#i think it was the prince of liyue or something like that

[trashcanwithsprinkles]

Archon War anon - and no worries if you thought that just Osial and Chi were enough! It's just that the way it gets talked about, I always felt like there had to be just a ton more gods fighting?

no absolutely! it does get talked about like it's thousands of them. which, like i mention in the previous ask (i know i should've read and answered this one in the previous also but i didn't check lmao) is also a huge hole of information that we simply do not have in-game. we don't know who the fuck was morax fighting. they tell us osial isn't the only one buried under guyun, but haishan can't be there bc beidou is the one that kills him, and beisht is out and about, so who tf is? i can't see liyue going to war with sal vindagnyr nor mondstadt or sumeru, let alone fontaine, and we know for a fact that he did not fight havria (...right?). so who was it?

chenyu vale did tell us that there was a different god in charge of that area, and i think it either also tells us or we can assume that said god had several adepti-equivalents with them that also fought morax? but if its only adepti-equivalents were fujin n co, then that leaves only the god to fight since those three deserted. it likely wasn't only those three but still, i can't remember rn. my point stands.

one of he books mentions that the dunyu ruins were home to a different god altogether? i think? but we don't know the age of those ruins. and even then, they're the exact same architectural stlye as the rest of liyue, for the most part. like the only time i've seen non-guili style architecture in liyue (that isn't the domains or the chasm) was in yelan's story quest? i think? which took place under qingxu pool??? so there might've been a god there. there's also a sea god mentioned in another one of the books. we don't know who tf that was, if they were even real, or if their timeframe even matches the archon war.

so again, i think the best explanation we have so far is that we know of no gods that fought morax (beyond osial n chenyu vale's lord) because the way we find that out in-game in other regions is if they had another civilization to their own. kinda how deshret and rukkadevata had their own people (though those two didn't fight). so if we see no other sign of a civilization other than the guili assembly in liyue, then we stand to reason that the entirety of the nation (bar chenyu vale? but even then the ruins there are the exact same style so) was one unified nation.

which would mean it was a china situation, where everyone fought eachother within the same nation until only morax remained standing. which is why we don't know of anyone else – they left no marks of having had a civilization of their own, and so we cannot know if they ever did exist. the only reason why we know havria and chenyu vale's god existed is because the game told us about them. if the game hadn't told us, and we'd only seen the ruins of their civilization, we would've found the exact same style of the guili assembly and then assumed morax simply controlled those places as well.

osial is a different topic entirely, i don't think he counts hahah

edit: forgot about xiao's master, so i guess that's another confirmed god he fought? alongside chi, whom i also forgot about. still, i think chi was more of a land beast than a god with a people, and xiao's master i have no clue about. (am i tripping or did chenyu vale insinuate that the god in charge of that area was xiao's master?????? maybe i'm just confused. if it was, that just takes one god off the list, since xiao's master and chenyu's lord could've been the same person. if not, i've no fucking clue where xiao's master fits into all of this. like i'm not sure if it's ever stated that it was a god from liyue? it must've been. but then, where were his people? did he even have any? idk. you get my point)

[kaeyachi]

some kaeya facts that i want to remind everyone with because I miss him so much! (no angst this time i swear!!...but if you all want angst, I could also deliver hehehe)

1. Kaeya tells the children of Mondstadt some stories! Specifically, one that some forgot or didn't know of is that he has told the orphans under the church's care some horror story about the light in the lamp posts :D He had been shown to do a story telling to Klee while at the Veluriyam Mirage and he has also been reading to Klee her bedtime stories as well

2. Kaeya made Klee's survival rules! Kaeya has definitely done his part on preventing Klee from destroying Mondstadt before Celestia ever could (well, at least lessened the amount of times Mond gets bombed anyway). Anyone else think Kaeya purposely let Klee explode the Good Hunter's stove to avoid going to the Chasm? No? Ok-

3. He takes the attention when he dances! Depending on which language you hear it from, it is either a good or a bad thing. However, I am on team good thing simply because some mercenaries invited him to go dancing with them while he was in Sumeru ( very interesting information, Kaeya! Glad to know they found you so attractive that they did something they don't usually do!)

4. If you call him kind, he will attempt to look mean (and he fails at it lmao), and if he is not being mean, he will try to deny it. The traveler once listed down the kind things he had done for Captain Wu, a Liyue npc, and Kaeya proceeds to tell us that he records people who owe him (which is a lie. He forgot the person he helped TWICE. What he does have a record of is a well-detailed list of Treasure Hoarders and their rankings + patrol areas in Mondstadt). Another instance was during Jean's story quest where Kaeya planned the appreciation party for Jean where he gave the traveler all the credit

5. He is a great gift giver! (unless that person is Diluc because otherwise he will find the ugliest thing ever and gift that... arguably, that kinda sounds like amazing gift giving if we are talking about being an annoying sibling). He remembers passing commentary from friends and coworkers and gifts them accordingly.

6. He has his own intel network (and I'm theorizing that it is just a group of people he has helped before that insisted on paying him back in this way). Kaeya, after some heavy insistence from Captain Wu, asks him if he wants to be a friend or be part of his intel network and follow his commands no matter what. Vile, one of his known informants, also gave us a glimpse as to what it takes to be part of Kaeya's network, and that is the ability to decipher codes and read messages in between.

7. He is incredibly reliable as a knight! Not only do the people of Mondstadt agree that he is the more approachable cavalry captain between him and Diluc, but it is also a known fact that Kaeya has never failed to complete a mission to date (except the one during Diluc's 18th). Nearly every citizen of Mondstadt adores him and knows how reliable he is. Arguably, this success rate could be attributed to his "end justifies the means" mindset that not all find enjoyable, but he is definitely the person to ask if you want something done. Vile has once mentioned that she could just ask Kaeya to do the charming and convincing for her, dubbing him as a prince charming for it.

8. He is one of the people who spends so much time with Klee (potentially attributed by the fact that he also has more free time compared to others). He spends so much time with her that Klee mentions a few interesting things about Kaeya, such as the fact that Albedo draws Kaeya frequently (enough times that Albedo says Kaeya could be drawn by him easily. yes, it's that "three strokes" line lmao) and the fact that Kaeya has saved Klee from solitary confinement a lot. He is shown to be a very effective person when it comes to corralling Klee without making her feel bad as even when he was trying to berate her, he still ended up giving her a possible reward if she listens.

9. He is very meticulous. He willingly spends the time to get himself ready in the clothes that he is wearing, and he likes embellishments. He really is quite the perfectionist in his actions as well. (very Alberich of him!✌️) We can also see this in his handwriting that has been described as "beautiful" and again with his near perfect track record as a knight.

[the-fandom-is-now-my-life]

I don't know if you're accepting anymore requests for the Creator Baby Daddy thing, but if said baby daddy was a certain redheaded teetotaler that runs the Dawn Winery? 😗

Their grace had a

Firey headed child

Wc: 1k

As the soft sunlight seeps inside the room you open your eyes, a bright red mane moving softly up and down as it rests on your chest, its curls framing Diluc’s jaw and nose.

It seems like the finger you ran around his hair and cheek woke him up. “Rise and shine, little prince”

Bright red eyes look at you with tenderness and his lips kiss your sternum and arms tighten around your waist.

“We can cuddle for a bit but remember I have to leave after breakfast to Liyue” he nods but sighs against your skin “even after I leave you will be forever in my heart”

“And my heart will always ardently burn for you, your grace” he kisses your lips as he mumbles sweet nothings, both of you fully under the cotton covers and enjoying the last few minutes of time together.

“It's been quite a while, Diluc” you sit down on the stools in front of the bar, it's almost closing time and the few people left are gathering themselves to go home. Even Diluc was surprised to see you at this hour but he holds back from asking about it straight on.

“It's been almost three months, I think? I believe you were scheduled to return for the next Ludi Harpastum, in two more months” without hesitation he keeps the conversation going smoothly, so used to chatty drunkards going on and on and still expect an answer.

Looking at him doing the closing chores so focused delays your answer a few seconds, but honestly who could blame you? His white shirt was rolled up his elbows and the top few buttons were undone “Mhh there was a change of plans, for reasons I will stay a season in mondstat”

“I see… I guess you just arrived?”

“That is right, we hurried back and managed to make it here in two days”

Throwing the towel he was drying the whiskey glass with over his shoulder he leans forward, resting his back from standing for so long and causing a few stray crimson hairs to stick to his thinly sweaty skin, the warmth of the tavern almost making you break into a light sweat after a few minutes inside “Would I be so bold as to offer you a drink, your grace?”

“I would love it, just please make sure to not add alcohol to it”

He nods and turns to pour a small layer of grenadine in a glass “as you please”

“aren't you going to ask me why?”

“Why you don't want alcohol? I was just guessing you didn't want today”

“Well, it's partly because of that but there is also another reason” softly you lay a hand down on your lower belly, sure he would understand the implication.

“Upset stomach? Alcohol does irritate the stomach's lining” but when turns to pour orange juice he sees your deadpan expression and the hand between your hips, soon the connection is made “was that from…”

“Yes, indeed! I do hope your heart is still burning for me”

“Always, your grace” a soft smile grace's his face, if the candles were dimmer it might have been impossible to see. Closer to a gasp or a whisper he leans forward and swears “I would rather rip my heart out than to stray from you”

During the pregnancy his hands and sight seem to always find themselves stuck on your body somehow, a constant reminder to himself that you are safe and this is something nobody nor anything will be able to take away from him and even if they attempted he would fight to defend.

Any comforting words that you might attempt to soothe him with fall to deaf ears so it might be better to hold in the good news until you start to show to enjoy to the max your boundless liberty before making good acquaintance of the dawn winery and periphery, it's not like he would force you to! He would never dare to order you around, it's just his face that makes you the slightest bit guilty when you leave and travel alone. Even if you wouldn't consider four knights of favonius alone he still seems to hold resentment and mistrust.

People say that firstborns always look like their dads, nature's paternity test some claim, but regardless of how your baby looked (even you must claim that as soon as your beloved baby came out it was hard to find any resemblance with humans) the firey red fuzz on his head linking him to his father in a second. Not like Diluc doubted it for a second.

“This selection is a chardonnay” Diluc holds a white grape before smashing it between his fingers and giving it to your toddler to happily chew “it makes a wine of the same name” when the kid swallows he hands them a dark one and does the same procedure “this one is Malbec, a staple for most of our red wine” but this time he spits in back on the ground, seemingly too bitter.

“Why don't you stick to feeding him normal grapes?” You ask from the table under a shadow, sipping grape juice and reading a book.

“When he grow up they might want to work here and with so many types of grapes and things about the winery to know I should teach him young” he turns around from besides the vine, he from may you know where decided that he needed to teach your year old about the multiple varieties of wine grapes and their wines.

“Fine~ if you feel like you want to do it teach him, I doubt much knowledge will stick right now but I will be rooting for you here” he turns around to face the plant again and you keep watching his arms show from under the rolled shirt and how they tense when reaching for a new grape and the love with which he teaches his child, quite possibly reminiscing about his father doing the same with him.

[hiraya-rawr]

looking for your favorites 3 (sagau)

synopsis !! they can't possibly be your favorite character. . . right?

characters !! wanderer, scaramouche, chongyun, abyss prince aether, razor

note !! EVERYTHING WAS WRITTEN IN MY FREETIME bit by bit, hence why it sometimes sounds a little off i guess? i tried to fix it as much as i could ++ I'm honestly not sure if I can continue writing for the og sagau concept, I keep twisting it into something else eeh- heheheh

contains !! gn reader, mild religious themes, honestly the sagau concept is a little everywhere in this one, i couldnt seem to settle on one type, spoilers on sumeru's archon quest, scaramouche/wanderer spoilers

• • •

A Genshin Player typically has a variety of characters to choose from. Such options can range from free-to-play characters to limited five stars. Regardless of how much one invested in the game, they're bound to have at least a handful of options.

This is what all characters are aware of— that they are options among hundreds to thousands of vision holders across Teyvat, with every character being special and enticing in their own way.

There's no way they could be the favorite.

Right?

[x] WANDERER

He doesn't quite know who he is.

He doesn't understand what his purpose is either.

He just wanders, lost, nation to nation in hopes of maybe discovering a sense of fulfillment.

And with all the wandering he's done, he -of course- has heard about you. A special entity to this world. A small part of him wonders if you'd know the answers to his questions (or perhaps, you could make use of him? If he could be useful to someone like you, then surely he would feel fulfilled?).

Despite his quiet hopes, he wasn't in any rush to find you. Nor did he hope for you to actually make use of him. He just continued wandering, from the mountains of Liyue to the forests of Sumeru— all the way to where he is now. The barren desert, with nothing but sand for miles and miles to see (and perhaps that rather intimidating, flipped pyramid at a distance).

Needless to say, he wasn't expecting you of all people to follow his tracks out into the desert.

At first you were just a spech amongst the sands, then you became clearer with your approach, showing more and more the familiar features he once saw in passing amongst statues or paintings.

When you were finally within hearing distance, you raised a hand as if to call out his name, hesitating for a moment before deciding what to say—

"Wanderer!"

He tilts his head, pausing to face you as you walk closer. The sand around you stills, as if no longer fighting against every footstep you take, and instead assisting you to come closer.

"You are. . . the one this world was created for, right?" He asks unsure as soon as you were close enough

"I suppose I am?" You reply with a laugh, and he finds that he quite likes your laugh. "I tried looking for you, I'm glad I caught up before you got too deep into the desert."

"You tried looking for me. . ? Why?"

"Because how could I visit Teyvat without meeting you?" You smile softly. He looks away, it doesn't make sense.

"Meeting me, huh. . . then may I ask for a favor?"

"Anything you want."

His eyes catches yours -sunlight hitting them just right- and without missing a beat, "Can I be of use to you? Can you give me purpose?"

You freeze, hands to your side as you stare back at him. In truth, you were expecting something like this, but now? So soon on your first meeting? He looks back seriously.

"Sca– Wanderer," You begin, "You're doing this. . . to find out who you are, right?"

He nods. You sigh.

"Well. . . I know a friend back in the city who can help you. They're a traveler as well. In fact, you can say they're a friend of yours!"

"A friend of mine. . ?"

"Trust me. You'll love them. And shall we go back?"

Go back? He wonders. There's miles and miles of sand around you.

"It would be nightfall soon. I don't think we'd be able to make it back today. I'm sorry."

You turn to him, lips in a wide smile. There's something wrapped between your fingers as you hold it out for him to catch. He opens his palm, it settles down slowly— it's. . . an anemo vision. Glowing brightly.

"Why walk when we can fly?" You grin.

bonus :

"Don't you feel hot at all?" You whine, shielding your eyes from the glare of sunlight.

"I have a hat."

"I see. . . "

[x] SCARAMOUCHE

* It's conflicting, really. Scaramouche despises gods— their invisible influence taunting him like he was a defective product, like he should be ashamed to ever think he could stand on their level.

* You were... an oddity in his feelings towards such powerful beings. The world was made for you, catered to you, and people naturally adored you (just like how they adored the traveler you've shown your favor to).

* So when you, the being which his very world was created for your entertainment, landed in Teyvat, as human as any human could be— he didn't know what to expect.

* He didn't care. There are hundreds for you to meet, and he's not about to wait in line, dilly-dallying for your attention like a common peasant.

