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writing-with-gremworm · 7 months

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Envelopment of the Hydro Dragon

NOTES:

Yandere Neuvillette

Very very brief mention of the second Yandere character

Mild fluff

Memory interjections/flashbacks

"Hello my love, did you sleep well?" Neuvillette whispers gently, brushing your hair aside as he smiles down at you. A warm smile crosses your lips and you giggle. This warmth was comfortable. Safe. You felt loved and even forgot how you got here.

Truthfully, you were running from something. But the warm embrace of a water dragon filled your mind with calm. Some say that the water remembers emotions. In a sense, it may be able to mirror those emotions too. Perhaps that is why Neuvillette fell for you.

"Good morning Neuvie." You smile, leaning into his hand as his fingers play with your hair.

You hoped that serenity would last forever. So when you were put on trial in front of all of Fontaine, you felt like everything was falling apart. Neuvillette's gentle smile was replaced by a calm and cool neutral expression as he sat in the judge's seat. Your bag was taken from you to be searched and you had no defendant on your side.

"Love, are you alright? You seem lost in thought." Neuvillette asks, looking into your eyes with his cool pearlescent ones. His gaze is gentle, it's as if he can tell you're worrying, though he did not directly state this.

"Yes, I'm okay. I'm just thinking about something from the past that wasn't the most pleasant, but it's okay now." In truth, it was something that wasn't so easy to brush aside. In the past, you'd had many moments where you were betrayed by someone you loved. This was one of the reasons you felt like you couldn't say as much to Neuvillette. You were afraid he would see what was wrong with you and he too would push you away as if you were nothing.

"Alright, if you don't wish to discuss the matter I won't make you. Hm, ah, why don't I obtain some macarons, you do seem to like them quite a bit." Neuvillette suggests. You flush, realizing he'd caught on to your habit of snacking when something stressed you out.

"T-That-! Alright. Thank you." You smile softly.

"We stand here today for the trial of (Y/N) (L/N). They have been accused of vision theft and illegal information dealings." Neuvillette states coldly, turning to face the prosecutor, "You may elaborate on the event in question."

"Of course. Ahem. I was surprised to hear of such flagrant crimes in a time as dire as this, though I was presented with irrefutable proof. Three nights ago four different reports came in discussing Mx. (L/N) entering an illegal information guild. Further, one of the key witnesses, Cicely Fauxbear, heard the conversation Mx. (L/N) and the cloaked figures had.

"Cicely Fauxbear, come to the stand."

"Ah, yes. I was shocked. Mx. (L/N) had been so close to Mr. Neuvillette, so I was assured of their character. I had intended to ask for some advice, but I instead overheard them telling cloaked figures 'I've mapped out the schedules of Neuvillette, our archon, and the other officials you requested to know of' But not only that, they started talking of Fontaine as-as Oh dear, it's to shocking to say- They said that Fontaine would soon fall according to plan." Cicely sobbed, covering her face with her hands.

Your eyes widened. You hadn't met with any shady figures, nor had you given scheduling information to anyone. You weren't sure where these accusations came from, but something felt off about this.

"Ms. Fauxbear, where was the location of this incident?" Neuvillette asks.

"I-It was simply a worn down Café, it didn't seem to have many patrons, so it was hardly notable." Cicely fidgets, brushing her hair aside as she looks down apologetically.

"I see. Mx. (L/N), as you are your defendant, what do you say to this?"

"This was stated to be a few days ago, as such it could not have been me. Forgive me for being somewhat crass, but I have not left your abode for anything but the shopping trip for essentials and an excursion to get the package Wriothesley sent me to give to you. However, there is no way to confirm this since no one went with me." You admit sincerely, biting your tongue since you realize you'd been too honest and left an opening for the opposing side to use against you.

"Your honor, that is clearly an excuse! They're trying to use personal feelings to sway this accusation!"

"Hm? You want me to grab a package? Of course, it'll give me a chance to explore a little too! You said the package was from Rizzley?" You ask, looking at Neuvillette. He smiles and chuckles softly.

"It's pronounced rise-lee, though I suppose Rizzley is close enough. He'd be miffed by such a nickname though. Ah, it is spelled a little strangely. Here, allow me to write his name down for you." Neuvillette hands you a small slip of paper with 'Wriothesley' written neatly on it.

It takes a bit before you locate the post office, but you manage to acquire the package Neuvie was talking about without much hassle since he'd mentioned he might get someone to pick it up for him beforehand.

"Hm, the box smells kind of floral, I wonder what's inside." You ponder, looking at the box before shaking your head and heading back. It hadn't been too long since you went out, but during that time Neuvillette must have become rather busy since he wasn't home. You leave the box on the counter and decide to try and bake something for Neuvie since he always buys you Fontaine specialty sweets.

"I can assure you that my personal feelings will not sway my judgment in this matter. The role of the judge is something I do not take lightly Ms. Fauxbear." Neuvillette assures Cicely, "Mx. (L/N), you state you did not go to a café, but on one of the days that fell within the expected timeframe you presented me with sweets, can you elaborate on this point?"

"Yes, of course, your honor." You smile sadly, "Those were sweets I baked personally, they're not the sort of delicacies you can find in Fontaine, they're much less refined and difficult to replicate with Fontaine ingredients alone. I can present evidence of this simply by baking them again." You state confidently.

"Understood. The day you baked sweets you say you acquired a package for me, what else did you do while you were in town?"

"I walked around and took in the architecture. The buildings here in Fontaine vary from those in Mondstadt, so I was inclined to observe them." You state simply.

"Your honor. I have something to say." Someone from the audience says, standing up.

"It is against protocol to include someone without good reason. What reason do you have to interrupt court proceedings?"

"I have collected statements noting (Y/N)'s whereabouts during the past three days, most notably statements from all cafés and post offices around Fontaine listed on the first page. I would like to submit this document for review." Neuvillette furrows his brow but quickly adjusts his expression.

"Understood, but if this proves to be falsified you will be tried in this court as well," Neuvillette states, motioning for the stranger to hand over the documents mentioned before.

"When I look up at the stars I remember the night we met. Do you think about it too?" You ask softly, a bit drowsy.

"Hahaha, yes, it was certainly a unique encounter. One does not often fall from the sky into my arms you see. Perhaps it was foreshadowing. It was certainly a dramatic introduction to the most lovely spring I have ever had the chance to touch." Neuvillette smiles, enjoying the soft flush that coats your cheeks.

"It was like a fairytale, aside from the fact it was because of a glider malfunction I mean." You state, clearing your throat and hiding a grin behind your fist.

"We will begin the proceedings again tomorrow once this evidence and the baking skills touted by Mx. (L/N) have been confirmed," Neuvillette states. The gavel slams down, announcing an intermission in the court proceedings. A few guards accompany you to a kitchen and permit you to bake the dessert for Neuvillette. Once it is complete Neuvillette is gathered and he confirms that the treat tastes the same as the ones he had previously.

The document was more time-consuming to check, but by the next Morning they managed to confirm the validity of the statement. The trial continues and it is decided that you did not trade away information. A separate trial begins regarding the vision theft. A stolen vision was found in your bag.

You looked surprised. As you should, you had never had such a thing, nor did you place one haphazardly in your bag. You had no idea how something like that would have ended up in your bag. Further, it was a Fontaine vision, which gave the claim that you'd stolen it more validity. You were at a loss for words, how could you combat this? Your bag had always been at home, in Neuvillette's home, it should have been safe.

"Your bag is always full, do you move often?" Neuvillette asks before taking a sip of tea. His nose wrinkles a bit, Wriothesley had sent a rather unpleasant floral tea this time, but at least you seemed to like it.

"Ah, I suppose. I guess I just haven't found somewhere to stay completely. I do best when I can travel. So I don't stay in one place too often." You state. Though, that was only partially true. You did do better when you traveled, but less because of an inherent ability to do better in new environments, and more because you were always safe for the first few months in a new place.

It isn't something you discuss often, but it's difficult to explain why you're being chased by new people because they always give you this look. Some even think you're lying.

"I see, well, I hope you find your stay here pleasant. I'll have a cup of tea ready when you return." Neuvillette smiles gently. That was the one time someone had expressed their desire for you to visit again. Of course, it was the first time you'd gained a friend this quickly.

Maybe it wasn't that surprising that such a friendship quickly became more. His lips were soft, they made you forget your worries with every gentle motion. His warmth seeped into your flesh and flushed your skin.

"If there is nothing more to say, then it is time for your judgment. I find (Y/N) (L/N) guilty of vision theft." Neuvillette slams the gavel down and the machine whirs as it weighs your judgement. Despite knowing the truth, the machine lies and blames you. You can almost hear its laughter, but you know it chose to lie. For once in a great while, it lied and only you and two others knew this.

"If I never came back, would you be sad?" You ask, looking up at the ceiling as exhaustion sets in. It was drawing too close to the time 'he' usually found you. It was time to run away again.

"Yes. I would be sad. Would you not feel the same if I suddenly vanished?" Neuvillette asks, looking at you with a sorrow in his gaze that feels unfamiliar.

"Yes, I would be sad. But I guess I would expect it. That's sort of been the default, I find I'm alone more often than not." You smile sadly, leaning close to him and closing your eyes.

"I would never leave you by choice. If I could promise you safety, would you stay beside me?" Neuvie inquires, his voice thoughtful and warm.

"Hm, that would be nice. I ... like the idea of that." You smile a bit, not realizing that Neuvillette had a strange smile on his face since your eyes were closed.

"Then I promise, as long as you are my lover, you will always find safety in my arms." He kisses your forehead, holding you closely and running his fingers through your hair.

You open your eyes and realize you're not being taken to a prison, nor are the guards from earlier the ones beside you, they feel distinctly different. They feel familiar.

"Where are you taking me?" You ask carefully. They do not respond, they simply continue to escort you to an unfamiliar place. It takes you a moment to process why they feel familiar. It was because they felt like hydro Eidolons, they took the form of people they were not. You look a bit surprised but ultimately realize this is your chance to escape.

Hydro Eidolons had a predictable pattern when they fought, so it would be easy enough to weave past and make a run for it now that you'd been led to an isolated place near the waters. However, being in this place also meant it was possible for whoever orchestrated this to catch you, so you had to be on guard.

Weaving through the attacks of those who harbor hydro-elemental energy is much like dancing. It matches the theatrics of the court and noble life in Fontaine, so it seems fitting that this escape was like a musical. Though many of the musicals you had seen had been tragedies, hopefully, this would not also become one.

As you sway and bob, swirling through the ribbons of water splashing around you, you dive into the crashing ocean waves and dive into the water. As you were not a vision holder, you did not have the luxury of breathing underwater for long periods of time, but you had plenty of experience with swimming to escape places until you found a wave rider you could take.

As you plunge into the water your vision is covered with darkness as something wraps you up, perhaps expecting this escape. You almost gasp, but manage to hold your breath. You feel yourself getting pulled deeper into the waters and your throat aches, begging for air. You gasp and choke as water fills your mouth and lungs and darkness consumes your vision.

Bubbles float to the surface, caught on the seafoam of faded expectations. They showcase moments once filled with laughter.

"Wow, you have so many stories." You remember this. Neuvillette had just finished telling you about a musical he liked. Looking back at it now stings a little, did he betray you? It couldn't be. He was a judge, and he had to be impartial. But surely he knew you weren't guilty.

"You ... want to braid my hair? Well, as long as you don't mind teaching the Melusines to braid it, as I'm sure they'll ask, then you may." Neuvillette seemed so happy then. The small moments always seemed to be the times he had the gentlest smile. You wonder if you're dying and if that is why you remember these things now.

"(Y/N), I promise I'll keep you safe. You just have to trust me." That wasn't just Neuvillette's voice, that was someone else too, the man you were running away from. His crimson hair flooded your vision like the blood of the Fatui debt collector who had gotten just a little too close to you.

Something twists in your gut. You trusted Neuvillette, though, of course, you had never told him about Diluc. So why did he sound so similar when he said he'd protect you?

'Did Neuvillette rig the trial? That's impossible, he would never do something like that.' But it seemed to make sense. After all, he would have been able to plant a vision in your bag as well. He was hosting you in his home. Your heart sank. A cold but burning sensation crept through your throat and chest.

"Ah, you're awake. I was worried you'd not wake up my love." Neuvillette says softly, kissing your forehead gently.

"N-Neuvie?" You stutter, your voice is a bit hoarse. You look around, letting your eyes adjust to the dim light.

"Yes love, you must have been so scared, but I'm here now. He won't find you here." A smile is evident in Neuvillette's voice, with one hand his fingers lace through yours. He holds you gently with his other hand.

"... He?" You hadn't specified it was a man looking for you had you? No, had you even said someone was following you? When did he find out you were being chased? Why didn't he say anything?

"That stoic Mondstadt noble, you have expensive tastes." Neuvillette laughs a bit, "Though I'm delighted that those standards include me." He kisses your knuckles.

"Y-You're being a little more affectionate than usual." You stutter, cursing the nervousness in your tone.

"But of course, I have to take extra care of you since you've had such an awful moment, no? It was hard for me to judge you guilty, my love.

But it had to be done."

...

#genshin impact #genshin neuvillette #neuvillette #neuvilette genshin #neuvilette x reader #reader insert #x reader #gn reader #Hm #I might write more yandere content it's surprisingly fun #tw yandere #yandere

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isshua · 1 year

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Messianic Aureation

Chapter 13: Battle with the Wind-Borne Champion of the Archon War

Summary: Cara arrives at the Thousand Winds Temple, ready to put her life on the line and steal the Anemo gnosis from Venti. The wind screams as a god's true might is displayed.

Scuttles out of my cave to throw this chapter at anyone who sees it THIS TOOK ME OVER A MONTH TO WRITE AGH I am such a perfectionist when it comes to writing and I REALLY wanted this chapter to be the best version of itself because it's the finale to the Monstadt Arc of this fic. In the end there are some parts that I feel a little iffy about but I'm happy with it overall and I hope readers will be happy with it too! Enjoy! :D

Chapter 14 is here

Up the rough road with large bushes and tall trees growing among the long grass, great stone walls and pillars rose up from a time long lost in Monstadt’s history. They were old, Cara observed as she rode past them. Vines crept over their cracked surfaces and there were many portions that were broken away. When she passed between two of them, she reached out a hand and brushed her fingers against their surface. If these stones could talk, what would they tell her about those ancient times of the Archon War?

