Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Alright, next order of business,” Himeko said, stretching her arms over her head as she leaned back in her chair. The holographic screen in front of her flickered, displaying a list of potential destinations for the Astral Express. “Where to next?”

The assembled crew sat around the main table in the passenger cabin, illuminated by the soft glow of the Express’s controls. Welt Yang adjusted his glasses, arms crossed as he eyed the list. “We have several options, but none are urgent. No new distress signals, no signs of Fragmentum corruption or any reports of Stellaron influence —nothing that demands our immediate attention.”

“Oh?” Himeko’s tone carried just a hint of amusement. “That means we get to pick something *interesting* this time.”

Dan Heng, who had been silently scrolling through data on his handheld terminal, finally looked up. “We should probably prioritize locations that align with our long-term objectives. If we can find another connection to the aeons—”

“Boring,” March 7th interrupted, swinging her legs up onto the armrest of her seat. “Look, I know you love doing research, Dan Heng, but what’s the point of being a Nameless and having the Astral Expeess if we don’t use it to Trailblaze to more cool, exciting places?”

“The Express isn’t a tourist attraction,” he pointed out dryly.

“But we can at least pretend it is,” she shot back.

Stelle, who had been fiddling with her bat, groaned. “Can we *please* go somewhere peaceful- I’ve been the target for murder on the last four Trailblazing expeditions and I’ve only been to four!” She said dramatically, emphasising the four by putting the back of her hand to her forehead and pretending to collapse onto the sofa, though her tone suggests that she didn’t actually blame anyone.

“My apologies,” Sunday winced, the wings on his wings twitching slightly. A hint of guilt flashed across his face.

Welt cast him a mild sympathetic look.

“It’s fine, being trapped in a happy dream would have been better than being killed by Aventurine anyway,” Stelle sat up, waving her hand dismissively.

Himeko cut in before they could go off topic. “*Anyway*, I have a suggestion,” She tapped at the controls, and the holographic map zoomed in, centering on a planet wreathed in a deep blue atmosphere, its continents barely visible beneath thick clouds. “As you know, the Express is running low on the warp fuel needed for it to function because it charges on our Trailblazing expeditions but we’ve been at Penacony for quite a while.”

Pom-pom let out a soft ‘hmph!’ and Sunday only looked more guilty.

Himeko ignored the interruption and continued. “Miss Black Swan has suggested that we go to a planet called Teyvat instead,”

The name alone was enough to make Welt frown, his expression darkening in thought. Sunday looked intrigued, leaning forward slightly though he still hovered around the back.

Stelle and March looked at each other before looking back at the data on the holographic screen, their eyes gleaming with excitement.

“The *isolated* planet?” Welt leaned forward, studying the data. “There are barely any records on it—no trade routes, no historical documentation, no confirmed reports of an aeon’s influence.”

“Which is because no one has ever stepped onto Teyvat due to a mysterious barrier shielding it from the Star Rail,” Himeko hummed. “However, Ms Black Swan has offered to assist us by temporarily removing it to allow us to enter Teyvat’s atmosphere, should we decide to go there.”

“To my knowledge, The Family has no records of the Teyvat you speak of either,” Sunday added thoughtfully.

“Exactly,” Himeko said. “No signs of the IPC ever touching it, no mention in any known galactic archives. No Stellaron activity, no cosmic remnants of aeonic intervention, not even Akivili has any records about visiting Teyvat. A planet like that shouldn’t *exist* on the Star Rail.”

March sat up straighter. “Wait, wait, wait. You’re telling me there’s an entire world that *isn’t* dealing with interstellar nonsense? No overpowered space corporations, no Aeons randomly influencing fate, no—wait.” She squinted at the screen. “Does that say *elemental energy*?”

Himeko nodded, a small smirk forming. “That’s the only thing we know about it. Apparently, it runs on an energy system completely different from anything else we’ve encountered. Not the Path, not the Fragmentum, not even ether. Just… something else. In fact, the name Teyvat was only made known due to a random signal sent out by that planet with its name amber eras ago.”

Dan Heng stared at the data, his fingers tapping absently against the table. “That’s unusual. Even if the Aeons don’t directly interfere, every world is shaped by them in some way. A planet with no signs of aeonic influence at all? There’s no precedent for that.”

“The IPC wanted to investigate Teyvat but suddenly stopped due to unknown reasons. It could be dangerous to go to Teyvat,” Welt pointed out, his mind lost in thought.

March grinned. “Which means we *have* to go, right?”

Welt sighed, rubbing his temples. Of course everyone was going to ignore the danger and go. “I have a feeling this vote will be one-sided.”

Himeko chuckled. “I was hoping for that. It’s about time we took a proper detour.”

Stelle, who had been resting her chin on the table and half-listening, finally perked up. “Do they have trash?”

