Published: 03/27/21

Act I - Spirit of Adventure

CHAPTER III

Spice and Dine

Beidou just couldn't believe her luck!

She spent the last week pestering other folks for their Mora with her amazing thieving skills and tried to snatch a couple of street foods left behind by unsatisfied customers. Beidou was definitely not caught a few times by the Millelith! Those mean grown-ups only shook their heads of exasperation every time she got caught. Damn it! She only did those things because she was getting desperate.

Li Hua and Xingxing were deathly sick! And the good-mother(orphan caretaker) said they won't last another week without proper medication. Dr. Tianshang and her assistant Baishu were more than willing to help, but the price was heavily doubled. The heartbreaking part was that the lack of materials needed to even produce a single dose was being held by Sheng's gang. Since the Gang Lord declared a blockade against all trade-related to medicinal plants the Bubu Pharmacy and many other establishments suffered greatly.

Of course, as usual, those stupid gangsters that held those treasured ingredients were selling them at a horrendous price. Some suggest a more appropriate price than Mora.

Beidou was a confident lass, but she held no pride for her unattractive body. Heck, some had the nerve to call her a twig! She was scared, but she more than willing to...

Unless they pay the heavy price, none could get treated.

Both small girls accepted this and tried to put up a brave front, and for the past few days, it got even worse. Their strong smiles disappeared when Xing collapsed and Li Hua fainted during their chores. Ming the young good-mother warned them that they were the exceptions to the children's chores considering their ailing bodies. But they wouldn't listen.

Beidou couldn't help but cry last night when both were bedridden and when the good-mother declared that they might not make it in the next few days. Her big bros were strong, spending the next few days working harder than before in their hours of hard labor, but even she could see their stricken looks. All had accepted that... that they would...

No! Beidou refused to give up! Even before the sun had arisen, Beidou jumped out of her dirty cot and rushed outside of their broken shack to do something. Anything! Just to save her comrades, and they could live another day with smiles on their faces. Everything would go back the way it was.

She was never in need of luxury, as Mora can't buy you any happiness. Beidou learned at an early age that comradeship and family are all you need to overcome great challenges in life. But this time, Beidou conceits that it might not be enough.

Beidou was desperate, damn it!

It was her luck that she spotted a man armored up from neck to bottom. His presence was nothing that Beidou ever felt before. She knew how hard it was to navigate in heavy crowds, but the stranger flowed through them like a smooth rock in an overflowing river.

It was her terrible luck that she was caught by the stranger. Definitely not the lack of skill in thievery. Nope! Beidou was a master thief, and none could decry that statement. "I'm really not sure that's how theft works, if it did, I wouldn't be so surprised."

Damn it.

"W-What did you say your name was?"

Hmm, this stranger was strong but deaf. A grand conclusion!

And so, here she was- Mora in hand, and the totally-scary-yet-somewhat-kind stranger gawking in front of her. That was new, Beidou wished to contemplate about it more, but her comrades need her! Usually, she would just run off and leave the man to his musings, but Beidou was anything if not really grateful for this stranger's patronage.

Little Xing and Li Hua will live another day, and because of the stranger's dismissal of her attempts at robbing him. Maybe he was right, being a pirate is much better than being a thief.

Beidou smiled her brightest yet, wide and bright. "The name's Beidou. Captain Beidou." And he better remember it!

Captain Beidou. The name rolls off the tongue real smooth, and the easiness at pronouncing it was quite strange, yet oddly nostalgic. Nevermind, now that she had done the man a great service at giving out her name, Beidou should be on her way to the orphanage. Ming would know what to do!

But first, she might wanna explain how she got the Mora, but she'll wing it. Beidou was no liar, Ming and her big bros always know that it was really normal for Beidou to get into trouble and seems to get out of it unscathed(as much as possible). She might wanna explain it clearly and concisely. Beidou doesn't want to get her big bros hurt if they believed that the kind stranger held her firmly and gave some Mora in return for something. Or more specifically something explicit in nature.

