Chapter Text
Chapter 1 - Freedom of the Breeze
With a loud yawn, your arms extended up in the air with a long and hard stretch. The floor was damp, and, rough. Leaving the warmth of your sleeping bag felt like a sin. Though, you do not have any choice. You promised you’d help Beidou today.
You took your time standing up. For once, the ship was not rocking as much and for the first time in weeks, the terrible storm has resided. What makes things better is that, you’ve slept peacefully through the night without any nightmares to company you. It was refreshing.
The room you sleep in was tiny, it was probably a closet before Beidou made her crew clean it out for you. There was enough room to sleep and have your stuff in comfortably. Anything more would be a crowd. You begin to pull out a pair of clothes to change into, a black turtle neck with a light green jacket, grey pants with knee high armored boots. Then a pair of armored gloves that reached to your elbow. Having the jacket on feels amazing, it reminded you of the short period you spent with Thoma. Yet, that memory can be reminiscent when you have the free time.
It was nice to hear that the ship was fairly tame today, the workers on deck were making some noise. Yet, nothing like the storm that boarders Inazuma. Before you left your room, you hear the lightest knock on your door. Grinning, you opened the door knowing who was on the other side.
A young man with long white hair was standing there, holding four plates of food. With a welcoming smile on his face.
“Ah, good afternoon Y/N. I hope that your dreams last night were sweeter than mint jelly.”
“Afternoon?”
“Ah yes, it’s early afternoon. Neither me or Beidou didn’t wake you up because it seemed you needed it.”
It was very nice of Kazuha and Beidou to do that for you, on top of that, Kazuha seemed to be in a lovely mood today. He is holding a few plates. He looked down at the food, then at you. You smirk at Kazuha, taking two of the four plates off of his hands. Looking down, it was mixed yakisoba with onigiri. It smelled heavenly.
As much you adore Beidou for taking you in such a time of need. Being on the ship for the past two weeks was rough, the food wasn’t great and the work was gruesome at times. Though, you did put in a ton of effort in your work so you could to meet Beidou’s expectations. Which in the end, ruined your sleep schedule.
“Kazuha, did you make this for me?”
He gives a light nod, leading you out of your small room and into the huge dinning room. The best part, it was completely empty.
“Beidou gave you and me the day off, and I thought you are missing Inazuma. So I made some dishes I think will remind you of a home that you’ve once roamed freely.”
There goes Kazuha being poetic once again, but, he means well. The fact that he was thinking of you in that way, tugged your heart strings.
“Y/N, what do you say that we eat together and I’ll tell you a few stories. To simply pass the time, I believe you’ll be in Liyue within a day or two. So, I’d be happy if we can spend some time together.”
“Of course Kazuha, and, thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
❧
For a few hours, you and Kazuha talk about many things. Folktale, stories about Liyue and what it holds, and, each other’s past. Nonetheless, it was always lovely to talk to Kazuha. He’s always calm and is the best listener you’ve met in your life. The food itself was the finest you’ve had in weeks, everything was just as refreshing as the sea breeze.
“I heard that the Fatui are just as bad in Liyue,” you say.
“Oh, no doubt. It’s a shame, just avoid them. It’s the best for everybody that knows better.”
You nod along as you listened to Kazuha talk about the Fatui, apparently there are rumors that a harbinger was stationed in Liyue. Yet, they’re called rumors for a reason.
During your conversation with Kazuha. Loud clicking from a pair of heels comes down the wooden stairs. Looking up at the staircase, it was none other than Caption Beidou herself. With a mischievous grin on her face.
“Hey kiddos, you should take a look at this view.”
Both you and Kazuha look at each other confused, either way, you take it as orders. You and Kazuha got up from the table and followed Beidou to the top deck of the ship.
Now this, this is what dreams are made of.
You and Kazuha walk with Beidou to see a breathtaking sunset among the horizon. A mix of pinks and blues linger in the clouds as the sunset is displaying reds and oranges, with a hint of blues and purples slowly taking over the sky. Then, over the distance, the great mountains of Liyue began to show their form. The light from Liyue Harbor was shining brightly, and freely.
“Welcome to Liyue Harbor, the land of contracts.” Beidou says with a grin, she gives you a pat on the shoulder.
“I’m sure your next adventure here would be a great one, I promise you that.”
It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulder. A new journey and a new land is approaching, with that new memories. Memories that are actually worth sharing.
“Thank you for helping me here.” You reply with a smile, before you give Beidou a huge hug. She was surprised, yet, she hugs you back.
“We’ll be arriving in Liyue Harbor within the next few hours, start packing your things kid.” Beidou hums.
Excited, you quickly run down into the bottom deck. You begin reorganizing everything and making the room spotless for Beidou to use again.
Kazuha looks a Beidou with a smile,
“You’re very kind, Captain. Y/N will forever be thankful for your kindness.”
Beidou is watching the sunset, she closes her eyes.
“Kindness comes a long way, I’m sure she’ll be much happier here than being back home.”
“Anything is better than Inazuma currently.”
Kazuha gives a snarky reply. Beidou sighs, and nodded. He wasn’t incorrect.