Everyone stopped to look at her.

“I’m sorry, what?” Dan Heng asked, visibly thrown off.

“If it’s an isolated planet, does it have trash?” Stelle clarified. “Because if they don’t, I might not want to go.”

March groaned. “How does that make *any* sense? It’s a *whole planet*, Stelle. Of course, it has trash.”

“Are you a Nameless or a raccoon, huh, Miss Stelle??” Pom-pom, who for most of the conversation was silent, somehow took out a feather duster from seemingly nowhere and tried to beat it at Stelle to no avail as it barely even did anything to deter her.

“But is it *good* trash?” Stelle pressed, ignoring Pom-pom. “Like, high-quality, rare, collectible trash? Because I don’t want to travel across space just to find normal trash.”

“…Is this why I saw Miss Stelle rummaging through the trash this morning?” Sunday asked, his tone disbelief bordering on incredulous.

Himeko waved a hand dismissively. “I’m sure you’ll find *something* worth rummaging through.” She tilted her head at Welt. “So? Are we voting on this, or should I just assume everyone’s in favor?”

He adjusted his glasses again, though there was little point in arguing at this stage. “I suppose we might as well make it official.”

March immediately threw a hand up. “*Yes*. Absolutely.”

“Same,” Stelle said, then after a pause, “*if* I find good trash.”

Dan Heng exhaled through his nose but raised his hand anyway. “It would be a valuable research opportunity.”

“As the newest member of the Express, I’m fine with wherever we go,” Sunday said with a faint smile.

Himeko smiled, raising her own. “That’s basically five. Welt?”

“… I don’t have any objections,” he admitted, finally giving in.

“Unanimous, then,” Himeko said, looking satisfied. “Teyvat it is. I will go inform Miss Black Swan about our decision.”

***

“Ah, so you’ve come to a decision then?” Black Swan’s voice was smooth as the Astral Express crew found her standing in the Party Car getting a drink from “Shush”.

The machine-thingy(?) was shaking up a drink for her, telling some horrible knock-knock joke in the meantime that everyone tuned out.

“Yes, we’ve decided to take up your suggestion and go to Teyvat.” Himeko told the Memokeeper. There was a note of faint concern in her voice. “Though, are you sure you’re able to open the barrier? I don’t doubt your capabilities but opening a barrier like that is a heavy task.”

Black Swan waved her hand dismissively. “Because of the Astral Express, I’ve been able to collect such wonderful memories for the Garden of Recollection. It’d be rude of me not to do something for you all in return, no?”

“Still, if you overexert yourself, it’d be extremely dangerous. After all, even the IPC hasn’t managed to break through the barrier.” Welt pointed out, steadying himself with his cane.

Black Swan only smiled.

Himeko picked up a cup of coffee (if one could even call it that) that Stelle swore was not there when they first entered the Party Car, taking a slow sip of that toxic waste before looking around. “Let’s decide who will be going for this Trailblazing expedition then,”

March and Stelle’s hands immediately shot up.

Dan Heng crossed his arms, obviously trying to suppress the interest his had despite the fact that his eyes kept darting towards Black Swan.

Sunday hesitantly raised his hands too.

“Alright, it’s decided then. Stelle, March 7th, Dan Heng and Sunday will be going,” Welt said with a faint smile. “It’ll be good for Sunday to get to go on his first Trailblazing expedition with the three of you anyway.”

“Yeah! It’ll be more fun with Sunny!” Stelle declared, taking her bat from the floor and waving it dangerously near everyone’s faces.

Sunday sighed.

“I agree with you, Miss Stelle. However, I’d prefer it if you *don’t* call me such.. nicknames.” He said carefully.

“Of all memories I’ve collected, the one of Mr Sunday joining the Astral Express has to be one of the most unexpected lightcones I’ve made.” Black Swan hummed thoughtfully.

Dan Heng rubbed his temples in exasperation at Stelle’s antics, but the faint smile on his face told everyone that he was more amused than done with her.

“Wait, wait, wait! Himeko, you should come along too! You haven’t come Trailblazing with us since Stelle came aboard!” March protested, putting her hands on her hips.

“Didn’t I go to Penacony with you all?”

“C’mon! That’s not counted! Our relaxation was *ruined*!”

Sunday let out a pained sigh. “Although I recognise my wrongdoings, could you please try not to bring it up so much?”

“Oh- right- sorry Sunny,”

“M-…It‘s no problem.”

Himeko swirled the coffee (again, debatable) in her cup with a thoughtful hum. “Hm, I’ll tell you what. Welt and I have some private matters to discuss with Miss Black Swan, so we’ll join you after a while. Of course, we’ll take turns because someone has to be on the Express, but at least then everyone gets to see Teyvat. Alright?”

“Fineeee,” March pouted slightly but nodded nonetheless with an exaggerated sigh.

