Yumemizuki Mizuki

Yumemizuki Mizuki is one of the representatives of yumekui-baku, who has a unique and memorable appearance. She is a young girl with bright facial features and expressive eyes that reflect her lively character. Her hair is long and wavy, and has a rich color that ranges from deep blue to purple, creating a gradient effect. This hair is gathered in two high ponytails, which gives her a playful and energetic look.

Mizuki wears a stylish outfit that combines elements of traditional Japanese clothing and modern design. The main colors of her outfit are blue and purple-pink, with bright accents in the form of patterns and details that emphasize her personality. Various symbols and ornaments related to nature and water elements can be seen on her clothes, reflecting her connection with this element.

Her eyes are large and expressive, with a bright shade that contrasts with her hair. Mizuki's gaze is full of energy and curiosity, which makes her image even more attractive. You can often see a slight smile on her face, emphasizing her friendly and open nature.

Mizuki also adorns herself with various accessories: earrings, bracelets and elements on her hair, which add to her sophistication. In general, her appearance harmoniously combines elements of fantasy and traditional culture, creating an image that is easy to remember and arouses the interest of passers-by.

Mizuki has a friendly, polite demeanor towards everyone regardless of status or species differences. Due to her job, she is very attentive to people's mental and physical health. She is hardworking and willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, as shown when she pulled multiple all-nighters in a row to ensure the Mikawa Flower Festival's success.[2] Unlike most yumekui-baku, Mizuki understands human emotions well due to her studies in psychology, and as a result, feels every negative emotion she consumes from her patients.[3]

Mizuki holds the belief that people must confront their own core struggles in order to achieve true happiness, a philosophy which comes into conflict with Yae Miko's perspective of entertainment and escapism. However, Mizuki was able to have an amicable discussion regarding this topic, showing her levelheadedness and open mind. She is introspective and self-knowledgeable, recognizing her own feelings of inferiority towards Yae Miko, as well as the modesty and ambition that comes alongside it.[4] She thinks ahead and takes preventative measures to avoid stress-induced breakdowns like her colleagues, conducting therapy on herself and balancing her emotional side with her rational side. She also has a high social affinity and is quite skilled at her job, being able to treat patients as difficult as Emura Chuuya.

Mention the Aisa Bathhouse, and for most Inazumans, the first thing that springs to mind are its artificial hot springs — inspired by those present in Natlan, kitted out with imported facilities, and hailed as a "go-to destination for relaxation."

The bathhouse has recently undergone a major renovation, now offering "psychotherapy" services that have quickly won it widespread acclaim.

Enter Yumemizuki Mizuki, a clinical psychologist who, after having only recently returned to Inazuma, has quickly taken center stage. Known for her holistic approach, she utilizes a combination of the hot springs' warm and soothing waters, serene fragrances, and her own miraculous youkai powers to expel the deep-seated unease troubling her patients.

Word gradually got out that this woman - or rather, yumekui-baku in a woman's form - was actually the Aisa Bathhouse's major shareholder; not only the core founding investor, but also the decision-maker behind its recent renovation.

Yet she was nothing like your typical behind-the-scenes investor, instead showing both the professionalism of a doctor and the forbearing dedication of an ordinary employee. Immersed in her frontline duties, she meticulously consulted with every patient, diagnosing, prescribing, then administering treatments with pinpoint precision and cool-headed composure.

In this way, Mizuki rapidly made quite a name for herself among those tormented by persistent nightmares.

The elderly, perhaps, might remember hearing bedtime stories about yumekui-baku in their childhood — and among them, funnily enough, the name of Yumemizuki Mizuki in particular would no doubt ring a bell.

Mizuki's peaceful and carefree demeanor, however, make it somewhat difficult for people to associate her with the youkai of those fading legends.

But the Aisa Bathhouse is only the first step in Mizuki's grand plan. Although progress has been slow, her vision is to eventually expand into a fully-fledged conglomerate, offering the people of Inazuma both comprehensive entertainment and improved mental well-being.

To this end, she continues to explore methods that go beyond simply relying upon her youkai powers — everything from mind-calming exercises to invigorating amusement parks, structured dietary plans, and even traditional games to bring joy and laughter to her patients once more.

Knowing little about Mizuki, employees who catch a glimpse of her busy schedule can't help but feel worried for her. Might their boss, clearly far more overworked than any of them, be weighed down by hidden fatigue and anxiety too?

Though it would be unfair to say that the yumekui-baku were entirely unheard of, yet compared to the likes of the kitsune - almost ubiquitous in lore and legend - or the gallant tengu, or the fearsome and awe-inspiring oni, they had never been of any particular renown.

At the great gathering known as the "Hyakumonogatari Taikai," the baku were little more than bit-part characters. Some would sit there in a quiet corner sipping away at their tea, while others could be found alongside fellow lesser youkai, listening respectfully to the lofty rhetoric and grandiose tales of the great and mighty. Others still might act as attendants, pouring tea and sake for refined individuals like Urakusai.

