The Chuuni and The Genjutsu User and a Tone-deaf Bard! - Chapter 17

MEANWHILE, IN MONDSTADT...

Right in the heart of Whispering Woods, Fischl was on one of her usual patrols. She was always on the lookout for any signs of danger, her eyes scanning the surroundings with the expertise of a seasoned adventurer.

The woods were usually peaceful, with the occasional slimes or Hilichurls causing trouble.

As she moved through the trees, something unusual caught her eye. There, among the shadows and the dappled sunlight, stood a figure clad in a black hood marked with distinct red clouds.

It was an odd sight; the attire was unlike anything typically seen around these parts.

This mysterious person seemed out of place in the tranquil Whispering Woods, sparking Fischl's curiosity and caution all at once.

Fischl, never one to shrink from potential danger or a mystery, edged closer, her steps silent on the forest floor.

She was intent on discovering who this person was and what business they had in Mondstadt, especially dressed in such a unique and conspicuous way.

(Fischl) : Deciding to confront this mysterious figure, she called out in her usual dramatic manner, "Reveal thyself, o stranger!" As she voiced her demand, she expertly drew her bow, ready for any response the figure might give.

Standing amidst the trees of Whispering Woods, her posture was a mix of curiosity and preparedness, a clear signal that she wasn't just any ordinary person wandering the woods but a guardian ready to defend her home if need be.

Seeing Fischl's readiness, the stranger promptly lifted both of his hands, a universal gesture of peace, showing he had no intention of starting trouble.

He was a fairly tall guy, lean but with a presence that hinted at hidden strength. His onyx-colored eyes held a calmness that contrasted with the situation, and his jet-black hair seemed almost to absorb the light filtering through the woods.

The most peculiar accessory he had on was a forehead protector, adorned with a symbol that was slashed across in a clear horizontal line, signifying something only he knows.

(???) : "I am simply here just for sightseeing," he explained, his voice carrying a level of calm and sincerity that seemed to reassure anyone who might be on edge.

His presence was nothing more than a curiosity of a wanderer, albeit one dressed in a manner that could easily ignite a hundred questions.

(Fischl) : Elevating her tone, infused with the grandeur of her imagined realm, addressed the mysterious wanderer, "Pray tell, what moniker dost thou go by, enigmatic sojourner? And for what purpose dost thou findeth thyself within the hallowed bounds of Mondstadt, the city of wind and freedom?"

(Itachi) : He responded to her with a calm demeanor, "My name is Uchiha Itachi. Call me Itachi. I'm here simply for sightseeing." His answer was straightforward, hinting at no underlying motives beyond what he claimed—a desire to explore the sights and sounds of Mondstadt.

Fischl couldn't help but notice peculiar red hue of Itachi's eyes, adorned with three distinct black dots, yet she chose to overlook this curious detail, driven by a stronger impulse to solve the mystery at hand.

With a flourish characteristic of hers, she arched an eyebrow and posed her question with a dramatic flair.

(Fischl) : "Pray, tell, O mysterious wanderer, if thine purpose is merely to feast thine eyes upon the splendors of our realm, why dost thou skulk about these lands as though a specter seeking vengeance under the cloak of night?" Her words, wrapped in the fanciful fabric of her chosen style, aimed to uncover any mystery that Itachi holds.

(Itachi) : He looked at her and simply smiled, unbothered by the interrogation. "I am a nature lover. See?" he said, reaching underneath his black cloak.

Pulling out a small, unexpected guest, he revealed a baby bird, sleeping peacefully in the safety of his care.

This simple gesture seemed to soften the air around them, subtly shifting the dynamic from one of suspicion to a moment of shared appreciation for the smaller wonders of the world.

Fischl was utterly taken aback. Had she really just raised her bow to someone who was simply a lover of nature?

Feeling a sense of guilt, she let her bow dissolve into her Vision, a space where those who have Visions could stash things away magically.

Realizing her mistake, she decided it was time to apologize, but of course, in her own unique style.

(Fischl) : "I beg your forgiveness, noble traveler of these wild lands," she declared with an air of drama. "It appears my eyes deceived me, leading me to misconstrue you as a foe shrouded in malice. Such a grievous error on my part to view an ally of nature—a guardian of its most delicate creations—as an adversary. I extend my sincerest apologies for this unfortunate misapprehension."

Her apology, though heavily layered with her characteristic, was sincere.

He just chuckled a bit and with a light-hearted jump, he returned the baby bird back to its nest cradled among the tree branches.

(Itachi) : "It's alright," he said, his voice carrying an easy forgiveness. "Everybody makes mistakes after all." His casual acceptance of her apology made the atmosphere a lot more relaxed, brushing off the intense moment like it was just a small blip in their encounter.

Fischl let out a sigh of relief, the tension draining from her shoulders, but then her eyes widened as a thought struck her.

She had completely skipped introductions in the heat of the moment. She straightened up, taking on a grandiose stance.

(Fischl) : "Behold, for I am Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort, the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, emissary of the night and defender of the oppressed!" She declared, her voice full of an earnest intensity that could only belong to someone fully embraced in their persona. "It is a pleasure to make thy acquaintance," she added, bowing slightly.