* But in the open halls of the Tsaritsa's palace, you approach with the quick pattering of your heels.

* The crowd of Fatui workers naturally part as soon as they noticed your approach. It's odd enough to hear that the player begged to go to Snezhnaya -land of nothing but barren snow- but to rush to Scaramouche's main headquarters? Unheard of!

* Yet there you were, face to face with a single option out of hundreds (the single option you chose).

"What in Teyvat are you. . ." He trails off, his face scrunched between irritation and shock. He doesn't know what to say, really. Would insulting you incur some sort of divine fury?

"I came looking for you!" You reply.

He thinks you're an idiot. He shouldn't call you that, right? Would it damn him to the abyss or something?

"Why. . ." He tries to form the words, "Why in Teyvat would you–" He pauses, looking around at the small crowd.

With a glare, the Fatui agents scatter away from the hall. It doesn't take much to scare them away like little rats. As he turns back to you, you look back unafraid, if not a little excited.

"Why are you here? Do you pity me, is that it?" He asks with a bite to his voice.

"Yes."

"I– what? So you admit it?" He scoffs, is there a limit to your shamelessness? Is this a trait natural to the gods? "Unbelievable."

"I pity you, everything you went through, but that's not the reason why I'm here! Isn't it obvious?" You say, a wide grin beginning to form, "You're my absolute favorite!"

He freezes. What? Absolutely. . . favorite?

As if understanding his speechlessness, you continue on, "I've been wanting to meet you since the very first event– ahem, first time I saw you!"

"You truly are an odd one." He mumbles under his breath because why him? Why the one who was abandoned and used numerous times? He's merely a puppet without a heart.

An empty vessel.

"And why should I believe you?" He says unconvincingly, arms folded. He notices the little chatter behind the walls, those darn recruits are listening in.

"Why would I be here if you're not my favorite?" You quip back.

He scoffs, "I don't know, but there's certainly something wrong with you in the head. You're not exactly what I expected."

"If you were expecting a certain level of power, then I could still do that. I can give you gifts."

". . . gifts?" He tilts his head.

"Artifacts, weapons, talents— they're all for you since the very beginning anyway!"

Artifacts, weapons. . . power? He thinks. Truly, if you were such an ultimate being, you could provide him anything? As if pondering over it, he suddenly pauses.

Yes, indeed you could give him these things.

But why him?

Because of favorites?

How could he be favored when he was once thrown away.

". . . Can you give me a gnosis?" He says, voice uncharacteristically soft.

"Um. . . we'll work on that. Maybe on the later arcs."

[x] CHONGYUN

* Despite modern Liyue's sovereignty from gods, it's still a nation that values traditions and piety. It's natural that with your arrival, you only deserve the best!

* That included invites from some of the highest ranking nobles and guilds. It's no surprise that Xingqiu, the second son of the largest Commerce Guild, makes an appearance to greet you in the Jade Palace, his brother and parents already done with their turns.

* Xingqiu expected a lot from you, maybe discussions of the arts (or perhaps you're even interested in novels?). What he didn't expect was for you to ask such a random question.

"Oh Xingqiu! You're here! Ah– but where's Chongyun?"

He only pauses for a second. Chongyun may be the son of a longstanding exorcist clan, but they're not much to boast about in terms of influence or wealth. Chongyun is... well, Chongyun. His dear best friend.

"I apologize, I wasn't aware that you'd like to meet him as well. Chongyun should be. . . hmm around the harbor by now, perhaps." He stands straight from his bow, "We were planning on meeting after this, your Holiness, to look for haunted h— I mean, to stroll Wuwang Hill."

You already know what they're up to as you clasp your hands together.

"Excellent! I'll go with you!"

"Wait- what?"

* Oh poor Chongyun, he would be a frantic mess in disbelief. It was hard enough to believe that you suddenly went to Liyue, but to approach him of all people? Did you mistake him for someone else? Are you going to ask for directions? Did he do something wrong?

* The thoughts swirling around his head is enough to destabilize his yang energy as you helplessly reassure him that you're there because you want to meet him as soon as you could.

"Chongyun!" You rush up to him, arms wide in an embrace— the cryo allogene freezes in place, stares with his cat-like eyes in wonder because wait, wait, wait– is the one and only controller of this world approaching him for a hug?

"I- Wait, me?" He stutters, tumbling over his words as you smile. His arms are awkwardly raised, unsure if he should hug you back.

"Yes! I met Xingqiu a while back and was wondering why you weren't with him."

"You- you were looking for me?"

"Of course I have! I've always wanted to meet you in person like this!"

As you squeeze him in your arms, you feel him go limp as his face turns red in heat.

"Oh no! His yang energy!"

[x] ABYSS AETHER

Aether knew he was damned. The minute he resolved to see through everything till the end, despite everyone thinking otherwise, he knew no one would understand why he decided to do this.

Alone, is how he decided to do this. So he sits lonely on a throne in the nave of what seems to be a dark cathedral. The walls depicting menacing murals of an era where everything went wrong. The abyss mages that normally float in worship are no where to be seen, just the way he wanted it.

Until you appeared, the little soft patter of footsteps echoing down his aisle, the heavy doors moving back to reveal your underwhelming entrance. He sees you and he wonders if he expected you to come, to blame him or get angry because how could he stray so far from his oh-so-favored sister, Lumine.

Yet, you walk up to him with a look of what seems to be sorrow.

"Are you here to blame me?" He asks and his voice echoes against cavernous walls.

"Blame you? No. . ." You reply.

"Then do you pity me?"

"Aether, I just want to understand." You confidently say, finally by the foot of his throne. He doesn't feel comfortable looking down on you like this, not you, so he stands to approach your eye level.

"Shouldn't you already understand?" He questions, curious.

"I— don't. . . I don't know everything there is to this world."

Aether frowns. Maybe because he was hoping that you of all people -mortal or god- would understand why he's doing this.

"That isn't my problem. There are bigger things for me to think about." He turns away and just before he could take the first step;

"I don't know everything about this world but if it's you– then I want to understand. I'm sure you have your reasons. I trust you more than anything."

He pauses, face in wonder, because how could you trust someone so blindly?

With an exhale and a decision made, he turns to you, "Then follow me. If you want to understand why, then stay with me."

"Okay."

[x] RAZOR

It was a classic welcome— arriving in Mondstadt, touring around the city, greeting the characters you've always wanted to meet. Despite their initial formalities and decorum, you've managed to tone down the professionalism and started to treat each other as friends.

That didn't mean they weren't very open to the idea of you meeting the less. . . civil of the bunch.

"I'd like to visit Wolvendom." You tell the small group. It's another day in the city, enjoying drinks by the taverns under the sun. Lucky for you, the Cavalry Captain and the Outrider have their time off to enjoy with you.

"Oh? Is there a reason why?" Kaeya leans back, head tilted.

"To be honest. . . I wanted to visit Razor. I'm sure you know him!"

Truth be told, you just wanted to meet a certain good wolf cub hidden in the woods. While everyone has went out of their way to meet you, Razor kept to himself in Wolvendom. Perhaps he was too intimidated by the crowds pouring into Mondstadt, or maybe he just wasn't familiar about you, but Razor was nowhere to be seen since your arrival.

". . . Razor?" Kaeya says hesitantly, "Hmm while I have no problem with you going to Wolvendom to meet him, there is another issue. . ."

"What issue?"

"The knights decided not to let you meet Razor," Amber quips in, "I mean– It's not that there's anything bad about him, it's just that he hasn't learned his manners yet. We thought it might be disrespectful if he met you so soon."

"Disrespectful?" You voice out in shock.

"Of course we know that you're not strict about that now! But I guess we never clarified the situation with Razor. . "

You huff, standing up tall with new resolve, "That's it! We're going out to find Razor and give him the biggest hug ever!"

"We are?" They echo back in unison.

"Yes we are!" You hook both your arms around theirs, dragging them out the gates of Mondstadt.

ko-fi support || general m.list

[water-to-drink]

Be a Gladiolus in a Field of Belladonnas pt5

Memories of a Flower

(Summary): After deciding that learning the original 7 seven elements first would make learning abyssal magic more easier you and company run into a fit of a road block

Part 1 Last Part Next Part

✧ Masterlist ✧

(Characters): traveler!Lumine, abyss prince!Aether, Paimon, the Aranaras, ???, & ???

(Warnings): Cursing, spoilers for the last part of the Sumeru archon quest, and talks about bumping uglies at the very end (so a bit NSFW-ish?)

(A/n): Apologies if the Sanskrit is a bit inaccurate, couldn’t find many accurate translators. And yes from now on these parts will have their own titles

∘◦ ✧ ◦∘ means flashback

Italics means present reader’s thoughts

(S/n) = song name

─────────── ✧ ───────────

You didn’t think walking through Sumeru would be nerve wracking, though one of the abyss lectors casted a spell to hide your divine presence and you have the twins escorting you. However the possibility of being found still scared you

“How much longer until we reach it? Walking through here is very different than from what I’m used to.” You comment trying to get your mind on something else

“We’re getting close, you can tell us if you want to stop you don’t have to push yourself.” Lumine said

“Ugh! Why did you teleport us so far from the statue of the seven?” Paimon groaned

“Because, the energy they emit mess with abyssal magic and I don’t want to put their Grace in any more danger than need be.” Aether informed. “And besides, you float so you shouldn’t be that tired.”

The little fairy was so angry that she couldn’t form any retort and settled for huffing and puffing

The same floating companion was the one to bring a suggestion to you. Try to do what Lumine did and resonate with the element (aka touching a statue of the seven), considering that Nahida is the weakest of the seven and from the intel you got from some abyss mages saying that she was seen in Liyue, you all decided it’s best to try dendro first

“I think I see the glow from the statue.” You pointed at the familiar blue light

You and the twins begin to run towards the statue until you were at around arms length. Being so close to the statue of the dendro god looked so much more beautiful in person

“Go ahead, see if you can resonate with dendro like Lumine!” Paimon said in anticipation

You closed your eyes and reached to touch the statue. All you felt was the cold stone and not some power coursing through you

“Uhh Lu, what did you feel when you first resonated with Dendro?” You asked

“If you instantly don’t feel a difference than you didn’t resonate the element.” Aether explained

“Damn, really?”

“Well what do we do know? Do we try another element?” Paimon questioned

“I don’t think we’re at a total lost. We’re in Vanarana, right?”

“You mean go to the Aranaras?!” Aether asked

“Yes, what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing, I would assume that you would go somewhere else…”

“They are connected with nature and since touching one of the statues didn’t work, we don’t have many options.”

“I think it’s a good idea, they already know me and Paimon” Lumine said as she pulled out her vintage lyre

The traveler began to play the familiar tune you played when the screen divided you from Teyvat. As she played your surroundings slowly got more colorful and dreamlike

Completely in the land of dreams you looked around to see a sole Aranara hiding behind a rock. You awkwardly waved

“Visha has come back!” The Aranara cheered

Multiple Aranaras surround you and your companions

“Visha!”

“Great Visha, you’ve returned!”

“Visha’s been away for so long!”

“We’ve been so lonely!”

“Visha, try my soup, I made it for you!”

“Come down, (y/n) or ‘Visha’ can’t understand if you all talk to them at the same time.” Lumine said

Once the Aranaras heard Lumine they moved a couple step back from you and looked very sorry which crushed your heart

“I’ll listen to each and every one of you guys when we’ve dealt with the situation!” You tried to explain

“‘Situation?’ What is happening?”

“There’s this really bad person impersonating the Creator and they’re trying to hunt their Grace down.” Paimon told

The Aranaras looked fearful and confused, trying to understand why would someone try to hurt the Creator

“The Lord of Verdure, told me about this. The great Avatar of Marana, had deceived Nara and other lords are under the control of them.” The distinct voice of the village chief, Araja spoke.

“If Visha needs protection, then Arabalika will protect them!” The fluffy gree Aranara shouted holding up his stick

“Thank you, but I have Lumine and Aether. And you have to stay here and protect Vanarana.” You reassured

“Even though Visha has Nara Varuna and Nara Lumine, it’s too dangerous in the Nara world. Please stay in Vanarana.”

“I want to but I can’t put you all in danger.” You informed as you kneeled down. “The only reason we’re here because Kusanali is in Liyue. I don’t know what would happen if she sensed that we were here.”

The Aranaras looked sad yet completely understood where you’re coming from

“But we want to help Visha, is there anything we can provide help for?” An Aranara pleaded

“You can, ‘Visha’ couldn’t resonate with dendro. Is there a way for them to connect with it?” Lumine explained

“Maybe try the Tree of Dreams!” Another suggested

“Yes! The Tree of Dreams was made with power from the forest!”

“Oh Paimon didn’t think of that, let’s go.”

You followed the group of Aranaras through a cave that lead you to the tree

In its dream state it looked like it was something you would only see in a dream or behind a screen, never stand in front of it and take in its sight with own your eyes in your waking state.

“If Visha joins with the tree, then they’ll get the powers of the forest.”

You nervously reached out and set you palms on the bark

The sensations you felt, the texture of your clothes, the ache in your feet from walking so much, the anxiety you felt moments ago all disappeared. It felt as if your soul separated from your physical body

And everything felt wrong

It felt like the energy was trying to enter but, your body was rejecting the power and it hurts. You felt as if your body was being torn apart from the inside. You wanted to move away from the tree, but your muscles tensed so much it made it impossible for you to move

Suddenly your body is jolted away from the tree and hit against someone. The person you’re slumped against laid you down and rested your head on their legs

“……”

“.o…g….?”

“Y..r..ra..?”

“Yo.r gr..e?”

“Your Grace?!”

“Your Grace, are you alright?”

Fully coming back to reality you saw golden orbs looking into yours

“Lumine…? I- what happened…?”

“I don’t know, it looked like something was wrong and you weren’t responding when we called you.” Lumine explained you

“This is exactly what I afraid of.” Aether whispered under his breath. “It appears that your body is too weak to handle elemental energy in its rawest form. I should have known.”

“Don’t blame yourself, you won’t have known. And I’m more resilient than I look…” You said in between breaths

“But Paimon doesn’t get it, if (y/n) has a connection with Tevyat itself then why can’t they get the powers within it?”

“If Visha can’t be one with world, then what do we do?” An Aranara quivered

“I may have an idea.” Araja spoke

The group parted to reveal Araja holding up a flower

“This flower has been with Aranaras long before Marana appeared. This once was yours and contains old memories.”

Araja held out a gladiolus in his tiny hand or nub? The flower was almost half the size of the chief. On closer inspection you noticed that one of the petals is missing

You weakly reached out and touched the stem. A sense of relief instantly washed over you. All the fatigue and pain in your body disappeared as you found yourself floating in a sky full of stars

The sight of the sky though beautiful and dreamlike gave you a sense of melancholy. The colors slowly morphed into something that’s difficult to describe.

You closed your eyes and upon opening them back up, you noticed the scene had changed into something a person can understand. You saw hands holding flowers of different species. You viewed the scene in a first person perspective, the closest comparison is like watching something in virtual reality but it feels more natural

You continued to watch the hands braid 3 flowers together and you realized those hands belong to you. The same length of the fingers, the same lines on the inside of your palms, all the same.