They were big and strong, but the stranger was something else. If he wanted something from her the stranger can easily do so. Her wrists still hurt when he grabbed her, and she can spot a red mark.

"I... I see." The stranger seemed tired in that moment, and if anything, it scared her on how quickly he shifted in his teasing tone to a much more resigned one. His golden eyes were already dull before, but now it was much darker than Beidou could even comprehend.

"Can-can I ask for a favor?" Beidou's crimson eyes narrowed at that, but she was much smarter than that, getting to that type of conclusion. "I mean, I need help in navigating in this city. I've been here before, but I was gone in a while. Everything's strange right now, and can you help? I can pay extra."

The last part caught Beidou's attention, and her head turned towards the stranger's uncomfortable form. He was scratching his golden mop of hair, unsure to say what else in her presence. Weird, where did that teasing tone of his gone off to? It was when she said her name that did something to change the stranger's demeanor. He was more cautious and overtly alert to her movements. Every inch her small body moves, he involuntarily flinches.

And his eyes, they screamed for longing and a hidden sadness to them that Beidou had never encountered before.

She best just leave and run off, she had the Mora in hand, and the stranger was acting weird. But...

"Mmph, fine. But address me as captain, and I shall consider your request, stranger." There, Beidou had said her piece.

The stranger chuckled, "Of course, it's a deal. My name's Aether, by the way."

Aether. A strange name, that belongs nowhere in Liyue. Beidou bets that it's from another nation, and it made her excited of thinking of going to those places. No- her comrades come first, she can fantasize about adventures later, and right now the stranger was awaiting her word patiently. And with respect as well, as she can see a sense of recognition and awe within those eyes.

With a sense of pity and sorrow.

"So, where to, first mate Aether?"

Fate was after him, he was sure of it.

Aether wouldn't be surprised to the next familiar face he sees, as he might as well give up his sordid expectations. Go with the flow, Amber would always say. And Aether really wouldn't care anymore.

"So what brings ya to Liyue Harbor, old man?" Beidou asked as any innocent children should.

Both of them head straight to what the little girl would call a "dragon's nest" in the city. Basically, a gang hideout that is well-known across the neighborhood. The Millelith was avoiding the place curiously, but Aether was no fool. He knows how a well-placed bribe can speak another language.

He wouldn't be surprised if the Qixing has any interest in interfering. Considering that Liyue's prosperity was in no danger, and only the poor merchants and good folk were affected, the Qixing has no desire to trouble themselves in a gang war. Aether bets that Ganyu had no idea of such a thing happening, as much as close she was with the city, her duties compel her to prioritize other things that no other mortal can do.

And so, even the protection of the only Adepti was not present in the city's woes.

He doubts that Xiao would care either way, as he was decreed that human problems require no adepti solutions. The rest of the Adepti agrees as they have no business in the mortal realm. Not anymore.

But where was Zhongli in this? Surely, he really wouldn't miss such a drastic turn of events. And he didn't, but that doesn't mean that he would do something about it. Aether had a feeling that he was waiting for someone like Ningguang to show up, and deal with the problem herself.

The problem was that Ningguang wouldn't come into power or politics until after she stabilizes her business here in Liyue. But with Aether's recent investment into her might propel her status as part of the Qixing earlier than normal.

He wouldn't really know if that was a bad thing. Changing the timeline, and manipulating Ninggaung's success was nothing short of a sudden urge to just help her. Nothing more, nothing less.

She was feeling down recently, and Aether (the dumb bastard he is) didn't what to do other than throw copious amounts of Mora into her face to solve the problem. His inner-Ningguang was right, as it did solve the problem. But it did make her cry, though.

He knew that Ninggaung loved Mora, but seriously not that much to make her cry in joy! Something else made her happy, and he doesn't know what. Maybe she's happy to have new shoes?

"Lookin' for a ride, actually," Aether casually replied.

The little girl quickened her pace, and Aether did so too. They exited the market some time ago, quickly left the crowds and stalls, and crossed the bridge connecting the main market to the Chihu rock district. Aether suddenly felt a bit conscious of his surroundings, as the familiar sight of the fountain and the Third-Round Knockout was in sight.

