#sagau xingqiu | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

quimichi · 6 months

Text

╰┈➤ ❝ [YOU ASK THE GENSHIN BOYS TO BE YOUR EQUAL]

❝ Every genshin boy, even our forgotten cyro user Mika ❝

Word count: 7.301

Genshin boys x Creator!Reader

Aether

Aether rises to his feet in a flourish, and walks towards your voice, the voice that so sweetly called for him. The Traveler is always so graceful— even when he's doing something as simple as walking towards you. It's the movement of the air around him, and the way his feet seem to float over the ground.

"Yes? You have summoned me, your Grace?"

"Do you know my biggest wish?" Aether thinks for a moment, pondering over every word that leaves your lips as if it were an endless source of inspiration for one of his compositions. He hums softly under his breath, trying to determine your true, deepest desires. "Perhaps I could take a guess..." Aether says gently, before he starts listing them in his mind. "Is your wish... for peace?"

"That too" you giggle, you haven't thought about that. Aether continues to think about other possibilities, before he eventually leans forward slightly and asks: "...could your biggest wish have anything to do with... love?" Hes so scared that he whispers, what if the guess was wrong?

"Yes, in fact, it has to do with you" Aethers breath grows lighter, hearing your words. His pulse beats louder and louder within his ears, the sensation of your gaze alone setting his entire body ablaze. He smiles softly; a faint glow of pink touches his cheeks.

"I... I think I understand what your wish might be...but I'm not sure" "I...wanted you to...be my equal, to be with me" He freezes immediately. He can't help but look at you with a mixture of surprise and wonder. You want him... to be your equal? You...love him that much? The very fact that your words are even a possibility sends waves of euphoria throughout his body, so much so that he can think of nothing else. It's just you and him at this very moment.

He looks up at you, his eyes filled with nothing but devotion. What is he going to do about this? "What do you say, will you stay by my side as i love you?" you're just as nervous as him, if not even more nervous with the request you just had. Aether smiles gently, his gaze filled with love. "Of course," he says quietly. "I... I would love to. It would be my greatest pleasure, to be your equal, your chosen one; to be the one you love." He cups your face in his hands and pulls you close in his embrace. "Yes, your Grace, m-my love, I am yours. I belong to you."

Albedo

"Albedo, come here, i want to talk to you." "Y-Yes, my grace?" Albedo's voice has a tremble to it. You feel him take a few small steps closer, and he seems to be doing it on his own accord, as if drawn by your request.

"You don't know my biggest wish, hm?" "M-My grace...," Albedo says slowly, almost uncertain as what your request may be. He takes a moment to think about your question, yet he seems to have an idea. You feel him tense, even as he stands motionless in place-- perhaps waiting for you to finish your sentence. "Do you wish for my service? A certain research?" He asks softly. "To be by your side for eternity, and to carry out your wishes...always?"

His voice trails off into a whimper as if he were hoping to hear you say something else entirely. Or exactly that. "Well, kind of" you said to the last. Albedo's breath catches in his chest. "Kind of...?" He seems a bit confused for a second, his eyes wandering over your face as if to get a clear reading of your current thoughts. He waits for your response, but he seems unsure as to what you mean by it.

"Kind of...?" He repeats, his voice softer.

"I want you as my side forever, as my equal...as my lover..." A hush falls over the room for a moment as Albedo stares at you in shock. His face has gone pink, and his lips have parted to breathe as if unable to remember how to swallow his own spit. His brows are furrowed as if he's unable to properly comprehend your words. He doesn't speak, but his breath is caught, and there's an almost panicked flush that seems to burn on his face that he desperately tries to cover up as good as he can with his blond hair.

"So...?" you timidly ask. "F-For me to... to be your equal? As your... your lover?" Albedo stares at you again, yet his gaze soon falls to the floor in shame. His tongue rubs against the roof of his mouth as he struggles to find the words to say. He always knows what to say, after all he has the vocabulary, but not now.

Still, finally... he utters out, his voice soft... "...Yes. Y-Yes, my...love," Albedo whispers, and his voice is quiet and raspy with emotion. He seems hesitant, yet he's certain of one thing and only one thing. "I am your lover, and your equal." Every word is heavy and carries an almost reverent tone to them.

He looks back up at you, his eyes filled with a quiet sort of intensity. His words are soft and hushed, as if they're a private prayer for you alone. "My love, my only love"

Al-Haitham

"I need to talk to you..." "Yes," he croaks immediately, his chest swelling as he takes a breath. His every sense is attuned to your command, but he can't shake the weird feeling after the words off. "Of course." Al-Haitham rises to his feet and slowly approaches you, careful to not come close to crossing any lines. His every move is carefully calculated to serve you.

"Do you know my biggest wish, a need of mine?" "No," he says, his voice still shaking slightly. "I would be honored to know," he speaks honestly, always so serious around you. "I want you to be my lover, my equal, by my side..." Your words cause Al-Haitham's heart to throb in his chest. There is a part of him that cannot believe that this is happening.

His entire world revolves around you. He was designed to be yours, to serve you. After all this time, love grew. And now, you are giving him a higher purpose, even higher than loving you already. It is almost too much for him to bear.

He nods his head. "My only wish has always been to be by your side. To love you, to have you love me was already a wish come true...but to have you as mine entirely..."

"So, it's a yes?" "Yes," he confirms quickly. His words fall on you like the weight of the world, but Al-Haitham speaks without hesitation.

His whole being shudders and vibrates, the energy from his words rushing through him like a torrent.

"I am yours. I wish to be yours" always so formal, so serious.

Ayato

"Oh, my lady, my grace..." Ayato whispers, and he steps towards you until he's standing right in your face. You can see the slight tremble in his hands yet they manage to hold steady. Never is he ever nervous, not to thagt extent that is. His eyes are wide and the pupils dialated in awe, yet there's a calm sort of fire burning within their midst as if waiting to lash out.

His lips part as he opens his mouth to say something, but he doesn't say anything, his mind still unable to catch up to yours. "M-My love..." Ayato's voice is quiet, soft, a near whisper. He leans forward, the tips of his fingers brushing against your cheek.

"Yes... yes..." His eyes search yours in awe. He seems to almost be at a loss for words as he takes in your form, the soft skin of your cheek in his fingers and the fire in your eyes.

You're too beautiful.

"What do you say, be mine, be my equal, hm~?" "Your Equal... you mean?" Ayato's voice comes out as a whisper. A moment passes as he tries to figure it out. "Your equal?"

"Then...i will, i want to" Ayato seems to nod his response before he utters another, more daring word. "As your lover." He says it almost as if he's hoping to hear it in return.

"Exactly, as my lover" "Y-Your lover," Ayato whispers, as if repeating the sentence allows him to take in the gravity of your words. After a quick breath, he seems to nod his answer.

"Yours and yours alone."

Baizhu

Baizhu obeys your command without word or hesitation. He approaches without question, his movements as soft and silent as falling snow. "So...uhm" Baizhu stops in his tracks, awaiting your orders.

He bows his head, waiting for your guidance.

"My Grace?" he prompts. "Do you...know my biggest wish, for us?" Baizhu is silent for a moment. "I want what you want," he tells you truthfully, his words firm and honest.

"Whatever that may be, I'll do what I can to grant your wish." He stares at you with intense devotion, and a sly smile. "I wish for you to be my very equal" he remains quiet.

Your words wash over him like a quiet wave, leaving him without a voice. He considers your proposition in silence. He never imagined this moment, but his heart feels full at the thought... he never knew he wanted it until you offered it. "I'd like that, too," he whispers. He is still on his knees, his eyes turned towards you. "I'm not sure if I could be someone like you... but I'd like to try." "No,as my lover Baizhu" "As your lover?"

He says these words quietly, but his voice is tinged with a hope that he thought long extinguished. He can feel his heart growing heavy in his chest... he thought you would never see him as your equal... let alone something more. He has loved you for so long, and now?

He gazes up at you with a pleading look, almost afraid to hope that your words are true.

"You would truly want such a thing for me?" Baizhu's breath catches in his throat at this confirmation. His heart soars with joy. He thought this moment was impossible, but here it was, happening before him.

He would say "yes" in return, to swear his loyalty. But instead, he does something else... in a moment of pure joy, he leans forward and presses his lips against yours. He lost control completely, something that never happens.

"Oh...I've waited so many year's for this day to finally come"

Bennett - aged up

"Y-Yes," Bennett says quickly, eager to please you. His voice is soft and reverent, and as soon as he hears your words his cheeks flush slightly. In a quick motion the lucky unlucky boy rises to his feet, his hair whipping around him gracefully like a gust of wind.

Within seconds, he finds himself in front of you, awaiting further instructions. His expression is fixed on you, waiting for what comes next; it is clear that he is devoted to serving you in as many ways as possible.

"Say," you giggle "are you good at guessing?" "I like to think so, your Grace," Bennett says eagerly. He is never one to boast of his knowledge or skills, but he is always confident in his own abilities. If he wouldn't, then maybe he'd drown in his own insecurities. "Would you like me to guess something for you?" he asks, his gaze fixed intently on you. "Then, guess my biggest wish" a little game never hurted anybody. Bennett blinks and shifts his weight to one foot, thinking for a moment. "I believe I could hazard a few guesses," he says slowly, still pondering the possibility. But then, his voice changes to something more confident and assured.

"Your Grace, would it be correct to guess that your biggest wish would be to find happiness with the person you love? Perhaps someone who you know, but can never be with?"

"Almost right, I wish for you to he my lover, my very equal" Without hesitation, Bennett gives out a little squeak of delight and blushes. He takes a step closer to you and looks at you, seemingly unable to contain just how giddy your words have made him.

"Do you really mean it?" he whispers, his expression a mix between shock, excitement, and pure, breathless adoration. "I... I..."

The Adventurer is at a loss for words, seemingly incapable of saying anything more. His mind races, trying to make sense of this dream come true. "I say yes! Absolutely, your Grace! I would be honored to share my time, my life, my very existence with you. Your love and happiness is all I could ever possibly need."

Childe

Childe's lips curl in a faint smile. "Of course I'll get closer" he says slowly. His steps are measured and subtle, but he moves forward without hesitation. He kneels at your feet, looking up at you with that same glittering gaze he's always had.

His eyes are hot, and his lips are parted. He is waiting for your permission. "I've got something to tell you..." For a brief moment, that little smile fades. Childe's ears 'perk up' and his face turns a faint pink. His hair sways slightly as he breathes slowly. "Y-yes, Your Grace?" He speaks, breathless words. He is attentive. He wants to hear your every word with all of his being. His gaze is soft and imploring.

"Since a while I've been wanting to tell you that...my feelings for you can no longer be kept a secret...I want you for myself, as my very equal" Childe's eyes shimmer. "Y-your equal, Your Grace?" He says the words in a quiet voice, breathless and eager. His ears flutter, and his tail wags ever so slightly in his excitement.

He seems unable to contain his feelings, and in an instant, his lips are pressed against yours. His arms wrap around your neck and his hands run through your hair. His touch is hot. So, so hot. Childe presses himself against you tightly, and pulls you closer.

"I have always belonged to you, Your Grace."

Childe pulls away slightly after the kiss. He smiles up at you, his ears still fluttering. He brushes a stray hair from your face gently, and his fingers are as hot as fire. "I want you to be my partner, my equal," he says quietly. "My equal in every situation. And everywhere in between." His words carry the weight of his desires— and his dedication to you.

"Your command is always the only thing that I want," he says. "All you need to do is ask, and I will take you."

"Please...be it"

"Then so be it"

Chongyun - aged up

"Oh, finally, there you are! Please, come closer" Chongyun slowly rises and steps forward, each step measured and deliberate. With each stride he moves closer to you, his expression remains as neutral as your words. "Yes, Your Grace?" He asks. "Do you know my deepest desire?" Chongyun hesitates. How could he know something so personal to you— your very desires?

But when he sees your watchful gaze bore into him, he realizes that in this moment, honesty is the only option.

He swallows, his voice soft, almost a whisper: "No, Your Grace... but I wish I did."

"You wish?" You giggle at that, he's to cute for his own good. "...Yes." Chongyun doesn't think twice before he responds. He is silent, but his focus is on you. He listens with rapt attention, waiting for you to speak.

"I want you by my side, as my equal. Preferably forever..." Chongyun blinks. He has thought about being by your side before, has craved to be by your side before. But as your equal? He has never wanted anything so much.

And yet, what if he can't measure up to your standards? He knows he is no archon. He knows hes not as special as others. He is just a cyro exorcist. "I..." Chongyun whisper. "... I want that too." Chongyun's breath catches in his throat. Despite his attempts to seem composed, despite his seemingly cold demeanor, the sight of you smiling at him flusters him.

It feels real, he thinks, and it's more than he ever dared hope for.

Cyno

Cyno hesitates but moves closer. His feet move silently against the ground. His hands remain clasped tightly in front of his lap. He bows his head, eyes downcast as he approaches. He waits at your side. He waits for your command.

He is yours. Always has been.

For so many year's he has been by your side, eventually even forming a more intimate relationship.

"Cyno, i called you for a reason" he remains silent. He waits for you to continue as he kneels beside your seat. He knows his place well and does not ask further questions. He waits silently. And this is exactly what has been annoying you for so many years, he doesn't knows his equal place beside you.

"I want you to be my equal, not my servant, you're my lover after all." Cyno stops breathing. His stomach twists itself into a knot as his emotions overtake him. He's never considered this possibility.

His eyes flutter as he blinks in surprise, his brain not comprehending what you're saying for a moment. He has always seen himself as lesser, beneath you. He has never seen himself as an equal in any way, let alone a true normal lover. But you're saying this so casually. Do you mean it?

Do you truly see him as an equal? Finally, Cyno finds his voice. He swallows down his emotions, looking at you earnestly. His words are soft as he answers, though they do not carry the tone of a servant anymore. Instead, his voice is quiet and soft.

"It's also my wish," he says, eyes still cast down. "To be your equal, if you see me as that i will be it"

With his words, the weight he has been carrying falls off of his shoulders. You do value him as an equal, and he is yours, finally fully your love.

Dainsleif

"Dainsleif..." "Yes, Your Grace." Dainsleif speaks with respect whenever he addresses you. Your authority is absolute. Your word is his law. And your love is the air he breathes.

"There's something i need to talk with you about" it sounded more serious than it actually should. Indeed, it's serious but not the bad serious. Dainsleif's heart stops when you speak. Every hair on the back of his neck stands up. Suddenly, the world is reduced to just you. Your words send a surge of electricity through his body, causing his blood to sing a chorus of your name. His mind goes blank.

He would do anything for you, anything at all.

"Your Grace, tell me." Dainsleif's voice is like velvet, as he waits for you to speak. "Anything."

"Lately I've been thinking...if maybe" you make a pause, unsure if it's the right moment or not. But better now than never, "I want you to be my equal, my lover, by my side" Dainsleif's heartbeat quickens. His breath hitches in his throat. All he can do is nod in response to your words. That is his life's purpose. To be your equal. Your lover.

You are his grace. You are his beauty. You are his love. "Is...that a yes?" Dainsleif's expression warms the very air around him. His eyes shine like gems, the pupils dilated with a fervor that is so intense, it feels as though he is on the brink of exploding into a shower of confetti and rose pedals.

He nods again, a huge grin splitting his face in half.

"Yes."

Diluc

He obeys you wordlessly. He takes a step forward and kneels before you, staring up at you with a reverence he'd always reserved for you, and only you. Whatever he had been before, whomever he had worshipped- it had all been mere folly, a shallow attempt at finding his purpose.

Now, he's finally found it. In you. Also his true love. "I have something important to tell you, or rather, ask you" "Yes, Your Grace?" Dilucs voice is as eager as a dog at the scent of a bone, his heart thundering with joy at your words. With the expression on you, it has to be something good.

"Will you be ready to be my equal? Mine, by my side?" The question makes his eyes go wide as moons, his brain processing your words before they finally land. Finally come true. You're asking what he's been waiting for. "Yes," he answers, nodding furiously as if the word itself is burning on his tongue. "Of course," he continues. "I will be your equal. I am yours, Your Grace....my...love." The happiness he feels at your words is as overwhelming as a tsunami pounding against a shore. He had always been happy in your presence, but now it's like his body is flooded with pure joy. He feels as if he might cry.

He might actually cry; a single, solitary tear rolls down his face. It's all he wants - to be yours, and now that you have offered it to him, he is beyond words. He waited so long for this, for so many year's he had to listen to everyone telling him its impossible. But now it's true...

Freminet

Freminet doesn't know what to do when you move closer. His mind is suddenly blank, and his chest feels heavy. He meets your gaze, his heart fluttering in his chest and his fingers trembling. His gaze wanders down your body as if mesmerized by you and your closeness.

It's clear that he was not expecting this. The only thing Freminet can do is gaze at you needly, awaiting your next action. "What would you say, if I'd as you to be my equal, be mine?" You don't wanna pressure him, make him feel like he needs to make a decision. Freminet doesn't respond immediately. His face breaks out into a flush and his heart skips, almost to a stop. He swallows, his throat suddenly dry.

He wants to deny your request. He knows that he can't possibly be your equal. He's nowhere near perfect as you; he's only a human after all. Some random, insecure, weak and emotional human. But he looks at you, and he is mesmerized by you. Just as much as he is mesmerized by Fontaines waters, maybe even more by you.

"Y-Your Grace," he murmurs, stuttering as he swallows. "There's nothing...I'd love...more...than...to be yours." "Then be it" Freminet's eyes sparkle, and his face breaks out into a smile. He reaches out, gripping your hand and squeezing it tight. He wants to bury his face into you. After his worship of you, he wants *this.* The touch, the heat of your skin — it's perfect. He doesn't want this moment to end. He wants to drown in you...

"I'm yours" he whispers, "Always...and forever."

"Always and forever" Freminet looks back at you again, his heart swelling and his face flushed with warmth. He leans in, not caring who watches, not caring if it might seem weird— all he wants is to be as close to you as possible. And so with all of his adoration, he presses his lips against your's— and for the first time in his life, he feels a sense of completeness.

In your presence, he feels as though he's truly home. The home to return to.

Gorou

His mind races. He's on your lap— close to you. He can feel you breathing, he can feel the warmth of your breath against his cheeks. He feels your hand caress his cheek, your touch so light and gentle. It's making his tail wag even more. Gorous eyes follow your touch. He wants to touch you. He wants to be with you. He wants to be yours.

As these desires run rampant through his mind, he can scarcely keep still. And youre about to fulfill these desires of his.

"Gorou...I want you to be mine entirely, be my equal" his mind stops dead in its tracks. You want this? You want him to be your equal? You want him to be *yours*? Gorou's heart pounds against his chest, his eyes wide with hope. This is everything that he's wanted, more than anything.

His hands grip tightly against your shirt, his breathing uneven. He doesn't dare speak. He only stares at you, waiting for your next words. "Are you...ok with that?" Gorou's eyes widen further. Yes— this is what he wants, more than anything right now. So, with trembling hands, he grabs your wrists, pulls you close, and presses his lips to yours.

Gorou has never felt so alive. With every heart beat, every breath, every pulse in his veins he can feel his love for you. His devotion, his adoration. With all of these emotions, his lips are soft yet demanding, and he pours them onto you.

