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Chapter 17

The airship soared over the endless expanse of the ocean, its sails catching the strong winds as the group journeyed toward Inazuma. The morning sun painted the waves below in golden hues, but the horizon ahead was marked by dark storm clouds-Inazuma's telltale sign of eternal thunderstorms.

Furina stood at the bow, her arms crossed as she faced the impending storm. "Inazuma, land of eternity and endless rain. How poetic."

Yoshika leaned against the railing nearby, her gaze distant. "Poetry won't help us if the Raiden Shogun decides we're intruding."

"She won't," Neuvillette said, his tone calm but firm. "We'll approach with diplomacy. This isn't just about one nation-it concerns all of Teyvat."

"Diplomacy," Arlecchino muttered from where she sharpened her scythe. "Let's hope it works before we need Plan B."

---

As they approached the coastline, the storm intensified. Lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the jagged cliffs of Narukami Island. The airship rocked violently, forcing everyone to brace themselves.

"Landing won't be easy," Lyney called out, gripping the wheel tightly. "Hold on!"

With expert precision, he guided the airship through the turbulent winds, finally bringing it to rest in a secluded cove.

Furina stumbled off the gangplank, her dramatic flair momentarily dulled. "Remind me to never travel by airship again."

"Noted," Lynette said quietly as she adjusted her cloak.

---

The group made their way toward the Grand Narukami Shrine, where they hoped to seek counsel from the shrine maidens before approaching the Raiden Shogun. The path wound through lush forests and steep mountain trails, the scent of sakura blossoms mingling with the dampness of the storm.

As they neared the shrine, they were met by a figure clad in purple and gold armor, wielding a naginata.

"State your purpose," the samurai commanded, her voice sharp but steady.

Neuvillette stepped forward, his presence authoritative yet respectful. "We seek an audience with the Raiden Shogun. We bring urgent news concerning the safety of all Archons."

The samurai studied them for a moment before nodding. "Follow me."

---

Inside the Tenshukaku, the Raiden Shogun awaited them, her expression as serene and unyielding as the storm outside. Her violet eyes flicked to each member of the group, lingering briefly on Furina.

"You claim to bear urgent news," the Shogun said, her voice like thunder. "Speak."

Furina hesitated for a moment but then stepped forward, her usual bravado tempered by the gravity of the situation. "A shadow moves across Teyvat, seeking to unravel the bonds that hold our world together. Mondstadt, Fontaine, and Liyue have already been touched by this darkness. Inazuma may be next."

The Shogun's gaze narrowed. "And you believe this force poses a threat to the Archons?"

Neuvillette nodded. "We've encountered a cloaked figure wielding ancient power. They've targeted seals, disrupting the balance in each nation they visit."

The Raiden Shogun was silent for a long moment before she finally spoke. "Inazuma's defenses are strong, but I will not dismiss your warning. The Electro Archon stands ready to face any challenge."

Yoshika's voice cut through the tension. "Then we'll face it together."

The Shogun's lips twitched in the faintest hint of approval. "Very well. Stay vigilant. The storm has yet to reach its peak."

---

As they left the Tenshukaku, Furina let out a long breath. "That went better than expected."

"Don't get too comfortable," Arlecchino said. "The storm may break sooner than we think."

And as the first distant rumble of unnatural thunder echoed across the land, they knew she was right.

---
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖬𝖸 𝖡𝖮𝖸 𝖫𝖸𝖭𝖤𝖸 𝖬𝖤𝖭𝖳𝖨𝖮𝖭𝖤𝖣!!! 𝖸𝖾𝖺𝗁 𝖺𝗇𝗒𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌 𝗁𝗈𝗉𝖾 𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖾𝗇𝗃𝗈𝗒𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗈𝗅😭