❧
After a few hours of cruising, Liyue Harbor finally comes into a better view. Beidou needs all hands on deck. So, everybody helps out with docking the ship.
It is late in the night when finally you take your first step off the boat. A step into a new adventure, it’s almost like the mountains are calling your name.
Beidou comes out and greets you,
“Come on, let me go introduce you to a very good friend of mine,”
“Hey, where’s Kazuha? Isn’t he going to join us?” Beidou’s sighs, giving you a nice shoulder pat.
“He’s a wanted criminal, he’s better off staying on the ship.”
“But, I never got to say goodbye.” You look up sadly to Beidou.
“I’m sure he’ll understand, plus, you will see him again, now let’s move. I need to leave this harbor once I have the chance. I have other jobs to do.”
You follow Beidou behind as you walk through the port of Liyue Harbor. Even though it was night, there were some people walking, minding their own business. A small kid waves to Beidou and she waves back as you both begin to weave through the crowds.
While walking through, you got a few weird glances. Which is understandable, you’re wearing Inazuman clothes and holding two large bags. Due to the current news in Inazuma, it’s makes sense to get weird glances. You try your best to ignore it.
“Beidou? Where are we going?”
Beidou stops for a moment, pointing at the sky. There is a building floating, it looks like a mansion. How did you not notice earlier?
“That’s the Jade Chamber, we’re meeting my friend Ningguang there, so, we can set you up with a place to live and a job so you can survive.”
You are shocked by that statement, a job? A place to stay? You thought you were going to take a step off the boat and figure it out from there.
Finally, out of the port. You look to be in a shopping district. You are amazed by looking around at all the merchants trying to sell their items. Suddenly, you bump into Beidou’s back. You were paying too much attention to the area around you to notice Beidou.
“Ah, I’m sorry Beidou.”
“Hah, it’s ok kiddo. I’m sure you’re still taking in the view.”
Beidou looks at a huge building, it had quiet the crowd around a story teller. There are waitresses coming in and out of the building with food and drinks.
“Plans have changed, Ningguang is over there. Let’s head on over.”
You once again follow Beidou, weaving through the crowd once more. You never had to do this often back home.
Following Beidou, you pass a sign that says “Third Round Knockout.” All the tables had a small sign on it that stated, “reserved”. There, it looks to be a few guards surrounding one table.
At that table is sitting only 2 people, a tall woman with long white hair and what to seems to be a light yellow dress. The other woman was a bit shorter, her dark hair in pigtails. With black clothing and a black hat with a red flowers hanging off of it. You do not recognize that flower.
A pair of red eyes looks over at you and smiles,
“Why why why, don’t we have a beautiful girl here.”
The woman with white hair hums,
“Welcome home Caption Beidou, I see that this was the person you were talking about.”
The woman stands up from her chair, her hand are held out to you.
“My name is Ningguang, it’s a pleasure to have you here.”
You hesitantly shook her hand, you still have to be cautious with everybody. Ningguang’s hand squeezes yours.
“I’m sure it has not been an easy journey, come sit with us. Let’s talk over some tea.”
You look at Beidou like a lost puppy, she leans into your ear and whispers.
“Just trust me,”
You nod, what else can you do exactly? It’s best to take advantage of the fact that you’re getting the help you need.
“I thought we were meeting at the Jade Chamber?” Beidou asks,
“We were, though, I got excited about the person you were helping out. Since you talked so highly of her,” Ningguang states.
You blush slightly, it’s a nice thing to know that Beidou thinks highly of you.
You sit down between Ningguang and Beidou, across from you the woman speaks.
“Heyy, my name is Hu Tao. I’m the director at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. It’s a pleasure.” Hu Tao held out her hand for you to shake, you take her hand and shake it. She leans over the table and whispers.
“I’m sure we’ll be great friends.”
When she pulls away, Hu Tao gives you a friendly wink. Odd.
The waitress comes by and asked “What does everyone want to drink?”
You weren’t very similar with all the teas on on the menu, and, you didn’t feel like drinking alcohol. So, you got a glass of water. Hu Tao also got water. Beidou ordered a beer and Ningguang asked for matcha tea.
After some idle chit chat, all the drinks come out on the table. Everybody says thank you and the waitress takes her leave.
“So, let’s get down to business. Can you tell us who you are?” Ningguang asked, she took a sip of her tea.
“Well, my name is Y/N and I was born and raised in Inazuma. I lived on Yashori Island until...”
You paused, thinking about those unpleasant times that you’re still trying to forget.
“You don’t have to keep going, we understand.” Beidou said with a reassuring smile. You sighed, glad to not be pushed to open up too much.
“Well my dear, I’m glad you’re here safe and sound. Now, I already have a job set up for you and an apartment that’s already been payed for the next 2 months.”
Beidou grinned as Ningguang spoked. They already paid off the apartment? For just enough time to stand on your own two feet? Amazing.. people of Liyue are much kinder here than Inazuma.
“Thank you so much, though, I may ask. Who am I working for?”
With a giggle, Hu Tao looks at you and smiles.
“You’re working for me!”