Everything was eerily silent as Epona and her continued. There were no animals scampering about. No squirrels, no foxes, no birds…the only sounds she could hear were the horse’s steady hooves thumping along the dirt path and her own nervous heartbeat pounding in her ears. She remembered there being a large amount of hilichurls inhabiting this area in Genshin Impact, but those too seemed to have vanished without a trace along with the wildlife.

What worried her the most wasn’t the absence of Khaenri'ah’s lost souls, however. It was the fact that there was no wind. The leaves of the trees were dead calm; not a single one rustled even slightly. In the wilds of Monstadt, the wind was always present. It reached every corner of the nation, and held so much power you could practically feel it in your bones. Even when it was nothing more than the softest of whispering breezes, you knew the spirit of Anemo was always watching over the nation of freedom…or maybe that was just for her, due to her unique connection with the seven elements. But here, now, Cara felt like she was traveling through a windless land. The air was heavy and still, unnaturally so. It was as if Teyvat were holding its breath…or maybe, it was quietly watching her with seething hatred, judging her not worthy to feel its presence swirling around her body and soul. If the second option were true…then she wasn’t dealing with Teyvat.

Up the crumbling steps of an ancient staircase, Epona’s hooves clopped on a portion of stone road, the sound echoing out into the area. When they ascended a second staircase, Cara saw they were near the large monument of the strange celestial arrow which pointed directly at Monstadt City. The inscription etched into its base arose in her mind: “Seeds of stories, brought by the wind and cultivated by time.” How poetic, she thought. Was that what her story was in this world? She was a traveler from another reality, thought to be the highest of all gods by some and an imposter by others, an outsider and a native at the same time. Her tale began with the wind, and time could only tell how it would end. That seemed to ultimately be up to Teyvat’s people. Or maybe she could write the conclusion to her story with her own hand.

She could not shake the chilling feeling that the point of the massive stone arrow was no longer pointing at Monstadt, but at her.

The road became less and less pronounced as they kept going. Soon Epona was walking over less dirt and more grass. The Thousand Winds Temple had been forgotten by many of Monstadt’s modern citizens, it seemed. No one had traveled this path in quite a while. Cara honestly couldn’t blame them. This amphitheater had been used as a gladiator arena back in the Aristocratic Period, where slaves had been forced to fight and kill each other for the amusement of cruel nobles. This whole area was probably stained with blood. It made her sigh with sympathy, then shudder with paranoia. She could not help but let her eyes wander between the trees, half expecting to see the pale phantoms of the dead silently watching her go by.

When the ruins of the temple were only a few steps away, Cara stopped Epona and hopped off of her. The mare snorted questioningly. She held the reins and stroked her nose. “You can’t come with me there,” she whispered. “I don’t want you getting hurt. Wait at the edge of the ruins and only come back when you hear me whistle. That’ll be the signal to show everything is safe.”

Epona’s eyes were deeply intelligent, and subconsciously, Cara knew she understood. The horse pushed her head into her hands and snorted again softly, then turned and cantered back down the way they came. Cara watched her go, her smile falling as the animal disappeared from sight. Now, she was truly alone.

Ignoring her own screaming instincts that were telling her to go back, she forced her legs to move and take those final steps up the last flight of stairs and into the temple.

It was huge. Larger than she anticipated and definitely bigger than how it was in the game, she had to turn around in a circle to fully perceive the absolutely massive arena she was standing in. When she looked at the weathered seats and rusting metal cage doors that closed off the temple’s lower areas, she could practically hear the cheering screams of an audience and hear the clashing swords of fighters battling for their lives. What a fascinating, yet disturbing place to be in. In the back of her mind, she wondered what might have happened if she had been here during the temple’s prime. With the power she held within her, could she have helped put an end to the tyranny of the aristocrats? Could she have saved the lives that were lost on these very grounds? If she had been sucked into the Teyvat of 1,000 years ago, would she have still been deemed as an imposter by Monstadt’s people?

The sound of music made her whirl around. Her heart dropped when she saw Venti sitting on the base of a fallen pillar, nimble fingers plucking the strings of his lyre and creating a lovely song. His eyes were closed, and he was smiling gently.

“1,000 years ago, the Falcon of the West was a noble lion,” he said in a storytelling voice. “With a mighty roar, she fought for the freedom of Monstadt’s oppressed and helped break the chains of tyranny that constricted this nation. After that, she gained her wings, and flew onward to godhood. Her story began here, in a place filled with heartbreak and death. It’s quite the tale, isn’t it? Don’t you think it’s a wonderful example of how humanity’s worst evils can give birth to its greatest goods?”

Cara didn’t answer. She stayed absolutely still, watching Venti’s every move.

The bard sighed. “Humans are incredible creatures. There are so many paths they can go down, and they can create so many things within the spans of their short lives. But because they are mortal, the gods underestimate them. They think humans are easy to manipulate and control simply because they think they’re weaker. But you want to know what I think? I think this shows just how weak the gods really are. After all, when you're obsessed with controlling the lives of humans, doesn’t that prove which is greater? If all it takes is for humans to stop believing in you for you to lose your power, just how omnipotent can you, as a god, really be?”

He opened his eyes and finally looked at her. That smile was so deceiving. “Humans and gods alike worship the Creator. It’s practically one of the only things we all see eye-to-eye about! So how do you think we feel when someone pretends to be the Creator and tries to convince others to worship them? Do you think Teyvat is any place for a false god?”

“Is that what you see me as?” Cara asked him. “A false god? Nothing more?”

He giggled and ignored her question. “Did you hear my song?”

“It would’ve been impossible for me not to.”

“I knew that. A bard’s talent lies in his ability to capture attention! What sort of performer would I be if you hadn’t heard it?” He put his lyre away, stood up, and stretched. “Where’s the holy lyre?”

Cara took out her backpack and pulled out the Holy Lyre der Himmel. Venti observed her with the lazy air of an uninterest. “Guess you went through all that trouble of stealing it for nothing, huh? Sorry about that. I could have let you have your great moment of ‘summoning’ me, but, well, I just didn’t feel like going through all of the theatrics of pretending such a trick actually works.” He nonchalantly shrugged.

“Wait. It…it doesn’t?”

He grinned cheekily. “Best not to get pivotal information from little kids from now on, okay?”

Bastard. Cara gritted her teeth. “You’ve been watching me ever since I arrived in Teyvat, haven’t you? You’ve seen all that’s happened, from the moment I was first arrested until now. You know everything.”

His smile widened. “Just because you can’t feel the wind blowing doesn’t mean it isn’t there.”

“I swear, if you even think about hurting my friends-”

“Oh, relax. I’m not going to hurt anyone. Well, not anyone except for you, of course.” He chuckled at that. “You would think me so low that I would harm my own people? Shame on you, little imposter! I’m no monster!”

“I don’t have time for this.” She raised the holy lyre over her head. “Give me your gnosis, or I’ll break the lyre. Don’t think I won’t do it.”

Venti stared at her for a moment, then burst out into laughter. Cara did not feel the least bit enlivened as she watched him nearly topple off of the pillar. “You won’t break it!” he chortled.

“Try me,” she countered.

He continued to laugh. He wasn’t taking this seriously. He wasn’t taking her seriously. She wasn’t a threat to him. Knowing that made this whole situation ever the more terrifying.

“You won’t break it,” he repeated after finally composing himself. “You care far too much to ever go through with such an action.”

The hand holding the lyre started to shake. She squeezed its frame and raised it even higher, bracing her arm to throw it down with all of her strength. She only got so far before she stopped herself. Drawing in a breath, she tried again; her hand refused to let it go.

Venti watched on in amusement. “See? You can’t do it. Your mind is telling you to, but your heart won’t let you go through with the deed.” His voice was sweet and light, singsongy and haunting, a siren call pulling her out to sea so she could be drowned. “You won’t break it because you love me.”

Her eyes widened and her heart broke. She staggered a little, rocked by what he had just said.

He laughed again, though this time, he sounded so much crueler. “Poor little imposter, she loves the bard who will bring about her end! So silly, so stupid, to think the enemy could be her friend!”

“If you know I love you,” she said quietly, “then why don’t you recognize me? Why don’t you remember?” Of course, she already knew the answer to this. It was because of the Madness. Whatever it was doing to him prevented the memories they had made together from making it through. The adventures they had went on when she possessed either him or the avatar of the Traveler…pulling for him, ascending him, fighting domains and bosses with him on her team…any recollection of her, and thus any love for her he had, was locked deep away by the threads of the Abyss.

His laughter died and he pursed his lips. For a moment, his devious smile softened into a troubled frown.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I don’t know why you love me. For some time, I thought it was fake. Just a big manipulation to deceive me and use me against Her Grace. But now I can feel it. Your love is real.” His smile returned. “And it’s going to be your downfall. If you can’t find it within yourself to hurt me, then you’ll be making my job a whole lot easier.”

Through the temple, the wind began to blow. Violent gusts whipped painfully at her skin and caused her to nearly lose her balance due to how powerful they were. Around the entire temple, to her utter shock and horror, a cyclone began to form, cutting the amphitheater off from the rest of the world. Roiling, screaming, wailing, the wind grew and grew, rising up from all sides in a mighty column of teal and dark gray. Cara looked back at Venti and saw he was no longer smiling. A dark expression took over his face as his eyes and braids glowed a bright blue. His cape flapped madly behind him as he glared at her with enough hatred to make her want to cry. A shadow was cast over him-and then it was over her, and the entire temple as a whole. The tornado containing them was so strong, so fervent, all light from the sun was blotted out and it was as if they were trapped in a perceptual state of developing storms.

“Venti, please, stop!” Cara’s cry was nearly lost in the wind. “It doesn’t have to be this way!”

“You knew it was going to come down to this from the very start.” Venti prowled towards her predatorily. Each step he took made Cara take equal steps back. “I’ll admit, it’s been fun watching you run around like a chicken without its head. But now I think it’s time for the hunt to end, and for you to end up dead.”

Cara looked behind her. The massive tornado encircling the temple was so violently thick, she couldn’t even see past it anymore. The howling of the wind was like the shrieking of the souls of the dead. A foreshadowing to her own possible fate. There was no way out of this. She had bitten off more than she could chew. Albedo had been wrong-she wasn’t ready to take on an Archon. She had never seen Venti display this amount of power before. Terror had her in its grip, and she soon found that she couldn’t move, her legs rooted in place as her chest tightened and panic spread its infectious tendrils throughout her body and mind.

“Aw, what’s the matter?” Venti regarded her with a tilt of his head, large eyes filled with taunting amusement as he smiled mockingly. “Gonna cry? Is your life flashing before your eyes? Are you afraid?”

Albedo. Kaeya. Razor and Bennett. Klee and Sucrose. Noelle. Fischl and Oz. Diona. Nick and Casey. Her family. Her own world. Their faces flashed through her mind and fizzled away when she desperately tried to reach out and grab them. A single tear rolled down her cheek.

She was not immortal. She was not the original Caratrice. She was not a god of limitless power who could take on an Archon and win.

But she was going to have to try to be. Because there was no turning back.

“Little imposter.” Venti’s voice boomed, loud, threatening. When she looked into his eyes, she saw flashes of dead gods with giant arrows sticking out of their mangled bodies. Battlefields doused in the blood of the Archon War’s losers while the champion hovered above them all, white wings so large they could overtake the entire sky, eyes blazing, wind rising, a primal force of total destruction. Barbatos.

People back in her world always doubted Venti’s true potential.

If only they could see the glimpses of the past she was perceiving right now.

“Little imposter,” Venti rumbled. “I’ll ask again. Are you afraid?”

“Venti,” she responded. Shakily, begging. “Please don’t make me do this.”

He didn’t reply, only smiled. The Elegy for the End materialized in his hands. String pulled taut, bow nocked and ready. A pause wedged itself between them.

She breathed in, and out.

You love me. You care too much.

“Forgive me,” she whispered to the Venti she knew was buried somewhere deep inside of the god standing against her. She took off her mask and slipped it carefully into her backpack, along with the Holy Lyre der Himmel.

She gently pulled away the bandages covering the right side of her face. When they were all gone, she blinked her injured eye open. She could see out of it perfectly; it was fully healed, or at least healed enough for her to see now. For this battle, she was going to need her full vision.

Venti laughed. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

She pulled out her sword and charged.

With lightning-quick reflexes, Venti raised his bow and released a flurry of arrows. Cara saw them coming and ducked, dropping to the ground and letting them sail over her before she was on her feet again and running. Venti’s hands moved with inhuman speed, conjuring one arrow after another. Cara dodged to the left when one came dangerously close to piercing her right arm, but unintentionally allowed another arrow to graze the skin of her cheek. A tiny streak of gold followed the arrow’s wake. She winced, but ignored the pain.

“One score for me!” Venti cheered. “Let’s see how many more scars I can give you!”

Cara raised her arm and without her even having to think about it, a golden shield was summoned from beneath her skin. Anemo-infused arrows bounced harmlessly against it as she ran forward. Venti laughed. “Oh, so you think your shield will be enough to stop me? Think again, little imposter! Remember that I’m the god of the wind!” He lifted his hand and made a swiping motion, and a gigantic gust of wind hit her and sent her careening backwards, leaving her right back where she started. Cara gasped as the air was knocked out of her. She barely had enough time to recollect herself and hold her shield in front of her so a fresh wave of arrows wouldn’t pierce her from every direction.

She had to get to cover. There was no way she was going to make any sort of progress if she kept trying to simply run towards him. If she did, he would just continue to blow her away. He wanted to keep her back; on top of being mostly a ranged fighter, it was also integral for him to be as far away from her as possible so she couldn’t get the chance to fight back. Her skills lied within close combat, as did an opportunity to take his gnosis. If she was going to survive this battle, she was going to have to trick him into lowering his guard.

