Blazin' Trails

Get up, lazybones! The sun's so high, it's right in your eyes!

...

Paimon, it's fine, I sleep with my eyes closed.

Yeah, that's why you couldn't see that the sun's in your eyes!

I trust you slept well, Traveler?

Sounds like the same story for everyone. I got up first today, so I took a walk around and picked some fruits for our breakfast.

And Paimon's been waiting for you to get up so she can finally dig in!

Huh? Fischl left first thing in the morning?

Yeah, she seemed unwilling to stay with us. She said she had some other work to do for the Adventurers' Guild.

A likely story! What happened to coming here to restore the glory of the Immernachtreich? Now she has Guild work to do all of a sudden?

Alright, Paimon, keep it together...

Judging by that look on her face... there was probably something on her mind.

We tried sending Mona to comfort her, like before... but she said Mona doesn't understand the work of the Adventurers' Guild, and can't go with her.

She didn't even make up some excuse about the Immernachtreich to get some time alone? That's out of character for her.

Then she must be feeling quite troubled.

I'd love to help her as a friend... but she was right about one thing. We're going to explore another island today.

Oh? Is that so?

Yup, votes are in, it's unanimous!

But I wasn't there for the vote!

Oh, yeah, about that... Paimon went ahead and voted for you. She said since you're always together, her opinion counts as yours, and vice versa.

Hehe, well, you are an adventurer, after all. Paimon knew you'd wanna go exploring!

(Aah, Paimon... well, guess it's happening now...)

Fischl said there's something she wants to investigate, and suggested that we all go ahead in the meantime. She told me not to worry, she'll catch up with us when she's done.

Despite her... quirks, she's still an experienced adventurer. I think we should trust her.

I haven't known her for long, so this is just an observation, but... it seems like she's struggling with some internal conflict.

Hmm, that seems about right...

In conflict with others, you either resolve it or let it be. But when the conflict is within yourself, it's much harder to do either.

...I've also had a time like that in my life, so I understand what she's going through. It may be best to give her some space.

I agree. Still, it's a pity for today's adventure. Adventuring is always more fun when everyone's together.

Xinyan always has great team spirit...

Oh, one other thing. This morning, we saw a mirage on the island in the north. We can go take a look once you're done with your breakfast, Traveler.

This island looks pretty normal.

...I smell something burning on the wind.

Ugh... my scryglass is getting clearer, but I still can't see much...

Hey, look what I found!

It's a... well, is it a drum, or a plant?

An instrument made of a plant? Hmm...

Xinyan, do you think this could be your island?

Oh, you mean this instrument could have been put here just for me? Okay, let me give it a try...

Hold on. When I touched the rock garden in the bonsai yesterday, we were all transported to another space. Xinyan, do you want to take some time first to get ready?

You're right, but it's all good. I'm always ready to make some music!

*cough* *cough* Paimon just got a mouthful of dirt...

Paimon, are you okay?

Just as we thought... we've been sent to another place.

Why does this place feel so bleak? ...Xinyan, are you sure this is your mirage?

I think so, yeah, but... you're right, why is it so bleak here?

Look, there's something really bright over there. It's almost like it's inviting us to go check it out.

Okay, let's go have a look.

Wait, wait, wait! This is too obvious. Surely it's gotta be a trap?

That may well be, but there's also nowhere else for us to go.

Indeed...

If this mirage belongs to Xinyan, I don't think we will find any traps there.

Now you're talking! You know that wouldn't be my style.

Hmm, that makes sense. Alright, let's go then, but let's also make sure to be careful.

The door is locked.

Keep your nonsense to yourself, thank you very much.

Xinyan, why did you lock the door?

You'd think I'd know this... Haha...

Oh, actually... I usually put my key under the flower pot next to the door. So... maybe the key is nearby.

Oh! Is there a flower pot around here?

There are no pots, but there is... a flower.

I guess it's worth a shot.

Wow, that flower is huuuge!

It's so hot here... is it because of that flower?

Heck yeah, I wasn't expecting visitors.

Aaaah!!! It talks!

Paimon knows! But this is different!

Hi, we touched those drum-like plants growing on the beach outside, and were transported here. Are you the owner of this place?

This is the hall of music, and I'm merely its gatekeeper. Tell me, my friends, are you here to pursue the ultimate expression of music?