For the young baku Yumemizuki Mizuki, the sole pleasure of attending those banquets back then lay in marveling at how her friend, the young kitsune Yae Miko, dazzled others with her sharp wit and ingenuity.

Watching Miko debating tirelessly with Urakusai, curled up on the shoulder of the older Kitsune Saiguu, Mizuki always ended up munching through several times her usual share of snacks. Delighting in the way she dissected her opponent's arguments, Mizuki often nodded in admiration at her friend's quick thinking, even memorizing her brilliant retorts word-for-word.

The next morning, catching sight of a yawning Miko, Mizuki would eagerly approach her with a bowl of freshly-fried tofu, ready to resume their conversation from the night before.

Mizuki's near-fawning enthusiasm sometimes caught Miko quite off guard. On such occasions, she would elegantly cover her face with a flick of her fluffy tail, then quickly change the subject by saying, "Let's go grab some ramen."

Whether nose-to-bowl in front of Master Karasu's ramen stall, perched up high atop the sturdiest sakura branch on the southern slopes of Mt. Yougou, or lounging on beaches bathed in the setting sun's glow, the young kitsune and the little baku were inseparable, chatting away about everything and anything.

Even the untold secrets of their deepest dreams became treasures that they shared with one another.

But as the successor to Hakushin Kitsune's bloodline, the duties that awaited Miko, and the responsibilities that growing up entailed for her, were a heavy load to bear indeed.

When Miko, then Mizuki in turn, acquired the power to take humanoid form, the two of them were swept apart by the currents of life - just like humans - each carried off to different waters of the world.

Under Kitsune Saiguu's tutelage, Miko went on to fathom profound mysteries of youkai magic, and, surrounded by the maidens of the Grand Narukami Shrine, mastered the 880 precepts of the Guuji. As the Hakushin bloodline's rising star, Miko moved through the ranks of the big, the bad, the great, and the good, solidifying her kin's standing in the world of the youkai.

Her world was like the vast sea they once gazed at together - tumultuous and ever-changing, filled with all sorts of dangers and challenges, but brimming with endless possibilities too.

Mizuki, meanwhile, slipped into an altogether quieter life. Much of her time she spent farming or weaving with her fellow baku to make ends meet, but she would also set off on patrol at fixed times, devouring nightmares for those who sought her help.

It was like she'd drifted downstream into a perfectly still lake, placid to the point of monotony.

Their outings together grew less and less frequent, until eventually, even their agreement to spend time together once a month became too difficult to keep.

Mizuki, however, felt no regret as a result of this.

After all, she still left home at exactly the same time as Miko each morning; and when Miko took the bowl of fried tofu that Mizuki had prepared for her, she still gave her that same old smile — reserved only for her closest friends.

Mizuki doubted she could bear even a tenth of Miko's responsibilities, and whenever they walked together, she felt crushed by the weight of the gazes that bore down upon them from all sides.

She was quite content to play a bit part without many lines, simply providing Miko with a sense of peace when she needed it.

Alas, tranquility never lasts forever.

That day came when a dark disaster fell upon them all, crashing down like a crumbling rampart. Humans and youkai alike were rendered helpless beneath the weight of its evil, and the islands resounded with cries of despair.

Ill-suited for battle, the baku had no choice but to beat a hasty retreat, seeking safety in nooks and crannies of the land so unfrequented that they escaped the calamity's notice.

After the last vestiges of evil had finally been vanquished by the Shogun, Mizuki and her kin returned with great trepidation, only to find that their once-thriving settlement had been reduced to ruins.

Frantic with worry, Mizuki searched far and wide for her friends, seeing only heartbreaking scenes of loss and separation everywhere she went.

Gone without a trace was the familiar figure of Kitsune Saiguu. Instead, Mizuki found Miko - eyes dim, face pale, cheeks streaked with faint trails of tears - bowed in prayer before the withered Sacred Sakura.

was the Miko she knew so well prematurely forced to shoulder the responsibilities that awaited her, thus becoming the revered Guuji Yae.

From then on, even their morning encounters became a thing of the past. Snowed under by the avalanche of recovery work, Miko had no choice but to move into the Grand Narukami Shrine, where she worked tirelessly day and night.

Soon, the yumekui-baku too found themselves swamped with relentless requests; for the shattered land of Inazuma was now strewn with the traumatized, scarred in both body and mind, humans and youkai alike.

The calamity may have been driven back for the time being, but all were haunted by the remembrance of its horrors, and these fears took root in the very depths of their dreams. Night after night, these victims were set by waves of endless terrors, eating away at their willpower and eroding their resolve.

The unable residual dread was so overwhelming that even the baku elder herself proved to withstand it. One day, she collapsed after dispelling the nightmares of several Shogunate samurai, falling into a coma for many months. When she finally awoke, she was too frail to continue performing her duties, and so was forced to retire.

