#am I the next national bard or am I just drunk

[kiwiaok]

I may have just drunk way too much wine and spent way too much time analysing hozier’s lyrics in reference to andreil

[alitheakorogane]

Freedom's Protection: Stirring Up a Hurricane

Summary: The bomb was finally dropped, leaving nothing but a series of chain reactions spreading around the area... Literally. Venti revealed himself as the Anemo Archon Barbatos to his people as a last resort for defending you, causing the entire nation of Mondstadt to go into chaos.

This is the fourth part of Mondstadt's storyline for the Reader Protection Squad SAGAU series.

Note: There are instances of grammatical errors, please bear with me. Also, the entire layout was now changed and I placed a title on them so I could not be confused while I write the next chapters. It's still the same story though. Honestly, I have a hard time writing this part, that's why it took me so long.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4 (current), 5, 6, 7

"You could say that I am more than just a mere drunkard bard, Miss Rosaria."

"After all, how could I ever spread blasphemous words about myself?"

------------

The bomb was finally dropped, leaving nothing but a series of chain reactions spreading around the area... Literally.

You wanted to slam your head on the wall or slap Venti to his senses. He just literally drop a bombshell on everyone regarding the non-so-subtle secret he had kept for months, and the ones who had heard of it were looking at Venti like he had grown a second head.

What the hell, Venti?!

There are some who don't get it, but those people who are quick enough to understand what the bard has implied were shocked to the core.

This drunkard bard was delusional, is he really the Anemo Archon? He must be drunk.

Diluc should not let this drunkard drink Dandelion Wine again, he looks young but he can drink an entire stock in one go like there's no tomorrow, and now he spewing nonsense.

Rosaria just glared as she asked her usual drinking buddy in disbelief, "What do you mean, blasphemous words about yourself?"

The young bard ignored the vigilant nun and turn to one of the sisters of the Church, who was just standing with the common folk, "Sister Gotelinde, do you remember the first time we officially met, where I was trying to borrow the Holy Lyre der Himmel?"

Gotelinde nodded as she remembered the first time she had talked to the bard personally and responded with a thoughtful voice, "Yes, it was the time of the Stormterror incident. You tried to borrow the Holy Lyre to save Dvalin but since you have no documents permitting you to borrow it legally, you had the guts to introduce yourself as the Anemo Archon. I never believed you that time because it's preposterous and it's impossible for a simple drunkard bard to be the missing Archon."

"WAIT, WHAT?!"

The citizens of Mondstadt had exclaimed when they heard the nun's outrageous statement, the nuns had exclaimed the hardest.

Deaconess Barbara's eyes widened as gears started to turn in her head as she now connected the dots. She remembered the time Venti had temporarily fixed the Holy Lyre der Himmel a few months ago, she and the nuns had found out that the Lyre was broken again after weeks, but she was still wondering how this bard fix a holy relic, although temporarily. Now she had found her answer, it makes sense that the only one who could restore it (although temporarily) is the Anemo Archon himself.

Then she remembered her actions towards Venti and his friends at that time. It was embarrassing, and she couldn't help but paled at the thought of her Archon seeing her breaking down in front of him and accusing him of destroying the Lyre... His Holy Lyre der Himmel.

Calvary Captain Kaeya Alberich, who was just silent the whole ordeal, was staring at the bard with searing intensity. He wondered if his drinking buddy was the Anemo Archon because if he really is the respectable Lord Barbatos, Venti may have already known about Kaeya's real nationality. After all, he was considered to be a sinner from a godless land that was destroyed hundreds of years ago.

Venti smiled sweetly, as he bowed down like he always does after finishing his performance, "Now you know my secret, citizens of the City of Freedom. Now my disciples, rejoice! Behold, the Anemo Archon, Barbatos has descended!"

He then stood up with confidence in his voice, his eyes glittering in mischief, "Shocked, aren't you? Don't you just want to cry out and rejoice? How does it feel to finally meet the god you've been serving?"

Everyone was in chaos, some of the nuns had fainted, and the Deaconess seems to be in a catatonic state, as she remembered her embarrassing interactions with the bard before. The citizens of all ages were astounded to hear the bard's remarks, the devotees of the Archon were paling at the thought of a homeless drunk bard being the regal and freedom-loving Lord Barbatos.

You could say that was kind of... unpleasant, to say that at least.

One of the senior nuns of the Church of Favonius, Mother Maria, then spoke to some Knights who were standing awkwardly at each other.

"Arrest that bard and his comrades immediately! We will execute him and that imposter for emulating Lord Barbatos and the Divine Grace, and imprison the others for colluding with the suspect!"

"Now, now, Mother Maria, I think this is a mistake," Jean spoke up as she tried to reason out why they can't do such a horrendous thing. The fact that Mondstadt hasn't conducted an execution, whether private or public, in a hundred years makes this decision a little bit unfair. Especially with Jean knowing Venti's identity, the bard being killed and sacrificed at the hands of his beloved citizens to appease the same person they had adored and held in high regard was a little bit ironic. It is not a good way to show praise to their Archon, after all.

The majority of the crowd agreed as they screamed their approval of the decision to arrest them. With slight hesitation in their eyes, Knights rushed into action, with no choice over the matter. The lower guards are tasked to calm down the crowd, while others are tasked to take the rebellious young adults to their custody, especially you and Venti.

For the first time in her life, Jean felt helpless. She may be the Acting Grand Master, but she was against a bunch of angry mobs who had records of being devoted to Lord Barbatos with the Church backing them. The Knights and the Church have equal power in Mondstadt to maintain peace and freedom in the nation, and they both swear to the power of their Anemo Archon to serve Mondstadt and its people, hence giving them equal authority.

They rushed to Venti to capture him, as you yelped and covered your eyes as you can't bear to see the scene unfold in front of you, while Bennett and Razor pulled you in their backs to serve their bodies as your meat shield. The Prinzessin der Verurteilung was pointing her bow while Oz was preparing to strike the other team with Electro.

"As much as I hated to fight all of you since I'm your Archon and it's my duty to protect you but you leave me no choice..."

Venti sighed as he raised his hand to raise a small wind barrier, encasing himself, you, and the rest of the current Benny's Adventure Team. The guards who tried to reach the bard first were hit face-first in the barrier. Eula and Noelle tried to hit the barrier with their claymores many times but it never shattered.

Unfortunately, Amber tried to hit the barrier with her Pyro arrows, but since Anemo is known to be reactive to elemental power besides Dendro and Geo, they just bounced back and created a Swirl reaction, hurting some Knights nearest to the barrier. You opened your eyes in time and gasped in shock, as you see the injured knights and citizens who were unfortunately hit by the Pyro-Anemo combo. There have slight burns on their skins, some of them unconscious.

Screams of anguish and groans of pain were heard in the area, as many people were shocked by the tragic scene in front of them. Many voices had been heard, making your ears hurt over the matter, but you couldn't help but stare at Venti instead, who was turning pale as his favorite flower.

"He used his Anemo Vision!"

"I kind of forgot that that bard was blessed by the gods... Why of all people deserved of them, why them?"

"They had been injured, please help them!"

But there is one yell from one of the people that makes you stop in your tracks, and you knew that Venti is going to hear these piercing words:

"IF HE WAS THE ANEMO ARCHON THAT HE REALLY SAID HE WAS, THEN WHY WOULD HE TRY TO HURT HIS PEOPLE?"

------------

The cliffhanger was a giveaway, isn't it?

Do I need to announce that Part 5 is in the works since this was intended to be long ass until I decided to cut it again into two parts? I got too carried away, it seems.

To be honest, I apologize for OOC Venti and other characters involved in advance if you feel like they are, it's just that it's my first time writing for Genshin Impact actually. I used to write for Detective Conan and Assassination Classroom before, and this was new territory for me. I'm so glad many appreciated the SAGAU fics I made for the fandom.

