AN: Here comes Zola's POV. Also thank you for everyone who reads my stuff and those who follow it thank you so much.
Zola got off the boat finally seeing his home for the first time in 4 months. Beidou waved him off as he ran to the adventures guild to grab his letters that got sent to him when he was away As he ran there he sensed a very familiar aura right above him. He stopped knowing he was in for a scolding as a head full of blue hair and matching horns turned around to look at him. "Hey mom, I'm so glad to see you," he said, immediately receiving a hit on the head. His mother was a peaceful soul but she was still an adeptus and definitely hit like one. He sighed listening to her pleas as he grabbed his letters and stuffed them in his bag. "I mean how do you think I feel not knowing if you're alive or dead" she said as he put a hand on her shoulder." I'm sorry ok but I couldn't leave my work half finished plus i'm still an adeptus like you" he said referring to the red strands of hair he had that were in the same shape as Ganyus horns. "We don't exactly die easily, plus if I was in danger I would have the mighty Beidou to help me" he said smiling as Ganyu pouted.
As she continued to scold him, an odd looking blond woman walked up to them. From the conversation he knew that this was the traveler that his mom had sent him letters about. Maybe if he had responded he wouldn't be in the trouble he is now. He left with the traveller before he was asked the question he was sure was coming from the fairy pixie thing floating by question about his family connections. He hated explaining it as it didn't make much sense to the normal person. He had Ganyu's dna and looked a lot like her so it was usually easier to simply say he was Ganyu's son. However that usually brings up the issue about the red strands of hair that weren't acting as his makeshift horns, as well as his odd almost snake like eyes. This was the hard part to explain but maybe someone as odd as the person from another world would understand.
As they made it to the parlor he was not excited to see its owner. Not because he didn't like Hu Tao as they were quite good friends. It had more to do with his other friend. He understood that Chaka was a busy woman but to desert Hu Tao was a big mistake especially considering their relationship. When they arrived at Beidou and got them a ship he remembered his apology tour and decided to be on his way. Not being home to eat with Ganyu was not an option as 1 it would hurt his poor mother a lot(leading to him being hurt later) and second it was one of the few things that would get Ganyu away from her work. He headed to Juyeun Karst first to say hello to his Adeptus family . He used his Ice abilities to get there faster than a normal adventurer could as he stopped on the location of Moon carver and Mountain Shaper who were visiting each other on top of . "Hey guys long time no see" he said as they scoffed at him probably sensing his presence the minute he entered the Adeptis abode. "I see so you decided to come back" Moon Carver said as Mountain Shaper shook its head" Yes poor Ganyu waited for months for her sweet boy to return to her'' he said dramatically trying to guilt the young boy. It always ended up like this and it always worked. "I'm sorry ok but what i'm doing is very important and weren't you two the ones who said an Adepti spreads its teaching amongst the people." he said smiling as they walked to him towering over him. "Yes to the people of Liyue, not those in distant lands. But I and Moon Carver will not lecture you" they said smiling as they looked down at the large bird that did not have a pleased look on its face. "Because she will yeah" Zola said as he looked back at them before sliding down the hill toward the ancient bird.
" Hey Granny, how's it going, your feathers look as shiny as ever" he said as Cloud Retainer hit him on the head with her wing. "Do not grandma me young man you had Poor Ganyu worried sick about you" she said as he looked down. "I know i'm sorry I just don't want her to worry about what i'm doing and I think it would be better if she didn't know" he said as the great Adepti Bird sighed. "I know but you know she worries greatly for you, her one and only child" she said patting his head. "After all, who else will I get to bring me new foods every week?" she said, getting a laugh out of Zola before he rolled his eyes. "As fun appears so does someone appear to take it away. Hello Uncle Xiao" he said as the vigilant yaksha sat in a tree watching them with his usual edgy look.
"You take your status as Adepti too lightly and the fact that they allow it irks me" he said jumping down and walking past him as Zola smiled. "Hmm that's odd you usually are a lot more butthurt about it. I see has someone been able to finally defrost your icy karma ridden heart." he said half jokingly. As hard as xiao was on people he had always been good to him and even acted as his teacher when it came to fighting. " well I got you all gifts from Fontaine'' he said, pulling out sculptures that were made to look like the adepti. " Here you go I hope you enjoy my offerings" he said smiling as he looked at Xiao. "I see you used your Adeptus art to seal them from the elements, so you have been practicing" He said as Zola grinned. "Yep I'll be able to beat you in a fight soon" he said thinking about their last session where he was in bed for weeks after. "Anyway I have to leave but don't worry I dont plan to leave liyue any time soon" he said walking out before Cloud Retainer cleared her throat. This caused Zola to turn around and give his Pseudo grandmother a hug. He quickly departed as the illuminated residents of Juyen Karst watched him on his way out and to the city of freedom. " Oh no didn't that astrologist girl move there recently" Cloud retainer said as Xaio nodded before sighing. "He just loves to drive his poor mother insane" His grandmother said, flying off.
