Chapter 5:

Nuper Flore Chapter : Act I – Lonely Curse of Eternity

Interlude Chapter: Friends the World Over [Genshin Impact Original Character Story]

(In front of Liyue Adventurer’s Guild.)

Kathryne
Traveler, Paimon. Do you have a moment?

Paimon
What’s wrong Kathryne?

Kathryne
Should there be a problem for me to greet you every time we meet?

Paimon
Well… Of course not, but since we are adventurers, we expected for another difficult commision.

Kathryne
Not this time. Actually, I just wanted to inform you two about an upcoming occasion in Inazuma.

Paimon
An Inazuman festival? It can’t be Iradori Festival since there’s still time for it.

Kathryne
I got a special invitation from Lady Guji of the Grand Narukami Shrine. Here it is.

(Letter:
Dear Traveler and Paimon,
It’s been so long to have your companion in Inazuma. What a shame. The Chinju Forest is so quiet without your presence. While you two are enjoying a wedding in Liyue, we also decided to hold the Mikawa Flower Festival once more. Our little youkai friends thought that would be interesting enough to catch your attention. We’d be so happy to see you here in person. Please send my most sincere greetings to Mian Feng and his wife.
Hope to see you soon.)

Paimon

Wow! It sounds like this time they are holding a much bigger event. We can’t miss it!

Kathryne
I thought you would be interested. It is organized by Lady Guji herself and starts in a few days. If you don’t want to miss anything, you should hurry.

Paimon
She’s a kitsune after all, so that makes it her festival. Let’s go give her a visit.

(At docks. Beidou is talking to Kazuha.)

Beidou
Ohoho! Look at who’s here? I haven't seen you since the ceremony. Tell me, how did it feel to attend a traditional Liyue wedding?

Paimon
Hi Beidou, hi Kazuha!

Traveler
It’s been a while.

Kazuha
It’s nice to see you again. Seems like you witnessed a very special occasion. Lucky for you.

Paimon
Yeah! It was so nice and emotional. And Yun Jin’s performance was sooo majestic.

Traveler
Now we are going to attend another festival in Inazuma.

Beidou
Dear Archons! Aren’t you guys tired of playing around? Haha! Just kidding. After all, you deserved a vacation after all those battles. And let me guess, you need a ship, right?

Paimon
It is true, but we weren’t specifically looking for someone to take us there. We just had to run across.

Beidou
Haha! It's alright. I can take you there, no problem. I was also taking Kazuha on a trip to Inazuma. This youngster you see here missed his homeland and wanted to visit there.

Kazuha
Hehe. Even a wanderer might have homesickness. And since you mentioned a festival, maybe it’s a great opportunity to visit my homeland.

Beidou
What festival are you talking about tho? I don’t remember any festivals around this time of the year.

Paimon
It’s called Mikawa Flower Festival. It’s a festival special for youkais. But any human can also join and have fun.

Kazuha
Mikawa Flower Festival huh? So they are celebrating it again this year. Unfortunately, I can’t join you this time since I already made some plans. But, if I have a chance, maybe our paths may come across.

Paimon
Aww, we wish you would also join.

Beidou
And when do you plan to depart?

Traveler
Sooner the better.

Beidou

Very well then. Let’s get head off tonight, is it suitable for you?

Paimon

Perfect! Thanks captain!

Beidou
Alright! Since everyone’s ready, let’s set off!

(Inazuma port)

Paimon
In her letter, Miko mentioned Chinju Forest. Maybe the event will be held on the same beach like the last time. Let’s go check it out.

(The Chinju Forest.)

Paimon
Huh. Paimon can’t see anyone around. Did we come to the wrong spot?

(Traveler is alerted.)

Paimon
Huh? What’s wrong?

(Bushes start to rustle.)

Traveler
Who’s there!?

(A little girl appears inside the bush.)

Paimon
A child? What is she doing here all by herself?

Traveler
You scared us. What are you doing here?

Little Girl
I didn’t mean to scare you. I saw a human approaching here, so I got curious. Normally my aunt doesn’t let me talk to humans.

Paimon
Wait. Are you not a human?

