* YOIMIYA'S POV *
Ayaka: "Hmmm... So, Guuji Yae said that she sensed something strange emanating from your shop, and that it was severe enough that it warranted her visit to try and meet... wait. How did she know it was somebody else in here and not just you?"
Sayu: "Hmm... I think it was the kitsune, they were... *yawn* very loud when we were trying to sneak back in here."
Ayaka: "I see... And, when she said it was severe... did she mention how severe it would be exactly? That is to say, will it be of a moderate amount of pain to Y/N going forward?"
FLASHBACK: "Indeed, I believe they are very likely to perish if left untreated. But, I truly must be off now, I hope to hear from them soon. Ta-ta Yoimiya, and my little Sayu."
Yoimiya: "... She said that it might be... well... fatal..."
Ayaka: "f–FATAL?! She said that it could be...? d–Did she mention at all anything about how to cure it? There has to be a way to fix it, right?"
Yoimiya: "Well... She did say that she'd be willing to exorcise whatever it is. But that would mean that Y/N would have to meet her, and after Lady Guuji left they said that they were worried that this might ruin your plans here."
Ayaka: "Hence why Sayu went and retrieved me... *sigh* Where is brother when you need him... Where are they by the way? Y/N, I mean."
Yoimiya: "Oh. They said they were just going to get some quiet time in their room. To try and mull it all over, and to think back over what happened in their past to see if we could get any hints from that. So that we could cure it without Lady Guuji's involvement."
Ayaka: "I... I see... Do you think it would be okay for me to go and speak with them?"
Yoimiya: "Well, they didn't say they didn't want visitors. So I guess you can. It's that room over there, just be sure to knock first!"
Ayaka: "I will. Thank you."
I then watched as Ayaka got up and made her way over to the door I pointed at. I wanted to follow her, but... I couldn't help but feel like I would be unwanted in such a scenario! Ayaka sure grew fond of Y/N quickly, didn't she! And Sayu told me about that sleepover that the two of them shared last night...
Lady Kamisato isn't really known to be so... open, at least not with the people of Inazuma. I wonder if it was because of Y/N's rude and uncaring first impression that they left? Y/N didn't seem to care about the Kamisato Clan, nor the Commission that they lead. Maybe that made Ayaka feel like she could be less formal around them...? That, or maybe she has also grown just as fond of being in Y/N's company as I have!
* knock knock *
Ayaka: "...Y/N? It's Ayaka. Would it be okay if I spoke to you for a moment?"
. . .
Ayaka: "... Y/N? Can I come in?"
* knock knock *
Ayaka: "Y/N? Are you awake...?"
Yoimiya: "Having trouble over there, Lady Kamisato?"
Ayaka: "I think they might be asleep..."
Yoimiya: "Really? But they've only just woken up from a nap recently, and they got some sleep last night too... right?"
Ayaka: "I, well... *ahem* Yes, Yes they did."
Yoimiya: "Well then! I won't feel bad about waking them up! We're coming in Y/N!"
Ayaka: "Y–Yoimiya!! Wait, but what if—"
Too late! I had already pulled open the door and stepped inside. It's not like Y/N ever falls asleep in a compromising position or anything like that! Just another example of how they've been quite the kind and considerate resident here with us!
However... when I opened the door, I couldn't help but realise that the room was... it was completely empty?! Y/N definitely went in here just a little moment ago, and I didn't see them leave at any point... where did they go?! ... Oh!
Yoimiya: "Very funny, Y/N. You can come out from under the bed now!"
. . .
Yoimiya: "Y/N...?"
Ayaka: "Yoimiya... have a look at this."
Ayaka then handed me a small sheet of paper. It looked like she had found it on the pillow of the bed. But once I had it in my hands, and after I had read through the short message written on it... I realised why Miss Kamisato's tone sounded so worried.
Y/N's Note: Hey Yoimiya, sorry I didn't come say this in person. But I suppose I was just worried that you'd try talk me out of it. I'm going to take a more... aggressive stance, when it comes to protecting the Vision Wielders that are being hunted. I figure that———.
Yoimiya: "Y/N? You... You big dummy!"
Ayaka: "We should make our way for the streets of Inazuma City too. To find them before something happens."