Now knowing that he was in the past, Aether braved his turbulent emotions and silently followed the girl.

Aether addresses her as girl because he doesn't trust himself to pronounce her name, lest he creeps her out. And he was confident that he'll blurt out "Captain Beidou" with such relief and reverence that bystanders might look disgusted at him for doing that to a child.

But fuck, he always had admired her spirit. That grit, and determination, made him follow her teachings quite seriously. Especially when he and Beidou traveled through Inazuma, fighting other pirates, and facing numerous sea-monsters. Amongst the thunder and blood, Beidou never came out unscathed. All that stained blood on her fit and toned body, the riddled sweat on her attractive and hard face, and those pair of heavily muscled legs ready to tear her long hard boots a new one made all that journey in the seas very frustrating.

Especially when the cabin he was staying was anything but sound-proof, and the heavily snoring companion beside him. Beidou made it worse when she was the teasing type.

Oh, she knows. She definitely knows.

The trip was certainly filled with laughter, fun, and newfound attractive sensations with a certain pirate queen.

"You an adventurer or something? That sounds awesome! Hey, is that armor you wear very cheap? How can you become an adventurer? Can I become an adventurer? How much does it pay…? And how many places have you been already?! Hey. Hey!"

Aether can't help but smirk in a nostalgic sense, "You can say that. Would you believe me when I say that I have been around all the seven nations and beyond?"

He widened his smile as he sees that Beidou doubted his claims, her crimson eyes gave another good look into his. Even as a child, she was always perspective in life. Curious, she looks quite different without her signature eye-patch.

That and her hair was short, barely even touching her shoulders. The clothes she wears were anything but intricate and reliable as her future outfit. Her muscles were anything but toned, heck was thin as a stick! No wonder why he couldn't even recognize her, she was a whole different person as a kid!

And Aether can't but have a hard time looking at her.

"Is that so?" Beidou said, and a familiar grin was plastered into her face. "Can you name all the seven nations then? When I grow up, I'll take my friends across the seas! Like a pirate. I'll take your word on it, old man-"

The child suddenly cut-off when she halted in the middle of the street. It was a familiar street, with the unfurnished and incomplete Adventurer's Guild branch building, and the same old blacksmith around the corner. But it wasn't any of those that caught Beidou's attention.

It was a familiar restaurant right beside them. Usually, the restaurant would be filled to the brim with hungry customers, even without their star chief present. But now, the restaurant was filled with people with no plans to eat but to mourn.

Aether wouldn't believe it himself, without the cursed sight of a grieving Mao. The poor man was tired, and exhausted, as it might've been the recent loss of his beloved wife.

The crowd shifted, and suddenly the time halted into a grind.

A distinguished man in a peculiarly sophisticated suit silently and respectively walked out. Along with a number of people, Wangsheng employees decided that their service was done for and promptly left the grieving family of their mourning hours. Aether knows that they'll tomorrow morning, and continue the funeral's final stage of burial rights.

The gentleman walked with such measured steps, and when his amber eyes locked into his golden ones, Aether had to suppress the urge to shudder. Those eyes held no contempt, just plain curiosity. He and the rest of the parlor members left without any words. It would be disrespectful to do so, as silence is the measured action of respect.

It seemed that Beidou didn't notice the people leaving, as she was busy staring at a small figure hugging herself in the corner of the restaurant. It was a child, and Aether knew who it was.

Deciding that he had pondered too much, it was time to leave. But he wasn't so cruel to just let Beidou leave Xiangling alone. Aether knew how much Beidou loved the young chef as a little sister, and this proves that her feelings go way back when they were merely kids.

"You can just tell me where I can go," Aether said, placing a gentle hand on Beidou's shoulders. "I can do it on my own, trust me."

The girl was silently contemplating her choices, but when Aether shoved another pouch into her hands, she knew that her job was over. Xiangling needs a hug, and she was here to do it herself.

"Go. That poor soul needs some comfort, and I'll only be here to hold you back."