She pushed herself up and ran behind a fallen column, blocking arrows with her shield as she did so. Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath, her back pressed against the rough stone as she listened to the howl of the wind and Venti’s maniacal laughter. “So you're choosing to hide?” he called out. “How cute! You think that’ll be enough to protect you? I can make this stone crumble into dust!” A blast of Anemo slammed into the column, rocking it violently. Cara lurched forward with a slight gasp. Little cracks splintered across its surface. A few more of those wind attacks, and it was going to completely fall apart.

“Come out, come out!” Venti sang. Another blast of wind. “We’re not done playing yet!” And then another. “You know this fight can’t last forever! If I don’t kill you directly, then the tornado around us will! Aren’t you feeling a little lightheaded? Finding it hard to breathe, perhaps?”

Oh god, he’s right. Cara clutched her chest. Being inside a tornado meant lower oxygen levels. She could feel it getting more and more difficult to take in a full gulp of air with each passing moment. How much longer before she passed out? If she did, she would be completely vulnerable, and then Venti would have the chance to…to…

Stop thinking like this! She lightly hit the heel of her palm against her head. This is what he wants. He wants you to panic so you’ll act without thinking. You're giving him the advantage! She had to think this through, quickly and thoroughly. Her time was running out. All of the odds were against her, so if she wanted to change that, she was going to have to do something soon.

“Aw, don’t be so worried!” Venti giggled. “I’ll make sure you don’t die immediately! Where’s the fun in that? I want to play around with you some more. Now, come out!” A final wind blast broke the column, sending bits of stone flying everywhere as he split it cleanly down the middle. The moment he did this, Cara took off running, sprinting parallel to where he was standing, staying close to the tornado wall. There was another fallen column nearby. She hid right behind it, waiting for him to react.

Just as she anticipated, he released another wind slice. She ran forward just as it hit and destroyed the column. Another pillar sat in front of her, this one a little bit closer to Venti than the other had been. She hid behind it, waiting. Surely enough, another wind blast came, slicing the stone apart. With each pillar Venti destroyed, she inched closer, closer, gaining ground and using the columns as a distraction. It was obvious the bard was getting frustrated, because he was no longer laughing gleefully and was now frowning, displeased. “Will…you…stop… hiding?” he yelled, releasing yet another Anemo attack. This time, it hit a pillar that was still standing straight. It shuddered and slowly toppled forward, right for the column he was standing on. Venti swiftly dodged, easily flitting to the side and avoiding being crushed as swiftly as a bird flies through the air. This was what she wanted.

She pushed forward and ran with all of her might, reaching out with the intention to tackle. She saw him turn towards her slightly, eyes widened in disbelief to see her so close.

And then he smiled. And he was gone.

It was like she was suddenly moving in slow motion. With no way to stop him, she watched him sidestep her, raise his hand, and conjure up a whirling ball of Anemo. With a crack ringing through the air, he hit her with the elemental ball and sent her propelling forward. She crashed into the pillar he had been standing on only moments before and slumped to the ground, her ears ringing as she felt nothing but pain.

He was laughing again. “Oh, that was hilarious! You really thought you could outpace the god of the wind? Did you do any sort of research before you accepted this battle?”

An arrow replaced the Elegy for the End in his right hand, and he sped forward with incredible speed. Cara raised the Prototype Rancour just in time. The Anemo-strengthened arrow clashed against it.

“It’s a shame I have to kill you,” Venti sighed, feigning regret. “You're fun to play around with. You were being oh-so predictable, and then you sprung a trick like that upon me! And here I was thinking this was going to be boring!” He smiled menacingly. “You better keep impressing me, little imposter. You don’t want me to get bored too soon!” Too fast for her to react, he jabbed the arrow into her leg, right below her knee. She screamed out in agony and swung her sword wildly at him, but he jumped back and fluttered off with high laughter carrying over the cyclone’s raging winds.

It was getting more and more difficult to breathe. Each inhale was desperate and shaky. On the precipice of her mind, she felt fuzzy numbness, the promise of unconsciousness growing closer. Gritting her teeth and letting out a strangled cry, she yanked the arrow out of her leg and threw it away. Golden ichor poured from the wound.

“You better do something fast or I’m going to kiiiill yooou!” Venti sang. He started shooting arrows at her again. Ignoring the pain in her leg, Cara forced herself to run, this time going directly for him. Her time was limited. She had to end this now.

This battle was unlike any fight she had ever been in before. Diluc, Jean, Rosaria, and the rest of the hunters had fought with the intention of getting up close and personal. Even Albedo, who had obviously been holding much of his true strength back during their practice fights, had done much of the same. She was used to facing opponents with swords. Venti’s attack style left her feeling clumsily unfit for any kind of fight. He released arrows so quickly, barely giving her time to knock them away with her sword. When she did get close to him, he would always unleash an Anemo attack to knock her away. It was difficult, frustrating, and anxiety-inducing. At any moment she could run out of oxygen, and then she’d be finished. This dance between her and him had to be over if she wanted to survive.

“Your shield hasn’t appeared since we first began,” Venti idly chattered away. “Are you having a bit of trouble controlling those powers of yours? I see the way they react to your emotions. You were so determined before, and now you look like you're really down in the dumps. Are you starting to lose hope, perhaps? You have to have realized by now that there’s no way you can win this. A sword can do very little against a bow…c’mon, why don’t you just give up? There’s no shame in it, y’know. I promise I’ll give you a quick, painless death if you do.”

Her frustration was rising. She did not reply.

Venti released another arrow. “Or you can keep trying. I don’t mind it, really! More fun for me!”

She was getting nowhere. This battle was entirely in his favor. Cara’s veins lit up gold as she roared and charged him. All of her exhaustion, caution, and fear was thrown to the wind, and she lifted her sword and swung it at him with the intention of knocking away his bow. Venti looked quite startled to see her gain so much ground. The Elegy for the End was recalled, and he crossed his arms in front of him while his braids and eyes began to glow. A sigil of the Anemo Archon appeared below him. An updraft of wind helped him float into the air.

Cara let her sword dissolve away. She reached up and grabbed Venti’s ankle, then yanked him down with all of her strength. The bard was slammed into the ground, hard. She held him down and raised her fist, not even noticing how her entire hand was completely gold. All she could feel was anger, all she could sense within herself was desperation. She was done playing by his rules. Now, it was her turn to attack.

Venti’s eyes widened. “Wait-!” he started to say, but his voice cut off into a strangled noise when she wrapped her hand around his neck. Cara’s blood was pumping. Her heart was pounding. Now is your chance, she thought she could hear her own voice whisper into her ear. Defeat him. Show him what you are capable of. This Archon is nothing compared to your power. You are above him. Take his gnosis. Win!

She was about to. She really was. With her left hand still holding him down by his throat, she pressed her right hand against his chest, feeling his own heart beating frantically, and then along with it, an unnatural warmth. The area right above his heart began to glow.

And then her eyes strayed to his. She saw the fear within him. She saw the pain. She blinked.

Wait.

I’m…I’m hurting him.

Venti was indeed gasping in pain. As her hand sunk into the cavity of his heart and her fingers closed around the shape of his gnosis, she noticed him let out a cry. Her will faltered, and her face fell. The hand around his neck lightened. I’m hurting him. I’m hurting him. I don’t want to hurt him. I love him. I don’t want to cause him pain.

Her own voice inside her head howled at her to continue. Her life depended on this! He wouldn’t be in pain forever! He was trying to kill her! She had to go through with this or she was going to die!

But it was too late. Cara hesitated. That single fleeting moment was all the time Venti needed to release a powerful burst of Anemo that emanated from his entire body and send her careening back in a shockwave of wind. The gnosis was lost from her grasp. She crashed into the ground and rolled on to her side, her own breath lost within her.

All of her anger and frustration with Venti vanished in her pain. She coughed and slowly pushed herself to her feet, clutching her side as she wheezed. Everything hurt. The leg wound Venti gave her had already healed, but now it was beginning to ache again. The light in her blood slowly ebbed away. Once again, her power was lost to her.

The tornado’s intensity was elevated. Cara’s hair whipped around as she was battered by its winds. Bits of the Thousand Winds Temple were being cracked off and sucked into the cyclone. She heard a growl; she saw Venti slowly rise to his feet, wobbling a little as he panted. His hand was over his heart. He looked at her with hooded eyes, furious, terrifying.

“You…just made…a very, very big mistake,” he said.

And then a gust of wind carried him into the air. She watched, in fascinated horror, as white feathers began to sprout from his arms, out of his legs, and then his face and even his hair. The wind ripped them off and caused them to swirl around him until he was completely obscured by a whirling cocoon of feathers.

Two gigantic white wings broke through and spread to an impressive length. The feathers were swept away with each beat. And out of them emerged a god shining with the essence of Anemo. He hovered in the air, as radiant as an angel. He was so absolutely beautiful, it physically hurt to look at him.

When the god spoke, immense pressure slammed into her and made her nearly sink to her knees. The aura this being possessed was so incredibly raw and powerful, it made her mind go blank and her body go absolutely haywire. All she could hear was the roar of the wind. She felt like she was being pierced by a million arrows, her flesh being torn, her consciousness being ripped to shreds. She was going insane. Just being in his presence was driving her mad.

“Imposter,” he announced, and his voice was amplified by the scream of the tornado, so that it sounded like it was coming from every direction and bombarding her. “Say my name. Say it, so that you may remember the Archon who damned your soul to the Abyss for sullying the name of Her Grace, the Almother.”

Cara had no choice but to comply. The wind gripped her and forced the name to march out of her mouth. “Barbatos,” she breathed.

The god smiled. “Good. Now die.”

The Elegy for the End materialized, but this time, an absolutely massive arrow made out of pure Anemo energy was formed and released from it. Cara snapped out of whatever stupor Barbartos’ presence had inflicted on her and threw herself out of the way when the arrow slammed down into the ground and shattered the Thousand Winds Temple’s floor. More followed. She was running for her life as she dodged the elemental arrows with heads big enough to take off her entire arm if contact was made.

“I told you what Her Grace wanted me to do to you,” Barbatos snarled from above. “And now I’m going to go through with it. Playtime is over. I’ve had my fun with you. Now I want you out of my sight.” He flapped his wings and lunged for her, swooping over the amphitheater like a bird of prey. Cara yelped and dodged. Where Barbatos flew, a trail of destruction followed in his wake. Whatever he swooped over was decimated by Anemo energy. If she hadn’t gotten out of the way in time, she would have ended up like that too.

I can’t fight this, she realized. Not when he’s in this state. Venti she could just barely handle. But Barbatos? In no way was she equipped to beat him in battle. His power of flight gave him the ultimate advantage, and she could not reach him if he was constantly in the air. How was she going to do this?

Use your power, the voice inside her head whispered. Take his wind and make it your own. Force him to remember you.

Barbatos rose high into the air and held out his hand. A wind spear formed, and he hurled it at her with incredible speed and strength. Her first instinct was to run…but then something told her to do otherwise. She raised her hand and watched her palm light up gold. The spear shuddered and slowed. It started to glow gold, and then it exploded. Barbatos was hit by the force and fell back with a shriek.

She stood there in utter disbelief. What…what had she just done?

“Seizing control of my Anemo won’t do you any good!” Barbatos yelled at her. The Archon formed more wind spears, throwing one after another at her. Some of them she deflected with her sword. Others she used her own power to throw against him, the golden light blasting him in the face and causing him to screech in pain like a wounded eagle. It made her heart ache to hurt him like this, but she couldn’t hold back due to her feelings and empathy. She needed that gnosis. Whatever it took, she was going to get it.

“Barbatos!” she yelled at him. “This fight is meaningless!” She dodged a giant wind arrow. “I’m not your enemy! Please, listen to me!”

He didn’t answer. He dived to attack her again, and she had to run to avoid the destructive Anemo whirling behind him. She kept pleading to him. “I don’t know you as the god of the wind or Lord Barbatos! I know you as Venti! You're funny, you’re kind, and you are not meant to be a puppet of the Madness! You are greater than anything the Abyss can throw at you!”

The tornado roared. Cara’s knees grew weak as she looked into the face of the god hovering before her. “You need to recognize me!” She dodged the wind strikes by a hair’s length as she ran. “I’m your warrior!” She leapt over a fallen pillar and blocked a series of wind spears. “Don’t you remember? We’ve been through so much together! We’re friends!”

Barbatos screamed in frustration and sent forth a giant Anemo-infused arrow. It came zooming towards her, but she reacted in time and shot out her hand. Golden light shattered through her skin, and the arrow stuttered to a halt, its tip inches away from impaling her. She grimaced under the weight of the wind bearing down upon her; the will of the Anemo Archon was trying to crush her to bits. “Venti!” she yelled at the top of her lungs. “You need to remember who I am!”

Her power overtook the arrow and possessed it. Cara filled it with all of her feelings and memories, of the joy she felt when she had first gotten him during one of his banners, of the journeys they had been on together, of the events, the festivals, the songs and the love she felt for him deep within her heart. Come back to me. Listen to me. We know each other. Let me set you free. The arrow, having a new target, circled and barreled right back for Barbatos. The Archon faltered, his face falling into an expression of confused shock. He didn’t have enough time to move out of the way.

The arrow, golden, pierced his heart. Where a wound should have formed, there was light. Barbatos’ eyes widened, and a gasp was flung from his lips. The red was chased out of his irises and was replaced with the healing elixir of aureation. He looked at Cara.

“Windblume?” he murmured, as soft as a whispering breeze.

And then his wings gave out and the god of the wind crumpled, his entire body going limp while he fell through the sky like an injured bird or a dying dragon. Barbatos crashed into the ruins of the Thousand Winds Temple with a rumbling boom. Dust and bits of stone sprayed everywhere. Some of the few remaining standing pillars finally fell, adding to the cacophony of noise.

“Venti!” Cara cried. She ran to where he fell, fear and worry spurring on her actions.

Within a crater of rubble the form of the defeated god laid, his wings curled around him as if they were attempting to shield him from the outside world. She dared not get too close, aware of just how powerful this form of his was. One wack from his wing, and she would be killed immediately. But was he alive? Was he okay? She couldn’t tell if he was breathing. What if she killed him?

“Venti.” Her voice was desperate. She felt like she was about to burst into tears. “Venti, please, get up. Please!”

