Published: 31/01/21

Act I - Chapter VII

The Calm Part II

Diluc felt taller.

Stronger too, but it wasn't even because he was standing at a chair, it was because Diluc was simply standing. The sensation of being taller was a foreign one to Diluc. There were times he did admit to himself that he felt powerful on top of a horse, or on the podium in the Knight's meetings.

There was something odd about this situation, though.

He was clearly watching the vine fields, but why? Why not join them? Diluc and his brother loved to volunteer during harvest season, as his father Crepus encouraged them to do so.

The added incentives of his father being proud was a bonus.

It would be a fun afternoon, but there was no one there. Not even those who carefully watched the vines for any problems or imperfections. There were bound to be, especially at a Vineyard like the Dawn Winery.

Bugs, pests, and disease were a common thing, and many of his Father's men would go around and observe the fields every single day. It was rather empty, and the sensation of being taller did not seem worth that moment.

Diluc was standing at the courtyard, and was waiting for someone. He was still bewildered, as Diluc wondered where the servants were, his parents, and Kaeya.

There were times Diluc felt comfortable within his brother's reach. The sight of that confident smile, and cocky posterior, made him comfortable. He loved his brother so, and there was nothing in this world that would convince him otherwise.

Diluc's vision blurred, but the land around him was a familiar sight, a sight he had seen a thousand times. The soft cobblestone beneath him was still here, as well as the smell of the vineyards ahead.

He spotted something on the horizon, it was a man. And a weird fairy.

Diluc was so sure now that this was a dream.

Odd, he felt very happy at that moment, he could even feel his lips twitch. But these were strangers, shouldn't he avoid them?

Kaeya warned him about them, they were bad guys. His brother said not to trust anyone he doesn't know. And yet, the man and the fairy don't feel like strangers. They feel like family.

"Master Diluc," the blond stranger smiled.

Master? Were they servants? If so, why couldn't he recognize them?

Did his father hire them without his notice? It certainly wouldn't be the first time either.

"Wake up, Diluc." It was the fairy that addressed him. Her voice was a little annoying, but there was a sort of comfort within them that Diluc couldn't seem to recognize.

"Wake up, Diluc. Wake up!" Now, it sounded like his brother. Diluc couldn't have mistaken it for someone else.

Diluc tried to look for his brother, wondering why he was alone in the Winery, and why he was by himself at treating and welcoming guests. Crepus taught both of his boys proper manners, after all, and it wouldn't do to be rude to guests.

"Wake up. Wake up." Kaeya still called out to him, but Diluc saw no figure of his brother anywhere.

The strangers were gone too, and Diluc was alone. He did not feel tall anymore.

"Wake up, sleepyhead. I swear, I thought I was the lazy one."

Diluc, feeling like it was the first time he opened his eyes to the world, groaned as he was greeted by the sun. And his smug little brother.

"Finally," Kaeya smirked. "I thought I lost you like we lost that sword we borrowed in our secret spars."

Diluc blinked for a moment before scowling at the memory. "I thought we agreed not to discuss it ever again?" His father was still looking for the culprit, and Diluc had a feeling that his father knew who lost a pair of swords within the family's armory. The man knows his sons better than anyone.

Still, Kaeya knows how to keep a secret, at times. Diluc sometimes feels that Kaeya wishes to set him up against his father for laughs. He was always cunning like that.

"Why did you wake me, Kaeya," groaned Diluc, wishing to dump his head back into the soft, welcoming pillow. It was a gift too, from the girl at House Willow of Springvale. A comely house, and a very humble one. Diluc tried to drown a flush ready to burst from his face from the memory of the young Lady Willow gifting the soft and comfortable pillow during his recent thirteenth spring year.

His brother scoffed playfully. "Diluc, the hour has already passed dawn, and both Lord Crepus and Lady Genevra already broke their fast."

Wait, passed dawn? Diluc wondered when was the last time he slept beyond the hour of dawn. To his horror, it was before he began his training as a knight. He was still nine at the time!

"You should've at least told me that sooner!" Diluc jumped out of bed in haste. The discipline instilled in him was finally kicking in, as the pace of his dressing and outfit was impressive to a degree.

"I normally wouldn't need to do so, brother," Kaeya replied. "You seem to forget that you were the most disciplined out of the both of us."

Kaeya was already in his garbs, a white shirt loose off his collar-bone, and dark trousers. Diluc was normally the most vocal about his brother's... loose choice in clothing, but Kaeya could wear a clown suit for all Diluc ever cared for, and he would still love him so. In fact, he preferred his brother to be in a clown suit. It suited him best.

Diluc was rather straight-forward with his outfit, a simple red shirt and brown vest, alongside gray pants.

"Did father send you to summon me?" Diluc feared the worst, and as much as he respected his father, he was certainly proven hard not to disappoint. Crepus was a man that loved his family, but it should come with integrity.

A true noble, in a sense.

He wondered if those strict lines of thinking would soften if his mother was gone. Diluc was suddenly struck with a thought of worry, and shame, but it subsided when he remembered that both Kaeya and his father convinced him to go to bed.

Sleep overtook him before his body could protest.

Diluc was awake for more than a day, after all. Trying to spar with his mother the entire yesterday managed to exhaust him more than any training with the Knights. Granted, he was exhausted mentally as well.

