up to the platform with the arch, instead stopping just before it. There is no proper staircase leading up to this platform as the stones lying atop the path appear to have fallen there as the ruins deteriorated. Before we go into the other theory, let's take a quick dive into a crack-esq theory that popped into my head. I think it’s possible this archway may have been used in ceremonies as a sort of gateway to another world. Because beyond that archway, the world was simply an open ocean as far as the eye could see. Something that would be quite provocative to the imagination and possibly allow for some explanations to unknown phenomena. But seeing as by simply heading a little ways north you will get to land that goes much further west without any water in the way, this holds very little water to it. But I still wanted to mention it.Governmental Site:The other potential use for this site that comes to mind is as a place of governance. The main claim for this comes from the large circular platform as it could have possibly served as a meeting place. The broken pillars present along the edge of the platform give rise to the possibility that it may have once been roofed. This roof was probably wooden as the floor of the platform is still visible and not a lumpy mess. A governmental complex would also give an explanation for the various offshoots to the other islands. With each island being home to a different aspect of the government. If this was the case, then it would explain why the only tower at the site exists in such a bizarre place. This being that it was where the military command structure was based. This theory does fall through a bit more than the ceremonial theory because of its location at the very edge of Inazuma. Being located there would make it much more vulnerable to an enemy attack and its total lack of defenses would make putting it there very risky. But on the other hand it could have been built during a time of prolonged peace where such things simply needn’t be taken into account. But this is all just speculation of course.Conclusion:Bit of a shorter one this time around. Mainly because there’s a lot less to talk about then my previous subjects but also because Tears of the Kingdom is out and I want to spend my time playing that. I've also been trying to use less pictures and more words in my posts which is why some things that would have had pictured references in the past don't in this post. I once again don’t have options for people so I’d love to see some suggestions for stuff to do in the future. I would also like to encourage others to do more things with ancient civilizations in Genshin Impact, it’s kinda boring having the only things to read about them being just my own work. But that’s all from me, I’m off to do boring things like college prep and fun things like TOTK.46 Originally posted by: u/Monkeydp81 On genshin Lore reddit  re Posting here as i think the best way to in take lore theories is rather then have a million tabs open is to just have them read to you via tts so thats what im doing here

[scarletooyoroi]

No one can convince me that this isn't just some place the ancient civilizations made as a portal.

Cause it's like?? This leads to a whole ass ledge, why even form the cobblestone like that and this archway that just leads to a cliff.

I remember seeing a similar structure in Liyue that housed a seelie court. So it just has me picturing the idea that this would be one method the envoys used to descend upon Teyvat, they just had structures deadass set up like this.

Since this particular location in Araumi are housing some ancient ruins that got swathed with overgrowth. Considering that Tsurumi also holds similar structures in terms of architecture, not to mention those frescos there as well, I just have me some.. questions.

[electric-ecclectic-a]

@kabvra-ya said:

(from first meeting starters) ❛  is there a reason you’re here on your own ?  ❜

First meeting starters || Accepting!

“Not particularly,” the witch replied, holding her paperwork a bit closer to herself. It wasn’t like she was doing anything illegal, per se, aside from maybe trespassing; but she was certain it looked legally dubious to be testing the ley lines of the Araumi Ruins. Signe, preferring not to chance things with the General, began to sift through her paperwork for her permit; and she’d err on the side of caution when it came to her cover story.

“I’m actually here on an official study expedition sponsored by the Knights of Favonius. Now that the trade routes have opened back up, they’ve asked me to survey the area and identify any major points of interest.“

She pauses to smile politely at the woman, and outstretches her hand.

“General Kujou, right? The Traveler’s told me plenty about you. It’s an honor to finally meet you in person.”

[prosaic-bun]

When does a fox bloom?

Pairing: Ayato x Kitsune Mc x Thoma

Novella

Genre: Fluff - Angst - Introspective - lore oriented

Author Note: At this point I had to finish this chapter or the chapter would have finished me. So. Much. Dialogues. It really made me doubt if I, myself, know what dialogues are. Also I had a fever a week ago and somehow I made some spicy lemon grade smut (Ayato x Male reader x Thoma) and I was wondering if it would be apropos to make it a stand alone more or less connecting to this fic. I wrote it using Y/N instead of using my OC Naoya and I'm unsure what yall would prefer between the two. You can tell me via direct messages, asks or the reaction bubble on this post - doing so will grant the VIP access and I might be more inclined to take recommandations (I'm half serious at this point, but don't be scare to reach out, constructive criticism are always welcome).

Trigger Warning: Angst.

Character Profile - Prologue - Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 (currently reading) - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7

--------------------

Chapter 5

6.9k words

Thoma and Naoya were on their way back after investigating an adventurer campsite at the very North West of Yashiori island - where the tip of Orobashi’s tail pointed out of the water. They found some trinkets and artifacts under the tent, but more importantly some ragged notes with plans depicting a lower level to the above-water ruins of Fort Mumei. This time, Naoya had clearly felt an ancient energy emanating from within the stone structures. Maybe there was more to the location than meets the eye.

«So yeah, looking at Fort Mumei still felt eerie, but I’m pretty sure there is something more than just that feeling. Combined with the fact that I fainted the first time we went there, it’s safe to assume we will need to go back and investigate the site more thoroughly.» Naoya commented.

«There is really something about that place.» Thoma agreed.

«After all, it’s not called Fort Mumei for nothing; if we take into account that its name translates to Fort of ignorance it almost taunts us. Anyway having you by my side this time around was really pleasant. All week I’ve been investigating that Jakotsu Mine so I’m glad we were able to visit a place where the sky is visible letting the sun rays reach our skin.» Naoya stated.

«Yes, it also felt good to spend time outside after being shut in for so long. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come with you when you explored Jakotsu mine. By the way, do we know why Fort Mumei was built initially?

«Don’t apologize for the time you needed to recover from your illness, Thoma-chi. To answer your question, I read in the Narukami Shrines archives that long ago it was possible to cross all of Inazuma on foot. Something about the level of the water and a long distance highway that made for impressive infrastructures. The author of the documents posited that the ruins of Araumi and Fort Mumei are examples of such a nationwide network.»

«So it would have been possible to go on vacation to Watatsumi island by foot?» Thoma asked, seemingly excited at the possibilities it would entail.

«Hum, I don’t think it was possible since the roads must have predated the creation of the island of Watatsumi.» Naoya answered.

«So no vacation without taking a damn boat, uh.» Thoma summarized with a smidge of dejection as he looked at the maple leaves over him signaling that they would soon reach their base.

«No, but we can still go on vacation In Watatsumi with a bigger, safer boat! Didn’t you mention a crew that made it past the Thunderstorm barrier of the Sakoku Decree? We should ask them to take us. Well only if you want.»

«Captain Beidou and the fleet of the Crux are amazing! Maybe they are a good starting point. However we shouldn’t restrict ourselves to only Inazuma! They could bring us to Dornman port in Mondstadt and then I could show you around.» Thoma got more and more enthusiastic at the thought of visiting his home nation accompanied by the kitsune.

«I would like that…» Naoya mustered tentatively, embarrassed of how gushy he felt at the idea of some tacit long term plan he would share with the housekeeper.

However, the emotion was short-lived as their home base came into view. It wasn’t the building that made a glower appear on the kitsune’s face, it was the result of noticing a certain slender form right beside the old abandoned house.

Naoya swiftly changed his course and half shouted to Thoma: «I’m just going to freshen up by the river and I’ll meet you back at the house. It will take me 5 minutes, top.»

Thoma didn’t have an opportunity to answer anything before Naoya was out of earreach, long strides hastily bringing him in the opposite direction of the housekeeper’s position. Turning his back on the Kitsune, Thoma then noticed that Ayato was waiting for him. The housekeeper picked up some speed and followed the trail until he could greet him.