Little Girl
No, I’m a Kitsune. My name is Ichiko.

Traveler
Nice to meet you Ichiko. I’m (----) and this is Paimon.

Ichiko
Nice to meet you. And, um… Why are you here? In the forest?

Paimon
She’s pretty straight forward right?

Traveler
We came here to see our other kitsune friend, Miko. Do you know her?

Ichiko
Aunty Miko? Of course I do! Follow me.

Paimon
Aunty Miko? Wait, is Miko her aunt?

Traveler

Let’s find out.

(They come to a festival area. Miko is talking to other foxes and crows.)

Ichiko
Aunty Miko! Look who I found? They said they are your friends.

Miko
Hm? Oh, look who’s here? Let me guess, you got my invitation and wanted to join, is that right?

Paimon
Yup yup! We heard the news from Kathryne and wanted to take a look.

Miko
It’s a pleasure to see you again. Surely this year’s festival became much more lively with the help of the other youkais.

Paimon
Paimon sees that!

Traveler
I didn’t know there were so many youkais.

Miko
What were you expecting? We were the last ones of our kinds? To be fair, our population started to decrease after the Archon War. And when the people and the monsters started to reach further areas of the island, youkais immigrated to other islands. There were times when we would live in harmony in the past. However, there are some youkais that still don’t trust humans. It was a pain to change their minds and persuade them to join this year’s festival.

Ichiko

Aunty Miko, will your friends also celebrate the festival with us?

Paimon
Ahaha! Aunty Miko, it is so funny to hear that.

Miko
What is wrong with being an aunt? I’m actually very proud of being Ichiko’s aunt.

Ichiko
Yes! Aunty Miko is so funny. She always scares humans and they always cry, ehehe. There’s also a bakeinu who always hides his tail whenever he sees Aunty Miko and starts to whimper. He’s the funniest one.

Paimon
That must be Gorou. So, is he also invited?

Miko
He actually is, but he always declines my invitation. What a shame.

Paimon
No wonder why.

Traveler
Who else is coming?

Miko
From the people you know, Arataki Itto will be accepted only with his grandma if he acts properly. And as you can guess, our dear general Kujou Sara will also be here. Also dear Kirara also agreed to join this time.

Paimon
So many familiar faces! Paimon can tell that this festival will be so exciting!

Ichiko

We have also prepared so many games with Tanukis. Kichiboushi told me about his visit to other nations and created a new game. You should join too!

Miko
Ichiko. We don’t invite people like that. What did I teach you?

Ichiko
Pff. Would you like to join us?

Paimon
Wow, such a lifeless and monotone game invitation. Paimon changed her mind about playing the game.

Traveler
I’d like to. How do we play it?

Ichiko
That’s great! I’ll tell you when Kichiboushi arrives! Otherwise it would be cheating.

Miko
If we agreed on your attendance, I need to go and continue with preparations.

Paimon
See you later Miko!

Ichiko
Bye bye Aunty-

Miko
You are coming with me.

Ichiko
Aow…

(Ichiko follows Miko.)

Paimon
Well, there’s nothing else for us. Since we came all the way to Inazuma, let’s go to the city.

(Inazuma city, Commercial Street.)

Paimon
The usual Inazuma city. Huh… Paimon thought more people would get ready to join the festival.

Heizou
Look who’s here. Traveler, Paimon, what a great surprise. Which wind threw you here?

Paimon
Heizou~ It’s been a while.

Heizou
It’s great to see you again. And forgive me if I’m putting my oar in, were you talking about a festival?

Paimon
Yeah, The Mikawa Flower Festival!

(Paimon explained the festival in detail.)

Heizou
Oho~ Sounds interesting. Actually I was already informed by my dear colleague and planning to have a day off.

Traveler
You mean Sara?

Heizou
Who else could it be?

???
Don’t even try!

Paimon
Huh? Sara!? When did you come here?

Sara
I was following him for a while since I was so sure that he would just run off from his work. And I was right with my intuition. You are not going anywhere before you leave your report about the last three weeks’ cases. And don’t try to run away again.