"No, not really." There was something tense with Kaeya's tone. "Lord Crepus was rather occupied with the health of Lady Genevra, but I rather think she is better than last time. In fact, she was faring better than I have ever seen. Considering yesterday's surprising episode between the two of you, I bet that she'll carry around swords more often."

That stilled Diluc faster than any threat did. He knew that his brother was jesting, but it still did not utter any sort of comfort.

The clashing of blades, the rush of emotions, and the adrenaline of happiness overwhelmed him.

Diluc still hasn't addressed her personally, as father took that role himself.

"S-she is?" Diluc dared not to sound hopeful, but he could not help but feel helpless at the mention of his mother.

There was a time when he felt the world was complete. To his shame, before his brother came into the picture, Diluc felt like the happiest person in the world. It fell apart after his mother collapsed on that fateful day. The world felt like a dark shade of gray, and Diluc was being swallowed slowly.

He tried to escape that, to escape his own mother. Not in a way Diluc would never do, but in a way not to remind himself everyday of his helplessness. It stung, every time he saw his mother lower her head in shame every time Diluc was around.

It was as if she felt that she was the weak one, feeling like her son was disappointed in her. Diluc hated that, but he could do nothing to comfort his mother.

That is why he joined the Knights of Favonius. He felt that if he had the power to save his mother, then it was more than worth the effort. His father was rather happy and proud of him, but he felt it was wrong that Diluc's father was rather proud of.

No, rather it was that Crepus was proud that his son was striving to save his mother, not because Diluc followed a dream that was meant for his father.

Diluc never wanted to feel helpless again. That is why he gave his blood, sweat, and tears towards his goal. To the captaincy of the Cavalry.

It was worth the trouble and pain, and maybe in a few years, Diluc shall ascend as Cavalry Captain. The youngest and most talented.

"Yep, fret not dear brother, Lady Genevra was hearty and hale last I saw her." Kaeya had nothing to gain at deceiving him, so Diluc believed him wholeheartedly. "She even made breakfast for the two of us." He added the last part with a sense of embarrassment, as Diluc always remembered how shy he was in his mother's presence.

Diluc will always believe his brother. No matter if the world shattered in front of their eyes, he will always cherish the feeling of someone he trusted beside him.

Then again, something was bothering Kaeya, Diluc knew the signs that something distressed his brother. Diluc rather leave it be, and he'll do something about it if it truly bothered him and the family. For now, he had a mother to see soon, and breakfast to eat first.

He definitely missed his mother's cooking.

Both exited the room they shared, walking the halls side-by-side.

During his time in the Knights, he would be approached by other children from other houses, and kept them amused as per his manners taught to him. It was the lack of Kaeya within those groups that bothered Diluc.

He acknowledges that his brother was rather a person that preferred the company of oneself, or with Diluc alone. The small incidents of discrimination did not help at all.

Diluc wasn't blind to the people that treated his brother like dirt, in fact, he kept their deeds and face very well burned within his mind. Diluc was a well-mannered child, and he paid his debts seriously. Many owed well to Kaeya's well-being, and Diluc remembered them.

Kaeya knows what Diluc is always thinking, and was rather amused by the effort that Diluc makes to keep him safe. He will never admit it out loud, of course, as Kaeya might as well have decades worth of teasing against him already.

Crepus' office is always on the second floor, a personal study befitting a lord of the Ragnvindr name. The only times Diluc ever approached the study was when he got into trouble with Kaeya's schemes, and when something prevalent needed to be discussed.

Kaeya suddenly grabbed his shoulders, and when Diluc tried to protest, Kaeya only hushed him to silence. Following his brother's curious eyes, Diluc's own widened in surprise.

"I must halt this madness, Genevra. This is how far I could reach within the realm of possibility." Crepus was rather exhausted and winded, and was ready to collapse at any moment, but he still held that air of authority. He should, as he was against his lady wife.

Diluc and Kaeya were eavesdropping on his father and mother.

It didn't feel right, but Kaeya assured him that it was fine. Of course, he followed Kaeya's wishes! His brother rarely asks for anything, and Diluc wants to at least humor him on this occasion. It would be a rare time for young Diluc to admit that he too was curious.

Diluc never doubted Kaeya's word, but it certainly did not do enough justice. Unlike the Lord of the House, his Lady mother was quite standing tall against her lord husband. Diluc never saw her stood this tall before. "You can't be serious about this, Crepus! I thought we had a deal." His mother never looked this fierce before, or at least not in a long time.

Diluc still remembered a time where he still stuck to his mother's skirts, and while his father tried to convince her that he was a grown child. He wishes to relive those moments and comfort his mother.

If only fate gave him a second chance.

"We did, but Genevra- I tried my best, but no information came up regarding your savior. Do not even get me started on Varka's claims! How could a lone man face an army like that? Not even Varka could, not without his men." Diluc himself couldn't comprehend it, especially when Commander Ignacio returned from informing them of the event that occurred the night before that day.

Being called back to the household on such a whim, Diluc was rather annoyed from the private moment between him and his brother regarding the disappearance of his mother. That annoyance turned to fear when he saw the slight look of uncertainty in his brother's eyes.

Diluc never thought he would learn to hate- no, despise someone so greatly.

The Abyss Order.

It was a name that was spat upon by many others in this world. A mysterious order of monsters and villains befitting a child's tale. Only problem was, it was no longer a tale in Diluc's eyes.