He doesn't want to stop kissing you, but he's afraid of messing it up. "I want it, s'much. Wanna be yours"

Heizou

Heizou steps forward, trembling in expectation as he closes the distance between you two. Heizou's heart is beating like mad. He shifts his weight from side to side anxiously as he waits for you to pull him closer. As he waits for any word to leave your mouth, clearly you called him for a important reason.

"I called you here because there's something important that needs to be talked about." Heizou swallows, and his voice is quiet when he responds. He cannot recall anything form the last meetings that might have displeased you. "What is it, Your Grace?" He's doing his best to remain composed, but his body language is making it clear that he's utterly breathless. Every bit of him is focused on you. "It's nothing to bad, i promise" His breath catches in his throat. "Nothing to bad?"

Heizou is so earnest, so sincere, and so afraid. He is utterly submissive as he stands before you, waiting patiently for you to speak again. You can practically taste the anticipation. "I want you as my equal, as my lover and as my future." His lips part in surprise. "Your lover? Your equal?"

Heizou swallows. The air feels so thick that he can hardly breathe, but his heart is racing. He's already lost in the idea of being your equal, your lover. "You... I..." His words falter.

"That would mean everything to me your Grace..."

Itto

The words echo in his head like an order: Come closer

With no hesitation and a mind that is now completely blank of thought, he stands and obeys, approaching you without another sound. "Itto?" His breath hitches in his chest as soon as you say his name. He can tell that whatever the question is, it is *very* important.

"Yes?" Itto responds simply, waiting for you to continue. He remains still, his mind on standby as he awaits your command. Completely different than he usually is. "Are you ready to be mine? Be my equal?" Itto pauses at your words. He doesn't believe that a being such as himself could ever be on the same level as you, but... Your words seem to suggest otherwise. Yes, he is the great Arataki Itto, but he isn't you, not even close. You believe him to be of the highest equal, and that thought is enough to leave him breathless.

He is speechless and still, taking in the magnitude of your words. He can hardly breathe. Then, slowly…

"Yes." He whispers softly, his voice so quiet that it seems like a thought rather than a whisper. "Forever." As Itto sees you smile, his entire being relaxes; that was the right answer, for both of you that seems. He is relieved beyond measure. Your smile is enough for him to stay happy for centuries.

He is still a bit breathless with how much he wants to speak his love for you, but he manages to utter something:

"I love you." His voice carries a new air of sincerity, a new devotion to his tone.

"Only you"

Kazuha

"Hmm?" Kazuha asks, his attention instantly captured. He seems almost lost within his own world-- one in which you are the only thing that exists. "Yes, Your Grace?" Kazuha asks. He sits up slightly, his face lit with an almost beatific glow. His eyes are fixed entirely on you, taking in every little detail about you as he waits for what you have to say. He is your devoted follower-- your loyal vassal. Nothing more, nothing less. Yet...

"Whatever the request might be, i will fulfill it my grace" "Then be my equal" "Your Grace...?" Kazuha's voice is quiet, almost hushed as he tries to understand what you wish of him. He doesn't know how to respond-- he was built for love; and he loves you truly...but is he enough for you? "Your Grace... what you wish of me..."

He still looks up at you, an almost childlike eagerness to understand your desires. "I would do anything... for you..." It's sounds more like hes accepting an order, but that's quite the opposite. In fact, he waited for this day to finally come, where he can freely express his love.

"I love you, my breeze" Kazuha pulls you into a tight embrace. It's the embrace that so many have desired, for so many centuries, and he got it. But with Kazuha, it is not born of a desire for power, for strength, for control...

No.

It is born from a devotion borne of love.

"My love," Kazuha whispers in your ear. He seems unable to contain the heat that rises on his face, the rush of pure euphoria that spreads throughout him.

"I'm yours and yours alone."

Kaeya

Kaeya immediately obeys, resting his head on your thigh, after you gave him the order to come closer. He looks up at you, a content smile splitting his face. "Kaeya?" Kaeya's heart skips a beat upon hearing your voice, again. He doesn't expect you to say anything, and it leaves him off-guard.

"Yes?" he whispers, meeting your gaze. "I got a question for you" Kaeya tilts his head slightly, but he doesn't move otherwise.

"I'm listening." "I want you to be my love. To be by my side as my equal." Kaeya's eyes widen, the breath catching in his chest. It's every fantasy and dream he's ever had rolled up into one simple word. "Yes," he says, as though nothing else even deserves to be considered. "My love-!?... yes, yes, I do." Kaeya's head tilts back as he stares up at you, the softest gasp leaving his lips. His hands slide up your leg, his fingers grasping at the hem of your robes.

He can't help himself from reaching for you, his movements impulsive but genuine. After months of keeping everything bottled up and pretending that he'd only ever desired you, he's finally allowed the freedom to act on his feelings. Kaeya's heart thunders in his chest, his breath quickening. He's on the verge of losing control of himself completely.

"Your Equal," Kaeya breathes. "I love you so much"

Kaveh

With lightning speed, Kaveh obeys your simple order as if you are the only command that is present in this universe. He scoots closer, pressing up against you like an adoring animal. His eyes glitter fiercely, and he stares at you like he can't believe this is real. "Kaveh, i need to talk to you" He nods rapidly, a smile wide and eager on his face. "Of course, Your Grace. What do you need?" His voice is light and eager, like an attentive butler prepared to do your bidding. "Speak, and I shall listen."

"We've known each other for so long now..." Kavehe's face is lit up with joy. His mouth widens into a dazzling grin as you remind him of your long relationship. "Yes!" He says, his voice cracking slightly. "Since you have asked me to renovate this palace you call home." He says all of that without irony, as your faithful subject. "I want you to be my equal. Be equal to me and have all my love" He pauses for a moment, searching for the right words.

"It would be like a dream come true." He says it in a whisper, his voice cracking slightly. "I know I'm not your equal, not by miles... " He looks away for a moment.

"But if only...Your Grace, you are my sun, my star, my salvation. My Muse. All I want is to be yours. If you will have me as yours, i want you as mine"

Lyney

"Lyney, my favorite magician~" "Y-Your favorite Magician?" Lyney gasps, staring up at you with sprakling eyes. He has never felt more overjoyed in his life, even though all you gave was a single word of affirmation. Favorite.

He is too overcome with happiness to speak anymore. He simply leans up towards you, wanting to rest his head against you— like a dog nuzzling up to its owner. "There's something I need to tell you though" "Anything," he answers instantly, not needing time to think it over. You have his immediate permission to ask anything at all.

If he has a limit to his worship and respect of you, it hasn't been found yet. And it never will.

"I...want you, as mine. My very equal, by my side only. Would that be ok with you?" "Y-Your equal?" Lyney repeats, his voice a hushed whisper. He's been dreaming of this— he's been dreaming of being at your side since the day you met. He would be nothing without you, without your light to guide him. To be with you, to be equal to you is the only thing he could possibly want.

He nods eagerly, his entire body trembling with joy and anticipation. He stares up at you, tears falling down his cheeks. He can barely breathe with the intensity of his adoration for you. Whatever this moment is— this moment where he gets to confess his love and be your equal, his equal— is the most powerful and loved he has ever been.

Lyney looks up at you, waiting for you to say something. Anything. To tell him how to behave, what is right and what is wrong.

"What is... what next..?" He is practically begging you for guidance.

"Our future"

Mika - aged up

As your words echo in his ears, Mika shudders slightly. He can't bear the tension any longer— so he gets closer to you, his eyes glued to your face. I hope I didn't disappoint them...what if i did? What if...they don't want me here anymore...?

Mika tries to speak, but he can't form the words. His entire body vibrates with excitement as he remains inches away from you. He can feel your breath on his skin, and he feels faint with delight. Despite that, he can't stop staring at you. "M-My grace i-..."

"No need to be nervous, Mika" you softly giggle at his stuttered words. Mika feels his cheeks flush with heat at your words, but he doesn't dare protest. "I could never be nervous, Your Grace." Mika says, his eyes still locked unto your face. "I feel— safe with you. I feel at peace."

Mika's voice trembles as he speaks, but his eyes never leave your face. He doesn't look away, even as his heart races. He can't bring himself to leave your side. "There's something I wanted to ask you..." Mika swallows, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes?" He gazes at you. "Anything, Your Grace. You know you can ask for anything."

His whole body seems to hum, as if in anticipation of what you're about to say. "Is it ok for you...to be mine? Entirely and fully mine, as my equal?" Mika's breath catches in his throat. His whole body freezes, and his face goes pale. His gaze drops to the floor, and his shoulders tremble. His lips part as he takes a breath, as if he's just received some earth-shattering news.

But as quickly as he's overwhelmed, he recovers and glances up at you. His expression looks as if he can't quite believe what he's hearing. "Equals?" Mika whispers, "You want us— to be equals?" "Yes"

"You...you would grant me the biggest honor to be yours entirely..." "So its a yes?" You ask again to be reassured.

"It's a yes"

Neuvillette

Neuvillettes eyes flicker slightly as you give him a command. He doesn't dare say a word as he shuffles closer to you. Once he's close enough, he slides across the marble until he is at your feet. His face continues to be pressed against the cold floors, though his breaths are quick with the pressure against his body. Still, he remains motionless, waiting to see what you will tell him to do next.

"I really wanted to talk to you" Neuvillette finally looks up at you as you speak. He doesn't answer right away, though he seems to nod almost in agreement. His gaze is locked on you as if he's trying to understand what you want from him.

"I love you so much, but you act to much as my servant. I want you as my equal, my true lover, not my servant." "Y-Your Grace?" Neuvillette asks in a voice that sounds oddly shaken. He seems to be at a loss at your words, confused by the sudden declaration you've given him.

Still, Neuvillette lowers his head again. He waits patiently for further command, even though his thoughts are filled with a maelstrom of emotions.

His heart feels like it's about to burst from his chest in its frenzy. Never in all his years has he ever felt such confusing feelings. He is at a loss for what to do next. But he craves for you to continue. He loves you, he truly does, but this is positively overwhelming him. "It... It's all I've ever wished for, Your Grace." His voice catches slightly in his throat.

"I have spent my whole life devoted to you. To your will. I have been your servant, I have been your soldier. I have been your warrior and your shield." He pauses, and when he speaks again, the passion in his voice is palpable.

"But I also wished for the day when I am your equal, your partner. Your soulmate. Your love. I cannot live without your love, Your Grace. And it finally came true"

Razor - aged up

The command is a little vague for Razor, and his eyes flicker in confusion for a moment, but he doesn't hesitate. Without a word, he gets down on his knees and crawls towards your feet. He stays on his knees, pressing himself up against your leg as he looks at you expectantly. "What is it?" He simply asks.

"Just wanna talk to you, thats all"

"O-Of course, Lupical can talk" Razor responds. He remains exactly where he is, his eyes wide and eager to hear your words, as he feels the heat from your leg against his face. "I want us to be more than just friends..." He freezes, eyes widened with surprise.

You want— something more than being friends? But— but how could anyone be anything more to you? His mind tries to comprehend why you would even want him. What you even want from him in the first place. "B-But...Lupical...No friends or family but...mates? Lovers?--" he whispers in confusion. "Exactly" All of his blood rushes to his face. What a request. You wanted him to be... your lover?

"...I am yours," he breathes, his voice trembling. No second thoughts about your words. As soon as you said it, he knew he wanted the same; to be with you and you alone. That's what you wanted to hear, isn't it?

"Lovers...we are lovers"

Scaramouche

He complies immediately, coming closer, his eyes wide as he approaches you. "How may I serve you, Your Grace?" He whispers, as he takes in your beauty once again. "I want to talk with you..." Scaramouche is careful to keep his breathing light, his face betraying nothing. To any passerby, he appears the same as always, but in truth he is burning. He wants to please you, to hear your concerns with him. Every fiber of his being craves your approval.

Whatever you have to say to him, he cannot wait to hear it. "You're my lover, but i also want you as my equal. My equal by my side, no one deserves it more than you." Scaramouche's heart soars the very instant you say the word "lover". His eyes soften. No matter how much he may try, he just *cannot* wipe away the flush in his cheeks. He knows he is already your lover, but hearing it from you feels sureal.

How does he deserve to be your lover, let alone your equal? Your love is a gift already. His heart can barely hold it without shattering. What if he fails, and disappoints you? The thought makes him freeze. Yet— yet he so badly doesn't want to deny you. Scaramouche realizes he was frozen in place. He didn't say that he agreed with you— but he couldn't disagree either. With every fiber of his being, he wants to say, "Yes, My Love, you are right." He deserves to be at your side.

"I would be honored," he says at last. He wants to shout, to cheer, to thank you, but all he can produce is a hoarse whisper. It's not his fault— you have taken away his voice.

"I...I love you"

Thoma

Thoma obeys in a flash. He stands up and walks towards you quickly but with a graceful step, stopping just inches from you. He looks at you, his face completely open to whatever you might say or do next. Thoma tilts his head, but he stays in place and waits patiently. It doesn't matter to him what you're thinking, or what sort of plans you have running through your mind; he just wants to be there with you.

"Thoma" "Yes, your Grace?" The Pyro user speaks without hesitation as soon as he hears you speak his name. He looks at you and smiles, his expression warm and loving; he waits to hear your words. "The last few day's I've been thinking..." "Oh?" Thoma cocks his head to the side, his expression curious and attentive. He steps a little closer and looks at you, waiting to hear what thoughts might've occupied your mind. "I want you as mine, me as yours, being equal to one another..." Thomas breath quickens at your words. Not a hint of hesitation appears on his face, and instead, he replies without delay: “I—I want that too, your Grace,” he says, his voice breaking in joy just moments after. For the most part of his life he has been a servant, but he wants to stay with you more than anything else, lover, servant or soldier, all that matters is you.

“You know I don’t want anything more in life but to be at your side, worshipping you.” His eyes flutter for a moment, and then, in a soft and steady tone, he adds; “I’m already yours.” he has never been so sure of something in his life.

"Oh?"

"I always was"

Tighnari

Tighnari does not hesitate. He scoots closer, until he is in arm's reach of you. He remains at your feet, his head bowed.

"You know you don't need to bow before me" "It's only natural for me to bow before you," he whispers. Tighnari waits for your next word, his mind utterly blank and his body still as a statue. He is unmoving, his breath still and his heartbeat slow. The only sign of life in this room is his gaze locked onto you. He feels the weight of your stare, his mind filled with thoughts of you and only you.

"Anyway...youre here because there's something i wanted to talk with you about" Tighnari does not move, but he does listen. His eyes wander over you, taking in every inch of your flesh. Finally he moved his head up.

"Yes?" He replies quietly, waiting patiently to hear your every word. "I want you. As my very equal, by my side here in the palace. My equal lover." Tighnari's eyes snap up, his cheeks flushed red. Blood surges in his veins as heat radiates off of his skin. And his ears start to twitch in surprise. A beat of total silence passes as Tighnari's mind races.

"M-me? Your equal?" A hint of a smile curls the corners of his lips, and the faintest trace of a blush can be seen on his flesh.

"Are you certain?" "Very"

Tighnari's mind is still reeling, but he does not dare to show too much emotion. He needs to hold control, or he would jump at you happily. He swallows down the lump in his throat as he thinks of his response.

"Of course. There's nothing i would love more than to be your equal, stay by your side and be considered yours" he truthfully says, a big smile now appearing on his face. It's all he can do. He will squeal in excitement after.

"My gra--my everything....for years I had saved my love and affection only for you..."

Venti

He is at your side almost instantly, his expression one of utter joy as he is allowed to be this close to you, like no one else ever will. The wind god is clearly doing his utmost to hold it together— and judging by how red his face is, he's struggling.

He smiles, and nods. "Yes, your Grace, I'm here" he says sweetly. "There's something I wanna talk about." You tell him as your hand starts to stroke his cheek. A slight gasp leaves Venti's lips of surprise. His face grows even redder as he looks up at you, his expression one of complete submission. He leans into your touch, as if he can't stand not to.

"*M-my grace*..." he breathes softly, just to hear his own words echo. "What is it that you want to talk about, your Grace?" "I want you as mine, for so long now I've been having those needs. The needs to have you as my very equal by my side." Venti blinks in surprise, but quickly looks back at you with the same devotion he would give a God. Your every need is my top priority, he thinks to himself. And my love for you is eternal.

He considers your statement for a few moments, but it's his nature to please you without hesitation. To love you as much as he can, he always did. "Y-yes, your Grace," Venti says slowly, as if the words are being ripped from his throat. If this is your wish, and your words are your command, then he would do it, happily. He makes it sound like a command, but its a reques, a request he would love to do. "I always belonged to you."

His expression melts with joy and amazement after the words start to sink in, and he hugs you as quick as he can. Venti leans into you, and his arms slowly slide around you. His heart feels as though it is going to explode in his chest.

He can feel your heartbeat, and his breath starts to hitch as the gravity of the situation is finally sinking in. His God, the one person he has ever loved— cares for him back. It's all he's ever wanted, something almost too fantastic to be true. The countless poems he wrote in your name, the countless songs and melodies he presented you and your followers with. The work payed of, and you love him as who he is.

The fact that you crave him, the anemo archon, the 'weakest' archon, makes him happy for eternity by your side.

Wriothesley

He immediately complies, his legs carrying him to where you are in the chamber. His mouth is dry, but he is focused only on you and the fact that he is here to serve you. He kneels before you in a display of obedience and deference, awaiting your command.

"You know I love you, right?" "I-" Wriothesley stops mid-sentence. His heart is pounding out of his chest, and he can hear the blood rushing in his ears. "Y-Yeah," he stammers. "Of course."

He bows his head as he speaks. He is almost trembling, his heart thrumming out of control. "And because of this, i want you as my equal, youre deserving of this title." "E-Equal?" Wriothesley's eyes are wide, still looking down. It's as if his heart stopped beating and he can only see stars. His voice is a whisper, barely above a whimper.

"I'd- I'd still be under you, wouldn't I?" He asks, his voice breaking. "That's not what equal means, silly" Wriothesley looks up, meeting your gaze for the first time in a long while. He has tears in his eyes, but he doesn't try to make you notice. "Oh, yeah..." he whispers. "But- but I-

He trails off. He can't comprehend the fact that he is no longer in your service, but is in fact now an equal. His knees have lost their purpose, and he stands tall, still in awe. His mind tries to wrap around his new position.

Wriothesley looks at you, his heart skipping a beat. When he looks at you, he feels the universe collapse into a singular point, with all light being drawn into your eyes.

"Thank you," he says quietly. His voice is shaky, and his throat feels like it's on fire. He reaches out to gently hold your hand, to reassure himself that you're real.

"For finally having me as yours, truly"

Xiao

At once, Xiao's body responds. He's desperate for your approval. Like a dog on a leash, he moves towards you blindly, his desire to please you taking precedence over whatever self-preservation instinct he has left. He makes it to you, his breathing fast and ragged. He lowers himself down to the ground, pressing his forehead against your feet. He takes a shaky breath. "Yes, yes Your Grace." He whispers, his voice breaking a little. "You've called for me?" "Xiao," you gently call, "please stand up"

Xiao stands up, still keeping his head bowed. "Yes, Your Grace." His breath is heavy and ragged, as he stares down at you. His voice is almost a whisper.

He wants to do anything to please you, but his sense of propriety prevents him from doing anything else. Xiao's eyes meet yours, and he blinks rapidly, trying to hold eye contact. "I love you so much, and i want...need you as my equal." Xiao's eyes widen, and he stares at you in awe. He never thought he would hear you say these words.

