Chapter 13: Parting Winds, Rising Tides (Revised Version)
The morning mist swirled around Mondstadt's gates as Orion adjusted his travel pack, Zero humming while clinging to his arm. Their farewell gathering took an unexpected turn when Diluc emerged from the shadows, his crimson coat flaring like a warning beacon.
Diluc's piercing gaze locked onto Zero's Snezhnayan-style gloves as he pressed a sealed letter into Orion's hand. "Burn this if captured," he muttered. "It details Fatui operations in Liyue." His eyes flicked to Zero. "Especially around... certain companions."
Zero merely giggled, tightening her grip on Orion's arm. "So suspicious, Master Ragnvindr~"
As they departed, the Pyro Abyss Lector watching from the Thousand Winds Temple chuckled, burning a stolen Fatui missive: "Let the fools chase shadows while our Lord returns to us."
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Liyue Border - Northern Pass
The scent of salt and glaze lilies first signaled their approach to Liyue. But their journey was interrupted when hydro blades embedded themselves in the path ahead.
"Leaving so soon?" Childe stepped from the treeline, his usual grin sharpened with battle-lust. "I couldn't let such an interesting traveler pass without... proper greetings."
Before Orion could respond, the temperature plummeted. Frost crackled across the grass as La Signora emerged, her presence commanding immediate attention.
"Enough, Tartaglia." Her voice carried neither her usual disdain nor deference - only clinical interest. "We're observers, not participants."
Childe pouted. "But the reports said-"
"Reports noted anomalies worth studying." Signora's glacial eyes scanned Orion like a specimen.
"The Tsaritsa finds your... circumstances intriguing, traveler. Particularly your companion."
Her gaze lingered on Zero. "A Snezhnayan maid who appears from nowhere? How curious."
[♡~ Maybe she wants to hire me~ ♡] Zero chirped.
Signora's lips curled slightly. "Her Majesty simply wishes to understand what makes you different. No demands. No threats." She produced an ornate invitation. "Merely an open invitation should you seek... answers."
As the Harbingers departed, Childe shot Orion a competitive grin. "Next time, we spar properly!"
Meanwhile in Zapolyarny Palace, the Tsaritsa watched through her Gnosis as frost formed an intricate model of Orion's energy signature. "Not Aion reborn," she murmured, "but something new. How... fascinating."
The crisp mountain air carried the scent of blooming glaze lilies as Orion and Zero descended the winding path toward Liyue Harbor. The encounter with the Harbingers left an uneasy silence between them, broken only by the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath their boots.
Stone Gate Transition:
- Merchants' carts rattled along the worn trade route
- The climate shifted noticeably - Mondstadt's lush greens giving way to Liyue's golden landscapes
- Zero suddenly stiffened, her playful demeanor vanishing
Zero's Alert:
[♡~ Master... we're being watched from the cliffs. Not Fatui. Not Abyss. Something... older. ~♡]
Before Orion could respond, a thunderous roar shook the valley. From the towering stone formations, a massive geovishap emerged - its stony hide glittering with unnatural violet energy.
The Abnormal Geovishap:
- Eyes glowing with corrupted Geo energy
- Spikes along its back pulsed with Abyssal residue
- Attacked with unprecedented coordination, as if guided by intelligence
Battle Dynamics:
1. Orion's instinctive combat skills surfaced - movements too precise for an ordinary traveler
2. Zero's "maid" facade slipped briefly when she deflected a crushing blow with her bare hands
3. The creature's death throes released a wisp of dark energy that whispered "Khaenri'ah" before dissipating
As the dust settled, a familiar voice drawled from above:
"Now that was a show worth the price of admission."
Zhongli's Appearance:
- Leaning against a stone pillar with deceptive casualness
- His amber eyes lingered on Orion's unmarked hands (where a Geo vision should form)
- "That creature hasn't been seen since the Archon War. How... interesting you drew its attention."
Meanwhile, atop Mt. Tianheng:
Ningguang observed through her jade screen as the Tianquan's fingers froze over her documents. "Send word to the Qixing," she ordered. "We may have another... unusual visitor."
Yanfei, reviewing legal texts in her office, suddenly found ancient Adepti laws about "Sovereign Entities" glowing on her parchment.
At the Harbor:
The bustling docks quieted momentarily as a certain funeral consultant guided two newcomers through the streets. The millelith guards didn't notice:
- How every ship's compass needle twitched toward Orion
- The way the Sigil of Permission in a merchant's stall hummed
- That Zhongli's shadow momentarily displayed draconic wings
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Childe's "Guidance" – A Harbinger's Play
Childe appeared just as Orion and Zero reached the outskirts of Liyue Harbor, his grin sharp as a blade.
"Missed me already?" he teased, falling into step beside them. "Thought you could use a proper tour guide. Liyue's full of… surprises."
Orion noted how Childe's gaze lingered on Zero—assessing, calculating. The Eleventh Harbinger wasn't just here to escort them. He was studying them.
"So," Childe said casually, "heard you met Signora. She's not usually the welcoming type. Must've made an impression."
Zero giggled. [♡~ She looked like she wanted to dissect me~ ♡]
Childe's smile didn't waver, but his fingers twitched toward his hydro blades. "Yeah, well. The Tsaritsa's got a thing for collecting interesting people."
As they walked, Orion noticed something unsettling—the Fatui agents they passed didn't react to Childe. No salutes, no acknowledgments. As if he wasn't even there.
"You're not really here on official business, are you?" Orion asked.
Childe laughed. "Officially? No. But between us—I am curious. The Gnosis we collected here? They reacted to *you* before we even took them."
Orion froze. "What?"
Childe's eyes gleamed. "The Geo Gnosis *pulsed* when you entered Liyue. Like it recognized something."
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The Jade Chamber – A Glimpse of the Unseen
Ningguang received them with the poised grace of the Tianquan, her scarlet gaze sharp as she observed Orion over the rim of her teacup.
"An unusual traveler," she mused. "The last time Liyue saw someone like you, Rex Lapis still walked among us."
Zero sipped her tea with exaggerated elegance. [♡~ Oh? Are you flirting, Lady Tianquan?~ ♡]
Ningguang's lips curled, but before she could retort—something moved.
For the briefest moment, Ningguang saw it—a spectral hand reaching from the air itself, plunging into Orion's chest. It withdrew clutching a darkened Gnosis, its shape not the usual chess piece but a silhouette of a winged figure.
Then—it was gone.
Ningguang blinked. Had she imagined it?
Orion and Zero showed no reaction. Whatever had happened, they hadn't noticed.
"Lady Ningguang?" Orion tilted his head. "You alright?"
She exhaled smoke from her pipe, schooling her expression. "Merely considering business prospects. My apologies."
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The Forbidden Domain – Aelia's Vigil
Locked away in a realm untouched by Celestia's gaze, Aelia stood before a swirling mass of Orion's sealed power. The energy twisted like a caged storm, its light dimmed but not extinguished.
Ronova's voice echoed through the void:
"They will come for him again. The Sustainer does not forget."
Aelia's fingers brushed the barrier, her form flickering between human and something more. "I remember my promise," she whispered. "Even if he does not."
The domain trembled. Somewhere in Liyue, Orion's steps left faint golden cracks in the stone beneath his feet—cracks that healed instantly, as if time itself rejected their existence.
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