Unsure of what to do you continued to watch your hands elegantly weave the stems of flowers to form a crown. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw a little Aranara watching you intently, waiting patiently for you to finish

“I can never make my flower crowns like that, what do you do so the stems don’t break?” A disembodied voice questioned

“It might look hard, but you have to remember to weave them as if each flower is special on its own and just as special when it’s in a group. This way your crowns will come out like this!” You said as you held up your crown to a woman wearing a white flowy dress and white hair making her slightly tanned skin pop out in contrast, you instantly knew who this woman was

Lord Rukkhadevata?!

You gracefully put the little Aranara’s head and it started to dance around happily

“I can make one for you.”

“Really? That would mean so much to me, your Grace.”

You began to make another flower crown with the same elegance and dexterity you used when making the first one. Once finished you place it on Rukkhadevata’s head, she flashed a bright smile full of gratitude and adoration

“Thank you, your Grace. I love it!”

“I’m glad you like it, Marbas.” You said

“Marbas” is that Rukkhadevata’s archon name?

Words came out of Rukkhadevata’s mouth but you couldn’t hear them, the scene slowly faded out and you found yourself back in Vanarana

“(Y/n)! (Y/n), please wake up.” You heard Paimon urged

“Your Grace are you okay, you’re crying.” Lumine pointed out

You sat up and brought your hand to your face. Your fingers made contact with tears you didn’t know had, you wiped them with your sleeve

“Are you alright, did you see anything upsetting?” Aether kneeled down and offered his hand

“I’m fine, I just saw something that I wasn’t expecting.” You said as you took the blond’s hand and he helped you up

“I think it would be best to go back and form another plan.” Aether suggested

“That sounds good, but before that.” You turned to the Aranaras. “Let me make some crowns for these little guys!”

The crowd of Aranaras cheered and some even went to get as many flowers as they can

“Paimon wants a crown!”

“I’ll make you a crown, don’t worry.”

“Yay, Paimon’s getting a crown!” She excitedly kicked her feet

Some of the Aranaras came back and gave you some flowers they were saving for a special occasion

You sat down and began making some flower crowns. The little Aranaras sat in a circle, some even tippy toeing to get a better look at your handiwork. All watching in anticipation and fascination

The abyss prince raked in your form. Though you didn’t possess a fraction of your powers, you still radiated the benevolence and compassion that is described in all text mentioning you. Aether had to turn away so to not show the expression he would characterize as unbecoming of him

When he opened his eyes, he saw Lumine hugging a couple of Aranaras

“Really Lumine? Shouldn’t you show a bit more restraint?”

“Shut up Ae. You should probably take that stick out your ass and play with these little guys.”

“Don’t curse in front of the Creator, what the hell is wrong with you?! Your Grace, I’m sorry my sister is stupid-” Aether turned towards you and saw you hugging several more Aranaras, some were hugging your legs and one on top of your head

“What was that Aether?” You just noticed his gaze

“No-nothing, your Grace.” He said turning his face away you to hide the pink on his face

“Hey Aether!” You called out

“Yes your Grac-” He was interrupted by you putting a flower crown on his head

“Here, so you don’t feel left out.”

It took awhile for the abyss prince to process what just happened, but when he did a smile creeped up on his face. He hid his face with his scarf in embarrassment, yet you saw how red the tips of his ears were

“Th-thank you, your Grace!” He said trying to not fumble on his words

After a few hours of playing with the Aranaras, which felt like minutes to you. The sun started to set and you, the twins, and Paimon bid farewell to the Aranaras. All of whom were sad to watch you leave, but still gave their goodbyes

Before Lumine pulled out her vintage lyre you stopped her telling her there was something you had to do before leaving. You picked up flowers and the roundest rocks you can find and walked to a spot you thought was perfect

You knelt down and began, the twins only watched you unsure what to do

“(Y/n) hurry up back there, Paimon’s getting hungry!”

“If you keep eating like that an old witch is going to take you in her candy house and cook you in her oven to eat you.” You said as you stuck your tongue out

“You’re just trying to scare Paimon out of loving food and a witch like that doesn’t exist!” The little fairy clutched onto Aether’s arm. “Right?” She whispered to the blond who only shrugged

Lumine walked over to you and saw you arranging stones in a particular pattern, a flower crown sat beside you

“I saw Lord Rukkhadevata.”

“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata? But you shouldn’t know anything about her after she purged from Irminsul!” Lumine said

“I don’t know why I saw her, it be because I’m not from Tevyat like you, but why wasn’t the flower affected too? Ugh! Everything is so confusing.”

Lumine looked at the little memorial you’re making

“And is this for her?”

“Yeah, I just wanted to make some physical proof that she existed.” You said as you placed the flower crown on the site. “But if you exist in at least one person’s memory, then you aren’t truly gone. That’s what I always thought.” You smiled as you stood up and looked at Lumine

“I’ve never thought of it that way, your Grace.”

“You can drop the whole ‘your Grace’ title, we’re friends after all.”

“Uh. Yes! Sorry (y/n)”

You and Lumine return to Aether who is trying his best to comfort Paimon who is still shaking and holding onto his arm.

“Your Grace, there you are, please tell Paimon that your warning isn’t true.” Aether pleaded

“For the most part I don’t think so. It’s just a fairytale to warn kids not to go out into the woods.” You explained as Lumine took out her lyre and began playing the tune

“That makes sense. It’s crazy for a witch make her house out of candy, that doesn’t sound structurally safe.” Lumine said you were all transported out of the dreamworld

“I don’t know, maybe the same reason why a man who comes to you while you’re sleeping put sand in your eye that makes them fall out.”

“Ahhh! That’s even worse!” Paimon cried

“Your Grace?!” A voice brought you three out of your conversation

Lumine stepped in front of you as Aether summoned his sword

“Whoa! Calm down it’s just me, comrade!” A familiar ginger yelled

“Childe? What are you doing here?!” Paimon screeched

“I was given orders on behalf of the Tsarita to find their Grace and bring them to safety, I’m glad I found you before a band of Eremites I ran into on the way here

“Why should we even trust you?” Lumine said while she put her hands on her hips

“Yeaahhh… You don’t have the best of track records.” Paimon added

“Why, I’m hurt. I thought we were friends!”

“Me kicking your ass very week doesn’t count as friendship.”

“Whatever you might say, I know that’s our Creator you’re with!”

“Oh yeah prove it.” Paimon said

“Their Grace’s favorite song is (s/n) and they call me ‘homicidal Ed Sheeran!’”

.

.

.

.

“Oh shit… he’s serious guys.” You said as a grimace appeared on your face

“I knew you’d know I’m genuine!” Childe chimed as he opened his arms to hug you but was stopped when Aether stepped in from you and pointed his sword at the taller man.“Who is this?” Childe turned towards the Lumine

“This is Aether, Lumine’s twin brother!” You clarified

“So this is the brother you were looking for, where did you find him?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Be nice, Aether!” You murmured as you pushed the blade away from Childe’s neck

“If you are telling the truth what use could you be to us?” The prince spat

“The Tsarita’s wants their Grace to be in safe hands and with the situation out here, it’s best to have them in Snezhnaya.”

“We don’t need the help of the fatui.”

Aether was about to usher you away from Childe until he heard what Childe said

“Their Grace couldn’t connect to elemental energy, is what I’m assuming you just figured out.”

Aether turned around and gave Childe a scowl

“Their Grace needs to gain their old strength back so they can properly connect with them.”

“And how are you planning on doing that?” Aether interrogated

“There are these stones that are linked with their Grace! Their called Primogems!”

“You know about Primogems?” You asked

“Yes! We’ve been studying them for a long time!” Childe responded

“Primogem? I think I know what you’re talking about!” The little fairy mused

“Yeah, there are times I heard you mention them.” Lumine recalled

∘◦ ✧ ◦∘

After slaying the last hilichurl Lumine walked towards the now unlocked chest to open it

“Is this an answer from this-”

“Fucking 5 primogems?! You gotta be fucking me up the ass with this bullshit!!!”

Lumine and her party members were left stunned as you continued your barrage of profanities

∘◦ ✧ ◦∘

“Y’all could hear me…?” You asked mortified

“Only when you use us as vessels.” Lumine clarified

“Now that we know what I’m talking about, I want to take you to meet their majesty as soon as possible. Would you accept, your Grace?”

“I’m sorry it’s just too much to take in. I though people here don’t know of their existence.”

“Well they’re rare so it’s expected that not a lot of people don’t know about them.” Aether said

“He’s right, and it only because of the Tsarita finding one is that we know of them.”

“But aren’t primogems are supposedly the remains of dead universes.”

“They are said to be that, but they’re also said to be the remains of the primordial god.” Childe added

“The primordial god?”

“The Creator is the original god of Tevyat and it is said that when they passed rocks that resemble stars shot out of their body.” The harbinger said

“I remember Zhongli mentioning something like this. When the god of salt died, they turned their followers into pillars of salt.” You recalled

“So will you let me accompany you to meet her majesty?”

“Sure, it’s not like we got anything else planned.”

“But your Grace-”

You drag Aether out of earshot from Childe and leaned into the blond so he can only hear you

“Relax Aether, his plan might work and if things get out of hand you can open a portal and get us out of there.”

“If that’s your judgment, then I won’t hold it against you.”

You smile at the male twin and turn back to Childe

“We’re going!”

“I’m happy you’re taking my offer! I’ll arrange for a boat to sail tomorrow, the sooner you’re in Snezhnaya the sooner you’ll be out of harm. In the meantime, let me take you where I’m staying, it’s far from any known settlements so you’ll be safe.” The ginger reassured

“Thank you that makes me feel better.”

“It’s nothing, your Grace.”

Childe began to lead you to where he’s staying, oddly enough the twins and even Paimon stayed behind. You shrugged it off thinking they watching out for any surprise attack from behind

“Your Grace, mind if I ask you something?” The harbinger’s voice brought you out of your head

“Sure, what is it?”

“When you use me as a vessel, I would hear some songs. Some of them describing pain and I want to know if that was what you were feeling.”

“Don’t worry, there just songs and don’t mean anything.”

“Really, even the song about wanting to have sex all night?”

“Yes!! Doesn’t mean anything!”

“Well, if you’re ever down for it. I definitely have the stamina for-”

“Oh my god! Stop!!” You yelled as you cover his mouth with your hands

It’s going to be a long trip to Snezhnaya

─────────── ✧ ───────────

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[kiryoutann]

Before reading, please check series masterlist to read the warning(s), disclaimer, and to make sure you’re on the right chapter. Minors do NOT interact.

I appreciate the likes, replies, and reblogs! Thank you so much. If you like what I do, you can consider donating to my Kofi. Once again, thanks so much!

Amidst the noisy conference room due to the nobles arguing, Childe sat silently letting them debate each other. The subjects they talked about were important, but his thoughts were too heavy for him to follow. Not rarely, one of the lords asked about his thoughts on the subject and received no response.

His brain is somewhere else.

Even though he hadn't shed a tear at the day of death and also the funeral, it was hard for him to go even a second without thinking about what had happened to his father. Emptiness came with many questions that he couldn't fathom.

As if they could read his mind, the topic shifted to the King's death.

“What about the late King's death investigation? Are there any findings yet?” one of the nobles asked, starting a new conversation.

Dmitri, who during the conference acted as Childe's spokesperson, had chosen to remain silent, shaking his head in shame. "Not yet, Your Excellency." He gave an answer.

The whole room expressed their disappointment. Various words that were too soft and fast added an atmosphere that made anyone who felt it impatient. The nobles of Snezhnaya are frustrated and confused.

"Why haven't there been any findings yet? This is important! We must find out who dared to threaten Snezhnaya's land and kill the late king!"

"That's right!"

"Gentlemen, please maintain your composure."

The person's voice miraculously silenced them, leaving only the echoes of the conversation earlier before attention shifted to the man who rose from his seat. Aside from his recognizable handsome face, Duke Maxim emphasized his existence with the determined look he threw at their prince.

Rumors had long been circulating about him being one of the people who were with the late king before the incident occurred, automatically making him the one who witnessed the king's death in person. The nobles wondered if he was here to say anything about it.

“Your Highness, Prince Childe. If I am permitted to testify, I will tell the truth about what occurred that day."

Despite the fact that he mentioned something unexpected again, none of the nobles dared to interrupt him. The ginger-haired man was the center of attention as everyone awaited his approval for Maxim to speak.

There was a pause before Childe said, "Speak."

Now that he has received his permission, and he then began to speak, "On that tragic day, I and His Majesty were sipping tea with Prince Shiva of Liyue and Her Highness Princess (Y/N)."

From the mention of your name, his fingers stiffen.

"Everything seemed fine at first." Maxim took a deep breath, giving a tense pause to those listening. “Everything seemedfine.. until His Majesty took a sip of his tea and suddenly coughed up blood before falling to the floor convulsing.”

Some of the nobles started whispering under their breath. Childe remained frozen in his seat.

"For something so terrible to happen when His Majesty met the Prince... it needs to be looked at more thoroughly."

Childe had already deduced what Maxim was attempting to tell him from his sentence. However, something in his heart was reluctant to believe it so he had the urge to ask and confirm it again.

"What are you implying?" He said, cold and dangerous.

“The possible mastermind behind all this,”—Maxim made sure he looked him in the eyes—“is Prince Shiva.”

Instantly, the room erupted in disbelief. The nobles whispered, some agreed with his assumptions, while the rest were still in doubt. As if the bomb he dropped wasn't enough to blow up the atmosphere, Maxim opened his mouth again.

"And that doesn't rule out the possibility that Princess (Y/N) is involved in it."

Blue eyes shot open. Childe was beside himself in a split second, filled with rage and confusion.

That's impossible.. right?

Childe had no idea where to direct his rage. As for Shiva, he was pretty sure he was the one capable of such dirty ways. But you? He couldn’t imagine you getting into this. However, what if it turns out that he doesn't know you very well and that you truly assisted your older brother in his vile act? Without realizing it, Childe began to be eaten up by doubts which were then followed by feelings of betrayal even though the facts had not been confirmed.

“Duke, are you certain about this?” one of the nobles asked.

"Of course! And I'm not stating this without proof." Maxim took something out of his pocket and put it on the teak table. "On that day, I asked a researcher to examine the tea's composition, and the results showed that a toxic flower called Silence was present,"

A white petalled blossom on a handkerchief completely captured the attention of the entire table.

Maxim glanced at Childe, "Uniquely, this flower only grows in Liyue."

Liyue.

Fingernails dug into palms from how tightly Childe clenched his fists. Molar teeth rubbed against each other from his efforts to hold back the anger that had reached its peak.

Why is this happening?

Not only had he lost his father, now Childe had to accept that there was a possibility that this was all the doing of the Prince of Liyue. When he was ready to give up all his ambitions about destroying it—just for your sake—he was faced with a dilemma in choosing between avenging his father and burying this, as his parents had done with Anton's death.

“If what Duke Maxim said is true, Your Highness, you must quickly take action to imprison Prince Shiva!”

"Are you mad?! Without solid proof, it will only cause diplomatic problems. You must remember that the Emperor will not remain silent!”

One lashed back, splitting the group into two. The sound of chairs being pushed back was heard as the nobles stood up from their seats. The atmosphere became uncontrollably chaotic, as if these people had forgotten that the Crown Prince was still sitting among them.

