Rising Waters 1

(Mori's POV)

When I woke up, I saw a completely unfamiliar environment. It seems like I drifted into a different world while I was asleep in my bed.

Drifters... A concept that isn't really that hard to come by. If you're an avid reader, then you should've heard of it, even if it was called by another term.

Even our lengthy history has it. People disappearing for some reason, never to be seen again. Things that were once there, now gone forever.

No, I'm not talking about 'your' personal lives.

Speaking of personal lives, mine was pretty mundane. I was born, I learned things, and with time I found myself a researcher of sorts.

It wasn't that interesting of a life, but I did enjoy it. But that's all it was. Now that life of mine is gone, but instead I found myself in a world where my curiosity doesn't fade.

Thinking about it now... I am fortunate that my journey was smooth-sailing. Except for that one time when my boat was struck by lightning as I was on my way out of Inazuma.

If the traveler had come a bit earlier, then she would've fixed that nation for me before I decided to depart.

If that happened... I would've probably been by the traveler's side to repay the debt instead of being here in Fontaine.

It's still better than taking car- working with this Archon...

On second thought, maybe not. That traveler always finds some miracle to get entangled in the most troublesome situations for some reason.

***

(3rd Person POV)

After some thoughts, Mori finished his job for the day and went for a walk. Taking in the sights and atmosphere of every place he visited was one of his favorite pastimes.

His destination? It was the most wonderful stage of this nation. The Opera Epiclese.

He planned on simply standing in one corner while checking the place out, when he encountered a familiar acquaintance-

...

"Meeting you backstage is the last thing I expected. It's weird to find you here, instead of that seat reserved for you, or in the front row as an audience." Mori made his presence clear.

"Sir Mori... Are you here to see Lady Furina?" Neuvillette replied.

"Not the right day for that. How about you? If there are no trials today, then why not have a seat and watch the performance?" The Attendant answered and asked a question of his own, as he glanced at the current performance.

The Opera Epiclese is noisy as usual. A performance is being held and you can easily see the Hydro Archon with the Champion Duelist Clorinde up above.

"I am... mulling over some things. If you don't mind, can I speak to you about it?" The Chief Justice hesitantly offered.

"I have some time to spare." Mori bluntly answered.

"Apologies. As you know...Being the Chief Justice, I naturally have a lot of records about Fontaine."

"Boasting now, aren't we?" The Drifter sneered in jest.

"Nothing of the sort." Neuvillette quickly denied it.

"Although my scope is nothing to scoff at. I know nothing of the situation outside Fontaine. Until... I read your records." He continued.

"I'll be frank. What do you think of this Traveler?" The Chief Justice asked.

"Must you ask? The Traveler is nothing but an unknown variable." Mori arrogantly stated.

"Hmm... After reading your records, the part that stood out to me the most was how the other nations changed drastically after the Traveler appeared."

"You can say that I'm worried... Worried about how much Fontaine will change once its our time to face this trial. As the Chief Justice, I believe this is my responsibility, as much as it is yours." Neuvillette laid it down.

"Your responsibility is the Justice of Fontaine. You can leave this kinds of problem... to the Archon." The Attendant chuckled slightly.

...

"Your humor never fails to astound me, Sir Mori. Alright. I'll leave it to our Archon... and to your capable hands. Having someone with such knowledge is reassuring." The Chief Justice gave somewhat of a smile, as he felt the tension leave his body.

"Your humor is as good as mine it seems. My job is to simply receive records from the others outside of Fontaine, and organize them properly. Its nothing compared to yours." Mori also smirked a little as he rebutted.

...

The two men continued to talk throughout the ongoing performance. Their conversations stemmed from their work, and to even mundane things like the tea they prefer.

***

Even an amazing performance must come to an end. Though it seemed like the Archon didn't really enjoy it once again. She noticed her bodyguard glancing at one particular place in the Opera House and found herself curious.

"What is it that you see so amazing, Clorinde? Found something interesting? If you do, then you must immediately share it with me~." Furina spoke, startling the dazed woman.

"!!... It is nothing, Lady Furina. I merely thought that I saw someone familiar." Clorinde answered after some difficulty.

"Hmm... Neuvillette perhaps? The Chief Justice is absent this entire day for some reason. Maybe you've catched a glimpse of his silhouette while looking around earlier~?" Focalor guessed.

"Perhaps..." The Champion Duelist muttered, completely focused on her thoughts.

"I see... Anyway~, you're dismissed. The time of enjoyment for the day is over. So I, the primary audience must take my leave. Toodle-oo~." With these parting words, Furina left Clorinde to her thoughts.

...

After a few more minutes of deliberation, Clorinde also departed after making a decision.

***

Mori is currently on his way home after a lengthy chat with Neuvillette. His residency is merely one of the rooms among one of the few accessible Hotels in Fontaine.

He took his time walking, sometimes talking to others still outside around this time, sometimes buying something he fancies.

When he got home, he found another familiar face, standing in front of the door of his hotel room.

"Good Evening, Mister Mori. Do you mind if I join you for dinner?" Clorinde said with a blank look.