Ohh, you betcha!

Then tell me, what do you hope to express with music?

The spirit of resistance!

Right on, great answer! I'm so glad to hear that. I consider myself very lucky to meet another musician with the same ideals.

Even giant flowers get along well with Xinyan...

People who are easy to get along with make friends wherever they go.

If you've made it this far, you must wish to venture deeper into the hall of music. However, I must apologize. My singing voice is required for entry, but unfortunately my pipes are a little dry...

Are you alright? Do you need... uh, some cold medicine or something?

It's just that I haven't had any Glacial Spring Water in a very long time. If I could drink some of that, my voice would be rocked and loaded, and ready to clear your path.

Glacial Spring Water?

Yeah. With one sip of that, anyone could sing the most beautiful song, no matter if they were a weary adult, a sleepy bird, or even an ignorant child...

...

Okay, I'll find some for ya. Where is this spring?

Thanks, you're the best! Well, spring water helps plants grow up strong so that they can scale the mountains that lie in their way... so, I imagine the spring can be found somewhere on the mountain range protected by plants.

You mean we have to go hiking? Oh, Paimon thought some seawater would be enough.

Spring water and seawater could not be more dissimilar.

Oh, but you may need my powers in order to see the spring. Give me your hand, friend, so that you can see through my eyes.

Thanks! You shook my hand — guess that makes this friendship official!

Oh, we're out!

It's much brighter here. I didn't mind that hot cave, though.

Glacial Spring Water can be found on one of the mountains around here. Let's all look for it.

Wait, how can there be light coming from below the ground here? Is this... a water vein?

According to that flower, the water vein is related to the plants, and the plants will lead us to that spring. So I guess we should follow the water veins.

Everyone, I found a note here.

Oh, so that's how it is. What an interesting island.

Look at this style and signature... it's from Albedo! He's one of our friends from Mondstadt.

He's an amazing alchemist who's visited this island before. He left this note here for future adventurers.

Oh? So it's him.

He's saying this whole island has been turned into an instrument!? Amazing...

And the underground water veins play an important part too... Oh, maybe we need to clear all the water veins to "play" this island.

Clean your instrument before the performance! Makes a lot of sense.

This should be the Glacial Spring Water we're looking for.

So if you drink this, you can suddenly sing like an angel?

You should give it a try, if you're curious.

No no no, I'm terrible at singing... it would be extremely embarrassing if it didn't work.

Haha, Mona, I actually think you've got a sweet voice that's well-suited for singing! If you're interested, I can teach you a few things about vocals once we get back to camp.

Really? I—I'd love to, but you'd have to promise you won't laugh at me.

Of course not! Everyone's gotta start somewhere, right?

R—Right... then maybe I can give it a try.

Great! But before that, we should deliver the spring water to that flower.

Well, to re-enter the mirage, we just need to touch the drum on the beach again.

This is the Glacial Spring Water you were looking for.

I'm feeling a lot better now. Thank you very much.

Now, I'll send you to your destination.

Whoa!

Argh, I'm going to lose my hat...

Hmm? This scent... I think we've arrived at a mountain near Liyue.

But it's so dark here...

Wait, listen, there's a voice... Can you hear that?

The reason the birds sing so sweetly is because they drink the spring water from up on mountaintops. Xinyan, we're not singers in this family, none of us are. What makes you think you can be any different?

Oh, so I just need to go drink some of this spring water, and then I'll be able to sing? I'll be right back, Mama!

You mustn't stay out so late in the mountains by yourself, child! You scared the bejesus out of me! ...Here, this is the spring water you were looking for.

Really? Oh, you're the best, daddy!

Where did she run off to this time?

To find somewhere she could sing, no doubt. *sigh* She can't be persuaded, and we can't stop her from walking out the door. Did you really have to lie to her like that?

How was I supposed to know she'd go running off looking for spring water! *sigh* When is she going to come to her senses...

Get down from there! You can't set up a stage here! If you can't sing, you should be keeping your mouth shut, not putting on a public performance! Ugh.

Aaaah, don't tear down the stage!

Xinyan, my dear child, why are you playing that crass instrument again? It's not ladylike.