Her introduction was nothing short of a performance, a unique blend of earnestness and the dramatic flair of a fantasy novel protagonist.

Itachi can't help but be taken aback by Fischl's unique personality — she's definitely not like anyone he's met before.

There's something about her eccentricity that he finds intriguing. Weird, yes, but in a fascinating way.

It's refreshing to see someone so fully immersed in their own world, carrying themselves with an unshakeable confidence that many lack.

Observing her theatrical mannerisms and listening to her grandiloquent introduction, he realizes that she genuinely embodies her persona, unbothered by the norms that constrain others.

(Itachi) : Deciding to play along, Itachi nods with a slight smile, finding himself amused and impressed by her spirit. "Nice to meet you too, Prinzessin der Verurteilung," he replies, embracing the title she's bestowed upon herself, recognizing the importance it holds for her.

Itachi appreciates the uniqueness of her confidence, seeing it as a breath of fresh air in a world often too serious.

FEW MOMENTS LATER...

(Fischl) : As they strolled side by side, Fischl's curiosity bubbled over. "So thou hail from the distant lands of Natlan? Pray, regale me with tales of thy homeland," she inquired, her voice laced with the theatrical flourish characteristic of hers.

(Itachi) : He glanced at her, a smile playing on his lips at her elaborate way of speaking. "Natlan," he started, his tone casual and tinged with a hint of resignation, "is caught in a cycle of useless, never-ending war. I'm here to escape from that place." He confessed, his tone carrying a mix of weariness and relief.

(Fischl) : Her interest only grew, leading her to inquire further into Itachi's escape. She probed, "How didst thou manage to flee from such a realm of ceaseless conflict? Surely, the guardians of thine land didst not permit such a departure lightly."

(Itachi) : He looked slightly amused by her dramatic phrasing but answered earnestly, "Natlan has too many escape routes, all created over time by those desperate to leave. I simply found one and used it to escape." His explanation was straightforward, emphasizing the bleak situation in his homeland and the desperation of its people to find a way out.

(Itachi) : "But too many wars have happened, awakening those supposed not to be awakened," he said, his tone grew serious, hinting at a darker aspect of his journey

His words carried the weight of untold stories of beings drawn into the fray that should have remained dormant.

Curiosity sparked in Fischl's eyes as she leaned in, her voice taking on the dramatic flair of her persona.

(Fischl) : "And who, pray tell, are those entities not meant to be disturbed from their slumber in the abyss?" She inquired, her words a dance of intrigue and theatrics.

Itachi's expression remained grave, a stark contrast to Fischl's theatric performance.

(Itachi) : "I'm not too sure myself, but I know one. His name is Uchiha Madara," he revealed, his voice imbued with seriousness.

The mention of Madara carried a significant weight, hinting at the depth and gravity of those awakened by the ravages of war.

Fischl's eyebrows arched, a spark of curiosity igniting in her gaze. She leaned in closer, her voice taking on the mystical tone of her alter ego.

(Fischl) : "Pray, enlighten this humble envoy of the night; why doth the name of thine adversary mirror thine own?" She queried, her tone rich with curiosity.

(Itachi) : He remained calm amidst the storm of questions. "He and I hail from the same lineage, both bearing the mark of the Uchiha. However, while he stands as the clan's patriarch, I have severed my ties with our clan," he explained, his voice filled with a mix of solemnity and resolve.

Itachi fixed his eyes on Fischl with a serious look, the weight of his words hanging between them.

(Itachi) : "You've got to remember this, Prinzessin der Verurteilung," he started, using her title with a slight nod to her preferences. "I'm not sure exactly how many have been awakened by the war, but I'm certain many will come forward. There are those who've been awakened by the conflict in Natlan, but what about the other nations? That, I don't know." His concern was genuine, reflecting the uncertainty of their situation.

Itachi floated an idea out, almost like he was thinking out loud. The whole situation with awakened beings popping up because of the war in Natlan had got him pondering.

He figured it wasn't just limited to one place. Sure, it was still just a theory, but the thought that there could be other unknown awakened, or even unawakened beings from different corners of the world, was something he couldn't just shake off.

To him and Fischl, it seemed like a stretch, but also, weirdly enough, something totally possible.

The thought that there could be unknown folks out there, with abilities no one knew about, added an unpredictable twist to everything.

Fischl, with her eyes shining with determination, laid down her thoughts like she was reciting an ancient prophecy.

(Fischl) : "If the day cometh when those who are fated to slumber in ignorance awaken against the natural order, we hath no choice but to muster our mightiest efforts," she declared, her voice carrying an unwavering positivity.

Her statement made it clear—no matter how unforeseen the challenge, they'd face it head-on.

After telling a story that would've brought down the spirits of many, Itachi couldn't help but crack a relieved smile.

Hearing Fischl's over-the-top, Chuuni-fueled declaration of positivity was like a breath of fresh air.

It was just what Itachi needed – a reminder that no matter how dark the tale, there was always someone ready to light up the path ahead with unwavering resolve.