It was a nightmare.

Hearing that his friend and former playmate Jean was kidnapped within her own home, Kaeya was shocked and quiet, Crepus was horrified, and Diluc was angry.

Diluc liked his blade, but he rarely ever brandished it at anyone, bandits or criminals otherwise. He had to resist the urge to carry his blade and march towards the cliff.

His mother's sudden return stopped him from doing something stupid.

"Jean saw him too!" His mother tried to argue.

It was quite a tale as well, when Jean was personally escorted to the Ragnvindr manor instead of the Gunnhildr home in the city. Not that anyone blamed the family, as it was infiltrated easily.

Dawn Winery never felt like a fortress before, not until a quarter of the knights positioned themselves across the property like loyal guard dogs.

The Church's Head Priest, Lord Pegg, and the Matriarch of the Gunnhildr Clan decided it was best to stay at the winery before going back to the city. Along them was a crying Barbara.

Such a sight made Diluc question his abilities as a knight, he can't even comfort a crying child.

But having escorted Jean safely, both families let out a breath of relief.

"The Gunnhildr girl is still a child," his father argued, "her perspective should be taken in with a grain of salt- I mean, why are you so adamant? I get it that he saved you, but-"

"Saved me...?" Diluc held a breath he did not know he was holding when he saw his mother's eyes burned in pure, utter disbelief.

"Crepus," Genevra hissed his name, "without him, I wouldn't be talking to you right now. Without him, Diluc would not wake up with his brother knowing his once ailing mother happily cooks him breakfast. Without him, you would have to spend more Mora on bodyguards that are not as reliable as me!"

Both he and Kaeya flinced at the last part. When was the last time his mother yelled so loudly? Never, in Diluc's opinion.

But still, the topic caught his interest. They were conversing about his mother's savior! Gazing at Kaeya, he found his brother listening intently at the ongoing argument. Diluc did too, his crimson eyes he shared with his mother burned with deep determination.

He had the right to know as well.

Crepus looked far older than he was at that moment. "I did everything I could, Genevra, what more would you want me to do? Men with blond hair and golden eyes are a common sight, you know?"

Men with blond hair? Is that why they were talking about Jean's part of the story too?

He was awed at the sheer amount of power the Golden Wind possessed, a name that Jean gave her knight-in-shining armor. Diluc won't lie, he felt rather jealous at Jean's new hero worship, but he couldn't help but also admire the mysterious hero that saved Mondstadt's children.

Now, suspecting that the Golden Wind himself was the person that saved his mother... Well, that is a different story. Was it truly a coincidence? Both events happened after the other, and no other sightings of mysterious heroes then after.

"Then go with the exotic clothes!" His mother was grasping straws at this point.

He and his brother were educated on the cultures of Teyvat, but the description of Jean and Lady Genevra were the same as well, foreign and noble-like clothes. Diluc never heard of a culture like that, wearing cape-like scarfs, and showing a person's midriff?

Crepus wanted to groan, but it was unbecoming of a Lord. "I did! But no trace of such a thing was seen, unless of course, you count Varka's ridiculous claims." Uncle Varka was a sort of person that exaggerates things, and father knows that most of all. But Jean was different, so was his mother. They are the last people in the world to exaggerate claims.

"Then I should at this point! I can't give up! Not while he is out there fighting for a cause that we might be able to help." Genevra's eyes gleamed in the morning sun, tears ready to burst out. Diluc's heart clenched at the sight.

Diluc's father did as well. Crepus' features softened at the sight of his now strong wife ready to be helpless as she was before. "What cause?" It was barely a whisper, both Kaeya and Diluc nearly did not catch that.

It was a rare moment that Diluc would ever see his dad so silent and contemplative. Crepus was a man of action, now or never, and never did Diluc ever complain about that.

"I do not know," Genevra admitted sadly, "but I am certain there is one." His mother finally sat down on a couch opposite of his father. "His eyes showed me he fights an endless battle, his tired voice told me of a promise to prevent something. I could be there, by his side, fighting his cause, and repaying my debt to him." Diluc wished to hug his mother, as the woman who Diluc admires as the strongest person he ever met, seemed to wilt. "But no, instead I have to spend precious minutes wondering and sick with worry that he is not alright, that he struggled like me, but failed. Because there was no one to save him."

Kaeya gasped behind, and so did Diluc. The revelation that a stranger that saved his mother, and fixed her sickness when no else could, was also in danger? Clenching his fist, Diluc could feel the tension of the leather gloves he wore. This was a serious thing indeed.

The Gunnhildr Clan was also very ecstatic to hear about their daughter's savior, Barbara and Jean more so, but no word came about. Jean and the rest of her family went back to Mondstadt disappointed, but not willing to let it go either.

Apart from his mother, many of the noble houses that were victims of the incident wished to put their effort as well. The Commander of the Outriders was sent forth by the request of Varka, and the blessing of the Gunnhildr Clan.

If they ever were to hear such a thing, Diluc couldn't even imagine the fallout it would bring. Jean was a person who was more stubborn than him, and she rarely ever shows it. Seldom Jean admits it. There was no doubt in his mind that Jean would personally look for him if she ever heard that her hero was too a victim of something.

"Genevra..."