After exchanging formalities and enquiring about their respective last few days, Ayato stated he did come back, but only to end the expedition and bring everyone back to Narukami island. Although he understood where Ayato was coming from, Thoma felt the decision wasn’t made impartially.

«Ayato-san, I’m just telling you that it’s a bit unfair and that he probably won’t like you to come back here just to tell us the expedition is over. There is no reason for you to act that way without discussing the issue first.» 

«Thoma, why are you taking his side? We already completed the ⅔ of this expedition and since you didn’t make any progress, we are cancelling the rest of the expedition. That’s all there is to it.»

«How about you cut some slack to Thoma and instead tell me why you made such an arbitrary decision?» Naoya’s voice was heard as soon as he opened the door, making a gust of wind rush inside. The kitsune knew storming in wasn’t his best course of action, but the tension that lingered after Ayato left for Narukami made it easy to overreact.

«Listening behind closed doors to get the right timing before making an entrance? No ‘Hello’ or ‘How have you been?’ you prefer jumping right into it. Always so dramatic Naoya.» Ayato sneered down at the kitsune.

«Sure that’s your point of view. Thoma you can tell him why we won’t be leaving if I'm too dramatic for Ayato’s taste.» Naoya smuggly taunted back, crossing his arms on his chest with an air of defiance.

Before Thoma was able to utter a single word, Ayato raised his voice with an unexpected vehemence. «Don’t bring him into that.»

«Why? Because you think he wouldn’t agree with you?» Naoya provoked some more.

«Stop trying to get in between him and me, you are just a hindrance to our work relationship.»

«Oh a ‘work relationship’, that is so ludicrous. You couldn’t even say friendship?» Naoya snapped back, rolling his eyes.

«Just say it. You tried to get close with Thoma only to get at me.»

«I think Thoma is a great companion and I would like to know him better. On the other hand, I'm not sure how I feel about you wanting to control his life and thinking people would only want to forge a bond with him to get at you, mister Head of the Kamisato clan. That is some bullshit right here.»

«You both know I'm just beside you, right?» Thoma tried to intervene, growing more and more exasperated with their shenanigans, especially since they didn’t mind using him to get at each other.

«Control his life? I'm just worried for him, you never spoke to him at any of the events you attended since you were back and I know you can be so insincere and deceiving when you want it. What if you suddenly decide that you don't want to talk with him for 3 years and act like strangers after that?»

«How dare you! Of course mister Kamisato, the oh so important Yashiro Commissioner, expects people to stay just as they are and keep their role in his pretty little life, because it is so much more important than anything else. What if you don't have your dose of charming personnel from Mondstat every day? Will you throw a hissy fit?»

«You have some nerves to patronize me like that. In opposition to your distasteful self-indulgent behaviours, I know Thoma would never leave without any last words. I can put my trust in him.»

«Stop putting so much pressure on him. That’s unbelievable. He is not there for your convenience. However, your figure of speech reveals a lot about your inner desires. Naughty Ayato thinks about "putting in" and "thrusting" when it comes to his personal staff. Why don't you say you just want to fuck him already.»

«You bastard.» Ayato grunted at half-voice, the sound escaping his throat resembling more the threatening sound of a torrent than his usual composed tone.

«Maybe I am a bastard; I was raised by the shrine maidens and never knew my parents. How does it make you feel that such a low born person is in your presence.»

«You are so deranged, all that meditation messed up your brain. You always find a way to cross the line when it comes to me.»

«ENOUGH. That's all you've done during this trip. Making things about me when in reality you are still two teenagers that aren't fucking able to communicate with each other or deal with their own emotions.»

Ayato turned around and looked in disbelief at Thoma. Even though the housekeeper doesn’t raise his voice often, he can project an incredible assertive aura.

«What is it, Ayato? You can't stand when something doesn't go like you planned? Close your gaping mouth and get over yourself.» Naoya nagged from behind Thoma, even pulling his tongue at Ayato adding another layer of pettiness.

«Oh and don't even start Naoya. Did you think you could have the milk, the butter in addition to fucking the milkman? You think you can act as you did just now and it will bear no consequences whatsoever? And back then, you left for Liyue and expected that everybody in Inazuma would hold their breath until you got back. Guess what? Ayato is the Head of the Yashiro Commission and he has a successful life because he is good at it and made many sacrifices along the way.» Thoma paused, catching his breath and glared down at the other two men as if he was their parent scolding them.

«The lack of respect you two just exhibited is not warranted. The way you objectified me isn’t something you do to someone you care about. I can't deal with your bad vibes anymore. Don’t wait for me, and focus on listening to each other.» Thoma exclaimed before storming off.

As the door slammed shut, Naoya just stood there, head lowered looking at the ground. The kitsune felt really small, he didn’t exactly know how to name the emotions he was feeling but shame had to be part of them. Did it really take Thoma for him to catch up on how he was acting, wasn’t he able to catch himself before going too far?

«Oh so now you're silent. I wish it happened sooner so it wouldn’t have come to this.» Ayato stated bitterly.

«Shut up. Stop blaming everything on me. We were both arguing if I remember correctly.» Naoya retorted in a more even tone than before.

«Tsk.» A simple click of tongue on Ayato’s part was enough to reignite the embers of the kitsune’s emotions.

Naoya abruptly turned around, closing the distance between them and grabbed Ayato’s collar. The kitsune raised his lowered head to meet with Ayato’s eyes. In the closeness of their position, Ayato was shocked to see some tears rolling down the kitsune’s cheek. Usually the latter would have hidden them at all cost; in spite of his pride he unveiled them, showcasing the vulnerability of the moment.  «What do you want from me?» The glint in Naoya’s eyes let out more hurt than anger at this point.

Ayato moved back instinctively in an attempt to free himself from the kitsune’s hold. «Don’t touch me.»

«Just answer me. What do you want now? Do you want to have the last word or what? Be my guest, just say something.» At each sentence spilling out of Naoya’s mouth he shaked his former best friend back and forth like a child would shale a rag doll.

«Unhand me and control yourself.» Ayato spitted out before struggling against the Kitsune’s hold. As his previous attempts to free himself didn’t succeed, Ayato firmly pushed against Naoya’s chest which resulted in Naoya losing his balance and toggling backwards, while still bringing Ayato into his fall.

They heavily crashed on the wooden floor, Ayato hastily raised himself partly on his arm, Naoya trapped under him. They were close, Ayato could see many thoughts stir inside of the kitsune’s eyes.

«Let me go.» Naoya said without conviction.

«You asked me what I want from you. Just tell me how you feel and what you think, like before.» Ayato said as he maintained eye contact with the other. The fact he was resting against the kitsune also meant their bodies were the closest they had been in years, but nothing felt familiar at first. Ayato didn’t want to be this close, however it was an unexpected opportune way to pin his former best friend in place. It was uncomfortable, Naoya’s breathing was annoying, he didn’t know where to put his long limbs or where to land his stare other than looking at Naoya under him. Their position galled Ayato’s skin, but what irritated him the most was that he liked being able to touch the other after so much time. A proof the kitsune was tangible and not a figment of his imagination. The commissioner had replayed many of their last moments in his head in search of some details that would explain why his friend left like he did. They never said goodbye and neither did they exchange greetings when Naoya made it back to Narukami. So in a way, it was as if Naoya never stopped to be a quiet and acrimonious contemplation. And so it felt weird this was the first time their bodies were so close after all these years. 

«I don’t want to. What’s the point if we haven’t reconnected thus far? It’s not like before.» Naoya answered while trying to look indiferent.

«You idiot, that’s the sunk cost fallacy. It’s still worth it. Just talk to me.» Ayato fired back.

Ayato had managed to earn a snicker out of Naoya. «Why though, didn’t I make you mad enough?»

«I might be mad, but I still care about you.»

