Chapter 15. Lumine and Paimon!
A shock seized Futsu Mitama in that instant, for he had never anticipated crossing paths with such an unexpected figure in this place.
Anyone familiar with the tales of Teyvat would recognize that golden-haired foreigner. She was the focal point of destiny—the Traveler.
Perhaps she was best addressed as Lumine now? And the diminutive companion hovering at her side was, inevitably, Paimon, occasionally jested as a flying Violetgrass!
Yet, why were they here?
A flicker of disbelief crossed Futsu Mitama's eyes. According to the established flow of time, she ought to be in Mondstadt. In truth, she should have only just set foot within the City of Freedom. What anomaly had brought her rushing to Liyue Harbor?
"Is something amiss, Mitama?" Sangonomiya Kokomi asked, noting his abrupt silence. A trace of bewilderment surfaced in her gaze; it was unlike him to leave a thought suspended in the air.
Kuki Shinobu, however, instantly swept her gaze across their surroundings with practiced vigilance. To her mind, only a sudden, unforeseen threat could compel Futsu Mitama to halt mid-sentence. Though she deemed an ambush within the heart of Liyue Harbor highly improbable, her instincts prevailed. Her scanning eyes swiftly locked onto the golden-haired girl clad in garments of an otherworldly design.
"..."
Shinobu's pupils contracted sharply. Forgetting entirely that they stood amidst the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor, her hand instinctively dropped to the hilt of her tachi.
Merely the sight of the girl's back evoked the memory of a terrifying adversary Shinobu had faced in Liyue years prior. During that fateful encounter, the Abyss Order had launched a desperate assault to wrest a Primo Geovishap's Juvenile Jade from Futsu Mitama's grasp.
The ensuing battle had been a tempest of violence. Futsu Mitama had single-handedly held the vanguard against the encroaching horde, while Shinobu dispatched the frenzied Mitachurls. It was then that a dreadful Abyss Lector engaged Futsu Mitama in a ferocious duel.
Yet, the Lector was not the true terror of that day. The true horror manifested when Futsu Mitama unleashed the Musou no Hitotachi, pushing the Lector to the brink of annihilation. That divine strike was effortlessly parried by a young man with golden hair.
The sight had left Shinobu utterly paralyzed. It was the Musou no Hitotachi—however unrefined Futsu Mitama's execution might have been in those days, it carried the weight of the divine. It was a singular strike capable of inflicting mortal peril upon entities akin to Primo Geovishap, capable of utterly erasing an Abyss Lector. To see it deflected with such casual ease defied comprehension.
The shock of that moment had nearly cost Shinobu her life to a subsequent ambush. In the aftermath of the skirmish, Futsu Mitama had confessed the golden-haired youth's unfathomable strength, likening his presence to a terrifying force rivaling the Seven Archons themselves.
If the young man had truly desired Futsu Mitama's death that day, survival would have been an impossibility. His salvation came only because the clash had drawn the silent gaze of Rex Lapis. Though Shinobu had not perceived the Geo Archon, Futsu Mitama's absolute certainty meant the Lord of Geo had undoubtedly been watching over them.
Wary of Rex Lapis's silent judgment, the golden-haired youth had exchanged but a few cryptic words with Futsu Mitama before vanishing into the shadows with his abyssal subordinates. Regardless of his retreat, he remained a nightmarish entity—the Prince of the Abyss Order, a sovereign whose might mirrored the divine.
And now, the golden-haired girl standing in the heart of Liyue Harbor bore the exact same exotic attire and unmistakable woven hair.
Do not think I will fail to recognize you simply because you have taken the form of a woman!
Shinobu felt certain Futsu Mitama was harboring that exact thought. Deepening her stance, she secretly channeled her elemental energy, preparing to invoke her Talisman Arts to forcibly teleport herself and the surrounding civilians to safety should a battle erupt. Shinobu possessed a grim understanding of her own limitations.