Welt shifted slightly, re-adjusting his grip on his cane. He pushed up his glasses. “It’s decided then. Stelle, March, Dan Heng and Sunday will be going to Teyvat. Himeko and I will then take turns to go down with you after our discussion.”

“What are you guys talking about anyway?” Stelle asked.

“Some matters regarding some business,” Black Swan replied.

“Something that’s for us to know and for you all to find out,” Himeko hummed vaguely at the same time.

“Why do all adults say that?!”

“Oh, do they?”

At this point, Pom-pom’s voice echoed through the announcement system, cutting off whatever retort Stelle was forming. “Dear passengers of the Astral Express, the warp jump to Teyvat will begin in 10 minutes! Please be gathered in the Parlor Car soon!”

March immediately started walking to the Parlor Car.

There was a pause.

“Ahem! On another note, Miss March, please *do not* attempt to stand during the warp jump again!”

March turned around and walked back to the group.

Chapter Text

The warp jump was successful.

Well—as successful as one could call it
when March 7th had come hurtling through space like an amateur comet and crash-landed directly into the sofas in the Parlor Car.

It could’ve been worse. Last time she had cannonballed into the coffee table, shattering the centerpiece Himeko had carefully arranged, and Pom-Pom had gone red in the face from sheer rage. Stelle was pretty sure the table still creaked in protest.

This time, no splinters. No dented wood. Just a tangled, groaning March 7th with a pillow stuck to her face.

Progress, Stelle supposed.

She was still brushing space-dust off her sleeves when the sensation hit her—an odd, dull sort of unease. Not pain, not fear, but… relief. Deep, inexplicable relief, as though her body remembered something traumatic that her mind had blocked out entirely.

Something about the last warp jump to Penacony. Something she couldn’t quite grasp.

She blinked. Oh well.

A smooth, melodic voice cut through the lingering disorientation like silk against glass. “Passengers of the Express, welcome to Teyvat.”

Black Swan’s voice, quiet and composed as ever, drew Stelle's attention to the observation windows of the Parlor Car. She stepped closer, her boots clicking softly against the polished floor, and peered out.

Violet-black space. Stars scattered like powdered sugar across the void. Her own reflection, faint but hovering there like a ghost.

Nothing else.

Frowning, Stelle folded her arms. “Did we warp too far or something? I don’t see anything.”

Behind her, March was still half-sprawled across the sofa, clutching her camera like it might offer answers. Her brows furrowed. “Maybe we miscalculated?”

Dan Heng didn’t even look up from his datapad, only let out a quiet sigh filled with the kind of exhaustion that comes from being surrounded by chaos too frequently.

“Now now, Miss Stelle, Miss March 7th, do be patient,” Black Swan said again, her voice lilting as though amused. She stepped aside and gestured again to the windows, eyes gleaming faintly in the dim lighting. Her hands brushed against the glass of the window for a moment as if wiping it.

The air on the Astral Express shifted. It was a subtle thing, like the press of pressure right before a storm, or the low hum of a string drawn tight.

Then, light.

Not blinding, but sudden enough to sting the eyes.

A brilliant flare from the void ahead. Stelle blinked hard against it—and when her vision cleared…

There it was.

Not just a speck. Not an artificial vessel or another drifting ruin.

A planet.

It hovered there like a forbidden secret, wrapped in a bleeding crimson aura that spilled into the stars like ink on parchment.

The orb itself was mostly ocean, dark and glittering beneath the faint light of distant suns. A single cluster of landmasses rested in the center—scattered islands connected by pale coastlines and wreathed in cloud.

“Passengers of the Express, welcome to Teyvat,” Black Swan said again, and this time, there was something to welcome them to.

“Woahh…” March breathed, all but plastered to the window now. She clicked her camera, capturing the image in a flash. “Look at that! It’s so pretty!”

“Pretty ugly you mean.” Stelle wrinkled her nose, unimpressed. “What is this? Ocean Simulator 9.0? I’d rather go back to Penacony and get chased by talking furniture again.”

March shot her a glare. “Hey! What do you mean ugly? It’s so cool!”

“How is the place ninety-nine percent water?” Stelle deadpanned. “Seriously. That’s not a planet, that’s a puddle.”

Dan Heng finally looked up, gaze sharp. “Those islands look unusual. There’s grassland next to what looks like snow-covered mountains. That’s a rapid biome shift.”

Sunday, quiet until now, stood at the back with a thoughtful expression. He was one of the few who hadn’t shoved his face against the glass, but he was certainly watching.

Himeko, lounging against the control panel with her usual calm confidence, smiled faintly. “Don’t you think that’s what makes Teyvat all the more exciting? Why don’t you go find out yourselves?”

The idea wasn’t unwelcome. A new world to explore was why they boarded the Express in the first place, wasn’t it?