Taglist: @mulandi, @yuziriha, @multifandomvoyage, @chihawari, @angstylittleb1tch, @forgotten-blues, @yourlocaldrugdealerbutfancy, @shizunxie, @lunxa472, @foggyzinemuffinhands, @ann-aha, @birbtweettweet, @swaggyb0ke, @beezgobuzzbuzz, @that-boi-sus, @the-psychotic-blueberry, @campanula-rotundifolia, @fauxizs, @lilqi, @angstylittleb1tch, @forgotten-blues, @yourlocaldrugdealerbutfancy, @shizunxie, @lunxa472, @foggyzinemuffinhands,

[coffee-430]

Can I request 8 for venti and kazuha please?

—100 Followers Event!

No. 8: "You're broken, but that's alright. This way, you can always be with me." With Yandere Venti and Yandere Kazuha

Characters: Venti, Kazuha (separate)

Warnings: yandere themes, kidnapping, toxic relationship, forced marriage, non consensual touching, kissing without consent, mentions of rape (Kazuha), mentions of impregnation (Kazuha)

Note: I am so sorry this took a while! So sorry, anon! I hope you're still there. Reader is gender-neutral in Venti's part.

ㅤ

— Venti

The God of Freedom has always been true to his title. Both his nation and his people never take freedom for granted.

They savoured every bit of it. Knowing their history, they were very grateful for the current they live in under the current eyes of their God.

And that included you once.

You were just a simple law abiding citizen in Mondstadt. You aren't really famous in the place but people know your name.

You don't really have a proper job, but you do run errands for anyone who needs your help once in a while and the pay isn't really that big— but it is enough to put food on your table.

That's how you lived.

You were simply everyone's errand worker. You were happy with how you lived your life, your dreams and goals weren't that big so you were satisfied with it.

Mundane, is the word you would describe yourself. So how is it that you managed to achieve his attention?

You met him once, while returning after running an errand for Charles— one of the bartenders at Angel's Share. He was singing songs and playing some tunes to the drunks, merrily laughing with them— as what a bard would do.

You stared at him. Unlike everyone inside the tavern, the bard was eye-catching due to the way he acted and his clothing.

You didn't mean to stare. You were just simply curious to see him, you have seen some bards at the tavern but none were like the figure cheering in front of you.

It was at that moment that he caught your gaze. It felt like you were staring at his eyes for an hour before you decided to call it a day. But as you walked home that night, you felt like you were being followed— though you shrugged it off and assumed it was just the tiredness playing with you.

You met him the next day.

Charles had asked for your assistance again at the tavern, and that's where you met with the eccentric bard again.

"Hey there!"

He introduced himself as Venti, Venti the bard. He told you he was a frequent at the tavern and that he hadn't seen you before.

"I don't come here that often, I only run errands for the tavern whenever I'm here."

He smiled and praised you for your hard work, he then suggested buying you a drink for your efforts— though from what you've observed, he doesn't have much mora with him .

You politely declined, saying you don't drink. Venti seemed shocked with your answer. A Mondstadt citizen that doesn't drink? How peculiar! But he understood, and chose to play a song for you instead.

You heard him sing before, so you decided to say why not.

He beamed at you as you nodded, he took your hand and led you to a seat near the little stage of the tavern.

The bard proclaimed to everyone inside that the next song was dedicated to you and your efforts on helping Angel's Share. People cheered and whistled at you, praising you for your hard work.

You blushed, not used to the attention being directed towards you.

Venti began to sing, averting everyone's attention to him. His voice was soft and melodic, his song was euphonious.

There was something about his song that made your heart swell. His eyes caught your gaze and he gave you a wink, you giggled and waved back a hand as a response.

And that was the start of a blossoming friendship. And it wasn't long before you fell for the wine-loving bard.

He was so carefree and he was easy to talk to— although you don't mind him speaking in rhymes sometimes. His playful attitude made it so much fun to hang out with him.

Unbeknownst to you, Venti found you interesting— in fact, he found himself completely mesmerized by the way you deliver yourself.

He found it completely amazing despite how simple the way you live your life, you managed to make the most of it. The bard began helping you with running errands and he likes it whenever he is with you.

And it wasn't long before you two started dating.

You remembered how Venti looked beyond happy when you agreed to date him. He picked you up— which surprised you because of his small figure— and he spun you around, saying how you have finally completed a piece of him.

It was also when you decided to let Venti live with you, since you don't recall him having a place to stay.

Living together was the best decision of your life. You were no longer lonely, and you'd always wake up to having breakfast already set on your table. You jokingly stated to him that you would marry him if he would continue to make his signature dish: Buoyant Breeze to you.

He blushed and giggled, "Maybe I will. I don't mind being married to you!" He replied, as you two both laughed— with you assuming that he, too, was joking.

He was such a doting lover, he would sing his songs and play his lyre whenever work was too much for you or that you simply wished to relax and his melodic voice never fails to make you feel at ease.

It was all good at first. The feeling of love was so new to you that you got addicted to it. You never want it to let go.

But then the red flags started to show.

You took notice of how Venti was always so clingy towards you. You thought that's how most relationships work, thus you went along with it. Never minding the tight grip he had on your arm whenever you go talk to someone while running errands.

But sometimes his clingy attitude can be a bit too much for you, so you would gently pry him off you and he would pout whenever you would do so.

Every time you would turn your back to talk to someone, you never saw how he glared at the person you were conversing to. And there are times when he would get jealous, he'd pull you away from whatever you were doing or whoever you were talking with and would just bury his head in your chest— with him not saying a word.

You stared at him, confused. You asked what was wrong but he merely held on to you tighter— not knowing what to do or say, you comfortingly patted and rubbed his back. You sense he likes your actions because of how his hold has loosen.

Venti also likes to drink, meaning, he can be quite the alcoholic. There was one time where he was drinking to no end at the tavern, you had to physically maneuver him off the counter. He was proclaiming words to everyone about how much he loves you— albeit his sentences sounded a bit too obsessive for your taste.

But you suppose he just loves you that much.

Oh how naïve you were, obliviously wearing rose-tinted glasses to prevent yourself from seeing the red signs.

But the more you spend time with Venti, slowly but surely, your rose-tinted glasses begin to crack— allowing you to finally be able to see a glimpse of the red flags that have been there since day one.

But because of your addiction to this first love you felt, you stupidly ignored it. Thinking that Venti isn't the type of guy to be put in a negative light.

And once your glasses finally shatter completely, it was too late for you.

Venti will admit, breaking you was a tad bit difficult. He wasn't expecting for your resolve to be so strong.

It took a lot of endurance with your thrashing around and spitting out such hurtful words. But he managed to deal with it all. He knows you don't mean them, and that you were simply scared of taking your relationship to the next level.

But honestly, why would you be scared? Weren't you the one who stated that you wouldn't mind marrying him?

You wouldn't have minded it from the start, but now that you have seen him— his inner side of toxicity, you wanted to get away. Away from him and his suffocating hold.

He told you it was normal for couples to act around each other such as he had done, however, you knew. You knew what he said was far from the truth. You may have been stupid before, but now you are desperately trying to change that.

But unfortunately, you were merely a human and he was a God.

The bard let out a hum, as he proceeded to open the door of your shared bedroom. His humming turned into a full blown singing once he's fully inside the room.

"Ah, why hello there, my dear cecilia!"

He greeted, seeing your figure. He approached you with a smile, a red hue dusted his cheeks as he sat on the floor next to you.

"Charles has been asking for your presence today, but I told him you weren't coming anymore. I told him how last week had almost killed you and that you were badly hurt while doing your usual errands."

He rambled, taking his lyre and began to play a few notes. "Don't worry, I made sure he won't come looking for you. It'd be a shame for Master Diluc to find a replacement for Charles." He giggled at his own words, not minding your lack of response.