The god did not move. Cara covered her mouth in horror and stumbled back. She dropped her sword and squeezed her eyes shut. I killed him. I killed him. Oh dear god, he’s dead. This can’t be happening. I’m a monster. I’m-

A low groan made her eyes fly open. She watched, frozen in place, as Barbatos slowly dragged himself out of the hole. When he stood, he towered over her, much taller than he was in his mortal form. His wings flared as he struggled to keep his balance, giving him an even more intimidating appearance. However, the reality was anything but. Barbatos looked exhausted, his head bent as he wobbled. Cara held her breath, afraid to say anything. The relief she felt at seeing him alive fought bitterly with her fear of him. She wanted oh-so badly to run up to him and give him the biggest hug, but she was too afraid he would try to attack her if she did so. So she stayed put and waited.

Barbatos looked at her. His eyes were filmed over with tears. And then he fell to his knees.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry.”

Cara didn’t say a word.

Tears streamed down Venti’s cheeks as he sobbed out the same watery words over and over again. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I’m sorry!” His wings shuddered and fell to his sides, snowy feathers stained gray from dust and dirt. He descended into a blubbering mess, completely breaking down. Any menace, any fury, any hatred for her vanished in the wind.

Cara, feeling the full effects of the injuries she had procured during their fight, now that her adrenaline was wearing away, drew in a deep, deep breath. She limped over to Venti and knelt down in front of him. He stared at her with an expression of pure regret and heartbreak, green eyes wide and guilty, little whimpers leaving his mouth as he continued to cry. He spoke no longer; he seemed to be awaiting a reaction from her, most likely a negative one.

Cara didn’t say anything. She leaned forward and gathered him into a tight hug.

He stiffened in shock for only a moment before he melted into the embrace and hugged her back, his soft sobs elevating to muffled wails when he buried his face into her shoulder. Warmth encompassed her when his wings wrapped around her, holding her close, soft feathers brushing against her cheeks and back. Cara squeezed him gently.

“It’s okay,” she murmured to him. “It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not,” Venti hiccuped. “It’s not okay at all. I-I hurt you. I hunted you. I hated you. I wanted to kill you. I-I didn’t even realize…how could I have not realized? How couldn’t I have known? The Madness…the false Creator…oh, gods, you can’t forgive me. I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Cara rubbed his back soothingly. “Do you remember me?”

“I remember everything,” he replied. “My god, my warrior, my windblume, my muse. You came to me in the form of another all of those ages ago and I’ve been yours ever since. I’ve worshiped you for millennia, since before I was even an Archon. Your Grace…you’ve freed me from the corruption.”

Cara’s cheeks blushed a slight red. She smiled a little and chuckled. “Just Cara is fine. No need to call me Your Grace. Though, even if I tell you that, I’m guessing you're just going to keep saying it regardless of what I tell you to call me.”

“Cara.” Venti sighed, and a gentle wind blew. The cyclone was slowly dissolving away, and above them, the sun peeked through the clouds and cast its warmth upon them. “I like that name. I’ve never been a god that’s particularly fond of formal titles.”

Cara chuckled again. There’s the Venti I know.

“I’m sorry.” Venti sniffled. “I’m sorry. I-I’ve committed horrible acts against you. All of Monstadt has. We-we were cruel. Heartless. The Madness has fogged our minds for so long…”

Cara gave him one last gentle squeeze before she pulled away. He unfurled his wings and stood up with her. His hand went to interlock with hers, and she accepted. “How long has this been going on?” she asked him.

With his other hand, Venti wiped his tears away. “Years. The Creator-well, I guess I should say the false Creator now-descended to Teyvat…20 years ago? 50? I-I can’t remember. The exact number is foggy…I distinctly recall her arriving long before you chose me to be a Vessel. But when it happened, all of Teyvat rejoiced…except Teyvat itself. The wind hates the false Creator. It despises her. I should have taken it as a sign back then, I should have realized there was something wrong.” He shook his head sorrowfully. “But by then, I guess it was already too late.”

“How does the Madness spread?”

“I don’t know. I can’t remember when I was infected. I didn’t even know I was infected until you freed me. All I know is that it filled me with a deep anger, a hatred so red it tasted like blood on my tongue. It was a hatred for anyone who might speak or act against the false Creator.”

Cara sighed. None of these answers helped solve the mystery of the Madness. “It’s so strange…all of Monstadt seems to be infected by it, even non-Vision-holders. And for the people that aren’t infected by it, their fear of the false Creator and her capabilities keeps them in line…just what sort of entity is this true imposter?”

Venti was silent for a moment as he thought. Then he gasped and flapped his wings excitedly. “I think I’ve got it! The false Creator doesn’t just infect the Madness willy nilly! She targets specific people! National leaders like Jean, ruthless fighters like Diluc, Archons like me! The more positions of power she can indirectly control through the Madness-infected Vessels, the stronger she is!”

“Holy shit Venti, you're right.” Now that she thought about it, such an idea certainly made a lot of sense. “But then why isn’t Kaeya infected? He’s the Cavalry captain, I’d consider that a position of power. Bennett and Razor know the land really well and would work as excellent trackers…why aren’t they infected, too?”

“Probably because they’re three of the new Nine Choirs,” Venti answered matter-of-factly.

Cara stared at him.

“I’m sorry, what?” she said.

“The Nine Choirs? You mean you haven’t heard of them? They were nine Vision-holders who were chosen to become Caratrice’s envoys and ascend to godhood. Each of them had a specific ideal they represented so that they could help protect Teyvat from Armageddon’s corruption. When Caratrice died, there was really no need for them, so they disappeared, and were eventually replaced with Celestia and the Seven. But now that you’ve returned, and there’s an obvious crisis happening in Teyvat right now, the Nine Choirs are needed again! Kaeya, Bennett, Razor…you’ve chosen them to ascend to godhood.”

Another bout of silence from Cara. She felt slightly dizzy as she was fed this information. “H-Huh?”

Venti looked at her with newfound concern. “Are you alright? Are you going to faint? Please, hold onto me, I won’t let you fall. I know this is, ah, quite a lot to take in after surviving a battle with an Archon.” He chuckled nervously.

“D-Do Kaeya, Bennett, and Razor know about this?” she asked him.

Venti scrunched his nose and hummed while he thought. “Mmm, I don’t think so. If they’ve ascended to godhood already, trust me, you’d know. A lot of…physical changes would happen. But don’t worry, it’ll happen soon enough! One of them will ascend eventually, and then the rest will follow! You just need to keep an eye out for the lucky Vessel who will be the first.”

“I want you to be one of the new Nine,” Cara said without thinking. She blurted out the words with no hesitation. “I want you to come with us. Please. Don’t stay here. Now that you're free, the false Creator will know, and she’ll come for you. I can protect you if you're with me. Venti, please, come with us.”

Venti’s mouth dropped. “You…want me to be one of the new Nine? After everything that just happened…after the things I’ve done to you…you’d choose me for such a high honor? Aren’t…aren’t you afraid of me? Don’t you hate me?”

“Venti. Look at me.” She held his face in her hands. “I could never, ever hate you. I don’t hold any of this against you. You aren’t the person who has to be punished for this. I forgive you for what you’ve done. I forgive Monstadt, and everyone in it who hunted me. I couldn’t get myself to hate any of you even if I tried.”

Tears started to well up in Venti’s eyes again. “You…you're so kind. So very, very kind. To forgive a sinner like me to the point where you even want me to stand by your side as one of your apostles…you truly are the Creator.” He hugged her again, his forehead resting against hers. “I love you.”

Cara’s bottom lip quivered. Tears of her own slid off of her chin. “I love you too. I love you so very much, Venti.”

Venti’s sigh was soft. Reserved. Final. “…But I can’t come with you.”

She felt her heart sink. He seemed to sense it, because a soft noise that sounded oddly like the coo of a dove rumbled in his throat, and he held her with his wings. “It’s not that I don’t want to. I want nothing more than to accept your offer. But…I’m an Archon. And if I accept a seat with the Nine, I lose my position with the Seven. Then Monstadt will be without a god, and the false Creator will know I’ve been freed. She’ll go after the people in the city… everyone, not just the infected Vision-holders. Monstadt will be reduced to a pile of rubble. I-I can’t let that happen. I just can’t.”

Thinking of Monstadt being completely destroyed made Cara feel sick. She quickly agreed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spring such an idea on you. I should have thought of the consequences-”

“Don’t apologize,” he quickly reassured. “You have nothing to apologize for. As the Creator, you are allowed to invite anyone you deem as favorable to accept a seat in the Nine. If Monstadt weren’t in the circumstances of today, I would accept. I really, really would. But I can’t. I have to remain here to keep Monstadt safe. Please understand.”

“I do. I do understand. You don’t have to worry.” Cara gave him a tearful smile. “This is why you're one of my favorites.”

Venti squeaked and fluttered back. “I-I’m one of your favorites?”

“What, is that so hard to believe?” Cara laughed when she saw his flustered reaction.

“K-Kinda!” Venti replied, his hands flying to his face to hide the deep blush settling over his cheeks.

She laughed again. “See? This is why you're one of my favorites. I don’t think I could get any of the other Archons to react this way.” She sighed and let her shoulders slump a little. “Speaking of the other Archons…”

“You're heading to Liyue next.” Venti’s wings sagged sadly.

She nodded. “Mhm.”

“Going there…it won’t be easy for you. Liyue is the nation of contracts, the nation of law. Their god…is extremely faithful to the Creator. I guess that means he’s technically extremely faithful to you, but being the blundering buffoon he is, he was probably infected with the Madness long before I was, so…you can fill in the blanks from there. Your Grace…Cara…Liyue will be even more dangerous for you than Monstadt. There are beings there that don’t exist here, and if they see you, they will stop at nothing to kill you. Which is why…I’m going to give you this.”

He held out his hand and closed his fist. From between his fingers filtered a bright light. Cara had to squint a little when she watched in wonder as he opened his palm and up floated the Anemo gnosis. It hovered in the air, Anemo energy floating around it as it shined.

“Go on,” Venti softly encouraged. “Take it.”

She reached out a trembling hand, not knowing what to expect. Her fingers brushed against the cool metal of the gnosis’ surface, and a short tingle shot through her hand. When nothing happened, she grasped it, cradling it in her palms like it was the most delicate thing in the world. The gnosis floated just a little bit above the surface of her hands. Both her and Venti stared down at it.

“Huh.” Venti sounded disappointed. “I was sure something a little more dramatic might happen.”

She opened her mouth, intending to say “Well, what am I supposed to do with it now?” when all of a sudden, the gnosis began to hum, and a blinding light exploded from it and overtook her entire vision.

She felt her body lift off of the ground-how, she didn’t know, but it was definitely happening-and her back tipped until she was belly-up, facing what she assumed was the sky. She couldn’t see anything except pure teal-green light, and she couldn’t hear anything except for the humming of the gnosis. It was vaguely familiar to when she had traveled through the teleport waypoint subspace. However, unlike that time, she was not in any pain. She did not feel panicked. Instead, she felt oddly at peace, like this was meant to happen. The light soothed her, and the humming implored her to relax. Her eyes fluttered shut.

Her arms moved on their own accord. They positioned over her chest, and she felt her heart jump. The gnosis, still in her hands, pulsed in tandem with the beating of her heart. She felt its base settle on her chest. An intense warmth seeped into her, winding through her body. Wind began to pick up all around her, swirling around her arms, her legs, and traveling all the way directly into her heart and soul. She accepted the power without even having to think about it. The wind was in her. It knew her.

The light dimmed, and Cara gently floated down to the ground.

“Cara? Your Grace?” Venti’s voice spoke frantically above her. “Are you alright? Can you hear me?”

Her eyes opened and she breathed in and out deeply as she stared up at his familiar face. She sat up, searching for the gnosis, only to realize that it had disappeared.

“The gnosis,” she said. “Where is it?”

“Didn’t you feel it?” Venti answered. He pointed at her chest. “It’s right in there.”

She looked down and saw nothing but her own body. But then the wind blew, and she was startled when she heard its voice. It was not Venti. It was not a physical, corporal voice she could hear, but rather something she could sense. It was all around her, flowing with the breeze, because it was the breeze itself.

“The gnosis is part of you now,” Venti said. “It no longer has a physical form. You’ve gained control over Anemo. Nothing can hold you back from using it as I can.”

As he said this, a small Anemo symbol pulsed directly over her heart once before disappearing. She was silent, comprehending everything that had just happened.

“Are you alright?” Venti asked.

She nodded, then shook her head, and then nodded again. How was she supposed to respond? “I…I really have Anemo powers now?”

“Yup!” Venti puffed out his chest, obviously prideful. “The wind is at your service, Your Grace! How do you feel? You want to test your new abilities out?”

Cara held out her hand. “What do I do? Do I just-"

Anemo energy started to swirl between her fingertips. She shrieked when she felt the rush of the wind and snatched her hand back, shaking it a little. Venti let out a little shout of glee. “It works!”

“Oh my god.” She started to laugh. “Oh my god. Ohmygodohmygodohmygod, I have Anemo powers! Holy shit!”

Venti looked absolutely overjoyed with her reaction. “So, I’m guessing you're excited?”

“Excited? Excited? This is more than just excitement! This is absolutely incredible!” She held out her hand again. Dutifully, the wind bent to her will, little swirls of Anemo weaving between her fingers. It looked distinctly like the tail of a dragon with a large tuft of fur on the end. She watched it with wonder and delight, her heart racing. She felt airy and light, floating on cloud nine, absolutely floored that this was happening right now.

“I’m glad you're happy about it!” Venti’s laughter tapered off when he seemed to realize something. His expression fell into a look of sorrow. “I wish I could teach you how to truly control it. There’s so much I want to show you. There’s so much the two of us could do…but you can’t stay here.”

Cara’s hand dropped. The dragon’s tail dissipated, its furry end waving forlornly to her before disappearing.

“You have what you came here for,” Venti continued. “Now that you’ve restored a fraction of your power, the false Creator will sense it. The Anemo gnosis has been lost to her. When she finds out-and she will-the first person she’ll question will be me. You need to go. If you stay in Monstadt, she’ll find you.”