“What more proof are you waiting for?! That is evident! Liyue has once again waged war on us!” One response followed another.

"In that case, His Highness should also take action on Princess (Y/N)—"

A fist slammed onto the table. The chatter died down as the nobles' attention was drawn to Childe, who stood with pale knuckles. He raised his head, revealing a deadly brilliant blue, his glare as if to warn that anyone who dared to open their mouths one more time would die.

"Talk like that again and I'll line up all of your heads on this table."

Everyone in the room knew that wasn't an empty threat. Even though there was no sword at his side, they knew Childe was more than capable of figuring out how to do that. They resumed their seats in a civilized manner as if the ruckus had never happened. However, in a situation that was conducive again, Childe could no longer see a purpose in it when his mind was so chaotic.

Dmitri watched the man rise from his chair to leave the conference room.

How ironic.

The hallway he took to go to his room resounded with the sound of his shoes hitting the floor. Childe took wide and fast steps, he never stopped to catch his breath. So why didn't the heaviness in his shoulders go away? He felt as though the entire weight of the planet was being placed on his feet.

Childe was about ready to give up everything. He has made many decisions based on his half brain with love. Why did something like this have to happen?

The door to his room was slammed by him after he entered. Childe couldn't decide whether the emptiness or the rage that was suddenly consuming him was worse. Where should he throw this strong emotion? Who should he be angry with? He got the impression that the world tended to intervene in his life just when he was about to experience bliss.

His thoughts were interrupted by the door opening violently. The blue eyes widened as they landed on your figure. Your chest rose and fell as you ran here. Yet instead of the usual joy, your arrival this time sparked confusion and doubt.

Before Childe asked anything, you had called his name.

“Ajax!”

For the first time, he felt conflicted from seeing you.

Meanwhile, you scan his face and notice how tired he looks. It must be because of the series of emergency meetings held by the nobles who insisted on discussing the succession as soon as possible. You hesitated to say it until the memory of your vision hit you in the head.

“(Y/N)—“

"Don't go to the conference tomorrow."

It was said so suddenly, you know. However, this is all you do for him, only for him.

“..Why?” Childe asked, softly but not timidly.

That gaze didn't leave you as you took a deep breath before saying: “There is someone planning to kill you.”

Instead of furrowing his brows, his blue eyes widened as if he had expected this to happen. Doubt grew thicker in his mind. The chattering of the nobles from the conference earlier buzzed around saying that maybe they were right about you and Shiva.

But, if that was right, wouldn't it be suicide to tell him this?

Childe never realized what an enigma you were until now. Behind that pretty face, what are you hiding? Where are you standing? Is this a ruse to keep him distracted and unprepared for what comes next? Or maybe you really are telling the truth?

“.. What?”

"That's right!" You try to push away the doubts. “They've had poison ready for you. So, please don't go!”

Childe felt his heartbeat quicken. "Who are they'?"

The silence felt strange. Anxiety anchored in his heart from no answer from you. He didn't miss how you bit your trembling lips. Childe clenched his fists at his sides.

Why are you hesitating?

If you are really the mastermind behind all this, can Childe take an oath to destroy the land of Liyue—which, ironically, is your birthplace? And if one day his heart has that urge, the sweet memory he shared with you.. will it burn with it in the end?

You replay your memory of your vision and are back at a dead end when you find the faces are still as blurry as before. Frustration floods over you, and despair has never been so intense.

"I... I don't know." Is the answer you can give him.

However, all that did was add to the chains holding his mind back from thinking clearly. Childe is in tunnel vision. Your answer he concluded as you were protecting someone—Shiva.

A scoff escaped his lips. "You don’t know?" There was anger inside of him and it got stronger in seconds.

"Then, how did you know about this plan, (Y/N)?"

Childe's last question made you freeze.

This is the end of the big secret you've been keeping hidden. You just didn't think you'd reveal it for his sake. How ironic, didn't you vowed that you'd use it to bring him to his doom? In comparison to now, your despair is caused by his hesitation to trust you. Is it possible that humans were created with a short lifetime to make decisions and then watch themselves turn away from them in the blink of an eye?

There is no turning back now. It's pointless to turn back. Out of fear you might have second thoughts, you don't take a breath before saying it.

"I can see the future."

In this moment, time itself felt endless. You watched the expression on his face change, swept away by something—no, it wasn't shock—Childe stared at you in such obvious disbelief that you were sure he had thought you were crazy and delusional.

“What?”

From his intonation, your throat tightens. "I know this is hard to believe." What else can you tell him to convince him to believe you? “But, you have to believe me!”

"You think this is the right time to joke around—"

"No!" You yelled. “I'm serious! I can actually see the future!”

Please,

Please, believe me!

A mocking scoff came out of him, though that didn't dampen the anger that was building up inside him. “You think that crazy talk will be enough to cover up your brother's abominations—!”

“I know your agreement with Duke Maxim!”

Your interruption froze his tongue. Now those blue eyes widened under furrowed brows. He was completely speechless, he had nothing else to do but show the shock on his face.

You swallow. "I know you initially planned to use his weaponry in your attack on Liyue after you ascended to the throne." You continued and Childe felt a chill run down his spine. "However, due to the incident that day at the tea party, you decided to terminate all of that."

Just when he thought that was the most shocking thing you could say, you opened your mouth again to tell him something else.

"The day I was poisoned at my own tea party, I had a vision of someone poisoning Lumine's tea."

Childe's chest ached. "Don't tell me you—“

"That's correct," you cut in, hands clenched at your sides, praying for the strength to utter what comes next. "I switched her tea for mine and drank it."

Anger mixed through his veins and flowed through his blood throughout his body. Childe was in flames. His shoulders had never been so heavy, and he was trembling. He is unsure of which is worse—that you did something so crazy, or that you spoke so casually about your confession, as if you had no concerns about yourself.

"Why?" His voice started in a whisper which then escalated into a yell. “Why?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!”

“Because I know you love her!!”

Was that fact so heartbreaking that you cried after finishing it? Tears fell on the floor. If one collects it in a bottle, it's possible to be able to sink the world with you. Something from your sentence consumes you, eats you alive yet, yet you collected all of your willpower to continue standing in front of him.

A breath you take. "I know you love her so much that I'm afraid it will add to your grudge if something happens to her." You almost whispered, afraid that any louder than that would make your pain more obvious.

The intensity of emotions that once fluctuated like waves returned. Childe felt his head throbbing in pain. However, all of that was eclipsed by a burning sensation in his chest. His heart was filled with guilt and shame, the remainder taken over by doubt—which despite hearing it all—made it hard to believe that you could actually see the future.

“I also know that you intended to kill me from the start.”

Instantly, his airway was blocked by a lump in the back of his throat. Pain coursed through his body along with his limp bones. His tongue had never been this bitter. Those eyes looked as if they were dipped in pain.

Hearing you talk about it in that way makes him wonder if you're really talking about him. Childe realized he had grown too far when he found his former self so foreign. How the world has changed; now, the only thing he wants in the whole world is to keep you safe.

".. Why are you telling me this?" He spoke softly before loudly, "You know I was going to kill you, then why are you telling me all this?!"

“BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!”

Because I love you.. because I love you..

It repeated over and over in his mind from the fear it would evaporate away with the changing of the seasons. Jaws gaping open. It was what he had wanted for the longest time—to hear those three words leave your lips and aim at him.

However, with his heart filled with negativity, he couldn't accept anything even if it was to heal him.

You took a new breath in between your sobs. "Because I love you," Your voice is hoarse, breathy full of emotions.

With this love confession, you're letting him know that it's him that you want. It is his hand that you want to cup and place against your cheek. It is his lips that you want to feel on top of yours. But, for now, Childe should know you're saying this because the only thing you want most in this world is his safety.

"So please.. please.." You whispered after a moment. "The only thing I want of you is to keep yourself safe.”

But what good is a love confession if the listener is deafened by endless emotional turmoil? Childe was still silent, biting the inside of his cheek as he tried to keep his hands from taking you into his arms. For now, he is nothing more than a disarranged soul incapable of giving a warm embrace while whispering honeyed words.

So he stepped past you. The silence was filled with the sound of the door opening before closing again. He has left you.

And so, you cry until you choke on your own tears. Your knees gave way, sending you plunging into the cold now that he had left. It hurts, it hurts so much. The weight pressing against your chest feels so heavy that you are suffocating. Despite that, the love you have for him remains in your heart, reminding you that it has nowhere to go.

AbbyBianx, ness

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[trashcanlore]

Your Kabbalah-Genshin Theory is really insightful, I feel like I've learned so much! Something I noticed about it though is that nine of the Ten Sefirot are associated with a biblical hero, and I was wondering if either the Dragons or Archons match the hero of their respective element. I've only gone over one so far, but I think we're off to a really promising start with Zhongli as King David.

King David's famous weapons were a spear, (given to him by Prince Johnathan,) a shield (the "Shield of David" or "Magen David" was so famous that it became the symbol of the Jewish people,) and the sling, (used to throw rocks.) Zhongli wields a spear, the most powerful shield in the game, and throws really big rocks - combat-wise he fits perfectly.

Speaking of the sling, David's main use of the sling was against Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior. The Philistines were sea-faring invaders from Greece, some times referred to as the "sea people." And Zhongli's ancient battles were regularly about throwing giant rocks at the giant sea monsters invading his land. This might be why all the monsters from his stories are usually sea creatures.

And speaking of Prince Johnathan, it's well known that he and David were close friends, possibly even lovers. But Prince Johnathan died in a massive war, as did his father, King Saul. David didn't arrive until he was already dead, and was apologized to by the dying Saul, (who had made an enemy of David,) who made him the next king. Zhongli's close friend (and possibly lover) Guizhong died in the Archon War, and was dead by the time Zhongli arrived. After defeating the last of the gods in the Archon War, Zhongli was granted the title of Archon and given the authority to rule over Liyue.

It's not a perfect 1:1, but a lot of the big picture stuff matches really well. Technically Zhongli is missing some stuff, like being a musician with a lyre (looking at you, Venti,) but if I had to pick a biblical figure to represent Zhongli then young David during his War Hero phase fits startlingly well. And King David is the figure that represents Malkhut, which is the Sefirot that you ascribed to Geo. (Though according to the Jewish Virtual Library, the matriarch Rachel also fits the bill. But she probably fits better for the Shekinah interpretation than the Malkhut interpretation, since the Shekinah is feminine. Malkhut, meanwhile, means "kingdom" and David was famously a king.)

If this theory holds water upon further examination, then we might be able to predict the story of Genshin going forward. Guizhong might be revealed to be the daughter of one of the gods that Zhongli fought against in the Archon war, for example. And if the Tsaritsa is Abraham then her rebellion against the Heavenly Principles would match young Abraham rebelling against polytheism by destroying his father's idols.

(Also, I just glimpsed at some of the others, and Raiden Ei as Moses is really funny. She doesn't fit at first glance, but she did split an island in two, which is an inversion on a pretty famous Moses symbolism. She also killed a snake, which Moses did when his staff-cobra ate the snakes of those two guys. Now it makes sense why she wields a spear despite being famously a katana wielder - cause Moses was a staff guy. I wonder if Eternity being "closest to the Heavenly Principles" has anything to do with the fact that Moses had direct communication with God, and brought down God's Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai. Anyway, it's really funny that the Archon Quest ended by confronting her to, "Let my people's Visions go!" I wonder if the associated biblical figures aren't 1:1 as much as their story beats are borrowed upon for the associated Archons.)

aaaaahhh thank you for this ask (essay) - your reasoning is 👍 and this has really interesting implications indeed

it's also a hilarious coincidence because back when Schwan and I started working on this theory before Sumeru, during the GAA2, we thought we could connect dreams to dendro and yesod (it was the only of the lower 7 sefirot we couldn't pick a element for) through dreams. This was because Joseph had prophetic dreams, and he is the Biblical character associated with yesod. And then lo and behold, dendro was all about dreams, and not only was Nahida's ideal of wisdom involved with this, she also helped the Traveler through dreams while still in baby jail - like how Joseph interpreted dreams for his fellow inmates when he was in jail.

SOooo i got to thinking about the rest of the Archons:

Focalors/Furina corresponds to Isaac (Gevurah/Judgement), whose most famous Bible story involves him being (almost) sacrificed by his father, Abraham. There are several ways to interpret this one. You could look at is Egeria sacrificing her successor and creation, Focalors, by leaving her to deal with the aftermath of her 'sin,' and the prophecy. OR you could view it as Focalors sacrificing Furina, her creation, in her effort to execute her plan. Either way, Focalors is literally sacrificed and Furina is figuratively sacrificed.

I'm not so sure how to align Venti's backstory with Jacob but he does have a fight with an angel and when he wins, God is like "congrats you have proven yourself and here is a new name". Ironic cause as far as we know, Venti didn't directly fight in the Archon War. If I think of anything more interesting than "Jacob is an absentee father", I'll add it later.

And finally, the pyro Archon would be Aaron, the high priest. Based on the probable inspirations for Natlan, it seems highly likely there will be themes of ritualistic sacrifice. So having the Archon act as a kind of priest or overseer of these rituals fits nicely. This also means 2 memey things: -pyro archon polearm real (Aaron also used a staff) -will we find the remains of the Ark (Teyvat) in Natlan?

much to think about! thank you for writing this and sending it! we appreciate you perfectly normal person <3

[strawberrylabs]

Hi! Can I request for a fic? This one's for genshin impact's master Diluc. Like, accidentally wearing his clothes or something he owns while in a secret relationship... For higher stakes, make it pretty controversial like... A royal AU, or families are enemies kinda thing 😭

Only if you're fine with it, of course :>

hello! im so sorry this took so long

I went with a royal AU! hope you enjoy!

You were the heir to the throne of Mondstadt.

Many people had high expectations of you, including your parents, your people, and also your fiance; The youngest child to the royal family in Liyue.

Mondstadt and Liyue had been allies for generations, however with Sneznya on the rise, a need for an official symbol of the alliance was needed. 

It’s not that you hated prince Xiao of Liyue, you were even friends with him and his older siblings before they died in battle.

But you did not love him, nor did he have feelings for you.

Currently, the two of you were supposed to be “getting to know each other” despite having already known each other since birth.

So instead of talking…

“You’re an idiot.” Xiao watched you attempt to climb out the window on the rope you had hidden.

“It’ll be fine! I’ve done this a bunch of times before and I’ve never been caught!”

You slide down the rope and make it to a tree branch that you can safely climb down from.

“Oh shoot! Hey Xiao, on my dresser there’s a pendant with a phoenix on it! Could you toss it down for me?” 

Xiao goes to turn to find the object you described but stops.

“A phoenix? You mean the Ragnvindr sigil? I know you love the man but don’t you think wearing his family's sigil is a bit much even for you?” He speaks lowly as he turns back to you

“Stop worrying so much! I’ll keep my hood up and it’ll be down my shirt anyways!”

“If it’s not going to be visible then why is it so important you have it?” Xiao scowls in confusion.

You look down in contemplation.

“I don’t know. It Just doesn’t feel right to not have a part of him with me at all times.”

You hear a sigh and look up in time to see Xiao throw the pendant to you.

“Thank you! I’ll be back before sun down!” You smile and climb down the tree, slowly but surely walking out of sight from the prince.