He laid his head on your lap and he sighed in bliss, caressing your legs and feeling the smooth skin that was littered with scars.

"You're broken, but that's alright. This way, you can always be with me."

The bard whispered, looking up at you and was met with dull (e/c) coloured eyes. He reached out a hand to touch your cheek, slowly leaning in to steal a kiss.

Yes, Venti is content having you like this. And this way, you will never ever leave him.

ㅤ

— Kazuha

In a futile attempt to save the collapsing clan of Kaedehara's, they decided to marry off their heir to the one and only daughter of the (L/n) clan.

Of course, your clan isn't really that big and well known, but your clan's wealth and stability is enough for the Kaedehara's to note that your family will be the one that could help save them from the verge of falling apart.

Your father was hesitant to give off his one and only daughter away to a near no longer existing clan. However, your suitor's home was once a subordinate clan to the house of the Kamisato's, and knowing the former, perhaps the latter's was indeed a formidable clan.

Maybe this alliance could save them and it would greatly benefit your family.

And so your father agreed. Shaking hands with your soon-to-be husband's father as you sat there impassively in front of them.

As the one and only daughter of the (L/n) family, you considered you a very valuable piece— and important figure that'll have a major role in your home.

Truth be told, you didn't grow up in a loving household.

The moment you were born you were immediately isolated from the rest. Your father saw you as an important pawn in this game of chess. Every little flaw you did— be it simply playing with the other children or playing with toys— you were immediately punished by isolating you in a small dark room and starving you for at least three days.

And as you grow older, your punishments tend to get worse and worse than the last.

You grew up having no friends and you'd only talk whenever you are spoken to. Your father's cruelty has molded you into a being that only functions whenever it takes orders.

The next day arrived, and the sliding doors opened revealing the man who you would soon call your husband.

"Greetings, Lady (L/n). I am Kaedehara Kazuha, heir of the Kaedehara clan. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." He had a small smile upon his features as you began to examine him.

Kazuha had platinum coloured blond hair that had an odd red streak on his right. His eyes were red with a hint of yellow in them.

You then greeted back, "The pleasure is all mine." Bowing politely, you two soon began to get to know each other.

Although— that's what Kazuha was trying to do. He asked you about yourself and your answers were rather.....vague. He could only tilt his head and not question any further when he noticed that you wouldn't give him a straight answer.

You weren't what the albino was expecting.

He predicted you to be someone who was very reluctant to be here with him— and to be soon your spouse. He thought you'd be spitting at his face because you wouldn't want to marry a man who came from a collapsing clan.

But you were different.

Very different.

You were submissive and he deemed you an enigma of sorts. You listened and barely talked, unless he asked you questions— and that seemed the only time you would talk.

You had intrigued him and every day that was spent with you, Kazuha was always looking forward to each one. In fact, he even started to write poems that were inspired by you— not that you know his poet side.

Everything was going smoothly.

That is until news had spread saying Kazuha was now roaming the streets as a criminal by the Vision Hunt Decree.

"Preposterous!"

"Lord (L/n), please—!"

Your father threw a glass and a loud shattering sound erupted from it. Kazuha's father tried to calm him down but to no avail.

"My lord, please calm down—"

"Calm down? You expect me to calm down?!"

Lord (L/n) was noticeably seething, "How can I be calm when that foolish son of yours is now a fugitive! And to think I almost let my only daughter marry that man— he has brought shame not only to the Kaedehara clan but also to the (L/n) name as well!"

"This is just a big misunderstanding, let's all just—"

"Enough! I no longer wish to speak with— no! I no longer wish to associate with you or anyone who bears the Kaedehara name! Your son has disgraced everyone and I will not tolerate that!"

"But my lord—!"

"Consider this meeting finished! Good riddance!"

Your father stormed out of the room with you following shortly after. Your face has never changed its expression the entire time— just like always.

Hearing Kazuha becoming a criminal oddly made you feel something. But you shrugged it off. There's no use in consolidating with a criminal now— your father was clear with his statement. You'll surely be in trouble if you were to defy him.

Months passed, and everything was still the same for you. You heard news that all the Kaedehara's possessions were all seized by the authorities.

You sipped your tea. Ashame, and here you thought you would finally get out of this hellhole. You won't say it out loud but you found Kazuha to be a good company. He was a nice break from the others, he was patient with you and he was well-spoken. You could tell he likes admiring you, assuming he wants to know you more but you wouldn't allow him.

That night, your handmaidens dressed you for bed and left you to rest once they were done.

You laid on your bed, sleep was seemingly difficult for you to achieve. So you lay there with your eyes staring at the ceiling. This never happened to you before, usually you would instantly succumb to slumber whenever you would hit the hay.

Your thoughts then wandered to all the events that happened. Kazuha being a fugitive, your father being more abusive than usual, the Kaedehara clan was practically nonexistent now.

You turn to your side, your dull (e/c) eyes stared at the floor. You wondered if your father would marry you off again, you doubt it will feel the same as it was with the male albino.

You won't bet on it anyway.

As you began to close your eyes, you heard your window open. You slowly sat up and almost let out an uncharacteristic gasp when your gaze met with bright red eyes in the dark.

Kazuha?

Before you could utter a word, Kazuha kneeled by your side, holding out a hand.

"Have I frightened you, my lady? I apologise, I did not mean to scare you." He smiled gently at you, "You must be confused as to why I'm here."

You nodded, slowly.

"I am here to take you away, my lady." He spoke with an all seriousness in his face. "I have dug deep into your history and I now know how much abuse you have suffered."

"I am here to take you away, away from here and go somewhere safe with me." The albino stood up and took your hand, placing a kiss that only intimate lovers would do. "Come with me, be with me, just like how it was meant to be."

You didn't pull your hand away.

"Father will surely won't be happy knowing you came here unannounced." He saw your face as unreadable to him— just like how it always was.

"Well, your father won't be happy with me taking you away from here without telling him either, but does that really matter?"

"Father says you're a fugitive, and the (L/n) family will no longer associate themselves with those who bear the Kaedehara name." Kazuha silently clicked his tongue at your reply. You were far too broken than he anticipated.

"That goes to you as well?"

"I am of blood that carries the (L/n) name, yes, it goes to me as well."

Red eyes stared at you in sympathy, "Had we met before what you had to go through, you would surely be a different person now."

"Why won't you leave with me?"

He whispered but you heard and decided not to comment on it. You have always wanted to leave this place, but you wouldn't take any chances with a criminal. You fear making enemies to those under the Vision Hunt Decree— which is even more trouble than living with your father.

"If you come with me, he won't hurt you anymore. You'll be safe with me, (Y/n)— that I can promise you." He pleaded, "Be my wife once again. You have earned yourself a special place in my heart, that is why I must have you."

But you barely spoke to him. Only talking whenever he would throw questions at you, but even that wouldn't be called a proper conversation.

"Our engagement has been called off, we are no longer—"

Kazuha cut off by kissing your lips. His kiss felt like he was yearning for this moment. He held you gently when he sensed that you would not push him away.

Once he broke the kiss, he placed a cloth on your nose and you instinctively began to struggle away from, accidentally inhaling its scent— your vision slowly began to fade into black.

"I'm sorry. Once I'll bring you somewhere safe, we'll be husband and wife like how we are supposed to be."

Were the last words you hear before you complete blackout.

When you awoke, your head was spinning and aching very badly, as well as your whole body. You groaned and clutched your head, but a sound of clanking metal.

"?"

Your eyes widened and you realized your wrists were chained. You saw the end of the metal chain attached to the wall. You tugged, hearing its clanking sound. Your movement caused you to sit upright on the bed you were in and felt strangely bare.

You hissed in pain and looked down—

"!?"

And to your horror...

You were naked.

Well, you had a large sheet covering your body, but your bare body could still be seen out in the open. And what's worse was that you felt pain down on your body.

You heard the door open and you met eyes with the person who took you.