Beidou nods gratefully, "...It's down the street, across the other stalls, and right beside the blacksmith. You can't miss it."

Aether watched as the poor girl ran straight to the surprised Xiangling and comforted her. He only hopes that both can become strong when the time is right, but that won't mean he'll let a pointless war happen again.

Aether promises that.

Now, that the warehouse is in sight, he wonders what secrets were held in this "Syndicate" of Liyue. Fastening his new blade in its sheath, nothing but a dull blade.

He was not the naive traveler that stumbles into random trouble with a pixie by his side. Not anymore. Not since that fateful day in Sneznhaya, not since Diluc and Jean died at the hands of a corrupted friend, and especially not when he had heard of Mondstadt's fall. Paimon's loss was a blow that Aether still laments to this day.

But no matter. He was tired of losing.

The warehouse was where the administrator of civilian affairs was situated in the future, the walled-up compound was now occupied by thugs. Two burly men guarded the front entrance, and Aether can spot a dozen more shuffling crates and locked-up goods inside. Barging in unannounced would be folly, but the element of surprise can go both ways. Through shadows and stealth, or explosions.

Aether chose the latter.

His only worry was that this "Sheng" would be present in the compound and would definitely interfere with his plans. Not that Aether was confident to face a vision user, but he wanted to deal with this as quick as possible. Loud explosions would easily gather the attention of the Millelith, whilst it was not wise to earn the Qixing's ire, Aether was desperate to learn more of the Syndicate's operations and structure as he was in unfamiliar territory.

Kaeya taught him the tricks of the trade that was espionage, and the art of the saboteurs. Intelligence gathering whilst weakening the enemy were Kaeya traits of doing his best to lead a remnant of the Knights Favonius.

Since the fall of Mondstadt and the subsequent disappearance of Noelle's forces, coupled with the lack of any communication, Kaeya had no choice but to push on the surviving members of the knights towards a battle they might not come out of unscathed. And so, he had to adapt and overcome great challenges at the chance to be a thorn against the Unknown God's side.

With the aid of Rosaria, Kaeya had effectively created a much newer branch of the knights. Ordo Tenebris. The shadow that falls over the shattered honor.

If they can't fight a straightforward battle, then they shall fight amongst the shadows. Sure, they were those not fitted for such a delicate job, but the squads of veteran knights proved themselves quite the reckoning amongst the allies that fought with them. Both the old and the new demonstrated their resolve and courage during their victory at the siege of Fontaine.

Sadly, during the climax of the war, the Ordo Tenebris were hunted by the Pillars and the remnants of the Knights' fighting force perished with Kaeya during the assault on Celestia. Only a dozen Knights fought with Aether when he attacked the Abyssal Fortress, and now he was all that was left of any of them.

It hurt to know that he still uses the skills he learned during the war even he couldn't win.

The fish market and the shipyard were seldom with life, and Aether can only spot a few civilians around the perimeter. Good, at least there wasn't a massive crowd for him to worry about, unlike the time he had to infiltrate the Bakufu in Inazuma. Gods, the terrified screams of the people made Aether think twice about using such a tactic. But desperation can lead a man astray. Aether knew best than to refute that statement.

The poor pair of guards didn't see it coming and were only minding their business, not expecting a small glowing red flask to suddenly roll in front of them. Speed was the key the Aether was aiming for, and with the powers of Anemo infused in his legs once more, he can feel the rush of sudden wind when he passed through the flying debris and bodies that formerly occupied the entrance of the compound.

As a pair of corpses touched the cold floor, the bewildered and alerted guards couldn't feel the sudden snap of their necks as darkness consumed them. Some, were lucky, in the fact that they were the furthest of any of their comrades in the entrance. Four of them readied their crossbows and saw a figure that seemingly took out their comrades with such swift strikes. No hesitation was shared, but Aether was much faster. He fished out another flask, and this time exploded in a puff of smoke blocking the view of his new foes.

Two out of the four unleashed their shots, missing the now hidden figure in the massive cloud of smoke. The other two that didn't shoot their arrows twitched their trigger finger at the slightest movement. They suddenly felt a small tremor beneath them, and before they could utter a sound, Geo rocks rocketed beneath them, finally knocking them out.