Naoya looked up at Ayato and wondered if it was too late to make amends. «Are you sure? I think you prefer the version of me you have in your head. You were never satisfied with the real me.» Naoya attempted to jerk himself out of Ayato’s grasp but Ayato tightened his hold.

«Why are you so sure I can’t care about who you truly are.»

Naoya turned his head to look at the ceiling, remaining silent. The kitsune frowned and his ears flattened on his head. Ayato couldn’t tell what he was thinking but it seems his former best friend was reluctant to talk about their issues.

«How about I let you go before we have this conversation? But you can’t run away.» Ayato pleaded. Naoya nodded back, still looking somewhere slightly over the other. Ayato pushed himself to the side and freed the kitsune. Naoya raised himself on his elbows and retreated to the closest wall to put his back against the cold rugged surface.

«Nao-rin, tell me something, at least one. Stop trying to keep everything bottled up.»

Naoya twitched at the nickname and exhaled excessively. Ayato decided to remain seated a few meters away from the kitsune, regaining some patience after the heated argument. Naoya finally gave in and decided to try communicating his feelings. He had to be careful though, if he was going to do it, he needed to leave the pettiness behind.

«Let’s do this. I’m aware I have my own insecurities that I project onto you, but do I really have to be perfect all the time? I acknowledge them and work on them. Maybe now isn't the best moment to be worried about my self worth» Naoya began, unsure if he was petty or openning up.

«No. You don’t have to be perfect all the time, everyone has things they struggle with.»

«You know if we were better at communicating we wouldn’t have hurt Thoma in the crossfire.»

«I understand you want me to take part of the blame for not being able to communicate clearly. Correct?» Ayato questioned.

«No. Well, maybe. I just wanted to say it out loud.»

«I can’t object to this statement. However, let's deal with our problems and then we'll talk with Thoma.»

«I guess it’s now or never. If we don’t try to air our dirty laundry, I might not be able to sleep tonight anyway.» Naoya conceded.

Ayato smiled because of the mental gymnastics his former best friend was doing in order to be able to open up about his feelings. «I can start if it makes it easier. When it comes to you, I felt betrayed and I am resentful ever since you burned bridges with me. I don’t think I deserved this silent treatment. I was never able to figure out why you would leave like this without telling me. Did you do this to get back at me for hurting you in some way, or was our friendship meaningless to you.»

Naoya winced at the words, but instead of getting defensive, he accepted them and reflected on the feeling his former best friend tried to share with him. «During that time period I felt inadequate and lost. Inazuma wasn’t helping me understand what path I wanted to take.»

«But how does that relate to me? Why did I deserve for you to leave without saying anything.»

«I was trying to do what would be best for everyone.»

«Naoya I needed you. I lost you and then I lost my parents and everything was changing so fast. I didn’t know who my friends or enemies were.» Ayato explained, sorrow making his voice tremble a little. «People tried to destroy the Kamisato clan, my sister and I included and I had to hear from Toda (the shrine maiden acting as liaison between the Yashiro Commission and the Grand Narukami Shrine) that you had departed for Liyue.»

«I’m sorry for your loss. I guess I never took the opportunity to tell you, but I truly am. You shouldn’t have to live through that. Your parents were good people.» Naoya paused, wondering how to clearly explain how things were back then. «Aside from dealing with my inner struggle, I needed to understand our relationship better, I - I wanted to know if I was the person you described or if you just put a label on me so I could fit in your life.» Naoya searched for his words. «The timing wasn’t the best. At first I felt that I wasn’t enough to support you. I saw your righteous path before you and I got scared. Even with meditation I wasn’t able to be honest with myself, it seems like I was never thinking clearly. Were you asking too much of me? Were you taking advantage of me? I never had aspirations to gain influence, quite the opposite I wanted to work outside the system.» Naoya paused to breathe in. «Ayato, back then I didn’t have the answer, but now I can see I felt inadequate and at the same time you didn’t realize the expectations you had put on me. At some point I didn’t know if you were trying to change me and I know now it seemed so absurd. In a way I felt like some toy you had, not even my own person. And it hurt because I wanted to be seen and understood not just listened to.»

«But I didn't ask for you to be perfect, you didn’t have to be the answer to everything. I just wanted us to be there and stand together.»

Naoya sadly smiled. «I understand, but back then would you have wanted us to stand together even if it was in the dark? Were you ready to halt your projects for me? You never asked me to be perfect, but you never asked me to not be. With your actions, my inability to recognize I was putting tremendous pressure on myself, the shrine maidens that were giving me anxiety and the Bakufu and their flawed vision of inazuman people, I didn’t know who I was and if I was good enough. I felt like a liability and I was angry at you for it.»

Ayato took the words in. At first he was going to flatly negate everything, but thinking back about their past relationship he realized he could see what the kitsune meant. Ayato was sure of him and let the kitsune follow him behind. However, always following someone and trusting them could be difficult.

Naoya’s flow of words started once more and interrupted Ayato’s chain of thoughts. «Right now I feel guilty, and I feel so bad for not being able to be there at the time, but I also remember how hard it was for me to just do everyday tasks and having to trust the process. Maybe I should have stayed, maybe I made the right choice leaving, I honestly can’t tell.» The Kitsune let the words float in the air before concluding. «If i would do it again, I would take the time to tell you before leaving and actually send you the letters i wrote to you while abroad.» «Wait, you wrote me letters?» Ayato asked, skeptical. «What were they about?» Naoya smiled. «I did, the stack of letters was pretty impressive at some point. I wrote about me, how I felt, how I was striving for balance, how my master was such a good person, but oh so stern. She helped me in many ways and after a short while I was in a much better state. I wrote letters explaining myself and giving you cues on how to understand me. I also wrote about how I missed you.» The kitsune finished not bothering to hide those particular details. «I’m glad you were able to find someone who could bring you that kind of support. I wished you would have sent those letters… Earlier you said that you had to reevaluate our relationship. What was that about, why was your mind clouded when it came to me?» «Ayato, why are you such a good listener that you didn’t miss any details.» Naoya sighed. «Did you know you were the first kid my age I met? Of course we ended up making many friends when we met in the abandoned temple right in front of Mount Yougou. Before that, I was only with shrine maidens and Yae. They didn’t feel exactly like a family, but they were there for me. I didn’t get really close with Yae until I was older. They didn’t completely see me for who i was yet, they cared for me.»

Naoya was now lost in thoughts, but felt somewhat lighter after explaining everything so he kept going. «Regardless of what happened at the shrine, down the mountain a little adventurous and troublesome boy made me realize I missed the warmth of someone who looked forward to spending time with me. You were my best friend, my rival and an equal, someone who was able to follow me with my thoughts. You challenged me, showed me you cared for me, you talked, listened, felt, and even made plans about the future. It was scary, but it was also intoxicating to be with you. And then I had the thought it wasn’t real, it couldn’t be. I convinced myself you had an ulterior motive.» Naoya looked directly at Ayato and continued. «You represented so many things for me, but at some point it got confusing and I wanted to understand myself better first. And you know I meditate when I feel stuck.» The eldest Kamisato sibling let the kitsune articulate his thoughts, respectful yet eager. «Ayato, I-, I wanted to understand our relationship because my feelings got in the way of me thinking clearly. I hated that I didn’t know myself while you would be so whole and intact. Untouched and above the water while I was drowning in darkness. I don’t know, I’m sorry.» «Why are you apologizing?» Ayato asked. «I read once in old writings that laws regarding spiritual awakening stipulate one shouldn’t love someone in particular and regard humanity as all deserving of the same love, but in a way that love would also mean no earthly attachment-» Naoya stated in a monotone voice. «Naoya, you are stalling. I want to know what YOU think of me.» «Back then or now?» «Now.» «Those feelings don't scare me like they used to, but i think they are part of the reason I’m not able to properly interact with you. It got so complicated so fast and those feelings mostly hurt because I felt like I didn’t have the right to have them. Back then I missed the window opportunity to say my goodbyes and choose not to taint our memories. I guess writing those letters also helped me reach a certain closure.»