“I must admit, I’m very curious about Teyvat,” Welt added, tapping his cane thoughtfully against the floor. “Akivili never passed through it, nor do we have records of any Trailblazer visiting. And… there’s that shattered moon over there.”

He pointed it out through the glass—where the red aura thickened like congealed blood. A celestial body hovered nearby, one side cracked and fragmented like broken porcelain, pieces drifting in space like mournful debris.

Click. Another picture from March.

Pom-Pom, who was trying valiantly to peek out the window despite their height, gave a grumpy squeak of protest. Sunday—still eerily observant—gently picked them up and held them up to the glass without a word.

Pom-Pom said nothing, face flushed. But they didn’t squirm either.

Stelle raised an eyebrow. “I guess the moon-thingy makes it a bit more interesting.”

Progress again. Small steps.

Himeko stepped forward, producing several indigo-colored crystals from her coat and handing them to Dan Heng. “Here are some space anchors. Placing them will confirm that the Nameless has Trailblazed through Teyvat.”

Black Swan and Welt remained behind her, their presence quiet but alert.

Stelle took a brief count of heads. She, Dan Heng and March were standing on one side facing Welt, Himeko and Black Swan.

Something felt off. She narrowed her eyes—wait a minute.

Her gaze flicked across the room and landed on Sunday.

“You know, for The Family Head, you sure are quiet, Sunny,” she smirked. “Come and join the Galactic Baseballer and her companions on their mission!”

Dan Heng didn’t look up. He simply raised his book and slapped her lightly on the back of the head with it.

“Hey—!”

March giggled behind her hand.

Sunday exhaled like he was suffering. “Miss Stelle, please call me Sunday. I appreciate the sentiment of the nickname but… ah…”
He still stepped forward, though.

Himeko, Welt, and Black Swan wisely said nothing.

Pom-Pom, now back on solid ground, waddled forward and jabbed a paw in Stelle’s direction. “Remember to stay safe, okay? And bring back souvenirs if you can!”
Their voice wobbled slightly, and Stelle was reminded again of what had happened on Penacony. Even now, Pom-Pom seemed shaken.

She gave a casual thumbs-up. “Rest assured, the Galactic Baseballer will protect them!”

Sunday sighed again, quietly suffering. Dan Heng was certain the halovian would take a while to adjust to the…unique dynamic in the Astral Express.

Smack. Another book tap to the head.
“Alright, alright!”

“I’ll go prepare the systems for you four to warp down safely,” Himeko said, already turning toward the navigation room. “With the border around Teyvat, we don’t know if landing is even possible.”

March began digging through her bag for her phone, no doubt thinking about taking more pictures.

Dan Heng had already turned and was halfway down the hall toward the Archives, likely to log data or prep additional supplies.

Welt glanced toward Black Swan. “Should we start the discussion now? Somewhere more private, I think.”

Black Swan nodded serenely, her tone unreadable. “It would be wise to take precautions.”

Stelle shifted, only pretending to not be eavesdropping from behind a column. Welt didn’t even turn around.

“Stelle, I can feel you staring at me. Sadly I won’t be able to tell you what the discussion is about.”

Her mouth opened. “...I wasn’t even—“

“Stelle.”

“…Hmph.”

She stalked off, muttering under her breath, while March trotted after her with a camera in hand and Sunday trailed behind with an expression that screamed “unpaid intern.”

The calm before the storm, the lull before a new world opened up to them.

Somewhere beyond the warp and stars and barriers, Teyvat waited.

Crimson seas, broken moons, and all

==

The warp to Teyvat was smoother than expected—eerily smooth, in fact. No jolts of interference, no signs of spatial instability. One moment they were drifting through the glittering abyss of the stars, the next they were standing ankle-deep in wet moss and half-submerged roots.

A marshland spread around them in every direction, sunlight filtering down through a thin veil of fog, the light gold and sleepy. The wind stirred the tall grass and sent ripples across shallow pools like something exhaling softly—welcoming, almost.

The most noticeable thing, however, loomed ahead.

A massive tree, ancient and wild, towered from the heart of the marsh. Its trunk was thick enough to support three, maybe four of the Astral Express’s train cars stacked end to end. Vines clung to the bark like veins, while luminous blue fungi clung to its roots and glowed faintly in the shadows. Built around its trunk like a cocoon of polished wood and paper lanterns was a treehouse-style inn—multistoried, delicate, and oddly peaceful.

Stelle squinted up at it, brushing specks of dirt from her knees. “Huh. I thought something cool would happen. Like, fireworks. A space-time rupture. A giant talking bird.”

She paused, glancing around. “No trash cans.”

Dan Heng exhaled, flat. “Yes, because something interfering with our warp and trying to kill us would definitely qualify as cool.”