In the smoke, Aether frowned. He noticed that the rock he controlled was much smaller than he would usually unleash. Usually at the height of seven to ten feet tall, the four constructs he summoned were only less than five feet high, but still high enough to knock his foes out.

Ten seconds. The duration of the scene felt much longer for Aether, but he was used to that type of heightened sensation. His head snaps towards a sudden scream of horror and noticed that the few civilians gathered around the perimeter now scrambled for their lives, and if Aether would guess, try and grab the Millelith's attention. The explosion's smoke exuded into the street and covered his deeds greatly.

He would be long gone before the Millelith would arrive to investigate. All that would be left are corpses and dust.

Shifting his attention to the far back of the compound, he spotted a small building, which Aether would bet a place to store of their more explicit items. He wouldn't be surprised if he would encounter drugs or any illegal items. Using his Geo, Aether hurled a piece of rubble towards the wooden door. He marched without hesitation and spotted a single crate and a ton of papers. How curious.

Going straight for the documents at the table, he noticed the intricate writings of a scholar were etched into the parchment. Sheathing his blade, Aether moved closer to get a much better look. Unfortunately, there was nothing but rambles of excavation and research, and no sign of delicate documents that pertain to the Syndicate's more sensitive crimes. Nothing but a waste of time.

Moving on to the crate, Aether noticed writings of 'FRAGILE' and 'BRITTLE' in Liyue's native language. All in blood-red ink.

What he saw next intrigued him further, as there was another small piece of paper written at the top that said; for Bubu Pharmacy, please deliver immediately. From Professor Ju to Dr. Tianshan...

Aether was familiar with Bubu Pharmacy and its owner, Dr. Baishu. This was the first time he had ever heard of a Tianshan before, but since this was the past, he could easily guess that he/she is also part of the pharmacy.

And Aether could guess that this crate and package was hijacked by the Syndicate first, as there was a second note, addressed to a gang member; ...the boss wants the corpse to be transported at the Wangsheng office in the mountains. Leave the medical goods for us, but the corpse must be sent to the afterlife. Lord Sheng was very adamant...

A corpse? Aether grimace as he stared at the crate with newfound dread. He was used to the sight, but whatever was in there was nothing of Aether's business! But the curiosity gnawed at him. Taking a leap of faith, Aether dropped the note and pulled open the top of the crate. Aether thought he would be creeped out, but this was something else entirely. He indeed found a 'corpse' and felt obligated to punch himself in the face.

What terrible luck he has today.

In the crate, it was filled hay that surrounds boxes with a medical design of Liyue's culture. And a massive piece of amber substance solidified with great effort. What really peeved him off was the small hunched body of a familiar friend inside that amber. Tattered clothes stained with blood, her short legs with white stockings that are wrapped in mummy-like bandages, and a piece of a tattered talisman stuck on her light purple hair.

The frozen form of his friend, Qiqi, seems to find much better days than her future counterpart. At least she wasn't cut into several pieces this time, only a little bit injured and her clothes bloody. Whatever injuries she had sustained before was now fixed by her new zombie-like form. That, and her new Adeptal capabilities.

A small circular gem was huddle between her arms as if holding on to it like a lifeline. It might as well be, as Aether couldn't imagine Qiqi's final moments before being incased in amber.

Faced with such a dilemma, Aether had forgotten that he had a limited time before the proper authorities arrived. Damn it. Aether had no choice but to do something stupid, was he? Great. Now, where to store such a thing?

Not knowing if the place was open, Aether stored the crate within him, along with the documents at the table, and left without impunity. Several Millelith finally arrived at the shattered gates at the front, gawking at the destruction, the mass corpses left behind, and the smoke that slowly dispersed into the wind.

They couldn't see the shadowed individual that shot up into the stairs that lead above the warehouse, leaving no trace of existence at all.

The moon's beauty was stagnant.