"My love, you're awake."

He smiled, as he approached you. Scared, you immediately backed away from him— clutching the sheet over your naked form.

He let out a soft chuckle and stood next to you. "There's no need to be shy. I have already seen all your beauty." He sat down on the bed and went to touch you.

But you shriek— which made him pause. Your breath slowly started to hyperventilate and it was becoming noticeable.

"Y-You..." You began. "You did it w-without c-consent..."

"You defiled me!" The waterworks now formed as you spoke out of your own accord. "You t-took me without my consent!"

"My love, I—"

You screamed and thrashed, punching and kicking him— desperately trying to get away from him. But unfortunately, Kazuha was stronger than you. He trapped you in his arms and he attempted to shush you.

"There there. It's alright, you're safe now. I'm here."

Your screams were muffled by his chest. You have never felt this much terror and pain before. You were now considering perhaps your father was being merciful towards you.

Yeah he was abusive and he hurt you to the point where he made you submissive— but his level of pain couldn't atop this type of pain you were feeling.

And the fear was more than what your father would inflict upon you.

You shook under his hold. You sobbed, feeling sick at what this man had done to you.

This man who you thought was gonna be your saviour of freeing you out from your home— made you want to crawl back and plead to never leave.

You liked him. For a very long time, Kazuha was the type of company you longed for. You slowly yearned to see him more, but you were utterly disappointed to hear the news of him becoming a criminal. You silently scolded yourself for getting your hopes up.

You should have known that your father was always right. And being obedient was the only way to survive in the harsh world— as he told you. So you did.

By following every word he says was basically allowing yourself to be deprived of things you wanted.

But cruelty is what would make things go in order, and your father did just that. However, now... Now you are beginning to come to your senses.

You are now screaming and crying— acting like a child. Had you been back at home, you would surely have been punished by now. But instead, Kazuha held you. Shushing your cries with soft words, while also proclaiming his love to you.

You were beyond confused, scared and hurt.

You don't know what to do, aside from following your gut. Slowly, you calmed down— however, the fear was still within you.

"Shh, my love. That's it, calm down now."

Father would hit you, but Kazuha was being gentle with you.

"..."

What is this...?

You felt him place a kiss on your temple, his hand rubbed your shoulder comfortingly. When you stopped shaking, you spoke.

"What a-are you going to d-do with me now?"

It was a surprise to you that you asked a question first, but the albino merely smiled at you and replied.

"Taking you back to your father won't be an option now. He knows you are here with me, I sent him a letter saying you run away willingly with me. He'll be very furious with you if you return to your home."

He placed a stray strand of your hair behind your ear, "So, being with me is the only choice for you, and I don't mind that. After all, I'm protecting two important people now." You felt him caress your tummy and you gasped.

"Let us bring back what was once gone, so we can start the Kaedehara clan anew with our new family."

You remembered passing out due to your excessive crying that day.

Two years have passed.

While you were pregnant with your child, Kazuha had entrusted you into the hands of a woman named Beidou and her crew.

She happily accepted you and treated you with care despite your reserved attitude. You have thought of using her to get away from Kazuha but you had nothing and nowhere to go.

A strange man then came to Inazuma and changed everything. Kazuha was renowned as a hero and news of it spread like wildfire.

It even reached your father.

You weren't surprised when your father sent a letter stating he was happy to ally himself with the Kaedehara's and that he'll allow your engagement with Kazuha to pursue.

How easily perceivable of him.

A part of the Kazuha's clan was restored. It wasn't anything big, yet— but it was enough for you and your family to live with.

You gave birth to your child— a son, whom he called Tomo: in honour of his dear friend.

Currently, you are sitting in the garden. The peaceful scenery and atmosphere help you remove yourself from the troubles of the world for awhile.

You felt two arms wrapped around you from behind and you didn't even bother to greet the man behind you. A hum came from him as he kissed your cheek. "Hm~ hello, dearest." He greeted, standing himself in front of you.

"How was your day?"

Good, before he came along.

"I hope Tomo wasn't giving you too much trouble." He laughed, his cheeks were dusted with pink.

He sat down right next to you, chatting with you about all things that happened with his day. He touched your cheek, seeming to be happy and content with the moment.

"You're broken, but that's alright. This way, you can always be with me." He whispered, leaning his head on your form. Lifting your hand up,he kissed your wedding ring.

Perhaps living with your father was the better option after all.

[archonanqi]

consequence / pt i

⛔️ Warning: This is an exploration of Zhongli’s manipulative tendencies that we see glimpses of in his archon and story quest. Absolutely no part of the relationship depicted here is healthy or consensual. Please proceed with caution. 

🔖 [info] [next]

—

pt. i of iii

Looking back, you should have noticed that something was wrong the moment Zhongli had insisted on treating you and Aether to dinner. 

You and Paimon tried to stop him, of course — far too many of his shopping sprees in the past had ended with the Millelith involved or your pockets emptied of Mora (usually both, really). Yet today, he’d produced a wallet lined with gleaming coins, and any protests died quickly on Paimon’s lips. 

“Wow, that’s enough to buy—” she marvelled, staring as intently as though her gaze itself could start pocketing the Mora, “at least… TEN Golden Crabs from Wanmin Restaurant!” 

Zhongli chuckled, the sound still sending pleasant shivers down your spine even after all the months you’d spent traveling with him. “A little more than that, Paimon, but a good guess nonetheless.” He turned his amber gaze to you and your brother, who had not strayed a foot away from you since the Abyss released its hold on him. 

Aether had kept an easy smile on his face for the past few days, but you’d known him long enough to pick out the signs of guilt, despite your reiterated reassurances that what the Abyss did to him was not his fault. It would take a long time for him to feel alright again; and you’d be there for him for as long as it took. 

“And as for you two?” Zhongli continued, “will Wanmin Restaurant be agreeable? Though of course, if you believe that such a momentous reunion demands something a little more extravagant, I’m sure that Xinyue Pavillion is still taking reservations—”

“No, that’s not—” you weren’t sure why you were hesitating. So what if he mysteriously found himself without enough Mora by the end of the meal, and you ended up having to foot the bill as usual? It stung a little to think about, but it wasn’t as though you’d have any need for Mora after tonight. “That’s not it. After everything you’ve done for us during our travels, I couldn’t possibly accept more from you, Zhongli.”

Couldn’t possibly bear sitting at a table with Zhongli, knowing that it’d be the last time you’d ever see him. This was why you’d always tried to leave each world with a clean cut. This was why, at the break of dawn, you and Aether would leave without telling anyone — not Jean, not Cyno, not Dainsleif, not Ajax. Not even Zhongli, with whom you’d spent the bulk of your past year.  

“Oh, no,” Zhongli replied, brows arching upwards, “I’ve told you, have I not? The pleasure of our travels were mine to enjoy.” 

“Er... well. I’m sure Aether is also tired and wants to rest,” you prompted, squeezing Aether’s hand. Aether nodded quickly — no matter the world, you’d always been able to count on him to pick up on your nuanced signals. Though he might not know why, he knew that you were uneasy with going to this dinner, and that was enough.

“Hmm,” Zhongli pondered this shortly, then turned to your brother. You’d seen that look of calculated determination on his face before, in front of basha stalls and souvenir stores across the continent. A look that meant Zhongli would get what he wanted. “I had rather been looking forward to getting to know the sibling of my favored travel companion. Are you certain? Wanmin Restaurant is quite the gem of Liyue Harbor, and I’m certain that the food here will be a fair few notches above what the Abyss Order has been able to offer you.” 

There was a slight, amiable smile on his face, but bringing up the Abyss was a painfully low blow and you had no doubt that Zhongli, the lord of contracts and negotiations and everything in between, knew it. You watched in mute horror as the guilt and regret danced on Aether’s face, before he finally gathered it all back into an apologetic smile. “Of course, Mr. Zhongli. Far be it from me to refuse a dinner with the former Geo Archon himself, especially with all the trouble I’ve caused you...”