Oh, Xinyan, your mother has asked me to teach you some embroidery when I can find the time. It's an elegant and enjoyable craft. Just come to Auntie's house whenever you're free.

Quit making that racket by the side of the road! If you have to play, play something classy!

Wh—Why are they being so mean!?

Ugh, these people...

...

ARGH! That's it! Why are you not yelling back? What happened to your rock 'n' roll spirit?

Hehe...

And now you're laughing!? Aren't you mad?

Sometimes it's hard to get mad when you hear the same thing a hundred times. Still... thanks, Paimon.

...Uh what?

Auntie Jixiang, how are you doing?

Oh, dear child, I've been waiting to hear from you for a long time. This weekend, I'll be free...

Auntie, stop thinking about me for a hot sec, your stove is still on, and you're cooking soup, right? Hmm... you see, it's all burnt.

Oh! How did this happen!?

Oh my, Uncle Zhu, Little Zhu is playing in the mud by the river again! Didn't you tell him to not do that?

What? That rascal is up to his old shenanigans behind my back again, is he? Oh, well, we'll see about that!

Hehehe...

Sorry, Uncle Hai, I'll move my stage someplace else. But, your musical taste needs to evolve if you wanna keep up with the times.

Maybe you didn't know, but even the most famous opera singer in Liyue likes listening to my boorish music.

What did you say? Is that true? You're not making this up, are you? Huh, I'll have to look into this.

They're all gone...

See? Knowing the right words to say and when to smile can solve almost any problem.

If that's the case, then what's your rock 'n' roll spirit for?

My rock 'n' roll spirit isn't something I just use to win an argument. That'd be a real waste.

Rock 'n' roll is a revolution! Transforming your identity and destiny, saying goodbye to concessions and cowardice... it does them all. And most importantly, it lets you do it with art rather than words!

My rock 'n' roll has an unbreakable spirit, like a flame in a rainstorm that refuses to go out, or the magma that never stops boiling under the surface of the land.

Okay, let's go.

Let's go that way! There's a side path right there.

*sobs* Why don't Little Meng and Little Lulu want to play with me?

Hey, is that...

Another door. More delightful individuals await us on the other side, I assume?

Let me handle it. Piece of cake.

Miss, your hairstyle is really strange.

Is that so? I think it looks really cool. Take a closer look if you don't believe me.

Your hair sticks out from your head, and you wear spiky things in it... nobody else has hair like that.

You're looking at it the wrong way. If I don't look like anybody else, once you've seen me, you won't be able to forget me even if you try. You'll still recognize me if you ever see me again in the future.

Hmm... yeah, you're right!

Your clothes, hair, even the way you walk and talk... It's not just for the eyes of others. It's your style, so you should go with whatever you like.

Really? But if I wore a jacket with a picture of a puppy on it, people would say, "Hey, Little Fei likes stupid little puppies."

Then you should ignore them. So, you like puppies, huh?

I do.

What about your friends?

Well... yeah, they do too.

Well then, your friends are gonna love that jacket.

...'Kay. Miss, how come you don't do your hair in a nice braid? People would love that.

I can't help myself, I just like the styles with personality. *sigh* Plus I had no idea how so many people would dislike it before I started wearing my hair like this.

So why don't you change it now?

Well, this hairstyle suits my music and my lifestyle. The regular ones are boring, they're so uninspired. Plus they get in the way when I'm head-bobbing away on stage.

If people don't like it, that's up to them. I ain't gonna change it.

What about your friends? Do they not like it, too?

Course they like it! They all say that they think it looks amazing.

...Your friends are nice to you. That's cool. Not like my friends... they left me here on my own. *sobs*

Hey now, why are you crying? What's wrong? You can talk to me.

Little Lulu and Little Meng... they're ignoring me... *sobs* We were gonna meet at the docks today, but they still haven't shown up...

These kids are way too young to be standing each other up like this!

Stay right here, I'll go take a look around. I'll bring them to you once I find them.

O—Okay! Thanks, Miss. I'll never say anything bad about your hair again.

See, now you're talkin' sense! I'll see you later.

Excuse me, are you Little Meng? Little Fei is waiting for you at the docks. He's been waiting so long now that he's in tears about it.

Ugh! Why is he so dumb, he could have just come here and found us... Never mind, I'll go find him instead.

