Chapter 19: Shadows Beneath the Sacred Sakura
The group made their way up the winding paths of Narukami Island, the towering form of the Grand Narukami Shrine visible in the distance. Mist hung like a shroud across the forest, curling between trees and drifting over the stone steps with a ghostly patience. The scent of damp earth mingled with sakura petals, carried on a breeze that was too still—too aware.
There was beauty here, but it felt veiled—like a smile hiding sharp teeth.
Katheryne's warning echoed in their minds: Abyssal activity near the Grand Narukami Shrine…
Noah led in silence, his gaze scanning the underbrush and high ridges. His hand occasionally brushed the hilt of his saber, and his steps were measured, controlled. The Force whispered in threads of unease—not immediate danger, but attention. As if something buried deep within the mountain had stirred, and now watched their approach.
Lumine walked beside him, her expression unreadable, but the stiffness in her grip said more than words. Her golden eyes flicked toward Noah's hand, then ahead again. She took in every breath of wind, every sudden pause in the birdsong. Sparks of Electro shimmered across her palm—restless, ready. The latest gift from Inazuma's resonance.
She now bore five elements: Anemo, Geo, Hydro, Dendro, and Electro—each acquired from her journey across Teyvat. And each one pulsed inside her like living memories. They had become part of her breath, her heartbeat, her path.
But even with their strength, the mist ahead unsettled her.
Not because she doubted herself.
Because she could feel Kiana slowing behind them.
Behind them, Kiana rolled her shoulders, her posture loose but her movements slightly delayed. She laughed when Elysia caught her eye, but it was a breath too light, a second too late.
"Kiana, you okay?" Elysia asked gently.
Kiana flashed a grin, pushing her bangs from her face. "Hah, yeah, just a little… off. Maybe I didn't get enough sleep."
But Noah didn't look away. He had felt it since they started climbing: a pull around Kiana like a whirlpool in the Force. It wasn't just tension—it was pressure, ancient and familiar, curling tighter around her with each step. Twisting. Drawing something up.
He slowed his pace, matching her stride, and lowered his voice so only she could hear. "Sirin?"
Kiana flinched. Her fingers flexed, curling into her palms, then loosening as if wrestling against invisible threads. "She's… restless," she admitted in a breath barely above a whisper. "I don't know why, but this place—this presence—it's stirring something inside her. Like she's been waiting for this mountain."
Noah turned his full attention to her now, concern darkening his gaze. "Can you hold her back?"
She bit her lip. "I've been trying. The rose helps. And the training with the adepti in Liyue—I've been using the breathing techniques they taught me." Her hand instinctively drifted to the crystal rose tied at her side. "But it's not just her. It's like… the air here is feeding her. Like the mountain remembers her more than I do."
Noah's jaw tightened. If Sirin—the Herrscher of the Void sealed within her—was this agitated, then whatever awaited them ahead wasn't just a threat. It was a summons.
A whisper of movement snapped their attention up—a branch creaking too sharply, leaves rustling without wind. Then came a low, unnatural hiss, like the breath of something ancient stirring.
The forest shattered.
From the mist, shadows lunged. Abyss Heralds and Lectors emerged in jagged armor, their limbs moving with eerie synchronization, as if puppeteered by a singular will. Their glowing eyes were not merely watching—they were hungry, cold flames locked onto the group like predators scenting weakness.
The air thickened with dread. And then, without a word, the attack began.
Noah's lightsaber flared to life in a burst of blue. "Form up!"
Kiana's right eye flashed gold. She bared her teeth, gripping her bat with both hands as void energy coiled around her. Her free hand brushed against the crystal rose at her hip—the one Elysia had given her in Stormterror's Lair. The soft pulse of its warmth grounded her, a flicker of clarity within the growing chaos. She took a deep breath, just as her adepti mentors had taught her back in Liyue. Inhale clarity. Exhale fear. One breath at a time, she steadied her soul.
Lumine drew her sword, switching elements mid-motion, the wind around her answering like a second breath. Electro crackled along her blade, and her eyes briefly shimmered as Dendro and Hydro surged beneath her skin—fluid and alive. Elysia moved into position, bow already gleaming with crystalline light.
The battle ignited.
Noah deflected the first Herald's blow, spinning low to sweep his saber beneath the creature's guard. The Force surged around him as he anticipated the next strike, redirecting another Lector's blade just inches from Lumine's back.
Lumine moved with focused grace, alternating between bursts of Anemo and Electro, every strike slicing through mist and shadow. Her footwork danced like she was part of the wind itself, blades weaving a spiral of radiant motion.
Elysia's arrows shimmered through the trees, precise and beautiful—each one singing with ice and intention. "I prefer a little elegance with my danger," she said with a laugh, though her fingers moved faster than her tone let on.
Kiana fought fiercely, void energy radiating from her with every swing of her bat. But every pulse called something darker. Her eye flashed again, brighter this time. Sirin was clawing forward.
"You're hesitating," came the voice inside her head. "Pathetic. Let me show them what real power looks like."
"Shut up!" Kiana shouted aloud, shoving a void lance through a Herald's chest—but her legs trembled. Her grip faltered.
"Kiana!" Noah moved instantly, intercepting a blade aimed for her ribs.
"I—I've got this!" she gasped.
But her golden eye burned bright, and her voice slipped—not hers for a heartbeat.
"I told you, Captain," Sirin whispered through Kiana's lips. "You're always too late."
Noah didn't hesitate. He reached out with the Force—not to attack, but to soothe. A wave of calm poured into Kiana's mind, steadying the storm. His voice followed, soft but resolute:
Kiana… you're stronger than her. We know who you are.
Kiana gasped, clutching her head. Sirin's voice hissed one last time: "Tch. Annoying Jedi tricks."
Then it faded.
She blinked, eye dimming, her breath shaky. "Thanks," she whispered.
They fought on, their movements tighter, more coordinated. But it became clear: this attack wasn't meant to kill them. It was a message.
Just as quickly as they'd come, the Abyss forces withdrew.
Silence.
Noah deactivated his lightsaber slowly, his eyes scanning the treeline. "This wasn't just an ambush. They were watching us. Measuring."
Lumine's lips thinned. "And whoever sent them… they're still here."
Elysia rested her bow, brushing her hair back with a faint smirk. "Well. At least they found us interesting."
Kiana exhaled through her nose, rubbing her temple. "I'd rather be boring, thanks."
Noah stepped closer, gently checking her posture, his presence steady. "We'll handle this. Together."
Kiana managed a faint smile. "Okay, Captain… but don't get used to me saying it so easily."
Lumine chuckled. "We're not letting her out of our sight from here on."
With resolve tightening between them, they turned toward the final path leading to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
The sakura petals still fell.
But now, even the mountain seemed to be holding its breath.