«That doesn’t answer my question, but maybe your letter will. May I read those letters when we get back?» Ayato asked with a sly smile.

«There is no chance of that happening.» Naoya blurted out with his ears quivering.

«Come on. You know I always liked your prose.»

«Stop it. Now it’s your turn to tell me how you feel.» Naoya asked, trying to get out of the tight spot he was in. He wasn’t about to confess a childhood crush after having a screaming match with the other person involved.

«I understand better now. The situation was complicated and we weren’t equipped to deal with it. I can see how my attitude made it seem like I was self absorbed, but truly it couldn’t be further from the truth. I would prefer if today was the last day of us not communicating properly and from tomorrow on, we won’t hide anything anymore. Is that something we can do?» Ayato established.

«That’s a given.» Naoya agreed.

«Great. Now tell me if those feelings of yours included love or not.» Ayato went in, taking no hostages.

Naoya jumped at the directness of the question and looked everywhere around them, fidgeting in place while his mind went blank. Of course Ayato would put him on the spot like that.

«Stop teasing me. We haven’t talked in years.» Naoya panicked.

«We are talking now. And you wrote me letters.»

«It’s not the same.»

«What kind of conversation would you like to hold?»

«It’s not that, I-. We were fighting minutes ago.»

«May I kiss you.» Ayato asked softly. The kitsune’s body stifled, but the man’s words still brought Naoya's attention back to Ayato’s face. For a long time Naoya studied Ayato’s facial expression. Was he serious? That had to be the most unexpected course of action possible, which he didn’t anticipate.

«No. You aren’t thinking clearly.» «But you still have feelings for me right? You talked like you still loved me. And I've loved you all this time, so what’s wrong? Never during the time we were apart did my negative thoughts outweigh the positive thoughts I harbored for you. I’ve wanted to do it for so long, and it was even harder during this expedition, but we weren’t able to understand each other. You can see this kiss as the promise of a new beginning without erasing what led us here.» Naoya couldn’t understand how he had not self combust yet. «Not like this and not now. If you still feel like kissing me in a week, then maybe we may consider it. You can’t just expect me to be ok with a 180 like that.» «Deal. Now allow me to give you a welcome back hug at least.» Ayato stood up and opened his arms.

«Welcome back from where? Your outing in Narukami?» «Hey, I had important things to do with the Shumatsuban. You were too distant for my taste. I felt like you never returned from liyue and I was still waiting for you to come back into my life.» Ayato explained. Naoya stood up as well and looked Ayato in the eyes before muttering a promise of his own. «I will work on what we have together and I won’t leave unless of some unforeseeable circumstances. If it was the case I commit myself to tell you 48 hours prior.»

«You better or it’s open season.» Ayato retorted, pulling Naoya against him tightly. Maybe this closeness was more familiar compared to the one of moments ago. Now they had explained themselves and there weren't any interferences left.

«I’m sorry for not being able to be here when you needed me and not coming to see you sooner.» Naoya apologized.

«I’m sorry that I wasn’t attentive to your needs and took you for granted.» Ayato answered.

After a moment of silence Naoya spoke again. «There is one last thing I need to tell you, but it can wait and I would prefer it if we waited for Thoma.»

****

The abandoned house was quiet. Ayato was crouched down over the table and had been asleep for some time now. Naoya was seated on the floor next to the door - pretty much where he was when he talked with Ayato, still thinking about the conversation they had. More importantly he was getting worried Thoma hadn’t come back yet. Maybe he should go see the amiable Kairagi next door to inquire if he had seen him.

Almost as if on cue, the kitsune heard regular footsteps in the distance getting closer and closer. Naoya straightened up and opened the door right away, his haste resulted in Ayato startling awake.

«Oh, you are awake.» Thoma commented plainly.

«I was getting worried, but wanted to give you some space.» Naoya explained, clasping his hands as he braced for Thoma’s possible anger. Ayato peaked from behind the kitsune’s shoulder.

«You didn’t have to worry I was with stray dogs from Higi Village and took them to the river. Did you sort things out?» Thoma asked, lassitude apparent in his tone.

«We-we did!» Naoya answered and turned around to look at Ayato who was nodding his head.

«Good.» Thoma said as he came face to face with Naoya. «Can you move from the doorway, I’d like to go to bed.»

Naoya didn’t know how to react, but complied and moved to the side to allow the venetian blonde to enter the abandoned house.

Thoma made a few steps before hearing a voice behind his back. «Thoma-chi, I’m so sorry. I apologize for what I said earlier. You didn’t deserve that.» Turning around he saw the kitsune kneeling down with his forehead touching the floor. Ayato took notice and was quick to bow in the same way. «We really appreciate you and we are sorry you had to be in the middle of us this whole time.» The commissioner added.

«Stand up. Both of you.» Thoma muttered.

Naoya and Ayato obliged, not knowing what to expect. Thoma menacingly walked toward them and stopped at arm length. He raised his hand and both men closed their eyes waiting for the impact. Thoma brought up his hand perpendicularly and proceeded to chop their heads with a light movement, nothing to hurt them.

«Seems like you did a lot of thinking. I’m glad to hear everything resolved itself.» Thoma said with a sweet smile only he could pull off. «Now let’s get to bed, shall we.»

****

In the early hours of morning, thunder and wind worked in concert to make sure that any sleep the three men could have wouldn’t be of top grade quality. After being woken up one two many times, the trio settled for an early breakfast prepared by Ayao and Naoya who still felt a little guilty for letting their quarrel get to Thoma. The latter enjoyed the act of kindness and was grateful to see his two boys working together for once. The menu consisted of some grilled lavender melons, omelette rice and some dango milk Ayato had brought back with him yesterday.

After most of their plates were emptied, Naoya decided to tackle the last thing on his list of things he wanted to resolve with the boys. 

«So.» Naoya hesitated, breaking the silence. «There is one last thing we kinda need to talk about.»

«Yes Naoya, we can finish the expedition like you wished, but don’t be smug about it.» Ayato stated before taking a long sip of dango milk; it even seemed like he was looking for shelter into his cup at the idea of another confrontation.

«Well that’s great but I meant to talk about… err the reason why you left in a hurry, Ayato and that you worried a lot Thoma. Let’s say I want to talk about my condition.» Naoya cautiously explained.

«Is it about the reason why you fainted during our expeditions?» Thoma enquired.

«Yeah. Naoya let out breathily, further indicating he really didn’t know where to go with this conversation.

«Don’t worry Nao-rin, take your time. And in case you are worried, we won’t be mad. The last few weeks didn’t give you a lot of options to open up.» »Thoma stated, taking charge of the dialogue to help the other.

«Thank you. Hum. I don’t know where to start.» Naoya confessed.

«Start with the beginning.» Thoma answered, trying to lighten the mood.

«Or maybe you could tell a story like you used to do when we were younger.» Ayato offered. «Naoya always made up stories akin to light novels when he wanted to talk about something personal, while not knowing how to.» The light blue-haired man specified for Thoma.

«I can see Guuji Yae’s influence.» Thoma chuckled and smiled at the kitsune to encourage him.

«Right.» Naoya inhaled and the pieces of the story were coming to him. « Long ago there was a little fox that wanted to make his clan very proud of him. When the matriarch asked for him to better his spiritual connection to the Sacred Sakura, the fox obliged and started meditating under its leaves every day. His busy schedule could be overwhelming, but the moments he passed under the tree brought more balance to him. With time, the fox strengthened his connection and his power grew by leaps and bounds making him out to be a great asset for the shrine and his clan.» Naoya paused his memories playing in his head. Thoma reached out and lightly patted the kitsune’s forearm.