Behind them, Sunday remained silent, half-listening. His pale-yellow eyes roamed the landscape—soaking in every strange glimmer of this new world, every flutter of reeds, every hum in the air that didn’t quite belong. He looked pensive. On edge.

He reached instinctively toward his pocket—perhaps to retrieve his notebook—but his fingers brushed against something unfamiliar at his hip.

A soft click of metal and glass.

Sunday’s eyes narrowed.

There, fastened securely to his belt, was a circular gem encased in ornate gold. Sky-blue and clear as spring water, it shimmered faintly, cold to the touch. The gold frame curled around it like gentle waves. As he tilted it, Sunday swore he could hear the rush of water—a current distant yet persistent, as though the ocean were whispering from within it.

That hadn’t been there before.

“When did this…?”

He spoke aloud, voice calm but curious. “Pardon me, but do these gems typically appear during Trailblazing expeditions?”

The others turned. First to him—then to themselves.

Sure enough, each of them bore something new.

Stelle tugged at the ticket pinned to her jacket that showed her affiliation to the Nameless —now gleaming with a pulsing topaz that sparked faintly when her fingers neared it. Dan Heng discovered a gem at his waist, misty cyan like still lake water, its aura cool and steady. March dug hers out from behind her camera, a soft blue glowing like a frozen raindrop.

March held hers up to the light, tilting it back and forth with childlike wonder. “Oooh, it shimmers! Maybe Teyvat gives every pretty girl a pretty gem like this.”

Stelle grinned, teeth sharp with mischief. “Then we have to see how Sunny and Dan Heng look with some blush and eyeliner. Equal rights, equal makeup.”

Sunday took a step back on instinct, wings fluttering tight against his head like shutters closing. His face remained unreadable, but his discomfort was obvious.

Neither girl noticed Dan Heng had stopped moving.

He stood like a statue, his eyes locked on something far above the treehouse inn. The gem at his waist pulsed once—quiet but alive. Slowly, his grip around his lance tightened.

==

Elsewhere—hidden among the golden leaves crowning Wangshu Inn—a presence watched in silence.

Xiao stood unmoving, eyes like burning gold beneath his hood, his body woven into the shadow of the tree like a ghost. The air around him was unnaturally still, Anemo curling faintly around his feet. One hand rested on the haft of his polearm, fingers twitching with unease.

Centuries of karmic residue stirred in his blood, coiling like smoke under his skin.

Wrong.

Something about these strangers was wrong.

They wore visions like ornaments but handled them with unfamiliarity. As if they’d never seen one before—like children handed dangerous relics without knowing their weight.

His eyes narrowed. And then there was that one—the quiet one with feathered wings sprouting from his head.

Not a tengu. Not any species he recognized. But clearly not human either.

Still, it wasn’t the odd gems or the winged boy that set Xiao’s instincts ablaze.

He had not sensed their arrival. Not a flicker of energy, not a whisper in the ley lines. One moment the world was quiet; the next, it was not. That was impossible. He could count the number of people at the Inn without turning his head. He could sense corruption leagues away.

And yet, he hadn’t noticed them until that presence arrived.

Dragon.

Not beast. Not vishap. Dragon.

Its aura was quieter than Rex Lapis’, older in a different way—like still water deep beneath the earth. But unmistakable.

A dragon that walked beside mortals.

Did they know?

Did he know?

Xiao’s polearm shifted in his grasp, angled down but ready. He could teleport closer. He could strike before they had time to react. He could warn Rex Lapis, though that meant seeking him out in his current… inconvenient form.

He hadn’t decided yet when it happened.

The boy with dark hair looked up.

Teal eyes, sharp as obsidian and laced with a silence Xiao recognized too well, met his from across the distance.

And held.

A ripple of pressure expanded in the space between them, like air collapsing inward. There was no visible change—but Xiao felt the shift. A calmness giving way to stillness. Like breath being drawn before a storm.

He gripped his polearm tighter.

So. He was the dragon.

The others hadn’t noticed. The girls were still talking, laughing, their backs turned. The winged boy said nothing, but his stance was uncomfortable, though it was more towards the girls cornering him than the dragon.

Did they know what walked beside them?

Xiao didn’t wait for the answer.

He could see the water in Dihua Marsh starting to shake and form ripples despite no visible movement.

With a surge of Anemo, he lunged—leaving only a whisper of wind and the faint scent of lotus and metal behind.

Chapter Text

"W-" The first thing Dan Heng's senses registered was the sharp point of a polearm grazing his collarbone.

The second was the man in front of him.

His hair was dark green and tousled, falling in wild spikes. The man's piercing gold eyes were narrowed at Dan Heng, though they betrayed no emotion.

The third thing Dan Heng registered was the sheer, suffocating weight of the man’s aura—like the air before a thunderstorm, thick with the promise of violence. It reminded him of his own, in his other form.