Yoimiya: "Good point! But what should we do if it's too late?"
Ayaka: "... d–Don't worry about that. If needed, I will exercise my influence to keep them out of too much trouble... but that would ruin our plans for them..."
Yoimiya: "Well, the quicker we head out there, then the quicker we'll find them! I'm going to head out now and go ask the children if they saw anything!"
Ayaka: "It is probably for the best that we don't search together, to cover more ground and to avoid arousing suspicion of any collusion between Naganohara Fireworks and the Kamisato Clan. I'll be sure to inform Sayu too, it was her duty to keep a watch on them after all."
And with that, I gave Miss Kamisato a quick nod, to say I agreed with her, and then I bolted out of the shop with a little bit of anger in my steps. Running out onto the streets with my eyes peeled for my friend who had gone walkies without warning us... Y/N... where are you?!
... and what was that last bit of the note that you scribbled out?
*NOBODY'S POV *
Shogunate 1: "Hand over your Vision! We will not tell you again!"
Man: "I... I..."
Shogunate 2: "Hand it over, or we will have no choice but to take it by force!"
Boy: "d–Daddy... I don't understand? What do they want with our Visions...?"
Father: "s–Shhh!"
Shogunate 1: "Oh? You've got one too... Hey kid, come over here wouldya?"
Shogunate 2: "We won't bite. We just have to take your Visions and give them to the Raiden Shogun."
Shogunate 1: "If you and your daddy don't hand over your Visions, then she's going to get REALLY angry. She might even attack your house with lightning!"
Boy: "a–attack our house?!"
Shogunate 1: "That's right! So be a good boy and hand over your Vision to us... and tell your daddy to give us his too. Okay?"
The boy then took the Anemo Vision out of their pocket, compared to the hand that it was being held in, it was quite the large rock in comparison. The little boy then went over to his father's side, and started to tug at his clothes.
Boy: "Quickly daddy! We have to give them our Visions, or else she'll attack our house!"
Father: "... you can't."
Shogunate 1: "You should listen to your kid. It's for your own wellbeing after all."
Shogunate 2: ". . ."
Boy: "Daddy!!"
Father: "... I... I can't let you lose it."
Shogunate 1: "I don't like your tone, sir. If you plan on fighting back, we will be forced to use all of our power to subdue you. You wouldn't like your little boy to see you all bloodied and bruised, would you?"
Father: "I... I have no choice..."
Shogunate 2: "Stand down. Please, sir."
The man had then stood up, a defiant stance as he took his place between the soldiers and his son. And he then took his own Vision that he had hidden within the sash of his clothing... and his body then started to emit a cold frost, as the Cryo energy he was summoning had begun to surround him in a dangerously uncontrolled manner.
Shogunate 2: "STAND DOWN, SIR!"
Shogunate 1: "THAT'S IT! NO MORE TALKING! TAKE HIM DOWN!"
The second Shogunate then pulled out a bow and several arrows, and quickly nocked one of the arrows whilst the father was still seemingly charging him and his Vision's ability. Clearly, the man was not all that skilled with using his Vision, but was only doing this so as to try and save his son from the same fate that he saw of those other Vision wielders, the ones who had their Visions taken from them.
Unfortunately, this inexperience proved quite disadvantageous, as whilst the father was still trying to get a handle of his Vision and how to properly utilise it in this dangerous situation, the first Shogunate soldier had gotten in a position where he was ready to loose his arrow.
And loose his arrow he did.
Father: "ARRRGH!"
The arrow pierces his arm, the one holding his Cryo Vision, and almost as instantly as it arose did the cold air surrounding him dissipate. Leaving him and his young boy now completely vulnerable and defenceless from the now armed and angry Shogunate soldiers, with more on their way to assess the situation.
???: "I'd stand down if I were you."
Shogunate Soldier 1: "Finally! Someone speaking some sense around here, and—"
???: "I wasn't talking to them. I was talking to you."
Now sensing that this new voice was not an ally, but rather a threat, the two initial Shogunate soldiers involved in this situation had spun around to see who it was that was now opposing them... and... it was not at all what they expected to see.