She could not claim victory here; it was an absolute impossibility. As the least martial member of their retinue, she knew her role. In a clash of Archon-level entities, her sole duty was to shepherd the innocent from the crossfire.
Having borne witness to Futsu Mitama's sparring sessions with Aila and Shenhe over the past half-year, the chasm between mortal combatants and those of Adeptal might was etched clearly into her mind.
Both Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu anchored their unwavering gazes upon Lumine. Sangonomiya Kokomi, prompted by their silent focus, turned to observe the golden-haired outlander as well.
The combined weight of their intense scrutiny was not lost on Lumine. A prickle of apprehension washed over her, and she immediately went on high alert, her eyes darting through the crowd until they locked onto Futsu Mitama and the two women at his side.
"Traveler, this is it! We've made it to Liyue Harbor. Since we just arrived today, we need to find an inn first," Paimon chattered blissfully beside her.
"According to Amber and Acting Grand Master Jean, we can secure passage on a ship to Inazuma from here, and then we can finally track down the legendary Futsu Mitama! After all, he's the Anemo Archon's familiar, and supposedly the only one who knows where the Archon is hiding!"
"Though—I still don't understand how he ended up becoming the next Electro Archon. But more importantly! Can we please check out that massive food festival in Liyue first?"
Paimon had clearly failed to register the Traveler's sudden rigidity, continuing her lively babble. Her heart was entirely captivated by the impending culinary festival, A Bite of Liyue! After all, this was a festival of gastronomy!
To Paimon, it theoretically equated to boundless opportunities for free samples and generous feasts! And even if the merchants proved stingy, they finally had the means to purchase rare delicacies.
Over the long trek from Mondstadt to Liyue, Lumine and Paimon had scoured the wilderness, unearthing numerous treasure chests overflowing with Mora. Furthermore, a band of particularly audacious Treasure Hoarders who had attempted to ambush them en route had found themselves thoroughly relieved of their own ill-gotten wealth instead.
Boasting a heavy purse of over a hundred thousand Mora, Paimon was confident they possessed more than enough funds to eat, drink, and revel to their hearts' content in the bustling harbor.
"..."
Lumine offered no reply. Her golden eyes remained fixed on the trio staring at her from across the street. The kunoichi-garbed woman glared back with undisguised hostility and absolute vigilance, her hand gripping her sword hilt, radiating a clear intent to strike.
She... seemed to recognize me?
Beside the kunoichi, the seemingly delicate young woman observed her with an intense, probing curiosity.
But it was the man who truly set Lumine on edge; a suffocating, dangerous aura bled from his very presence. His strength was undeniable. A terrible premonition seized Lumine's heart, and a primal sense of crisis drew her muscles taut.
"Run!" Lumine commanded decisively. She lunged toward the densest thicket of the crowd, desperate to break line of sight and evade her silent pursuers.
"Eh?" Paimon squeaked, thoroughly bewildered. She had no inkling of the peril, but her body instinctively chased after Lumine, weaving into the throng. Lumine's movements were blindingly agile. Enveloped in a faint, cyan shroud of Anemo energy, her speed multiplied drastically as she dashed through the thoroughfare.
"Oh no," Shinobu hissed. Treating the outlander as a mortal threat, she assumed the supposed Abyss Prince had realized her disguise was compromised and was fleeing into the dense civilian populace to use them as a fleshy shield. Driven by instinct, Shinobu bolted after her in hot pursuit.
"Eh?!" Kokomi gasped, equally stunned that the girl had bolted at the slightest provocation. Caught in the sudden momentum, her own instincts flared, and she darted forward, trailing closely behind Shinobu.
"Well, this is—" Futsu Mitama murmured, watching Shinobu and Kokomi sprint into the crowd. A low chuckle escaped his lips; he hadn't anticipated his companions reacting with such explosive sensitivity.