It was at this moment that the hitherto unremarkable Yumemizuki Mizuki revealed her talents unlooked-for. When she extracted the dark poison from the victims' minds, the pain she felt was excruciating - not unlike the sensation of being cut or burned. Yet clearly, this was far better than drifting off into a deep sleep that could last for months on end.

And so Mizuki became a beacon of hope for the victims, helping them free themselves from the nightmares by which they were tormented. Laden with an unbearable weight of anguish, she would stagger back each day, retreating to a secluded spot to recover in quiet solitude.

That may have been Mizuki's most trying time, as she shared every second of the victims' pain. Day and night, her vision was filled with a deep, purplish-blackness that seemed to flow and spread like blood oozing from an open wound.

Fortunately, she could draw strength from the image of her dearest friend, carved deeply into her subconscious mind. Whenever Mizuki teetered on the brink of collapse, that cherry-blossom pink always brought her back to her senses.

"As Guuji, it's Miko [sic] job to help the Shogun deal with the problems of the physical world... I, too, must do my duty, and that's to help others overcome their spiritual pain!"

By reassuring herself so, Mizuki always found the strength to continue.

Yet, single-mindedly immersed in her work as she was, there was one thing she overlooked - that, in the blink of an eye, a century had flown by.

While Mizuki had been tending to her countless patients and calming the turbulence of their traumas, the Miko she once knew had steadily been shaped by the weight of her duties. More frequently, the Guuji now wore the smile of one who mocked the fleeting transience of the mortal world.

On the rare occasion that they found themselves sitting together by their old ramen stand, they repeatedly struggled to connect — the air thick with an alien silence, despite the fact that they had once been so close that they could share anything.

After much contemplation, Mizuki decided to give her friend the benefit of the doubt and came to terms with the way things had turned out.

The pain that Miko suffered during the calamity, she told herself, must have far exceeded her own. Ordinary youkai could not even begin to imagine the burdens entailed by being Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine.

Without adopting such pointed composure, she reasoned, Miko may have been unable to endure the relentless onslaught of challenges that had come her way.

Having experienced such different environments, it was only natural that their reflections would diverge.

At the very least, they had both done their utmost to fulfill their respective duties. The way things were now was but the outcome of having made the best possible decisions that they could have.

To rely on a familiar figure as a source of comfort, hoping she would remain forever frozen as she was in memory... Inevitably, that would only serve as a shackle for them both.

Whether they liked it or not, their carefree days were gone for good. They each had their own paths to follow, so why not do so freely without clinging to the past?

Let the memories of those bygone days stay where they belonged — safe and sound, in the depths of her inner self.

Not all nightmares are the same. For individuals who are otherwise sound in mind and body, occasional nightmares caused by passing clouds of gloom are a natural source of nourishment for the yumekui-baku. But the nocturnal terrors of those afflicted by chronic illness or severe trauma are altogether a different animal. The baku may still consume them, even liking the experience to eating flavorless bread, yet their toxic threat remains undiminished.

Even Mizuki, the most gifted of her kind, would find herself plagued by persistent ailments if she devoured too many of the latter.

To prevent healers from succumbing to the very maladies they sought to cure, Mizuki began exploring methods beyond her natural youkai powers, seeking to detoxify such negative emotions prior to consumption. And so, once she was certain that the dark calamity's lingering shadows had been fully suppressed, Mizuki set off for foreign lands. Her aim was to study humanity's most cutting-edge medical practices in order to develop her very own system of "clinical psychological therapy."

In Mondstadt, working with the Adventurers' Guild, she took on a part-time role as a "post-trauma disorder treatment consultant," gaining invaluable experience in hands-on clinical care. In Liyue, under the guidance of the physicians of Chenyu Vale, she familiarized herself with various medicinal herbs that could be used to calm the mind and spirit, as well as the intricate process of cultivating and using them. In Sumeru, inspired by the local incense burners, she built upon her previous explorations of herbal medicines by devising a method of aromatic therapy, using incense as a healing aid to facilitate relaxation and sleep. And in Fontaine, she supplemented her knowledge by delving into the theoretical medical insights of the Research Institute. By considering the scientific underpinnings of avant-garde cinematography, she even discovered fascinating connections between visual patterns and human psychology.

After years of study and exploration, Mizuki eventually reached her final destination - the vibrant land of the seemingly indefatigable People of the Springs in Natlan's southern regions.

Not only did the "hot spring warriors" give Mizuki the warmest of welcomes, they also showed her their courage by valiantly facing down enemies who shared the same origins as the dark calamity that had once blighted her native land.

Of all the people she met, Mualani in particular left a lasting impression. The first time they crossed paths, Mualani had been dashing about, playing tag with a group of children, when all of a sudden she had lost her footing — at which point, she accidentally crashed straight into Mizuki, then dragged her down together into the hot spring beside them. A somewhat clumsy first impression, by any account...

Yet in the face of fearsome foes, Mualani's boundless optimism became an unshakable pillar of strength. Not only was she utterly dependable, but even after a fight, she showed no signs of the usual psychological scars that Mizuki had grown so accustomed to seeing.