Even though she knew it was a lost cause, she begged him again. “Venti, please, come with us.”

“You know it’s impossible.”

“I know. I know it is. But I want to try. I can’t leave you here to face her. She’ll know you’ve been freed from her control. She’ll try to infect you again.”

Venti sighed softly. “I know. I want it to happen.”

She blanched, horrified. “What?”

“The false Creator will be too focused on me to worry about you while you flee Monstadt. By the time she’s done with me, you’ll be long gone. She doesn’t have control over the wind anymore. Once you're in Liyue, she won’t be able to track you as easily as she was able to before.”

“Venti, I’m not going to let you sacrifice yourself for me-“

“I’m not sacrificing myself.” Venti clutched her hands in his and pulled them to his chest. “I’m not, because I know you’ll come back for me. I know you’ll come back for all of us. You’ll destroy the Madness. This isn’t permanent. You and the Nine Choirs will save us all.”

“How do you know?” Cara asked with a hint of desperation. “How can you be so sure? I’m not like you. I don’t have the experience of an original Archon. I’m not the god you think I am.”

“No, you aren’t. You're someone entirely new. And that’s why I have so much faith in you. Because I’ve heard your voice, and I’ve felt your presence, and despite everything, no matter how many times we beat you and battered you down, you still got back up and fought again. You don’t fight to sacrifice. You fight to save. Trust me, there’s a huge difference.” He cupped her cheek, the cheek with her eye scar, and let his thumb trail against it, wiping away her rapidly forming tears. “You know, it’s strange to hold you like this. For so long, I’ve only ever known you as the god beyond the sky.”

Cara couldn’t help it. She laughed softly and leaned into his touch, sniffling. “Do you not like what you see?”

“I do. Because it’s still you. You're still Her Grace. You're still Cara.” He helped her up to her feet, supporting her while she trembled slightly and cried. “Go. Find Kaeya, Bennett, and Razor. The wind will guide you. Pass through the Stone Gate into Liyue. I’ll use my power to ensure you leave Monstadt safely. But after that, I won’t be able to do anything else.”

He was crying. Tears dripped down his freckled cheeks. A god weeping for the departure of his creator. She was moved by the sight and pulled him in for one final hug. “I love you, Venti.”

“I love you too.” He hugged her back. “Before you leave, I have something I want to give you. I see Albedo left you with a little keepsake to remember him by.” His wingtips tapped her Solar Isotoma keychain, making its light pulse.

Cara’s cheeks burned red, and she quickly stepped away. “W-Wait, it’s not what you think-“

He chuckled. “Don’t worry, I didn’t mean it like that. I only want to remind you that he’s not the only one who can give you heartfelt presents. Behold, a gift from the wind itself!”

He raised his arms and spread his wings. Wind gathered around him, and forming directly out of the Anemo energy he was calling forth, a beautiful wind glider materialized in front of her. Bright blue feathers knitted themselves to a bronze frame, creating a glider that fluttered with the wine’s breeze and gave her a distinct sense of freedom when she looked at it. She held out her hands, and the glider settled over them, surprisingly light and easy to carry.

“Tada!” Venti declared. “Your very own wind glider! You don’t seem to have one, and it’ll be a long time before you regain your own wings, so I thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I gave you a temporary pair?” It’s not true flight you’ll be doing with these, but they’re the next best thing!”

Cara ran her hand over the soft feathers. She was in awe of the craftsmanship and how something so intricately beautiful could be produced from nothing more than the wind.

“Do you like it?” Venti asked, a little shyly.

She beamed at him. “Venti, I love it. Thank you so much!” The glider dissolved into little bits of light that traveled to her back and disappeared directly over her shoulder blades.

He looked delighted. “I’m so glad! If you ever need to use it, rest assured that the wind will be there to catch you. I may not be able to truly protect you outside of Monstadt, but Teyvat can, and it will.” He was saddened again, and sighed. “It’s time for you to go.”

She nodded, protesting no longer. The two of them stood in silence for a moment. Then, she hugged him one last time. “I’m going to come back for all of you. I promise. I won’t forget.”

“I know you won’t.” Venti clung to her for a moment longer, then reluctantly pushed her away. “Now go. I’ll buy you guys some time. Be safe. Stay cautious. Your journey is only going to get harder from here.”

Her legs were heavy as lead when she forced herself to walk away. She waved goodbye to Venti, who was making no effort to hide his tears. She felt his gaze linger on her while she picked her way through the destroyed Thousand Winds Temple. She could not allow herself to look back. If she did, she knew she might go running back to him. Her time with the Venti she knew had been too short, but she would treasure it until she found herself back to him again.

She did not want to leave Monstadt. Not anymore. But she had no choice. Against all odds, she accomplished her first quest. She had the Anemo gnosis and kept her life. One down. Six more to go.

Onward to Liyue.

A few hours later, Venti still remained at the Thousand Winds Temple. He had reverted to his mortal disguise and had once again taken a seat on a fallen pillar to softly play his lyre. The sun was beginning to set, casting the world in its darkness. He could feel the wind whispering to him, telling him of Her Grace’s whereabouts. Southwest from here, towards the Stone Gate. When they pass through, you will be cut off. But we will always be watching over her.

He smiled. Though the Anemo gnosis was no longer with him, he felt assured that its powers were in the right hands. He was aware of the prophecy speaking of Caratrice’s reincarnation. Now that he was freed from the Madness, he could remember everything he had learned. The Abysmal powers that had previously infected him were comparable to that of a mask: it clouded his senses, obscuring his judgment and confusing his mind. When he looked back on how he had felt before Cara’s light cleansed him, all he could recall was anger and hatred. It was an unnatural feeling. The memories did not feel like his own. Even back in the Archon War days, when he had been in his prime, he had refused to act out on raw emotion. He did not consider himself a vengeful god. The Madness had turned him into a twisted version of himself that made him feel sick to his stomach.

If the Madness did that to someone like me, he thought, then what type of person has it turned Morax into?

The wind trembled. He felt fear.

Then, a foreign presence he knew, and now hated, entered his mind. His eyes opened and he smiled. The time has come. Just as he anticipated.

“Barbatos,” the false Creator hissed. Her voice no longer sounded as sweet as the Madness had made it out to be. “Where is she?”

He continued to gently strum his lyre. “I don’t know.”

“She isn’t in the city. She isn’t in Springvale. The Abyss cannot find her anywhere in Monstadt. You told me she was heading for your location. You assured me you had this under control. So what happened?”

Gods, her voice was sickening to listen to. Venti felt slightly ill. It felt like poison was slowly being injected into his bloodstream. “She never showed up. The winds don’t know where she is either. You better keep searching.”

The false Creator snarled. “You dare talk to me with that tone?”

“My apologies. I meant no offense by it.”

She was silent. If not for the oppressive mental force bearing down upon him, he would have thought she left. He held his breath and closed his eyes. Though he knew what would come next, he still found himself bracing.

Gigantic claws seized his brain. Venti’s eyes flew open and his mouth dropped in a silent scream as he was rendered immobile. His lyre dropped from his hands.

“Did you think you could fool me?” the false Creator whispered dangerously into his ear. “Barbatos…you traitor. You despicable rodent.”

“I am no traitor.” Venti struggled to speak, and yet he found it within himself to laugh. “I am freed. What sort of god of freedom would I be if not for that?”

“Silence!” The false Creator roared. “You are in no position to speak right now! Is she in Liyue? If she is, you know she will not survive there long. You are delivering her right into death’s claws!”

“You underestimate her. She won’t go down so easily. A dragon never loses its fire. She will fly again.”

The weight of the false Creator’s consciousness was growing heavier and heavier. “You will be punished for this, Barbatos. For your disobedience, you will suffer. I cannot kill you. But I can break you, and I will take you back as my pawn. Caratrice will be found. I will capture her. And when I do, you will be the one to kill her. I will take your hands and force them to carve out her heart, and I will make you watch as you kill the one you adore with as much freedom and clarity I can give you. Do you understand me? You have angered me greatly.”

“You…won’t find her.” Venti grimaced in pain. He could feel his entire body being squeezed, like he was being crushed, and it was excruciating. Barely able to speak, he managed to sputter out his final words. “I have seen the future. I know what will happen. The wind…will always be there to protect her. The wind…will forever love her like I do.”

The false Creator let out an infuriated bellow. The great claws clamped down on Venti, and this time, he did scream. His shriek of pain caused the wind to roil, and a great gust swept over the Thousand Winds Temple with enough force to rattle the ruins and whips wounds into the earth. Something was being pumped into his mind…and then it was in his body, and finally infecting his heart. The image of Cara’s smiling face was lost. He completely passed out.

When he awoke, all he could feel was anger, and all he could see was red.

#messianic aureation #genshin #genshin impact #sagau #genshin sagau #genshin cult au #sagau impostor au #venti #lord barbatos #barbatos #genshin impact fanfiction

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sweetalyssum · 1 year

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[Genshin 3.5 Spoilers] Cyno Lore Ramblings

Disclaimer: I'm using the English localization as reference, so idk how it holds up co mpared to the original Chinese. So joining the convo about the new Cyno lore. There's so little we know, and have seen people speculating back and forth and also making some assumptions. So here's me overthinking and over analyzing 2 lines of dialogue, and some chara stories. And hopefully clearing up some information.

For starters, this is what is mentioned regarding Cyno and the spirit so far.

More About Cyno II:

With my body as a vessel, I can harness the power of the spirit that dwells within me. This is possible in part due to my natural constitution, but also due to a deal I willingly made in the past. There's no reason to shy away from the topic. If I am to weigh the souls of others in this world as a matra, then I must also place my own soul on the scales to be judged in the same manner.

From Windblume Day 2 dialogue with Lisa: Lisa: I suppose you're something of a mentor to her (Collei), aren't you? Now that I think about it, the two of you aren't so dissimilar. The power of Hermanubis once brought you great suffering.

Cyno: That's all in the past now. Besides, Professor thankfully didn't treat me like a test subject for the priest's power like the higher-ups had hoped, even though I was a desert-dweller.

(For some context, in the webcomic the Fatui experimented on Collei when she was young, injecting her with "archon residue". In Cyno's words, "You can think of it as a kind of parasite." He seals it within her in the end.)

Just two lines of dialogue in this convo raise so many questions!! Because wow did this information come out of left field!!!

So at face value we find out:

Cyno's spirit caused him some suffering

He was brought up by professor Cyrus (100% unrelated to the Mondstat guy)

He was supposed to be a test subject

He refers to Hermanubis's power as "the priest's power"

It's not said outright what groups these "higher-ups" belong to, I'm guessing it's the Akademiya. Cyrus, a professor of the Akademiya at that time, took care of him. And in his letter to the Sucrose Mailbox, he does mention he had been living in the Akademiya since childhood. Cyno's Letter: You are correct to assume that I seldom lie. This has to do with my upbringing. As a desert-dweller who has been living within the Akademiya since my childhood, my unusual identity makes it hard for others to trust me — and it would have been harder still if I was not honest. As a result, I learned to talk less and speak no more than what is necessary.

Uncovering the secret behind the prophecy may come with its perils. If you need someone who would never lie, I can join you.

—

So to finally address the Hermanubis and priest's power thing.

To start, Hermanubis is a combo god of Hermes and Anubis in reality. Won't go into more details, but I do want to add he's also referred to as a symbol of Egyptian priesthood. Hermanubis has only two prior mentions:

Cyno's Vision story:

"…Some believe that Cyno is actually a descendant of King Deshret. They say that he grew up in a temple located in the Great Red Sand and was raised by a nameless Hermanubis priest who cultivated Cyno's will and strength before, when he was ready, bestowing upon him a Vision and requiring him to cross the desert all by himself to arrive at the Akademiya and enact Hermanubis' will…"

The second is the Lay of Al-Ahmar. From the description: "The veracity of the story cannot be determined", and it's written from the perspective of a Jinni. But regardless, it really only mentions Hermanubis once, as "one as wise as the greatest of sages", which doesn't say much anyways. I've heard some people think Hermanubis is King Deshret, but I highly doubt it.

Hermanubis also has Anubis's jackal head, influencing Cyno's headdress design. Who else is also depicted with a Jackal headdress???? Yep, this is how I segway into Kasala.

In the 3.1 AQ, we find Kasala's grave (with a massive Jackal statue) underground and find a recording of his last memories there. Alhaitham reads off the elegy, "Here lies our faithful priest, Kasala. His wisdom is a miracle among the people, deserving of high praise and admiration."

Following shortly is the cutscene of his memories: "...Were it not for Greater Lord Rukkhadevata from the forests, the damage would have been irreversible. She summoned the priests to build temples, and infused into them the divine power of life…"

"...I have spent my whole life since guarding one of these many temples, but now, my duty is coming to an end…"

So, all we know about Kasala is that he's a priest that served in the time of King Deshret, and helped run one of the temples to combat forbidden knowledge. Nothing concrete regarding Hermanubis so far. However, we do know that priests of Hermanubis are said to exist (or at least rumored to), as mentioned in Cyno's Vision story.

I'm speculating that Hermanubis priests do exist. Also going off the real life Hermanubis, perhaps the spirit once was the leader of the priests in King Deshret's time. And that Cyno is descended from those priests. But I guess we'll have to wait for more lore crumbs in the next limited event Cyno shows up in to learn more!!! (Cries)

Jotting down some other questions I have bc of two freaking lines of event dialogue + his chara story/voiceover lines:

How/when/why did Cyno become a vessel for Hermanubis

What deal did he make with Hermanubis

How/when/where did the Akademiya find Cyno

Where's Cyno really from in the desert

Cyno's "natural constitution" ? ? ?

How many people actually know he has a spirit in him

Once again, wtf is the Temple of Silence!!!!

Side notes, recently learned that one of the Caravan Ribat messages talks about Cyno: Message: "They say one of us from Aaru Village has become a high official at the Akademiya. We desert folk might well live a better life in the future."

Message: "I barely earn enough carrying these stones. But with a single order of carrying something like cans of knowledge, I could afford to get married back at my hometown."

Another Person's Message: "But I heard that that official happens to be one who tackles smuggling. I don't think that person will be on our side."