«Did the cute little fox happen to have a reddish cordovan fur?» Ayato teased.

«Who said the fox was cute?» Naoya stammered back.

«If I’m not mistaken, the cute fox isn’t so small anymore.» Thoma added.

«Stoooop.» Naoya pleaded, his ears fluttering from the teasing comments.

«I’m sorry, go on.» Ayato apologized.

«You don’t even seem sincere; I’m sure you would tease me again.» Naoya complained. «Anyway, the unknown fox - which you clearly never met, was once more in deep meditation in front of the tree, well it would be more accurate to say with the tree. As he was going deeper and deeper, the fox felt something calling out to him, asking him to follow the roots further into the earth. Naively, the fox continued his descent up until he was hanging from the lowest roots. The feeling was exhilarating, he could feel the whole of Inazuma from there, memories swirling around him. But with his guard lowered the wide-eyed fox was an easy target and he fell prey to the great darkness that lingered after the last calamity. As the fox drowned in the darkness he tried his best to struggle. It took time but after a great deal of effort, he was able to climb back up and ask for help. When the matriarch of the clan heard the plea, she rushed to her protégé's help. Although she would subdue the lingering darkness, she couldn’t make it go away completely.» As he reminisced, Naoya let tears escape down his face alerting the other two men of the kitsune’s ache, who moved closer to hold him. Ayato passed his arm behind the kitsune’s back and hooked his hand on the opposite side, while Thoma opted to cling to the arm he was previously petting.

«From then on, the fox needed to be permanently aware of the darkness that obscured a corner of his mind. After a month or so of recuperating, the fox decided to leave and learn new ways to focus his body and mind. One week later, the kitsune… I sailed the sea and reached liyue in the hope of being able to rebuild myself.»

Naoya chased away his tears and looked to Thoma and saw the worry in his eyes. «Don’t look at me like that, it’s ok.»

«Nao-rin.» Ayato whispered.

«I’m telling you it’s no big deal.» Naoya turned around to see a somber expression painted on his childhood best friend’s face.

«Nao-rin, is that why you felt so inadequate, why you thought you weren’t strong enough to follow me.» Ayato asked while staring at the space in front of him.

Naoya held back his tears which sent trembles through his bodies and nodded with his head affirmatively.

«I’m sorry.» Naoya mustered in between controlled sobs.

«It’s ok we talked about it yesterday. We weren’t equipped to properly talk about those things back then.» Ayato replied. «I’m glad you felt safe enough to tell us now.»

«I know I sounded dramatic, but if I ever spoke of a darkness troubling me, I was in fact referring to the filth and not using some figure of speech.Thank you both for listening.» Naoya acknowledged. «However, the filth isn’t something hard to control anymore, it only creeps up on me when I’m surprised by something like the tatarigami.»

«Are you saying this with the expedition in mind?» Ayato worried.

«Yes. I know it may seem reckless, but I know I can find the Primeval Sakura in Fort Mumei. Whatever that will be waiting for us there doesn’t stand a chance. If I come prepared, you won’t have to worry about me.»

«When do you think you can get ready?» Thoma asked.

«Are you sure you want to do this?» Ayato added.

«Yes, but all this talk about feelings and the lack of sleep got me a bit tired. Even though we woke up not long ago, I feel like napping. I think we all need some sleep actually. After that I give myself until 10 o'clock tomorrow to be standing on those ruines.»

«That can be arranged. Especially the napping part.» Thoma reassured.

As Thoma got up and held out his hand for Naoya to grab it and follow him, Ayato moved out to put their three futons together and gathered the light bedsheet and throw blankets they had with them. In the morning light, Naoya took place in the middle and pulled the cover over him and tossed around to sink in the soft materials already shutting his eyes. Thoma and Ayato suddenly looked like they were having second thoughts; was it really ok to nap together? Was it too soon after everything? Maybe the kitsune would prefer to be alone to rest.

«What are you waiting for? I’ll get cold if I’m napping alone.» Naoya stated, raising himself on his elbows to look up at the other two. His lower eyelids raised up instinctively, highlighting the fact he found their sudden burst of shyness futile.

The two men take place on each side of the kitsune; Thoma settled on his back while Ayato was on his side facing the kitsune's profile. As he felt the sleepiness seap in, Naoya turned on his side to be more comfortable. His change of position brought him closer to the housekeeper, so much so that it prompted Thoma to pull him closer against his side, so the kitsune would rest his head on the venetian blonde man’s chest and pass his arm on his stomach.

«Hum.» Naoya whispered.

«Are you uncomfortable? I thought you might be cold.» Thoma asked, his green eyes letting out a facetious glint, happy with the reaction he obtained from the kitsune.

«Is this really ok?» Naoya asked, while his fox ears cutely quivered back, which didn’t not escape the eye of the housekeeper.

«Of course it is. I felt it would be much more comfortable that way.» Thoma reassured.

«Thank you.» Naoya answered before nuzzling onto the man’s chest.

Before Ayato even had time to sulk, the kitsune searched for Ayato’s arm behind him and pulled it over him, befittingly making the other the bigger spoon. He maintained his hold on the commissioner's hand and went as far as intertwining their fingers together and resting them on Thoma’s stomach. Soon a third hand covered theirs, completing their embrace. Naoya knew that he would overheat sooner or later trapped like he was, but that concern faded away as he fell asleep in their arms.

[momiji-bookhouse]

An Arm's Length Away [02]

pairing: Kaedehara Kazuha x fem!reader

content: bodyguard!AU, fluff, mutual pining

words: 2.5k

a/n: This won't be very canon compliant, but I think you guys already figured that out.

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[Two]: Moonlight Rendezvous

➺ Some things are only visible under the cover of night.

There was a time when you and Kazuha were convinced that the both of you can go anywhere in the world. No bindings or restrictions can prevent you from exploring the places told to you through stories and tales, from the mystical snow-capped mountains of Dragonspine to the bustling, sleepless harbor of Liyue.

The two of you used to gobble these bits and pieces from the merchants and travelers from other regions as if though they are the finest of treats; so eager to learn more about the world beyond the borders of Inazuma that you used to have a map with a course charted for the journey you will one day embark on.

This, of course, was done in a time of childhood innocence. Of when the gravity of the positions you hold have yet to be understood or acknowledged.

Even as a citizen of the nation of eternity, you find yourself pondering the transience of time and how its unforgiving flow affects everything around you. Seasons come and go, houses and buildings are destroyed and built, the friends that you used to play with all grow up until the vestiges of a carefree childhood can only be seen briefly on their faces.

Many things change and become unrecognizable as they subject themselves to the whims of time.

But thankfully, some things – at their core at least – still remain the same.

You find yourself laughing gleefully as you lift your kimono up a bit to make running much easier, wholly uncaring about who can hear or see you. Kazuha is running beside you, slowing down his pace as usual to let you catch up to him, grinning at the wide smile on your face that seems to light up the night.

With nothing but the moon, the stars, and the wind to guide your way, you and him somehow find yourselves at the ruins at Araumi – the sparsely-placed stone pillars and shattered walls the only relics of what once stood there, they too corroded by time.

You sit down under one of the many sakura trees to catch your breath, peering upwards to see the pink – almost bleeding into purple – petals fluttering down. Kazuha catches one of them, letting it rest in the palm of his hand with a touch as light as a feather.

Meanwhile, you watch the shower of flowers, half-mesmerized. "Say Kazuha, if you can go anywhere right now, where would you go?"

He leans his head back to rest on the bark as he releases the petal to fly with the breeze. "They say that when you set foot in Mondstadt, you can feel the difference in the air. Lighter, some of them would describe. So pure and fresh that you feel almost weightless. Wine flows more abundantly than water and the sound of music at every corner."

"You would like that, wouldn't you?" You tease.

"And speaking of wine..."