Don't get him wrong, he admired that sight for untold millennia. He remembered that image, of a field of endless Glaze Lilies that covered a wide-open field. And her immaculate form, resting beside the gentle flowers, with the moon's lustrous gaze upon his friend's flawless form. Yes, he clearly remembered it all.

Even amongst such beauty, the moon and stars along with the glaze lilies were nothing short against Guizhong. Her gentle eyes would always win. Even against him.

Days of peace was over, the night when the Assembly fell into chaos, and the height of the War Amongst the Heavens was at its peak, the moon lost its luster and the glaze lilies never bloomed as they did before. Not without Guizhong. Not without her.

He remembered the moon's light shining upon him, as his stone spears pierce the cold heart of his rival, and when the shriek of despair and anger rattled the land. He too, remembered that Osial was but a victim of the war, just like poor little Havria.

Yes, the moon's alluring sight was a treat, but also a reminder of his failures.

Zhongli grimaced as he felt the burning sensation of his tongue ravaged his senses, knocking him out of the dazed look of which garnered some attention to nearby mortals. Ah, he was distracted again. Fishing out an elegant napkin, he chastised his inattentiveness again. It wasn't the first time, no.

A while ago, he spent an entire afternoon staring out of the harbor and into the Guyu Stone forest and reminisced of old and simple times. The poor waitress was properly compensated, and Zhongli vowed not to bother that establishment again. He was many things, but even a being such as him can be flustered at times, he just wouldn't show it.

And so, here he was, at the Third-Round Knockout, a recently established 'drinking hole' spending his hard-earned Mora on their less-known tea samples. And to say that Zhongli enjoyed was a massive understatement. It was already evening when he decided to descend into the mortal realm, and have a small taste of the treats of mortal delicacies.

But no, he was here for another matter entirely. Early this morning, he felt a sudden tug that had drawn him in back to Liyue Harbor. One of his statues was suddenly activated without his prior notice. It was alarming at first but concluded that there was nothing to worry about. Maybe except for the strange traveler that he had deemed worthy for his blessing. Apart from the familiar call towards this stranger, there was another matter he must address.

He wasn't blind to the actions of his Adepti, as long as a contract was between him and the Adeptus, Zhongli can feel the emotions of every single one. It helps him determine the threat each of the Adepti faces when they are confronted by danger. Xiao was a perfect example, as it was yesterday that the lone Yaksha was exterminating a bunch of Ruin Guards that escaped their underground facilities. Zhongli's sense wrung true as the Yaksha's emotions ran rampant. He had a sense of anger and distaste, coupled with annoyance as the boy filtered through dozens of them.

It was at the end of the day that Xiao's demeanor changed, from miffed to surprise. Whatever the Yaksha saw must've been a new thing to witness. Whatever it was, Zhongli would never know, as he can only feel the emotions, and never their thoughts. He values his comrades like that.

What brought him here was the matter of Ganyu. The entire night, he was plagued by stress, tension, anxiety, confusion, anger, sadness, and fear. Zhongli tasted that foul sensation, but at the thought that something had happened to Ganyu was a chilling thought. He did his best to be quiet as possible when traveling to the Harbor City in his dragon form, but the Exuvia was anything but subtle. He immediately acquired his mortal form and went to visit the Qilin's home late at night.

It relieved and discomforted for him to know that Ganyu was only dreaming, and the Adepti was in no trouble. He was a bit put off by the young woman's distressed appearance. Riddled with sweat, and her nightgown in such disarray, actually Zhongli felt compelled to get closer but held himself firm. Her moaning did not help at all, and her scrunched and scared look made Zhongli used his powers to force away Ganyu from her thoughts and nightmare.

The Qilin then relaxed her form, and delve into a deep sleep. On which Ganyu wouldn't be amused, as he fully knows how committed she was to do her duty at administrating the Qixing. But then again, some stubborn individuals really wouldn't know how to relax at times.

Zhongli decided to confront the Qilin about what had plagued her dreams, as he had once valued her race's ability to assess the fate of the coming days and the foresight of which foretold past and present events. The battle against Chi would've ended differently if the Qilin were to ignore their dreams, and the struggle against Osial might have been much longer and painful if the Qilin did not warn him of his rival's imminent intentions against the Harbor's inhabitants.