Xiao sighs.

“Be careful, you fool.”

<~~~-~~~>

As you walked into town you made sure you had your hood up. Normally if you were just going for a walk through town, you’d gladly let your people see you! You love talking to the people of Mondstadt, and the people love you too.

But times like this are different. Times when you sneak through crowds to get to a certain tavern, or sometimes to a certain manor. 

In today’s case, you were on your way to the tavern known as Angel’s Share.

Angel’s Share was owned by the Ragnvindr’s, a wealthy and renowned family in Mondstdat. 

The late Lord Ragnvindr, Crepus, passed in a great battle. And now his eldest son, Diluc was the head of the family.

Diluc was well loved by the people. Unlike most Lords, he walked among the people, and worked at the tavern himself most days.

And Diluc was exactly who you were hoping to see.

You and the young Lord met at his Father’s funeral. As a royal, and ad Diluc’s father being a respected man, you showed up to pay respects on behalf of your family.

You were worried about the man, so you continued to visit in the following days.

Days turned to weeks, weeks to months, months to 4 whole years. And before you knew it, the two of you were in a secret relationship, filled with longing glances and fleeting touches. 

Originally, you two of you probably would’ve been able to get married no issues seen as how Diluc is a high-esteemed Lord. However your engagement to Xiao changed things. 

And that is why you are now sneaking through your own city just to see your own lover.

You enter the bustling tavern, scanning the crowd for the red hair you’re so familiar with.

Before long you see Diluc and start making your way to him excitedly.

As you try to navigate the sea of people, someone bumps you, causing you to knock you into another person.

A yelp escapes you as you fall to the ground in front of your lover. 

People around you murmur and the men who bumped you apologise.

But the crowd goes silent at the view of the Phoenix pendant that had fallen out of your shirt.

“But.. Master Diluc… is this person your lover?”

At that simple question, the people were in uproar, bombarding you and Diluc with questions.

Diluc grabs your hand and pulls you up to his chest, holding your hood down to protect your identity.

The two of you go through the bar, Charles, the other bartender, makes sure no people follow.

Once out of the tavern, Diluc hails a carriage to take the two of you to his manor. The carriage stops and you both clamber in before anyone can spot you.

Once the carriage is out of the city you take your hood down.

“Are you alright?” are the first words Diluc utter to you.

“Yes, I think so. I-”

“Good. Now what were you thinking? I know it's common for you to sneak out to see me but to wear the pendant and walk into the tavern while it was that busy was foolish.” You cowered into your seat at Diluc’s chastisement.

“What if someone had discovered who you were? We’d never be able to see each other.” His voice is softer when he says this. 

Silence encompasses the two of you once more.

“..I don't like taking it off. It feels like you’re always with me when it's on.”

Silence once again.

When you finally look up to meet his gaze, Diluc is wide eyed, mouth agape.

He sighs.

“I’m sorry for getting upset. It wasn’t as if you planned to get pushed over.”

Before you can continue your conversation, the carriage arrives at Diluc’s manor.

The two of you leave the carriage, your hood raised once again until you reach the confines of the master bedroom.

“Diluc, I’m sorry to have worried you. But I don’t regret coming to see you.”

The mentioned red-head looks stunned, a light blush spreading across his face.

He stutters for a moment before making his way towards you and awkwardly pulling your foreheads together.

“..I am glad you came to see me.”

You giggle

“No matter how long we’ve been together, you’re still awkward when it comes to affection.”

He grumbles before he leans in to give you a quick kiss.

“If you’re going to insult me why bother coming to see me at all” he walks away in mock offence, making you laugh more

“Because you love me”

He turns again, and smiles.

“You’re right. I do love you.”

Hope u liked it!

Thoughts on a part 2? Lemme know in the comments<3

-Strawberry🍓

Rules

Masterlist

[rooviebae]

Consider the following: Hualian spending a peaceful day in Liyue Harbor, maybe running into a few familiar faces along the way

. ݁₊ BUNNY HUT . ݁₊

YOUR ORDER

❥︎ Xie Lian and Hua Cheng spend a relaxing day in Liyue Harbor + running into familiar faces ❥︎ 1,301 words ❥︎ i'm terribly sorry for the late request ! i was focused on a project (that i struggled to finish-) but i hope you enjoy still !

The time is noon, but the orange and yellow lanterns continue to illuminate brightly under the shadows of buildings and bridges. The place is relatively crowded, with people happily greeting each other as they walk by, making it a more welcoming entry for others who wish to visit.

Xie Lian wasn't used to it, yet it gave him a sense of comfort.

He can't help but dart his eyes from building to building, occasionally gazing inside to see the people and materials that decorate the area. "This place is beautiful." Grinning, he says, turning to face the tall man standing next to him. "Have you been here before?"

"I have." Hua Cheng's arms are securely crossed as he stares down at Xie Lian, noting his sigh. He shouldn't be surprised that he's been here before. Even though they were together, a part of him remained a mystery.

Xie Lian's gaze wanders once more as he thinks to himself. "That means you can walk me around?" He asks with a small head tilt, focused on the man's face, quick to notice his low chuckle as he continues walking. "I wish I could, but my previous stay here was fairly brief. But don't you think we can still experience it together?"

"Heh, I guess so."

The crowned prince couldn't stop looking at the people and the decorations. To him, the ethereal nature of the area reminded him of heaven, or perhaps he was exaggerating. Actually, looking around him, this place felt more like heaven than heaven itself. If any god heard him spew such nonsense, who knows what their reaction would be. Although, to him, their reactions to his talking about most things in general may be the reason why heaven does not feel like heaven, even if what they say doesn't bother him.

Exploring Liyue Harbor they went, scouting the various locations and met some strange people along the way. Xie Lian almost stopped to talk to them, but he was so preoccupied with everything else that he hardly noticed them pass by. Perhaps another time, he thinks.

"Gege." Hua Cheng comes to a stop, staring at his significant other beside him. "We're practically on the other side of Liyue, was there anything you wanted?"

Xie Lian smiles up at him and chuckles lightly, but he waves his hands in front of him. "Were you planning on buying me something?" He lowers his arms. "Just visiting the place is all of a gift I need."

Before Hua Cheng could speak up, he notices Xie Lian shift his eyes behind him, causing the ghost to turn around to see what has caught his attention. He chuckles to himself. "Well what are those two doing here?"

To think that the two would encounter other gods here, especially given those two aren't exactly on favorable terms. The two are sitting at an outdoor table with food in front of one of them, and a young woman stands beside the table, talking to them excitedly. This woman looks to be one of the strange people he had encountered. Maybe this time he will be able to stop by and talk to her.

Hua Cheng crosses his arms. "Your friend looks rather uncomfortable with that girl." And he did. Feng Xin's pale skin and stiff body made it clear to all around him that he doesn't want her to stay because of his discomfort, but she refuses to leave. Mu Qing, on the other hand, appears unconcerned as he eats his noodles in silence.

Finally, Xie Lian approaches the three, catching their full attention. He waves and gives them a little nervous smile. "I wasn't expecting to see you two here." He speaks honestly.

The female speaks first before either of the two gods can. "Ah! Are you also here to eat? I have so many dishes for you two to try!"

Wow, she looks incredibly excited. It reminds Xie Lian like a small child, especially with her lively personality. It was kind of sweet in his opinion. By the way he looks at her, he assumes Hua Cheng has taken a liking of her as well. "Well," he begins, averting his eyes to Xie Lian. "The food here smells pleasant, don't you think?"

Xie Lian's smile grows as he stares up at the taller man. Gods didn't have to consume food if they didn't want to, but seeing one of them slurping noodles while the other looks to be waiting for his food must mean that the food here was truly delicious. He couldn't deny that the smell alone makes him hungry.

He didn't even have to respond for Hua Cheng to know he agreed based on his facial expression. So he pulls two chairs from a nearby table and drags them back to the small group so that the two newcomers can join. Xie Lian takes a seat in a chair and raises an eyebrow at the woman. "Have any recommendations?"

The girls' already-bright eyes brighten even more, as if that were possible. Her smile was large, but it was tinted with tranquility. "I've got a few! What about Honey Char Siu?" Xie Lian adjusts himself in the chair. "The flavor of the marinated and roasted pork is well-balanced, with an added touch of sweetness from the honey. It's been strangely popular lately."

Xie Lian lets out a breath, his smile unwavering. He was the type of man who wasn't too concerned with the quality of most foods. He wouldn't mind eating anything months old because he wasn't a human. However, just the thought of trying a new dish that he could enjoy made him feel a little excited.

He extends his arms outward and rests one palm on top of the other, gazing up at the younger-looking woman. "That sounds incredible. I would be happy to give it a try if that is what you suggest."

"I'll take some too." Hua Cheng's cheek is resting on his hand as he looks up at the female, seeing her big smile. "Coming right up!"

She then runs inside a small building, and after leaving the crowned prince's sight, he tilts his head to stare at the two gods. Feng Xin looks away for a minute, unwilling to stare into his old friend's eyes. He expected a question or two.

"You two are eating together?"

Mu Qing nearly choked on his noodles. He looks at Xie Lian almost as if he is glaring at him. "It's not like that." He says harshly as he swirls one of his chopsticks through the thin noodles in the bowl. "I was already eating here until he showed up."

His voice was full of disdain, but he doesn't bother to continue and returns to eating his meal. Hua Cheng hums as he reclines in his chair. "You seemed to be okay with sitting here with him."

He was clearly teasing the two, seemingly fining enjoyment in their annoyed expressions.  However, because Xie Lian brought up such a topic, the two ended up arguing for quite some time, even disregarding the food when it arrived for the three.

Despite how bothersome or nerve-racking it can be for Xie Lian to watch these two quarrel, he can't help but feel at ease. Maybe their arguments get heated at times, resulting in fist fights, yet no matter how many fights these two have, they, along with Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, always end up together as friends.

It quickly developed a sense of familiarity. The familiarity began to feel like home. When he thought about the ethereal sensation of heaven, a home, he did not think of Heaven itself or Liyue Harbor.

Neither of them were home.

But being surrounded by the people he cherishes are what he truly believes to feel like home.

[asilentsongbird]

Good evening I hope you're doing well ! (Sorry if my English is particular, I am French and therefore not always very comfortable with English)

I haven't been in the yandere sphere for very long, especially in Genshin Impact.

------------------------‐------

But I can't stop imagining a reader reincarnated in the world of Teyvat and becoming a deity in this world.

So pretty close to the Sagau/Yandere Cult content.

Now imagine that instead of being reincarnated in a relatively peaceful nation like Mondstadt.

Our reader is instead reincarnated in the frozen lands of Snezhnaya, on the forecourt of the Zapolyarny Palace where the reader is found unconscious by the Harbingers.

-------------------‐---------

After that, I'll have to work a little more on my script and I'd like to know what you could do with it!

Thanks again 😁

Omg anon I love this so much! (And your English is great, I wouldn't have known you weren't a native speaker if you hadn't told me!)

I think that Mondstadt or Liyue would be the best nations to reincarnate in, personally. Since Mondstadt is all about freedom and Liyue is all about structure. Zhongli definitely would have been prepared for something like this and ready.

But to imagine you being taken in by the Harbingers? I think it would be a debate between you're now worshiped by them like the Tsaritsa OR you would be held up in some kind of prison.

You're their pretty perfect little god. They absolutely must keep you safe. Don't worry about going outside or what the rest of Teyvat is like. Snezhnaya is the best.

But Anon, what if you're sent to the Abyss? You could meet Abyss Princess/Prince and rule with them. You could be the one who raises them out of the Abyss and saves them all.

Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? Don't worry, Aether is used to this sort of work. And when Lumine joins the Abyss, she'll help too. Don't worry your pretty little head about it.

I am LIVING for this idea anon, please work on it more and send me everything you think of! I would read more in a heartbeat.

[genshinemblem564]

Chapter 3: Awakening

TW: attempted murder, talks of execution, summoner gets sadistic.

_______________________________________________

A few days before the festival. After much deliberation you decided the heroes of Fodlan would be a perfect choice for a good first impression of the Order of Heroes to Liyue. You justified bringing this many heroes by telling a half truth, Beidou isn't known for being quiet and for some people being royalty is enough to make someone a target. Bernadetta is there as well, but knowing her you told her she only has to leave the ship if she's needed, after all a festival is meant to be fun, forcing someone to go defeats the purpose. You've already talked to Ingrid and Holst about keeping Sylvain and Balthus on a tight leash, also informing the latter two to be on their best behavior.

Raphael: Hey (Y/N), why did we need to bring all this food? Aren't we going to a festival?

(Y/N): Because, we're not sure what currency Teyvat uses, if they don't use gold the stalls will be all we can get anything from, and that's only some stalls.

Ignatz: So, in short gold may not be a valid currency, you really think of everything summoner.

Raphael: Is it really something they need to think about? I mean, every world we've been to takes gold don't they?

Leonie: Not every world, what about that Tokyo place?

(Y/N): Exactly, it may be a slim chance, but it's still something we need to prepare for.

Anna: Oh!! The currency totally slipped my mind!

(Y/N): Really? I expected you of all people to be on top of that.

You and the others all share a laugh before being interrupted by Caspar.

Caspar: Hey guys, you've got to get up here its crazy!

Everyone rushes to see what the young brawler was going on about, only to be greeted by a slew of lanterns lighting the night sky. While everyone was enamored by the beauty of the harbor at night, you couldn't help but recall those cold sleepless nights during the hunt. Your ship soon reached the docks and you were greeted by an unexpected face.

Ningguang: Welcome, everyone, to Liyue harbor. My name is Ningguang, I am the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, once I heard we were welcoming royalty, I figured I'd see to it personally.

(Y/N): Uh, you weren't waiting here all day, were you?

Ningguang: No need to concern yourself, I could see you approaching from the Jade Chamber, only then did I decide to come down and greet you. Now, I hate to bring business into the conversation, but I'd like to discuss finances, as I've heard your island is from another world entirely...

(Y/N): Apologies lady Ningguang, but the prince and princess are not responsible for such things as the king and queen still hold the throne, they are only responsible for minor things, well minor by comparison anyways.

Ningguang: Is that so? How unfortunate, I suppose I'll simply have to visit this kingdom myself. Anyways, with that you all enjoy yourselves.

Ningguang makes her departure, and you notice a crowd has started to gather, you can hear whispers and murmurs from every direction. Suddenly a figure comes running out of the crowd and up to all of you.

Xinyan: Hi there, I'm Xinyan, Liyue's one and currently only rock artist, pleasure to meet all of you.

Dorothea: Rock? Oh, I know that apparently it was a major hit in the summoner's world, I've been dying to here it, but the summoner can't play for the life of them and no one could teach them a genre they've only heard of.

Xinyan: Well you're in luck, cause I've got a show happenin tonight, it'll take place over. OH, right you haven't been here before, sorry I nearly forgot, c'mon I'll show ya round.

With that Dorothea and a few others left with Xinyan, you try your best to navigate the crowd of people before bumping into someone.

(Y/N): OOF, my apologies, this city is far too crowded, are you alright?

Xiangling: Oh, I'm fine, more importantly, are you those people from that island, I've been so curious about that place ever since it appeared, please tell me everything.

Xingqiu: Xiangling, perhaps you should back up, I take it from their expression they are not quite used to large crowds such as this.