Your eyes widen when you see him take out a bottle of sake and two cups out of his bag. "Holy Archons, where did you get that from?"

Kazuha shrugs as he pours out the clear liquid. "I'm sure Ryota-san won't notice the disappearance of one bottle."

You chuckle as you take hold of the cup, already being able to see the confused expression on the chef's face as he goes over the pantry. You nod at him before bringing the cup to your lips to take a sip, the alcohol goes clean down your throat and leaving behind a slightly sweet aftertaste.

"I think I would like to visit Wangshu Inn." You say while swirling the liquid around. "I've always wanted to confirm whether or not it's true that you can see all the way to Mount Qingce and to the fabled abodes of the adepti at Jueyun Karst when standing on top of the inn. And with the amount of travelers passing by every day, maybe we can talk to some interesting people."

He hums, not commenting on your usage of we. "That's a long way to travel."

"We would need a boat for that." You suddenly chuckle as a thought comes to mind. "Remember that time we tried to build a raft?"

Kazuha laughs at the memories of chafed hands from tying wood logs with ropes and hours baking in the sun. "We managed to get to Amakane Island before someone told our parents two children were floating in the middle of the sea on a raft."

You shake your head with a smile, somehow able to smell the salty breeze of that very day. "I was confined to the estate for a week. I've never seen my father so angry."

You abruptly stop, your brain reminding yourself that wasn't the only time you were subjected to your father's silent wrath. There was in reality one incident that still make shivers run down your spine to this day.

Your silence does not escape the attention of Kazuha, who more or less can guess the reason behind it. A sudden urge to smooth the lines on your forehead pulls at his heartstrings and cause him to bring his hand up slowly. His mouth parts as it closes the distance ever so slightly between you and him, but once at the halfway point, the more logical part of his brain pulls him back.

He drops his hand onto his lap in quiet resignation and takes a swig of sake instead. Even under the cover of darkness, he does not allow himself to submit.

"Liyue sounds like a nice place to be." He tries to steer the conversation back. "I hear that Liyue harbor is much larger than the one at Ritou."

"It has to be, it wouldn't be called the place where a thousand ships dock otherwise." You hug your legs to your chest and rest your chin on your knees. "Mondstadt also sounds nice. I want to see the view from Cape Oath and watch as the dandelion seeds get scattered by the wind."

A moment of silence passes as you breathe in the moon-soaked night air, finding yourself envying the sakura petals and their freedom.

"Do you think we can see it one day?"

For a man blessed with a poet's tongue, Kazuha finds his words taken away by the wind, unsure of what to say in response.

"I would like to believe so." He finally settles, half-heartedly wanting to believe in his words while all too aware of the circumstances standing in the way.

"Me too." You whisper, echoing a wish once said, a promise made by two bright-eyed children under a flowering tree. "Me too."

Quiet descends, but you've never been too worried about finding ways to fill it with conversation when you're with him. Instead, you find solace in the space of the silence. You tilt your head slightly to look at him, moonlight caught in his platinum hair – drawing your eyes to the streak of crimson locks, reminding you of hazy autumn nights that feel like a dream.

You want to inch a little closer to him, perhaps close enough to be able to count the stars reflected in his eyes, but the sake bottle acts as a physical barrier between the two of you. You wonder if its placement is deliberate.

You choose to admire the flaxen moon instead. "I know we never thought things would turn out like this, and I would've done anything for things to be different. But right now, I'm just glad you're with me," you murmur.

"Life usually have the tendency to throw things at you when you least expected it. In times like those I do wonder if we're actually the masters of our fate as we pride ourselves to be. But if fate has dealt me this hand, then I'll face it with no hesitation. And besides, you make it tolerable," he says softly, more of a whisper, but you heard it nonetheless.

Both of you are grateful for the excuse the alcohol gives for the flush on your faces.

By the time you're getting back, you're yawning while holding onto your haori. Sneaking you back into your room through the window is an easy affair as it always is due to the sparse number of guards around the estate.

Your feet hit the floor without a sound, and when you turn around to say goodnight to him, you're dismayed at the hesitation gnawing in your stomach.

"Thank you, for spending some time with me," you mutter in a low voice to make sure no one hears.

"It's nothing, I just hope you're feeling better now." He says, occasionally looking around to see if anyone is approaching. "You know I believe in you, right (Y/N)? No matter what people say."

You suck in a breath, the way he says your name – without any title or honorifics – always managed to make your heart flutter in ways it shouldn't. You release the breath with a smile. "I know. Goodnight, Kazuha."

"Goodnight, my lady."

Once he is out of sight and his presence can no longer be felt, you return to the warmth and comfort of your futon, shaking off the chilly air clinging to your clothes by wrapping yourself in a blanket.

But sleep does not come easily. Instead, you stare at the ceiling, wondering how he can still believe in you after every vitriol and insults others have thrown at you. Does he not believe, even for a second, in the things that they accused you of doing? There are times when even the seed of doubt in your mind would plunge its poisonous roots deep inside and you would find yourself succumbing to the voices in your head.

But he pulls you back, and makes you want to believe.