—  

Even after traveling the seven nations, you’d never once stopped pining for the savory, hearty flavors of Liyue cuisine. The spice of the black-perch stew that Xiangling taught you to cook had kept you warm through many a Snezhnayan blizzard, after all. Basking in the familiar scent of Wanmin Restaurant with a stomach full of hot food, and watching Paimon devour skewers of meat five at a time, you began to feel much better. 

The anger you’d felt at Zhongli’s manipulation of your brother had also since faded into contentment. After all, negotiation, you found, came as naturally to Zhongli as breathing; he had likely meant nothing by it.

Maybe it was okay that you spent just one more night with Zhongli. Maybe it would turn out to be the closure you need. 

You glanced at the man in question; he was teaching Aether how to use chopsticks, of course, and you were grateful to see that the haunted look in Aether’s eyes had given way to exasperation for now. By the time your brother had snapped his third pair of wooden ones, he was smiling and Paimon was just about rolling around on the ground in glee. As you stifled your own laughter, Zhongli set two small bottles of wine on the table.

You tried not to let yourself think about how the string lights of Chi’hu Rock glinted like stars in his eyes. 

“What’s this?” You joked, referencing Zhongli’s anger from the one time he’d seen Venti get you drunk. “Are we all to become disgraces to the arts tonight?”

Zhongli’s lip curled into a small smile. You couldn’t remember when his smiles had started coming more and more frequently, but you’d learned to savor each one. “Ordinarily, I would not condone such strong drink, but today is the most special of occasions, no?” 

As you watched, a goblet began to form between his fingers, golden, black and resplendent. You’d seen similar ones before, buried deep within the Domain of Guyun Stone Forest — an Archaic Petra Artifact, a Goblet of Chiseled Crag. According to Zhongli’s stories, the very same ones that he had created for the Seven to drink from in celebration, before all but two of them had vanished from this world. 

The cruel irony was not lost on you. 

“Besides, this is nothing like the watered down Mondstadt alcohol that that young bard partakes in,” Zhongli said, gloved fingers masterfully plucking the cork from the first bottle and pouring it into the goblets. “These two bottles contain the finest wu’liang’ye spirit that Liyue has to offer. They’ve been aged for well over decades with a technique passed down from the goddess Guizhong, whose mastery over grain and crop transcends even my own today.” 

“We’re—  flattered,” you bowed your head. The matter of Guizhong, the late Goddess of Dust and Zhongli’s good friend from when the Archon War still ravaged the land, was but one of the many things that you’d wanted to talk to him about. If only you had more time. “Thank you, Zhongli.”

He passed you the first goblet, then the second to Paimon. “Please, let’s forgo the formalities tonight. You are a dear friend to me, and so, by extension, is your family.” The second bottle was opened, its contents split between Zhongli and Aether. “Let us drink, to the happy reunion of loved ones, to the fruitful friendships you have forged in this world, and to all the triumphant adventures to be had still.”

The wince you hid was only partially from the burning drag of liquor sliding down your throat.

It had not escaped your notice that Zhongli had been staring at you all night — more intently than usual, and that was saying something. 

“y/n, I think—“ he began, as you met his gaze. By the Archons, the way he said your name—

“ Paimon thinks there should be less talking, more drinking! Ganbei!” Paimon screeches, downing half her goblet and immediately falling down to the cobblestone road, spluttering and choking at the heat. 

“This is… very strong, Mr. Zhongli,” Aether was the first to speak after. “Wonderful liquor. What gives it its mild bitterness?” 

“Bitter?” You asked, letting the drink roll on your tongue, “where’s the bitterness? It tastes mostly sweet to me.”

Aether took another long drink, thoughtfully. “Definitely bitter. Here, try a sip?”

You took his goblet, but as you pressed it to your lips, you felt it begin to violently vibrate. Quickly, you pulled it away from your face just in time for it to shatter in your hand, gold and black shards falling to the floor as what little drink left in the goblet splattered across the table. 

“Goodness,” Zhongli said, after your surprised yelp brought Paimon stumbling back to your side, her cheeks still stained scarlet from the liquor, “I must apologize. It’s been quite some time since I’ve had to construct something so small and intricate — I am out of practice, it seems.” 

“Oh! That’s quite alright, I drank most of it already—“ Aether glanced over your shoulder, “by the Archons, Paimon has a knife!”

As you watched Chef Mao try to wrestle his knife back from a cackling, red-faced Paimon, you recalled the crystal hairpin Zhongli had forged two months ago — when you’d complained of the Natlan desert wind blowing your hair into your eyes. It had been just as intricate as the goblets, and much, much smaller. One of the few belongings you were planning on bringing with you.

You wondered what reason Zhongli had to lie. 

— 

“Maybe it was a good thing your goblet shattered,” you told Zhongli, prodding Aether with one of your chopsticks. He had stopped even groaning in response. And though Paimon was still conscious, she looked as though she would much rather not be, sitting forlornly on the table with her head in her hands. “Look at them. Drunk as skunks.” 

“Maybe,” Zhongli replied, “though I did not expect these two to have such low tolerance to alcohol. It was a miscalculation on my part.” 

“Paimon’s always like this —you know, remember that bar in Snezhnaya?— but Aether’s usually better at holding his drink,” you sighed. “I should probably get him back to Wangshu Inn.”

“Let him sober up a little here. It’s a long trek to the inn, and you don’t want him making a mess of his dinner on the way back.” Loathe as you were to admit it, Zhongli was right. It seemed that the fates were demanding that you spend a little more time with him, after all. He stood up, his tremendous height still a little startling to you. 

“Will you walk with me for a little, y/n?”

It wasn’t fair, really, the way he said your name. “Where are we going?” 

“I’m not sure,” he answered. “The harbor for a breath of fresh air perhaps, or Bubu Pharmacy to fetch a remedy for Aether. Does it matter to you, where we go?”

Going anywhere with him was a pleasure, one that against your better judgement, you yearned to partake in one more time. “No,” you admitted. “Let’s go.” 

--  

“It’s been so long since we’ve walked through Liyue — a year, almost. Do you remember? It was my birthday, and we walked for hours through the harbor.” Zhongli chuckled, the sound a deep rumble through your bones. “You wouldn’t let me buy dinner that time, either.” 

The nights of Liyue, its rolling hills and monumental mountains, were a peace you’d never known before coming to Teyvat. The city was uncharacteristically quiet tonight, and by the time you got to Yujing Terrace, you realized that it was the emptiest you’d ever seen it. The usual evening crowd of kids out of school and elderly taking strolls were nowhere to be seen — not even the Millelith guards usually standing by the gate were there. 

“ That time ,” you corrected, swallowing your unease at the silence of the city, “you didn’t have a single Mora to your name.” The strides you had to take to keep up with Zhongli’s long, long legs were huge, and you struggled to stay by his side. “Look me in the eyes and tell me that I wouldn’t have had to pay the entire bill if we’d actually gone to Wangshu Inn for dinner that night.” 

You immediately regretted it when he turned his golden gaze upon you, and it took everything within you to not avert yours. “Perhaps that may have been the case,” Zhongli allowed, “though I would have returned your investment tenfold over the next week. Have I not proven as much throughout our travels?” 

His vast knowledge of valuable gemstones and herbs — and more importantly, his uncanny ability to get any deal he set his mind to — had kept you and Paimon fed for many a week during your trek through the caves and jungles of Sumeru. You had to give him that. And that wasn’t not even counting the number of boulders, traps, swords and ravenous winter wolves that his shield had protected you from—

“Fine, I’ll admit, it was nice to have you around, you bourgeois parasite,” you said, playing on his joke back from when you’d first met. Then, after a brief silence, “Zhongli, in all seriousness, thank you.”

“Hmm?”