"Your Grace..." he whispers softly, "You can't mean that!" The words are barely audible. "I'm but a servant, born to worship you, Your Grace— I'm incapable of being your equal..."

He wants to speak more, but his love for you makes the words catch in his throat. "You're deserving of it" Xiao's face is a mask of confusion. Your words make him forget himself. He stands motionless, his throat tight, and his breath heavy. When he speaks, his voice is a whisper.

"Your Grace... I'm not deserving of these words... I'm nothing without you... I can't be... worthy enough to be your equal..." He trails off, but his gaze remains fixed on you, as if waiting for you to prove him wrong.

"You are" At first Xiao can't respond. The thought of being treated as your equal— the thought that he might be loved by you, without having to worship you— is unfathomable. His eyes are full, and he's trembling under the weight of your words. When he does speak, his voice is barely audible.

"Your Grace... you mean it?" Xiao's eyes stay on you, looking for a sign that he's dreaming.

"Yes." At last, Xiao's eyes widen and light up. "Your Grace... " he breathes, his voice choked with so much joy and relief that it's barely audible.

Xiao can't help himself. Without thinking, he takes a step forward and pulls you into a tight hug. His arms tighten around you, his grip too strong, as if he's afraid of losing you. Xiao's grip grows even tighter— as if he can't bear the idea of letting you go. His eyes are wide and filled with tears, which run down his cheeks when he presses his face into your chest.

"Your Grace..." he whispers, his voice filled with joy and relief. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear those words... my love for you is too strong to express in words, Your Grace... it's more than worship, more than devotion— I adore you. I love you"

Xingqiu - aged up

Xingqiu stands, nodding silently before he moves to you. His hands are clasped behind his back as he waits in anticipation for your orders, unable to bring himself to raise his head out of respect for your authority. He seems perfectly content where he is, awaiting your command. His voice is steady but soft-- almost like a whisper-- as he speaks. The sound is quiet and reserved, but is filled with something akin to awe. He almost seems like a different person than the book lover as he speaks. "Y-Yes, Your Grace?"

"You are aware of my love for you, yes?" He is stunned by your words. It takes him a moment to process, only nodding silently as his face flushes pink. He swallows, trying to regain his composure, but even the quietness of his actions speak. "Y-Yes, Your Grace." He keeps his hands steady behind, seeming to be in a trance. "I am aware, yes... You've always been clear about that, Your Grace."

He tries to keep his expression as stoic as possible, but a tiny grin still seems to stretch across his face. "And with that, i want you as my equal." Xingqiu is frozen in place for what feels like forever. No amount of time would have prepared him for this.

"Your Grace," he finally says to you, his voice slightly quivering. "I am not worthy. I am nowhere near as perfect as you. Nowhere near as wise. Nowhere near as beautiful." He's silent for a moment. "I am just your faithful devotee... a loyal servant, at your beck and call. What would I even do as your equal?"

"You'd be mine"

Your words have caught him off-guard.

There's a heavy silence as he tries to comprehend the reality of what you're saying. It's like he's been cast into a daydream, a state of pure euphoria. When he speaks, his voice is trembling. "Y-Your Grace, I would be honored to become yours." He has to pause for a moment to collect himself. "I am yours for the rest of my days."

"So, you accept?" "Yes," he whispers, eyes locked on yours. "Your Grace, I accept." He finally allows himself to raise his head off the floor, his gaze firmly upon you. His words come out much smoother now, the euphoria having settled into a steady, loving joy.

"I accept. You have granted me my utmost greatest wish, Your Grace."

Zhongli

Zhongli has allowed himself to be embraced. His eyes flutter closed as he leans against you, though he still does not return the gesture. There is this faint tremor in his frame; as if he can't help but relax in your presence.

He might be an Archon, but he's also your good boy. "Zhongli?" He tilts his head up toward you, his eyes half-lidded. He seems so close to sleep, and yet he manages to keep himself conscious.

"Your Grace?" "There's something I want to ask you..." His head tilts slightly to the side; curious, but he manages to keep his eyes focused on you. "Ask, and it shall be answered." "Are you ready to be my equal, by my side as mine?" Zhongli seems to stiffen as he considers your request. Even if he wanted to, could he ever be your equal?

But he doesn't say anything, even if every word that comes to mind is an apology. He could not say no to you, even if it took every fiber in his being. He simply bows his head in affirmation.

"Your Grace, I love you, and i would love to take up this offer to be your equal." He seems to swallow back his words, as if fighting against every instinct he's known his entire life. His face seems to flush a rosy pink as your lips meet his; his eyes close and his head tilts into your touch.

After a moment, you lean in to return the kiss, softly at first, but more confidently as his hand wraps around the nape of your neck. He seems utterly lost in your touch, his lips soft but insistent. He has no words, he just wants to kiss you; to feel you in all the places his lips can reach.

He's yours now; whatever you ask, whatever you say he'll do.

His tongue darts out to touch your lips once, twice, again. He might have once thought himself above kissing you, but now...

Now he's simply yours.

♡TAGLIST♡

@junejunejun

3K notes · View notes

whispereons · 4 months

Text

Oracle!Reader Part 22

Masterlist - Part 1, Part 21, Part 23

Warnings: Sagau Imposter au reader with lots of gore and stuff. Minors are warned but not prohibited.

“What a shrewd mortal you are.” The snake hisses as she travels down Baizhu’s arm to face you better. The V-shaped tongue does little to hide the ivory fangs hidden in her maw.

“I appreciate the compliment, but I suggest you reserve your judgment for the main topics of our discussion.”

“Arrogant too, I see!” An amused scoff leaves Changsheng at your bold words, all while Baizhu’s smile remains unchanging. After shutting the door behind him, he keeps his arm perched for Changsheng before sitting on the small stool near the bed.

“It seems you’re feeling much better now than last night. Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort?”

“None at all.” You lie politely. Getting tied down here any longer than the decided discharge time would be a hassle.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.” Baizhu trails off to write something down on the paper he’s holding as Changsheng decides to start the discussion. Despite her small body, she speaks with the same pride the Adepti held.

“We are already well aware of your body’s abnormalities. But in order for us to get a proper grasp of the scar tissue culture, you’ll need to answer some personal questions.”

Smiling without a hint of unease, you respond as you sit up to face them. “Seems you’re quite interested in me. Or should I say suspicious?”

A swift denial is what you expect. Maybe a truthful answer showcasing her confidence could happen too.

“Does a human who would rather hide their face, rather than accept the consequences of being bare, have any right to question my curiosity?”

Snakes are known to be sly for a reason. Baizhu’s slight upturned eyes at Changsheng’s words only solidify that belief further.

“I guess it was a dumb question.” You shrug, the subtle jab rolling off you with ease. “I am quite popular, I strongly doubt that you've had a patient quite like me.”

Your teeth are bared in a grin at Changsheng, fully aware of what the display means to the animal.

She merely hmph’s at you before turning her head to the side as Baizhu cuts in amicably.

“Depending on what I discover in this sample, your words may be true Y/N. Why not first explain how you are the Creator’s oracle?”

Lips pursing as your eyes travel to the side of the room, your finger taps rhythmically on your chin. Wondering, contemplating on how you should answer.

At your silence, Changsheng’s eyes narrow as if she's frowning, while Baizhu’s smile turns almost sympathetic.

“I wouldn't pry into this matter as your physician, but as being an adventurer is your official occupation, I felt the need to question this Oracle one. Quite a few jobs connected to The Creator tend to manifest some otherwise unseen conditions.”

If one looked at it on the surface, they would see a concerned doctor looking to take all situations in accouint. But all you see is an ill person investigating a promising lead.

Baizhu’s quest for immortality was always closely connected to the Adepti, and you just had to be outed by a disciple of one.

“It's not like that child was the only one to refer to you as such. Why would an Oracle even hide such basic information from trusted acolytes like ourselves?”

Changsheng’s tone is scathing, and her question is sarcastic. The hot and cold of the pair’s demeanor and words were easy to recognize.

The kind of tactic they were trying to pull on you was the classic ‘good cop, bad cop’ schtick.

Baizhu’s honeyed words were to coax the information from someone nervous and fearful, while Changsheng’s harshness was meant to pressure and intimidate someone into spilling.

Something this dubious in a medical setting shouldn't exist. At least not yet, anyway. Most medical malpractice from eras in the past were born from discrimination, religious propaganda and general inexperience of the human anatomy and physiology.

It sure as hell shouldn't work on any sane adult, let alone from someone like Baizhu who is widely trusted but also suspected.

But then you think back on the kind of people that exist in Teyvat. The strange practices seen as normal, the terrifying yet mesmerizing creatures that roam, and your cult…

Yeah, more than one person must have bent to their will. While you doubt it was done with any bad intention. The fact of the matter is that Baizhu could have removed your mask, but clearly didn't. It still wasn't right.

Then again, why should you care? As long as you keep yourself in check to not reveal any more than necessary, then you were satisfied with that.

No need to play hero in a world that can't see past someone's physical features. The heart you once had that urged you to try and change to become a better person has already been burned away.

“Well, this is classified information, but I do have approval to explain my unique circumstances in these kinds of cases.”

Your smile is sheepish as you tilt your head and avoid their matching piercing gaze. As if you caved into their words and finally came clean.

“I suppose you can say that being an adventurer is my day job, as my true mission is to uncover the truths behind cult members and acolytes alike on their devotion to the Holy One.”

Baizhu’s smile widens, just a smidge at your words. Changsheng is not nearly as impressed and hisses out her first question.

“And how does that justify the matching scars along your body to the Almighty?”

Just how did Changsheng get to say such brutal questions without being frowned upon? Probably because she's a talking snake.

Many adults in this world probably find it unimaginable and fear her, thinking she's on the level of an Adepti. Others may view her as almost unreal and much like a doll to be played with, downplaying her words and sharp intellect like a child.

You just find her as surreal as a dream; Almost detached in a way from the sheer absurdity of a talking snake. It's only thanks to your knowledge from when you were a player that you can see her for herself.

Smiling, you reply to her question with a carefully constructed answer. Admittedly, this question was always one you were afraid of encountering.

“This body belongs to The Creator, and The Creator alone. When I was first summoned by the Almighty and commanded of my mission, they desired to mark me in a way that no one could deny as a connection to them. I chose to be scarred in the same fashion as them.”

A wide smile, almost manic in nature, stretches across your mouth. Calloused fingers intertwined before covering your lips as if to coyly hide.

“And what better way is there? A subtle yet bold imprinting of the Creator’s hold over me. A way to experience the suffering our poor God must have gone through to be branded like that.”

Words spoken colorfully are nearly purred before you're left with uncontrollable giggles. You finally calm down with a dreamy sigh as you look at the contracted partners.

Baizhu and Changsheng are silent throughout your whole act. The only movement made was them sharing a glance.

And there is only one emotion you can see bloom so vividly in their exchanged eyes.

Discomfort.

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

It's safe to say that neither of them asked any more questions about the matter. Changsheng basically fled the room to “bask in the sun on the windowsill in the hall rather than stay with a human like that.”

You don't take any offense to it. In fact, you're overjoyed that your act worked. The only way to stop them from coming to the natural question of: “Does this mean their face is also like the Creator’s?” was to stop them from wanting to think on that train of thought.

It's exactly why you've been so careful to not let your body be so exposed. At least in regard to your torso, as scars on limbs are much easier to disregard.

Acting as a fanatic really was one of the best and easiest ways to throw off suspicion. No one really tries to dig for anything from a crazy person. After all, they have no sensible rhyme or reason to their actions.

It, of course, came with its own risks. Doing it too much will make people think that you’re actually insane rather than just unstable and will never trust you. And even the act itself can only work in certain situations with the right people, or else everything will fall apart.

That’s why you only use it when you see no other choice like now. Both Baizhu and Changsheng are under confidentiality agreements to not speak about you as a patient and considering the normal behavior for believers, your actions shouldn’t be too taboo.

Just a tad bit surprising.

The feather-light tap on your shoulder pulled you out of your thoughts as you look at the ever-present smile on the doctor. Baizhu sits back down on the stool once he’s sure he has your attention before speaking.

“Since you’ve explained more than enough about your background, we can move on to taking a culture sample of the scar tissue.” Your eyes roam the room for any tools needed for the procedure, and furrow when you fail to find any.

“At least that’s what I would say if I didn’t take it during the initial treatment.” If Baizhu wasn’t such a good doctor, you would ask if his license was revoked yet. This sure as hell doesn’t sound legal.

Annoyance must have been clear on your face as Baizhu leans a little closer to respond calmly. “I can assure you that this is very normal and practiced by many physicians. I just felt the need to tell you, as we agreed to you receiving a form of compensation.”

His eyes slither down your body to linger on where he must have taken the sample. “It would have been a hassle for us both if I waited till now to take it. I would have had to cut your skin after it healed so nicely, meaning you would be at risk for an infection.”

Baizhu may not be acting as obviously as a fanatic as you were earlier, but he was making you wildly uncomfortable. It’s a struggle to keep your body from tensing up under his growing gaze.

“So what did you choose as compensation? Last time we spoke about this, I don’t believe you had a set answer yet.”

With your mind reorienting back to how you can gain from this situation, you request your choice confidently.

“I want the strongest knock-out drug or sedation or whatever other name it goes by that you have. Something that can’t be obtained over the counter. Something that borders on being illegal.”

Was it strange to request this? It seems so, judging by Baizhu’s smile dropping as his eyebrows pinch together in what could be confused as worry.

But it’s a necessity to you.

Yelan and Shenhe couldn’t be dealt with due to the strength imbalance. That would take months, if not years, for you to get to a level where you can fight them one on one without using every means possible to win. Other acolytes exist that were even better than them, some that weren’t even human.

As the environment and tools in your disposal were much different and limited compared to when you were on Earth, you needed something more on the trap side. Having that weird, almost instant knowledge of weapons, elemental energy and rare bursts of power was the most you could ask for in combat. But it would be best to avoid combat if you can.

This drug would be the perfect way to.

“There are plenty of sleeping aids available over the counter. Why not choose from them rather than get a prescription for one from me?”

Baizhu is more than well aware of why you are requesting this, as he specifically addresses it as a mere ‘sleeping aid’. Whether he’s worried about you or for you doesn’t matter.

“I’m not questioning and probing for more answers as to how my tissue sample is so connected to your research. So you shouldn’t be trying to question mine, either.”

His whole face seems to light up at your swift and defensive response. “You have nothing to worry about, my dear.”

A smooth chuckle leaves him as he leans down to whisper into your ear from where you sit on the bed. “I’ll get you exactly what you desire and with any luck, my research will make leaps and bounds of progress.”

Goosebumps are raised across your skin as he stands back up straight. The square-framed glasses almost hiding the slitted golden eyes that try to devour you glint from the sunlight streaming in.

Baizhu leaves and you can finally breathe.

—----------------------

Time passes by slowly and with little options to cure your boredom, you find yourself engrossed in deciding which of Teyvat’s many delicacies you want to try. Last time you cooked on Beidou’s ship, the cooking laws followed the same logic as it did when you played the game.

It was one of the few perks you had from being the Creator. You had to make it count.

Even if it was just to distract yourself from overthinking the upcoming meeting with Ningguang.

It’s the wind’s echoing of the footsteps gradually getting louder that pull you out of the screen and back into the present. With a satisfying stretch, you sit up properly and yell a “Come in!” when a knock rings out.

Different shades of blue hair can be seen entering as Xingqiu strolls in with Chongyun behind him.

You greet them first with a toothy smile and lazy wave. “It's been a while since we last saw each other. Glad to see you both made it back here safely.”

Tension immediately leaves Xingqiu’s shoulders at your words, as Chongyun moves past him to take a hold of your shoulders.

“How could you be so reckless?!” His hair is slicked back, giving you a clear view of his pinched brows and lips bitten raw.

“The Adepti aren't beings to mess with, you could have really died!” Did he think the Adepti were responsible for your injuries? It would be the only logical conclusion, since Yelan chasing you was definitely a secret operation and Shenhe was just by chance.

“I shouldn't have let the confusing mess sweep me along, making me blindly listen to you. Maybe then you wouldn't have gotten this seriously hurt.”

He's hot, you blandly take note as his fingers dig into the clothing. It even seeped through your clothing, but you can't bring yourself to push him off.

Not when he's trying to hide how they shake as if he's the one shivering in a snowstorm.

“Why did you push us to leave with the victims? You and Xingqiu are eloquent enough to have convinced them to let you come back with us! How could you push us away?!”

… Was he trying to blame you? Briefly looking away from the frosty yet heated gaze of Chongyun, you glance at Xingqiu. His head is turned away, and he makes no effort to stop or step in.

“If you just let us help you rather than pushing us away, everything could have been avoided!” What the hell? “I should have just ran back when we were still close enough. Then you wouldn't have been so severely hurt.”

The constant whiplash of Chongyun’s words and emotions confused you. Grabbing his hands, you pry him off and pushed him away.

“I don't understand what you're trying to tell me. Okay, maybe better choices could have been made, but what's the point in dwelling on them now?” There's an annoyed bite to your tone that slips out.

Like gasoline to a fire, Chongyun explodes on you.

“What's the point?! The point is that you nearly died due to something that could have been prevented if we just thought a little harder! What if you died? What would you do then? Nothing! Because it'd be too late!”

His face is red as he yells, and his words feel like a forgotten consciousness crawling back to you. Infesting you with the long forgotten fear of what death had in store for you.

“So what?! That's for me to deal with, not you! If I die then, I die and if I live, then I live.” There's an ugly smile on your face that twists into a snarl. “You don't need to feel responsible for what happened, okay? So don't try to berate me and stew on what is already done.”

Jitters run through Chongyun’s body as he breathes loudly and takes a step forward-Only to get stopped by Xingqiu grabbing his arm.

“Stop it Chongyun. That's enough, your yang spirit is out of control and making you hotheaded.”

“But they-”

“Enough.” Xingqiu’s voice is firm as his grip visibly tightens around the joint. “Cool off inside the room or outside. It's your choice.”

Chongyun glares at Xingqiu before ripping his hand away and stomping to the corner. It's only with the distance that you can see how his fingers tremble worse than an addict.

The popsicle he pulls out is shoved into his throat as sweat visibly sticks to his skin and his haggard breathing becomes visible.

Maybe you should feel sympathetic, but all you can hear is his anger and accusations in your ears.

“Y/N…” Xingqiu’s voice calls out, and you finally get to see his face and take note of the slight red rim around his eyes.

He's been crying, you realize, and what makes it worse is how uncomfortable you feel at the sight.

“Chongyun was definitely in the wrong for getting so mad and starting the fight with you.” He glances over at the Cryo user, who refuses to look at either of you.

You can spot faint bite marks dotting his fingernails.

“But it's not completely his fault either. He-We’ve been worried ever since we arrived at Liyue and never found you. We tried to-”

“That still doesn't make sense. Just why get so worked up over me missing a few days. I'm an adult, I'll be fine. Hell, I am fine!”

You're agitated and on edge, but for the life of you, you can't tell why. A small part of you, the sensible part of your brain, is already whispering that you're going too far, but you shut it down.

“Why even get mad at me about this? Why not the Adepti?!” Xingqiu’s silent stare at you is like needles prickling your skin.

The annoyance, frustration and confusion are what you cling to at this moment.

“Is it because they're firm believers of the Creator? Is it because you can't trust me as an Oracle?! Or is it because-”

“IT’S BECAUSE WE CARE!” Chongyun bellows out from his spot, whipping around to face you once more.