A mysterious figure, clad in what seemed to be a cloak that consisted entirely of a swirling torrent of water, with which no features of the mysterious figure could be made out... beyond them being of a humanoid shape. Their face was entirely enveloped in the dense Hydro element that surrounded them.
And that would explain the distortion of their voice, a voice so distorted from the shield of water around them that nobody would be able to properly discern whether it was a male or female's voice.
And the stance that this newcomer to the scene held, as they simply stood there... it was incredibly imposing and intimidating, not simply because of any image of power... but also because of their mysterious appearance upon the scene, as well as their hidden identity, and their clear intent to stand against the Shogunate.
Shogunate 1: "Who the hell are you? Don't you see that you're outmanned six to one?!"
???: "I like those odds. You would need twice those numbers to think this even close to a fair fight."
Shogunate 2: "... Who are you?"
???: "You need not know my name. All you need know is this: I will not allow another Vision to be taken from the innocent people of Inazuma whilst I stand vigil."
Upon claiming this, the curious crowds that had been silently onlooking this situation had begun to speak amongst themselves, with some yelling out praise and applauding, whilst others used the opportunity to badmouth the oppressive decrees and the brutes who enforced them. The others all seemed to show their support in simple acceptance of this without protest or complaint.
Shogunate 1: "Enough of this! Attack!"
And thus, upon hearing this command, the six Shogunate soldiers who were privy to what was going on in this quiet city street had all begun to charge at the mysterious figure with their weapons drawn... well, except for the first Shogunate soldier, who maintained his ranged position, with his bow and arrows.
. . .
And yet? They didn't even manage to get within arm's reach of the mysterious threat to their decree, as the water swirling around them had seemed to lash out at them as the approached. Like large tentacles that struck at anything that dared to come close, with enough force to shove down even the bulkiest of the soldiers to the floor. This was clearly a fight that the soldiers who relied on melee weapons could not win.
And so, the outcome of dealing with a Vision Wielder had once again fallen to the first soldier, who had subdued the father just a moment before. So he nocked another arrow whilst yelling for his fellow soldiers to keep out of the line of fire, and then he released his arrow... aiming right for where he assumed the head to be...
But it did not reach it's mark. Not because of bad aim, or overly strong winds. Instead, the arrow had simply... stopped. It had been intercepted by one of these hydro appendages, and was being held out in no man's land, as if it was nought but a slight inconvenience to have had to deal with.
???: "Retreat. Now. Before you force my hand."
Shogunate 3: "s–so strong... is this what an experienced Vision wielder is...?"
Shogunate 4: "Taking Visions from the elderly and inexperienced is one thing, but..."
Shogunate 5: "How are we meant to fight something like this..."
Shogunate 2: "... We're done here."
Shogunate 1: "WHAT? NO WAY! WE WON'T BE BULLIED BY SOME... SOME... SOME COWARD LIKE THEM, COWERING BEHIND THEIR VISION'S POWER!"
* fwip! *
The arrow that had been held in the air by the mysterious figure's Hydro had then suddenly been sent back towards its attacker at a speed rivalling that of an arrow recently fired from its bow. But the arrow didn't seem to be aimed at the unruly soldier... instead, it had made direct impact with the bow in the soldier's hands. And it had splintered into two clean halves upon this attack, with the string of the bow snapping also... leaving the weapon now utterly unusable in any situation.
Shogunate 1: "?! ... GET THEM! NOW—"
Shogunate 2: "That's enough! We will not win this. For now, we retreat, and we inform my father, Kujou Takayuki, of this new threat. He will know what to do about this."
Shogunate 1: "But—!"
Shogunate 2: "That is an order, soldier. Stand down!"
Shogunate 1: "... whatever. Next time..."
And with the second soldier still grumbling away to themselves, the six soldier all made their way away from the mysterious figure, some of the soldiers unfortunately now having a slight limp from their failed attack. And the mysterious figure who had inflicted such attacks? They had now placed themselves directly between the beaten and retreating soldiers, and the father and son duo that the figure had stepped out of the shadows to protect.
The crowds around had cheered upon this revelation, but they didn't dare stay too long after this. As both the threat of the silent and imposing figure before them, as well as the almost-guaranteed reinforcements of Shogunate soldiers had them quickly retreat from the alleyway and to avoid getting into any trouble from either side.