Zola passed the stone gate and entered into Mondstat. He headed straight to the city and was greeted with hellos from the shopkeepers who remembered him well from prior visits. He headed to the church where he could hear his lovely sister complaining. "I don't understand what singing a few silly songs does for a god anyway." Rosaria said smoking her cigarette as barbra huffed already on her daily explanation of why church service was important. As Zola watched the two bicker him and Rosaria made eye contact. A small smile spread across Rosaria's face. "Well if it isn't the worst nun in Mondstat how's my older sister doing " he said as Rosaria flicked her cigarette at him. "Doing fine, how is Liyues resident whore" She said, earning a gasp from the deaconess who was still very much around. "Sister Rosaria, that is family you should be nicer to him" she said as Zola waved to her getting a grossed out look from Barbara. "However that does not apply to me and him, why are you here" she said as Zola laughed. Barbra wasn't exactly his biggest fan, especially since she caught him and a local behind the cathedral.
"Hello my great deaconess the church of Mr. Tos is looking great" He said as Barbara balled her fist up " His name is BARBATOS" she said causing the sisters around them to laugh being very used to their antics. Rosaria tapped his shoulder and pointed behind him toward a very happy and hungry astrologist. "I come to get some food and I find my best friend here" She said running into his arms squeezing him tight as her stomach grumbled. "Go ahead Zola we have plenty of time tomorrow" His elder sister said smiling knowing just what was gonna happen. He nodded leaving the cathedral and headed straight to Good Hunter. Once they sat down and got their food Mona chowed down on the food like her life depended on it which considering how long ago her last meal was it probably did. Zola watched her eat lovingly as he waited for her to finish. "Jeez you act like you haven't eaten in days" he said causing Mona to blush.
"W-well you see i'm just excited to see you" she said as Zola placed his hand on hers smiling. She smiled back at him before feeling his hand squeeze hers tightly. " Yeah that makes sense because there is no way you spent all the money I gave you for food and housing " he said, his smile becoming strained as Mona looked around. "U-um of course and to thank you I owe you a kiss later" she said as he grinned. "Perfect a nice closed off room with just me and you sounds great" he said as her hand started getting colder. "Ok ok I spent it on equipment but it was important I swear. You can't be mad at your best friend right" she said batting her eyelashes and sticking her chest out. He responded in kind by freezing her arm. "Mona I gave you 300,000 mora how in the fuck did you spend all of it" he said trying to keep his voice down. He often gave Mona money for her travels as he had plenty of it from his "investments" and had no use for it. However everytime he lent her a bit she ended up poor a couple months later. "I'm sorry ok I just can't help it but it's ok i've only recently ran out of food" she said as he looked at her with a questioning look. "Whatever at least you got a place to stay this time" he said as Mona pulled him up and over to her home. "Once you see it you will be satisfied with investing in Mona Megistus" she said, opening the door revealing the house full of equipment.
"I see hm nope I still regret it but I guess that's what a boyfriend does" he said as Mona pinched him. " Are you seriously still on that?" he said. Mona nodded " I cannot commit to something that requires that much time when the stars have so many secrets that lay unsolved. I promise though that I understand your feelings and I feel the same but I could never claim that title and have no time to actually work for it." she said as he sighed " Yeah I know sorry but time doesn't stop for anyone especially you" he said hugging her from behind as she smiled. "I know that. How about in the meantime you keep investigating your surroundings just don't stray too far ok" she said as he giggled" Oh come on you know I hate that as I would much prefer to see you everyday instead of some Perfume lady or Shopkeep." he said kissing her softly. "I know and that time will come but for now you have to be satisfied with our private meetings. In fact it's been awhile how about we get reacquainted" she said looking him in the eyes. As they settled deeper into one another nightfall would come soon.
Zola shot up, seeing a fireball light far off into the sky seemingly coming from Liyue. "Oh shit right sorry Mona got to go" he said putting on his clothes and kissing Mona on the cheek as he ran out of Mondstat. "Yanfei isn't exactly known for speed so I should be able to home before she finds me. He said cutting through Dragonspine into Liyue territory. He just made it into Liyue Harbor when a fire ball flew past his head. Yanfei sat on top of a building smiling. "There you are, my dear nephew Ganyu is looking for you. Why is that?" she said as he smiled "you see Auntie Yan I had a massive roadblock of hillichurls" he said as Yanfei smiled sending another fireball at his feet. "Is that so well i'll send covering fire while you get home" She said chuckling at her pun.
He chuckled running off as balls of fire rained down on him before he entered Ganyus home. It was scattered with paperwork and at the center of it was an angry Illuminated Beast. "Nightfall has passed and you were not here before it." she said, pulling out her Bow. Zola sighed knowing what was coming next. "Ok so I know you're mad but please you have to understand rosaria talks a lot" this would be the last thing the boy would say before becoming a human sized snowman. The cold never had an effect on him but the speed at which his mothers arrows would fly sure did. Yanfei eventually thawed him out and even sat to eat dinner with them as Zola thought about Liyue. He had missed a lot and still wanted answers but that would have to wait. For now he would enjoy the time he had with his family here. "By the way Zola sweetie how was Mona" she said, eyes closed enjoying the soup she had made."Shit" Zola thought knowing the ensuing conversation was about to get ugly.
AN: howdy another long POV is coming this time from Anagi. After that the traveler will be back in action and off to Inazuma.