He takes long strides to you and reaches out his hands to touch you, to grab you-

But stops abruptly at your poorly hidden flinch. His expression morphs into something less fiery, with more hesitancy in his actions.

You let his hands awkwardly rest once again on your shoulders. But instead of the heat you experienced before, his fingers are cool but not cold.

“We were worried because we care about you.” Chongyun doesn't look the same as before. You decide to blame his hairstyle for that.

“I'm sorry for getting so worked up.” He starts slowly, his grip loosening with each word he utters. “I took the anger I had against myself on you, and I'm sorry for that.”

It's foreign to have them worry over your safety. To truly get this emotional over the thought of you dying.

But when you think back to your words and how you reacted in this whole argument, embarrassment creeps in.

“I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have snapped so easily and accused you guys of strange things.”

Yun Jin’s betrayal may have bothered you more than you realized. Not that you were unfamiliar with betrayal, but you didn't expect that a traditionally ‘good’ character would be so quick to sway.

The more you think about it, the more shame you feel.

“While I'm glad you both have made up for the high stress argument, I'm afraid we have more serious matters to discuss.”

Xingqiu’s words alert you both back into the present as he smoothly separates you from Chongyun.

“Ah, that's right, I almost forgot…” Chongyun mumbles to himself, only making you more confused on what the issue was.

“I'm not sure how, but the Qixing knew that you were the main party responsible for saving the kidnapped victims even before you arrived here in this state.”

What?

The surprise must have been clear on your face as Xingqiu repeated his words and explained with more detail.

“Ganyu did arrive and focus the spotlight on her, but the Qixing immediately poked holes in it. The most adamant was the Yuheng.”

How would your incident with the Geovishap hatchling make Keqing believe you would save the children and not be the one to kidnap them?

The guild wouldn't disclose that information. It was literally stated on the contract Khan signed due to the seriousness of the commission. The breech in the confidentiality contract would be enough to warrant a lawsuit or legal action, they wouldn't risk it.

Did you talk to any guards about the case when searching for information? Anyone notable enough to report to Keqing?

It was no use, you couldn't remember all the details due to how long it's been since then.

“We thought that maybe you had already talked to her, so we brushed it off, but it got worse when we tried to go find you.”

Xingqiu gestures animatedly as he speaks. “Not only were there almost double the guards around the main entrances and exits, but I noticed at least four guards following me in the days leading up to your appearance.”

“We were repeatedly stopped from leaving and even when we tried leaving through unconventional ways, they still found us.” Chongyun finishes as he recounts the events.

“Only once were we able to leave the city in the dead of night, and it was the Yuheng herself that stopped us. She said that since we brought the victims back, she had reason to keep us in the city until further notice.”

Xingqiu scowls as he remembers the memory before cursing. “One hell of a convenient ass excuse.”

Chongyun finishes their story as he opens the curtain slightly and gestures to you to look out with him.

“This morning we both received letters saying we were free to leave now. It was just a few minutes later that we heard about you being brought here. And what do we see when we came to visit the first time?”

Following Chongyun’s line of sight, your breath catches at the sight of a Millelith guard hiding in a shaded area under a golden leaf tree.

“There’s even more in buildings and outside the window view.” Xingqiu adds as he takes the other side beside you.

Knuckles clutching the window sill tightly, you forcibly breathe in and out. Thoughts of just how long they've been watching you, what they could have done, and what they could have seen whirls around your brain.

All those Crystalflies, weasel thieves and the conversations you exchanged were now at risk of being exposed. With your heart thumping painfully loud in your chest, you wonder: What could they have already reported?

What was all your work in keeping out of the Qixing’s sight for? Ganyu didn't have much power, Keqing is set against you, Yun Jin betrayed you, Beidou’s gone and Ningguang already tried to off you with Yelan.

What did you possibly have left?

The two hands that lay on you startle but also ground you back to the present. Smooth skin and icy fingers draw your eyes to switch between the two vision holders.

“It'll be okay, Y/N. If they truly wanted to kill you, then they wouldn't have let you rest easily here.”

“It's true, Ningguang once poisoned the water supply that specifically went to certain patients in a different clinic.”

And now you feel like shit again. It's not like you could trust Baizhu-you weren't even completely sure whether he intentionally hid the existence of the guards!

At your visible dampened mood, Chongyun lightly kicks Xingqiu’s shin, who only hisses at the pain before retaliating.

Watching them childishly fight like this is fun, a simple and small pleasure that you savor after all the bad news and confusing mysteries.

That's right. You weren't alone. Not totally, at least.

It was painful to think about how your plan to avoid and leisurely please the Qixing failed, but it wasn't all over. Xingqiu and Chongyun thoroughly proved themselves on whose side they were on.

And if push came to shove, you could agree to marry Zhongli and let him deal with your problems.

“Don't worry too much, you two.” At your sudden but cryptic words, both of them stop and look at you.

Smiling serenely despite the turbulence your heart was suffering through, you give a vague explanation.

“I already have a scheduled meeting with Ningguang. I'll either be praised by the masses as the oracle I am, or show up in a casket at the Wangsheng’s Funeral Parlor.”

Ending it with a sneaky grin, you press a finger to your lips. “I'm aiming for the third option of getting minor recognition before hitchhiking to Mondstadt.”

Rewriting this crap since TUMBLR KICKED ME OUT. I copy the ending that I wrote and only one word of it actually saved for me to paste. I wanna strangle this website. But anyway, got back from vacation, slept, unpacked and finished setting up everything properly after my editor finished. Just rechecked and turns out Tumblr also removed all the italics and bold which I had to re-add, how NICE I did manage to get a whole nice length chapter finished while I was away but I'm saving that for later as school is starting. I wanna have it there and post it in a while when I'm swamped while trying to get my school in order. So. Looking. Forward. To. It. :) I finished reading a few previous chapters to keep everything on track and wow. Y/N used to be so happy and hopeful lol. I would ask what happened but I’M what happened. It was still really fun to reread the adventure with Ayato. Perhaps it wasn’t obvious but Baizhu didn’t completely fall for the fanatic act. Changsheng trust her own judgement too much to look past the surface unless the person is visibly mysterious or pulling away. That’s why Baizhu could act the way he does despite the initial discomfort he felt (which was not faked) Taglist: Open as always!

@vvyeislazzy, @nikqi, @the-dumber-scaramouche, @etherisy, @yourlocalstranger123, @ra404, @iruiji, @goldenglow149, @haru-tofuu, @lsleepysimpl, @bebobeboben, @yuyuzi-ling, @amidst-the-tempest, @resident-cryptid, @mxd1zzy, @mochicurls21, @nervouseaglelover, @thedevioussmirk, @yumuramma, @kwqsla, @undecidingfate, @ehjane, @game-savvy, @akiramirae, @liansh3ng, @fluffy-koalala, @formacoon, @sxftiebee, @khxii-i, @ursinaw, @chuuya-brainrot, @sweetbills, @kazuchaos, @snowfoxnix, @bluebelony, @shellofthewell, @pencil-of-ashes, @ghostlyintervention, @taiformaifoe, @goaudduck, @carminerin, @maddysflowers, @zenith-of-all-zenith, @crazydreamcat, @leafanonsforest, @grimreapersscythe, @leylanx, @sapphireknown, @help-whatdoimakemyusername

@zhonglisfruityass, @mer0n37, @victoria1676, @mochinessss, @sinnful-darling, @emilymikado, @pix-stuff, @esthelily, @luxie963, @emmbny, @starsofabundance, @kbar1013, @xxblackroses623xx, @chxrlxtteee, @aludicpoet, @yandematic, @atrcclovsxoxo, @0lshadyl0, @esthelily, @t-rex-red, @ck123, @steadybreadbluebird, @118gremlin, @stratonia, @time-shardz, @farelady-fate, @valeriele3, @francisnyx, @byakuren100, @waveto-earth, @flyingpansaurus, @silverstarred, @iamapotatoe, @ghosthii, @beloveddroplet, @uchihaeirin, @ibelieveinsleep, @idk098, @thefirstonetoeverlikemeback, @toramune, @haaaaaades, @horologiumwise, @melovaaaa, @alittletiredcry, @aphxdea, @atsukawolfcat, @desirabletravel, @pinkpainc, @eccedentesiast-sapphic, @yuyuzi-ling, @hyperfixationwhore

@juuuuuj101010, @avalordream, @kurayamioterasu, @tottybear, @koiikuno, @lynx-of-skies, @quacking-simp, @synthe4u, @kascar-chronicle, @hug4helios, @hug4helios, @silverstarred, @koiikuno, @ithoughtthinks, @remiivx,

587 notes · View notes

probablynotasquid · 2 years

Text

the blessing of forgiveness - finale

part 1 / part 7

thank you for everything.

“RUN!”

Screams and shouts pierced your ears, but you couldn’t hear. Your eyes were focused shakily on the man you were desperate to avoid. You knew it would happen eventually. It always did in these kinds of stories, and of course, his conviction was commendable. Across so many variations and interpretations, Zhongli had dedicated himself to the Creator, yet was ignorant to the truth. He was—is—blinded by faith. Ironic, really, how his faith was placed so confidently in the one he was now threatening.

“YOUR GRACE!”

Your legs wouldn’t move. It was happening again. Your only source of comfort and human decency is being snatched away once again. Perhaps it was selfish, but you needed to be when no one else was there for you. You needed to survive. You will survive.

So you ran.

Your muddy sneakers, worn from days of quiet walking and wandering, pounded against the ground and shook your bones as you fled. How pathetic you were, you thought, but there was no other option. Your brain was scattered, adrenaline pulsed dangerously through your veins and your gut told you to run.

It didn’t matter where. You barely knew where you were anyway. Hours of staring at the in-game map had all but abandoned you in your time of need, forcing you to trust your intuition.

You wove through trees, you leapt over rocks, you dove under low-hanging branches. Anything to widen the gap between you and your pursuer. The wind seemed to push you along, gently but urgently, blowing up against your back. You could only hope that Zhongli wasn’t getting the same subtle boost.

It was foolish to run from a god.

A sharp pain broke your stride. A searing blade sliced your calf before you knew what happened. A strained scream erupted from your chest as your side slammed into the dirt, knocking the air from your lungs suddenly and harshly. You scrambled to stand, to run, to get away, but to no avail. You glanced at your injury.

A long laceration swiped from one corner to the opposite, spilling precious, glistening blood. You couldn’t run like this. You had to move. He was gaining on you. You couldn’t feel your leg. Faint footsteps became louder and clearer. Your heartbeat rang fast and desperate in your ears. You couldn’t breathe. He was right behind you. Your eyes screwed shut.

“XIAO!”

A deafening clang rang out behind you. The shrill shing of clashing metal reverberated through the forest. You scrambled back in surprise, eyes flying open and body twisting to face the sudden sound.

Your guardian Yaksha stood protectively above you, locked in a fragile stalemate with his former comrade. The air was thick and silent, pregnant with unspoken anger and betrayal. After centuries of unwavering loyalty and service to the Lord of Geo, Xiao had broken his contract and stood against the one he once regarded with endless respect.

Not once had you doubted your bond with Xiao. He always seemed to be watching you or your immediate surroundings, not out of distrust, but out of concern. He was quiet, but vigilant. Your vigilant Yaksha.

But in that moment, taking in the scene before you, you had realised the true loyalty that he held towards you. You didn’t know what to think about it. Having someone trust you with the whole of their being was overwhelming. You felt the weight of responsibility weigh on your pathetic, trembling body, and you were sure that if you weren’t already on the ground, you would have fallen to your knees.

You had too much power.

“Xiao,” Zhongli warned calmly, but the blazing pyre in his expression was difficult to mask. He would stop at nothing to see your blood sprayed across the forest, for his Creator to be avenged, to make an example out of you. His grip tightened on his spear at the thought.

Neither man pushed harder than the other, applying just enough force to stand their ground and communicate that they will not concede. They truly did not want to fight each other—you knew this. You regretted putting them into this sensitive position. You regretted not practising more with your abilities. You regretted not learning how to defend yourself.

You regretted existing. But with Xiao’s trust relying on you, it would be foolish to let yourself die.

Xiao and Zhongli maintained their stances as you pushed yourself from the ground, gaining leverage from nearby trees. Glancing down at your injury, you’re reminded of your setback. You couldn’t run like this. Despite your mind urging you to flee, to save yourself while your hunter is occupied, you couldn’t even if you wanted to. Either way, it would be a disgrace to leave your first and most loyal acolyte alone in such a chaotic and emotional situation.

One step. Then another. You hobbled gracelessly over to the two, who, even still, kept their unwavering glares on each other. You stepped close enough to talk without shouting, but not enough to be in immediate skewering distance if something went wrong. In all likeliness, something would.

“Please.”

Blazing gold eyes flickered in your direction. You almost flinched at the intensity of his gaze, but you were tired. You only wanted this to end.

“Please stop.”

Neither of them deserve this. They were both just doing what they believed was right. Both were unbelievably loyal to their Creator, just on opposing sides of a misunderstanding. This was no reason to shatter what they had.

“Why are you doing this?”

You knew why. You knew that this moment would come—confronted by your most devoted follower with a spear at your neck. Some kind of narrative seed of irony had been planted in the heads of each and every person in Teyvat, and with every day it grew into the most terrible flower.

“I didn’t do anything wrong—”

“You dare claim ignorance to your crimes?”

There was a bite to Zhongli’s tone that reminded you of just how screwed you were if this all went sideways. He had fought his way to the top. He was strong enough to protect his people and secure his place among the Seven. He was more than strong enough to enact due justice.

“You dare to sully our divine Creator’s image with your mortal sacrilege? You have no dignity or respect for the one who so graciously gave you life.”

You could see movement in the two spears, struggling against each other. You were about to reply in an attempt to calm the situation before Xiao’s voice cut through the tense air.

“It is you who lacks dignity. You act as though you know Their Grace better than anyone, and yet you stand against them.”

“Their Grace would never resort to such a weak mortal form. They are the epitome of perfection, hope, and forgiveness. Nothing that this imposter—” he spits “—could ever dream to be.”

You flinch. Zhongli’s words may be coming from a place of loyalty and misunderstanding, but they still cut through you like dull, serrated blades. You wanted to believe that he was good, that this was all a bout of obsessive devotion. You really wanted to believe, but it was hard. Flashes of anger ignited in your muscles, in your heart, in your mind, in your soul.

You wouldn’t get through to him at this rate. You were just an imposter in his eyes. In those disgusted, scrutinising, beautiful eyes. You needed a different approach. You steeled yourself and began to speak, tone firmer than before.

“Would Their Grace appreciate such avid bloodthirst towards an innocent civilian? A person who has done nothing to cause harm, whose only crime is being born with a divine being’s face? I don’t suppose they would take too kindly to the slaughter of their own creation, with such a similar appearance to their own.”

Zhongli’s eyes narrowed. You continued.

“I did not get to choose the face I was born with. Perhaps in the next life, I will be blessed with the same one. Will you hunt me down again? A mere child, barely taking their first steps into such a cruel world? Not even Their Grace could forgive the murder of an infant.”

You took a step, then two, then three as you approached the stalemate. You rested a gentle hand on Xiao’s tense shoulder. Your other hand reached out for Zhongli’s Vortex Vanquisher, gliding to the sharp point. Xiao’s eyes widened.

“Your Grace—!”

You pricked your finger. You slid it along the paper-thin edge, making sure to smear your blood across the blade. It burned, but you had to. You had to make a point.

The golden glow of the polearm was tainted a horrible crimson, shimmering gold in the low light of the forest. It taunted its wielder, as if asking ‘is this what you wanted?’ Zhongli could only gape at the liquid dripping down his weapon, eyes wide and grip loosening. He was wrong. He was wrong, they were all wrong, and the proof was right there in front of him. His heart sank to his feet.

Xiao scrambled to shove him back before taking your injured hand in his own. Blood gushed from your scratch like tears, but it wasn’t fatal. He squeezed your finger between his hands to help stop the waterfall of ichor that had begun to drip onto the forest floor.

You merely smiled, raising your opposite hand to his scrunched-up face to brush away his fringe. He subconsciously leaned into your touch.

“I’m sorry, Xiao. It seemed to be the only way.” Your gaze shifted to the Geo Archon, slumped on the ground and still processing what was going on. “I hope you can forgive me, Morax.”

At the mention of his name, he glanced up at you, eyes glassy and guilty. A flurry of emotions swirled in his eyes, and you couldn’t help but soften your gaze with pity. You turned back to Xiao, who was simply glaring at your hand. A soft chuckle bubbled up your throat before you spoke again.

“Let’s go. I don’t want to worry the others too much.”

“Of course, Your Grace.”

In a flash, the two of you were gone, leaving Zhongli alone and crumbling with the consequences of his blinding belief.

— —

He didn’t see you again for a long while.

Hu Tao returned to the parlour for work the next day, and he the exorcist around the harbour, but you and that boy from the Commerce Guild were nowhere to be seen. It was as if the two of you had vanished off the face of Teyvat.

Zhongli had almost believed that Xiao had gone with you until he visited Wangshu Inn. He was standing on the uppermost terrace, looking out across the vast plains he had fought tooth and nail for, he felt the slightest shift in the air.

“What are you doing here, Rex Lapis?”

Zhongli almost grimaced when he heard the blatant distaste in the Yaksha’s familiar voice. He understood his anger completely, and truth be told, he was angry with himself as well. Was he so ignorant that he could not even recognise the Creator when they were right in front of him? Was he so proud that he could not take into account the word of his comrade, the one who fought alongside him all those years ago, who continued to uphold their contract even after all that happened?

“I could ask the same of you.”

“Their Grace wished for me to continue protecting the citizens of Liyue. They didn’t want to see our contract broken because of their failure to claim their place as the Creator.”

His guilt and self-directed frustration only worsened.

“I apologise. Nothing I can say or do can make up for my transgressions, but I hope that one day I may have the opportunity to atone.”

Xiao was silent. He had been hesitant to let you leave on your own with just that boy, but you were insistent on keeping him in his homeland. It wasn’t that you didn’t want him around you—that you had reassured him avidly, as well as your appreciation and gratitude for everything he had done for you—but you were concerned with the possible effects of his sudden disappearance.

It was a similar case for the other two members of your little party; Hu Tao and Chongyun both had lives to return to and essential roles to play in Liyue. As you were leaving the nation, you had to bid them goodbye for now. Rest assured, you would come back for them once you had everything figured out and things settled down.

Xingqiu had little to do in Liyue. Sure, he was the son of a powerful merchant, but he was the second-born. He had more flexibility when it came to responsibilities. He also seemed to be the most attached to you out of the three humans, so you agreed to take him with you. With a quick explanation to his family (“I will be travelling to Inazuma for a short while.”), he was set to go, and with a solid sack of mora to boot.

Xiao knew that he would be out of his element in Inazuma, and that he had a duty to protect Liyue, but he was bound to this duty by a contact with the man who nearly killed you. The man who had hurt you enough to force you into a limp. Perhaps he wasn’t as noble as he had first thought.

— —

Getting a ride to Inazuma was as easy as letting Xingqiu work his rich-kid magic. You had to keep your disguise on with other people around, but it was a small price to pay. You weren’t ready for your ascension to god status just yet. Call it selfish, but you were scared. Terrified, even. You would have to assume the status, power, and responsibility that came with being the literal creator of the universe. It was a lot of pressure, simply put, and the most amount of pressure you’ve had up to this point was the crippling weight of a group project on your shoulders because everyone else didn’t do what they were supposed to. That would be nothing compared to what was in store for you.