Heizou
I got busted. Sigh. Very well then, I should return to my work. I wish you an enjoyable festival, comrade.

Sara
Hmm!

(Heizou runs away.)

Sara
Now tell me where did you get that information?

Paimon
Yikes!

(Traveler shows the invitation.)

Sara
Understandable. So now you are specially invited to the festival by Lady Guji herself. Am I correct?

Paimon
Yup yup! We will meet up with Ichiko to play a new game.

Sara
Ichiko? Did you two actually meet her?

Paimon
Yeah, she approached us first.

Sara
And what was Lady Guji’s reaction?

Paimon
Well, she didn’t mind too much. Why is that?

Sara
Uh… There’s one thing you should know about her. She was actually sealed by Lady Guji after an incident years ago and her interactions with any human was forbidden.

Paimon
Why? She looks like a nice girl. Did others bully her?

Sara
No, it was her who hurt others. I was still young when the incident happened, but I heard crows talking from my room’s window… “That fox child attacked human children.” “She must have been possessed by evil spirits. Let’s carry our eggs far from her. She might kill our children too.” And they flew away to hide their eggs. I don’t know the exact reason for her actions, but ever since she was not allowed to go outside near humans.

Paimon
Ah! That’s scary.

Traveler
Gossipers always exaggerate.

Sara

I agree. Yet they were still right: She attacked villagers. That’s why Lady Guji locked her down.

Paimon
Aw, how unfortunate. And Paimon thought she was a nice girl.

Sara
She is. That’s why I couldn’t find any reasons for her to attack villagers. So she’s finally free.

Paimon
She didn’t seem to be bothered or mad at her aunt. So she must have been out for a while, don’t you think?

Sara
I hope so… Anyway, if she’s out, I should go prepare some candies for her.

Paimon
Why candies?

Sara
Because she likes them. I’d like her to be more comfortable around others, so I’ll bring her a gift that she will like.

Paimon
Aww, that’s so thoughtful of you.

Sara
She’s still a kid, of course those types of gestures are important to make the child feel safe and loved. Those types of rewards are crucial in a child’s development. Besides, Lady Guji is always so strict with her. I’m sure she hasn't seen a candy for ages.

Paimon
Oh, shall we also bring something?

Sara
It is not necessary. I’m aware of your strength, but it is better not to get too close to her -for your own safety. Now excuse me.

(Kujou Sara leaves.)

Paimon
Paimon still feels so sad about Ichiko. Poor girl. What could have been done that time for her to get such punishment?

Traveler
Everyone has their own reasons.

Paimon
True. But still Yae Miko could be nicer to her own niece! Anyway, after talking to Sara, Paimon thought if Ei is also considered as a youkai. Since Zhongli is a former adeptus, maybe Ei can also be a youkai. Do you think it’s a good idea to go and give her a visit?

(Traveler nods.)

Paimon
Then let’s go give her a visit!

(Inside of Tenshukaku.)

Raiden Shogun
Hm? It is you two. What could be the reason for your current visit?

Paimon
We actually wanted to talk to Ei and ask her something. Is she here?

Ei
Welcome. Please wait a moment, I’ll be there in a minute.

(Ei gets out of Raiden Shogun Puppet.)

Ei
It’s good to see you two again. To what do we owe this surprise visit?

(Paimon explains everything.)

Ei
Oh? So Miko is holding another event this time. Very well.

Paimon
So tell us Ei, will you also join them?

Ei
Unfortunately, there’s no reason for me to join them. I’m also currently busy with commissioner affairs.

Paimon
Huh? What happened to commissioners?

Ei
Nothing momentous. We were reconsidering some regulations, that’s all.

Paimon
Phew! That’s a relief.

Traveler
We were also curious about if you are also a youkai or not.

Ei
Oh? What an abrupt question. Are you actually willing to see me in another form?

Traveler
Sorry.

Paimon
We didn’t want to offend you.

Ei
I was just joking. Although the answer of your question is simple, I’m not a youkai but a kami.

Paimon

We know you are a God.

Ei
You misunderstood me. Youkais are spiritual creatures with supernatural powers. On the other hand, kamis are those natural powers themselves. They don’t have any visual representations other than nature itself.