Leaving just the three left in the alleyway: the father, the son, and the figure who still yet remained dressed in a deep swirling cloak of Hydro energy. The figure had then raised a hand out, and a tendril of water had reached out from the swirling cloak and had then completely surrounded the father's arm, the same arm that had been shot by the arrow earlier. Within seconds, the arrow was pushed out of the father's arm by the water's pressure, and the wound that the arrow had left quickly sealed itself in its wake. Leaving both the father and his son gobsmacked.
Father: "I... Thank you... I don't know what I would've done if... if they..."
???: "What would have happened? What happens if you have your Vision taken from you?"
Father: "y–you don't know? You didn't even know, and yet you saved us...? t–Thank you."
???: "I require no thanks. But, tell me simply and quickly, what would have happened."
Father: "R–Right! Well, some people have lost their memories, and some have even lost their minds. It... It was too dangerous to risk... not to my boy, I couldn't let that happen to my boy. But... I'm not strong, like you... I can't keep him safe here..."
???: "I see. That is distressing indeed. You did your best. But you shouldn't stay here, not in this city as it is currently."
Father: "But... the Archon's lightning surrounds the nation. I can't risk trying to escape with my boy..."
???: "To help you further, I would risk revealing myself. And ruining my ability to protect others... I'm sorry."
Father: "No... No... You've done more than enough for my boy and I. We'll... Well, we'll get back to our home and take what we need... and then I guess we'll have to figure out something from there."
Boy: "You were super cool! Thanks for saving us! Bye-bye water guy!"
The boy and his father had then made their way away from the alleyway, trying to be as covert and non-distinct as possible. Leaving the one remaining in the alley, alone, to ponder all that had happened and all that he had just learnt...
But they didn't get much time to think before another set of footsteps put them back on alert.
* Y/N'S POV *
???: "My my... that sure was quite the performance. It would seem that you're quite the strong one, aren't you!"
Y/N: ". . ."
???: "Oh, so you're the strong and silent type as well, hmm? Alright then, I'll do the talking then."
Y/N: ". . ."
???: "Ah... but it'd probably be inconvenient if those pesky soldiers were to return with reinforcements and show up whilst we have our nice little chat. Here, come with me..."
The mysterious woman then started to walk away, a very feminine strut that extenuated her long and slender legs, her poise filled with confidence — is that due to her personality, or due to the self-assurance she had in herself, that I would indeed follow her like she asked...?
Well, nothing ventured...
* * *
???: "Hmm, this should be a quiet enough place. Nobody will see us here. Nobody at all..."
Y/N: ". . ."
???: "So then, let's talk... well, I'll talk, and you'll listen."
Y/N: ". . ."
???: "It seems we are both on the same side here. Against the decrees of the Electro Archon, that is. So what say we talk business, hmm?"
Y/N: "... And what would that entail exactly?"
???: "Oh, so you can speak after all! And yet... you hide your real voice, and your real face with your Vision's power. I like people with contingencies and a sense of self-preservation... they last longer..."
Y/N: "I have my reasons."
???: "I'm sure you do. And I would be very interested in learning that and more about you... you quite interest me after all..."
Y/N: "What exactly is it that you want?"
???: "My my, you're quite the straight shooter, aren't you! Hmm... well then, how about we cut to the chase then, hmm?"
Y/N: "Sure."
???: "Ahahaha! Well then, here. This is a map, see that circle? That's where you'll find me, should you decide to take me up on my offer. Of course, I won't force you to make a decision now. But because of that, I can't say too much... not until I know that you're in."
Y/N: "Makes sense. So what CAN you tell me?"
???: "That my plan... it will end these damnable decrees, allowing the people of Inazuma that you are protecting peace once more, and for the boats of imports to return and revive the economy... and for my boat to allow me return to my homeland."
Y/N: "... So, you're trapped here? Sounds like this plan of yours could end up being quite... desperate."
???: "Heh. I am nothing if not calculating, my dear. Trust me, if everyone sticks to the plan, this pointless struggle of the Electro Archon will be done before the end of this moon cycle."