He ran off. We should catch up to him.

Excuse me, are you Little Lulu?

Are you looking for me, Miss?

Didn't you promise to meet Little Fei at the docks? Why aren't you going to meet up with him? He's crying 'cause he thinks you've abandoned him.

Huh? That silly dumb-dumb, why didn't he just come to look for us? We prepared a surprise gift for him.

A surprise gift? How strange...

You dumb-dumb, we were preparing a surprise gift for you! We didn't think that you wouldn't come to try and find us... and definitely didn't think you'd start crying about it...

I'm sorry for being such an idiot...

No, I'm sorry! You're not an idiot. I guess we shouldn't have been so secretive about it.

We didn't come to the docks to meet you because we wanted to give you a big surprise for your birthday.

Huh? This is...

We've brought you loads of yummy Lotus Heads. And here's a handwritten birthday letter from me and Lulu, too... please don't call our handwriting ugly, okay?

Tee-hee!

You guys... Hehe, thank you...

Whew... and all's well that ends well!

It was all just a misunderstanding.

Well, sometimes that's just what friends do. If my friends had ditched me to plan a surprise, I'd have gotten upset too.

Is that a hint for us to prepare a surprise for you, too? Very clever...

No! I was just speaking my mind...

Hehe, I know. I was just joking... seeing if I could give you a fright.

Uh... everyone... Paimon's hungry...

That rumble had no business being that loud!

It's almost lunchtime, so how about... we have lunch at my house? It's not far from here.

So even your house is in this mirage?

Yep. I just noticed, there's the same road in here as the one that leads to my house in real life.

Even though we're in a mirage, I reckon some things will always remain the same. In real life, after a bad quarrel with the neighbors, or a disappointing show...

The one place I'll always go is my house. Because... everyone has to go home eventually.

Here we are. Please come in! Make yourselves at home, no need to take off your shoes!

Thank you for your hospitality.

Oh, chairs! We can finally unwind for a bit.

Huh? Did you guys hear a sound coming from the other room...? You all keep resting here, I'll go have a look.

The lights aren't even on, and there's no one— woah!!

Dun dun DUN!!! Happy Birthday!

What are you two doing? Why are you sitting in the dark inside my house? You scared the bejesus outta me!

Yun Jin, you were totally right. She does get spooked!

It's your birthday, so we planned a surprise party for you.

You girls really shouldn't pull these pranks while pretending to be all sweet and innocent...

Eh? Come on now, what's wrong with that? Who says that being cute and innocent means you can't pull pranks? Back me up, Xiangling?

Totally, Yun Jin! Guoba pulls pranks on me all the time, too.

Alright, alright, you win.

Beidou needs to do something today, so she's asked me to bring some gifts along from her, for you.

So here they are! A custom-made dagger, and the score of a composition from abroad!

As for my offerings, I had these gold hairpins and iron hair ties custom-made for you by my family.

Iron hair ties!? You're telling me that your family used their one thousand years' worth of experience to make... hair ties?

What's the problem? Hair ties may look simple and unassuming, but they actually require a lot of intricate craftsmanship to make!

Hehe, my gift is one-of-a-kind. A little while ago, I came across a bespectacled blacksmith on the street. The way he worked and talked, it felt almost like he could see right through stones.

I was skeptical, so I asked him to help me make a bet, and when the merchant cracked the stone open, there was indeed a piece of raw jade inside! Hehe, I took the jade on the spot and ground it into a pendant, which I then strung on a cord. You can use it as an accessory.

Wow, you made a jade pendant for me?

Yeah! Oh, don't wear it around your neck! Put it on your guitar! Every day, I see how much you pamper that guitar, so I thought you should jazz it up a bit.

I don't know if I can bring myself to hang this thing anywhere except in a display case on an altar! Thank you, Xiangling. You're so thoughtful.

Hehe, Xiangling has always been thoughtful. But the blacksmith you mentioned who could see through stones... can you tell me more about him? If the story's interesting enough, I might have to put it into my play.

I'm not exactly sure, but I hear that he was sick for a while, and was so disoriented during that time that he couldn't remember anything, and felt as if his body didn't belong to him...

And then, all of a sudden, he recovered! He's all fine now, except for some reason, he can now tell the difference between valuable and worthless stones just by looking at them.

