Log 460

It was actually much easier to get to the Fú Yùn region than I thought it'd be. Literally, all I had to do was flash my little ID card and they just let me in without question. No verifications, no questioning, none. Nada. Zippo. Nein of that. But hey! I'm not questioning anything either, so here I am, waltzing around one of the main planets that Zhang's supposed to reside in, Jīng Shén. The moment I got proper access, imaginary non-paperwork and all, I'm immediately blown away at the sheer architecture of this place. It's… beautiful— well, I'd argue practically breathtaking. The traditional aspect of this place reminds me of home, to some degree, but if I wasn't here trying to find Zhang, I'd do some shopping or something, because Aos fucking damn… I don't know how I can stress this enough. I had to stop myself from drooling everywhere, purely because of how.. rich my surroundings are. 

The towering spires and red-tiled roofs curve elegantly toward the sky, their edges etched with what look like constellations. Golden lanterns hang from intricately carved arches, casting a warm glow against the polished stone streets. Aos, everything's just so… Grand, rich and elegant. Children run free, adults sipping afternoon tea, shopping or just chatting. Only for a moment it all for some reason calmed my senses before I quickly snapped back to reality, remembering why I'm here, and not on some vacation. 

Surprisingly, it's not that hard to find the guy, since apparently, he's a semi-public figure here. How in Ku's name, is he a sort of public figure, and I've never heard of him???? Sure I'm practically zeroing in on trying to kill one man, but surely an Acolyte Arbiter overseeing a whole handful of planets in his interastral territory, has gotta have some form of public face? Who knows, maybe he's a conservative guy…

I chatted with any officials that I could find wandering around, and asked how I could meet the almighty Mr. Hoa Zhang, and I was told I needed to set up a meeting with him. Of course I do, it'd be odd if some rando like me just waltz into his palace, demanding to know why he's got a Data chip with hundreds of High-Interest Bounty Hunters. I am a bit frustrated that I can't really meet him today, but I'm sure he's got meetings or whatever Arbiters have to do, so tomorrow afternoon's really as early as a time he's available. Thankfully, with my fancy little ID card, that was the earliest I could get. I was told that if I didn't, next Lunis Phase would've been the earliest. Sometimes I'm not sure if I should be proud of my profession or not, but I suppose that just for now, I'm at least appreciative of it. 

I decided to spend the rest of the day waltzing around the town square, visiting some food vendors to try out the food, and let me tell you, it tastes absolutely divine. So this is what happens when you're well off, and live in places like this…. I think I'd actually go broke living here, considering the prices for food alone was already eye-narrowing. At least for me. 

I wandered around some more and came across some night markets. The hum of voices blending with music or the sizzling of food stalls, vibrant lanterns casting warm glows on the cobblestone streets, The scent of spices or grilled skewers and street food filling the air. Aos', It's been so, so long since I've ever been to one, so I decided to visit some stalls out of curiosity. I know I can't, and shouldn't linger for too long though. As much as I'd love to lose myself in places like this, I didn't come here for a vacation. While wandering around, a merchant stall caught my eye, as I found some nice trinkets, waving a small hand to catch the merchant's attention. 

"How much for this, sir?" I asked, pointing to some small pair of intricately crafted earrings. The older man turned to me and offered me a polite smile.

"That'd be 5000 credits, Miss!"

I nearly choked. I didn't wanna seem rude, so I chuckled politely in response.

"My my, costs quite a pretty coin, yes?"

He lets out a hearty belly laugh as he leans on the chair he was sitting in a bit more.

"Sure is! But that's what happens when territories like playing tug-of-war all too often." He states, picking up the earrings I pointed at to look at.

"Tensions between planets here are rising," he explained, his smile faltering for the briefest moment before returning.

"Tug-of-war, you say?" I inquired, not having any knowledge of what he's referring to. He seemed somewhat surprised before giving me a once over, the warm smile returning to his face as he chuckled.

"You're not from around here, are you?" He asked kindly, to which I shook my head.

"Mmm, thought so. Either way, I'd advise not to stay too long. Strain between some planets in the Qiánghuì territory and here have been rather prominent. Even in older merchants like myself! So, it's harder to get some goods back over here." He explained to me politely, a soft hum was heard from me as I watched him inspect the earrings I pointed to.

"I see. I'll take your word for it. I do plan not to stay long though. I'm here for business." I explained, as he cooed softly in interest.

"Oh is that so? Well then, I won't keep you for long, young miss." He spoke with another belly laugh, his attention turned to what was in his hands. 

"Say… as for this, I'll make an exception. How does 2500 sound?" He offered. I raised my brow slightly at his new pricing.

"Ah, I can pay full pricing, it's not too big of a deal" I retorted, knowing full well 5000 credits would kick me in the ass sooner or later. He waved his hand dismissively at me.

"I insist! I'm sure it will bring you some good luck one day." He proposed, not seemingly wanting to budge at all. What kind of reverse-haggle is this? Either way, he's been kind to me, so I paid the amount, plus a little extra for his troubles and went on my way. Waving goodbye to the older gentleman. 

Thankfully, finding a somewhat cheap inn around here wasn't that difficult. It's a little late into the night before I could find anything, but I'm glad I didn't have to go through the hassle of just leaping back into my ship, sleeping there, and leaping back here. I mean, I can technically do that to save money, but that's just too much work, and frankly, I'm lazy. 

Even with a cheaper inn like this, the decor is still quite aesthetically pleasing. It makes me wonder how the more high-end hotels or inns would look.

I took time to brush my teeth and shower before flopping onto the bed with a soft sigh.

Hopefully I can sleep tonight…

~~~~~~

"Mommy, mommy! Look what I made!" I exclaimed, jumping up and down excitedly while holding out a small canvas. She turned her head to look at me, a warm and gentle smile slowly spreading onto her lips as she took the canvas in my hands, lifting it up high to look with a soft playful hum

"Mmm~ look at what my little artist has done! Is this our garden?" She asks with a knowing look on her face, to which I nodded profusely. 

"Yup! It took me a really, really, really long time, but I got it!"

At that moment I felt a pair of arms shift beneath my arms and lift me high into the air.

"Rahh!! The monster's caught you!!" The familiar voice declared, earning a laugh from both myself and my mother. The hands turned me around and I'm met with the very familiar face of my father. He brought me closer and held me into a tight hug, before carrying me in his arms.

He peaked over to what mama has in her hands, he hums knowingly in the same way she did, before turning to look at me with a smile on his face, pointing playfully at my chest.

"Did you do this??" He asked as if he had absolutely no idea. Again, I nodded and leaned against his shoulder, wrapping my arm around his neck for stability. He chuckled in response before swaying back and forth as if getting ready to throw me.

"My my~ it seems like we have an inspiring artist in this household!" He exclaimed, pulling my mama closer to him with his free hand to press, the sound of tatami mats creaking gently beneath us, as he pressed a soft kiss against her cheek, earning a soft chuckle from her.

"I'm sure our daughter has a very promising future before us…" He spoke in a calmer manner, holding me tighter in his arms.

Mama hummed softly in response, reaching her hand out to pinch my cheek, earning a soft giggle from me before she spoke.

"Yes… now, why don't you two go pray first and let me prepare dinner for us, hm? Remember to thank Our Mother Goddess Hibiki and her sisters for me, yes?" She spoke, tilting her head slightly to the side as she spoke.

"Yes mommy! I'll remember!"