Paimon
Does that mean there are more of you?

Ei
Of course. As an Archon, I’m the one of my kind in Inazuma, however, my ancestors and species vary on those Islands.

Traveler
We are learning something new everyday.

Ei
Glad that I could satisfy your curiosity.

Paimon
Paimon now wants to meet other kamis too, but since they don’t have a body, that wouldn’t be so easy right?

Ei
You can actually see them, even now. Remember, when Raiden Shogun was in a conflict with me, she could control the weather and create lightning bolts. Some kamis can transform into natural phenomena like clouds or wind, and sometimes water and shape nature. However, we are not in full control of nature itself, instead we work in harmony. If we were nature itself, there wouldn’t be a need for Archons from other nations.

Paimon
That makes sense. Just like Venti being able to create wind currents or turning into a breeze. Thanks Ei for explaining things to us.

Ei
It’s my pleasure. Hope you enjoy the festival.

(Outside the Tenshukaku.)

Paimon
Guess we’re now waiting until the organizing is over. Paimon is very curious about the game that Ichiko mentioned. Since it’s Kichiboushi’s game, we can see him again too, right? But Paimon is not sure if we can understand him since we are not blessed by Tanuki magic anymore.

(Two days later, Chinju Forest.)

Paimon
Wow! This year’s event looks much better than last year indeed.

Yae Miko
It’s the power of youkai you see.

Paimon
Oh hi Miko!

Yae Miko
Hello little ones. I’m glad you made it on time. The celebrations just began. Why don’t you join others as well?

Paimon
Paimon is just about to! But before that. Where is Ichiko?

Traveler
We promised to play with her.

Yae Miko
Oh she’s right there, with our lovely tenguu general. But please don’t let her share candies with Ichiko. I’m already having so much trouble brushing her teeth. If she eats too much candy, her tooth will rot.

Paimon
Hahaha! You really are an aunt.

Traveler
Before that, can I ask you a question?

Yae Miko
Sure, go ahead.

Traveler
Why did you seal Ichiko?

Yae Miko
Oh, so you heard the story. Well then, you must already know that she harmed villagers too, right?

Paimon
We did. But why? She looks so sweet. If we ignore her mischievousness.

Yae Miko
I’ll take that as a compliment. We kitsunes can be very playful indeed. However, when we are angry, it is almost impossible to stop us. Ichiko is just a kid, but she is much more powerful than most humans. If you anger her, she might harm you without even changing her form. However, she is also very sensitive. When she attacked the villagers she wasn’t mad but sad.

Paimon
Why was she sad? Did the other kids bully her?

Yae Miko
Not exactly. We kitsunes have longer lifespans than humans, the time does not flow the same for us. Humans age, grow old and leave the world before us. As a youkai kid, death is a concept she can’t comprehend yet.

Long ago, a kitsune wanted to play with human kids. They accepted her right away and their joy continued for years. However, human kids grew into human adults while the little kitsune remained a kid. Regardless, they continued to play together. But human bodies can’t fight against time. As little kitsune watched all of her friends disappear, she fell into despair. Her tantrums destroyed many houses, and set everything on fire. Only to notice afterwards, that she was much more dangerous than time. Her anger was sealed inside the shrine for years with her little body.

Paimon
Sobs. Poor Ichiko. She was just a baby, and she felt all alone.

Yae Miko
I still insist on putting her to sleep until she grows up. However, her mother said that would delay her maturing and only cause more trouble.

Traveler
Even if her powers grow, her mind will stay as a child.

Yae Miko

That’s correct. Although I don’t have a single idea about child raising, I still believe I made the right decision. Yet, if it turns out as you mentioned, then it would be much more work for me.

Paimon
Paimon can see that you are cruel to everyone -even towards little kids.

Yae Miko
I’m just trying to look from a logical perspective, that’s all. Now, if you want to see her, it’s the time.

(Yae Miko leaves.)

Ichiko
Oh! You’re finally here! Sara, those are Auntie's friends I mentioned.