"Please, I just want him to be a part of my family." It felt like an eternity, but those tears finally fell. "I want him to bond with Diluc, be close as a big brother, and help my baby boy be raised by an astounding man like him. I want Kaeya to belong in this family too, and I am certain that my savior would do his best in doing so."

Diluc was at a loss of words. He didn't think his mother would ever trust a stranger with that type of thing, as family was something his mother cherishes every moment.

Kaeya on the other hand was speechless, and Diluc could put a finger as to why. Maybe he was shocked that his mother too wanted the best for Kaeya? Or was it the fact that Genevra was willing to open herself and her family towards a kind stranger.

Then again, this stranger pulled his mother out of the very clutches of death, and gave a gift that no one else had.

Diluc, if he ever did confront the stranger, he would hug him, and declare to the world of his gratefulness. He was not a person that embarrasses himself in public, always trying to keep that facade of a knight prodigy and son of a noble lord. But for that moment, a moment that Diluc will patiently wait, he would make the biggest exception of his life.

Kaeya would smirk at his brother's rare antics, knowing how soft-hearted Diluc was. His mother would probably join him in that hug, and drag the poor man to their manor's doors, and treat him to the biggest, and most expensive feast in Mondstadt.

Considering how frugal his mother was, it would be an amazing feat in itself. Genevra was a good cook, as one of the best in the region.

Even knowing his father's hesitance, Crepus wouldn't hesitate in the moment his father met the savior of his beloved wife. Who wouldn't?

Diluc could understand his father's exasperation, though.

Varka came home to Mondstadt that night, after dropping Jean off to the manor, and partied hard with his troops. He even got to reconcile with them again. Whilst that was good for Varka, the savior in question slipped through the radars, and disappeared.

Varka was surely confident if he thought a tough night's drink would not hinder him in any way. He got a hangover, his troops were out like a light, with the exception of the second-in-command, and it took hours and into the afternoon to recover.

Jean was pissed at Varka, which was an unlikely sight, considering it was her aunt that usually picks fights with her uncle. Still, that shook the man out of his reverie, and explained the whole situation that happened yesterday at the cliffs.

It was also after the visit of a nun from the church, and the joyous sight of Doctor Hart, that Varka and the rest of the Gunnhildr family recounted what happened.

Crepus was silent as the grave, and the softened look hardened. "Don't even think for a moment that I am going to let you out to the world, not after the vague explanation you gave to the good doctor and Sister Victoria." Explanation of what, Diluc wondered.

"I already told you," scoffed Genevra. "He made me drink a potion, and that was it. It's not like I was even conscious enough to politely ask him what he gave me."

"And Doctor Hart was still hesitant to let you out, not knowing if the effect is even permanent." Crepus sighed, "You could collapse any moment, and you think yourself confident that you could find this savior of yours? What's the point of his efforts if you were to only waste it away? This isn't you Genevra, you may be brash, but you are better than diving into trouble without an articulated plan."

His father had a point, even Varka was hesitant to personally go out himself, just in case of another strike from the Abyss Order. No matter how frustrating it was for Varka, he knew his duty well. That, and to make up for the mess he and his boys made the night of their celebration.

"I know that," growled Genevra. "But I am more than willing to risk it."

Diluc could not help himself, as he couldn't take it anymore. Before Kaeya could even react, Diluc slammed the door open. "If so, then I am coming with you, mother!" yelled Diluc, both his parents and Kaeya staring at him with wide eyes.

"Diluc, that's enough." If Crepus was hesitant to let his wife go, then he was mortified at the thought of his son going out on a foolish endeavor. "Commander Ignacio already left for the Harbor, and the neighboring settlements of Liyue. There's no need to be rash about this."

"Hmph, no offense to the old geezer, but having a dozen idiots going with him would only burden his journey and slow him down," said Genevra. Diluc thought he would win with his mother willing. "But I shall go alone, as your father is right, you are not ready."

"But I am Knight!" replied Diluc. "A squire of Sir Varka! I already handle many cases-"

"Of which I heard," mused Genevra, "of bandits and petty criminals on the outskirts of the city. Please, even the city guard, the most pathetic of the lot, could handle them."

"As much as I hate to let this even happen, I agree with your mother." Diluc felt the burden of loss on his shoulders at that moment. Why couldn't they let him help? "Kaeya. I know both of you were eavesdropping, so drop the act and show yourself. It is ill befitting for a ward to show such a disgraced way to a lord's son. I'll talk to both of you later, after I am done with this sordid conversation with the Lady of this house."

Genevra snorted at the last part, knowing how humorous it was for his mother to be a "Lady" of a noble house. She was born a commoner after all, Genevra cared not a wit. All the other ladies of the noble houses certainly did not either. Diluc remembered it as a discomforting time, all those dinner parties where they mocked his ailing mother.

"Take my son for his breakfast, as he wasted enough time already." His adopted brother dared not to disagree, considering the serious tone of his father's commands.

Kaeya left the corner of the open door, and gave Diluc a knowing stare. He had a feeling Kaeya might reprimand him for this, but his brother always forgave him. Diluc hopes that his rash action did not trouble Kaeya.

"I am so sorry, father. I was just curious is all, Kaeya only wishes to humor me-"

"Of course, Lord Crepus," said Kaeya, interrupting Diluc's hasty apology. "It is an act of sacrilege against my betters, I wish to apologize, my Lord. As a ward under your grace, I should not have dragged Diluc into your troubles. I'll make up for it, I promise."