For a fraction of a second, time seemed to freeze.

Then, instinct took over.

Dan Heng twisted, his body moving before his mind could fully process the threat. His own spear materialized in his grasp, the jade-green blade flashing as he parried the strike with a sharp clang of metal. The force of the impact sent a tremor up his arms, but he held firm, his stance solid. There was a flicker of energy the same colour as the gem on his belt and for a moment, the spear seemed lighter and easier to parry.

Behind him, Stelle and March reacted instantly. Stelle’s bat was already in her hands, crackling with golden energy, while March nocked an ice arrow, her bowstring pulled taut. Sunday, though unarmed, took a step back, his wings flaring slightly—not in aggression, but in wary defense. Golden thorns had begun to form around his hands.

The green-haired man didn’t retreat. Instead, he adjusted his grip on his polearm, his golden eyes flicking to survey the scene for a moment before falling back on Dan Heng. His voice was low, edged with something ancient and unyielding, "Identify yourself. You do not belong here."

Dan Heng exhaled slowly, keeping his tone measured. "We mean no harm. We are the Nameless from the Astral Express and we come from beyond this world."

This statement seemed to make the man in front of him hesitate, if only for a moment. "Beyond this world?" The man's voice was sharp, edged with skepticism. His grip on his polearm didn't waver, but his golden eyes flickered—just for an instant—with something unreadable.

Then, his gaze hardened further. "Are you with the Traveler?"

Dan Heng paused. Who was this mysterious traveler the man was speaking of?

Stelle blinked, then tilted her head with a lazy smirk. "Uh, buddy, you're gonna have to be more specific. 'Traveler' is kinda a job description, not a name." She gestured vaguely at the group. "I mean, technically, we're all travelers—"

"STELLE!" March's voice was a mix of exasperation and secondhand embarrassment, her cheeks puffing up as she smacked Stelle's arm. "You can't just say that to the guy who was literally about to stab Dan Heng!"

Stelle rubbed her arm, unfazed. "What? I'm just saying, if we're gonna get interrogated, we should at least get the right interrogation." She turned back to the man, squinting. "Unless this 'Traveler' has, like, a really distinctive hat or something—"

March groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "Oh my Aeons, Stelle—"

Sunday, who had been watching the exchange with the expression of a man questioning all his life choices, sighed quietly. "Perhaps we should focus on not provoking the armed man further."

Stelle shrugged. "Hey, I'm just trying to help."

Dan Heng resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. (He would, if not for the fact that he needed to keep his weapon up against this man.)

The mysterious man didn't seem to react to Stelle's provocations, at least not outwardly.

The man's piercing gaze remained fixed on Dan Heng for a long moment, his grip still tight on his polearm. But then, something shifted—his eyes flickered briefly toward the others, assessing them once more, before he exhaled sharply.

Slowly, deliberately, he lowered his weapon. The tension in the air didn’t dissipate entirely, but the immediate threat lessened.

"You speak of being from beyond this world," The man said, his voice still edged with caution. "If that is true… then perhaps the one you should speak to is the Traveler."

Stelle perked up. "Oh, so this *Traveler* does have a name?"

Xiao ignored her, his attention still on Dan Heng. "The Traveler has walked the paths of many worlds, if you are not of this world, then she will recognize it."

March tilted her head. "She?"

Xiao didn’t elaborate. Instead, he turned slightly, his polearm vanishing in a shimmer of Anemo energy. "Come. I will take you to Liyue Harbor. If the Traveler is not there, someone will know where to find her."

Dan Heng hesitated for only a second before dismissing his own weapon. He exchanged a glance with Stelle and March—Stelle shrugged, while March gave a small, encouraging nod. Sunday, ever the diplomat, inclined his head slightly in agreement.

"Very well," Dan Heng said. "We’ll follow. May we know your name?"

"You may call me Xiao." The man gave a curt nod before turning on his heel. As he began walking, his movements were swift and precise, as if he expected them to keep up without complaint.

Stelle leaned toward March, whispering loudly, "So, uh, are we sure this isn’t just a trap to lead us into an ambush?"

March shrugged, "I mean, at least we'll die pretty!"

A look of mild alarm flashed on Sunday's face. "Perhaps it'd be best to discuss that privately, Ms March." He said carefully.

Xiao didn’t react, but Dan Heng caught the faintest twitch of his brow.

Somehow, he had a feeling this was going to be a long walk.

=

"Alright, here’s the deal—take your pick: a shiny Masterless Vision or a free ride to Inazuma on the Alcor if you win the Crux Clash. What’s it gonna be?" Beidou flashed a wide grin, leaning back with her hands resting casually on her hips. The ship’s sails billowed in the wind as the waves gently rocked the sturdy vessel, carrying the unmistakable scent of salt and adventure.