Spurred on by her curiosity, Mizuki investigated further, finally concluding that - aside from sheer willpower - a balanced lifestyle was crucial to mental well-being.

Living their lives to the fullest in peacetime, brimming with energy and savoring every moment, and then stepping onto the battlefield without regrets, refreshed and ready for the fight — could this, Mizuki wondered, be the secret to the strength of Natlan's warriors?

"Play hard, fight hard, huh... Treating life's conundrums as you would challenges in a game — taking them on in a composed, timely manner."

And thus, Mizuki conceived the idea of establishing an "entertainment group." Her vision was to introduce the residents of Inazuma to a wide range of different leisure activities, and thereby significantly improve their mental well-being.

From the People of the Springs, she got the idea of hot springs and water sports; from the Scions of the Canopy, of (relatively) safe extreme sports like rock climbing and mountaineering; and she even planned to set up fitness centers staffed by professional trainers from the Collective of Plenty. With a team of collaborators soon in place, Mizuki's vision began to take shape...

In Inazuman folklore, the yumekui-baku have always been celebrated for their benevolent and carefree nature, depicted as beings without wanting of their own, yet ever ready to help others in need.

Mizuki is a shining example of this in the flesh. Despite her extensive experience in helping others ward off nightmares, she has never capitalized on her reputation by increasing her fees, instead maintaining a remarkably lenient pricing policy.

When treating the common folk, she calculates her labor fee by adhering to a strict formula — half of the patient's hourly wage multiplied by the duration of the session. Even when it amounts to no more than the price of a bowl of ramen, she accepts her meager earnings without a word of discontent.

In Mizuki's eyes, these patients suffer enough as-is, so the least she can do is avoid adding financial burdens to their woes.

For wealthier patients, she asks them to set their own price, saying, "Given your means, what would you consider fair payment for this treatment?"

Whether out of respect for Mizuki or simply to uphold their own sense of pride, such patients invariably end up proposing handsome prices indeed...

This approach has earned her services widespread acclaim, leading to a steady stream of appointments that keeps her so busy that she often goes for weeks without a single day off.

After consuming a patient's nightmares, it always feels as if she has eaten a large bowl of rice. So long as the toxins are not too potent, both her youkai power and physical strength will be replenished.

By all accounts, Mizuki rarely indulges in personal spending. Aside from a few simple outfits and the occasional inexpensive dessert, she rarely treats herself to anything, keeping her living expenses to a bare minimum.

A youkai with practically no time off, almost no inclination to spend, nearly zero expenditure, and a relentless work ethic... Given several centuries, just how much could such an individual save up? Without any precedents to compare her against, it's a tough question to answer.

No matter how you arrive at your estimate, one thing is for certain - that her savings must be substantial, to say the very least. And they were, in fact, the foundation that underpinned Mizuki's own investments.

For a time, the turmoil caused by the Sakoku Decree prevented her from returning to Inazuma, leaving her unable to inspect the progress that had been made on the Aisa Bathhouse. Several of her other ventures, too, remained stuck at the planning stage, with no hope of headway in sight...

Yet during this period, Mizuki was far from idle. She worked tirelessly to keep abreast of all the latest trends in Teyvat, ensuring that her future businesses could cater to all age groups and alleviate the troubles of patients young and old.

Inspired by modern theories, she strove to make the process less daunting for her patients by stripping it of its overtly "clinical" characteristics. She referred to her patients as "guests" and rebranded the serious business of therapy as a form of leisure, meticulously refining every detail to foster an atmosphere of complete relaxation.

Upon returning to Inazuma, Mizuki applied the research findings she had acquired in Fontaine, personally starring in a series of innovative new "promotional programs" designed to catapult her reputation to new heights.

Despite having plenty of awkward moments in front of the Kamera, and how she sometimes got so nervous that she could hardly catch her breath, she knew that if she could just convince people to try out her new approach to therapy — so they could put their worries behind them, once and for all — then it would all be worth it.

But aside from her own publicity efforts, Mizuki just so happened to also know a fellow professional with great potential for collaboration.

And that was none other than her old friend, Yae Miko - editor-in-chief of the cultural and artistic hub that was the Yae Publishing House.

"When helping patients cope with their anxiety, should the emphasis be on gradually guiding them to come face to face with the source of their mental struggles, or on offering reassurance, prioritizing the alleviation of their unease?"

"When dispelling nightmares, is there any risk that the direct removal of negative emotions through prolonged reliance on youkai powers might lead to unintended side effects?"

"If we can't help patients resolve their real-world problems, how can we ensure that they don't relapse?"

...

Finally back from her century-long odyssey, Mizuki had so much to discuss with her old friend Miko.

Beneath the sakura tree where they used to meet as children, they spread out a tablecloth, laid out some snacks, and held a little tea party, chatting from dawn until dusk.

