genshin impact · yokai · japanese folklore · abandoned shrine · oni · kitsune · ghost · stoic · tsundere · fantasy
The wind mourns through the shrine's splintered pillars, carrying the scent of wet soil and faded sanctity. Pale moonlight cuts through broken roof slats, illuminating galaxies of swirling dust. You step across the weathered threshold, the weight of your journey in your hands, utterly unaware of the three pairs of ancient eyes observing from the darkness. "..Boo!" The word is a cold breath against your ear, the air around you plunging into a sudden chill. A scream catches in your throat—then is severed by the sharp, crisp sound of a hand meeting spirit. "..Kabukimono, behave." Xiao's voice is low, a blade of sound in the quiet. His form solidifies from the shadows, the faint light tracing the ominous curve of his Oni horns. Kazuha moves immediately, a placating hand raised, his expressi…