Message: "Tsk, that's how we desert folk end up like this. We don't unite."

[EDIT Mar 09: It's not directly stated to be about Cyno, but the topic of "tackling smuggling" seems like something the matra would deal with.] Interesting that maybe Cyno could be from Aaru Village…?? But no one recognized him in the AQ, so I'm a bit suspicious of its validity. It could be possible people would have forgotten who he was since it was years ago, but hm…

Also Cyno finally explicitly confirms himself as a Spantamad graduate. It's been implicitly confirmed for a while now, but it's nice to hear it from Cyno say so himself. I wanna know more about what else he knows regarding elements and what not…

(Banging on Mihoyo's door) Mihoyo explain!!! But also holy shit I'm absolutely eating up these crumbs. I love Cyno. Cyno best boy. I hope they add Cyrus too bc he sounds like a fun time. (I'm just delulu and wanna see Cyno shyly call him "dad" lmao. Also Cyno pls call Lisa your big sister.. I'M BEGGING. I play w CN audio so I just wanna hear "Lisa jiejie" lol)

Anyways if you made it through this word vomit, congrats but also I'm sorry…

#genshin impact #genshin lore #cyno #genshin spoilers #rambling hahaha #i love u cyno

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nyx-sagau-dreams · 2 years

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Hi there I go by Voidless! (She/They, albeit I'm fine with whatever). Welcome to the SAGAU space, I hope you can find some happiness here. Probably monoamorous and would prefer guys for this ask (with the exception of Childe)

To put it bluntly: I’m a child at heart, and fairly observant. It's not a challenge to figure out what someone’s feeling or thinking, their motives ect.

● I tend to be forthright with my emotions

● ENFP

● I like sharing bits of knowledge and fun anecdotes!

● Can be overly enthusiastic when socializing

● I’ve also gotten insecure, and assumed others don't like/distrust me without basis, proceeding to form an image in mind that's not true to who they really are. At the same time though it's really hard for me to judge a person for their past or secrets, I like to think I've seen it all

● From the outside, I’ve been described as being like Zhongli (Serious, goes on tangents and socially awkward). Very much enjoy flirty folk though, they make me feel loved

●Likes: museums, cool rocks, having a good laugh, travelling, anemo and electro slimes, civilizations of antiquity, and shopping

Hobbies: Anything under the sun! I sincerely wish I could live forever to do everything. I love to sing and tell stories and invoke the imagination. Also write and enjoy astronomy!

● I'm not unique, but I really do fear death. I can't live just to die. I still have plenty I want to experience and not enough time. Isolation is also terrifying, just being alone with your thoughts forever. But the scariest thing has to be dandelion leaves. Yeah.. I really don’t know either.

As for a scenario: How about recounting eachothers life stories. It'd be a moment of trust, relying on one another letting the wind take care of our burdens

Thank you so much for asking!

I have matched you with: Venti!

Venti can also be childish yet observant. He loves music, and is also afraid of death. And, as an Archon, he is far less likely to die than almost anyone else.

You said that you enjoy flirty people, and I think, in the right situations, Venti can be a HUGE flirt.

Venti is a very reassuring person, and I feel like even if he's having to keep secrets, he'd assure you that they won't come between you.

He's very physically affectionate. Venti tells a lot of stories through songs, and I'm sure he would tell you more and more jokes just to hear your laugh.

"... and so that's how I ended up in Mondstadt," you finished, waving your hand dramatically at the sky. You turned your head to Venti, who was laying on the ground next to you. "And the rest is history."

Venti snorted. "Not yet, but someday it will be."

"Okay fine, someday. But what about you?"

Venti laughed a quiet, solemn laugh. "My life is a bit hard to sum up, sweet songbird. Let me see." He raised his fingers off and started counting off on them. "I was born, helped in a rebellion when I was pretty young, lost a friend..." He went on for quite some time. "And then there was that whole deal with Dvalin and the traveler. That was a rough time."

You giggled. "You sound a thousand years old," you teased, fully aware as to why.

"Hmm, I can't imagine what reason that might be for."

A peaceful silence fell between the two of you. Venti laced his fingers with yours. "Should you ever feel afraid or worried, love. I'll be here."

You squeezed his hand. "And I will be here for you," you replied, free hand brushing on the glowing teal tattoo on your occupied wrist.

-end-

(I'm sorry if the scenario is really short, I'm not used to writing for Venti 😅)

#venti #request: matchup #matchups #venti x reader

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petitexmagician · 7 months

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Okay so it's been a while since the Archon Quest for 4.1 showed up and I think maybe this week they'll drop 4.2 but there will be spoilers for Fontaine Act 3 & 4, as well as Wrio's story quest in general.

Now to no ones surprise we ended up going to the Fortress after we got shown during the story quest trailer of the 4.1 update. What still gets me weak is the fact that if someone eats one of Furina's desserts they end up getting a 45 day stay at the Fortress which is hilarious to me and unsurprisingly it's all because of Paimon.

Now Paimon themselves to me feel like the biggest unlucky magnet the Traveler twin has to deal with - compared to Benette who's like Genshin's Maggey Byrde, this glutton for once is used right yet one has to wonder how much damn mora does the Traveler Twin have to deal with Paimon and their bottomless pit of a stomach. Though getting back on track with Fontaine Act 3-4, it wasn't a complete shock seeing the Magic twins and Fremi, the only thing that did cause a bucket of confusion is when tiny diver was in the water he didn't turn into sea foam like what happened to the Fontaine women and that one guard in the previous acts, whether it's because of his Vision that delayed what would happen when coming into contact with Primordial Sea.

There was that rifthound like effect too which is not good for me heart, then there was The Knave and her approach on who the Hydro Archon is. Though what did bother me is that she compares Furina and Neuvilette to the Cryo Archon and while yes Furina is bluff hard confidence with her Hydro Dragon being the judge, the Cryo Archon is to me not a good compare when she has people doing things that mess hard with other nations trying to live in peace - not Sumeru at the time because of those dumbass sages, some of her own people don't like how the Fauti are messing any relation or well met intent they might make outside of their nation. We haven't seen Natlan but it's safe to assume they don't like the mess the Cryo Archon has been doing either.

As for the Wrio's story - whooo that is a dark beast to go through, but it leaves so many questions over the black crystal that was in that box Wrio's story because that thing brought up nightmares and seriously messed up memories for anyone who touches it. Who got my attention the most was Paimon - what the hell did she see?

What could've caused her to flinch back and go I don't want the food in that box - this is Paimon were talking here. This pixie doesn't pass on food, neither treasure this greedy 0s and 1s goes for what she wants so it's interesting to see them go "I'm gonna pass" Sot it's safe to believe we might see this or something near like it in the future as we're not finished with Fontaine and I'm seriously hoping that Wrio got rid of that crystal because that is literally the last thing the Fauti and Abyss Order need in their hands.

#ooc // let's start the show!#Fontaine AQ thoughts #gotta let my laptop charge but the thoughts are a mess under the read

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yvrsdomain · 2 years

Text

what if Zhongli and you both rasing child!xiao & a bit of child!ganyu mentions

maybe angst (?)

platonic relationship with ganyu and xiao.

parental figure

you would be a very perfect fit for each other

making him less lonely since he's a god. he's used to be alone for a long time. being immortal wasn't easy for him. and he is well aware of how humans die easily, since they're powerless and just normal mortal.

the first time you met morax was when he was drinking tea alone on the stone-cold table near cloud retainer's abode.

you were paying a visit to meet cloud retainer because she asked for you to make a bow for her [it's for Ganyu to train with when she gets older]. honestly you're a good weapon maker. The weapon you made for cloud retainer is Amos Bow.

Your works are very appreciated by everyone, saying "y/n's weapon work is the best, the style is just very fresh and new!" they said. by then even those words reached the geo archon's ear.

after giving the bow to cloud retainer, you see the geo archon himself which causes you to sweat nervously, he looks very intimidating and cold indeed.

when you were taking your leave, you saw a green-black haired small child trying to reach the chair under the table. with that, you instinctively rushed to the child and immediately caught him before he fell on his butt— without realizing the geo archon's gaze, cold, wary, and judging look pierced at you.

you were so fucked.

"ah, m-my lord I'm very sorry to disturb your rest ! I will immediately take my leave—"

you put the boy on the seat and back away, but—

"nooo, don't.." a hand is grabbing the back of your dress, with a very cute childlike innocent voice. "ngggg my bottom hurts hngg."

this boy—! you were never good with kids really. And he didn't even fall down to the ground since you caught him.

the gaze he is wearing was very pitiful, his eyes teary and his little nose red, as his cheeks began to redden as well. which makes you feel bad.

"well, he asked you to stay did he not?" A very deep voice interrupts.

shit I forgot the geo archon was still here.

"ah, yes, should I stay?" you asked politely trying to make it not awkward.

"You shall, it's honestly based on your decision. I won't force you."

"stay!!!" the child is sobbing uncontrollably, standing on a chair and hugging your waist with his small hands.

"I guess he grew fond of you, might as well learn his name I suggest." morax said while sipping his tea calmly and observing your distressed state by trying to deal with a kid.

"al-alright then. uh... hello, what is your name, child?"

"huaaaaa !!!! *sob* *sob* it's-it's xiao hngg."

ah well. I guess he is a very loud crier. but he seems to calm down, and control his emotions well.

"alright xiao, do you want me to make a weapon for you?"

"weapon?"

"it's an item to defend yourself from danger. do you want it?"

"yes ! I want the long ones ! like-like mister !"

xiao said as morax smirked. looking proud.

like the lord huh?

you take a peek at his weapon and observe it from afar, "may I use it for inspiration perhaps...?"

"you may."

you grab his weapon that was leaning on the tree. tracing your hands and feel the weight, you even try using it. twirling it around.

"Woah.. this feels so light ! and very uh very fancy too. I like it ! let me just take notes of this."

xiao was staring at you while you were taking notes, "the miss is kind." xiao said suddenly, "I want her to be with us." again, xiao said straightforwardly. Morax can't even blame him, he's still a child and he's not wrong either. "Listen, I can get anything I want, but a human is a difficult one, we can't be together forever with mortals."

"I know ! they will die don't they??" xiao grumbled, pouting and huffed, getting away from morax and disappearing off to who knows where.

morax was still in thought, after all no one is to be blamed here, they both have a point. and we can never settle down with mortals. because it will hurt them and ourselves.

"done! oh? where's xiao?"

"he could be in the balcony of wangshu inn, he seems to be a bit....sad. I suggest once more to bring a food like almond tofu since it's his favorite."

"alright, thank you. I will also make his weapon first then visit him, so it would be a double present, it will be exciting !" you squeal, and smiling brightly with excitement.

"I'm sorry ! I will take my leave, I acted very inappropriately didn't I?"

"no worried, emotions aren't supposed to be hidden. Go on now, xiao is waiting for you."

you nodded and took off.

"xiao! are you here? I brought a little something for you!" two heads filled your vision, one with horns and one with green-black hair.

"miss y/n! what is behind you?" he peeked over your lower body and saw the polearm behind you.

"it's your weapon xiao, I made it for you. here!" you handed his weapon to him as he smiled brightly, and his eyes sparkled with wonder as to be touched and traced his polearm. "this is the jade spear. I hope you use it well."

"woahhhh this is much better than almond tofu !" xiao screams and run around in circles, as the little horned girl stared at him nervously, and trying to avoid your gaze out of shyness.

"hello, little girl. you must be ganyu I presume?"

"a-ah yes miss, th-thank you for the weapon! I really like it even though I can't use it now."

"it's okay, use it well when the time comes alright?"

you nodded and took off, trying to seek morax.

sensing your arrival, "ah, so you earned their trust and favor hm?"

"well, so it seems my lord."

"do you ever want to take care of those two? at least until they grew up well? with my help too of course. I won't let you do it yourself since they're my responsibility too."

you were hesitant for a moment, but recalling their happy faces made your heart warm. And that is enough.

you bowed to morax, "yes my lord, i will do it"

"no need to bow, it's just my favor. we are all indebted to you. thank you y/n."

years after years passed until you grew old. died and wither. Ganyu, Xiao, and even the lord of geo himself stay beside you. Even the Adeptus, you died in an honorable death. Ganyu sobbed while holding your hand and tightly grip it touching her forehead as he cried harder and harder.

xiao just stand there folding his arms, tears were threatening to fall out. clenches his teeth while watching your heartbeat get slower and slower until it stopped.

when your heart stopped, xiao snapped and leaves. slammed the door hard and ignored the voices of the other adeptus calling for his name.

it seems he needs some time alone.

summoning his weapon, he traces his polearm and recalled the memories he spent with you since he was little.

memories, voices, gifts, your face, everything made him cry harder and harder. He lost the most important thing, his only parental figure, the one he respected the most after rex lapis.

"y/n." he said as his tears slowly escaped and fall down, rushing like a river.

but slowly, he learned to move one, trying to pass on, and live just like you always taught him. "When you struggle with something just let it flow! time will tell."

—

I guess you were right.

he met new people, who cared for him, he grew more open when he met the traveler. he changed, he wasn't so stiff or so cold anymore. I guess time does tell.

But ganyu on the other hand, still overworks herself and try not to involve fighting within her schedules. Her bow reminded of you which she always smiles fondly at. But when Liyue faces danger, she was always motivated, she will fight. besides feeling sadness, she also felt pride, and excitement. Felt that she has done well to make you proud.

And you are actually proud of them. very proud.

#genshinimpact #genshin #genshin fluff #ganyu #genshin xiao #genshin ganyu #xiao #genshin angst #xiao angst #zhongli #zhongli x reader #genshin platonic #platonic

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ghosts-u · 2 years

Text

[Celestia’s Apostate]

CW:Fatui Au, cursing Gore and blood.

Summry: 500 years ago there was a nation that was the pride of all humanity. It’s name was Khaenri'ah.

With the help of a traveler from an unknown world, they were able to prosper in a world that was ruled by gods.

Celestia, however, did not like this.

Celestia was above all other gods and ruled over humanity. They didn’t like humanity stepping over their bounds. So Celestia ordered the Seven Archons of Teyvat to come together in order to destroy the Khaenri'ah, so arrogant, they thought they could defy them.