“I know that you’ve accompanied many adventurers on their journeys,” you explained, “but you — you dropped everything and journeyed with me, and you’ve done more for me than anyone else. I could never have found Aether without you.” Zhongli was being uncharacteristically quiet, and so you hurried along to fill the silence, “We— we made a great team together. And I will never forget everything that you’ve done for me. So, thank you.” 

“A great team together...” he repeated, voice lower than a whisper. “y/n, this sounds like a farewell.” 

Your breath caught in your throat. Even in silence, you were breaking the most important rule you’d learned throughout all your travels. Never let them know you’re leaving.

Zhongli turned to face you, and his full attention is a force that you had not yet learned to endure. So instead, you turned your attention to the koi darting about among the lotus reeds as he continued, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been more careless with your Mora lately. And as for your hard-earned weapons, artifacts, and resources, you have given them all to the Knights of Favonius, correct?” 

“I gave some to the Millelith too,” you objected quietly.

“You know that is not what I meant,” Zhongli said. You did know. “Are you planning on leaving this world, y/n?”

“I have to,” you heard yourself say, “we don’t belong here.” 

As though he heard the waver in your voice, the Lord of Contracts honed in on it like a Sumeran jaguar. “Do you remember the first Lantern Rite you partook in? Though you had just arrived in Liyue, and though the Millelith, Qixing and Adepti each gave you reason to distrust them, you still chose to spend the festival helping people.” 

“I didn’t help that many—” 

“Twenty-six people,” he corrected, and you cursed yourself for not thinking that he would remember. “A dozen more, if we are to count the young and elderly of Qingce, whose lives were brightened by the festivities you brought to the village. And hundreds above that, if we acknowledge every person in Liyue Harbor, whose Lantern Rite would have been ruined had you not stopped the thief who tried to steal the Mingxiao Lantern. Am I correct?” 

“I did it for the compensation,” you retorted, determined not to let yourself think about the people you’d helped. Who would help them after you left? 

“Hmm.” Zhongli rested his gloved fingers against his chin, and you could tell that he didn’t buy your bluff, not for a moment. “Anyone else, I may have believed. But you, y/n, who have begged me to stay my hand against fleeing Hilichurls? You, who could not bear to attack the Mitachurl that sits alone on Mount Tianheng and watches the harbor? You, who gave it a name ?” 

“Okay,” you finally relented. “Okay, I like helping people, and I don’t want to go. But that doesn’t mean I can stay. It’s— it’s not good for Aether to stay here, after what this world has done to him.” 

“With time, I believe your brother can adjust—”

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be, Zhongli,” you begged, and the tone of your voice finally made him take notice. He regarded you for a moment, and you thought you saw his eyes glow bright. 

“The last thing I wanted,” he sighed, reaching into his coat, “was for it to come to this.” 

Your first reaction was to reach for your weapon — it wasn’t there; you’d given Festering Desire to dear little Bennett just before you’d left Mondstadt. Still, you felt the bright burn of shame when the only thing Zhongli pulled out was a piece of parchment, folded into a perfect square. How could you think that after everything, Zhongli would ever hurt you? 

“Do you remember this contract of ours?” Zhongli asked as he carefully unfolded the paper, handing it to you. You stared down at the neat lines of calligraphy, punctuated by your name in your own handwriting. 

Of course you remembered: the moment you had approached Zhongli at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, after your expedition into Havria’s domain. The day you’d asked him to join you on your travels.

“ Oh? A new contract? I'm still on leave, but I can accompany you for a while. ” Zhongli had mused, as though he hadn’t just sent butterflies soaring through your insides. “ What name should I use on the contract? I have a great many names, though when on leave... I tend to go by Zhongli. And you, Traveler? What name will you be signing on this contract— ?” 

The following contract had been quickly printed in his swift brushstrokes — simple terms: he would lend his strength and knowledge to your endeavor of finding Aether, and you, in turn, would simply keep him in good company. 

Even at the time, you’d wondered what was in it for Zhongli — the terms of the contract had seemed rather imbalanced, but in your euphoria at having gained Zhongli as your new travelling partner, you had not thought more on it. 

—

The same terms stared back at you now, and you were quickly realizing what was going on. 

For thousands of years, I have made countless contracts. If the deal was of no benefit, then I certainly would not be inclined to agree to it. 

The day you discovered his identity, Zhongli had said this to you. He’d never signed a contract before that did not benefit him wholly; and you were a fool to think he would’ve made an exception for you. 

“By keeping you in good company,” you said, numbly, “you don’t mean— forever ?”

“In the circumstances that the duration of a contract’s term is unspecified—” Zhongli held out his hand for the parchment. Briefly, you debated tearing it up and scattering it to the koi, but you knew well enough that it would not void the contract — one of the hundreds of thousands that Zhongli had undoubtedly seared into his memory. You handed it back to him silently. “Well, it would be fair to say that you are obliged to uphold it, until I personally release you from it, no?”

The first thing you felt was: fear, deep and chilling. You hadn’t truly believed that Zhongli would hurt you — until now. Until a contract had come into play. Until you realized you were poised to break one.

“You can’t be serious,” you said, but you’d known him long enough to know that he was. “I found my brother. I’m not from this world, and so I have to leave. I have to go home.” 

“Has Teyvat not provided you enough of a home? You have made friends here, allies who would die for you in a heartbeat. And as for Liyue — Liyue will always be as much of your home as mine. You have your own room in Chi’hu Rock, you are on a first-name basis with the Qixing and the Adepti would spar with you as though you were one of their own—”

You could feel your resolve trembling, but it was not enough. You would not ask your brother to compromise his wellbeing in a world that had not been kind to him. “I’m sorry,” you said, and you understood fully what was coming. “I can’t stay.” 

“After everything we have gone through, my friend, you would leave... me?” And there it was. In that moment, the former Archon — the oldest being in the world — looked so lonely that you almost broke down, almost apologized, almost reassured him that you would never once again put him through what he’d gone through far too many times: the loss of a friend. 

“I’m sorry,” you repeated. “My family comes first. I can’t stay.” 

Zhongli’s expression became unreadable. He closed his eyes, and for a moment, there was a peaceful silence that you savored. You had a feeling that it would be the last one you’d ever have in Liyue. The seconds crawled by, and briefly, you let yourself hope that Zhongli might relent, might make an exception for his close travel companion. 

“Well then, my friend,” Zhongli finally said, holding out his right arm. Sparks of energy gathered in his palms, forming a wicked, golden spear. The Vortex Vanquisher. You’d seen it countless times, marveling each time at its beauty and strength. You never thought you would one day be staring down the end of it. “You must know what comes next.” 

—

On your journey, you’d witnessed many a broken contract between Zhongli and other people — an Inazuman merchant whose greed for an extra trinket got the better of him; a Sumeran scholar who just needed to grab that last book from the hidden ruins; a Snezhnayan soldier whose loyalty to the Tsaritsa transcended his gratitude to you saving his life— 

None of them had escaped unscathed.  And each time, after delivering the punishment required of the situation, Zhongli would ask you the same thing, uncharacteristic frustration in his voice: 

“ To get people to abide by a contract, and act in accordance with the guidelines set out within, is simply to ask them to respect the concept of fairness. It is not a large request. How are there those who still do not understand such simplicity? ”

Each time, after you’d cheered him on in his reckoning of justice, you would nod and agree sympathetically. None of their contracts, you thought, had been particularly difficult to uphold. And each time, you would thank the heavens that you had more sense than to break a promise between yourself and the God of Contracts. 

It seemed that today, you were going to learn of what happened when you did. 

You took a step backwards as Zhongli took a slow, calculated one towards you. Having closely watched him rain destruction down upon your foes for the past few months, you knew with certainty that you, lightheaded from the wind and the still exhausted from your fight with Aether, would not be able to keep up with his speed and technique. 