Y/N: "Pointless struggle... so you intend to take this fight to the top then..."
???: "It's the best way to make change, targeting the head of the operation, would you not agree? Now, with my political sway and your rather impressive power... I'm sure we'll have the Raiden Shogun bend her knee on these matters... one way or another."
Y/N: "... I have no intention of usurping her role. At least not until I learn that she truly deserves such a fate."
???: "A kind and honest heart? Heh. Do not fret, as your worries do not fall on a cold heart. I also have no intention of removing her from power. I simply wish to... deter her, from her current course."
Y/N: "... You said you've political sway. What did you mean by that?"
???: "Oh. That's right, I suppose I haven't introduced myself just yet, have I? Well..."
???: "You may refer to me as Signora. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.."
Y/N: "A pleasure."
Signora: "I suppose I will not be learning your name so easily? A pity. But understandable. Well then, my dear, I am quite the busy woman. So I regret to say I must be off now, but I do hope to see you soon. I am sure I'll be able to make it... worth your while."
The tall and imposing woman standing before me gave me a flirty look and a seemingly suggestive wink as she said this, and then she started to strut off in that incredibly feminine fashion she seems to favour... away from the city and into the wilds of Inazuma. Leaving me alone in this quiet spot with nothing but the map she left me and a couple hundred more questions running through my head.
But before anything else... I need to... get somewhere safe... and... stop using my Vision like this... The fatigue of it all is... it's really starting to hurt... quite badly too. But I shouldn't make my way to Yoimiya's shop just yet. In case I'm being tailed... by one of Signora's people, or an entirely different faction I need worry about.
* * *
After a fair few painful minutes of limping, I had made my way back into the city. Before that, though, I found a quiet spot first. Once there, I was able to safely release the Hydro energy swirling around me — so that I could appear to be a normal citizen of Inazuma, and not the new guardian that mysteriously sprung up out of nowhere and beat a half-dozen guards into submission.
And it seemed like the entire city had heard about this now, as once I was free of my Hydro disguise, I walked nonchalantly throughout the streets of the city — all I could hear was gossip emanating from each and every person I walked past... and the soldiers seemed quite on edge too, as they jumped at every sudden noise they heard.
Crowd: "Yeah! They were all covered in water, they didn't even look human!"
Crowd: "Oh! Oh! Maybe they're a water spirit? And they've gotten enraged by what's happening?"
Crowd: "Well, hopefully they don't exorcise this one then!"
Crowd: "Dude! That's a little much!"
Crowd: "Well, whoever they are, they definitely seem like a true Hydro Homie!"
Crowd: ". . ."
Crowd: "What...?!"
I made sure not to head straight for Yoimiya's shop. Making sure to take as many twists and turns as I could, and I made sure to keep an eye out for anybody who seemed to be tailing me... but I seemed to be safe—
*punch!*
???: "Jeez! I finally found you!"
Someone just... punched my arm... but why would– no, who would have...
Yoimiya: "Y/N! You big dummy!"
Y/N: "Yoimiya? What are you—?"
Yoimiya: "I came here looking for you of course! You scared us half to death with that note you left! Come on, let's head back and we can continue this lecture... in private."
* * *
I was then led back by Yoimiya, with her hand gripping tightly onto my sleeve as she pretty much dragged me behind her. We weren't that far from Naganohara at this point, as I'd managed to get quite close on my own. And then, once we were inside, we didn't even manage to make it more than a couple of steps away from the front entrance that we had just closed behind us when Yoimiya turned around, absolutely red in the face with a massive pout on her face and... why her eyes all glassy like that...?
Yoimiya: "wh–Why did you just go running off like that again!"
Y/N: "Hey, at least this time I remembered to write you a note to say where I went! Ahaha!"
Yoimiya: "It's not a laughing matter! You could have gotten caught! And we wouldn't have been able to help you!"
Y/N: "I was careful! I've been keeping an eye on Kujou Sara's scheduled route, and I knew that she was currently back at her clan house having lunch. So I decided I'd take the opportunity to patrol the streets and—"
Yoimiya: "I heard what happened already. Everybody's been talking about it! I won't lie... it was quite the impressive entrance as a protector of the people, taking six soldiers on your own like that... and it sounds like you looked and sounded really cool. Unlike how you normally are, you big dummy!"