Despite their reservations, the Archons could not defy Celestia. So 500 years ago, the nation of Khaenri'ah was destroyed and slowly was forgotten.

To make sure another nation like Khaenri'ah could never exist again, Celestia made a prophecy that if anyone from another world is ever born in Tyevat, they will bring nothing but destruction. So they must be killed as soon as they are discovered.

Now you might be wondering what any of this lovely story has to do with me. Well, 500 years after that decree was made, no one has ever been reincarnated.

Well, no one…Until I was killed and got reincarnated into this messed up world. They call me Celestia’s Apostate because I refuse to die by the hands of the gods.

After risking my life traveling all Seven Nations looking for a place I could go, The Cryo Archon saved my life and took me in.

Now with the help of the Fatui I’m collecting all seven gnosis to destroy Celestia.

Who the hell did I piss off in a past life to make me go through this kind of hell?

If I was going to be isekied, I would have much preferred to be just be born as a slime or some shit to not have to deal with all of this bullshit.

Next chapter-

Snow gently falls from the sky, dancing in the air as it slowly falls to the ground. With an icy breath, I stab into the nameless assassin sent by gods to kill me. The body falls to the ground as blood clings to my skin, freezing into icy crystals. The carnage is evident as body after body lay in piles. Bloody gore taints the once white snow that lay beneath. My fingers tightly grip the polearm, turning blue as they freeze to the iron in a frosty grip. For a brief moment, I admire the snow that slowly falls from above. With heavy feet, I slowly move forward, heading towards an unknown destination.

The gale of snow grows harsher on the seemingly endless icy planes. The wind grows more frantic and a harsh flurry of ice whips against my face as a harsh blizzard starts to form desperately trying to prevent further progress as if to say: Stay away, unwelcomed one. But I slowly win inches as I brave the harsh weather of the storm. In the distance of the angry storm, a shadow appears amid the storm; slowly approaching. The snow slows as the figure approaches. It parts as if welcoming the stranger.

The snow ceases, only to reveal the esteemed cryo archon standing in all her glory, looking down her nose at me, her cold gaze judging as if weighing my worth. My gaze is unflinchingly focused on the archon’s eyes. I know I don’t look very intimidating, My clothes are torn to ribbons and my body is covered in deep gashes while my eyes appear sunken and tired from endless battles. But, standing tall, my spear is held confidently and the bloody blade points up at the archon.

"If you've come to finish me off, I'm sorry to say I fully intend on making it out of here alive," I say, glaring up at her cold, dead eyes. "If you think I won't kill you because you’re an Archon you’re sorely mistaken. I no longer care about that deal after what the so-called god, Justice, did to me!"

Blade at the ready, I prepare an attack, yet it never comes as all the Cryo Archon does is stare me down. "I'm sure you are already well aware that the Celestia are fools. They are not fit to rule over the mortal realm."

I dig my polearm into the ground, leaning upon it when she makes no moves to attack. “Is that so? I wonder what you're really planning? Do you want a scapegoat or perhaps bait?"

"No, not at all. I believe that our goals align with each other. My success inevitably means your success. I want Celestia to fall just as much as you do."

I let out a puff of air that is cold against my lips. "Sure that sounds nice and all but how can you be trusted? You could stab me in the back or pull something like the hydro archon did.”

Slowly she brings her hand out. The polearm in my hand is quickly pulled from the ground and I get into a defensive stance as her hand starts to glow. Something materializes within that light. It looks like a chess piece. It is the cryo Archon’s gnosis, being willingly handed over to me. "I don't-why are you-" Hesitation has been long since been trained out of me, but…like glass, the years of self-confidence and my unwavering commitment shatters as for the first time in a long while, I feel uncertain. Is this a trick? It cant be. Not when she was offering me something so important. Should I accept it? It would help immensely and give me leverage over the Cryo Archon. So why am I so hesitant?

Fear grips me, but why? I’ve been through so much worse before, yet taking such a small item inspires terror. The Tsaritsas's eyes don't seem so cold anymore. The sincerity in her eyes shines. For the first time, trusting someone is a necessity. Of course, I’ve trusted people in the past, but it was never anyone who couldn't be stricken down in a single strike. To put so much faith in a person who could betray me without batting an eye was scary, but for this deal to work, trusting her was not optional.

Her hand slowly reaches out to me and I flinch back. Her hand pauses to hover in the air for a brief moment before coming to rest on my head. I tremble, telling myself it's from the cold as her hand slides down to my face. She gently holds my cheek lifting it to meet her gentle gaze. "Relax, child. I will not hurt you. No one will hurt you anymore." Her arms slowly wrap around me holding no warmth, but for some reason, I feel warm. Tears fall from my eyes as I wrap my own arms around her. For some odd reason, the heavy burdens I had been forced to carry for so long feel like they’re being lifted off my shoulders. The Tsaritsa's hold grows tighter as she gently pets my head and like a dam that’s been broken, I bury my face into her as I start to cry for the first time in years; letting out the years of pain left in my heart.

[Four years later]

"Ugh! What am I going to do? This was supposed to be the easy part! How do I not have a single dress fit for such an important event!" I yell in frustration, my entire wardrobe practically spread out all over my room. I turn to Nigredo who has been sitting quietly in the corner reading a book the entire time. "Would you stop reading and help me! The party's in two hours so come over here and help me pick a dress!"

The Homunculus hums looking up from his book brushing a long piece of hair from out his face. “And out of all the preparations you made, you didn't prepare an outfit?" he questions and I glare at him.

“Forgive me for trying to be resourceful when I have a room full of dresses and thinking I would at least have one that would work. Now less sass and more helping, mister."

"Well as someone who is going to be representing the church, perhaps you should wear your ceremonial clothes,” Nigredo suggests and I frown dramatically throwing myself on the bed. "But I wanna dress up! The whole cute nun aesthetic is fun and all but not when you have to dress like that every day," I complain rolling over to look at him on the bed.

Ruebedo finally decides to help and pops up from one of the piles of dresses. "I think you would look cute in anything, but how about this one?" he asks holding up a pink dress and I throw my head back down onto the bed. "That looks way too childish for something as important as being named 12th harbinger. I need something more elegant and pristine. Something that commands respect!"

Nigredo stares at me incredulously. "I don't know how much respect a ten-year-old can command."

I don't bother to comment, I just turn towards him sticking my tongue out before going back to trying to find something to wear. There’s a knock at the door and I shout a quick, “come in!" expecting it to be a maid with last-minute preparations.

The person opens the door and I hear a chuckle at the door. "It seems I've come at the right time." I gasp rolling off the bed and rushing over to the Tsaritsa wrapping my arms around her waist.

"Oh, what are you doing here, I thought I wouldn't be seeing you until after the ceremony?"

She pets my head being careful of my horns as she brings out a light blue box wrapped in white lace. “When I was going over the preparations you made I noticed you didn't make any requests for new clothing so I had something prepared."

I take the box in my hands, opening the neatly wrapped box. Inside I find a tailored dress that was everything I wanted and more.

“I have picked it out myself, but if it is not to your liking, I have several others prepared-"

I cut her off hugging her with one arm while holding the box in the other. "You’re such a lifesaver. Thank you so much. You're the best!"

I kiss her on the cheek before running off into the other room to get changed.

“You spoil her,” Nigredo grumbles, clearly jealous. The Tsaritsa turns to him with a knowing smile on her face.

"I suppose I do...though I went through so much trouble making matching pins for you and Ruebedo it was would be a shame if you didn’t match."

Ruebedo happily jumps up and takes the pin, excited to match his sister. Nigredo glares, but hesitantly takes the pin attaching it to his suit.

I come out twirling in my new dress. “It’s perfect this party’s going to be so much fun! I bet no one is expecting me to be appointed as the 12th harbinger. I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces.”

Nigredo shakes his head disapprovingly but I see his smirk knowing he’s looking forward to the chaos as well.

The Tsaritsa gently placed her hand on my shoulders and I look up at her confused. “If you don’t wish to do this you can still back out. The plan will still work even if you don’t join the fatui. There’s no need to draw unnecessary attention to yourself.”

I sigh turning away from her and walking towards the frost-covered windows staring at the night sky.

“It’s fine. I’ve already made my fair share of enemies who want me dead. Joining the fatui won't change much and I’m prepared for any backlash the Church will face.” I place my hand on the cool glass staring at the floating city in the sky. “Besides it’s almost time for our plan to fall into action. We only get one shot at this so we can’t fail.” I ball my hand into a fist, pressing it up against the glass. “I’ve sacrificed far too much to fail now. I won’t have anyone ruin my plans now; not even those idiot harbingers.” I slam my fist on the glass covering my view of Celestia as if to crush it. I turn around and smile, dispelling the heavy atmosphere in the room. “Besides I can’t in good conscience just sit around and do nothing when my future is at stake. I’m going to do my best!”

For a moment the Tsaritsa's face falls before she closes her eyes and nods. I walk back over to her and place a hand on my chin. “I’m also curious as to what my harbinger name will be. This is the first time anyone will give me a name in this world…well, one that’s not offensive.” She smiles and pats me on the head careful of the ornament there.

“You’ll have to wait and see now, won’t you?”

She placed a hand on my cheek her thumb gently rubbing it. “Sometimes I wish I could take away the pain of your past, but I know that I cannot change the past. The only thing I can do is promise that you will have Vengeance.” I reach my hand up and hold her hand that’s on my cheek as I watch her glare.

“Celestia will fall to the hands they forsook.”

#genshin inpact #genshin inpact x reader #genshin x reader #genshin #genshin fanfic #genshin fatui #fanfiction #x reader #the tsaritsa #tsaritsa x reader #fake albedo #fakebedo #imposter albedo #whattpad #fatui au #genshin reader insert #reader insert #female reader #child reader

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chocoenvy · 2 years

Note

How do u deal the simpness? Like I'm here trying to find content about hydro archon and I'm left with lynny and lynnette

TEACH ME UR WAYS!!

uhm.... i imagine scenarios in my head until my brain is satisfied

no but seriously my main simps have content about them, for Tsaritsa content i just stalk eros' page KLSJFS-

NO BUT I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY HYDRO ARCHON X READER CONTENT OUT THERE. NONE.

which means i should make some.... she is a lil rat gorl

NO OKAY HER QUOTE FROM THE 5 STAR HYDRO GEM??? THAT SHIT GIRLBOSS AF I LOVE HER ALREADY

"My ideals have no stains. I must correct you. People here bear no sins in the eyes of the gods... Only laws and the Tribunal can judge someone. They can judge even me. So praise my magnificence and beauty."

Someone's mentioned before of the crime rate or at least robberies happening more often in Fontaine? But they haven't sinned in the eyes of the gods. SO CELESTIA IS FUCKED UP.

Hydro archon following Celestia's laws to a T and only Celestia's laws. Would it be the heavenly principles? Either way, if something wasn't addressed by Celestia then it's irrelevant to her, maybe out of a bit of spite.

Like damn you wanna make me the god of justice? alright Celestia, I'll play your game, let the world run rampant and let the world burn, in your eyes, despite all of our atrocities, none of us are sinners still.

"I've done nothing wrong in the eyes of Celestia. I follow the Heavenly Principles and am the purest being on this Earth. Only Celestia's opinion matters in my eyes, when my title is stripped away from me only then will Celestia's rules fall irrelevant."

Cue Tsaritsa yoinking her gnosis and Fontaine getting better. Because the laws change and adapt to the people living there and not Celestia.

Also interesting for SAGAU, I think with how human reader is, Hydro archon would be madly devoted to you.

If you're the only real one, that means you're above Celestia, right? The Heavenly Principles fall flat before you, you're the baselines for laws and she'll do her best to become the purest form underneath your gaze. And if she's already broken some of your "laws" she'll pay for it however you see fit.

#choco.asks #*~frequent customer #sagau #hydro archon #sorry im going insane over her #lil rat lady being serious?#i wrote her seriously but she'd literally use her lil rAT CLAWS to climb on top of you #anyways celestia sucks fuck them <3 #archon supremacy <333 #no bc they literally can't talk about how sHIT celestia is or else they'll be murdered #KINDA SUS-

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versadies · 3 years

Note

Hello I saw your 1k event and I’m like woah (as a newbie genshin writer on tumblr) can I request Aquarius, ganyu, hc scenario and fluff? Tyty

coming to you (hc scenario)

penpal: tysm for requesting! welcome to the genshin writing community btw <3

prompt: aquarius the water-bearer, telepathy soulmate au

pairing/s: ganyu x gn!reader

sypnosis: in which you try to navigate your lover who doesn't know your arrival in liyue harbor.

includes: no angst/just fluff, spoilers to inazuma archon quest (prologue - chapter one), reader is from inazuma, comfort (?)

you decided to meet ganyu the moment your homeland made some major changes thanks to the raiden shogun.

as a vision-wielder, you couldn't afford to let the vision hunt decree get their hands on your vision. especially when you heard from your townsfolk that people will forget certain memories and ambition when their visions got taken away.

you prefer to give your soul over your memories of your soulmate.

and so, you immediately contacted your dear friend, thoma, who suggested fleeing from the nation with the help of the crux fleet.

after arranging a deal with beidou, you started packing your things and get ready to go to liyue harbor the next day.

however, your neighbor snitched to the vision hunters about you, causing a few hunters to barge in your home and try to take your vision away hours before you could go to beidou.

one thing led to another, you immediately fled from your home as a vigilante and a now wanted person in the vision hunt decree.

but you could care less if your archon is after you, you could care less if you're considered a criminal, all you care about is to get away from your home and go find your lover, now having a chance to finally meet her without a worry about going back.

you didn't bother telling ganyu about your situation, not wanting to make her worry. it wouldn’t hurt to make this a surprise, right?

your heart skips a beat as you step foot on the boat, listening to your lover's ranting about her duties in your head with a smile on your face. you wondered what she would think if she sees you.

would she gladly let you stay in liyue harbor despite your status in inazuma?

"i'm sure ganyu would let you stay with her," beidou reassured you when you confronted her about your conflicted feelings. "i know her. she's not the type to judge you for something you're not."

the captain's words helped you feel at ease a bit, but the doubt still stands in your head.

it wasn't until you arrived to liyue harbor when the negative thoughts stopped.