Lumine blinked, momentarily thrown off guard by Beidou’s nonchalant offer. She shouldn’t have been surprised, though. Beidou always played things with a twist.

"Hold on!" Paimon zipped forward, tiny fists on her hips as she gave the Captain a skeptical look. "You just want to drag Lumine into some crazy tournament, don’t you? Paimon sees right through you!"

Beidou chuckled loudly, unrepentant. "What can I say? A captain's got to keep things lively! Besides, what’s a little friendly competition among friends?"

Kazuha, standing by the mast, gave a low hum in agreement, a faint smile dancing on his lips. "The competition is easier than fighting that beast that emerged from the waters, so I'm certain you'll be alright."

Lumine, already processing the odds in her head, couldn’t help but smile. She had only recently met Beidou, but it didn’t take long to figure out that nothing ever came for free with the Captain. There was always some challenge involved.

Paimon groaned, clearly not convinced. "So, we have to fight in some flashy tournament just to hitch a ride? Seriously?" She shot an exasperated glance at Lumine. "What are we supposed to do, huh?"

Lumine grinned, fingers brushing lightly against the hilt of her sword. "Don’t worry. I’ve handled worse than a few loudmouths and egos."

Beidou laughed heartily, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "That’s what I like to hear! Let’s see if you can walk the talk, Traveler."

Paimon crossed her arms, an exaggerated pout forming on her face as she muttered, "Famous last words..." But despite her complaints, there was a spark of excitement in her eyes.

Lumine chuckled and patted Paimon’s head. This was almost too easy. "Tell you what—if I win, I’ll treat you to almond tofu." A playful smirk tugged at her lips. When it came to Paimon, food was always the quickest way to sway her.

As expected, Paimon’s eyes sparkled at the mention of her favorite dish. She zipped around Lumine in an excited whirl before striking her signature pose—tiny hands planted on her hips, all traces of her earlier sulk vanishing in an instant. "Deal! But you better win, or Paimon’s gonna be super mad!"

Kazuha observed the exchange with quiet amusement, his crimson eyes crinkling at the corners. Leaning toward Beidou, he murmured something too low for the others to catch before stepping forward. "Allow me to escort you to the registration," he offered, his voice as calm as a breeze. "I’d like the chance to know you better—especially since the winds carry whispers about you that I’ve yet to decipher."

Beidou let out a booming laugh and gave Kazuha a hearty slap on the back—hard enough to make the young samurai stumble a step forward. "Don’t mind his fancy words," she said, grinning. "He’s been speaking in riddles since the day I met him!"

Lumine and Paimon waved goodbye to the captain as they followed Kazuha off the Alcor, their boots crunching against the sun-warmed stone of one of the small islands of Guyun Stone Forest. Ahead, a woman stood behind a makeshift desk, her pen scratching against paper as she finalized the registration of a burly competitor.

"Qince Village Arm-Wrestling Competition, huh? Alright, you’re all set." The woman scribbled one last note before waving the man off. He nodded his thanks and strode away, rolling his shoulders in anticipation. She glanced up, her bored expression brightening in surprise. "Next, please! What’s your na—Kazuha?" She blinked. "What're you doing here?"

Kazuha chuckled, resting a hand on his hip. "Ah, no need to mind me, Zhuhan. I’m merely escorting the Traveler here to sign up for the Crux Clash."

Lumine offered the woman a polite smile, but before she could speak—

"Wait—the Traveler?" Zhuhan jolted upright, her pen slipping from her fingers. "The one who took down that sea monster single-handedly?"

A hush rippled through the crowd. Heads turned. Whispers ignited like sparks in dry grass.

"Did I hear that right...?"

"That’s the outlander who faced Osial’s wrath—!"

"Look, it’s her! The gold in her eyes—!"

The murmurs swelled, pressing in from all sides. Paimon puffed up, floating protectively closer to Lumine. "Oh wow. Paimon didn't know you were that famous." Meanwhile, Lumine, though there was a slight flush on her cheeks, ignored the murmurs.

Kazuha’s gaze swept over the gathering crowd, his lips quirked up in amusement. "It seems," he murmured, "your reputation precedes you."

Zhuhan fumbled with her papers, her voice dropping to an awed whisper. "Uh—I-I have to ask… Aren’t you the Traveler who stood with Liyue against the ancient god?"

Lumine’s smile didn’t waver. "Correct."

A nervous laugh escaped Zhuhan as she rubbed her temple. "Right, of course! Then, ah—you’re aware this tournament’s strictly for fighters without Visions, yes?" She gestured vaguely toward the rules pinned behind her, as if expecting Lumine to suddenly produce a glowing orb from thin air.