Xiangling looks at you closely, while you are wearing your hood and mask, she could still make out your discomfort from your mouth.

Xiangling: Ah, sorry I got a little too excited.

(Y/N): It's fine, but you're better off asking someone else as I'm a recent arrival there myself.

Xiangling nods and runs off, Xingqiu bows and follows her. As much as you'd like to stay close to your friends, the crowd really is a bit much at the moment so you exit the city's front gate, heading for the nearest teleport waypoint. As you breathe a sigh of relief, you're startled by the sound of approaching footsteps, you turn to see the traveler and Paimon.

(Y/N): Huh!? W-Who's there?

Aether: Whoa there, easy we're just on our way to Liyue, we didn't mean to frighten you.

(Y/N): Sorry, I had to leave the city the crowd was a bit much for me, so I was still a tad on edge.

Aether: I see, would you like some company, it may help you calm down

(Y/N): That would be nice, thank you.

The traveler sat next to you, and the two of you traded stories.

Aether: So you've been to war huh? I can see why crowds overwhelm you now.

Paimon: Yeah, it can't be good for your mind to always be looking for threats around you.

(Y/N): Yeah, but you two have been through a lot to, and all to find your sister.

The three of you sat in silence, Paimon floating as usual, before another set of footsteps approach.

Paimon: Huh? Ah, traveler!

Aether: What is it, huh!?

When the three of you turn around there's a vicious looking individual holding a blade, and wearing your face. This individual says nothing before attempting to stab you. You dodge and ready your weapon.

Aether: You have some nerve showing yourself today of all days.

Imposter: Hehehe, you see this face boy, I'm your god, I'm the one who's meant to rule this world, me, me, MEEE! If you stand in my way, you'll pay with your head!!

You and the traveler dodge their swings again and again, but everytime you two try to strike they dodge or block, they seem to have done some intense training if they can handle the both of you.

Aether: Hey,look out!!

Shaken from your thoughts, you turn to see the fiend's blade mere inches away from you. Time seems to slow down as your end draws closer, when suddenly.

BZZT

CRACKLE

When you next open your eyes you're fine, not a scratch on you.

Imposter: What? How? You won't dodge this one.

In an instant you're behind this would be murderer and start wailing on them. Punch after punch, they try to strike you but are met with a cloud of dust, and one final blow lands them on the ground. As you inspect yourself for any unknown injuries you spot a mark on the back of your hand that resembles the electro sigil, but before you could inspect further it's gone, you're shaken from your thoughts by the sound of groaning, looking to it's source you see your assailant trying to crawl away, before you step on their arm.

(Y/N): You're not going anywhere.

As you say this, you put more and more weight on their arm until you're sure it's broken, then moving to do the same with the other.

Paimon: They were so nice during our chat and now they're acting all vicious, Paimon can't help but be a little scared.

(Y/N): Hmm? Oh, don't worry, I only get this way around truly vile scum.

You say as you snap the person's other arm with a grin on your face.

(Y/N): Anyways, what do we do with them? There a bounty to turn in or was this a first time offense?

Aether: They're the ones who've been trying to masquerade as their grace, so obviously we need to turn them in and execute them.

(Y/N): Alright then. (Whispered) ugh, what a way to spend my birthday.

Aether: What was that?

(Y/N): Nothing, anyways, back to the city.

You and the traveler bring the imposter to the city gates and let the guards take things from there. The guards and all the towns people who saw them being transported seemed ecstatic about their apprehension. This was definitely one of your weirder birthdays.

_______________________________________________

Wow this got long, I just didn't know where to end it, and what's crazier is I wanted to add even more. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I'll try and focus on character interactions for the next one.

[moni-harmonia]

Kaeya's Hangout - Other routes

For the Winery Routes click here

So, let's talk about the rest of the Hangout and some final thoughts!

First I did the Liyue route. This one is probably my least favorite, but it was fun nonetheless, just a bit long.

I liked Kaeya's story with Captain Wu. I mean, that part when he explained that Diluc almost killed him because he thought he was a pervert was so good lol

And then we got to see some of Kaeya's trickery. I love how he dislikes so much that people notice he wants to help, that he says we're the ones who want to help the guy lol

Also I loved how Kaeya's fake name was Albert Rich. Very sneaky 😂

Overall it was a fun excursion, and we got to see some of Kaeya's influence outside of Mond.

Next, I did the other one in Mond where we help Sister Grace. I love when we can see Kaeya and Venti talking to each other. It's so fun because it's so obvious that Kaeya knows he's Barbatos, like, he's basically saying it indirectly all the time lol

Also I liked the small reference to the first Windblume event. I loved the romantic poem plot that we got, it was so fun. I like when they make those references.

And I loved the part at the end where Kaeya's trying to come up with a very long excuse just because he doesn't want to sing 😂

Oh, how I feel that... I love singing but I'm embarrassed to do it in front of other people.

This one was also just a fun excursion, not much to talk about. Just another time where Kaeya says he's going to relax but ends up helping people, that's just how he is.

The picture is very cute though 🥰

Then we have the final one in Sumeru. This one was also a bit short but it had a very interesting moment.

Kaeya finds an excuse to put his new skin on, and I love that it was made to be a bandit, but it passes as a prince too. Even a lady there was like "Oh my god, is he a true prince??!". Yeah very smart of you Hoyo, I see what you did there!

Before this, Kaeya was pondering on the story of the play. He questions the importance of one's origin. He says that one cannot choose their origins, but their origins will limit their life decisions.

Of course, this is about his own life. His origins as a Khaenri'ahn, and how that's going to be always present in his life.

And then during the play, Kaeya, playing as a prince who has been living outside their homeland, and whose father wants to conquer other lands, decides to improvise.

He wants to challenge his fate. He doesn't want to follow his father. He wants to stay far from home. The play talks about how the prince stayed far from home as if it was a tragedy, but Kaeya phrased it as not being a tragedy, but as something that the prince chooses himself because that's how he wants to act, and that he's at peace with his decision.

It's very obvious how Kaeya was relating this tale to his own. He doesn't want conflict, he wants to live in peace.

Of course, we still don't have enough context of his Clan, what his father wanted and what will happen in the future. But this made us have a perspective on how Kaeya feels. He wants to choose his own destiny.

A brief but interesting path this was.

Overall, this hangout was fantastic. I think it could have been better. I wish there had been a story in Angel's Share because that's another important place in Kaeya's life. I wanted to see Rosaria too, and I wish the Knights had appeared a bit more.

But I was very satisfied with the content we got in the Winery, and the other paths had their own interesting and fun moments as well.

I'm very biased of course, but this was my favorite hangout. I liked Kaveh's too but there were some paths there that I didn't enjoy, here I enjoyed almost everything.

It was worth the wait, and I'm happy that our boy has gotten so much this update. He deserves the world and I can't wait to see him again.

I hope we get some Diluc love soon as well since he has been very absent lately and he didn't have a lot of content here. I wish we could have gotten a pic with the bros 😔 Some day...

[dirletti]

I still like reading these:

But, which animal species were attracted to the anemo?

Maybe the doves? Who took the courage from the wind to fly, fly as freely as the wind?

Maybe the falcons? Who strike as fiercely as Lady Vennessa, who was one of the Four Winds, protecting Mondsadt from any danger she could see. It was also known as the Ragvindr clan, one of the oldest and most prominent families in Mondsadt, recognized the falcons as lifelong friends and often relied on them to carry their most secret messages to allies.

Wasn't that a clue?

The birds, having the ability to swim, fly, and walk, should be the species; that were attracted to the element of freedom.

The theory made sense, but the reality was far from it.

It was the cats.

And, oh, how much the Anemo Archon did mind them.

"You small rascal- Achoo. Don't, don't, don't. Come. Closer. You hear me. I am warning you-Achoo."

The cat, of course, had to and did come closer.

Venti held up his blanket like it would protect him from the abomination of a kitten.

The cats didn't have a cat allergy. They were already overpowered compared to him.

A movement took Venti's attention. Another cat. And another. 'They found me.'

"What happened? Fatui ambushing?"

After Diona left, Diluc was ready to interrogate him.

"Worse."

"Worse-?" Diluc's lips were a thin line, his brows furrowed. He looked ready to fight, a warrior, just like his once descendants. His

hair color wasn't the only thing he inherited. "Cats." Venti answered, taking another sip from his glass.

Diluc's eye-rolling wasn't easy to miss. With a huff, his stance relaxed much to Venti's dismay. It would have been funny to see Diluc throwing hands with a kitten.

Venti let his head hit the bar's window after his drink finished. Mondstadt looked peaceful, with only a handful of people on the streets.

Ah, right. He had to get his window fixed, Venti thought while pressing his hand to the bar's window.

On the outside; he noticed Prince wandering, trying to find another prey. Venti couldn't help but stick his tongue at the evil thing.

But something made him stop.

A shiny coil in the cat's mouth.

His lyre strings-

Even as the snowstorm raged outside the

cave, neither of them seemed to pay much attention. With the lyre in the hands of a nameless bard joining the soft humming of a wisp, the harsh noise was suppressed, allowing them to pretend they were miles away from Mondstadt.

As cruel as a predator stalking down anything it could reach, the winds couldn't find their cave. It was as if they were in a dream. In a dream of freedom.

After all, everywhere the wisp could smell was of apples and fresh grass— with the warmth from both the bard's face and hands surrounding it.

After all, everywhere the bard could see was far different from the Mondstadt's typical jail-like territory.

"Bard!" A voice woke him; very rudely by shouting in his ear Venti had to mention, and it nearly cost him a broken bone or two. Considering that he fell asleep in his statue's hands, it wouldn't be surprising.

Or the first time it happened.

Probably wouldn't be the last, either.

The people who knew him as the Mondstadt's archon were few, yet the truth wasn't impossible to learn.

"And where did you hear that?" Venti's voice got lower, his eyes looking more turquoise every second.

If she was aware of the danger, she didn't show. "From the six-fingered Jose."

Surprised about the sentence she blurted out, all Venti could voice was a confused hum. The wind died down when she started to pull him; thinking it was a confirmation from Venti.

It wasn't, though.

"You shall not judge."

A whisper to ensure no one except Venti heard.

Venti doubted neither the nearby pigeons nor himself would judge. He already saw two Liyue water eel gods kissing when he was on Liyue. Whoever she would say wouldn't top

that moment.

...The...

...The NPC?

She raised her hand again, probably to ask about the flower choices. The colors, the shapes, the scents.

"But you can't kill anyone with a flower. Can you?" This wasn't the question Venti was expecting. Furthermore, she looked lost in thoughts only to declare. "Unless you really try to do it, I guess."

Venti didn't ask how.

He didn't need to know that.

Well, at least now Venti was the tallest of them all.

Their love life looked interesting, with all the emotions and full of plot twists! Venti had to admit.

Too bad he didn't care.

Venti hated every second he spent with her, yet he answered. "By asking the acting grand master of the Knights of Favonius, of course."

"That's a long title." She said with whistling.

Without a warning, Jean took him for a hug. "Be safe Bar-Venti."

Despite how the fatui already ruined the festival's magical atmosphere he adored already, maybe this was enough for the atmosphere to come back. He smiled.

Venti, still sleepy from his hangover, awoke with a grumble. His eyes refused to open, his cheek on the bar table lying in his drool. "Aghah, yestry nigt wasth smtihng." He whined to no particular one. His arms flexed, but rather than opening his eyes; he turned his cheek to the table's other side. 'Five minutes more.' he allowed to himself.

"pap?" A small voice, sounding suspiciously like a child, said into his ear.

"Hngh?" was his answer. Did they allow

children into the bar nowadays? He hoped not. Though; it had been over a hundred years since he last visited Angel's share. The times may have changed.

"wokie?" The small voice continued, starting to poke his head.

"Wokie?" Venti groaned as he tried to repeat the word, but it left his mouth as a question. "pap, wokie, wokie!" The small voice, now closer than ever, declared the sentence in an excited tone.

"What-" Venti opened his eyes, at last, to find two white button eyes staring at him.

"pap!" The voice shouted again, making him awaken fully, all his nerves now alert with an instinct he did not know he had.

'A wisp?'

The wisp turned around itself, twirling on the table to show how happy it was by his awakening while murmuring a happy song.

"A wind wisp without wings?" Venti exclaimed, surprise obvious in his voice, straightening on his chair.

The chair he was sitting on fell to the ground

with a loud thud.

And so did Venti.

It was so small, Venti gasped. Nearly the size of his palm, it was a newborn, most likely. But how? When? 

"pap?"

Unsure what he was supposed to do, his hand reacted almost instinctively, starting to pet the wisp. It yawned and closed its small eyes, giving Venti more time to understand what happened yesterday night.

His eyes found the beer glasses on the bar's table, a realization hitting.

Did he... Did he produce a baby?

"Pray, tell me Barbatos. What are you doing in my nation, unannounced." Rex Lapis roared in his human form, the horns on his head glowing with the geo-energy. It felt stupid; now that he traveled to Liyue, but Rex Lapis was the only lead he had.

"This wisp says that... You two are brothers?" 'Ta-da.' Venti said in his head as he showed

the small wisp to the blockhead. Upon seeing Rex Lapis the wisp's face soured, and the wisp looked disgusted.

At another time, Venti would have laughed at the Geo Archon's expression after he witnessed how the wisp's face changed. This time he kindly suppressed the laugh.

"Pap, who dis uglny men?" The wisp without a shame declared.

She gazed at the wisp who was busy with getting nearly drowned in a teacup while Rex Lapis was rolling his eyes.

He closed his eyes, but the impact he was waiting for didn't come. A small boulder hit his head, then dropped onto the small wisp's head between his arms.

Venti's eyes widen, surprised at the stone's small size, while the wisp started crying, clinging onto him. It was sobbing uncontrollably but its eyes were still fixated on the Geo Archon without blinking, even

though Venti was the one petting its head to calm it. Guizhong slapped Rex Lapis' head with a disapproving frown. After that the wisp started laughing at the Geo Archon and its crying stopped.

"What was, that, Morax?" Guizhong asked, clearly annoyed.

"It couldn't have hurt," was Rex Lapis' answer.

"I must admit, I am surprised at how responsible you are acting." Rex Lapis started with a gentle voice, making Venti turn at him.

"What do you mean?"

"I am talking about your fatherhood even though it is hard to believe you have a child, now." Venti stayed silent as they continued to walk, Guizhong in front of them talking with the wisp on her shoulder. Was he doing a good job?

He couldn't know.

"I... used to watch Ragvindr." Venti started with hesitation. "You know, the redhead who helped me with the rebellion."

Rex Lapis stayed silent, urging him to continue. "And he had kids. Small redheads, looking just like their father. He was acting differently with them, and I got curious. In the rebellion, all I could remember him as was a stern warrior. His eyes determined, his lips always on the downside."

"His nation was prisoned, so it was natural for him to act that way. It must have been his coping mechanism." Rex Lapis replied.

Venti shook his head. "I know, I know. But after he got kids, his whole posture, his clothes, even the taste of his wine changed."

"How so?" Rex Lapis hummed.

"It got... All of it got softer. And you know, I always liked humans. Their emotions, songs, and poems always fascinated me. So I wanted to learn about his behaviors in case; I also became a parent. I am sorry; does this make sense?"