Diluc felt touched, and ashamed, in that moment. Kaeya always takes the blame, even if Diluc were the one that caused the troubles. It certainly was Kaeya's fault, but Diluc wanted to take the blame this time. It seems Kaeya always beat him to that.

Both Crepus and Genevra softened. "I didn't mean to sound so contrite, young Kaeya. Forgive me, but it wasn't an easy morning." Crepus slipped an annoyed look at his stubborn wife. "Don't worry of the consequences, a lecture and a warning not to do it again suffices."

Kaeya nodded, "Of course. My thanks, Lord Crepus." Kaeya then dragged Diluc out of the room and into the stairs downward.

His adopted brother only let him go after Diluc knew that they were out of hearing range from their parents. Kaeya was leading him to the kitchens, and barely said a word or even acknowledged him. Diluc was afraid that he made Kaeya angry.

"Um, Kaeya? I'm sorry for what happened back there, that was too arrogant of me to assume that father would let me do what I want."

"Hmm?" Kaeya gazed back at him, "Did you say something? I was just wondering about a certain character of interest, that's all. And I'm not mad, Diluc, you know your father is more lenient to me than to you, right?"

Diluc felt relieved, knowing that Kaeya did not take it too far. "It's fair to think that, as I was just worried." He ignored the last part, as he knew Diluc's father knew who always was the troublemaker in those moments. "Why are you thinking about the "Golden Wind," as Jean would call him? I still think we should for him ourselves. We are knights after all!"

And Diluc did not understand why his own mother would mock him for his efforts? Maybe it was to dissuade him, in fear of seeing her child hurt. But she always was a person of pride, thinking that her son was still believing her weak. Of course not! The only thing he agreed with father was that she could not go alone.

"Squires, Diluc. Squires." Kaeya reminded him carefully. "Your mother has a point, what is worth our skills catching common criminals off the streets and woods against a lawachurl or a ruin guard?"

Slim to none. Diluc knew the disparity of strength against those types of foes. He had seen a Ruin Guard once, during one of the most dangerous patrols Diluc had at the old Mondstadt. A lumbering giant, made of metal and flame. Diluc shudders to face them again. But he will be brave.

Give him ten Ruin Guards, and Diluc will face those challenges head on!

"I know mother is strong, but how could she face them alone then?"

Kaeya facepalmed, "Diluc, didn't you remember? She was a well-known Adventurer, wrestling with Ruin Guards and giving daily beatings to lawachurls. She gave Varka a run for his money. Sir Varka! The same man whom we were insane enough to squire for." Diluc supposed Kaeya had a point.

Diluc shuddered at the memory. Why did he think that being a squire for that madman was a good idea?

"Also, did you apologize to Adelinde yet?"

He narrowed his eyes at that suspicious statement, knowing that Diluc's brother was planning something. "Not yet, why?"

Kaeya smirked, "Well, if you have no other plans, why not ask her out tonight?" What made that worse was Kaeya's wiggling eyebrows, insinuating something.

For many years, Diluc knew Kaeya's face was punchable, but held himself. Maybe indulging in this for once won't hurt? They were already expected to talk to their father...

Still, as the conversation dropped, and Diluc quietly consumed his delicious meal cooked by his mother, he could not let the image of his desperate mother out of his thoughts.

There was a certain longing for him to comfort her. Thinking about it now, there was only one person in this world that could snap his mother out of her reverie and worry. And that was her savior.

A person, too, asked for help. But it never came.

Ganyu was at a loss.

She had visited a former co-worker of hers last night, but to no avail. Old man Yunli was stubborn as she remembered. Though, he did solemnly admit her suspicions of Kai. It was seriously a terrible night, as Ganyu barely had any semblance of rest.

The dreams of the previous night still haunt her.

As much as she wished to deal with the problem, Ganyu was hesitant to ask for help. The scent of the salty seas assaulted her senses, as Ganyu leaned on one of the wooden railings overlooking the harbor. Her purple-pink eyes longingly gaze out to the blue waters beyond, wishing to just drown out her sorrows.

With Kai on her list of suspicions, only Yunli and Uncle Tian were the clear exception to the rest of the Qixing members. One or two others come to mind when it comes into their innocence, but they might have known and done nothing. Still, no matter what she believes, Ganyu knows doing it alone is pointless.

The millelith were no help either, as the night of her suspicions came to light, many of the older members that were at the scene seemed pensive and knowing. Ganyu can't risk the young recruits by bringing them into this, nor dragging those who are afraid to action.

The Adepti was the last thing she wanted crawling around the city, as most already viewed Liyue as something that did not concern them anymore. That, and Ganyu felt guilty for asking them in the first place.

Many once warned her of helping the humans, but she never listened.

Having been proven wrong, Ganyu did not feel like facing her fellow Adepti just yet. Until she can prove that her guidance was needed, and fix this mess on her own, then she'll report her findings to Cloud Retainer. She hopes that her old mentor would actually listen this time, as the many times Ganyu visited the Adepti and told her reports, Cloud Retainer only jest that Ganyu tell her of her personal exploits rather than work.

It was infuriating, but Ganyu was still adamant. Work was part of her life after all, what is there to dismiss?

The other reason she was hesitant to ask for aid was the fact that her premonitions about a certain Yaksha still haunted her. Ganyu also asked Yunli about the area around the Mare Jivari, and if the vivid dreams of hers were accurate. To her horror, the old man just casually gave a clear picture from a Kamera, a near perfect replica from the land of the battle.