And even if you weren’t, how could you even hope to compete with six thousand years of experience in war and strife and carnage? No; fighting him was not an option.

“Come on now, Zhongli,” you pleaded, taking another step and discovering, to your horror, that one more step backwards would have you falling into the koi ponds. You had nowhere else to go. “Aren’t we friends?” 

Even as the words left your mouth, you knew that they would fall on uncaring ears. Friendship had never stayed the hand of the victor of the Archon war.

Zhongli took another lazy stride forward. 

“Are we really going to fight in the city? We’ll destroy half the harbor.”

“While I appreciate your concern, I am quite confident that it will not come to that,” Zhongli said, the ‘because I would long have you pinned under my spear before then’ unspoken but tacit. “And besides, most of Liyue architecture is of stone. It would be nothing that I could not easily fix.” 

Fair enough. You switched gears, praying that two millennia of walking amongst the mortals had given him some vestige of human empathy. “Please, I need to go back and check on Aether. What if he woke up and found himself alone? Who knows what Paimon’s done to him by now.”

“Aether,” Zhongli said, “will not wake up for another day or two.” 

You pause, letting that register. “What?” 

The first bottle: you and Paimon. The second bottle: Zhongli and Aether. You remembered how carefully Zhongli handed you the first goblet, though Liyuenese etiquette would have mandated that he pass the first drink to the guest at the table. The way the goblet had shattered suddenly rang clear in your mind’s eye. His lie. How adamantly Zhongli must have been trying to keep you from drinking from Aether’s cup— 

“The herb I placed in his drink was but a very mild… sedative. He will almost certainly not die from it, but it can take mortals up to two days to regain consciousness.”

“ What ?” You could barely breathe. “You’re joking. You drank from the same bottle he did.”

“You need not concern yourself about me. My body has always been much more resistant to poisons than that of mortals.” 

The rage made your throat tight; it had been a long, long time since you had been so angry. “Congratulations, you know that there’s absolutely no way I’m staying now, right?” 

“Even before our confrontation today, I could tell that your mind was already made up,” he explained, as nonchalant as ever, as though he hadn’t just poisoned your fucking brother . “Naturally, the next course of action was to prevent you from breaking your contract by any means necessary, so that we could further negotiate. I did not want—” 

You would never learn what Zhongli didn’t want, because the fury in your lungs erupted outwards in a burst of elemental energy. You reached out, grabbing one of the last swords in your arsenal — a dull blade that you had been keeping around for enhancement fodder — but it didn’t matter, didn’t matter didn’t matter didn’t matter. All that mattered in that moment was making Zhongli pay . 

The familiar warmth of the element you were attuned to channeled through the sword, and you swung it as hard as you could in the direction of the former Archon. A wake of hardened earth ripped through the stone brick of the terrace, circling Zhongli in a jagged cage of rock and crystal. A little too late, you realized your folly.

Zhongli absently reached out, resting his gloved fingers against the earthly fangs you’d entrapped him within. Even through the haze of your anger, you could see a smile — a kind you had never seen on him — forming between his cheeks. “How ironic,” he said, “that you would use the powers that I granted you against me.” 

You could see the glow of Geo flowing from your constructs towards his outstretched palm. Vaguely, you knew that you had to run . 

“And how endearing—” he continued, and you could hear the rumbling beneath your feet, even as you turned to flee, “—that you truly thought it would work.” 

From behind, a shockwave of Geo more powerful than anything you’d ever felt smashed into you, throwing you off your feet and slamming you against the wall behind the pond. You crumpled like a paper lantern, cheek hitting the cool stone floor. As you struggled to keep your eyes open, the last things you saw were Zhongli’s intricate boots, gleaming in the moonlight before you.

[r-301]

I CAN'T STOP

Chapter 1

It all started one night, as in all the best stories, but it was neither dark nor stormy. It was a night (just after sunset) of joy and celebration.

The Witchers had all gathered in the large dining room, as they have done every night since they joined under Geralt’s leadership. The dinner was informal and noisy like all the previous ones, then someone (probably Aiden) had asked the bard to sing some songs. Jaskier had obviously been excited to please his audience and had performed, under the watchful eye of Geralt, for several songs before sinking into the place next to his Alpha and leave room for the small struggles erupted here and there.

There were Witchers of all schools and not all had left behind the resentments and prejudices cultivated for centuries just because Geralt had created a nation of their own. All in all, however, were innocent struggles that didn't aim to hurt anyone (no more than a scratch).

Jaskier smiled beside his Alpha, with an arm resting lazily on his belly. It was only three months, yet it could not be clearly said that inside his belly there was a child. They had certainly not kept it hidden, it would not have made sense: anyone in the fortress would have noticed the change in the smell of Jaskier and would have asked questions. Everyone had been so enthusiastic. Some still skeptical, but hopeful.

The happiest of all, after the couple and Ciri of course, was probably Eskel. The scarred Witcher took his role as the child’s future uncle very seriously. So seriously that a few days after the news, when the passage was still usable, he was gone for a couple of days and came back with a small stuffed goat and a heavy blanket for the little one, along with a pair of tiny gloves and socks. "It’s cold here in winter" had muttered embarrassed.

Lambert wasn't much better. The day after the news, he had disappeared with Aidan in the forest, cut down a huge tree and began to carve a crib. It wasn’t over yet, but Jaskier already loved it.

"Have you thought of the name yet?" asked Ciri for the millionth time. "No, puppy"

"Do you think it will be a girl or a boy? Will he have eyes like Geralt? And his hair? Do you think he will sing like you? If it is a girl we can exchange clothes! It would be so fun!! Jaaaasskkk makes that she is a girl! There are too many males in this house! Yen said it too!".

The bard giggled to the little hyperactive puppy. He couldn’t remember a time in his life when he felt happier.

"It’s time for bed" said Geralt without moving from Jaskier’s side

"But Geralt I am not sleepy!!"

"It’s probably the two pieces of cake Lambert gave you."

"they were so good!!"

This discussion would not lead anywhere, so Jaskier decided to intervene "It’s getting late and someone has early morning training tomorrow," he smiled, "How about I tell you a story, and after you go to sleep?"

"yeeeees!!"

The story was short and very fictionalized, but it still caught the attention of a discreet group of Witcher. Above all he had had the hoped-for result: Ciri was yawning, curled up in the lap of Geralt.

"I’m going to put her to bed". Geralt rose slowly, raising the child and holding her to the chest. The witchers who had regrouped dispersed back to getting drunk or fighting. Now that the puppy had gone to bed, they didn’t need to hold back.

Jaskier blissfully watched his alpha move away and the Witchers have fun. He felt he was already very tired "when Geralt comes back I will convince him that it is worth going to bed soon" he thought maliciously. He wasn’t that tired after all.

Was in that moment of quiet that everything began. One moment before Jaskier was alone and the next someone was behind him. That someone whispered something in his ear.

"Now you’ll do as I say..."

❤Thanks to whoever will read this story. ❤

I hope you enjoy this first chapter❤ and let me know if history interests you. From the next chapter will begin the action (and anguish).

If there are mistakes or parts difficult to understand warn me why English is not my language. 🙈

[comicsbeat]

  It’s been a little minute since we saw the launch of a while new comics company but it looks like the tea leaves are saying go. Ahoy Comics is a new venture fronted by four people: Publisher Hart Seely, an award-winning reporter whose humor and satire has appeared in The New York Times and on National Public Radio; two founding editors of DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint, Tom Peyer and Stuart Moore; and Chief Creative Officer Frank Cammuso.

The line is debuting with four titles, all mini series, and a format they are calling “comic book magazines” – now before you jump up with alarm, this refers not to size – the trim is comics sized – but the contents, which will feature lead stories and back matter, all at a cover price of $3.99 for 40 pages.

So those of you saying we need more bang for you buck, look no further. Ahoy there, satisfying chunk.