*punch!*
Y/N: "Ow! Ahhh...!"
Yoimiya: "... You're pulling my leg, right? That was only a little playful punch, surely it shouldn't hurt that much...?"
Y/N: "I... I didn't expect to need to stay in my Hydro-forme for so long after the fight... my muscles are... well, they're feeling the strain a bit..."
Yoimiya: "o–OH! You got Vision Fatigue? You should've said so! You need to lie down! I'll go and fetch you some tea, and—"
???: "Please, allow me. You just get Y/N situated for now. I will prepare some tea for the three of us."
Yoimiya: "Miss Kamisato?! You're back quickly!"
Ayaka: "Yes... Sayu made me aware that the two of you had safely returned here. She's had quite the busy day today, so I've given her the rest of the day off to rest."
Yoimiya: "I see, well... let's get you back to your room then, shall we? ... You dummy!"
* * *
Ayaka: "Here, please, take this. Fortunately I happened to have some chamomile tea on me. It is quite good for a manner of ailments, such as muscle pains."
Y/N: "Chamomile tea...? That... That brings back memories..."
FLASHBACK: "Well then, let's get you back to my place for that Chamomile Tea, and then a good night's rest – before you keel over and die on me! Hee-hee! Come on, give me your arm. I've got you sweetie!"
Ayaka: "Y/N...? Y/N?"
Y/N: "... s–sorry. I was just... thinking about something, from before..."
Ayaka: "Before you ended up here in Inazuma, you mean?"
Y/N: "... yeah."
Yoimiya had returned from her quick trip to the dining room, with two chairs carried in her arms. She then placed them both down beside the bed I was forcibly pushed down onto to rest in, one of the chairs for herself and another for Ayaka. So that they could sit down and speak to me whilst we all partook of Ayaka's nice-smelling tea. And it tasted just as nice as it smelled... it reminded me of... back then.
Ayaka: "I'm glad to see that you're okay... but—"
Y/N: "I'm sorry, for causing you inconvenience. I just..."
Yoimiya: "You just...?"
Y/N: "n–never mind."
Ayaka: "... Does it have something to do with what you scribbled out on the note you left for Yoimiya?"
Y/N: "I..."
Yoimiya: "Orrrrrrr, was it about what Lady Guuji said earlier? About how she thinks you might be in trouble?"
Y/N: ". . ."
Ayaka: "Well, we cannot deny the results of your appearance today. You certainly made an impact... and you saved two Vision bearers, one of which was a young child."
Yoimiya: "I'm planning to head out and look for them both later, I'll bring them back here to the shop. And that way we'll be able to keep them safe from persecution until we can get past this Vision Hunt Decree!"
FLASHBACK: "It's the best way to make change, targeting the head of the operation, would you not agree? Now, with my political sway and your rather impressive power... I'm sure we'll have the Raiden Shogun bend her knee one way or another."
Y/N: "... I've– Well, I've been wondering... but how is it that you plan to get this decree abolished exactly...?"
Yoimiya: "By standing up for the people in need, of course! If you don't stand up against something bad, then there's nothing that can stop it from continuing!"
Y/N: "I guess that makes sense... but—"
Ayaka: "It will not be something we can solve immediately, I realise that. But... somebody has to do something about it, right?"
Yoimiya: "And we're more than happy to take that role! For the people of Inazuma, our friends! And you'll help us too, right Y/N? You're like our super strong trump card, and you're already making waves after only a single appearance!"
Y/N: "Well.... whilst I'm in the area I suppose I might as well! Hahah–*cough! cough!*"
Ayaka: "Please, do not strain yourself. Here, please have some more tea."
Ayaka then handed me back the cup that I had just finished, but with some more tea now poured into it... huh? But where did she get the extra tea? She only came in with three cups and no teapot, didn't she?
Choosing not to make a mountain out of a molehill, I decided not to bring it up and just accepted her kindness. I then took a sip from my recently refilled cup and instantly felt the relief that this chamomile tea provides... as well as the bittersweet memories of the last time I had such a tea with someone...
