"Welcome, travelers~ I was beginning to wonder if you'd lost your way."
Yae Miko sat gracefully at the center of the shrine, a serene smile playing on her lips.
The group stiffened, their eyes narrowing as they took in the sight of the kitsune Guuji.
She chuckled at their wariness. "Oh my, such sharp glares. You wound me."
Lumine crossed her arms. "You know who we are. But we don't know you."
Yae Miko pressed a delicate hand to her chest, feigning mild offense. "Ah, where are my manners?"
She gave a small bow, her voice smooth as silk. "I am Yae Miko, Guuji of the Grand Narukami and a humble servant of the Electro Archon."
Her fox-like gaze flickered with amusement as she looked them over. "And, as fate would have it, your gracious host for the evening."
Before anyone could speak, she clapped her hands.
From the side, shrine maidens stepped forward, setting down a beautifully arranged tea set along with a tray of traditional Inazuman sweets.
"Now, now, there's no need to be so tense," Yae purred. "You must be tired after your journey. Come, sit. Have some tea."
Kiana, arms crossed, huffed. "We're not here for a tea party."
But before she could protest further, Elysia was already sitting down.
"Oooh~ this smells amazing!" Elysia picked up a cup, inhaling the floral aroma before taking a sip. "Mmm! Noah, you have to try this~"
Noah gave her a flat stare. "Elysia…"
She just winked at him. "Oh come on, Captain~ It'd be rude to refuse a lady's hospitality."
Lumine sighed but reluctantly sat down. Noah and the others followed, though their guards remained up.
Yae Miko observed them with an amused glint in her eyes. "That's better. After all, discussions are best had over tea, don't you think?"
Noah studied her carefully. "You knew we were coming. That's not normal."
Yae smiled behind her cup. "I make it my business to know interesting things."
Elysia tapped a finger against her lips. "So you know all about us?"
Yae hummed, looking intrigued. "Not entirely. Some of you are still a mystery to me." Her gaze lingered on Elysia a moment longer, then moved on.
Elysia just smiled innocently back.
Yae then turned to Noah. "But I do know that your group has been making waves across Teyvat."
She let the words hang before listing their achievements.
In Mondstadt, they defeated an Abyss plot that sought to resurrect the remnants of Durin—the dragon whose corrupted corpse still slumbered beneath Dragonspine. They braved Stormterror's Lair, purified its lingering corruption, and formed bonds with the people of Mondstadt.
In Liyue, they were involved in the Rite of Parting, even catching the attention of Rex Lapis himself. They walked through contracts and history, battled sea beasts, and defended the harbor when the Abyss struck during Lantern Rite.
In Sumeru, they dealt with a situation that even the Akademiya couldn't handle. Dreamscapes twisted by abyssal energy had ensnared scholars, and through illusions and memories, the group helped restore both balance and hope—earning the silent respect of the sages.
In Fontaine, they uncovered a hidden abyssal node deep beneath the opera house, where twisted echoes of forgotten performances tried to trap them in an endless cycle. They worked alongside the city's enforcers and performers alike, navigating deception, illusion, and the pressure of judgment. In the end, they severed the root of the corruption, saving the performers—and the performance itself.
Yae took a slow sip of tea, watching their expressions.
"You see, you are not as unknown as you might think."
Lumine tensed. "You've been keeping tabs on us."
Yae giggled. "I prefer the term 'observing.'"
Noah set down his cup. "Why?"
Yae's smile widened. "Because Teyvat whispers."
The air seemed to shift, a flicker of something unreadable passing through Yae's gaze.
"This land remembers. And I, as its humble storyteller, simply listen."
A heaviness settled over the group.
Then, Yae's voice turned light again. "But I digress~ You're not here to talk about my little curiosities."
Her gaze sharpened. "You're here for the Abyss."
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Noah leaned forward. "You know something."
Yae's ears twitched. "Not just something."
She set her cup down and folded her hands elegantly.
"There is a powerful abyssal entity lurking near this very shrine. Something… far more dangerous than the usual pests."
Kiana's heart pounded.
The presence she had felt earlier—**the voice in her head—**it all made sense now.
Lumine's eyes narrowed. "You're saying the Abyss is already here?"
Yae nodded. "And it is watching you."
The group tensed.
Elysia whispered, "Well… that's ominous." She leaned closer to Lumine with a crooked smile. "Ten mora says it's got a flair for the dramatic like me."
Kiana clenched her fists, her breath quickening. Her hand instinctively brushed the crystal rose Elysia had given her—its gentle warmth pulsed against her fingertips, like a steady heartbeat grounding her. She closed her eyes briefly, pulling in a slow breath, the way the adepti had taught her: breathe in clarity, exhale chaos.
Sirin stirred inside her.
It's close… it's calling to us…
Noah noticed the slight tremble in Kiana's hands. His gaze softened, but he remained focused on Yae.
Lumine pressed, "If it's that strong, why haven't you dealt with it?"
Yae gave a mischievous smirk, but there was a hint of something serious beneath it.
"Oh, believe me, I'd love to."
Her expression darkened. "But this… is different."
The shrine grew eerily silent.
Yae stood up, her tails flicking behind her. "Whatever it is… it isn't just Abyss."
Kiana froze.
A cold sweat ran down her back as Sirin's voice laughed softly in her mind.
Noah's instincts screamed that this was going to be personal.
Lumine, Elysia, and the rest of the group exchanged glances. There was no panic—only a silent understanding. They'd walked together through storms in Mondstadt, through ancient contracts in Liyue, through dreams and toxins in Sumeru. They had faced the Abyss and still stood shoulder to shoulder.
This was no different. Whatever waited, they would face it—as one.
Noah exhaled, steadying himself. "So… what do we do?"
Yae smiled. "Simple."
She turned toward the entrance.
"You're going to find it. And I… will watch."
Kiana groaned. "Wow. Thanks for the help."
Yae chuckled. "Oh, I have every confidence in you."
Her violet gaze flickered as she looked directly at Kiana and Noah.
"…And I suspect this battle may be more personal than you think."
Kiana's stomach dropped.
Noah stared at Yae, realizing that whatever was waiting for them…
It already knew them.