Yet, upon reflection, it was entirely logical. Watching Shinobu give chase with such fervent urgency, Futsu Mitama realized she had undoubtedly conflated the visage of Aether, the Abyss Prince, with Lumine. To her mind, a terrifying, Archon-level adversary had just manifested in the heart of Liyue Harbor. Believing this entity to be fiercely hostile, she feared a catastrophic attack was imminent and gave chase to prevent it.
As for Lumine's flight, it was equally understandable. She had undoubtedly perceived the overwhelming strength of his group, coupled with Shinobu's unfiltered hostility. Having only recently awakened from her slumber, she harbored a deep, lingering wariness toward the continent of Teyvat.
Upon encountering a powerful faction radiating sudden enmity, her mind had likely conjured all manner of grim scenarios. Choosing flight over confrontation, she had dashed away without a word, likely hoping to draw the perceived danger away from the innocent bystanders of Liyue Harbor.
Had her thoughts taken a more extreme turn, she might have believed herself lured into a den of vipers—or that the Shade of Heavenly Principles had finally moved to finish what was started. Thus, Lumine fled with decisive haste, Shinobu pursued with unwavering focus, and Kokomi and Paimon followed in a wake of sheer bewilderment.
Futsu Mitama trailed them with a measured stride. He calculated that Lumine likely wielded the power of two elements by now; should a true conflict erupt, Shinobu would not necessarily be overmatched. Half a year of specialized practice had refined the kunoichi's strength significantly. While she had not yet ascended to the realm of the immortals, she stood as a heavyweight among mortals. In a clash between them, a victor would not be decided swiftly.
Lumine navigated the labyrinth of Liyue Harbor with a stranger's precision. Since her arrival, she had maintained a state of high alert, committing every thoroughfare and narrow passage to memory. To a casual observer, she appeared to be a tourist on a leisurely stroll; in truth, she was an escaped bird seeking the sky, ready to vanish at the first sign of an emergency. Without knowing if the gods of this land were allies or adversaries, her caution was well-founded.
Paimon, however, was struggling to maintain the pace.
"So... tired! Why did the Traveler suddenly bolt like that?!" she wheezed. Despite her confusion, she dared not fall behind, hovering desperately in Lumine's wake.
Ducking into a secluded alleyway, they managed to briefly break the line of sight with their pursuers. Paimon, still gasping for air, demanded an explanation. "What happened? Why the sudden flight?"
Lumine scanned the shadows, ensuring their temporary safety. "We've been marked," she whispered.
"I cannot discern their intent, but the air around them felt heavy with a sense of impending misfortune. We must exit Liyue Harbor immediately; only in the wilderness can we begin our investigation."
She moved again, her path calculated to weave through the busy markets and exit the city gates. It was a slower route, but the crowds provided a necessary shroud.
Behind them, Shinobu and Kokomi closed the distance. Kokomi, noting the uncharacteristic intensity of the chase, finally asked, "What has moved you to such lengths? I have never seen you pursue anyone with such fervor. Is she a ghost from your past?"
Shinobu shook her head, her gaze fixed forward. "I bear her no personal grudge. But the danger she represents is too great to ignore. Should a battle between her and Futsu Mitama erupt within these city walls, the devastation would be unthinkable. I must see her beyond the gates."
Yet, as the girl continued to flee toward the outskirts, Shinobu's resolve flickered with a hint of doubt. The girl's behavior was more akin to a cornered animal than a calculating threat.
Futsu Mitama caught up to them then, his demeanor unhurried. He offered a light chuckle. "Why have the hunters paused their chase?"
"Futsu Mitama, what is your assessment of her?" Shinobu asked, seeking his insight. She was troubled by the girl's apparent 'guilty conscience.'
"My assessment?" Futsu Mitama smiled. "We shall follow her, speak our peace, and the truth will reveal itself. There are few in this world who share such a striking resemblance. If my suspicions hold, she is indeed the Prince's kin."
"However," he added, "her current strength is but a shadow of his. We can afford a civil conversation."