FLASHBACK: "Goodnight sweetie... Rest early, and don't worry about nightmares, monsters under your bed, or anything like that. If such a thing happens, I'll settle it myself!"
If only... if only a true miracle could have happened back there... back when I had sacrificed myself for the sake of Liyue Harbour and all my friends who reside there. If only one more thing had gone right: if I had been caught whilst I was in freefall, by those with the ability to; if someone were to fish me out of the ocean before it all went black, and if I were not to be dragged away from the seas of Liyue and onto the sands of Inazuma.
Ayaka: "Y/N...? Is everything okay? It's not the tea, is it? I can brew you a new cup if that one is inadequate...?"
Y/N: "Oh no, nothing like that! It's a very nice cup of tea. I just... I keep getting tormented with... with flashes of my past — of that which I have chosen to leave behind..."
Yoimiya: "Again? Are you sure you don't want to talk to us more about it? It could help to get it off your chest, don't you think?"
Y/N: "I... Well, I appreciate the offer, but I... I'm not sure I'm ready to talk about all... about all of that just yet... p–probably not ever... I think I just need to... to forget and move on..."
Ayaka: "Y/N..."
Yoimiya: "Are you serious? Urgh... You really are such a dum–dum sometimes Y/N!"
Ayaka: "y–Yoimiya?!"
Yoimiya: "You can't just forget about your friends! You can move on, if you really think you have to, but you can't EVER forget the times you spent with them. All the good times, all the lessons learned, and all the memories that you guys made... you can't just pretend none of that happened! If not for yourself, then for your friends!"
Y/N: ". . ."
Yoimiya: "One day, hopefully soon, we'll get these decrees removed, and we'll be able to travel to other nations again. And what if your friends happen to come over here, for whatever reason, and they find you here... and you don't even remember their names? How do you think that'll make them feel?!"
Y/N: "I..."
Yoimiya: "Sometimes, when I'm setting up little firework shows for the children, they start to fight over the best spot to watch them. And I tell them the exact same thing I'm going to tell you right now: Fireworks are for now, but friends are forever!"
Y/N: "... you're right... s–sorry. yeah, you're right. I... I don't want to forget them... or the good times I spent with them, and with... with her..."
Ayaka: "... Her?"
Y/N: "Yeah. She... She was one of my... my friends."
Ayaka: "And yet, you mentioned her as someone separate to the rest of your friends from back then... Why is that exactly?"
Y/N: "W–Well... she was my closest friend, back in Liyue. We were... well, we used to be absolutely inseparable."
Ayaka: "Oh? She sounds... nice. What uh... What was her name?"
Y/N: "I... I'm sorry. But I don't think I'm ready to talk about her... n–not yet at least..."
Ayaka: "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable at all... I suppose I was just a little bit curious is all. Would you... Would like some more tea?"
Y/N: "No, thank you though, but I think I've had enough for tonight... all good things in moderation, right?"
Ayaka: "I guess so... you should probably get some rest now too. To ease your fatigue."
Y/N: "I suppose you're right..."
Yoimiya: "I agree! You should get some rest for now! But don't worry, I'll come and bring you something to eat a little later for dinner, okay?"
Y/N: "You don't have to–... never mind. Thank you, Yoimiya."
Ayaka: "... I, well... I think I might come back tomorrow morning, if that won't be too much an issue? There are some things I'd like to discuss, a couple of things to each of you."
Yoimiya: "Well, there's still some hours left in the day, the two of us could talk now, if you'd like?"
Ayaka: "Hmm... Yes, I suppose that could work. Would you mind if we walked and talked? I should make my way back for the Kamisato Estate before I am missed too much..."
Yoimiya: "Fine with me, lead the way! See you in a little bit, okay Y/N?"
Y/N: "Mhm, see you later, Yoimiya."
Ayaka: "Rest well, friend. And... thank you, you were very impressive today."
Yoimiya: "But still, you overdid it... You should be more careful in the future. Oh! And I better find you still resting in bed when I get back! No more wandering today, got it?!"
Y/N: "I've got it Yoimiya, I've got it! I'll stay right here, I promise!"
Yoimiya: "Good!"
Yoimiya: "Glad to see you listen to me for once! Haha!"
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