Their elation at being reunited was accompanied by a rational exchange of ideas, giving them both a chance to share their heartfelt thoughts.

Miko was of the opinion that entertainment must stay pure and simple, just as it was in essence. If patients could actively seek out happiness and fill their minds with vibrant, positive thoughts, they might very well be able to eliminate any possible foothold for negative emotions to take root.

Mizuki, however, was concerned that focusing solely on the "pursuit of happiness" without addressing the core of a patient's struggles could lead to an emotional imbalance.

As the tea party came to an amicable close, they both accepted the other's perspective, understanding that, in their own unique way, they would each come up with novel solutions to help the people of Inazuma overcome their inner demons.

As Mizuki saw it, the Yae Publishing House's approach — focused mainly on light novels while branching off into various other forms of cultural entertainment — immersed customers in a myriad of fantastical worlds, injecting hope and vitality back into their lives.

The issue, however, was that cultural products required a certain level of engagement. People who were too physically, mentally, or emotionally drained might struggle to muster the energy or concentration required for extended reading and contemplation.

On top of this, if a person was to completely lose themselves in the fantasy world of light novels, they might inadvertently begin to overlook pressing real-world issues.

The entertainment group that Mizuki had envisioned would not only address the challenges faced by the yumekui-baku, but also fill in this missing piece of the puzzle—

Firstly, healing those who had neither the time nor the energy to enjoy more demanding forms of cultural entertainment and helping them find new joys in life.

And secondly, helping those who had lost become in escapism by gently guiding their focus back to their inner selves.

In this way, people from all walks of life in Inazuma - from hardworking common folk to learned literati - could be aided in finding a holistic solution for improving their spiritual well-being, regardless of their wealth or status.

In cases where the patient's mental and emotional struggles were so deep-seated that they could not be alleviated through conventional methods, or with particularly delicate issues that required careful handling, Mizuki would fall back upon her baku powers to cleanse the toxic shadows from their dreams.

Methodical, systematic, and seamless to a tee.

That said, as ever, neighborhood gossip tends to focus on superficial details. Based on rumors from who knows where, the word quickly went out that the major shareholder of Aisa Bathhouse, "y'know, the one who just returned from abroad," was seeking to challenge the Yae Publishing House itself with a brand new business venture.

The rumors grew increasingly sensational, even inspiring works like "A Business Battle Between Childhood Friends" which quickly became the talk of the town.

When this tale reached Mizuki's ears, she was quite taken back for a moment, but a smile quickly followed.

Well, that... didn't sound like such a bad idea.

Miko had always enjoyed this type of fun, and it was indeed true that Mizuki felt determined to push forward in her career, eager to surpass the friend who had once strode ahead of her.

With mutual understanding, the two friends became tacitly-acknowledged "business rivals."

Even the most delicious of dishes, if eaten three times a day, every day, for hundreds or even thousands of meals in a row, would become unbearable for your average person.

Yet in Mizuki's world of dream-cuisine, bland nightmares are a blessing to be savored.

Some people's nightmares are like the apocalyptic aftermath of a kitchen explosion - a chaotic mix of seasonings with acrid undertones of charred woodsmoke, a slight tang of rust, and harsh, acidic notes to round it all off.

But what about good dreams?

Very few yumekui-baku even know what they taste like, for their kind follow an unwritten rule: "Never eat someone else's good dreams without permission."

It wasn't until her tenth year as a clinical psychologist that Mizuki finally had the rare privilege of tasting such a precious delicacy.

One day, a girl who had made a full recovery thanks to Mizuki's therapy came to express her gratitude with a gift. As they chatted, the girl suddenly suggested the idea of sharing one of her colorful, vibrant dreams.

It was a dreamscape brimming with innocence, energy, and dazzling fantasy. Mizuki was utterly captivated by its flavor... Pleasant, warm, and delicately sweet.

From that day on, Mizuki developed a love for all kinds of desserts, and soon, a bold idea began to take root in her heart.

Could the indescribable beauty of a good dream be a remedy in itself, powerful enough to dissolve negative emotions all on its own?

If she could create such dreams with her youkai powers, they might serve as a potent medicine for her patients' emotional struggles.

And maybe, just maybe... they could also be treasured as exquisite delicacies, a treat for herself, every now and then?

Sadly, however, the baku do not possess the power of creation. Good dreams are, in a sense, the pure and untainted projections of a person's desires. As such, they cannot easily be replicated by outside forces, let alone conjured out of thin air...

Since everyone's desires differ, there can be no universal "recipe" for creating a one-size-fits-all sweet dream. Attempting to probe a person's innermost thoughts - to fathom their deepest secrets - might itself become an act of intrusion, only adding to their anxiety and unease.

Regrettably, therefore, Mizuki was unable to figure out the secret to creating a cure-all dream.

But fortunately, the decades of searching and studying were not in vain. Her dedication was eventually rewarded...

One weary yet fulfilling night, Mizuki dreams of becoming a little baku once more, and of sharing a meal with her dearest friend by a ramen stall.