Speaking of which, he spotted Ganyu grabbing a seat at a table next to him. What luck, indeed.

Of course, he had not planned for such a thing and only may have heard whispers of an old man telling his niece to spend dinner at the Third-Round Knockout to clear her head. Fortunate, indeed. The poor woman was still distraught of today's event, but he was confident that he could fish out the details needed. Now, he had to do this nice and slow-

"Excuse me, but what do you think you are doing?"

Zhongli halted his next move, as he felt the unnerving gaze of an unamused woman seated in front of him. Ah, of course, she didn't recognize him. Seldom was his mortal form shown amongst the other adepti, mostly from the common disinterest of which is shared throughout. Humans were not worth the effort of knowing, so it suited him fine that no one else knew of his second form. It amused Zhongli more when the Qilin tried to look intimidating, but only ended up with such a cute pout.

She was tired sure, but Zhongli really needed to know what bothered her that night. "Sorry, I forgot to mind my manners, my name is Zhongli. A consultant of sorts, for the Wangsheng group."

An old friend owed him a favor, on which Zhongli capitalized on. Sadly, he had underestimated the old geezer's cunning and landed Zhongli in a lot of trouble with a certain child that he was now responsible for. It really did not bother him when it comes to taking care of children, but the grandchild of his friend was a matter that Zhongli refused to think about. He only tolerated this deal was because his mortal form having a background would let him get a little less suspicious.

"I meant why to try and bother me?" Ganyu sighed as she tried to reel in her anger. She was tired of Uncle Tian's worried look already, and Ganyu was fed up with being treated fragile.

"Apologies if I may have brought the wrong idea, it is just that you seemed troubled and I was rather worried for your state." And he really was, as Ganyu was a good friend and loyal ally. He remembered her getting swallowed up by a regisvine and was mysteriously freed when the unfortunate monster choked itself on something huge. The look of utter embarrassment was quite the alluring face, as Zhongli valued the purity of innocence. It reminded him a lot of Guizhong...

She tried to compose herself but failed to do so, as Ganyu welled up in tears. The day was taking a toll on her, and the thought of more talk was burdening her resolve. "I'm sorry, i-it's just that-"

The poor woman couldn't continue, as she tried to wipe her tears dry. Zhongli watched in silence as the poor woman was struggling to hold herself firm, and it hurt his heart that he might've been the cause of it. He called for a waiter and ordered a set of warm tea and even a warmer meal to help distract the poor girl's distressed form. Zhongli sighed as he moved his chair next to the fellow adepti, and gave a gentle pat on her back.

Fortunately, when the order arrived, Ganyu was too tired to resist the generosity given by Mr. Zhongli and silently ate her food. Joined by companionable silence, the two shared a quiet respite on such a messy day, one needed it more than the other but was a shared sentiment nonetheless. Unfortunately, Zhongli couldn't keep his eyes away from such a beautiful woman, and the pleasant lighting from the moon made her tired form more enticing and tempting him to act on it. Maybe another day, as some matters are much more important to address than later.

The moon's beauty was stagnant, but the beauty that Ganyu exuded was limitless, he would admit.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Here's an omake of the week; by the illustrious Blumstein:

Diluc hears the chime of the bell and instinctively looked up. The person he saw was someone unexpected.

"...Acting Grandmaster," he greeted. He expected an amicable reply, in turn, only to be met with silence.

A beat. "Can I get a drink?"

Diluc tilted his head, glancing at the clock. It was almost close to closing. The bar, same as the inn, was deserted save for him.

"Sure," he motioned for her to sit. Jean does so, keeping her face neutral. With practiced ease, he prepares her usual drink, a fizzy yellow beverage that shares a namesake to her duties, and offers it without fanfare. Jean accepts and drinks it all in one go.

It was a curious sight, but not one he would comment on. He knows, after all, what had brought up this little episode.

War was coming.