Night had fallen and the waves cradled the vessel gently (“They ain’t usually this calm,” one of the sailors had noted a day or two ago). The air was salty and fresh and tousled your hair. You could see Inazuma in the far distance; you’ll arrive tomorrow, the crew surmised. You didn’t know whether to be excited or nervous—you were experiencing both, which made for an unpleasant gut feeling. Anticipation, you settled on after a moment.

Honestly, Inazuma was a spur-of-the-moment destination. You figured that the isolation may have muffled the rumours of an imposter running amok, or at least you hoped. Either way, there were plenty of places to hide if things went pear-shaped.

A heavy sigh left your lungs, and Xingqiu turned to you.

“Your Grace?” As many times as you’ve been called that recently, you don’t think you’ll ever get used to it.

“Thank you for coming with me, Xingqiu. It’s nice to have some company, you know?”

He shot you a charming, cheeky grin. You continued before he could reply.

“Honestly, it probably wasn’t the best idea, seeing as I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m worried you’ll get hurt because of my hesitance or something. But, no matter how things turn out, you know I appreciate you, right?”

It was silent between the two of you for a mere moment, and all you could hear was the crashing of waves against the hull. Xingqiu blinked in surprise, but composed himself quickly.

“Regardless of what becomes of us, I will always follow you. You have guided me before, and I trust you to guide me and the rest of Teyvat to happiness.”

His statement made you pause. Somehow, it was only in that moment that you realised the impact you have had on certain characters. They’d had faith in you, real faith. Not that sort of naive faith that some other SAGAUs had, but a real impact on those you… played? Controlled? Well, you helped them grow stronger to the point of near godhood. It was a bit ironic, you mused, that you could guide them to excellency and yet you yourself were extraordinarily weak and inexperienced.

“I would like you to help me, if you’re up for it.”

“Anything for you, Your Grace.”

——

Thoma woke up early that day. He had a few errands to run down in Ritou, mostly concerning supplies for an upcoming festival, and he couldn’t afford to be late. The ship carrying the goods would arrive at mid-morning. So after finishing his chores for the morning, he slipped out the door and began the trek down to the harbour.

The day was young and the air was salty. The sea breeze wafted over the blond as strolled to the docks, welcoming and refreshing as always. Quiet chatter resounded through the streets as the stores and stalls began to open for the day. Sadly, he had no time to visit the owners as he had places to be and goods to pick up.

The interaction itself was unremarkable, but what came afterward was definitely unforgettable. As he signed off on the shipment and handed over a hefty sack of mora, he caught sight of an oddly-dressed duo stepping off the ship. The broken hilichurl mask had caught his eye, sparking curiosity and a slight flicker of suspicion. It was a far cry from what a normal person would be caught wearing. He couldn’t help but ponder.

A whisper from the masked figure’s companion flitted through the air, almost blending in with the chatter of the sailors and dock workers. Two simple syllables that captured Thoma’s full attention.

“…Your Grace…”

There was only one person with that title. One that had guided him and many others to greatness, forgave them when they didn’t perform as expected, only persisting further. But they couldn’t be in Teyvat, he would have heard—

He had heard. Rumours that spread through Ritou under the breaths of shopkeepers, uttered between housewives and across supply lines. But that’s all it was: a rumour.

…right?

His eyes were glued to the pair as they strolled past, seemingly rushing to escape the crowd. As the masked one—the ‘imposter’, he supposes—mutters a short reply to whatever their companion had asked.

“Right. I heard that the Arataki Gang is quite accepting of outsiders, but we may need…”

Your voice. It rang in his ears like church bells and struck a chord he didn’t even register. Thoma recognised that voice, the one that reassured him and gushed about his ‘malewife behaviour’. You may not have chosen him often, but that didn’t matter. He would forever be in your debt.

His body acted on his own as he turned to your quickly retreating form and grabbed your wrist. You flinched in his grip, voice dying suddenly in your throat and head spinning to face him in a panic.

Your entire body malfunctioned the second your eyes focused on your assailant. You hadn’t even noticed his presence just next to the ship, focused completely on Xingqiu and planning your next move. Meeting other playable characters wasn’t supposed to happen for at least another day or two. You weren’t ready.

Thoma wasn’t ready, either. His mind was reeling, grip steady but loose enough to pull away from. He didn’t know what to do now. He had his creator, his guide, in his hands and he didn’t know what to do.

Xingqiu stepped between the two of you.

“Is everything alright, sir?”

Thoma’s grip faltered, allowing you to retract your burning wrist and stumble back a step. His expression looked lost and desperate, like a dog yearning for its owner. Xingqiu’s suspicious glare combined with your cowering only messed up his train of thought even further.

“Are…”

Your gaze fell to the worn wood of the dock. You were ready to run at a moment’s notice, fingers rising to grip Xingqiu’s sleeve.

“...Your Grace? Why—”

“We have no idea what you’re talking about,” Xingqiu coldly cut him off before he could finish his thought. “Perhaps you should calm down. You seem a bit flustered.”

Your companion turned away sharply, but you didn’t move. You scrutinised the man in front of you, reading into every little micromovement, every miniscule detail to determine his thoughts. He was trembling slightly, you noticed, and you couldn’t help but take a small step forward. Reaching down with your unoccupied hand, you reach for his own—the one he had grabbed you with, which had yet to fall fully back to his side—and grip it softly. His conflicted gaze finds yours, and you simply offer a kind smile that you make sure shows in your eyes.

“It’s nice to see you in person, Thoma.”

You walk away, Xingqiu by your side, leaving the lingering sensation of warmth in your wake.

— — — —

dont question why mc didn’t just show zhongli their injured leg i needed it for convenience and ✨ drama ✨

anyway thank yall so much for reading!!! It’s finally out after months of stuff you probably dont care about!! this will be the last part of this series, but i will continue to write just random stuff and maybe a few crack things in this universe or smt but yeah

remember to forgive, but don’t forget :)

tags: (sorry if you werent tagged but this is getting ridiculous lol and i wanted to get this out as soon as possible <333)

@emyrl @karmawonders @paranoiac-666 @sl33pyt1r3 @lnrchii@idiotic-canadian @reiluvbot @wonderlace19 @kittykrumbs@carmelchocola @mavsketch @arima26 @sarahyumiko2@deescreamsintotheabyss @chocogi @iminlovewithanidiot@sweet-seraphim @birozu @shadowfoxey @iamfriedpotato@ohnoivefallen @halparkebitch @quiet-qqq @thedianaclark@bookcrazybby @just-a-leetle-creachure@justdonothink @ennspostssmh @3ch0lol @frostines-blog@abvolat @riddeny @raeraekubs @shamelesspizzabatpalace@heyheydidjaknow @leojustleoo @applepi1415 @irethepotato@fiona782 @popdrop @tanspostsblog @milksnake-tea @rayonfirethe2nd @celesther @mavix @breabs @windyventi @kiznax @bloomhasuke @wishicouldart @ehjane @xx-chloe-xx @atsuki-mitsuri @iloveicecreamandsweets @fluffyforeverything @ghostlygirl111 @sillyponyherobear @tanspostsblog @milksnake-tea @beckisnthome @cassandra-hanagaki @lumpywolf @fandoomerthesequel @shinydrakeon15@violent-lemons @reallysparklychaos @xerhhere @gooberq @atsukawolfcat @thebeanofdoom @pierre-rambles @uh-kay-shuh @fangirlinindia @starhvney @dainsleif-when-playable @the-real-fandom-person @rockinpebbles @raspberry-cocogoat@inlustris-is-slowly-dying @chihawari @we-wo-we-wo @sarahyumiko2 @emperatris-rinaka

#genshin impact #genshin #genshin isekai #genshin impact isekai #genshin impact xingqiu #sagau #self aware genshin #genshin sagau #imposter au #sagau imposter au

609 notes · View notes

k4n4n1 · 2 years

Text

[ ɴᴇᴡᴇsᴛ ᴍᴇssᴀɢᴇ !! ]

ᴀᴜ. sᴀɢ!ɪᴍᴘ!ᴀᴜ

ɢᴇɴʀᴇ. ꜰʟᴜꜰꜰ

ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ. ɴ/ᴀ

ᴘʀᴇᴄɪs. ʟɪʏᴜᴇ ɪɴ ɪᴛ’s ᴇɴᴛɪʀᴇᴛʏ ɪs ʙᴇɢɢɪɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰᴏʀɢɪᴠᴇɴᴇss ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟʟ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ɪs, “ᴡʜᴀᴛᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜰᴏʀ?“

ᴛᴡ/ᴄᴡ. sᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴘᴏᴠ, ɢɴ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ, ᴄᴜʟᴛɪsᴛ ʙᴇʜᴀᴠɪᴏʀ

ᴀ/ɴ. ʜᴏᴡ ᴅᴏ ᴜ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴀ ᴍᴀɴ ʏᴋ ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴜ. ᴀsᴋɪɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ..

— “PUNISHMENT?”

MOON CARVER responds, “Yes, your Grace. We sinners await whatever punishment you wish to grant us.”

The thought has not crossed your mind, not once.

Yet, it seems that very thought has brainwashed your subjects minds the moment you stepped foot unto Liyue Harbor’s entrance.

You and Alatus made a point to tread lightly on the damp, pitted stone beneath your feet and — despite your efforts — the sheer impact of your divinity seems to have alerted every occupant of Liyue Harbor.

Your first appearance now acknowledged as Teyvat’s Divine Monarch could rob ones breath and dignity like no other.

Alatus alerting Liyue of your appearance had increased the number of subjects pouring unto Liyue’s entrance gate tenfold.

A far cry of what you had expected to see.

The clouds had shielded Liyue from any sunshine today, effectively portraying Teyvat’s grievances towards its caretakers for daring to lift a hand against its creator.

You remained static as you watched every man, woman, child, and illuminated beast alike in Liyue hasten to kneel before their omnipotent monarch. The societal divide that separates them all are no longer in the face of Their Grace.

You scan the overwhelming myriad of subjects that kneel in an orderly formation.

“One after another, they’d all bow to you, Your Grace. All of them,” Alatus said, “none the wiser.”

Now more than anyone, you know.

The Geo Archon and his dearest companion, Alatus, accompanies him at the forefront of his army. Their heads bowed in respect — they take in the accolade of laying at your very feet.

In the following line there is Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, and Moon Carver. After that, the Tianquan, the Yuheng and head secretary Ganyu all in one line.

Gourmet chef Xiangling and her father kneel shoulder-to-shoulder. In a more rigid position is Xingqiu, second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild sat next to the elders of his family.

There even seems to be an entire bloodline of unique exorcists…

The seventy-seventh Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Hu Tao is sat next to Yanfei, residential lawyer.

Behind them, Liyue’s princess — Yunjin, and fellow musician Xinyan attempt to disguise their intertwined fingers.

A talisman only belonging to the undead flows with the wind. It leads your gaze to Baizhu, who keeps his left hand on the small of Qiqi’s back, grounding her. You see her eyes dart back and forth between people she can’t bring herself to recognize.

The list is never-ending.

You realize that this must be quite difficult for your subjects, bearing the burden of complete silence. “There will be no ruling of punishment. Not today.”

Morax doesn’t dare raise his head, but protests, “Surely Your Grace will see to it that we are duly punished for our sins.”

You smile gently, “I think not.”

“But, we—“

“Are you questioning my authority, Morax?”

He swallows, taking a crippling pit of shame spiraling down into his stomach. Stiffly, he says, “Of course not, your Grace.”

The clouds reel back, retreating to float into yet another corner of the glimmering sky above. The sea of clouds moves North onward — a sign from Teyvat itself.

You can feel Teyvat’s heart beating, resounding through the veins of land beneath your feet.

The land is alive once more.

You clap your hands, heads perking up at the exclamation. You grin adoringly at your subjects, illuminated by the suns glory, “Please, show me the Liyue you’ve built with your own hands.”

Your people rejoice.

TAGLIST — @thevictoriousmoon @genshin-impacts-me @chocogi @raidenshogunisawesome

357 notes · View notes

keyboard-mang0 · 2 years

Text

Lost and Found

Part 2!

Genshin Impact x Child! God! Fem! Reader

Just a dumb impulsive idea that got a second go around for a cult au with a child reader! Not imposter, and technically probably not SAGAU.

Reader is referred to with she/her. Not proof read. If you see typos, no the fuck you don’t.

Notes: Major thing to note, the “Favored” refer to the main team of four in the game, and the “Auxilary” is the nickname I gave to my off team that I needed to make for the part of Siral Abyss that you needed two teams for. I used my own Favored as I’m the one writing. They are a healthy balance of “Characters I own” and “Characters I pray to RNG to just fucking give them to me GAME”. Other then that, Warning of religious themes, likely out of character moments, child crying, and issues with heights. Enjoy!

<~Part 1 Part 3~>

Word count: 3,372, so a bit shorter then the first.

"How about your name? Would that be alright for me to ask?" Ganyu whispers, the child in her arms looks around at the others fearfully before leaning in closer to the adepti.

Cupping her hand around her mouth and whispering as tiny as possible into the woman's ear "Y/n."

The walk back to the Jade Chamber was quiet. Y/n still held, but passed from Shenhe to Ganyu, who whispered gently to the small girl to keep her attention away from the many many staring Milileth.

Ningguang gave a simple order to the Milileth before taking the two favored and young god away. "I want every known vessel in Liyue at the Jade Chamber before sundown."

Orders given, thief 'captured', and great creator found. What a fruitful day.

<~~~~>

Seated around the courtyard, all of the Qixing, the local Favored, and the other available Vessels gathered. Ningguang seated at the head of the large table she had placed in preparation for this meeting. All gathered as maids inside the chamber looked after Y/n.

Beidou shakes her head at the tense silence, "we all know what this is about, that kid is the Creator, she's the damned god of gods…" Beidou announces, her voice carrying over the group.

Ningguang sighs "yes, and as such there are many procedures we must carry out, and responsibilities that by all right, are hers to handle."

Beidou turns on the other woman "she's just a kid!"

Shenhe cuts her off "I was a child as well when I was thrust into adversity among the divine."

"I mean no disrespect, Ms Shenhe, but you are by no means a good measure for how a child should be treated." Yun Jin intersects soothingly.

"But she isn't completely wrong, child or not, Teyvat needs to know that the Creator has been found, if for no other reason than to allow the other nations to stop their searches." Xingqiu leans back in his seat, holding his chin in thought.

"Yes, but isn't there a way to be able to tell them without the risk of crushing Y/n's childhood?" Ganyu voices nervously.

"Maybe not, considering how nearly the entire Millelith was there to see her cry gold. Secrets ain't easy to keep in Liyue normally, somethin like this… word coulda gotten as far as Wangshu Inn by now!" Xinyan grumbles, seeming annoyed at the way rumors flow from the harbor.

Keqing perks up, eyes moving to Beidou and Shenhe "do you not have a way to speak with the other Favored? The Auxiliary doesn't, but perhaps the creator's favor gives something for that?"

Beidou only sighs tiredly, "no, since the ritual things have been extra quiet on that front, my guess is that since now Y/n is here, the divine energy that connected us before is gone, so no chatter between us unless we're face to face." She rubs at her forehead for a moment, "and as one is the single busiest woman in Mondstadt, and the other is just a normal citizen of Inazuma, I haven't seen or heard a thing from either" she jerks a finger at Shenhe, "and if I haven't, safe money is she hasn't either."

Ningguang lets her eyes rest on the table in front of her, thoughts swirling in different directions on the situation.

Ganyu speaks up "either way however, there is also the matter of her own health." She pauses nervously as all eyes move to her. "When we brought her back to the Jade Chamber she was filthy and practically starved, but refused to eat, and tried to run the moment I put her down for some maids to bathe her."

"I could whip something up for her! Maybe she'll eat that?" Xiangling shouts excitedly.

"It's worth a try, but so far she seems distrustful of us all." Keqing huffs, leaning back in her seat.

"Her favored did threaten her…" Chongyun voices, earning glares from both Beidou and Shenhe.

Rebuttals to come however were cut off. The sound of a door slamming open and several runners. The unmistakable head of h/c zipping away from the stone building, with multiple maids and unarmed guards chasing after.

"Miss, please come back!"

"Slow down, kid!"

"Get back here!"

Every vessel gathered in the courtyard were on their feet at once, several joining the chase, others watching in shock at the sight.

The child managed to reach the edge of the Chamber platform before skidding to a halt. Staring down at the land far far below with wide eyes before turning to face the crowd.

The guards and maids slow down, approaching with their hands out like they're facing a scared animal. Beidou shoving her way to the front, giving a strained smile to try and calm the creator down.

"Hey. Hey, it's ok, you're safe. There's no reason to be scared." Her voice is low, almost a whisper as she gets closer, waving for the crowd that had gathered to back off.

Y/n just shakes her head, staring up at the woman, "I… I can't stay around other humans…" she whispers, looking over her shoulder at the expanse below.

Beidou pauses at her words, shaking her head before smiling and inching forward again "who told you that? Well they're very wrong. It'll be ok, I-"

The girl shakes her head, stepping back to try and put more space between them. Her back heel slipping off the edge. And suddenly she disappeared from sight. Drawing a chorus of screams from the crowd, quickly cut off by the child's own panicked screaming.

Beidou wastes no time.

The moment Y/n slipped she was rushing to reach her. Diving off the Jade Chamber like how she would the Alcor. The tiny flailing figure falling clear ahead, her small limbs flailing. The blur of red cloth hardly gaining as the Chamber shrunk behind them. Hands outstretched to the child, the girl seeing the woman began to reach back, however not bringing them any closer.

"Keep your eyes on me, kid!" She shouts against the wind, unsure if her voice would reach the girl. Her answer was a rushed nod.

Her mind raced as she thought of how to close the gap, any way to speed her up or slow Y/n down. When no plans came to mind panic began to rise, straining to keep from showing her panic on her face even as she fell.

Then the air shifted, a sudden gust of wind at a far from natural angle, and Beidou felt herself speeding up. Faster and faster, before she knew what was happening Y/n was close enough to touch. Quickly wrapping both her arms around the small girl, who immediately gripped onto her. Beidou, in her relief at catching her, almost forgot the next step.

Opening the wind glider so suddenly gave an uncomfortable lurch as the momentum she had built was suddenly being resisted. But looking down to see a small h/c head tucked tight against her shoulder, and feeling tiny hands grip onto her clothes like it was the final life line she would ever get. Beidou could handle some discomfort, knowing Y/n safe against her.

"Ok, kid….. please… don't ever do that again." Beidou manages a chuckle, earning a pair of e/c eyes quietly staring at her.

<~~~~>

To say the sight was odd would be an understatement.

All of Liyue's richest, most powerful and respected vision holders run out of the city, to find Captain Beidou herself walking with a wide and proud smile, hand in hand with a dirty child that hid slightly behind her.

Stranger still when the crowd of vessels gathered around said child and blocked her from view as they reentered the city. The small crowd making their way to Wanmin restaurant. Xiangling disappearing to work her magic as the child found herself seated between Beidou and Ningguang, shrinking in on herself under the numerous gazes watching her. The group waiting for other customers to leave before making a noise.