This particular dream had a delicate, smoky feel to it, almost like a gentle breeze, and it seemed to share the same outline that many happy dreams had in common.

Unbound, unburdened, and carefree...

As the dream unfolded, a radiant, crystalline Vision silently appeared by Mizuki's pillow.

From then on, Mizuki took a new approach, as if she had been inspired.

She resolved to guide people towards tranquil, soothing dreams, rekindling memories of the things they treasured most.

She believed that all the good and beauty that people cherished deep inside them would surely awaken at crucial moments, coloring their dreams and transforming them into the most magnificent forms imaginable.

Wherever Mizuki goes, her two little baku companions are never far behind. Indeed, they are practically inseparable.

In her day-to-day life, the two little baku act like her assistants, helping Mizuki make drinks, cook meals, and fetch things that she requires.

When she's busy fighting off monsters and knaves, not only will they cheer her on, they'll even jump in to join the fray...

Mizuki calls them "Ya-chan" and "Te-chan," simple yet meaningful names that carry connotations of "emotional stability" and "rational thinking."

They are not, however, Mizuki's kin, but rather manifestations of her youkai powers and embodiments of her spirit and wisdom.

Clinical psychologists absorb their patients' sorrows, anxieties, and fears, yet their own negative emotions often go unaddressed. Over time, their beleaguered hearts put them at risk of a total and irrevocable breakdown.

Mizuki has seen colleagues fall apart completely. Seeing them lying there immobile - some not only bedridden, but even mentally incapacitated - she quietly warned herself never to follow that same path.

For this reason, Mizuki also conducts therapy on herself.

Picture a version of her, overflowing with emotion, who could empathize with patients as naturally as drawing breath, yet whose own mood was as fragile as gossamer, collapsing at the slightest touch...

Then imagine another version of her who, guided purely by reason, applied logic to every problem, stripping away all subjective emotions to the point of seeming somewhat cold and detached...

The two little baku, embodying these two different aspects of Mizuki's self, each have their own flaws. As they accompany her when she is treating patients, they offer analyzes from the most extreme of perspectives, not even stinting to outline the full consequences that such extremes would entail.

Afterwards, Mizuki comforts the two of them as if gazing into mirrors of opposing natures, giving her a chance to pick apart the easily overlooked yet potentially devastating issues lying dormant within her own heart.

When contemplating certain issues, if she starts to feel too fragile, she adopts the mindset of someone with a broader perspective by summoning up a degree of cold detachment...

When communicating with someone, if she finds their mood worsening as a result of her coming across too harshly, she can also take a step back and start again from an empathetic perspective — and by doing this, she can strike a balance between objective logic and subjective emotions.

This process of communicating with Ya-chan and Te-chan also plays a pivotal role in how Mizuki balances her own emotions.

After having been through centuries of refinement and observing countless patient interactions, Ya-chan and Te-chan's perspectives no longer dwell at the opposite poles of emotion and reason. Much like Mizuki herself, they can now find a middle ground between the two — most of the time, at least.

The day that Ya-chan's excessive empathy no longer easily ends in tears, and Te-chan learns not to dish out sharp critiques of overly subjective patients, will be the day that Mizuki has become nigh-impervious to even the most powerful of negative emotions.

Teyvat is a fantasy world that is a continent ruled by seven archon gods, each of whom rules one of the nations. The main regions of Teyvat:

1. Mondstadt is a region of freedom under the patronage of Anemo Archon Barbatos (Venti). It is a green region with windmills, knights of the Ordo Favonius and the spirit of wandering.
2. Liyue is a rich trading port ruled by Geo Archon Morax (Zhongli). It has a culture reminiscent of ancient China, with vast mountainous landscapes and traditional rituals.
3. Inazuma is a previously isolated island nation under the rule of the Electro Archon Raiden. Inspired by feudal Japan, with samurai, Shinto motifs and strict laws.
4. Sumeru is the center of knowledge, where the Dendro Archon Nahida rules. It is a land of deserts and rainforests, with an academy and a complex wisdom system.
5. Fontaine is a technologically advanced nation of the Focalors Hydro Archon, stylized as Enlightenment France with steampunk elements and a judicial system.
6. Natlan is a little-studied region associated with the Pyro Archon Mavuica, inspired by pre-Columbian America.
7. Snezhnaya is a harsh winter country of the Krio Archon Tsaritsa, reminiscent of Russia, with a tough government and a militarized society.

Teyvat is full of mysteries: ancient civilizations (Khanri'ah, Celestia), secrets of the Abyss and the Heavenly order.

Mondstadt is a region of freedom and poetry, located in the world of Teyvat. Mondstadt is known for its windy expanses, picturesque hills and carefree atmosphere. It is often called the "Region of Songs and Wine", because art, music and winemaking flourish here.