“It’s time to expect more from comics,” said AHOY Comics Editor-in-Chief Peyer. “AHOY Comics offers a wide breadth of contributors from the worlds of mainstream and indie comics and humor magazines. We’re publishing comic book magazines with full length stories, backup stories, one-off gags by a bestselling New Yorker cartoonist, political poetry by a regular Poltico contributor, and prose stories by Grant Morrison, Cienna Madrid and a sundry of talent. And I don’t want it to sound too serious, because these comic book magazines are both fun and funny. It really is a unique reading experience.”

“There is no house style at AHOY Comics, but one of the things we aim to do is to bring a sense of humor to the comics,” said AHOY Comics “Dark Ops” Manager and Captain Ginger co-creator Stuart Moore. “We’re publishing stories with a strong personal vision that provoke an occasional laugh. You know, like Preacher. Or, more recently, comics written by Mark Russell, whose sensibilities are a great match for ours. It’s a dark humor, we admit.”

“AHOY Comics offers an abundance of originality and offbeat humor,” said Hart Seely. “Some might say that launching a publishing initiative in this moment is folly. We disagree! We’re publishing comic magazines with high standards. Each issue features beautiful designs, vibrant art, exceptional colors, experienced editors and dynamic stories. We aren’t planning on being an overnight success. We’re not here to exploit IP or make movies. We’re here to publish stories for people who love comics and who love to read.”

Talent involved in the first titles includes Peyer (Hourman) and Moore (Deadpool the Duck), Jamal Igle (Black), Mark Russell (Flintstones),  and Ann Nocenti (The Seeds) and  extra material, including prose fiction by writer Grant Morrison (Happy!), cartoons by Shannon Wheeler (God is Disappointed In You), poems by Hart Seely (Bard of the Deal: The Poetry of Donald Trump), and traditional comic book back up stories.

Upcoming AHOY Comics will feature stories by Gary Erskine, Ryan Kelly, Mariah McCourt, Linda Medley, Peter Milligan, Dean Motter, Ann Nocenti, Rachel Pollack, Roger Stern and others.

The line debuts in September and here’s the deets. Spoiler: Captain Ginger.

THE WRONG EARTH 6 Issue mini-series by Tom Peyer and Jamal Igle

AHOY Comics launches with a biting superhero satire written by Tom Peyer (Captain Kid, Hourman), penciled by Jamal Igle (Black, Supergirl), inked by Juan Castro (Transformers),and colored by Andy Troy. On one world, Dragonflyman and his sidekick Stinger enjoy a life of adventure. On another Earth, the Dragonfly hunts criminal parasites like a lethal exterminator. But what happens when these two heroes change places?

 “I just want you to know that I’ve loved Tom Peyer’s genius brain for thirty years and THE WRONG EARTH is just pure, undiluted Tom Peyer as it exists in its most natural form. If you love superheroes, you NEED this. If you HATE superheroes, this will change your mind.”―Mark Millar

“I knew this was going to be good when I saw Peyer and Igle on the credits, but now I really want to see how it all plays out.”―Jeff Parker

“THE WRONG EARTH is far more than a one-note gag–Tom and Jamal have made a surprisingly deep exploration and commentary on where this medium has been, how it got to where it is, and where it can go.”―Mark Waid

 On sale on September 12, 2018, THE WRONG EARTH debut issue is a full color, 40 page comic book magazine retailing for $3.99, with extras including:

A  prose story by comics legend Grant Morrison: ‘HUD’ HORNET’S HOLIDAY IN HELL, illustrated by best-selling artist Rob Steen

A mock “Golden Age” Stinger solo story, by Paul Constant and Frank Cammuso

A cartoon by Shannon Wheeler

Chronic malcontent David Weathers dies and goes to Heaven—where everything is terrible, and everybody hates a complainer. HIGH HEAVEN is a savage satire by writer Tom Peyer (Hourman, Batman ’66) with art by Greg Scott (Black Hood, X-Files), colored by Andy Troy.

 “Delivered with that Tom Peyer panache and his sneaky habit of undercutting reader expectations at every turn. And gorgeous art by Greg Scott, giving it all personality and (seedy) visuals. I’m hooked.”―Kurt Busiek

 “HIGH HEAVEN has a great premise. I loved it and can’t wait to see where it goes next. Also: the Hashtag: Danger back-up was a riot. Chris Giarrusso is just the best!”―John Layman

 “As gorgeous as it is absurd.”―Alisa Kwitney

 On sale, September 26, 2018, HIGH HEAVEN’s debut issue is a full color, 40 page comic book magazine retailing for $3.99, with a cover by Mad Magazine’s Richard Williams and extras including:

A HASHTAG: DANGER backup story by Peyer, with art by Chris Giarrusso (G-Man, Mini-Marvels)

A cartoon by Shannon Wheeler

An all-new prose story by comics legend Grant Morrison: FESTIVE FUNTIMES AT THE NEW WORLD’S FAIR, illustrated by acclaimed artist Rick Geary

  In October, AHOY Comics will launch a creator owned title:

CAPTAIN GINGER 4 issue mini series by Stuart Moore and June Brigman

When the human race died out, the cats inherited the Earth! Or at least one starship. Now the intrepid Captain Ginger struggles to keep his fellow felines united against a hostile universe. Thirty-five pages of comic adventure—with a bite—by writer Stuart Moore (Deadpool the Duck, Batman: Noir Alley) artist June Brigman (Power Pack), inker Roy Richardson and colorist Veronica Gandini.

 “The best books usually transport me into a world with which I am largely unfamiliar and reveal its mysteries to me, whether it’s the mean streets of a great urban metroplex, a small village lying somewhere on a distant steppe in central Asia, or a starship full of individualist cats trying to keep it together long enough to survive…these may very well be the characters that June was born to draw and Stuart was born to write!” ― Walter Simonson

 “This is a great start to a great book by Stuart and June. The Captain and his misbegotten cat crew can count me along for the long haul!” ― Peter Gross

 “This comic book is INSANE, in the best possible way when one describes something as “insane”! I can’t say I got too excited when I first heard the concept, “Cats in Space”, but Stuart Moore and June Brigman have got it goin’ on! CAPTAIN GINGER rocks!  It’s solid sci-fi adventure, beautifully illustrated and electric with wonderful diverse characters, who are CATS (?!)! This “puppy” smells like a sleeper hit (but that could just be the space kitty litter)!” ― Mike Allred

On sale, October 17, 2018, CAPTAIN GINGER’s debut issue is a full color, 48 page comic book magazine retailing for $3.99, with extras including:

An all-new text story by comics legend Grant Morrison: THE ELECTRIC SKY BEAR THAT INSPIRED BEN FRANKLIN, illustrated by Phil Hester

A cartoon by Shannon Wheeler

October will also see the debut of an all star anthology series:

EDGAR ALLAN POE’S SNIFTER OF TERROR 6 issue Mature Readers mini series

EDGAR ALLAN POE mangles classic tales and brand new stories in this cross between Drunk History and Tales from the Crypt! First, meet AHOY’s own alcohol-damaged version of Poe in The Facts in The Case of M. Valdemar, adapted by Tom Peyer (Batman ‘66) and drawn by Fred Harper. Then: Sugary cereal meets vampirism in Dark Chocolate, by writer Mark Russell (The Flintstones) and artist Peter Snejbjerg (Starman).

On sale, October 31, 2018, EDGAR ALLAN POE’S SNIFTER OF TERROR’s debut issue is a full color, 40 page comic book magazine retailing for $3.99, with extras including:

Hunt Emerson’s take on The Black Cat

Unsettling verse by Cienna Madrid illustrated by Carly Wright

   For more updates on AHOY Comics follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

  AHOY Comics: a new publisher is coming with bigger issues, poetry and Grant Morrison – all for $3.99 It's been a little minute since we saw the launch of a while new comics company but it looks like the tea leaves are saying go.