Reaching underneath his cloak, he handed her a curious object. It was a small scroll, neatly tied with a slender rope.

(Itachi) : "Prinzessin der Verurteilung," he began, his voice serious yet imbued with a hint of excitement, "this is a scroll containing dark, endless flame within it. To unleash its power, simply untie the rope, point it towards your intended target, and say 'Amaterasu'." The instructions were simple, but the power he hinted at was immense, promising a spectacle of chaotic beauty should the need to use it arise.

Fischl accepted the scroll, her fingers brushing against its surface, yet she detected no trace of the immense power it supposedly contained.

Perhaps the dark flames were sealed so thoroughly within that not even a whisper of their might could be felt?

(Fischl) : "I am eternally grateful, Itachi," she declared, her voice laced dramatically. "In the dark hour when fate intertwines, and the shadows beseech aid, I shall unleash its forbidden power." Her words were a mix of solemn promise and theatrical vow, perfectly fitting the atmosphere of the moment.

(Author's Note: Hehe fate intertwines.)

(Itachi) : He looked at Fischl seriously, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Be careful with that, Prinzessin der Verurteilung," he told her, emphasizing the gravity of what she was dealing with. "The dark flame in that scroll is relentless. It won't stop burning. Even if what it catches is completely turned to ash or destroyed, it keeps burning for seven days and seven nights. And you can't put it out with water or anything normal." His words weren't meant to intimidate, just to ensure she understood the magnitude of what she was handling..

(Fischl) : She eyed him suspiciously, her imagination already spinning tales. "Dareth mine ears deceive me? This realm harbor such an accursed artifact?" She questioned, her tone dripping with the theatrics of hers.

(Itachi) : "Yes, they do exist," Itachi replied, a straight face amid the flourish of her words. "And I'm not jesting. Use it wisely," he added, reinforcing the seriousness of his warning.

Itachi glanced at the sky, seemingly taking a cue from the shifting clouds or perhaps an unseen signal only he could detect.

(Itachi) : "Alright, it's time. See you later, Prinzessin der Verurteilung," he said, nodding to Fischl with a subtle, knowing look.

Before she could even muster a goodbye or a dramatic send-off befitting her character, he vanished into a flurry of crows, swirling and merging into a dark cloud that carried him away to wherever his mysterious path next led.

Fischl was left standing there, a mix of awe and curiosity in her eyes as she watched the spectacle of his departure.

(Fischl) : With a dramatic stance, she called into the empty air, "Appear before me, Oz!" In response to her command, her familiar, a crackling Electro crow named Oz, materialized out of thin air.

His appearance was as sudden as lightning, a fitting entrance for the creature of Electro.

(Fischl) : "Do you perchance apprehend the identity of that mysterious individual, Oz?" She asked, having curiosity.

(Oz) : Being ever the calm and collected sidekick, he responded, "Mein Fräulein, I have no idea." Despite his vast knowledge and wisdom, the identity of the mysterious visitor eluded even him.

Gazing into the distance, Fischl pondered aloud, her tone brimming with a blend of hope and solemnity.

(Fischl) : "I muse upon whether fate shall grant us another encounter with that enigmatic soul." Her words, as always, were a rich and wrapped in the mystery and drama she so loved.

(Oz) : Being ever the reassurance in her moments of doubt, he replied with unwavering confidence, "We will, Mein Fräulein. Do not harbor any worries." His straightforward assurance served as a grounding force to her imaginative nature, suggesting that no matter how unpredictable their adventures, they would indeed cross paths with Itachi once more.

SOMEWHERE AT WINDRISE TREE...

At the serene setting of Windrise tree, Venti was found enjoying a simple moment of peace, casually munching on an apple, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves above him.

It was a scene where the kind where time seemed to slow down, inviting anyone to pause and appreciate the quiet of nature.

However, this serene solitude didn't last long. From the distance, a figure shrouded in mystery began to emerge.

Cloaked in black, the garment adorned with distinct red clouds, the person moved with a purposeful stride towards Venti.

The sudden appearance of such a peculiar stranger under the usually tranquil tree sparked an air of intrigue.

Who could this be, approaching Mondstadt's most carefree bard?

As the mysterious figure came to a stop in front of Venti, the air seemed to charge with tension.

(???) : Without any preamble, the stranger made his intentions clear. "Anemo Archon, I'm here to steal your Gnosis for the better future," he stated with a seriousness that couldn't be mistaken.

Who was this stranger, and what did he mean by 'stealing his Gnosis for a better future'?

It was a moment filled with questions, the tranquility of the Windrise tree now a distant memory as the encounter took a serious turn.

(Itachi) : With a stoic expression, the stranger introduced himself. "My name is Uchiha Itachi. Be wary that if you do anything reckless, I'll make sure that you'll suffer," he said seriously. His words hung heavily in the air, a shadow of a threat looming.

Venti, taken aback by the intensity of the moment and the strange name, tried to process the situation.

Uchiha Itachi? The name was foreign, but the threat was clear. This was no ordinary encounter, and Venti couldn't help but wonder what led this individual to confront an Archon with such a dire warning.