The same hill she stood on, the same valley where her soldiers died, and the same place where a friend butchered her at her last moment.

After that, Ganyu resolved that it was no mere dream or vision of the future, but a reality that might come to pass. It was eerie how realistic the photo was, and Yunli just shrugged and said that it was a well-known place of magical residue, a niche spot for Vision users and Mages.

Demons too.

A perfect spot for a battle, but that went unsaid between them.

Ganyu tried not to groan on the railings, as she remembered that moment when she rushed out of the shop and left a bewildered old man behind. She didn't even beg forgiveness for her shameful display of disrespect towards the elder.

"Damn it," Ganyu cursed under her breath. It was a rare occasion indeed for anybody to find the well-behaved Qilin to curse.

It was a dead end.

Too many questions and too little answers. Enemies were not at the gates, but behind the alleyways and halls of governance.

Ganyu was surrounded on all sides, just like in that faithful dream.

She hated every moment of it.

Worse, Ganyu felt more terrified of dying. It was a dream, Ganyu once reassured herself. That dream might become something more if she did not address it.

Fear of death was a thought that never came into her mind. It was impossible, at least not for another few thousand years, and if her soul did not rot or crumble to dust. Ganyu was an Adepti, an immortal contractor under her patron deity of Rex Lapis. She feared no death, or end.

But she did.

Ganyu resolved herself, as she withheld a shudder. There was no cold wind that blew to the terrace she was watching on, just the mild autumn winds from the sea.

Her spine still trembled nonetheless.

"Xiao, what should I do?"

His name still haunted her, but it was those malicious eyes.

Ganyu debated on calling his name, whether it might work or not. The Yaksha boasts, or something close to that fact, that he'll answer to those who called out his name. She never believed such a thing, and always wondered if it could work for her as well.

It was stupid, but she was desperate.

"You called?"

Ganyu yelped as the wind blew her away from the wooden railings, and revealed the form of a young man leaning on the railing next to her. Most would be startled by the sheer force of wind, but Ganyu was rather startled by the color of his eyes.

The same eyes that killed her.

In dreams, Ganyu reminded herself. She calmed down after seeing the young man in his full glory, armed with nothing but his hands, Ganyu knew that his spear could be called upon if needed. He was not as tense as Ganyu, and was in fact curious about her.

Ganyu hopes not to collapse in his presence, but certainly hopes not to anger him. It was irrational for her to believe such a thing, but fear can make anyone change their nature.

She felt like a trapped prey from his predatory eyes, observing her like a specimen that might not be worth his time.

Ganyu huffed, never really liking that dismissive attitude of his towards anyone, especially humans. But she'll manage her fear, and her small dislike towards him, as she was the one who called him after all.

"Apologies for calling you so suddenly, it is an urgent matter I'm afraid." It took everything not to collapse on the sheer relief she felt when his eyes softened.

Maybe this day won't be a total loss. Those soft, golden eyes of his won't hurt her.

Xiao was a monster.

He still did consider his boss' mission, but the underlying doubt that seeped within for a long time is still there. But it all faded away when he saw the poor Qilin's sorry state. While he was amused by the cute yelp that Ganyu did when he appeared, he was rather hesitant to answer her call.

Xiao was a monster, but he still cared. He hated that.

Noticing the dark bags beneath her eyes, Xiao resisted growling in frustration. Why did he accept this? "You seem tense. Is someone troubling you?" The last part seemed to bear weight, considering how hard the Qilin had to flinch at the last part. "Tell me his name," growled Xiao, baring his teeth in anger. "I'll rip his throat out."

"No throat ripping!" Ganyu was desperately trying hard not to panic. "I'm just overworked, and a small problem came up."

He doubted that. There was fear in her eyes, and Xiao noticed the flinch.

"Fine," Xiao relented. For now. "Let me- what's the mortal term called -treat you for lunch." He seemed ready to spit in disgust at the term he used. But his boss was adamant that he used such a disgusting human term.

That certainly caught her off-guard. "What's with everybody taking me out for lunch?" whispered Ganyu in frustration.

She did not complain, as Xiao was led to the busy streets of Liyue. It seems whatever had happened last night never happened. Foolish, how easy it was for humans to forget. Xiao believed that their memory was short, but never this short.

He hated the peppy atmosphere, the cheer, the bargaining. The noise.

Xiao even caught a few bystanders staring at him, and specifically at Ganyu, when they crossed a busy street. They might have been wondering who the newcomer might be, with the Secretary of the Qixing.

He was many things, but Xiao was anything but ignorant. He kept tabs on the opinions of the many people of Liyue over the years, and to say that he was unsurprisingly unimpressed would be a grave understatement.

Every year, his opinions on humans lowered. Surely, it won't be lower than this?

Ganyu led them to an open square, where a big building was located in the middle that split the two streets. It was tall, but Xiao yearned for the sight of the marsh and the Inn. It was comfy, that he'll admit.

Gold's hospitality is superb, which he'll never admit, especially her strict terms that concerned his privacy. She was still a young brat, but Gold earned his respect nonetheless. They still need a better chef, the old man was too bitter, with his attitude and cooking.