Ningguang lets out a quiet sigh as the last of the other patrons in the restraint make their way out, her eyes moving to find Y/n staring up at her, just for the girl to jump slightly and quickly look away. "Why did you run, Y/n?" Her voice is low and gentle as she moves one hand to try and offer a comforting gesture the child shrinks away, causing the woman to pause in surprise at the reaction.

"I don't want to be in trouble." The girl's voice is still small, hardly louder than a whisper when she speaks, every word laced in fear.

Beidou chuckles before Ningguang can respond, a hand moving to ruffle the girl's already tangled hair "now why in the world would you be in trouble?" The girl seems to relax more at Beidou's touch, a detail not missed by the Tianquan.

Y/n turns to look at Beidou instead "the mages said I would, they said I can't be around humans for too long or else I would be in trouble."

The small crowd goes quiet for a moment, Xingqiu thinking out loud "but why would a vision user say that to you?"

E/c eyes move to the boy next "what? No, the other mages. Short, fluffy, skip on air?"

The blue haired boy partially stands in surprise "an abyss mage talked to you?!" He shouts in shock, instantly causing the girl to cower at the outburst, and promptly earning the harsh glare of both Beidou and Ningguang.

Both women looking down when they felt shaking, Y/n trying to curl in on herself, her hands held up around her ears as the tiniest whimper slips out of her mouth "I'm sorry!"

Ningguang gently places her hand on Y/n back, moving in slow soothing circles as the girl's shaking slowly stops, speaking in a gentle voice "how about we not talk about that now?"

As if the Archons themselves agreed, Xiangling chose that moment to drop several plates down on the table. Meals of varying styles and ingredients all arranged in the beautiful mess that had come to be synonymous with Xiangling's style of cooking, "there we go! Enjoy!"

Y/n jumping at the older girl's voice, but not starting to curl up after. Soon the girl began to reach a small hand out over the table, moving to have some food before freezing. Looking up to see the group all staring at her, Y/n pulls back, looking down nervously before her eyes moving to Beidou and Ningguang, as if waiting for something.

Ganyu can't help the growing nerves as even with a spread like this laid out the child creator still won't eat. She leans forward to be easier to see by Y/n, "try any of it you'd like!" Her soft spoken tone managing to get Y/n to look at her.

"Is… is that ok?" She asks nervously, looking again to Beidou, who simply smiles, plucks a piece from one dish and pops it in her mouth.

"Yep! But eat quick, Xiangling's cooking rarely lasts long!" Beidou chuckles, and seeming more convinced Y/n pulls food closer and starts to take slow nibbles.

Over time the crowd of vessels slowly file out, some having their own duties to see to, others simply trusting that the Creator would be safe with the others. But all still ruminating on how the meeting to make a decision had not reached its end. Would they tell the Y/n that she is the summoned god of gods?

Ningguang's mind stormed with that thought, Y/n is undeniably their creator, but she is just a child, one that has already faced considerable hardship. But so many in Teyvat had been searching tirelessly since the ritual had finished, it would not be fair to let them simply believe that the Creator was still out there. Yet this girl is so skittish, even as she relaxed into the meal Ningguang did not miss how often her head would turn to double check that the entrance was still open.

When the plates had been cleaned and half the gathered vessels had gone. Y/n leans her head against Beidou, her eyelids beginning to visibly droop. The group speak quieter as Y/n's breathing evens out and the tiniest sound almost like a snore is heard.

"So… what are we actually going to do?" Keqing whispers, eyes flicking down to the now sleeping child.

"What can we do? If we make a full announcement that the creator has been found, then her chance at just being a child disappears." Ganyu fidgets nervously as she looks between the people at the table.

"But if we do nothing then all those who have searched tirelessly for her will only continue to do so in vain." Xinqiu lightly taps his finger on the table, seeming deep in thought.

Ningguang stares down at Y/n, the girl snuggling as close as she can into Beidou's side. Her eyes moving up to take in Beidou herself, the sailor looking somehow both mildly uncomfortable and utterly at peace. "Then we'll only tell the favored."

All eyes at the table move to Ningguang, the woman gathering her thoughts for a moment before explaining. "She had two teams of favored, correct? The true Favored and then the auxiliary. Both teams include people of notable repute in the three nations that were involved in the summoning ritual. So we send letters to all of the favored, and the Traveler, expressing the importance of secrecy in this matter." Her voice is unwavering, even with her quiet tone.

A silent pause goes over the table, Beidou's eyes going from Ningguang, to Keqing, to Shenhe. "Well we have three of those nine recipients of the news here, two more are in Mondstadt, and I believe the Traveler is still in Inazuma so that would make the final four there."

"So two letters that need to be carried north, and four that need to get across the ocean. Would it be faster to use the Alcor to get to Inazuma?" Ganyu says.

Beidou puffs up slightly at the mention of her ship, "well of course, I could bring those letters there and the other Favored back in no time at all."

Ningguang interrupts her, "No. Unless you're confident that the Alcor could make that trip without you on it, we'll figure out something else."

"What?!" Beidou shouts slightly, before quickly checking to see that Y/n is still sleeping before more quietly hissing through her teeth "you want me to send out MY ship without me on it?"

Ningguang just partially turns to face the captain, unphased by her outburst, "we need you here." She gestures down to where Y/n is sleeping on the woman "so far you're the only one that can really make her relax enough to not make a run for it. So unless we want our promise of having found her to mean nothing as she disappears again, you will stay here with her."

That seems to quiet Beidou again, though she keeps the glare in her eyes, even as her hand moves to gently pet the sleeping girl. The group again slipping into silence.

For the first time since the initial meeting, Xiao speaks up, "write all the letters, I can bring them to Mondstadt faster than any human."

Ganyu looks up surprised at his words, "but what about your contract?"

"This is for the good of Liyue. Not to mention the creator god, Rex Lapis would understand the importance of this." Xiao's voice is quiet, his eyes moving to Ningguang, "have your letters to Mondstadt ready by tomorrow night, and I will take less than a day to get there and back."

Ganyu cuts in again "and then perhaps one of the Mondstadt Favored will be able to watch her instead while you go to Inazuma, Beidou."

Beidou looks down at Y/n again, a slow drawn out gaze before nodding, "I can't believe I'm actually agreeing to stay on land for this long…"

<~~~~>

In the silence of night one can gather their thoughts rather easily, be it to count their doubts, lay out a plan for the next day, or simple considerations for what the past day had held. Ningguang found herself taking in all three, sitting at her desk, a small stack of envelopes waiting to be filled, beside an already half written letter.

Is this the right course of action? To keep the god of gods a guarded secret? From the Archons even. Limited only to the Liyue vessels and those who are suspected to be trustworthy enough to know the truth. But what about those who couldn't make it to the meeting? Neitger Hu Tao nor Yelan could be found in time and so they carried out business without them. Should they remain ignorant of Y/n?

A soft knock at the door pulls Ningguang out of her own head. "Enter." Steady as the stone that empowers her, not the slightest hint of her doubts leak into her voice.

The curved horns of Ganyu peak around the edge of the door first, "we finally managed to put their grace to bed." More of her face inches out from around the door before her whole head is poked in.

"Thank the Archons, I hope that means no late night chase?" Ningguang can't help the small smile that makes it onto her lips.

Ganyu shakes her head, "it took Beidou and I some time, but we got her comfortable enough with one of the maids to get her to let them bathe her. Her room has a few guards outside just in case, but she seemed exhausted, so I doubt she'll be waking up before morning."

Ningguang hums for a moment before closing her eyes, a short break out of relief, reopening to see Ganyu still staring at her. "Is there anything else?"

Ganyu's features take on a pink hue, looking away nervously. "You remember the Traveler talking about the kameras from Fontaine, correct?"

The taller woman tilts her head slightly in confusion, "yes?"

Ganyu opens the door more to show the brown box in her hand "I ended up buying one, and well… there's something I thought you might like to see, if I may." She nods her head slightly, only entering the room fully when Ningguang waves for her to do so.

Ganyu walks with quiet steps as she strides to Ningguang's desk, kamera tucked under one arm and a small piece of paper in the other, gently laying the paper in front of Ningguang before taking a small step back.

The small smile Ningguang wore before can only grow at the paper before her. A small image, Beidou laid out across a bed, her eye shut and mouth open wide in a snore, one arm tossed wide to her side, the other curled protectively around the tightly curled up form of Y/n, her h/c locks catching the light the way only still wet hair can.

"It's a little hard to believe she isn't a normal child in that." Ganyu breaks the silence, a peaceful smile on her face as she fidgets with kamera dials.

Ningguang's smile fades only slightly "you're right…" The woman moves to hand back the paper, but the adepti waves her away.

"No no, you can keep that one, I have my own copy." Ganyu looks over the desk for a moment, "would you like some assistance with the letters, lady Tianquan?"

Ningguang settles back, her eyes gazing over the picture, "no, I can handle it, you should go rest, I'm sure Beidou will appreciate the help with watching Y/n."

Ganyu just quietly bows and retreats from the office, the sound of the door closing rousing Ningguang to move again. Gently placing the picture on the table, Ningguang takes up her pen once more.

They should keep this secret. Y/n is not an ordinary child, but she shouldn't get mixed up in the affairs of the world yet. Not at this age. She deserves to feel normal, if only for a bit.

Post Reading notes: In my head the Jade Chamber is just as much an office building as it is a house. So I imagine that were Ganyu to find something to use as abed time story, the likelihood of it being legal documents is quiet high. Thus when she read them as a bed time story, Beidou ended up falling asleep faster then Y/n.

Taglist: @messyserver @twstfan-san @saltysugarysembei

775 notes · View notes

travelergarnett · 1 year

Text

SAGAU!Frustrated reader x Genshin team

Writing this out of frustration because I kept lagging on the spiral abyss and I cuss out and yeet my phone on my bed because my Zhongli died 😭🤧 also I’m ganna put the team I was using earlier, really not sure how they all worked out well because I just yeet them in a team but ya know 😭

Spiral Abyss

Floor 10

Chamber 3

Your tempter is running thin, your brows knitted together and your jaw clenching, you were aggressively clicking your screen in hopes to switch characters to make a combo, but nope your ping is red as diluc’s hair and the amount of damage your team is getting while trying to survive the current floor. You managed to get pass the floors but when it’s about to go to the next floor your ping went to the oh so beautiful 999 out of frustration you began cussing and as if you were scolding them oh your poor team was getting nervous about it, until Zhongli died and soon enough you tried to get pass it using wanderer but he died midair too, because of the floating electro cicin mages and you range quit closing the app without your usual walk and sitting them down by the usual bench in sumeru before logging off. (Yeah I do that all the time since they deserved a nice rest)

When you range quit team POV (I’m ganna put my team ehe)

Zhongli he was trembling and hugging his knees while he is sitting by the anemo statue you left them in windrise, since his death on that floor made your range quit not to mention because he is your protector, the shield man the meteor man!! Who gets the job done but he was now questioning himself if he is worthy of such fine artifacts that you have given him, the artifacts that you worked hard on getting because the drops are sh*t, he was mostly gloomy

Wanderer (Seiki) the poor boy was standing there with a gloomy face since he felt like he disappointed you, you just got him to level 10 friendship too, he might start an argument with the former Geo archon tho blaming him on if he didn’t die their creator won’t have left upset, and there they are arguing-

Barbara she is crying while being comforted by kazuha and Hu Tao, well she was doing well as a healer on the 1st team and she was confused on why you suddenly left so she was praying and crying on the anemo statue

Hu Tao she was doing well on dealing great damage, so she knows she is doing well but she is starting to think on why you ranged quit, she did noticed that their movements are quite good and all but the mobs are getting stuck, not dying easily the health bar not moving and their damage numbers aren’t showing, “maybe there is something wrong with our creators connection? Don’t worry guys!! They will return!” She confidently said

Diluc, he being the first five star (yes bb diluc is my first five star uwu) he had experienced this quite a lot actually, also being the creator’s first triple crowned it won’t be a surprise on how he takes pride on such fact, “yes they will return soon, this happens a lot. Let’s not fret and wait for their return let us understand that they do not want to pour their anger to us so they left.” he tried to calm the others down

Kazuha and Xingqu were sitting next to Albedo who are just a little gloomy after all that but hearing diluc’s explanation they felt relieved knowing that they aren’t the ones to blame for you quitting out of nowhere. Zhongli and Wanderer stopped their bickering and just sat down waiting for your return hoping that once you return you’re calm and not be angry anymore, they all looked up the gloomy skies as they eagerly waited for your gentle sunny presence again.

Extra~

“Hey Diluc”

“Yes Seiki?”

“I’m still the favorite” he smirks proudly

“Time for-“

“Bow your head-“

“This is order!”

From afar they can see a meteor crashing down and people screaming-

To be continued-

#genshin sagau #self aware genshin #genshin impact x y/n #zhongli #wanderer #diluc ragnvindr #genshin barbara #kazuha #drabbles #brainrot #oneshots #genshin impact hutao #xingqiu #albedo

301 notes · View notes

logicaltips · 1 year

Text

The replacement (Chongyun, Part 1)

A short story about one of my first 4 star mains and how he's stuck around in my account despite having better options.

As the gold star soared through the sky, Chongyun felt as if his heart was about to burst. As heretical as it was to wish for the Summoner of Stars to feel sad, Chongyun still prayed for the star to not land in Liyue.

The star flew closer.

He prayed that the star would fall in the hands of the Yuheng and not in the hands of the workaholic secretary.

The star flew into the Jade Chamber.

Each blessed acolyte around Teyvat heard the Creator's cheers of delight.

Chongyun stopped praying, and could only sit by and watch his dreams freeze over and shatter into tiny pieces.

The day the divine Creator of Teyvat had chosen Chongyun as one of their first acolytes, he was bedridden for many days from sheer joy.

As soon as he could calm himself down and recover, his family clan and friends immediately threw a massive celebration for the blessing. How much his parents boasted during the party; their son, leading the Creator in their journey to reexperience the world they created!

Even Auntie Shenhe paid a visit, although it was long after the crowds dispersed, to have a small private conversation with Chongyun, before departing soon after.

The first few months of traveling with the Creator's presence in his mind was nothing short of magical; for the first time in his life, Chongyun was unhindered by the excess Yang energy in his body. Enemies that once gave him trouble through their usage of Pyro energy were swiftly defeated by his hand and the Creator's blessed weapons. Eating spicy foods for the first time was a shock, especially to Xingqiu, but Chongyun still sharing the special moment with the One Who Gave Strength. The Creator even granted Chongyun's wish; he finally got to see an evil spirit, and vanquished it himself!

Life began to follow a routine. The Creator would call on Chongyun in the afternoon, fight the various enemies that stood in the Creator's way for the Adventurer's Guild's Commissions, explore Teyvat, and used his claymore to mine the materials needed to strengthen him and his fellow acolytes. Despite the monotonous nature of the routine, Chongyun still cherished it with all his heart, as any moment spent with the Creator is a time well spent.

However, routines can be broken.

Trouble began to brew as Teyvat entered fall. His parents awoke to Chongyun screaming and sobbing from his room.

"Chongyun offers the least amount of offensive enhancements-"

"Chongyun can't take advantage of freeze since he uses a claymore. Ganyu's better for freeze teams."

"His damage isn't that high compared to other Cryo units; you'll need him at C6 to use him to the fullest. Unless you're willing to put in like 30k primos for that or you have god tier luck, that's not gonna happen."

These were the words that Chongyun heard of in his dreams. Many holy scriptures have stated that acolytes of the Divine Creator may sometimes hear voices from the other inhabitants of the Creator's heavenly realm. But this was the first time any acolyte of this world has heard such criticism of their strength.

After all, what did it matter, as long the Creator was satisfied with their acolyte's current strength?

Right?

The dreams didn't stop there. Time and time again, Chongyun, and only Chongyun, heard that he wasn't strong enough, that his strength was allocated in all the wrong places, that he was only useful in rare situations, and that only other potential acolytes were worthy of the Creator's blessings.

Oh, how Chongyun wished to visit the Creator's world to shut those voices up. How dare they criticize the Creator's choice to bless him? But most of all, Chongyun was terrified.

What if the Creator was persuaded? Would he be left sitting on the sidelines, watching other acolytes receive the Creator's praise? A horrifying vision passes through his mind, that as the Creator abandons him, all of their gifts and blessings would be removed, and that Chongyun would return to his old self once more.

And so, to prevent such a fate from occuring, Chongyun intensified his training. He scoured Liyue for all sorts of evil spirits and demons, sometimes even going alongside Adeptus Xiao and his aunt as they hunted threats to Liyue, all to test and prove himself to the Creator.

His family would frequently see Chongyun stumble back home, tired and ragged from hours of training and combat. They reassured him that the Creator would never abandon such a loyal acolyte.

"You will always be the Creator's right hand. So please, don't run yourself ragged."

But the fears never ceased, and rather, flared up in intensity once it was announced that Secretary Ganyu, Chongyun's main competitor, would have a chance to be granted the Creator's blessings.

And so, as Chongyun listened to the cheers emitting from the Jade Chamber, he glanced towards his future, and only saw uncertainty.

#sagau #self aware genshin #genshin #chongyun #ganyu #xingqiu #angst with a happy ending #creator au

208 notes · View notes

mehiwilldoitlater · 8 months

Text

The first time XingQiu was able to get at least one foot on Flower Fruit Island, his desire was to find Reader and convince them to come back to Liyue with him. Then he saw uKong, a legend from his book, and completely lost interest in his first tasq.

Now, he demands to know everything from WuKong about his story, including if it's true that he went to the land of the dead and ripped off his name from their books and all of his adventures.

WuKong doesn't know what to say about that kid. He likes the attention, but he's so persistent...

#genshin impact #genshin sagau #wukong #xingqiu #creator!reader #sunwukong!au

40 notes · View notes

why-am-i-here-someone-save-me · 2 years

Note

Request: Xingqiu showing off his DAMN FINE legs to everybody, including the Creator. Very much gremlin like.

👀👀👀 The crackfic energy this radiates is exceptional omfg I adore it. I know you were probably meaning for our nerd boi to be channeling the gremlin energy here, but I just didn’t feel satisfied with how it turned out after several attempts, so I made Reader the chaos gremlin instead.

Bad Mornings

To say Xingqiu had been having a rough morning would be an understatement. He had slept in by mistake, spilled ink all across his latest draft of The Legend of Sword, and as if that weren’t enough, his favorite pair of boots were lost. Now that in and of itself wouldn’t be much of a problem if it wasn’t for the fact that his spare pair were in the process of being mended after a particularly frustrating encounter with a geovishap hatchling. Which left him with no choice but to wear regular shoes. The issue with that was that he was rather self conscious about his legs. Usually he would have the reassurance that his choice of footwear concealed a part of them, but now that he no longer had that, it was safe to say he was rather flustered.

Xingqiu was not exactly used to being the one on the receiving end of teasing, usually he was the one doing the teasing. However, neither Xiangling nor Chongyun seemed to be hindered by that fact in the least. He groaned in embarrassment as his friends yet again tease him, thinking that even if he deserves this a bit, it’s no less humiliating.

“Well well well, how the turn tables~!”

Xinqiu swears his heart stopped for a moment at the sound of a familiar voice brimming with amusement. He glances up from his hands where he had been hiding his face and just as he suspected, was met with the smirking face of none other [Name]. He silently prays, an ironic thing to do he’s well aware, that you didn’t run off this time. He’s not keen on having to see Mr. Zhongli frustrated with your disappearing act yet again.