Perhaps that is enough.

~~~~~

The morning should have gone like any other, and you're in the midst of preparing yourself for the question your aunt will ask you when Kana enters the room.

"Apologies for the intrusion, my lady. But there is a situation that requires your attention."

"What is it?" Sayuri asks, a hint of irritation thinly veiled behind her uninterested tone. Though she hides it well, your aunt is usually not in her best mood in the morning, and especially hates when she gets interrupted while taking her meal.

"One of the guards found a man passed out in front of the gates."

"What? Is he alright?" You say in shock and worry.

"Yes my lady, it seems that he only has some minor injuries. I would gather that the reason for his fainting has to do more with exhaustion."

"So, is he someone from the village?" Sayuri resumes eating her breakfast.

"Uh, no Lady Morimoto. I have never seen him at Konda. But from his clothes I gather that he is a wanderer of some sort."

"Oh." Your aunt proclaims flatly before letting out an inaudible sigh. "Bring him to the guest room. And since his injuries are minor, take care of them yourself Kana."

A few moments later when Kana has left the room and you've finished your meal, you stand up from the seiza position. 'I'll help her as well."

"(Y/N), don't do the servants' work for them."

"I'm not." You retort. "I just want to find out who he is. At least if we are allowing a stranger to stay in our house who should find out his identity, right?"

She makes a hmphm noise, but you're grateful that she says nothing else. You exit and walk towards the guest room, raising your eyebrows along the way as to why there seems to be more noise than usual outside. Was that someone yelping and meowing you hear?

You slide the shoji door open to see Kana already more than halfway done with bandaging the man lying on the futon. His blonde hair is splayed out on the pillow, with some strands framing a more youthful face than you initially thought. He may even be roughly the same age as you.

"Lady (Y/N)," Kana begins to say, but you quickly shake your head.

"Continue what you're doing Kana, I just want to see how our guest is doing."

You notice the smear of dirt clinging to his face and pick out the rag from the water bucket, squeezing the excess water out of it. You are in the middle of cleaning the rest of the dirt when you see his eyes scrunching up and low, grunting noises coming from him.

You retract the rag when he flinches for a moment. Then, he opens his eyes slowly, blinking as if to fully wake himself from a dream.

"Where am I? Did I die?" He says dreamily.

You had to suppress a grin when you heard that. "I hope not, because if you did, then I would have to rethink about whether I'm alive or not as well."

He turns his head sluggishly, blinking again when he sees you. "Are you sure? Or am I dreaming? I feel like I've only ever seen someone as beautiful as you in my dreams."

You give him a closed-eye smile and finish wiping away the smear on his face. "Yes, I'm sure. You're at the Morimoto Estate near Konda Village. The guards found you passed out right in front of the gates."

"Oh, huh. That makes sense, actually. Thank you, uh..."

"My name is Fujiwara (Y/N). The lady of the estate is my aunt, Morimoto Sayuri. And the person who helped bandage you is Kana." You gesture to her, who nods in greeting.

"Thank you, Kana. And pardon my intrusion, Lady Fujiwara."

You shake your head. "Think nothing of it. I'm glad you're not hurt too badly, um..."

"Right, I'm-"

Another audible cry is heard, accompanied with what sounds like a cat screeching in anger.

"Um, Kana, since when did we get a cat?"

"We have never had a cat, my lady."

The door slides open to reveal an out-of-breath Kazuha, sweat running down his face as he holds a snowy white cat in his arms. "Apologies for the noise. We were trying to catch a cat..." He trails off when he locks eyes with the man, eyes becoming round as a flash of recognition pass by them. "Tomo?"

"Kazuha?" He tries to sit up, only able to do so in his tired state with the help of Kana. Immediately, the cat leaps from Kazuha's arms into the blonde's lap, purring contently as it curls into a ball.

"You two know each other?" Your eyes flicker back and forth between Kazuha and...Tomo was it?

"We've met a few times," Kazuha says.

"We're fairly well-acquainted," Tomo adds, though the air of familiarity between the two men suggest to you that they have a closer friendship than hinted.

Your brows furrow as you wonder whether or not to ask how they met, but your train of thought is cut off by the sudden loud rumbling coming from the blonde's stomach.

You blink in surprise a few times before letting out a small chuckle. "You must be hungry. I'll have the kitchen prepare some food for you."

You gesture for Kana to follow you, glancing at Kazuha on the way out. He nods in acknowledgement, and you relax at his assuring gaze as you leave the two men to catch up.

When the footsteps have subsided, Tomo looks up at Kazuha with questioning eyes, and before he even opens his mouth, Kazuha can already guess the question his friend will ask.

"Now, care to tell me why you're here, Kazuha?"

Taglist: @annie315 @tigerpriestess @artificial-heartache @cyberllamaprofessoregg @callmekatt @jaemin-paws @kazukazusbaby @forgot-the-acronym @akiiyukii

[lina-andel]

Hi Lina! I agree with your thoughts about imposter albedo, hopefully we'll get to see more of his personality in the future! Albedo is one of the most interesting characters for me, and imposter albedo made me like albedo as a character more !!

hope you don't mind me requesting more!! Maybe for Yae Miko and being with her when the cherry blossom trees bloom? Or maybe her turning into her fox form <3 Feel free to decline if your busy!!

- 👻 anon

Hi, 👻 anon!

I also really hope to see him again - nevertheless, I really do not want to remain in the unknown forever, and puzzle over what happened there behind the scenes.

Albedo didn't really interest me before this event - perhaps because I came after his first banner and event and saw him only in his assignment of legends, which ... Didn't really reveal him for me the way the event did, I'll be honest.

I hope that the impostor Albedo will someday be introduced as a full-fledged character (and, I hope, not in our place)

Oh, Yae Miko... It will be difficult, but I'll try! And yes, don’t worry, I don’t mind requests! I'm in trouble with ideas right now...

"So you are... kitsune?" - you examined your interlocutor with interest, trying to notice something that refers to her nature. You honestly thought that she looked like Sucrose, but here, it turns out, everything is more interesting. - "And how do you look like a fox?"

- "A lot of questions for one time, don't you think?" - Yae smiled, lifting her head slightly - the sakura in the shrine was blooming all year round, but today should be the day of blooming of others not belonging to the Narukami shrine. -"I'll answer them later. Would you like to go see the cherry blossoms now? After all, this is an important event in Inazuma." - for you this invitation was unusual and unexpected - you stopped for a second, considering the offer. And then, deciding, she nodded, expecting where Miko would take you. -"Nice. Meet me at Inazuma."

"Wait! Won't you come with me?" - you immediately tried to catch up with her, but the door to the main building of the shrine closed right in front of your nose, which made you almost hit her. - "Are all the kitsune so strange?..." - With a displeased grumbling under your breath, you sighed and headed for the exit, thinking about which part of Inazuma you were sent to.

Having reached the last step on the stairs in the shrine, someone suddenly covered your eyes with his hands - and you felt a slight dizziness, as if your legs had lifted off the ground and you were flying somewhere. You woke up near the ruins - you remembered Araumi well, especially the beauty of this place, and therefore you were very surprised, because Araumi was very far from the shrine.

However, it was not possible to think about this for a long time - in front of you, lightly biting your fingers, there was a fox cub with an unusually pink color. You quickly decided that it was a kitsune, and the idea even crept into your head that this was all your friend’s tricks, but you quickly distracted from these thoughts, watching the cherry blossoms and letting the kitsune climb onto your lap.

"You could have warned us that we are coming here, Yae." - you quietly grunted when the fox rubbed your hand. You even thought that you heard a slight laugh.

This is how you first saw the flowering of an cherry tree.

[inventors-fair]

Headliners: Quoted Character Winners ~

Congratulations to @demimonde-semigoddess, @industrialsalad and @thing1of2 for winning this week’s contest! This was rough between a few top contenders, and I’m happy to highlight all of them as we go on. The stand-outs really did shine!

@demimonde-semigoddess​ — Araumi’s Dive

Elegance really is the name of the game. I don’t think the context of the character to whom she’s speaking matters, because she’s first and foremost a vengeful merfolk with a quite understandable motive. Dreadful endings, one and all—and this card reminds me of old-school draft finishers, a real strong effect that can combo with other cards if you’re out of cards in the yard (play this with X=0, then Murder your target) that also does good stuff in the late-game. The toll works and the card checks out! I think anyone would by happy to pick this in something like an ELD-style mill/control shell. I certainly would have loved playing this a couple weeks back.

And I would enjoy this set too, I think, this place where we might get Araumi as an actual character. The flavor text is something I can imagine her speaking through someone’s mind as she drags them to the horrific depths, or maybe just before, but either way, it’s a fascinatingly haunting image you’ve painted. This person (who totally deserves it) is strung through a nightmare, as are we, watching them go down the drain. This flavor text relies on implication that the art direction makes obvious, and it’s sad to see the kingdom in ruins but the power that we feel as Araumi takes her victims and turns them into thralls is nothing short of excellent. Honestly, the strength of your art direction and its specificity without implication—as in, we know exactly what’s happening and the direct angles at which to view it—makes the rest of the card’s implications all the more shudderingly neat. I would perhaps have liked “Plunge” over “Dive” but that’s nitpicking at this point. “Descent” came up in a quick search... Ech, it still sounds nice on the tongue as it stands. I’m certainly not going to argue. Not with her. Definitely not her.