"I don’t have one." Lumine raised her hands slightly, turning them in the sunlight—no hidden trinkets, no elemental resonance. Just calloused palms.

Paimon crossed her arms with a huff. "Yeah, and Paimon’s the proof! If she had a Vision, she wouldn’t need me to remind her about important stuff—like snack breaks!"

Zhuhan's pen hovered over the parchment as her eyes widened. "Wait, truly? But the stories say you've faced the Fatui Harbingers and lived to tell about it. There are rumors you've battled ancient dragons and walked away from encounters that would leave vision-wielders trembling." She leaned forward slightly, her professional demeanor giving way to open curiosity.

Paimon floated higher, chest puffed out with pride. "Every word's true!" The little guide spun in a triumphant circle before adding, "Though Paimon's brilliant strategies helped too, of course."

"Although I haven't met her for long, I haven't seen the Traveler with a single vision on her." Kazuha added.

A faint blush colored Zhuhan's cheeks as she ducked her head. "My apologies if I seemed doubtful. It's just... well, you're rather legendary around these parts." She smoothed the registration form with suddenly nervous fingers. "For our records, could you list some of your more notable achievements? 'Hero of Liyue' goes without saying, but anything else that might... ah... impress the judges?"

Lumine gave a modest shrug. "I'm the Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt," she offered, her tone casual as if discussing the weather rather than a prestigious title.

Paimon couldn't contain herself, zipping forward with stars practically glittering in her eyes. "And she kicked the Eleventh Harbinger's butt in single combat! Oh, and saved Dvalin from corruption!" The pixie crossed her arms with a triumphant huff.

At this, the murmurs started once more.

A mountain of a man with crossed arms let out a theatrical sigh, his biceps bulging as he shook his head. "Might as well hand her the trophy now and save us all the embarrassment."

Nearby, a wiry woman in training leathers paled, fingers nervously tapping her chin. "Is it... um, is it too late to request a refund on my registration fee?" Her voice cracked slightly as she eyed Lumine with new apprehension.

The murmurs among the competitors grew louder, creating a buzzing undercurrent of:

"That's the Outlander who dueled a Harbinger to a standstill?"

"I heard she fought Adepti and lived to tell about it!"

"My cousin in Mondstadt said she single-handedly—"

Zhuhan's hands trembled slightly as she stamped Lumine's registration form. "A-alright, you're officially signed up," she said, blowing a loose strand of hair from her face. "And just between us? This might be the most intimidating application I've processed in five years of running this tournament." She gave a nervous laugh before shaking her head, her silver earrings catching the sunlight as she composed herself. "Qualifying rounds begin in an hour at the main platform. Good luck... not that you'll need it," she added under her breath.

As they walked away from the registration area, the murmur of the crowd followed them like a persistent tide. Paimon floated backwards to face Lumine, her tiny arms crossed. "You know what's funny?" she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Most people in Teyvat think you can't possibly wield elemental power without a Vision."

Kazuha fell into step beside them, the autumn leaves swirling at his feet. "That's because for ordinary mortals," he mused, his crimson eyes glinting with quiet amusement, "it is impossible to command the elements without divine blessing." He tilted his head slightly. "But then... you've never been ordinary, have you, Traveler?"

Lumine chuckled slightly.

Beidou's voice cut through the training ground chatter as she waved them over, her crimson coat flaring dramatically with the motion. She leaned casually against the wooden barracks, the sunlight glinting off her golden eyepatch. "Hey, you lot! Over here!"

As they approached, the pirate captain pushed off from the wall and produced a small lacquered box from her coat. "Figured you might need this," she said, offering it to Lumine with a knowing grin. "Competition's gonna be rough - wouldn't want your precious cargo getting damaged in the scuffle. Every competetor gets one but I think Zhuhan was too starstruck and forgot to give you one."

Lumine accepted the box, her fingers brushing against the smooth finish. "Thanks, I need to store some items."

Beidou jerked her thumb toward a massive iron-banded chest near Zhuhan's desk, its surface crackling with faint traces of purple and teal energy. "Toss your gear in there once you're ready," she said, handing Lumine a carved wooden tag. "We've got it locked down tight with Anemo and Electro seals - not even a Treasure Hoarder could crack this chest open." The pirate captain winked. "Slap this label on your compartment so your stuff doesn't get mixed up with the other competitors'."

Paimon floated closer to inspect the chest, her tiny fingers hovering just shy of the shimmering elemental barrier. "Whoa! Paimon can practically feel the static in the air!" She yanked her hand back when a small spark jumped between the chest and her fingertips. "Yikes! Okay, message received - no snooping!"

As Lumine approached the chest, she noticed several other competitors carefully placing their belongings in separate compartments, each section glowing faintly as the elemental seals reset behind them.

Her own chest was placed inside the big one.

Inside?

The flowers that were always in her hair and a golden ticket.