A sense of relief washed over Shinobu. Knowing the threat was manageable eased the tension in her shoulders. Kokomi, however, remained in a state of quiet confusion, still unable to grasp why a golden-haired girl warranted such a pursuit.
"Let us speak as we move," Shinobu said, beginning the tale of the encounter six months prior. Kokomi listened, the fragments of the story returning to her memory. They were chasing the blood relative of a 'taboo' entity—a girl whose brother rivaled the gods. Kokomi felt a prickle of worry; if the brother were to appear, would any of them survive? Yet, she followed in silence.
Soon, the group left the harbor behind, emerging into the sprawling wilderness. Paimon finally collapsed in mid-air, her wings trembling.
"I can't—I can't fly another inch," she croaked. "Traveler, can't we just talk to them? Maybe it's all a big misunderstanding!"
Lumine slowed to a halt, her expression grim. "The woman in the mask radiates an undeniable hostility. I do not count her as a friend. But stay back, Paimon... they are here."
With a flash of golden light, a Dull Blade manifested in Lumine's hand. She turned to face the three figures approaching from the distance, her weapon leveled at them.
"A pleasure to finally meet you," Futsu Mitama said. He looked at Lumine, a wave of nostalgia crossing his features. In his memories of another life, it was always Lumine who walked the path of the hero. The girl before him now was no simpleton; she was a fledgling, bristling with the sharp instincts of a survivor.
"What do you want?" Lumine demanded, her focus locked on Futsu Mitama. She recognized him as the center of gravity for the trio—the most dangerous presence among them.
"Nothing more than a chance at friendship," Futsu Mitama replied.
Lumine's eyes narrowed with skepticism. "Drawing a blade is a strange way to seek friendship."
Shinobu stepped forward, her voice calm. "That is because you are the living image of an enemy I once faced."
Lumine's composure cracked. Her eyes widened, a look of shock disbelief taking hold.
"Wait, what?!" Paimon shrieked. "You mean you've seen someone who looks like the Traveler? Golden hair, strange clothes and all?"
Shinobu nodded. "Exactly so. When I first saw you, I suspected a deception—that he had simply taken a woman's form. The resemblance is that of a twin."
Lumine's excitement became palpable, her voice rising in hope. "That's my brother! Where did you see him? Is he...is he alright?"
Since her awakening, Lumine's singular purpose had been the search for her relative, taken by the Unknown God. She had traversed Mondstadt and sought the Anemo Archon, only to find Barbatos had once again vanished into the winds of leisure. Acting Grand Master Jean, moved by the girl's plight, had suggested she seek out Futsu Mitama in Inazuma—the Archon's familiar.
Paimon had detoured them to Liyue for the promise of a feast, hoping the Lord of Geo might also provide a lead. Now, after a frantic chase, the very news they sought had fallen into their laps.
An awkward silence descended upon the trio. Shinobu and Kokomi exchanged a look of hesitation. How could they explain the weight of the Prince's identity? To reveal that her brother led the Abyss Order—the most reviled organization in Teyvat—was a burden no sister should have to bear. Would she follow him into the dark, or be forced to raise her blade against her own blood?
Lumine grew frantic at their silence. "Please! Why won't you speak? Is it something terrible?"
She lowered her weapon, her plea echoing with sincerity. "He is my only family. I beg of you, tell me what you know." She bowed deeply before them.
Futsu Mitama sighed, his gaze turning serious. "You are aware of the Abyss Order, are you not?"
"Of course we are!" Paimon chirped. "We helped Mondstadt stop their schemes!"
"Did they—did they take my brother prisoner?" Lumine asked, her voice trembling.
Shinobu and Kokomi looked to Futsu Mitama, leaving the heavy truth to him.
"No," Futsu Mitama said quietly. "Your brother is the Prince of the Abyss. He is their leader."
The air grew still. Lumine and Paimon froze, their expressions melting into a mask of pure, unadulterated shock.
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