Mondstadt is built in the medieval Germanian style, with tall towers, stone bridges and cozy cobbled streets. In the center stands the majestic Favonia Cathedral, where the knights of the Ordo Favonius protect the peace of the townspeople. The main attraction is the statue of Barbatos, the archon of the wind, which stands proudly on the square in front of the cathedral.

The people of Mondstadt value freedom and creativity. Festivals, poetry evenings and musical performances are often organized here. The Angel's Share Tavern serves the famous local Diluc's wine, and the Ordo Favonius Library houses ancient manuscripts.

Barbatos, also known as Venti, is the current archon of the wind. Unlike other archons, he prefers to live among people, hiding his true nature under the mask of a simple bard. He loves wine, songs, and cheerful company, but he remains a wise and caring archon.

According to legends, Mondstadt was once ruled by the tyrannical Archon Decarabian, who held the region in ice captivity. Barbatos, then still the spirit of the wind, together with an unnamed archer warrior, rebelled and overthrew the tyrant. After that, he became the new archon, but instead of strict rule, he was granted the region complete freedom, believing that people should determine their own fate.

Although Barbatos formally rules the region, he barely intervenes in the affairs of the people, allowing them to live as they wish. However, in difficult moments (for example, during the threat from the Dragon of the Storm Dwalin), he quietly helps his followers.

Mondstadt is a place where the spirit of adventure, inspiration and friendship reigns. Its inhabitants believe in the power of wind, music and freedom.

Liyue is one of the seven regions of Teiwat, known as the "Land of Stone" or the "State of Treaties". It is a prosperous nation with rich culture, strict laws and ancient traditions, ruled by Archon Morax, also known as Zhongli.

The capital of Liyue is Liyue Harbor, the largest shopping center of Teiwat. The city is built in the traditional Chinese style with pagodas, scarlet lanterns and majestic buildings made of gold and jasper. It's bustling with life: merchants make deals, artisans create exquisite goods, and restaurants serve famous dishes like fried tiger fish and almond tofu.

Morax is the archon of Geo (stone), one of the oldest gods of Teyvat. He ruled Liyue for more than 6,000 years, creating a strict but fair system of laws. Unlike the windy Barbatos, Morax is a wise, cold—blooded and methodical ruler who values ​​order, treaties and traditions.

• In ancient times, he fought alongside other archons in the Archon War, destroying tyrants and demons.
• Liyue founded it by making a contract with people: he protects them, and they follow the laws.
• After defeating the sea monster Osyal, Morax created Mora, the Liyue currency, from its remains.

Currently, Morax is "resting" under the name of Zhongli, a consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Home. He renounced his divine status, handing over power to Qixing, but continues to oversee the fate of the nation.

After the fake death of Morax, Liyue became the first region of Teiwat where people rule without the direct intervention of God. This symbolizes the transition from the age of the archons to the era of humanity.

However, the spirit of Morax remains in every stone of Liyue: in the ancient ruins of Guyun, in the laws of contracts, in the traditions that the inhabitants carefully preserve.

Liyue is a land of wealth, wisdom and eternal promise, where the past and the future are intertwined like patterns on an antique vase.

Inazuma is an isolated island region of Teiwata, ruled by the Archon Electro—Raiden Shogun (or Ei). This is a land of samurai, eternal storms and strict traditions, where the rule of the archon has long been based on the idea of ​​Eternity.

The capital of Inazuma is Inazuma City, a majestic metropolis with purple roofs, scarlet Torii gates and towering pagodas. The architecture is inspired by feudal Japan, and the atmosphere is imbued with the spirit of Bushido (samurai code).

Inazuma is famous for its tea ceremonies, haiku poetry, and swordsmanship. Electrostones are produced here, and local dishes (such as dango or moti) are known throughout Teiwat.

Raiden is the archon of Electro (lightning), one of the oldest goddesses of Teivat. She embodies an unwavering will and a desire for eternity, but her rule has long been harsh and isolationist.

• In the past, she ruled with her twin sister Makoto, but she died in a Cataclysm.
• After that, Ei created a Shogun doll (puppet) to rule the country in her place, and she went into Meditation in the realm of Euthymia.
• The Decree's policy of confiscating the God's Eyes led to an uprising and a civil war.

After recent events, Ei revised her views and relaxed her control, allowing Inazuma to develop without blindly following "Eternity".

Although the Shogun formally remains the ruler, the country is gradually opening up to the world. Samurai travel abroad, and trade with other nations is reviving. However, Inazuma's spirit remains unchanged: pride, devotion, and lightning that pierces the heavens.

Sumeru is a center of knowledge and research in Teivat, run by Archon Dendro, the Minor Ruler of Kusanali, also known as Buer. It is a land of dense jungles, sultry deserts and ancient mysteries where science and magic intertwine.

The capital of Sumeru is Sumeru City, divided into an Academy and residential areas. The architecture combines Persian, Indian and Middle Eastern motifs with futuristic elements.

Sumeru is famous for poetry, philosophical debates and the art of illusions (mirages). Local cuisine includes spicy curries, date sweets and coffee.