"It does." Rex Lapis nodded, opening his mouth but instead of telling Venti what he thought about all of this, he shouted at

Guizhong. "Cover the wisp's eyes!" Guizhong didn't need his warning to cover the poor thing's eyes immediately. "Huh, why? Oh. Oooh." Venti raised one of his eyebrows, looking around to find what caused his friend to act that way. And he saw it with his own eyes.

Two water eels were kissing in the open, their water tongues making sinful noises. Venti also closed his eyes, surrounding them with the wind. No one needed to hear the water gods.

"I swear to Celestia, I am gonna have to seal their horny tails someday." Rex Lapis said, a hint of anger obvious in his voice. Venti agreed. Some children could have seen them. Namely, his child could have.

His cheeks became pink when Guizhong turned to him with an all-knowing smirk. He ducked his head in embarrassment.

It still felt weird to say it aloud, though.

"Pap." The wisp said firmly. A command, Venti realized. He went to the wisp's side, asking what happened.

"Don't tawk uglyn dwaghons," Wisp answered with a frown. Guizhong covered her mouth again, to not let a giggle escape.

After a little more walking; they reached their destination to see Rex Lapis' familiar. "Young one, here is Azhdaha." Guizhong gestured at the round dragon without wings, sitting on the ground.

The wisp's eyes twinkled when it cheerfully declared. "Pap, look. Another uglyn dwaghon!"

Rex Lapis' tired sigh filled the domain.

The wisp started walking on the shrine while Venti watched it, his head in his hands. But then, something pink with swift paws blurred his vision, picking up the wisp and started to run.

He rolled his eyes as the wind current brought the pink fox into his hands. The fox struggled in the wind, refusing to let go of the wisp, sneering at him.

And then electro shocked him, causing him to

drop the fox into the ground. The fox changed into a young pink-haired girl, trying to stand up. Venti didn't let her, picking her from her outfit's neck and raising from the ground. "Throw it out."

"I ate it." The girl said stubbornly, yet her words were muffled. The wisp was probably still in her mouth.

"No, you didn't." Her vision glowed, but this time Venti was prepared for the shock.

"Don't make me call your archons." He threatened.

"You know my archons?" The girl smiled with childlike glee.

"Miko, drop Barbatos' wisp!" Ei's commanding voice echoed in the shrine before he could call her.

Venti smirked when the small girl did what was asked of her. "Yes, I do know them."

Ei looked embarrassed while Makoto was smiling as an apology.

Then the wisp didn't look back after it started to walk. Venti's eyes started to water, so this

was how-

The pink fox picked up the wisp again as it was on its way.

Venti turned at Ei with a deadpan expression. Ei sighed, getting her polearm ready. "I will be back."

"I decided to use a braid on my new design, now. Thanks for the inspiration! Now, now. About you my experiment #2037. Off you go!" Venti let out a horrified shout as the woman, the cute little puffer's creator, its mom in a sense, threw it into a small wooden wolf's awaiting mouth.

He felt the anemo energy leaving the small puffer, and his knees gave up, dropping to the ground in shock.

"What-" Venti let himself accept what happened before he continued.

The small puffer was gone, eaten by a creature who looked like a forbidden result of a wolf and a tree breeding.

He refused to use that 'di-' word to his tiny cute child.

"Why, why did you do that?" Venti's voice was so weak even he was surprised. The woman looked at him like she only realized his presence and laughed.

"The wolf needed some food. Oh, I am sorry for you. Did you get attached to experiment number #2630"

Venti opened his arms in frustration, trying to not cry. "We had a bonding moment. I cradled it in my arms."

Rhinedottir looked apologetic now, but the wolf did not, even licking its mouth as if to mock the poor bard.

All of his parenting went to waste just like that.

He needed a drink.

No, he needed ten drinks at least; to forget how much his heart hurt.

That last glass of wine was too much for yesterday. His head felt like it was full of wisps, all of them chattering at the same time.

The squirrel lifted its hands to the air laughing maniacally. "We can begin the sacrifice for my revenge!"

Now, now. Venti may have lived 2600+ years, but this was only the second time he was face to face with a squirrel who wanted him dead.

"Back when my grand grand grand grandparents were living on Mondstadt, there was Anemo archon who lived and ruled the lands. Every animal thought of him as kind and carefree soul, but never as a tyrant like the old god caging the nation. Then, he showed his true nature!" The squirrel declared loudly.

It was a better storyteller than the six-fingered Jose; Venti thought without interrupting the animal.

"He took the lands, the mountains, everything he could see as an impurity without listening to the cries of my ancestors! They wept on

and on, hugging each other in pure terror. The Anemo archon laughed with a cruel and ugly sound, smirking at the poor unfortunate souls. 'Since I am a very evil god who likes torturing everyone, I will send you all away.' 'But we thought you were the archon of the freedom. How could you dare to take away ours!' My grand grand grand parents shouted back at the god, trying to let their voices be heard between the endless winds. A low chuckle was what they heard when the Archon's violet eyes found them. He was a breathtaking boy, the squirrels thought when he came closer to them, his wings looking soft as clouds. But how he frowned with disgust made my ancestors afraid. They were whimpering with fear yet that just made the archon more amused. He took the princess squirrel's arms without a word, tightening his hold to not let the beautiful poor girl escape."

 "What do you mean he took the princess squirrel?" Venti said, deciding to interrupt the story at last.

What kinda wisp-tale was this?

He turned back to the topic with a sigh, processing what he learned from the story. Apparently, he kidnapped a princess squirrel to marry. He made her parents cry. Then tossed all of the squirrels into the sea. His eyes were violet, his voice cruel and ugly. No wonder, he was the villain to a wisp-tale. Venti had no words about this and it took great effort to make him, a poet, a bard speechless.

Also, something was wrong. Not the story, it was already, but the fact the squirrel chose him as its sacrifice. It was unlikely to be a coincidence, or maybe he was just that unlucky.

They made eye contact while Venti raised one of his eyebrows in a silent question. The wisp; who was supposedly but not really the Dendro Archon, averted its gaze.

Without breaking eye contact, Venti started

slowly. "Are you sure this is the Dendro Archon?"

"Yes. She even picked you herself!" The squirrel looked proud as the wisp started to sweat in front of Venti's gaze. It looked everywhere but Venti; stubborn to pretend like nothing was its fault.

The wisp probably thought it would be fun to watch things unfold but didn't expect Venti to learn its shenanigans.

"Before you die, would you like to join my Anemo Archon hate club?" It gave him a paper. It looked official signed with a squirrel government stamp. "If you sign here, you will even get a badge!" The squirrel added.

Venti kindly refused, though the badge was a tempting offer.

Venti waited for it to ruin his shirt further, but it stopped eyeing the tattoo glowing with turquoise, his disheveled hatless hair. Then it looked at the wisp, most likely comparing the

tattoos. It was just minutes before the realization dawned on the small animal that Venti and the wisp were-

"Huh, didn't know an archon and a sacrifice would be tattoo besties."

It got angrier and picked up an acorn from Archon's know-where. "You tricked me! I am gonna nut you now."

Venti knew he shouldn't have corrected the squirrel when it was holding the acorn, yet the temptation won. "You mean, you are gonna gut me?"

"No, nut you. With this nut." The squirrel looked puzzled.

"No, not me. Oh, thank Celestia-" Venti couldn't finish his sentence when the squirrel started to scrape the acorn into his chest as if it could take out his heart.

The acorn wasn't a knife, so the squirrel looked like it was at a loss when it didn't cut his skin.

"Let's make a contract." He offered.

"I don't do contracts with villains." The squirrel refused.

"I am not a villain." He stated.

"That's what a villain would say." The squirrel argued.

He had to fix the misunderstanding. It bothered him how he was branded as just like the old god ruling Mondstadt. A villain, a tyrant, a bully. He was supposed to be none.

Unfortunately, Venti couldn't think of another thing the squirrel would want. And, no. He didn't have a princess squirrel.

"I can't believe you could do this to me." Venti started with a disappointed look.

"How was I supposed to know it would result in getting involved with the mafia?" The squirrel answered with an innocent look without raising its head from the ground, a shovel in its hand digging. The wisp chattered with a glare.

"You are right. If I didn't specifically tell the squirrel three times to not to, it would have been a valid argument to have," Venti added

to the wisp's sentence with a sigh while stabbing his shovel to the ground.

"Great! I am glad; we are starting to get along." He said.

"We are not getting along. I am simply tolerating your evil presence." The squirrel stated, continuing to dig a hole with its shovel. Its tone caused Venti to flinch. But no fear! Venti was the friendliest archon the squirrel could find.

After a few minutes; hours worth of work finished, his cape tangled on his body with the powerfull wind and he fell to the ground with a cheerful yelp.

The squirrel didn't attempt to help him to stand, only staring with judging eyes even though it looked like it was impressed. Venti continued to lay on the ground.

"How about that?" He cheekily asked while the squirrel turned its back on him.

"Are you pouting?" The squirrel closed to his side after a while, asking quietly. "No, I am not." Despite his answer, Venti felt the pout growing on his face.

He attempted to hide his face in his hands but judging how the squirrel started smiling wider, he was unsuccessful.

But... could you really call anything that resulted in someone's genuine smile something unsuccessful?

Without looking, Venti laid down a pine cone near the squirrel and was surprised when it was taken by the animal.

Only after the squirrel was in his arms; it started showing signs of life, shivering endlessly, clutching to him with its paws. Venti gave a sigh of relief as his wings carried them to the ground slowly. He leaned onto a nearby tree, petting, and stroking the animal's soft fur.

Venti didn't talk; he didn't sing or release the squirrel from his arms, waiting for its

shivering to pass. Only after its breathing evened, he started to hum.

What did he hum?

He hummed about a windborne dragon who once wept on learning he was abandoned by his friend.

He hummed about a nameless bard who freed his nation but fell to the ground without touching a bird's feather.

He hummed about a red-haired warrior, who stood against tyranny; becoming the lawful leader the nation needed.

He hummed about a blonde knight who helped him to win his friend's life.

The tunes became one, became two, and continued as long as he could without an instrument accompanying.

He needed both hands to hug the squirrel, he needed both arms to ensure the danger was gone.

He closed his eyes after the melodies finished and felt the sun disappear.

"Though; even if you may not believe me, the sacrifice wouldn't give you powers. Ah, it would make me dead, and that would make your wish, so that should be a plus." He continued, kneeling on the ground while opening his braids. He already saw a friend in braids die. He didn't want to cause its image to lie dead on Mondstadt grass again.

"About the princess squirrel. Hmmm... That is unfortunately a wisp-tale. But I hope you find your heart's princess to continue your life besides. Everyone deserves love, freedom, and friendship. There are things better to do in Mondstadt." He laughed.

"The riftwolves are an exception, I must admit. They once cost me a life and cost me twice yesterday." The squirrel listened to everything without talking or getting something to rip his heart.

So; Venti smiled, craning his neck to his shoulder, and waited for it to gain courage enough to talk.

"I must apologize for your clothes." The squirrel finally said.

Venti's eyes squinted, shaking his head slightly in surprise.

"My clothes? -Ah." Venti forgot how his archon outfit appeared when he was in distress.

His wings flexed, and between the feathers, Venti's eyes caught a wisp. It was buried, sleeping soundly.

As if Venti was its personal bed! He shook his wings, causing the wisp to fall to the ground with a loud thud.

The wisp stood up on the ground with half-lidded eyes, questioning what happened to its soft bed.

Serves it right.

Venti turned to the wisp to make an invite, but his sentence and the apple stuck to his throat when he saw it eyeing his thighs covered with bruises. He started coughing.

"Oh Barbatos, please no. Tell me you didn't." Venti whined, hiding his face in his hands. The wisp's mouth wasn't as evident as its

eyes to differ on his face, but Venti thought he saw a smirk on its face for a second. "What, what happened-" The squirrel asked with fear in its eyes.

It was actually nothing to fear.

At least for the squirrel, it was nothing to fear, Venti thought while embarrassment filled him.

Wind wisps liked to gossip, and Venti knew what they guessed every time they saw bruises on his thighs. That was the sole reason he switched to a more covered outfit!

The last time it happened, the wisps were excited, throwing a cheer because they thought they were going to become aunts and uncles. The news got carried by the wind quickly, with all of his siblings joining.

It took a while to confess that no, he did not participate in intercourse, no he was not going to be a dad, and they were not going to become aunts and uncles. The bruises were because he fell in his travels, because he pissed off other gods or because some monsters attacked him. Not because of a lover doing 'the thing.'

They all deadpanned while Venti waited anxiously for a response. One of them called him a 'loser', then they left.

"You were with me all the time, today! You knew I haven't, yet still invited them-" Venti desperately exclaimed while the wisp remained expressionless.

"Them?" The squirrel asked, but before Venti could answer, countless wisps filled around, chattering at the same time, asking for all the details.

The bard busied himself with his lyre checking the notes it made every time his hand touched one of the strings.

He didn't look in a hurry, taking his time to play with the lyre. After he was pleased, his frown disappeared, an adorable smile blossoming.

"You may be wondering." One of his fingers was going left and right as he wandered around in a circle with closed eyes. He hummed, his lyre joining his voice, getting

harmonized.

Then all of it abruptly stopped, his gaze turning to the reader yet again.  "How did this charming young man find himself in a situation this frightening?"

He leaned towards the reader, his hand near his mouth as if he was about to tell a secret. He opened his mouth, only to close it after a second thought.

That wouldn't have been fun, would it?

He winked with a mischievous expression, the lyre going behind him, still in his hands. "Ehe, let's start from the beginning, shall we?" The story continued again, with the command given by the bard.

The wisp's plump body was trying to fly straight, unfortunately not succeeding.

Once it rose, once it fell. It experienced the danger of tumbling down on a tree, its head hitting the trunk.

The threat of getting eaten, the webs from the spider's home coiling around.

The possibility of getting drowned in a river,

the water's flow strong enough to make it happen if the wisp had been much more careless.

Some birds laughed when the wisp passed in front of them, pointing at its weird flight and calling wicked names, its body still soaked, tangled by spider webs, shivering.

It was looking smaller than it actually was. Too small even, inviting bullying from the twice or thrice its size birds.

Its white button eyes came close to tearing up by the mocking, only ceasing because of a melody filling its ears.

A melody so enchanting, making its little heart beat faster. The tune made the wisp curious. Why was a tune; so gentle, full of melancholy?

And the song was luring into the storm god's barrier; the wisp noticed in a moment, hesitation appearing just for one second only to vanish as fast as it came.

The wisp decided right there, right at that moment.

It was going to enter, never mind the risks. Birds warned it when they saw where the wisp was captivated at gazing.

'You may never return here.' One of the birds, its feathers black as the night, claimed.

'You may die there.' Another one of the birds, its feathers white as the light added.

Yet, the wisp didn't look back at them, nearing the border, determined to find the source.

It didn't know the birds, shaking their heads in disapproval, flew further away to not be witnesses to its doom.

'Eehh, this is the wrong beginning!' The footage stopped once again, to reveal the bard. He shook his head, frustrated, and departed from the sight in a hurry.

He returned in a minute to bow to the reader, his hands clasped as he apologized.

'So sorry dear reader. There have been some technical difficulties. But never fear, you can continue now.'