Kujou Sara
We are already familiar. You can say that we have a past.

Ichiko
Really? Awww, so many things happened when I was asleep! That’s not fair!

Kujou Sara
Don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything yet. If hearing that will make you better, this is my first Mikawa Flower Festival as well.

Ichiko
Really? That’s great! We can see around together!

Paimon
You seem in full spirit.

Ichiko
Yes! The manju Sara brought me is super delicious. It’s been years since I last ate a manju. Thank you Sara! I want to share them with everyone!

Kujou Sara
Don’t give them to onis.

Paimon
Why? Is it because you don’t get along with them?

Kujou Sara
Don’t be ridiculous. Manju is a sweet that contains beans, and most onis are allergic to beans.

Paimon
Oh, that'd be disastrous.

Ichiko
Hehehe, now I wanna give them more.

Kujou Sara
Don’t you dare. I’m watching you young lady.

Ichiko
Who are you calling a young lady! I’m already eighty nine years old!

Paimon
Wow! So old.

Gorou
Doesn’t seem that old to me.

Paimon
Gorou! You are here too.

Gorou
Greetings everyone.

Kirara
Hello everyone!

Kujou Sara
General Gorou. To what do we owe your attendance?

Gorou
I received an invitation from Lady Guji to the Mikawa Flower Festival. At first, I declined the invitation. B-because of my responsibilities in Watatsumi Island. However, Your Excellency convinced me to join the festival.

Kirara
I was specially ordered to deliver him to the festival, and here is your package! Hope you are content from our service.

Ichiko
You are that doggy! I should tell my auntie!

Gorou
What!? I-I’m not afraid of her, if you’re intending to scare me. Also, aren’t you too young to be left by yourself?

Ichiko
I’m NOT young! I’m ninety five years old!

Gorou

Oh? But I heard you said your age was eighty nine.

Ichiko
No it’s not!

Gorou
Regardless, you are still a child. And as a responsible adult, it is my duty to take you back to your family.

Ichiko
No no! I’ll tell you to my aunt! And you can’t eat my candies!

(Ichiko runs away)

Gorou
Wait! Wha- What did I do?

Kujou Sara
The exact same thing that Lady Guji did to you.

Gorou

Did I? Huh, but I don’t feel happy at all. How can that heartless kitsune have fun when people cry?

Paimon

That’s Miko we’re talking about.

Gorou
Huh, maybe it’s better if I apologize to her.

Paimon
Some people can’t be evil like her.

Kujou Sara

You can say that is a very common feature of kitsunes. They are natural prayers and love to mock others. But when you use their own attack towards them, none of them will be happy about it.

Paimon

Paimon gets it. It’s like whenever we fight against slimes, they hit you one after another and you can’t even lift your sword.

Traveler
You don’t have a sword.

Paimon
Yeah, but watching you makes Paimon anxious.

Kirara
If you don’t feel well, I can bring something to keep your mood up.

Paimon
Ah, you don’t have to bother. Kirara, don’t you also want to enjoy the festival?

Kirara
I’d like to, of course. But I still have some packages to deliver. Don’t worry, I will be around. Maybe we can come across again during the festival.

Kujou Sara
If you’d like to, let’s take a stroll around the festival area. Just standing here and chatting shouldn’t be enough.

Paimon
You are right. Let’s go check the stalls. Paimon smells something delicious!

Kirara
Very well then. I should be off now. If you need anything, just ring my bell.

Gorou
Thank you for accompanying me Miss Kirara. But I should apologize to that little girl. Please excuse me everyone.

(The two leave in different directions.)

(Rest checks the food stalls.)

Paimon
Mmm, looks delicious.

Owner
You bet. If it is a delicious udon you’re looking for, you are in the right place. I made the best Fukuuchi Udon you can ever taste. Even Kitsune Saiguu would bother to travel for days just to eat my udons.

Kujou Sara
Growns.

Paimon
Paimon wants one- no! Two bowls of that!

Traveler

I’ll get one too.

Owner
Three bowls of udon right on their way. And this lady over here?

Kujou Sara
I’m not very fond of kitsune food, especially when they are made by a suspicious person like yours.