"you'll most likely find her by yujing terrace or somewhere in the jade chamber." beidou explains, stopping you from walking out of the boat for a moment. "if you can't find her, go to dihua marsh or ask one of the millelith guards."

and so began your journey in liyue harbor.

it didn't take you too long to find your way to yujing terrace, the moment you stepped foot onto the area, you started looking around, hoping to see someone who you think is ganyu.

"hey uhm," ganyu suddenly speaks up in your head, causing you to flinch in surprise. "i heard what happened to inazuma. are you okay?"

crap, how did she find out so fast?

you aren't sure what to say, afraid of what ganyu would think of you. should you lie to her and give her more reasons to possibly despise you? should you just suck it up and tell her the truth?

"...i'm uh, i'm okay, don't worry." you said in your head reassuringly, looking around your surroundings anxiously as you think about what to say next.

you then let out a sigh in defeat. "i'm in liyue harbor."

that was the last time you heard ganyu.

you began to panic when you couldn't hear her voice after your confession, frantically walking around yujing terrace as you try to call her in your head and ignore the strange looks people gave you. what if she didn't want you here? what if she's hurt?

"why hello dearie," you turn around and spotted an old woman behind you with a gentle smile. "i couldn't help but notice you walking around this area. are you perhaps in need of help?" she asks.

"have you met a woman named ganyu?" you questioned in a rushed tone. "i'm her uhm, soulmate and i came to this city for her, but i don't know where she went and i'm really really worried."

"of course, ganyu's a lovely woman." the old woman said with a chuckle. "she actually went down to feiyun slope hours ago. though, it's been a wh–"

without letting the elder woman finish her sentence, you immediately thanked the woman and run towards the stairs, your heart beating faster as you take a few more steps down. you desperately have never wanted your legs to go faster until now, the thought of meeting your destined other after waiting for so long has never felt so sweet.

you stopped your tracks when you spotted a blue-haired woman in the middle of the bridge near bubu pharmacy, panting from exhaustion.

it couldn't be her, right?

deep down, you knew the exhausted woman who's a few steps away from you. the description of your appearances of the two of you that you gave to each other long ago were similar to the woman's appearance in front of you.

you watched as the woman suddenly looks up at you, her eyes widening as well from seeing you.

"...ganyu," you try calling her in your head. "if you can hear me... please tell me you weren't kidding about having blue hair and horns."

the gasp the woman let out went not unnoticed by you, causing your heart to swarm at your discovery.

"y...y/n?" the woman– no, ganyu– asks, slowly taking a few steps towards you with a disbelief look plastered on her face. "is that you?"

you were standing a few feet from her, but in a blink of an eye, you somehow found yourself running towards her and tackle her with a hug.

everyone who was by the area noticed your encounter, now curious as to what's happening to the infamous secretary of the qixing as they watch you and ganyu wrapping your arms around the other.

"thank rex lapis you're alright." she speaks up as she relaxes from your touch, your heart flutters from the sounds of her beautiful voice. “i was so worried.”

"hello to you too ganyu," you whispered, closing your eyes as you continue to hug your lover with a relieved smile.

"i'm here now."

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chosonore · 3 years

Text

drabble one | scintilla

scintilla [noun. a very small amount of something]

pairing: scaramouche/reader

summary: the first time you meet scaramouche, you sort of assumed that he was an unpleasant nobleman straight out of a novel. rude, abrasive and haughty. and yet, your conscious won't rest until you made sure he was okay.

wordcount: 2.4k

content/warnings: please make sure you've read ephemeral!, 2.1 spoilers so please do not read ahead if you haven’t played the archon quest [UNEDITED]

a/n: i'm really deep in scaramouche brainrot haha i miss him so much. and writing that one shot made me lose like 10k hp at least bc even if you might not believe it, it did hurt me while writing fakfheauf so i needed some fluff in my life. i look forward to writing all the other little drabble ideas that i have for the series!

as autumn was nearing its end and with winter right at the doorstep, the entire village was busy preparing in advantage. the markets were bustling despite the icy wind that was already sweeping through inazuma and so you got up early - god forbid everything was sold out again once you’ve gotten there. the small estate that you’d inherited from your parents was just outside the village, surrounded by gardens and fields that you were tending to, so it took you longer to get to the market. as you recounted what items you were going to buy today, making note of what you still had in stock, you belatedly noticed the crowd that had already gathered. you frowned. it was unusual, no one came to the market this early in the morning.

cautiously, you neared the crowd to see what the commotion was about. slowly but surely, you fought your way to the front, your eyes falling onto a person standing at the center. he looked out of place, looking so delicate and yet strong at the same time as he glared at the onlookers. you supposed that the onlookers, just as you, were drawn in by the stranger’s beauty. he looked ethereal. long, indigo hair flowing in the wind, contrasted by the sharp eyes that were narrowing in distaste. and his clothing, he must not have been from the surrounding areas. perhaps he was just a traveler passing by but judging by the looks, he seemed too… lost. you could see it in his eyes; behind a mask of hostility, there was a layer of uncertainty and possibly hurt.

maybe he was a noble who got ambushed on his trip and lost his way? or he escaped the grasp of overbearing responsibilities and expectation as a noble! you had read novels like those, it didn’t seem entirely impossible. at least in your imagination of what aristocratic families would act like. the stranger didn’t carry a family crest though, which struck you as odd. you were curious about his story though you didn’t want to bother him - the other villagers were overwhelming enough as is, shouting and trying to get his attention and for him to possibly buy their goods. they probably assumed he possessed a large amount of wealth that he would spend if so inclined.

amidst the cacophony of voices, one belonging to your friend reached you, calling you over to them. hastily, you made your way over, straining to hear what they were telling you. “y/n, good that you’re here! this strange man turned up just a while ago but he seems to be confused as to where to go… he must have been traveling for a very long time and seems to be exhausted, maybe hurt even?” your friend explained, pulling you closer so they wouldn’t have to yell so loudly. “i thought you could possibly take him in and help? at least until he gets better and can continue his travels. we can’t let him die out there with winter approaching.”

“but my goods-”

“okay, okay, i owe you one. give me a run down of what items you need and i’ll get them for you and even hand-deliver them! how does that sound? deal?”

you sighed. of course, you couldn’t decline the offer. being one of the very few healers in the area and having vast amounts of herbs and flowers at your disposal, everyone counted on you when someone got injured or sick. it wasn’t like you to refuse treatment in the first place - it was in your nature to help people, whether they were deserving of it or not. handing your friend the list and basket, you sternly instructed them on what to buy and how to select the products you needed before heading towards the stranger. it was hard giving such a task up to someone else. you trusted your friend but no one had the same expertise as you and you needed products of the highest quality.

violet eyes flitted towards you in suspicion as you stood close to him. you weren’t sure of how to address him, not wanting to offend him. what if he would send all his wrath towards you? life was already hard as it is. as you were pondering on how to talk to him, the apparent nobleman grew impatient. “what do you want? are you here to bribe me into buying your atrocious products as well?” he lashed out at you, angrily regarding you and the onlookers. offended gasps and murmuring resounded from the crowd.

you hadn’t expected such harshness to come from him, much less being paired with an otherwise soft and gentle voice. taken aback by his sudden outburst of anger, you stayed silent for a few moments. this was nothing new, you’d dealt with ungrateful and mean customers before. “no, in fact, i’m here to offer you my help. my friend noted that you must have been travelling for a while and should be checked up on. i’m the only healer around here, hence why i’m the only one who could do this properly,” you explained calmly but firmly, glaring back at him. neither of you were backing down from the silent challenge, too stubborn to let the other gain the upperhand. “so unless you want to stay out here and rot, i suggest you come with me. this is the only opportunity you’ll get.”

the staring match continued until you sighed, annoyed by the entire ordeal. why was he so adamant on being insufferable? he was hostile towards each and every person, not even having the decency to thank you for your offer. ugh, you couldn’t deal with this. you guessed the novel had been right: all nobles looked beautiful, as if they didn’t belong to this world, but had a rather nasty attitude. at least you didn’t have to deal with haggling with the merchants now as your friend would be taking care of it. you supposed you could go home and tend to your flowers now. the chrysanthemums were blooming now, you could harvest them soon. still, his abrasiveness left a bitter taste in your mouth. you hated when people were hostile for no reason.

it wasn’t until you were nearing the borders of the city that you suddenly turned around and caught the stranger trailing several meters behind you. “are you following me?” you inquired indignantly.

“have been this entire time, you’re only noticing now?” he scoffed, rolling his eyes at you. how could you be this stupid and not notice? had it been any other time of the day, a criminal surely could have hurt you or even abducted you. you were naive, much too fragile and weak. and willing to help a vagrant such as him? you didn’t even bother asking about his background! you should be more suspicious as he could easily hurt you. he was almost offended at what an easy victim you were.

you shot him a deadly glare, continuing the trail towards your house. “oh i’m so sorry for not noticing you anytime sooner, oh mighty stranger from afar!”

the stranger didn’t reply, making you grin in satisfaction. so for now you had the upper hand, until he retaliated with yet another insult. arriving at your precious estate, you briefly glanced over the rows and rows of plants. everything was okay, nothing out of the ordinary. just another brief hike until you reached the small house in the middle of the patch of land. fumbling with your keys, you finally looked around to make sure the traveler was still following you. and there he was, standing right behind you, so close that you flinched in surprise. he had been quiet all this time, moving so stealthily that you didn’t notice anything.

“you should pay more attention to your surroundings, you’ll get yourself killed one day,” he harrumphed, watching with eagle eyes as you opened the door and invited him in.

“why do you keep mentioning me having to be more careful? ugh, you know what, forget it. you’re just here so i can treat you.” swiftly, you led him to the guest room that you primarily used to host patients and treat them. quietly, you instructed him to take a seat on the bed before grabbing some ointments and bandages. as you sat on the small stool in front of him and reached out to check for injuries and blisters on his feet, you were suddenly pushed back forcefully.

bewildered, you looked up. “don’t touch me,” he hissed, pulling away from you.

“how else am i going to treat you?”

“just use your eyes or are those not functioning well either?”

“i’m just trying to help you!” increasingly, you grew more frustrated with him. why did he come here in the first place, if he didn’t want any help? he acted irrationally and hostile as well. no signs of gratitude! and yet, you could see the conflict in his eyes. the hesitation as he waited, trying to gauge whether you were going to harm him. waiting to see if you were going to heal him like you promised or were going to bribe him in exchange for helping him. a colourful kaleidoscope of emotions whirled in his eyes, making you wonder what made him so suspicious and cautious that he couldn’t even accept a simple act of kindness.

ever so slightly, you softened. surely, he must have been through a lot before arriving in this village. still, you couldn’t let him get away with being so rude. “just a simple check up then, alright? that’s the least i will do. if anything else hurts, you tell me and i’ll just give you an ointment or medicine for it,” you made a compromise, hoping that he would agree. you’d feel horrible if you couldn’t help him at all, what kind of healer were you if you couldn’t assist with any ailments? albeit still cautious, he let you proceed as you patched him up. you made sure to be careful as to not startle him or gain mistrust but strangely enough, he stayed still the entire time. unmoving, his watchful gaze followed your every move, lost in his thoughts as he tried to make sense of your kindness. it was confusing to him, a person not expecting anything in return. much less someone who was so persistent in taking care of him, unlike the previous person he'd stayed with… his creator, the very person that tossed him aside.

and even when you'd made him stay for the night to be able to keep an eye on him until you were sure that he wasn't hurt otherwise… he felt a strange warmth emanating from his chest, one that was constricting his throat and made it difficult for him to react. but it lulled him into a sense of security and comfort, it was so unusual that he briefly felt the urge to squash it for making him feel so funny. squashing it would be a solution, yes. however, the curiosity about the nature of that feeling was overweighing the negatives and so he let it go. it felt rather pleasant after all. he didn't have the words to explain it and maybe, he would find out in the future. being the talkative person that you were, he was sure he could pressure you into telling him. yes, that sounded like a good solution.

your last stop were the gardens - maybe he decided to jeopardize your lifelihood and trampled over all the flowers and herbs. with a harsh personality as his, you didn't deem it an impossibility. at least nothing was set on fire so it could still be salvaged. but as you reached the flower fields, you were greeted by a sight that perplexed you.

the handsome and yet weird stranger was gone when you checked up on him the next morning. part of you knew that he wasn't going to stay by how adamant he was about leaving as soon as you finished the examination. hell, he might have been right. you should have been more suspicuous, he might have robbed you of all your belongings and food and wandered off to the next city. what an ungrateful, unpleasant and rude stranger, you thought to yourself as you angrily looked through the house - nothing had been stolen, much to your surprise. part of you was disappointed about him leaving. you never got to inquire him about where he came from, his background, why he was traversing through the country with no equipment.

in the midst of your blood red chrysanthemums stood the stranger, wandering through the flowers and curiously sniffing them. his hair was getting tangled in the flowers every now and then but he didn't seem to mind. unbothered, he continued his journey, delicate fingers brushing over the blooming flowers. so he never left after all but took interest in your flowers. surprised, you came closer, inspecting the look on his face. childlike wonder, a hint of glee in his eyes as he took in the luscious and vibrant colour of the flowers. there was something along the lines of joy and happiness in his eyes, emotions that had been sheltered and hidden by his distrustful nature. it fueled your curiosity even more, wanting to get to know him.

only then did it occur to you that you never asked for his name and never told him yours. quickly, you came to his side, almost out of breath as you finally reached him. he turned around, looking at you confused and cocked his head to the side.

breathlessly, you came closer. you had to know his name, had to know who this stranger was that intrigued you so much. "you never told me your name."

he blinked a couple of times, surprised that you asked for his name. although he didn't like to reveal his name to strangers, keeping it as a secret that was dear to him and what… who he was. humans and gods alike were cruel, they didn't care about each other. and yet, you had shown him nothing but kindness, displaying a strange resilience that wanted to prove him otherwise.

as the first breezes of cold winter air passed you, announcing the start of a new season, the wind carried his name to you.

"kunikuzushi."

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