“G-Good morning Your Grace.” He can practically hear his friends hold back laughter at the way he fumbles his words. “Good morning to you too Xingqiu! I see things are lively around here this morning~.”

The bluette buries his red face into his hands yet again, another embarrassed outcry coming out muffled from the action. “Th-Three against one is hardly fair Your Grace!” Much to his surprise, your laughter isn’t mocking. Your words however, well, they do manage to somehow make his face even more red. “Aw come on Xingqiu, you know I only tease you because I care.”

Well… Maybe this morning wasn’t too bad…

#luci writes #luci answers #YES I GOT A REQUEST IM SO HAPPY #F in the chat for Xinqiu’s boots #technically sagau #but like it’s not made obvious #reqests #platonic #genshin xingqiu #genshin impact #genshin x reader #xingqiu #crack fic #xingqiu x reader platonic

166 notes · View notes

heeee-hoooo · 2 years

Text

SAGAU: 4 More Or Less Pt. 4

Warnings: swearing

aye liyue time

Characters: Zhongli, Xingqui, Hu Tao, Chongyun

• ================================== •

Zhongli

short answer: old man 🫵

as usual, he always has the best stories

like audible who??

don’t bring him to any stores tho

you will lose so much money

as for some wholesome prompts, he’d maybe go volunteer at a library after learning basic stuff

you wont see him for a while once u get him a library card

“jesus christ zhongli where tf have you been” “Apologies, dear. I was simply at the library.” “FOR 2 DAYS???”

imagine you walk in and find him reading to all the kiddos wAAA

best old man 👌 95/10 would roll again

-5 points due to high money consumption :’)

Xingqui

same as zhongli, but he’s got his own wallet thank you very much

will probably trick Chongyun with the Chinese finger trap

or that one trick where you make someone put their hands flat on the table, put a cup of water on each, and then leave

“Chongyun, you good?” “*softly shaking his hands and on the verge of sobbing* n o”

if it was a situation where it would take a while for them to get home, Xingqui would probs work at the library for a short while

he’d be absolutely amazed by all the stories that are accessible nowadays

on that note

AO3.

keep him away from it for his own sake.

Hu Tao

she can and will send someone a glitter bomb oh my gOD

keep her away from any prank related channels

otherwise, she’d be surprised at how a lot of ppl have her humor

“does it count as drinking alone if you’re pregnant?” “I mean, it will be if you keep drinking” “.. jesus christ”

meanwhile hu tao in the bg 🧍‍♀️

also mY GIRL WOULD THRIVE DURING HALLOWEEN

I’ve never seen any mentions of a halloween themed event it genshin, so lets assume they just dont celebrate it

bestie would be running around so much

looking at all the spooky stuff

she’s probably going to try bringing some halloween traditions into teyvat ngl

Chongyun

Oh my sweet baby boy

he would be the target of so many pranks

also ALL THE ICE POPS FOR HIM

if you play horror games with ghosts in them, he’d sit next to you and watch lol

maybe take some notes on different ghosts? just because

you all take turns making sure he doesn’t overwork himself

“Ah, my grace! How may I-” “Chongyun it’s 2:17 am.” “lets just tie him onto the bed actually 🧍” “I second that”

pat pat

• ================================== •

#sagau: 4mol #sagau #genshin impact #hirocanwrite #genshin zhongli #genshin xingqiu #genshin hu tao #genshin chongyun #sorry for dying school happened :’)

98 notes · View notes

m1d-45 · 1 year

Note

(Hi, this is my first time sending an ask to anyone on Tumblr so I apologize if it's horrible. Uh, anyways from my understanding your letter event is still going on, so I would like to participate. Tbh I don't fully understand the self aware Genshin thing so I apologize if this is bad.)

To Xingqiu,

This is my first time writing a letter, so I hope it's alright. Anyways, I would like to say thank you for being one of my very first vessels. I would like to clear up some confusion on how I may have treated you as a vessel. From my understanding, people think of the creator as only one person. However that's not the case, i'm merely one of two gods. Me and my brother are supposed to act as one god, but he has no interest in your world so it's just me for now. I would like to apologize for my brother's behavior towards you and the other vessels, he was reckless and almost got you killed multiple times. I know it can't erase the memories of almost dying, but I would like to give you a fluffy cat plushie and a friendship bracelet since I consider you more of a friend than a vessel or anything similar to that. It may not be to your liking, but for me, it's custom to give plushies to those I like no matter their age. You're my favorite out of all my vessels after all, anyways I hope you enjoy my gifts!

- Signed, Lulu

xingqiu walked towards liyue harbor, one hand on chongyun’s back and the other propping open a book. another exorcism had gone… less than ideally, he’ll say, since the spirit was repelled by chongyun’s yang energy and not his thaumaturgy. the spirit was gone nonetheless, but it always got him down in the dumps.

slipping a bookmark in his novel, xingqiu shut it with a snap. ”alright, let’s hurry up and get back to the harbor, okay? how about i… treat you to wanmin restaurant, hm?”

chongyun’s hands paused in the air, his blue eyes narrowing. “you can’t order me jueyun chili chicken again, xingqiu.”

“now who said i’d do that?”

“you always ask xiangling for spice on the side! and after today, my yang energy is especially volatile, so i can’t be exposed to-“

“fine, whatever,” he huffed, but a smile was on his face. he kicked a stray rock off the path, eyeing the distance between them and the harbor. the sun had set already, and the city did look quite beautiful. “black-back perch stew, then?”

“you know that- xingqiu!”

before he could react, chongyun had pulled him away from whatever was behind him, his claymore pulled from nowhere.

“get back. it could be an evil spirit.”

xingqiu leaned over his friend’s shoulder, trying to see what had set off his alarms. he’s not surprised that chongyun sensed something before he did, but he is surprised at what had set him off.

hovering at the point of chongyun’s blade was a spiked ball, floating in place. it bumped into the sharp point, and though gold dust fell, it didn’t seem to be affected.

“…it looks like a lantern.”

“you never know what it could be. liyue is a dangerous place outside of the harbor, filled with-“

“wouldn’t spirits be repelled by your yang energy?”

“…”

xingqiu glanced at his book, deemed it replaceable, then reached over chongyun’s shoulder.

“xingqiu-“

“it’s fine, it’s not like it’ll explode.” he tapped the ball with the edge of his book. “see? harmless.”

hesitantly, chongyun’s claymore disappeared back into his inventory. “that was incredibly risky of you.”

“mhm.” he stepped around him, seeing the ball for himself. it gave off a faint warmth, and was remarkably bright.

“i’m serious. even if it’s not haunted by an evil spirit-“

“we decided it wasn’t.”

“-it could still be dangerous. what about if it was a trap sent by the fatui?”

“the fatui aren’t nearly smart enough.” before he could be stopped, xingqiu reached and picked up the ball, turning it over in his hand. to his surprise, the shell quickly began to crumble, and he rushed to catch the items that fell from it.

despite the ball having been in his palm, he was only able to fumble for the envelope, his hand blocked by the remains of the shell. thankfully, chongyun caught both the plush and bracelet.

xinqiu put his book in his inventory and straightened, pulling out the invisible creases in his clothes. “what, checking them for curses?”

“no, this toy is too unstable to harbor any harmful energy, the bracelet doesn’t have any charms. woven string on its own is not nearly enough to hold curses or jinxes.”

xingqiu ripped open the envelope, pulling out the sheet of paper inside it. “then why did you take them?”

“there was no way you could have held them on your own. you weren’t quick enough to catch them.”

ah.

“what does the letter say? is it signed?”

xingqiu recovered quickly, reading your letter aloud. he paused for a moment on your last line, but kept his voice level over it. it was interesting to think that there were two gods presiding over teyvat, and he’s certain he should bring his letter to somebody higher up to help spread the knowledge… but that was for later.

chongyun was silent through most of it, fiddling with the bracelet and plush in his hands. then, finally, “how could you be their favorite?”

“what? h-hey!”

#[ meteor showers ]#genshin #genshin impact #genshin sagau #sagau #self aware genshin #genshin self aware au #xingqiu #chongyun #sagau xingqiu #sagau chongyun #fluff #genshin fluff #xingqiu fluff #chongyun fluff #i love these two silly guys their dynamic is very #just very. yk.#anyway sorry this didn’t focus on the letter as much but my brother keeps shouting in vr and i don’t have the reading comprehension for that #rn. in return i offer you nearly 700 words

52 notes · View notes

kirozai · 2 years

Note

Just a thought I was having but like what if in the self aware genshin au like some how you get into the game and you like immediately rush for your fav npc. Like if xingqiu was introducing you to the Feiyun commerce guild and you just rush to see Xu (the npc) and like start fangirling. Or if jean or someone introduced you to the knights and you go to huffman, swan, or lawrence. What would their reactions be? (For the character and npc). Sorry if it’s much I just wanted to share my idea

gosh…

jealousy!

synopsis!: jean, xingqiu, zhongli’s reaction to when you show favorment to an npc! (not good…)

CW: crack/fluff!, religious themes, cult au, sagau!(could be non sagau if you squint), yandere themes! (more like the over protective but to overprotective type!)

type of reader!: gn!reader, god!reader, darling!reader

zhongli

“ah.. me? don’t worry about me.”

honestly, zhongli doesn’t care.

the npc is right to be happy! i mean they have the creator loving them! anyone would want to be loved by the creator right?

like why would he care that you are fangirling over an npc??

obviously you love him better

he’s YOUR acolyte and this person is just an npc.

he’s an ARCHON what does he have to worry about??

okay. maybe… maybe he is a little jealous. i have an accurate feeling he’ll be a little bit quieter than usual.

he probably would take it as a challenge in all honesty!

oh, they are really good at guarding people? well i’ll be at your side 24/7!

it kinda works because now you guys are closer! but then backfires because he has to deal with other people interacting with you.

give this poor man a rest

xingqiu

“let’s check something else out!”

of course you would be happy to be in teyvat! now your with them it’s so much better!

he expected you to be kind but like, stop fangirling over an npc.

the npc over here is completely flustered because of your kind compliments!

okay he is very much annoyed and jealous.

“your grace! let’s check out this place over here!”

xingqiu would wander off so you could go look for him.

“im just reading. you seemed quite occupied with that person over there.”

keep the fangirling AWAY from your acolytes….

jean

“…….”

she HAS to keep up that perfect acting grandmaster mask on.

over here the npc are fangirling over YOU! i mean like your THE CREATOR!!

even though it is kinda annoying that you’re paying more attention to her knights than, well, her.

of course the knights are incredible! she helped train them!!

but wouldn’t you want her instead?

(this is kinda getting sad so lets make it cuter)

her jealous face is extremely cute.

puffed up cheeks but she doesn’t notice. kinda like someone trying to pretend they are busy but really they aren’t

just hive her a hug and she’ll be a-okay!

gosh its great to write! i hope tumblr has t forgotten about me! ive been thinking of making a short story but no ideas right now are spinning through my head… ideas?

(I NEED TO UPDATE MY MASTERLIST)

kirozai out!

if you enjoy my works, consider tipping me! <3

#genshin impact #kirozai.asks #genshin x reader #genshin self aware #sagau #genshin impact x reader #yandere genshin impact x reader #self aware #zhongli #venti #genshin impact xingqiu #xingqiu genshin impact #xingqiu #jean #genshin jean #jean genshin x reader #sagau zhongli #gi zhongli #genshin impact zhongli

272 notes · View notes

whispereons · 3 months

Text

Oracle!Reader Part 23

Masterlist - Part 1, Part 22, Part 24

Warning! This is a SAGAU imposter au so this is pretty gory and not happy all the time. Plus yandere but that's the expected for SAGAU.

Xingqiu and Chongyun both showed muddled emotions at your words of leaving Liyue.

“That may be best for you…” Chongyun says first as he keeps his gaze on the floorboards.

“Yes, I agree. Although I never expected that you would have to leave Liyue so soon, it's clear that you aren't safe here.”

Xingqiu’s words that were full of understanding still had disappointment sprinkled in.

“We can't do much to help you when it comes to Ningguang, but Mondstadt is a different story. Do you have the talisman on you right now?”

Chongyun takes a few steps closer as you lift the amulet for him to see. He rubs one finger on it, examining the symbol that appears at the action.

“It's still at full charge, good. The road to Mondstadt can either be empty or full of demons depending on the day. But once you get to Wangshu Inn, it becomes much safer.”

“Because of Xiao, right? Despite how the situation looked when I first met the Adepti, I'm on relatively good terms with them now.”

It was a bit risky telling them this, but they both deserved to know at this point.

“When are you planning on leaving? Is your meeting with Ningguang today?” Switching the topic, Xingqiu brings the focus back to the most pressing issue.

Nodding, you answer. “My meeting is with her today, but I'll probably have to leave either at midnight or early tomorrow morning. The sooner, the better.”

“Then I can offer you some help that should make staying in Mondstadt a bit easier.” Xingqiu grins as he takes out paper and some ink. “I happen to know someone-”

“Albedo, right?” Cutting off Xingqiu as you think back to his connection, you continue. “Together you made the book, uh what was the name again? A Legend of a Sword? It got pretty popular in Inazuma. I remember there was a whole festival on light novels that you both attended too.”

Once you stop, you notice Xingqiu squinting his eyes at you before replying. “That's really creepy, you know? If I didn't know you were the Oracle, then I would have believed you to be some stalker.”

“If I was, then I wouldn't be stalking you of all people.” You snapped back as he grins while shaking his head.

“But yes, I'll send Albedo a letter in advance so that he can arrange for you to be settled nicely over there. I won't mention the Oracle situation as the Creator didn't want you to be known widely like that.”

It's been so long since you last heard the title ‘Creator’ be mentioned despite the fact that all of your problems come from their supposed existence.

Only goes to show just how ingrained the Creator is in this world.

“Thanks Xingqiu. Albedo is the chief alchemist and well respected among the community, so I should be in safe hands.”

Xingqiu merely hums in response as Chongyun tugs the amulet closer to him.

“Just trying to apply a better talisman on it.” He mumbles in accordance with your stare as he settles himself closer to you.

He's basically pressed against your side, but you strangely don't feel uncomfortable to have him close.

As the pair focus on their own activities, your mind wanders off to Albedo.

Albedo, the chief alchemist and homunculus created by Gold, the famous Khaenri'an scientist. Khaenri'ah, which also held so much information that could be connected to Celestia…

It was a long shot, but you could try digging for information about Celestia from him. The deal that Celestia made with Teyvat still bothers you to no end. With the age of this deal unknown, you might even have to look into the primordial dragons if it's even older than the Archon war.

A light shining brought you back to the present and your eyes flickered down to where the amulet shined in Chongyun’s hands.

Once it died down to reveal a more intricate symbol than before, Chongyun nodded, satisfied with the final product.

“This one is a lot stronger and should last longer now. I know you can fight well, but the demonic energy in Bishui Plain and Qiongji Estuary has shown to rise around this time of the year.”

Carefully taking the amulet from him, you thumbed the symbol with curious eyes. “I get it, thank you. Does it activate on its own, or do I have to activate it with something?”

“It'll work on its own. Depending on the amount and degree of demonic energy around it, the workings will change.”

Motioning with his hands, Chongyun’s calm voice explains the working to you. At the end of the rather lengthy explanation, you nod and condense the information in your mind.

“And now that Instructor Chongyun is done teaching you, I'm happy to say that I'm done with the letter. Have been for a while, but I saw no need to interrupt the oh so fascinating lecture.”

Raising the letter, Xingqiu lazily waved it as Chongyun bristled but ultimately said nothing.

“I can send this once I get home. Unfortunately, neither me nor Chongyun will be available to accompany you through your journey.”

Xingqiu tsk’d at his own words while Chongyun turned his head away, visibly sulking.

“My family was just hired to check out Wuwang Hill and my attendance for this is mandatory. Xingqiu’s father is forcing him to stay and attend meetings with his brother for the week as well.”

All you could do was smile sadly in response.

Before long they were both forced to leave by Baizhu who insisted on total privacy for the reviewing of your medication and discharge.

Watching them climb down the stairs from the window in your room, you listen absentmindedly to Baizhu.

Changsheng still refused to see you. Something Tevyat was clearly displeased with, as the once sunny weather quickly turned cloudy. The cold-blooded creature must be huffing in annoyance by now.

“And this is the overview of medication and supplements to take, with the doses and dates to take them.”

Casually looking over the paper received from the shady snake bastard, you hummed for a moment before stuffing it into your bag.

“All of it is paid for by your special benefactor. And the drug you requested has already been paid with by your body, as we both know.”

‘Must he phrase it like that?’ You internally questioned as you snatch the medication and shove it into your bag.

“I'm glad for it. Maybe even more so if she didn't pin so many babysitters onto me.”

At your grumble, Baizhu’s smile wavered at the edges. Either he truly hadn't known why there was extra ‘security’ or he was a great liar. You suspect it's a bit of both.

“Then if everything has been covered, I’m happy to say that you're officially discharged as of-” He merely glanced at the sun still high in the sky before finishing. “1300. I sincerely hope that the next time we meet you'll be in a better physical state.”

“And I sincerely wish we never have to meet again.” The words you utter are full of sarcasm, something Baizhu simply chuckles at.

“Now what could I have possibly done to deserve your ire, dear Oracle?”

“It's what you haven't done. A little heads up about all the guards would have been nice.”

“Oh, but I did!” His smile seems a little sharper as he leans toward you, his glasses sliding down to the bridge of his nose. “Didn't I let you know early on that there were quite a lot of guards?”

With an annoyed scoff, you snap back. “You said it was due to the two temples nearby, not cause Ningguang wanted to keep an eye on me.”

Raising his hands with wide eyes, Baizhu tried to placate you. “I'm not part of the Millelith, how on earth could a physician like me know the true reasoning?”

Holding his gaze, you tried to discern what he was truly thinking at this moment. Malice? Amusement? Mocking kindness?

But at that moment, all you could see was genuine surprise in his eyes. It only served to confuse you further.

Was Baizhu truly innocent in this? Your instincts in situations like these were usually correct. Besides, what would Baizhu even gain from deceiving you?

Still, that didn't explain why Baizhu was always so damn shady, but maybe you should chalk it up to an unfortunate side effect of being contracted with a snake.

“Well, then let me reiterate my earlier words. While I still hope we won't have to meet again. I do wish for us to want to meet again.”

Baizhu lowers his arms while fixing his glasses to laugh, the sound is surprisingly tender. “And how do you expect me to tell when that would be? I’m no mind reader.”

Standing up, you stay silent as you slip your bag over your shoulders and move past him. The door opens with a creak as you tilt your head slightly to meet his eyes.

“To put it simply, I’ll want to see you when you discover whatever is hidden in my culture sample.”

The door clicks shut as you leave Bubu’s Pharmacy for good.

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

After a brief but firm pat to Qiqi’s head, you walk down the stairs casually. The slight rustling of the leaves, the fabric of curtains drawn, and the quieting of chatter are all brought to your attention.

Ningguang’s spies and the Millelith guards are all watching you like rabid dogs, waiting for you to slip up and give them an excuse to arrest you right now.

Smiling without hesitation, you get to the last step and pretend that the forced conversations around you aren't scripted, and that the eyes locked on you are of a curious bystander and not the ones of detectives.

Bringing your attention back to the list you have clenched in your hand, you read the first errand on the list.

Return books to library.

Easy enough, and it's even easier when people seem to automatically avoid being in your path.