Owner
Hahaha! You are flattering me. Don’t worry, those eggs are from normal birds. Why would I make you eat your cousins? Ahaha!

Paimon
Yikes! Cousins!? Are those-

??
Come now. That’s enough.

Owner
Tch! Damn ox. Don’t ruin my jokes. It’s their fault if they can’t understand it.

Kuki Shinobu
Jokes are made to laugh together. It’s not a joke if you are discomforting someone.

Paimon
Itto and Shinobu! What are you doing here?

Arataki Itto
Isn’t that obvious? I, Arataki numero uno Itto, here to save the dear general tenguu from this sly fox.

Kuki Shinobu
Boss was also invited to the festival with his granny. But she injured her ankle, so I’m attending instead of her.

Traveler
Hope she’s ok.

Arataki Itto
Don’t bussy your beautiful heads. My granny is the toughest of all, she’ll be jumping around like a teen soon.

Paimon
Paimon doubts about the last part, but if you say she’s ok…

Kujou Sara
I’m warning you beforehand, do not try to cause any trouble.

Arataki Itto
What? Me? Problem? Are you forgetting that I just helped you out dear general? And is that how you thank me?

Kujou Sara
Ugh…

Arataki Itto
By the way, what stall is this? Oh, those bowls look delicious. Shall we have some too?

Owner
I guarantee that you’ll lick the bowl when you finish.

Kuki Shinobu
I’ll get one too.

Owner
Seeing this little bird not eating makes me worried. Here, I’ll make one specially for you. This one is on me.

Kujou Sara
No need. I’ll pay for it.

Owner
Come now! We are in a festival, everyone should enjoy it. Let me give you a little gift as an apology.

(Owner serves everyone udon. After they finish their udons they leave.)

Paimon
It was so delicious.

Arataki Itto
Hahaha! You bet! Phew boy, if I didn’t eat before we arrived, I would definitely eat more than you, Flying Lavender Melon.

Paimon
Don’t underestimate Paimon’s stomach!

Kujou Sara
Every nutrition you consume should be beneficial for your body. You are just poisoning your body with extra food.

Arataki Itto
Come on general. How can you expect me to eat less when all those one-an’-oni’s-fabulicious-enormous muscles need energy? How can I feed those bad boys properly if I don’t eat more?

Kuki Shinobu

Boss, General’s right. You’ll get a stomach ache if you continue to eat like that.

Kujou Sara
How can he still act so irresponsible even when you are around?

Gorou
Everyone! Pant pant!

Paimon
Huh? Gorou? What happened?

Gorou
Help me! Please help to hide! They are coming!

Paimon
Who?

Yae Miko
General Gorou. It is so rude to run away when a lady is talking to you.

Gorou
Oh no! There she is!

Ichiko
Hehehe! Get her auntie!

Yae Miko
Dear general, you are the one who offered to spend time with my lovely niece. And now you are telling me you changed your mind? I was expecting a better performance from the great general of the Watatsumi Army.

Gorou

I-I’m not running away! But this thing next to you is not an ordinary kid!

Ichiko
You are just a baby! Baby general, baby general! Oh, he is afraid of a little kid!

Kujou Sara
Ichiko. Don’t forget that General Gorou is older than you. And you should respect him.

Ichiko
I won’t listen to you. I will listen only to my Auntie.

Yae Miko
She is right though. Dear Ichiko, please forgive me for being such a bad role model. General Gorou is an adult, someone you should respect. On top of that, he is an honorary general of his people. His statue makes him a very important person.

Gorou
Now you are praising me?

Yae Miko
Not only that but he is also an essential key for Yae Publishing House.

Paimon
Uh oh!

Traveler
!!!

Ichiko
Hmh! Ok fine. I’m sorry. You are not a baby.

Gorou
That’s much better. Your apology is accepted.

Ichiko
But you can’t have my candies!

Arataki Itto
Candies? What flavor are they?

Kuki Shinobu
Boss!

Ichiko
You can have some.

(Ichiko give some manju to Itto.)

Arataki Itto
They are delicious… But why do I feel dizzy?