The people did not know if Mondstadt would stay standing. There were many things I could have said. There were plenty of topics that I could have led. But seeing his unaffected expression, imitating the calm of bygone days ... I could not stop myself from asking:

"How are you so strong?"

I pinned my stare from the empty glass to his stoic countenance. His eyebrow was raised, hands froze over cleaning an immaculate wineglass.

"The world is ending, yet you're still here. Why is that so, Sir Diluc?"

"If the world were to end, then I do not see any problems, continuing with my day as normal."

"Even if death were to come to your doorstep in the morning?"

"Even then."

His words held no hints of deceit. This man intended to act on his words: there was no nervous tic, no shifting of tone, only a casual reply as if he was speaking of the weather. It was as frightening as it was inspiring.

"...That strength is one that I aspired to, you know?" I muttered, closing my eyes. "When I was young, looking up to you was never frowned upon."

"I believe the opposite holds true now," he opined wryly.

"No," I shook my head. "Just not out in public. Many a lady (and some men) would love to talk to you as I am doing now."

His response was an amused smile, not believing what I have said. It was fine. He need not know the truth. Yet.

"Why are you here, Acting Grandmaster Jean?" He asked abruptly. I was caught off-guard. "You are clearly not looking to be inebriated, seeing as you're duty-bound not to."

It was not the only reason for my soberness, though it was the easiest answer to tell. I made to speak. I formed words in my tongue, about to wax a plausible cover, a way to maintain the equilibrium to our not-relationship is built upon time and time again. But I find myself unable. My tongue is frozen, not forming the words I so wanted to speak. Instead,

"I wanted to meet you one more time."

Only silence succeeded my admission of guilt.

Silence, stretching from seconds to minutes, filled the tavern with its only occupants one august morning.

Silence, a zenith of words unsaid, an impression of futures aplenty and branching narratives of a distant day.

Silence, I breathed in.

Silence, broken as he spoke with clarity.

"I heard Grandmaster Varka is returning to this fine city."

It was an out to my social blunder. Part of me recoils and wants to lash out. That part of me wailed as I took up arms; as I became the successor to my greatest inspiration. Part of me wishes to find the answers behind those inscrutable eyes. Ones that once held the wishes of a people and only burned the more brightly.

Instead, I ... I.

"Indeed. The messenger relayed the message to me a day ago."

"I have my ways," so said he. "What of the people, then, were they to be left unattended by both of their Grandmasters?"

"It will hold," I replied. It was with confidence. The Traveler was with us, as does our fleeting Lord of the Wind. The Knights have prepared plans and contingencies and plans for when these contingencies would fail. He knows this, I could tell. And with a nod of his head, I understood his intent. A test. The leader of a nation could not be meek. Nor could they be found wanting in any way. I suppose it is this kindness that endeared me to this man. My sister speaks as if I am a maiden to a man-for in some cases, I am-but to intimate, a relationship that doesn't exist is the height of folly. I know that. I lived by those words. But it does not mean I am unaffected.

The human heart is a fickle mistress.

"It will hold," I muttered. Woe is to us when it does not, I thought.

"...Can I have another glass?"

"One other, and no more."

"Is it because I am not a paying customer?"

"Just that it's past working hours, Acting Grandmaster." He pursed his lips in thought. "The dawn is yet to break, and I imagine it will be another busy day for us all."

Apologies for the late update, the month has been hectic as it is already, coupled with the growing concerns in my community about the recent waves of COVID activities. That and my school just went bonkers and canceled our exam schedules into the next Millenium. Great, now I know not when the day of dread will come. Only a shadow of grief that prepares to strike.

Anyway, that was one hell of a chapter! This was quite a ride of emotions when writing this. Both Zhongli and Ganyu finally meet face to face, as they both didn't have the time to themselves in the last timeline and canon lore. Apart, from that ridiculous scene of Aether singing towards a Glaze Lily.

And the zombie apocalypse has arrived!

Also, does anyone have a clue to where Aether's gonna hide the crate? I'll give a clue; it's where Mora is stored. That, and political entities from another nation. I said too much, didn't I?

&%