Hmm... that's certainly peculiar.

Let's not get into that. The food is getting cold. Let's eat!

Wait, Xinyan, didn't you pick up a trick from an outlander merchant? The one you taught me on my last birthday.

Hmm? Oh, you mean making a birthday wish?

Yes, that's the one. They also light candles and cut cakes in other regions, but we didn't have time for that, because we were too busy bringing the food over.

It's fine, I can just use my imagination.

Okay, let's count to three and you can make a wish.

One...

Two...

Three...

Hmm, what should I wish for this year...

My wish is...

Oh, I'm back?

What happened? Paimon was just peering through the crack in the door.

Given that we are in a mirage, Xinyan, did anything significant happen inside the house?

Paimon knows, Paimon knows, she ran into some of her friends who were throwing her a birthday party!

Yes, I heard all that! I mean something she did herself.

...Oh! I made a wish.

It's pretty interesting, now that I think about it. When I entered the room, I found Xiangling and Yun Jin, two of my best friends!

That actually happened in real life. They paid me a surprise visit on my birthday, set a table with delicious food, and persuaded me to make a birthday wish.

Xinyan, what was your wish?

My wish was to "perform with someone completely unexpected."

Hmm, I wonder who this unexpected person might be?

I've just figured it out.

Oh, you already know the answer?

Mm-hmm. However, before I tell you the answer, I'd like to clear the water veins that flow through the mountains.

What kind of mirage would Fischl not want to confront?

Could it be... that a swarm of phantoms will emerge, each claiming to be the true Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort, Sovereign of the Immernachtreich, and ruler of the Ashen Darkness...

And then they'll immediately start arguing with each other in their completely incomprehensible language... eek.

Forget that, I shouldn't scare myself...

The melody from my mirage is still playing in my head. That was such an incredible experience!

I was able to make my wish come true, but I'm not sure if everyone else will have as good an experience as I did...

Let's get some rest so we'll have enough energy! Whatever happens, I should do everything I can to help my friends.

I didn't bring it up at the time since I didn't want to cause anyone any more distress... still, the disappearance of the Fatui worries me.

From the look on your face... I see, it appears we have similar thoughts.

Then let's stay diligent, and keep an eye out for any further developments.

We've done everything we can, but how do we deal with the last two mountains?

Let's stick to it. There's gotta be a way.

After taking a closer look, it seems to me that most of the island mountains contain water veins and plants in their interior. Those together form a system that connects the mountains with one another.

However, now that much of the mountains have collapsed, the connection of plants and water veins is blocked.

If we can dredge all the blockages, we will be able to connect the islands to form the giant instrument described in Albedo's notes, and play music using the islands themselves.

Yep, for me to reach my goal, we gotta do this... But first, I'd like to consult the flower. It should know what to do.

Some of the plants and water veins on the island mountains have been lost. Do you happen to know another way to dredge the blockages?

I know someone who can help you with that. Go ask my companion, Frozen Soul, who lives upstairs.

Who are you, and what brings you to me?

Nice to meet you. We were wondering if we could use your power to dredge the mountains on the island.

Mountains? Oh, I see... you want to become great musicians too, right?

Oh? Is that what this is about?

Correct.

In that case, we seek the same thing. Despite my frailty, I feel obligated to share some of my power with you.

Plant my petal at the ending point of the intersection of melodies, and what had once sunk into the earth will re-emerge with the music. As long as there is music, life will continue to flourish in this world.

...Thank you.

The spirit of resistance!

It feels good to shout out your motto at the top of your voice.

Shh... calm your mind and listen carefully.

Can you hear it? The ocean, the sky, and the mountains... everything in the world has its own unique song.

Can you feel anything, now that we've planted the petal?

Yes, I can feel it. The sun is shining brightly, the sea gleams like a gemstone, the waves lap the milky-white beaches, and the grains of sand are pulled into the sea, then pushed back ashore...

...the seabirds are landing on the rocks, pecking gently and making rhythmic sounds. ♪ dum-dum, dum-dum ♪...

It's music.

This is indeed music. In fact, this whole island is a giant musical instrument. Since you are a musician, you should be able to understand the meaning behind its original creation.

Making music with the tides, waves, and sea breeze as your instruments is the most romantic thing in the world.