"Here we can talk without notice," said Ganyu, leading him up to the upper floors where there were the open views of the harbor. It was weird for him to climb stairs, he never really dared, as traffic of humans was too much to bear. Fortunately, this establishment seems private. "This restaurant is under the patronage of the Qixing, and gave us a lot of exceptions. Privacy and eavesdrop-proof services are one of them."

Xaio took a seat opposite of Ganyu, and said, "Then let us talk. What is truly bothering you?" When Ganyu tried to reply, Xiao cut her off. "And enough with the 'slight' problem of your work, tell me the truth."

He can see that he seemed to open a fresh wound, good. It might force her to be truthful with him on the matter that Morax seemed troubled with. Xiao can admit the Qilin's worries, as they did aid Morax on the foundations of Liyue itself. The defeat of a dark dragon that escaped his, and the rest of the Yaksha's, notice was unbearable.

Morax had to deal with the problem himself. It broke their pride.

Ganyu relented. "Very well," she sighed, remembering that night vividly.

Xiao intently listened through it all. The sudden explosion on the market, the investigation which led her to believe that one of the Qixing members might've invited in a dangerous criminal element in the city, and the lack of any action against it.

He was not surprised, but something was missing here. As much as he likes to say 'I told you so,' there was still something Ganyu withheld from him.

Xiao did not go inside the city to hear about human problems, he was here for Ganyu's sudden turn of worries. If the timing was right, she excluded mentioning the early hours of yesterday, and the night before that Morax admitted that he was worried about Ganyu.

In his opinion, Xiao did not care either way, but Morax asked him politely. He would rather not find out if his boss still had the patient he developed over the years.

Ganyu won't tell him, and Xiao now knows he can't force the issue.

It would seem that she was hesitant to share it with HIM. How curious. Xiao resisted to roll his eyes when Ganyu tried not to look directly into his sight. He knows he made them contrite and serious, but for the small time he knew Ganyu, she always looked him dead in the eye. He always admired that.

This Ganyu was scared of him.

He cannot lie, it did hurt a little, but why? Xiao has been quiet for a few decades, with nary a demon in sight. It certainly has been a while since he had effectively shed blood. So, why was she fearing him?

There was the episode of him mentioning someone threatening her. The thought of it made his blood boil. How dare someone threaten a member of Morax's chosen few?

What made it worse, Ganyu could handle herself well, humans were no match for her, but it might be a foe as strong or stronger than a Adepti that could hurt her. Or worse.

"I don't know what to do," admitted Ganyu. "I hate feeling so helpless, so blind to the world, and ignorant to the people of Liyue." The Qilin was trembling with guilt.

Xiao looked away, it was hard seeing a fellow Adepti so helpless. Why him? Why is it that everybody that he wants to help seems only poised to fail? His fellow Yakshas were the same, when they were slowly eaten away by the madness they were sworn to destroy, Xiao could not do anything but watch. Watch, as they grew mad, imploded on their karma, and resorted to killing one another.

Ganyu was the same, she was crying for help- she called out his name, even -but Xiao was hesitant to lend a hand. He did not dare even try to comfort her, she was already uncomfortable under his presence, and Xiao was not a person skilled in that department.

He slays demons, Xiao does not give therapy.

Still, he couldn't resist the temptation to take advantage. Xiao knows this could work under his favor regarding Morax's request. If Ganyu won't share her troubled visions, then he'd have to earn her trust first. Xiao, even with pure hesitance, lends a hand outwards.

Ganyu was staring at his hand like it was diseased, but Xiao did not mind, his hands were stained with blood, after all.

Xiao certainly knows the monster better than anyone.

Ganyu wished for an intervention.

Seeing that hand extend towards her, she was quickly reminded of her fears. Ganyu was sure that Xiao would mock her failing efforts, instead he was deathly silent throughout. Contemplating.

She thought she made him mad. Ganyu couldn't help it, when she was reliving the events of yesterday, Ganyu was still reminded of her failures. Her troubles were like dirt to Xiao, or so she thought, and it certainly surprised her how good of a listener he was.

It felt nice, and Ganyu just blurted out her feelings to him. What was wrong with her?

Was she mad from the stress that was incurred upon her? It felt right, though.

And for once, Ganyu had seen Xiao politely look away from her, a small, but meaningful gesture. At least to her. When was the last time some listened to her problems and let her guard down, not appearing strong?

Appearances were everything in the Qixing, and as the Adepti representative, and the secretary, the appearance of a strong, and reliable figure is a must. Humans won't take her seriously then.

It felt nice, and there was something bubbling in her chest at the polite notion.

There was a comfortable silence between them and Ganyu decided to sneak glances at the Yaksha whilst he was in deep thought. He was handsome, Ganyu could admit that, and he certainly wasn't as scary as she remembered in her dreams. It was as if, a different person entirely.

And then it happened, Xiao gave her a long look, and extended his hand.

Ganyu felt ridiculous in fearing it, as it holds no threat towards her.

Those eyes feel different too, they hold a slight determination in them that made Ganyu shudder. Not in a way that reminded her of that vision, but it made her stomach tingle inside. She resisted to slap herself for that, what was wrong with her?

"I normally would declare that humans are stupid," said Xiao, "and let them wallow in their own problems." Ganyu said nothing, staring intently at his outstretched hand and his eyes. "But I have not forgotten my promise. If you'll have me, my blade is under your command."