[zhongrin]

Just a thought but Malleus from twisted wonderland and Zhongli met and fighting who gets to have you as their mate or a threesome with them🤤 now that is something I don't think we'll survive in a good way😏🥵.

Malleus who was transported to teyvat by a spell gone wrong and who does he meet upon waking up in this new world why you of course (let's just say Zhongli visited mondstadt for a week for some reason probably has something to do with venti) you who took care of him, teach him about this strange world called teyvat who falls in love with you at first sight not knowing that another was trying to courting you at the time, who tells you about his world and about himself being a dragon fae prince and much more who slowly starts gifting you shiny things and you who now have a giantitic pile of shiny treasures that would make pantalone question if he is the richest in teyvat (I wonder who gifted you that much in the first pile huh🙄).

~~A week later~~

You and Malleus are taking a stroll through liyue telling him the history and some stories Zhongli told you, Malleus who's interested in the history of liyue and the god named Rex Lapis the dragon of liyue and talk to him but only to have found out that he is dead (well not really dead but alive in disguise of a mortal) who suddenly stops upon sensing a dragon nearby and before he can warn you the both of you heard a deep smooth voice call out to you turning around you spot Zhongli and him you with another man much less another dragon like himself when he stopped right infront the both of you. Greeting him in a voice so soft and sweet about his trip that he almost was in a daze snapping out of it he asked about the male next to you for he has never seen him in liyue before, after explaining what transpired in his absence minus the shiny gifts that was given to your hoard of treasures he's definitely going to find out about that very soon only to be called away by Ganyu who needed help leaving the two dragons together which could go either great or terrible wrong especially if their instincts are telling them not to let the other have you, they would have passive aggressive conversations with one another when you're not there, gifting you more shiny treasures that you don't know where to put because the old location is filled with little to no space at all and as of late they have been rather clingy with their affections rubbing themselves on you scenting you so the other would know that you're theirs and this is without you knowing. This goes on and on for days weeks even for a couple of months that is until they proposed a little idea of sharing you instead of fighting for you, their slowly start to corner you stripping you of your clothes kissing every inch of your body that was revealed whispering sweet nothings and praises, worshipping you as the deity you are. That night was filled with crys of passion, pleasured promises that left you aching for more.

"My Jewel tell me that you want my cum deep inside of you" - Zhongli

"My darling Mate tell that you want me tell me to make you scream" - Malleus

"Do you want us to breed you full of our children and keep you full from each and every fuck session" - Zhongli & Malleus

Got lots of brainrot for days and I may or may not be sending them your way for a few days may space them out *whistles nonchalantly*😙😶‍🌫️ but seriously why are there no fics with them together the amount of fluffy fun down right sinful sexy time relationship this will be got me (s)creaming HELP SHhehshshhsGSHSHSHSH

cw.threesome, monsterfucking

before reading: *sees ask from sheepy* will i survive this? i have a feeling i won't-

after reading: FROTHING CRYING SOBBING GUSHING SCREAMING BREATHING HEAVILY GOING BONKERS HEAD EMPTY DRAGON COCKS ONLY

no look i might not know malleus but a friend matched me up with this guy and he seems like a cool and awkward dude. plus he's a dragon and yall know i am weAK for a certain dragon already so to have TWO courting me???? ohhhhhhhh boyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

i'm cackling at the reader having this one specific room in their abode just to store all the shiny and expensive stuff these two dragons gave them lol

pls i love the thought of these two dragons who are both primarily non-confrontational (or is malleus the confrontational kind??) turning into borderline aggressive towards each other because it's an immediate rivalry and dragon instincts clashing against each other - that's my mate, not yours.

"Do you want us to breed you full of our children and keep you full from each and every fuck session" yes yes yes yes y e s

imagine the absolute protection you'll be under tho. i feel like all hybrids e.g. ganyu would be able to tell that there are two literal dragons who has marked you as theirs, and everyone in teyvat knows not to mess with a dragon, much less two of them lol

[nebulousnajm]

“blue honey” – xiao/aether oneshot

G rating, 880 words. ao3 link at the end

––

Killing abyssal monsters and clearing out hilichurl camps feels less like duty now and more like a cruel, deeply ironic joke told by the universe at Xiao’s expense. 

What is the point in carrying out his oath of protection to Liyue when the Prince of the Abyss is his lover. When he meets with him regularly and doesn’t spear him in the heart to put an end to his machinations that will bring nothing but destruction and anguish.

Xiao had watched Aether sink into the Abyss like one would watch the sun set and dissolve into the ocean. He was helpless to stop it, and that feeling of helplessness has become one of his closest companions. 

Now the Traveler, and the rest of Teyvat, is paying the price for Xiao’s weakness. 

As if to drive the point home, the disintegrating corpse of the freshly-killed Abyss Mage leaves behind a message; an invitation to the Abyssal Palace. His heartbeat speeds up, a grotesque mixture of dread and joy pumping in his veins.

Aether can’t call him anymore, not like he used to, not from the Abyss. Yet, of course he answers and goes. There is no other decision he could take. Even if Xiao came to his senses and intended to strike the Prince of the Abyss where he stood, he would still need to be present at the Abyssal Palace for it.

The darkness and gloom of the palace is a far cry from the warmth and liveliness of Wangshu Inn. It is lit solely by the scones on the walls and by its cold, dying sun, Aether.

Xiao finds him in his study, concentrating on reading a book written in a script Xiao can’t decipher but has come to recognize as vaguely Khaenri'ahn. 

When Aether spots him, his face lights up with a smile, and it is so like how he used to be Before that it hurts. Xiao can see all their memories together before his fall (and rise) tucked into the golden, sunken depths of Aether’s eyes. Today is not the day Xiao comes to his senses.

Briefly, he wonders whether Aether can see his pain, whether he feels any remorse or guilt over pulling Xiao in two polar directions. Then again, isn’t he the one accepting these invitations in the first place?

He doesn’t get to dwell on the thought for long as Aether stands up and makes his way towards Xiao. “You’re here,” he greets, happiness evident in his voice.

“You called.” Even though he didn’t. Not really.

Aether cups his face and kisses him. And despite all that has changed, this did not. Aether's affection for him has remained constant – maybe even grew, and it’s why he keeps coming back. Because everything changed, and Aether still loves him. It is the one eternal truth in the ever-shifting planes of Xiao's existence.

When he starts to move away, Xiao chases and kisses him again, pulling him closer by the waist. He doesn’t want this embrace to end – it is something sure, something constant, something real. Everything else is not. 

But as with everything, it also ends.

Barely pulling away, resting their foreheads together, Aether says, “I’ve missed you.” 

“I’ve missed you too.” Xiao doesn’t know which Aether he longs for. “You don’t visit anymore.” 

It is a stupid thing to say, but it’s the only thing he can think of that is not a litany of “why” and desperate questions he doesn’t really want the answers to.

Aether looks surprised for a moment before his expression turns thoughtful. He doesn’t move away. “I’m sorry; you’re right, I don’t... I do wonder though, how would Lumine react if she saw me with you?”

A bolt of fear runs through Xiao at the possibility. “You know she doesn’t know of this.”

Sadness and.. regret? color his next words. “Yes. And it’s better that way, don’t you agree?”

Despite the guilt, despite the anger, despite everything, the answer is yes. Because no matter how hard Xiao tries, he is still a coward that selfishly desires and doesn’t want to give up what he has with Aether. Doesn’t want to see the look of betrayal in Lumine's eyes if she ever found out. So yes, it is better this way. 

He swallows and nods, but can’t stay completely silent on the matter. “She hasn’t given up searching for you.”

Aether hums. “That’s fine. It’s good. She should take her time; there is no rush.”

‘No rush’… the ghost of these meetings chases Xiao back to the surface everyday, haunting him. Reminding him of the inevitable confrontation and decision he will have to take. Taunting him about the loyalty he keeps muddling after every rendezvous he has with this cold, once warm light.

And to Aether there is no rush.

He lets go of Xiao's face and reaches for his hand instead, tugging him out of the study and down a corridor. “Come. I think I made some progress into figuring out how to purify your karma. The properties of that fountain could be adjusted so that…”

The rest of Aether’s words blur together as he’s pulled along. Xiao knows he can let go at any time and walk out – to do what is right and never look back. 

He doesn’t. 

––

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42967659

[berri-hopefulspouse]

"I...I won't...forget this- AETHER...!"

(TW Abuse, Wars, Slight Gore?, Alot of Gaslighting)

(Story pieced together from convos with @creamecream! Corrupt AU was her idea, go give follow <3)

Everything was going perfectly. The coalition of Mondstadt and Liyue refugees were dealing with the last of Barbatos' followers, Ren had Venti stuck in the ground with a strong pillar of ice, and Zhongli was standing over him- ready to deal the final blow.

"Everyone- Fall in! We've got him this time!" Ren exclaimed over the roar of violence and bloodshed- ignoring the throbbing in their skull and the pain that radiated from wounds in their body.

Everything was going perfectly to plan.

But then...it wasn't.

Ren's eyes flickered away for a brief moment- glancing over to a noise they heard that sounded so distinctly familiar...a noise that once was comforting to them, now brought a sense of dread as they tried to retain their focus.

"Soren...~" Out of the portal, stepped the Abyss Prince himself, a cheeky little grin on his face, "Be careful~"

"Wha-?"

As they turned to adress him, an arrow shot right past their face- causing their focus to snap. In the blink of an eye, they fell to the floor as Venti broke free from the icy confines and quickly made his escape- a mischevious little giggle under his breath before seemingly zapping right out of reality itself. Well, not before one of Zhongli's polearms rammed into his arm- which when Venti teleported fell back to the ground with an uncerimonial clatter.

The world fell silent, as everyone stood to process what had just occured. Aether slowly walked to the cryo-vision wielder, a satisfied smirk on his face and motioning for one of his men- the one who had shot the arrow- to stand back down.

"Sorry about that...What's a war without a little bit of chaos, my starlight?" Aether couldnt help but chuckle, watching Ren slowly pull themselves to their feet. Ice was beginning to creep up their limbs- and their eyes looked unfocused as they slowly stumbled towards the abyss prince. They looked exhausted- having used so much of their own life-force just to keep the Archon pinned...and he still ended up getting away.

As Aether went to go give a hug to the smaller cryomancer, what he didn't expect was the whiplash and sting of their hand- which collided with his face in quick succession.

"You...You fucking prick!" Ren was seething, anger burning behind their brown eyes as they grabbed his face with an icy, frozen hand, "Do you know what the fuck you've done?! We had him cornered- we had him pinned! And then you come along and just- Just Mess everything up!"

"First...ow..." Aether rubbed his jaw- with the ice creeping up their hands it felt like he had been punched rather than just slapped silly, "Secondly, of course I do. As much as it would benefit me to see the Archon dead...there's still something I need from him first," Aether explained- in that venomously sweet tone he only took when he was trying to pacify them.

It...didn't work.

Their polearm still in hand, they went to swing it at him when an arm caught theirs midair. They quickly looked back to spot Lumine- who in all her grace had never looked this...uncertain before.

"Don't...its not worth it." Lumine whispered softly, golden eyes peering deep into their own. They growled, unable to think clearly through the anger- the fury- the heartbreak.

"Speak for yourself!" They snapped at her, to which she sighed- nodding to Kaeya who quickly grabbed their other shoulder to keep them still.

"Aww~ You do still care Lumine!" Aether beamed, an innocent smile that almost made Lumine hesitate.

Almost.

"No. I don't," Lumine retorted, meeting Aether's gaze with a glare of her own, "I just know that theyre in no state to start another fight right now." 'But...I assume you already know that.' She couldn't help but think to herself, golden eyes gazing back at eachother. There was silence, for a few good minutes, before Aether let out a bark of laughter that could only be described as slightly unhinged.

"That's your own faults you know! It was your precious general, my darling starlight, who wasn't paying attention!"

"You BASTARD!" Ren went to go break free of Kaeya's grip when a pillar caused them to stop in place. Zhongli, who slowly walked over- looking unsteady himself- kept a steely gaze with the Abyss Prince. His tone was cold, precice, yet Ren could pick out the exhaustion in his voice.

"Speak, Prince. Before I cut you down where you stand," The Archon spoke, wiping away a bit of blood from his nose. Aether couldn't help but cackle even more- drawing his sword and gently...ever so gently, tilting the Archon's gaze to meet his.

"Aww, Morax...you sure do look tired, don't you?" The Prince coo'd, faux sympathy dripping from his words, "Could you even take me right now, if we got in a fight? I sincerely doubt it, given your state...~"

"You-!"

Zhongli raised a hand, causing the furious general to still- if only briefly.

"I may be spent, but if I wanted to, I could still dismantle your entire army in one fell swoop...Do you wish to try my patience, little prince?" Zhongli remained calm, even if his voice trembled with the slightest hint of anger. Aether chuckled, knowing just how much his words were getting to the Archon, a sinister yet almost cheeky smirk on his face.

"Hmmm...No, not right now anyway~... if I did- there'd be no one to stand in Barbatos' way! And that's just no fun, is it?" Aether chuckled, "I only came to try and get something off that brat, but since he left, I have no more business here."

As Aether turned to leave, Ren broke past Kaeya and Zhongli, racing after him with an angry shout.

"AETHER-! YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE-!" And before they could reach him- the enby ran directly into a second pillar, courtesy of the Geo Archon. Aether snickered, gazing down upon them as their knees gave out and they fell into the grass...which slowly turned to ice where they sat.

"Aww, don't you worry, little Starlight~ I'll be back for you later!" Aether reached down, gently ruffling their hair as they swatted at him, "But first...you might want to get that checked out."

Gesturing to their vision, Ren looked down with wide eyes to find their vision had...cracked. Cryo magic was expelling itself from the crack, making almost everything they touch turn to ice.

"Toodles~!" Aether spoke, an innocently mischevious look on his face as he quickly stepped back through the portal and left- leaving the army alone once more in the clearing.

Ren gave an aggrivated shout, a hand slamming into the dirt and dark starlit tears staining their cheeks.

"That...that bastard..." They spoke, their anger slowly starting to simmer down into something else....grief. Grief, and...well, exhaustion.

"It's not worth the effort right now, Soren..." Zhongli walked up next to them, putting a hand on their shoulder, "You know this."

"To hell with that!" They spat back, "We were so close! He was right there- he was about to die and Aether just-!"

They gave another little frustrated squeak, before coughing and wiping some of the blood that dripped from their nose...and mouth. Hm...Yeah that...might be bad. They hardly even noticed how dizzy they felt until that moment, looking down to their cracked vision as it sparked aggressively- trying to output magic at a rate their body couldnt keep up with.

"I...I won't...forget this- AETHER...!" Their cry echoed through the clearing as their vision sparked even louder- sending an almost jolt of pain through their body that they could hardly take. They fell back against the ice that surrounded their body and creeped outwards, trying to push themselves back to their feet as Lumine gave a horrified little shriek.

"Medics! W-We need medics here, stat!" Lumine quickly rushed over to Zhongli and Ren, the latter of whom took a knee to steady himself against his own exhaustion. Ren's hands slipped, collapsing back into the ice and snow as they felt the world around them begin to slip away...

The last thing that they could recall, was how utterly cold and alone they felt...as the world spun and faded into black.