Let's go, everyone. It's time for my performance.

...

Finally, the time has come.

Everyone, I once made a wish to perform with someone no one could have expected. And today, on this island, I've found my answer.

No one knows the name or appearance of the man who transformed this island into a giant musical instrument so many years ago, but he is unquestionably one of Teyvat's greatest musicians.

I never imagined I'd be able to see such an instrument, and I never imagined we'd be able to play it during a high tide.

Are you going to play some rock 'n' roll?

No.

Music is the gift one gives to their kindred spirit, so... I'll play something that makes for a better duet with the original musician.

No rock music for today. Instead, I'm gonna show you something new!

...Phew.

How was it? Not bad, huh?

Quite impressive.

I've never heard a duet like that before. It was very interesting.

And so elegant as well! Paimon's not sure how best to put it... But it was just super unique.

Hehe, thank you.

And now I can say my wish has come true.

Is there anything else you'd like to do?

No, in fact, I reckon I'll get a good night's sleep tonight.

Does this mean everyone is free for the time being? If so, I have a suggestion.

I'd like to return to the Fatui camp, and see what's going on there.

Oh? So you've discovered the Fatui camp as well.

Wait, you know about it too?

Of course, I'm a genius astrologist. Didn't I mention that my scryglass has recovered a little? I can sense what's going on here through divination.

Uh, I didn't know the Fatui were here too.

Indeed. I also informed Fischl of this when we parted ways today. If she runs into them, she'll stay hidden and out of danger.

I see, then perhaps we should tell everyone what we know.

A strange machine, and delirious Fatui...? Are you suggesting these are connected to the mirage?

I can't say I'm certain, but I don't believe they are completely unrelated.

Fair enough. Let's go check out the camp.

It's strange that on our way here, we've only run into local monsters, and no Fatui.

How bizarre... there are still signs of the camp, and the machine is still here, but all the people have vanished.

(This machine must have something to do with the mirages. Sure, it's broken, but maybe that itself is the cause.)

(...But if the machine can cause people to hallucinate, why did they vanish? Is there anything else going on?)

(Did they disappear, or are they hiding from us?)

I give up — I'm just going to divine the answer.

...

What's this...? Some kind of energy flow?

Sorry, everyone, I can't seem to find any trace of the Fatui. My scryglass has gotten hazy again, but this time, I can sense some sort of energy converging and taking physical form.

The destination is... the island over there.

Whose mirage will it be this time?

Hmm... let's head over and have a look. Maybe we'll be able to find something there.

Here we are.

Huh? Fischl?

...

It's really her! Hey, Fischl—!

...Hmph, my imprudent retainers, you've finally arrived.

O—Oh my, long time no see!

It hasn't been that long, has it?

Ahem... Mein Fräulein and I sensed a peculiar aura, and came here ahead of time to reunite with everyone. We weren't expecting you... Well, what I mean to say is, you arrived sooner than we expected.

Is it just Paimon, or does Oz seem nervous?

The advent of the Immernachtreich is imminent, and I still need to prepare for the consecration.

Mein Fräulein, are you sure you—

I am quite capable of acting on my own, Oz. If you're weary of the encroaching darkness of the night, you're quite welcome to return to the blinding brightness of the day.

Please, mein Fräulein, do not say such things. I am your loyal attendant, your eyes, and I will never leave your side.

...Stop staring at me like that! A—Anyway, the time of explanation... is not yet upon us, hmph!

Oh, mein Fräulein!

I do apologize, everyone. Mein Fräulein is having a rough day — please do not take it to heart. I must also excuse myself now.

...Huh, still no improvement in her mood, even after all this time away from the group.

As soon as I saw Fischl, I realized that the mirage that's about to take shape here must have something to do with her.

Yes. I, at least, felt a peculiar sense of familiarity when I approached my mirage.

Me too. Even though it didn't really make sense, I just had a feeling that something exciting was gonna happen.

Exactly, if Fischl and Oz can also sense something, then our suspicions are likely to be right on the Mora... Fischl's probably agitated because she doesn't want to confront her mirage.

How come?

Maybe her mirage conceals some secrets that she doesn't want anyone to know about.

Let's all take a rest here for now. When the mirage appears, we will get to the bottom of this mystery.