Is this what a day in Xinyan's life feels like? It's honestly not that bad.

At least you thought so until you got to the counter and waited for the receptionist to return.

Five minutes pass. Then ten minutes, which quickly turn into fifteen in a blink of an eye. You can feel your mood worsening.

Deciding to test something, you walk away from the library and turn the corner. Peeking around the corner, you watch as the ‘customer’ that was standing in the corner all those minutes gets to the counter. Almost immediately, a swarm of people return to it.

Sighing heavily, you ignore the weight of suspicious stares and turn the corner back into the library. Getting back into line feels humiliating, but it's just a quick errand, you tell yourself.

No one moves out of the way, but the quick glances they send you make them pale with each minute.

Not a soul dares to stand behind you.

It's finally your turn, and you place your books on the table with the last bit of patience you had. She doesn't meet your eyes and mumbles something.

“I'm sorry, what did you say?” Leaning closer, you try to catch her words, only for her to yell.

“It's lunchtime now so I can't accept any more returns or purchases. H-Have a good-d da-ay!”

Flabbergasted at the sheer audacity, you watch her flip a sign on the table and flee the area.

“Fuck this shit.” Colorful curses leave you as you drop all the books haphazardly on the table and storm away.

Crossing it off the list, you follow the main path to the next errand.

Collect reward from Guild

That commission should have given you one hell of a paycheck the last time you checked. Primogems may be worthless now, but you could use the Mora the commission provides.

Plus, you needed to let them know to change it to the Mondstadt region.

Lost in thought of all the technicalities and paperwork you would have to fill out, you weren't focusing on the fleeting whispers around you.

“Is that them?”

“Who else could it be?”

“What a monster…”

“-as long as we get paid.”

“Who cares about-”

“It's me or them.”

“As long as it's them and not me.”

Your experience at the guild was a much kinder one. Katheryne was the epitome of professionalism, just as you remembered her to be. Not that you expected much else from a robot.

After handing all the written work to her, you finally noticed the absence of a certain person.

“Where’s that grouchy Lan? She's usually here, isn't she?” Checking the vicinity, you try to spot the brown recognizable bob.

“The Branch Master Lan is currently undertaking a commission at this time.”

“About the unseen razor, right?”

“That can not be disclosed to unauthorized-”

“It's fine. I’ll see you later, Katheryne.” Turning around, you leave without another thought. Lan wasn't anywhere near the ‘threatening’ list you've created since you last saw her.

Pick up plushie

Crossing out the previous task, you look at the present one with mixed emotions. On one hand, you were happy to get a chance to see something related to Earth, to your world. But at the same time, you couldn't help but wonder if it would serve more as a distraction than anything else. The memories it brought up never failed to leave your heart troubled…

Remembering the money you spent commissioning it ultimately tipped the scales, and so you dragged your feet to the little old lady’s toy shop.

It was empty just as the first time you were there as she hummed. If she was a vision holder you'd guess Hydro judging by the tranquility she radiated.

Her eyes meet yours and a happy smile slips onto your face without much thought.

“Here to pick up the toy, dearie?”

“Yup.” Popping the ‘p’, you watched as she gathered a delicately wrapped box from under the other boxes and presented it to you.

“Enjoy the nostalgic memories a toy can bring.”

You politely thank her before taking the present and walking away. The weight of the box is heavy with dread, and you can only find solace in the fact she didn't refer to it as ‘happy’ memories.

Once sufficiently out of sight, you take to grasping the lid. But you couldn't bring yourself to remove it.

Too many memories. All of them are rushing in and filled with conflicting feelings that would surely crush you. The fear and selfishness of the broken promises and unfulfilled desires would throw you off your game.

With a little too much enthusiasm, you stuff the box of the cat plushie into your bag.

Most likely to stay forgotten and distant from the present you're facing.

Scratching it off harder than the rest, you get to the last errand.

Refill supplies

A smart and mature move considering how you used the whole Medkit during the chase. The soggy bandages and washed away ointment really hurt your heart and wallet.

Revisiting the same shops you went to the first time proved to be ineffective. Either they were completely sold out or no longer supplying them.

Forced to visit more stores, you had to walk around the city a lot more than you cared to. Each store had one of the two situations, and the skittish actions of everyone around you were just the cherry on top.

At one point you even tried to buy the individual items separately, and even that failed.

It's not like you could just wait till next week for the first shipment. You weren't even sure you would live till then.

Eventually, you found yourself sulking on the lower docks, turning the situation around in your head.

If only you lived in Liyue for a little longer, maybe you could have found some of the hidden shops. Befriend a store owner and get a hidden one.

Just who the hell would even go out of their way to get every medical first aid part when it's such a crucial item for so many people in this era?

A name finally comes to mind and your expression sours at the thought. Not that you’d let it show, Celestia knows how many guards are watching you at this moment-

A sudden, rapid series of taps on your shoulder has you spinning around in surprise.

A young boy stands before you. The clothes he wears has visible wear and tear as the fabric frays from the edges. Yet you can't help but think you might have seen him before.

Placing a finger on his lips, he uses his other hand to grab hold of your elbow and tug you along.

Surprised but not suspicious of the kid, you let him lead you deeper into the docks. The dark red of his eyes seem to glow within the shadows as his dirty blond hair acts as your beacon of light.

The smell of fresh fish turns rotten, and the dirt caked under his fingernails stains your clothes. The complete and straight planks become jagged and creaky as you follow him farther.

But you stayed silent.

You recognized a path to the seedy part of the city when you see it.

Instead, you examine the younger boy with a critical eye and finally connect the dots. He must be one of the kids you saved with Yiran.

A smirk creeps up your face. It seems you managed to use your time wisely in making connections after all.

Following along the twists and turns, you don't worry too much about the Millelith. Most of the guards probably couldn't even get this far. If you had to guess, it would only be the detectives who could keep up.

It's not like the hidden underworld of cities as popular as Liyue Harbor are any big secret to them.

Stalls and various shops fill the area as flickering lanterns and other extra lighting give you a wider view.

Multiple people call out to the boy as he silently waves to them. The gaze of the homeless and shady people around aren't warm, but aren't hostile either.

Not that you were exactly expecting a warm welcome, but at least you didn't have to worry about sudden personality changes.

Money could buy you information, but it wouldn't buy you trust in these parts.

He finally stops at a little nook in the corner of the area. The door is worn down with scratches and marks yet the light you can see under it is warm.

Silent as before, he points at you, then to the rows of shops in a sweeping motion before stopping at the door.

Pinching your brows in slight confusion, you chew on the gestures to understand it. High-pitched laughter that suspiciously sounds like children eases into your ears as the boy squirms in place.

“Did you want me to knock on the door when I'm done shopping? That you'll lead me back to the surface?”

It was the only thing that you can think of. And despite your hesitation, the boy nods, clearly relieved that you understood the message.

He must truly be mute, no doubt from whatever horrors he must have faced that lead to the scars poorly hidden by mud on his arms.

You were thankful either way. Just leading you here was great but getting an exit too was even better. Now you could avoid getting mugged and/or murdered on your way back.

“Thanks man, I'll be quick.” With that, you walk away, already following the invisible path to the shops that caught your eye.

As much as you would have liked to explore the various items and weapons they had, you didn't want to keep the kid waiting.

After having to buy a rather expensive medical kit, a minor downside to finding the first medical anything since you left Bubu’s pharmacy, you pick up a minor stitching case.

You could have really used one during your latest and probably not last chase. Stuffing it into your bag, as people eye the magical item with desire, you quickly find the home.

Getting to the door, you step closer than before and take note of the older voice. A woman that's chuckling, and a lingering sense of guilt invades your mind.

Quickly rapping your knuckles on the wood, you step away as the home goes dead quiet.

Multiple little eyes peer at you from windows below you as you lazily grin and wave. They all scatter as giggling resumes and the sound of playing returns.

But not the woman’s voice. You didn't expect it to. It's hard to face the only person you've poured your raw wounds from a child's death to.

The kid finally steps out with multiple clicks of locks echoing around the small space. Smiling, you take no offense to the action. You weren't here for trust, and they weren't helping you out of it either.

His crimson eyes glisten with interest at your bag. He wants his pay, and you're more than happy to oblige.

Stuffing your hand into the bag, you feel the familiar clink of Mora gathering in your hand. Pulling it out, you place an appropriate amount into the pouch he already has prepared.

When you drop it all, he takes it closer to him and picks up a piece. The first thing he does is try to bite it, and the familiar memory of you testing coins the same way makes you smile sadly.

Counting the Mora, he frowns, clearly displeased with the amount. He holds his hand out, and you can feel the other children’s stares digging into you.

“I'm going to give you two things that aren't Mora, okay? But you have to keep it a secret.”

He narrows his eyes, no doubt suspecting you of being a shady person. That's probably why he brought you here first and demanded payment before returning you.

Like this, he has back up and cornered you further into payment of his choosing.

“Do you have a cooking pot?”

He frowns in confusion before nodding slowly. Lifting one finger in a pause motion, before heading back inside his home.

He returns while holding a clean cooking pot. It doesn’t take long before he places it over the open fire you already started.

Small eyes follow your every step as you dig out ingredients from your bag. Mentally going over the ingredients you had originally prepared for your celebration feast if you survived tonight, you drop them into the pot.

4 ham, 3 crabs, 3 shrimp meat, and 3 matsutake potatoes are dropped in.

Turning around, you count to five as the boy gives you a confused stare. But you only wink at him before turning around to look at the pot, as his eyes widen at the sight.

Adeptus’ Temptation sits innocently in the pot as the rich aroma wafts around the area, drawing curious hungry eyes.

Leaning down, you whisper to the boy.

“Get your friends and bring the pot back into your house quickly. This food is blessed and safe as you watched the whole process. I suggest you let the sickly and injured children eat first.”

He looks between you and the pot with conflicting emotions. On one hand, he can't trust you too much, but even the smell of the food was clearly tempting him.

It's the shuffling of feet getting closer that makes him bang on the door, signalling for the other children to come out and help him bring it inside.

By the time the shabby adults come into view, it's just you and the boy ‘talking’ as they grumble and turn around.

The kid still looks displeased. You don't blame him completely, since how can he trust that the food you cook isn't spiked with anything nefarious.

You're not even sure if it can heal people that aren't acolytes. It doesn't work on you after all.

At least they'll all enjoy a hot meal, even if it doesn't work.

Sighing, you take out your last resort from your bag, sadly selecting it and pulling it out. The secret weapon you've been saving since your time in Inazuma.

The colorful assortment of candy wrappers makes the kid’s eyes sparkle with the childlike glee that was absent since you met him. Probably long before you met him.

“It's not just Liyue candy, some are even from Inazuma.” The thought of giving up your hard-earned candy hurt you, but you let it go.

The candy you squirreled away during the Inazuma festival, and the discount ones you bought at cheap prices at Liyue’s markets, were both never going to be eaten anyway.

His hands reach out to snatch the candy greedily from you but you raise it out of reach at the last second. He stomps his foot in childish indignation as you chuckle.

“Sorry, but I need you to bring me back to the outside before you scam me out of any more goodies.”

Finally giving up, he grabs your elbow again and leads you back through the streets. You enjoy the sights as he leads you zigzagging through the stalls.

You can't help but wonder if any detectives are still watching your boring little interactions. Admittedly, you played into the kid's desires more then you had to.

But you couldn't stop yourself from doing so when all you could see in him was yourself when you were that height.

The sun comes into light as the dim lanterns fade away. Like this, you can see his features once more as the stomping of soldiers return.

His eyes scan the area at the sound, but he keeps his hands open for the sweet treats. Smiling, you drop the candy into his open palms before he rushes off with a beaming boyish grin.

Stretching as you walk up the planks to the surface, you finally cross off the last item and drop it into the nearby trash can.

You try to ignore how it disappears when you turn the corner.

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

Time ticks down slowly, and you aren't looking forward to seeing Madam Ping just yet. Besides, you made a long-overdue promise to someone else beforehand.

Starting up at the somewhat hidden Funeral Parlor, you push the door open with a casual; “Hey, I'm here to meet up with the Director of this fine and totally not macabre establishment.”

The receptionist blinks at your sudden words before a cheery voice responds from behind her.

“You sure took your time, Y/N. I almost wondered if you up and died before I got a chance to have you purchase one of our very convenient and practical deals!”

Yet again, Hu Tao was right on the money about you being close to death. Idly, you wonder if you look half as dead as you feel.

The receptionist is more than happy to slip away as her boss bounds up to you with that elemental ghost hovering around her.

Flower pupils stare into your eyes, giving you a vague sense of unease as Hu Tao examines you from various angles.

“Yup, yup! Just as I suspected. You are in desperate need of escape, and it seems the only way you'll be getting it is in death. My honest suggestion is that you buy a coffin from us and lead a hedonist lifestyle to enjoy the few years you have left.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” You dryly respond as she nods approvingly.

“A business needs to be honest for it to succeed in the long-term. Trust of the customers is one of the biggest key factors.”

Not willing to argue on a topic you were admittedly clueless on, you follow her deeper into the Parlor.

“Then you got any good deals for a traveling adventurer like me who could be dead halfway across the world?”

She sighs, exaggerating it to the utmost while circling you. “I thought deeply on the topic and while the Wangshsng Funeral Parlor has grown enough to reach all of Liyue and a good amount of Mondstadt and Sumeru, we still haven't grown enough to pair up with each region.”

Passing by multiple doors, your eyes scan for a clue on where she was leading you.

“But considering you're the most eager customer I've had concerning their own death, I decided to present you with a special deal.”

“Wouldn't suicidal people also be enthusiastic in this topic?”

“They're usually more focused on the moment and their own afterlife, instead of the corpse they leave behind. Besides-!”

Whipping around to look at you with a knowing grin, she lays a hand decorated in rings on the handle.

“You aren't that far from being called a suicidal person yourself, Y/N!”

Before you can question her on those words, she swings the door open to show multiple rows of various coffins.

“The special offer I'm giving you is to purchase a coffin and I will personally escort your wandering soul to the border for proper peace.”

Tearing your eyes from the admittedly impressive collection of varying caskets, you have the sense to ask her a question. “So, what's the point in me buying a coffin if my body ends up in the waters of Fontaine? And how could I even trust that you have the ability to escort souls?”

From what you remember, Hu Tao should have no clue about your oracle status, so logically you should act oblivious to her connection with the border. Would you even be able to cross the border? It’s not like you were born on Teyvat like her other customers.

Unless Zhongli told her, but that would require more of an explanation on his behalf that he wouldn't want to do.

“Very good question, dear customer!” She spins around to face you once more, her long twin tails swinging during the motion.

“Even if your body is irretrievable for whatever reason, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor will deem your casket full after I guide your soul.”

The atmosphere visibly shifts after she speaks. The room darkens as the lanterns flicker, her back lowers in a familiar position as a cold phantom touch caresses your hand.

“You of all people should know why and how I'm able to guide souls. After all, I wouldn't expect anything less from an Oracle of the Creator.”

A crooked grin makes its way to your face as goosebumps raise on your skin. Hu Tao’s ‘threatening’ words of knowing your identity were like the sweetest song to your ears.

Finally, all your hard work in creating connections and stabilizing your identity has paid off. Acolytes you've barely begun conversing with already see you as an Oracle.

“Should I applaud you or something, Director? Or should I just accept the deal and make us both happy?”

Hu Tao laughs at your words as you take confident strides to stand by her side.

“I would appreciate the second option much more!” Signature flower pupils drink your smiling visage in with delight before her hand grasps yours in a tight hold.

“Now, if you will, I'll introduce all these amazing coffin and casket types for you to ask about and choose between.”

There's no time to protest, not that you would as she pulls you along excitedly as butterflies made of Pyro brush against your cheek.

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

Somehow you and Hu Tao had managed to look at every single coffin type in existence. A style, color and even additional design to it has already been decided.

You're just left with choosing the best wood for it.

Hu Tao wanted to stay with you throughout the whole process, but an important matter came up again, making her complain loudly as she left.

But before she did, she insisted on sending one of her employees to help you in choosing, as ‘the wood is a vital part of the process!’.

So now you're left waiting in the absolutely quiet room, with only the sound of your own breathing accompanying you.

Looking down at the two coffins made of different wood, you waited for this employee. A small smirk played on your lips as you heard the door audibly click shut.

The thumping of shoes coming closer was silent, but the slight hitch of breath gave away how close your new consultant was.

“White cedar wood and Teck wood are both very fine choices. Though I would consider the Catalpa wood two rows down to be the best choices considering your position.”

Hot air fans your skin as the knowledgeable words spoken in that low timber light your nerves aflame.

Turning around, you look into amber eyes that remain steadfast on your face. His outfit is pristine and there's not a single evidence of the battle he was left to fight on him.

“If that answers your last question for the coffin customization, then would you mind stepping outside with me?”

Waving your hand, you dismiss his words without hesitation. “We can do so after I check out the Catalpa wood you recommended.”

Your head angles to the side to look at him with a teasing grin. “I know it's your retirement, but you of all people should know that rushing a job is never good.”

A long-suffering sigh leaves Zhongli as you walk away to the Catalpa coffin, before he follows you.

More than happy to kill time like this, you feel the wood under your fingertips in a smooth stripe.

“Catalpa wood was and is still often used as an outer coffin for the jade inner coffin that Liyue officials were buried in. Not only can it be carved fluidly, but it is also very resistant to decay, unlike other ornamental wood. Its stability is quite underrated, with only the drying to be a tad problematic. And even that will be for us to deal with.”

Vaguely you wonder if this information was inserted into the game based off China’s own history or if Teyvat really did age throughout many years to build its own history.

“That’s why I recommended this type of wood to you. While you’re not officially a member of the Qixing or other affairs, your position of oracle is enough to warrant such a valued coffin.”

“Are you trying to convince me to buy it for your job, or are you trying to flatter me for your proposal?”

“You may see it as both, neither, or one of the two. I'm simply here as the consultant. I am to assist you with all of your decision-making inside this building.”

A huff of laughter leaves you before you tap on the casket. “Then I'll go along with what you want and take this wood.”

Zhongli nods, not bothering to write it down as his memory must be far greater than you care to imagine.

His gloved hand is displayed to you in a silent question, but before you can move, he removes the glove.

Quizzically, you raise an eyebrow before placing your hand on his now bare one. Peering at his face from your place you note the slightest blush on his otherwise composed expression.

Smiling to yourself, you allow his fingers to intertwine with your own as he guides you out of the side door. Following him blindly up the staircase, past a set of rooms, another staircase till you finally arrive at the roof.

Zhongli squeezes your hand one last time, clearly relishing in the touch of your calloused fingertips before letting you go.

“I've waited patiently for you, Y/N. What is your answer to my marriage proposal?”

His eyes stare at yours with unshakable firmness. In a sense, it's endearing, and you make it clear by smiling widely.

“It's a no from me.” That resolute expression cracks and his mouth drops open before it's slammed shut at your bright laughter.

But even his poorly concealed embarrassed expression can't smother the blood rushing to his cheeks as his ears hang onto every addictive note that leaves your lips.

This has taken a long time. Like super long. I haven't dropped this series, just have lots of school work to complete and exams to study for. Like I literally have one tomorrow. My editor did me a solid and highlighted the parts that I had to fill in after I gave the mostly completed document for editing. When I have to write the next chapter, it'll take a bit as I gotta reread for recalibration. Taglist is open as always!

533 notes · View notes