The current archon is a former disciple of the previous archon of wisdom, Rukhadevata. After her death in a Cataclysm, she took the name of the Minor Ruler Kusanali and began to rule, hiding the truth about the past archon, who was erased from the Irminsul, the tree of knowledge located on the territory of Sumeru.

• Rukhadevata sacrificed herself to save Sumeru from Erosion.
• Azar is a fallen scientist who tried to create a new god from Scaramucci, the former sixth harbinger of Fatua. "The little lady Kusanali manipulated people's memories with the help of Irminsuoi to hide the mistakes of the past.

After recent events, she admitted her mistakes and began to rule openly, striving for true wisdom.

Now Sumeru refuses to blindly worship knowledge and seeks a balance between science and nature. The desert is gradually coming to life, and the Academy is reviewing its dogs.

Fontaine is a majestic sea power, ruled by the Archon Hydro — Focalors. This region combines cutting-edge technology, a strict legal code, and an exquisite culture reminiscent of Enlightenment France with steampunk elements.

The capital of Fontaine is the Court de Fontaine, a luxurious metropolis built on terraces cascading down to the ocean. The architecture is inspired by the French Baroque and the Victorian era, with an abundance of fountains, marble statues and stained glass windows.

Fontaine is famous for its theatrical tradition, fashion and cuisine (especially desserts and seafood). Locals love plays, sword duels and philosophical debates.

Focalors is the archon of Hydro (water), the embodiment of justice and theatricality. Unlike other archons, she rules not as a monarch, but as a supreme judge, overseeing the observance of laws.

• The Fontaine trials are theatrical performances where the accused and witnesses play roles.

• Frkalors believes that the law should be spectacular so that people respect it.

• They say Focalors can predict the outcome of any trial even before it begins.

• In ancient times, she made a pact with the ocean to protect Fontaine from storms.

• Her true form is a matter of debate: some consider her to be the spirit of the fountain, others - the embodiment of the water itself.

Fontaine is a city of contrasts:

• Technology and tradition — steam engines are juxtaposed with vintage carriages here.
• Justice and intrigue — political conspiracies hide behind the facade of noble courts. Luxury and poverty — while the elite are enjoying the opera, the underground trade is booming in the slums.

Fontaine remains a place where law is art and every day is a performance.

Natlan, the fifth—oldest and sixth—oldest open state of Teyvat, is a Pyro territory inspired by the cultures of pre-Columbian America, Africa and Oceania. Arcont of Natlan — Haborim, known as Mavuika ("Kiongozi" – "Leader"), is a person who ascended to the divine throne through a Pilgrimage ritual, not an eternal deity.

The land of volcanoes, hot springs and desert canyons bordering Sumeru through the Great Red Sands.

The unique regional setting is associated with the saurian entities and the Phlogiston resource, which provide the ability of elemental "catch–up". The "Night Spirit Blessing" system has also appeared here.

The pilgrimage is an annual military and sporting event: its task is to collect "Fiery Sparks" that support the Sacred Flame, keeping the Abyss at bay.

Natlans are still strictly connected to the tribal structure, many tribes interact with the saurians and exchange "Ancient Names" through the Pilgrimage Ritual.

Mavuika was from one of the six tribes, and became an Archon after winning the Pilgrimage and receiving the Gnosis. She had previously served as an Archon about 500 years ago, but died and was reborn through the Sacred Flame.

After the Cataclysm, Mavuika sacrificed her life to defeat the dragon Pyro‑Sovereign Xiuhcoatl; she was later resurrected by the Flame and returned to the throne.

Her ideal is "War" or "Struggle": the stated goal is to scare away the Abyss through competition, not direct divine rule. She is human, aging, suffering and doubting.

Natlan is now a full—fledged, well-developed country in Teyvat. This is a lively, warm, passionate land with unique mechanics and a rich life, where not an omnipotent god, but a human archon ‑ Mavuika — fights, suffers, guides and controls, remaining in the body of a mortal. The ideal of "fighting" is not only against the Abyss, but also one's own inner demons, through competition and sacrifice.

Snezhnaya is a country of eternal snowstorms, where snowstorms can last for months. Despite the harsh conditions, its residents show resilience and gratitude for every day they live.

The region is characterized by high technology - there are numerous factories, engineering solutions, mechanized Fatui suits, firearms and even androids (for example, Katherine).

Taaritsa is a Cryo archon, whom the people see more as a militaristic leader, not a wondrous god.

“She is a god with no love left for her people... Her hope followers only to be on her side when the day of her rebellion... comes at last.”

She created and commands the Fatui— an elite force whose agents use elemental skills and technology to fight Celestia and strengthen Snezhnaya's power.

Nod‑Krai is the southern part of the region, represented as a buffer zone of Snezhnaya with its own organization, the V yonich Guild, and not part of the Mainland region.

The places resemble remote areas of the North of Russia or the Far North, with harsh nature and technological units (for example, the Ineffa robot).