~

@industrialsalad​ — Omenkeel, Cosima’s Kjóll

It’s not often that I look at a card and say “what the f$&#” out loud. I love this boat. I have no idea if it works. Seriously, I...cannot quite find anything that either enforces or refutes this concept but it’s fascinating to me. And the thing is, it’s brilliant. The Omenkeel is a ship that makes the ocean rise up and carry boats with it. Cosima commands the oceans, and through that, she commands those who need their blessings, I suppose. I actually vividly remember the Kaldheim trailer and thinking about her, so that’s a checkmark there. So this particular card... Man, it’s just hitting all the right notes.

As part of a draft archetype, and actually as part of any vehicle build, it’s a way for players to get their mechs/boats/ships going without too much crazy input from your creatures, and I like how strong that makes it. Its wake carries, and the ocean comes to life. I know, I know I’m repeating myself, it’s just very neat! And it’s not too strong, and it’s...well, it’s trample in blue, but it’s big enough to be the boat that deserves it, the strength of the god’s vessel. She’s speaking, too, to all the uncrewed boats, to the lost and wavering sailors, using her power to raise them. I grok this card immensely.

~

@thing1of2​ — Long-Forgotten Axe // Istvan’s Remnant

This was a surprise to me, too. For a lot of reasons. Firstly, I had almost forgotten about Istvan (I know, forgive me). He is indeed a named character! Secondly, that flavor text... Well, this is somewhat embarrassing, but this scratches a particular itch of mine in the vein of video games like Outlast. The wandering mad murderer trope in horror settings makes me feel an animal itch of scared-ness that’s hard to replicate. I can sense the talking-to-self aura of absolute deviant mindlessness in that back half, and it’s something unique to me. This card was one that I wasn’t really down with at first glance mechanically, but it’s gripping, and it’s genuinely kind of scary, and it’s yet another sign that Something Might Be Wrong With Me. But I do love it!

And mechanically, hell, it’s scary to say the least. To get it to transform, you do need to hit something and then have the creature stay alive, and this makes combat scary for your opponent as well. How are they going to deal with this attack? How do you stop the trigger from happening or the 4/4 from coming out? This card is one hell of a question. And then it turns into a malevolent ghost who’s both aggressive and defensive, with a major mana commitment without feeling burdensome? I don’t wanna see this on turn three, but I have the feeling I’m going to. The toughness boost is incredible, too, but for the pips, that can be expected, I think. A versatile and scary card, balanced enough, with a certain evil that I thoroughly enjoy.

Thank you all for your entries! Runners-up and more soon. @abelzumi​

[laputi]

Genshin Impact - Inazuma - Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual

At the entrance of Konda village you’ll find a Miko at the fox statue. She’ll give you a quest to cleanse the Sakura tree. 

1. Konda Shrine

The first one is longer than the rest, but relatively easy if you follow quest tracker.

Talk to NPCs for clues 1. Takeru - On the roof 2. Futaba - By the Gully 3. Saimon Eri - By a shrine

From there you can easily do the rest following the quest tracker.

After completing everything head down the well. You’ll find a rock blocking the entrance, it’s breakable by using Pyro/Cryo/Geo attacks. 

Head deeper inside and the electro seelie should provide you the loaction of the Electrogtanum. Take the Electrogranum and head inside the barrier.

The shrine marked with one Magatama will give you a prompt to purify, which will ask you for the ward.

Change the order of the other shrines to the above and head to first shrine and pray. Defeat the Ochimusha.

You’ll find the exit to the right and there will be a  Electroculus above.

Extra

In the same room as the  Electroculus there is another room. You can open it by interacting with the switch directly left of the door. You would want to obtain these items. - Luxurious Chest - Old Stone Slate  - Rusted-Worn Key

To the right of the room there is another gate that leads back to the beginning. Head all the way to the bottom. Where there will be another room blocked by crates.

Remember to use a short character. You’ll find a Electroculus and if you have the Memento Lens there’s a fox statue in there too. 

2. Abandoned Shrine

You’ll find some ghost mikos and what you want to do is arrange all 3 to this structure

The mikos will move away if you talk to them and they have a pattern.

Miko 1

Miko 2

Miko 3

After getting the Memento Lens observe the Earth Kitsune Statues with it.

Recite the words to the Sky Kitsune statue: “In the Name of Narukami’s envoy. And of the Hakushin bloodline. Bring forth the fried tofu.”

Collect the ward and find the shrine

There’s 2 entrances the one to the right is only accessible if you collected the Rusted-Worn key from the Konda Shrine.

Extra The right entrance has a Electroculus, which can be obtained by using the Rusted-Worn Key from the Konda Shrine.

The left has a Seelie Court. The Seelie can be found when you use the Memento Lens on this Earth Kitsune Statue.

3. Chinju Shrine

The shrine is missing a ward, prompting you to follow the strange voice.

Ioroi will tell you to play with 3 tanukis. Follow the stairs down and you’ll find one immediately.

If you keep following him, you should be able to see him transforming into a torch in front of you.

Go further down pass the torii gates and you’ll find another sitting on the rock.

Once you follow it to the river, just continue following the river downwards and there will be 3 torches here.

Look back and you’ll see the last one. 

The tanuki will teleport you to the root.

4. Araumi Shrine

We need to first break the barrier, by activating all the Electro Monuments(4 total).

If your puzzle is set to default just hit either of these 2 times.

When you activated the mechanism go to the tower and you’ll notice unlike mines yours should have a platform, drop down to it and you’ll see 3 Earth Kitsune statues. Use your Memento Lens on them and the platform will move away. Drop down and use your Memento Lens on the Earth Kitsune Statue.

Use the Electrogranum and go through the barrier behind you. Use electro to hit the statue and the ward will appear. There is a Exquisite chest in there so don’t miss it.

You’ll notice 2 of the shrines are missing, you have to use your Memento Lens on these 2 Earth Kitsune Statues.

Araumi’s underground is too big so it will be a separate post

5. Tidal Flats Shrine

Head to #1 Use your Memento Lens on the Earth Kitsune Statue, then hit the Sky Kitsune Statue with Electro and collect the ward. Then Head to #2.

Use your Memento Lens on the Earth Kitsune statue and head down.

The Electrogranum protects you from the Balethunder effect of the area. 

Extra There’s a exit if you keep going straight, just keep following the Seelie and it’ll lead you to a Electroculus.

Final

Head back to Kazari who’s in the Konda shrine. You are now able to fight the final boss, GL and HF.

Reward The quest reward will be a mask use it to learn the Inazuma craftable Catalyst, Hakushin Ring.

Tips The battle will have the Balethunder effect, and you will have to do the magatama puzzles for the fight, so you’ll need to manage your timings. It is also the reason why you should learn the how to do the puzzles yourself. I guess you could pause and alt tab the fight every time but that ruins the fight IMO. I suggest you not to fight super close to the tumor, or else you can’t switch your characters freely. 

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

[kazuhasbunny]

wtf is the new boss name uhh .. perpetual mechanical array or something whatever idc

yall see ?? the mfing debil it spawns ?? what the hell ruin jellyfish, spider and snake make my whole body ache 💔 it moves so disgustingly and it looks so scary i hate it i hate it so bad . i want to cry everytime it spawns . or whatever . never going to araumi ever again 💔

[hematomes]

just went thru araumi to get sakura blooms and all the ruin scouts in the area just beat my ass ow

yeah they're wild

[goldenworldsabound]

🧸💗🍓??

Questions here! Thank Rattie!!! Sara again :D

🧸: what's your favourite memory of us?

How can I choose just one...but I think the first time you kissed me stands out. When you were finally comfortable enough to take the lead a bit. Turned the tables on me, really caught me off guard. Huh? I'm not blushing remembering it, shut up.

💗: what was your first impression of me?

Bold. Very bold. Heh, don't blush at me. You're the one who, as a new soldier in the Shogunate army, approached me for a fight. Tengu or not, that was much too bold. But I'm glad I allowed it. It speaks to the bravery and courage you still have to this day.

🍓: what's your favourite adventure that we've shared?

Anytime we've gotten to fight together is a fantastic one in my book. Notably, I'm thinking about that time in Araumi when we ran into that group of Ruin Sentinels...the way we fought together in perfect coordination without a single word was unforgettable.

[bacejelerenvorthos]

The Lore of Commander Legends: Araumi of the Dead Tide

“Royalty of a small merfolk kingdom, Araumi always dreamed of something more. She ran away from home and flagged down a passing ship. Once aboard, she was greeted warmly by the humans crewing it. They told her incredible stories of the outside world, and she regaled them with tales of the splendor of her kingdom.

Tragically, the humans on board the ship were actually pirates. Upon hearing of these great treasures, they immediately subdued Araumi and changed course to the merfolk kingdom. When Araumi came to, she found her home in ruins, being looted by the pirates. It was then her substantial magic activated, dragging the pirates to their doom and reanimating them as undead thralls. Araumi now waits beneath the waves, delivering the same fate to every pirate ship that passes.”

Art by Daarken