Ganyu wanted to accept badly, but her fears still lingered. They were not as prominent as before, maybe from the small interactions they had, and the small comfort he gave her when she was vulnerable.

Questions still lingered in her mind, but in her heart, no matter how scared she was, Ganyu knew she could trust Xiao.

Her visions came into mind, but maybe it won't be now? They were the farthest from the Mare Jivari, and Ganyu can longer let that fear take hold of her. Ganyu set her eyes straight, right into the waiting golden iris that she once feared.

Ganyu steeled herself.

Whilst she was no warrior like Xiao, a dedicated fighter, Ganyu is still a Adepti, a cut above the rest. A veteran of the Archon War, and the one of the chosen few to receive a blessing from Rex Lapis.

Ganyu felt lighter, feeling unburdened and no longer alone. Somehow, the presence of the terrifying Yaksha made her feel safe. She can confidently say that she had a feeling everything will work out in the end. "Thank you, brave Yaksha. I shall endeavor to remember this debt." Ganyu resisted giggling when she saw Xiao roll his eyes at the formal declaration. "As the guardian of the Harbor, Ganyu, I formally accept-"

Her instincts took hold of her that moment, as when she felt the feeling of warmth. Xiao was hugging her- wait, what? No, he wasn't hugging her, Xiao was blocking her!

*BOOM*

The building below them shook, trembled, and shook as the blast reached their ears. Ganyu's hearing was deafened with the blaring noises of ringing. Xiao tried to say something, as he was already up. His golden eyes stared ahead, to Arsenal of the Harbor.

Hers did too, and for once, Ganyu wished to take that request of an intervention back. Especially when Ganyu saw the smoke rise from the harbor.

Ganyu's hearing slowly returned, but she wished it didn't, not with the horrifying screams that assaulted her ears. And the chaos that followed.

Yanfei did not know what to do.

She was distraught by what the stranger had said to her. Yanfei did not mean to disvalue lives, she didn't even know lives were at stake. She knew that was no excuse, and what made it worse was the neutral expression on the stranger's face.

Efir, she had to remind herself.

Yanfei was sulking in front of the warehouse, sitting at a box, and not minding bystanders staring at her in bewilderment.

Was she that unreliable? Yanfei wasn't blind to the serious criticism everybody had on her. She was competent, as she did study the law, and the slow emergence of legal advisers was a common sight for those who wished not to bother to study the intricacies of the law. Liyue may have been a merchant paradise, but it did not truly rely on such immediate freedoms, Yanfei knew.

It was to keep check on the foreign merchants' influence on the market, and even the governors of the city were kept by the laws in place. Yanfei knew that well, as she tried to find the holes in its well-known impregnable structure.

Whilst most were rather content with what they have, Yanfei strives to look beyond what she can do.

Looking at the sky, she still had day time, but what was the point? The scent of wood, food, and fish was starting to dull her senses. It has been a while since she focused her efforts here.

Yanfei always tries her hardest in making everybody happy, but it always gets in the way of others. It was a rare case for her to find a happy, satisfied customer, as most cases like disputes were the hardest. Her mistake was to make everyone satisfied.

It earned her a reputation she was ashamed of, the most unreliable legal adviser- no, the most unreliable person in the city. Ever.

The law was fun, as long as you understand it, but Yanfei was trying to do the impossible- making everybody happy even in the strictest of senses. It was hard, impossible even, but she did try. She must, if Yanfei was to make her dream come true.

It seems in the end, she managed to satisfy no one.

Only a few still wanted her services, but most of them were small and personal cases. Yanfei found it sad that she only made everybody happy if she were to hand them legal rights to trade, find a small loophole for a misunderstanding, and even illegal pet ownership. She managed to find a compromise for such a little thing.

Why couldn't she do that with people wanting to win a dispute?

Not willing to give up, she found small cases pertaining to a couple of suspicious individuals around a small district near the port. For a few months, Yanfei was buried in a case she was not supposed to be part of. Yet, she did. Forcefully, of course, as certain somebodies were rather hesitant to let her in on the case. Yanfei can be persuasive if she wants to.

It was a secret one too! But all those months of effort, wasted. She later then found out that those criminals had an accomplice with the law, the LAW! Digging deeper, some of the millelith that helped her on the case were being bribed.

They were not the only ones, as even some of the citizens began to accept the demands of the criminals!

Yanfei found it quite hard to watch, as the small district became a part of the dark community that slowly seeped into Liyue. It might still take years, decades even, to fully eradicate their presence if left unchecked. She found no start of a solution to the problem, then what was the point of planning to oust them out?

Had the Qixing known of this?

She had halted her sulking, sitting up straight at the thought, her teal eyes narrowed. Feeling invigorated again, Yanfei stood on her feet.

Yanfei was stubborn, even if the man saw her as a hindrance, then she'll just prove herself. Straightening her outfit, and fixing her hair, Yanfei looked ready to take on the court of the world itself. Appearances are everything when it comes to impression, it was one of the first things that she learned that wasn't part of the law.

The Codex of laws and legislations doesn't exactly tell a person how to dress right.

She was an Adepti too, and she can show that arrogant-nobody how it feels to be under the presence of the divine. Yanfei hated flinging her Adepti status, as she never sees humans above or under her. It seems as though the Adepti's presence in the city was dwindling, and she was fine with that, but after what had that blond, arrogant, fool said, it encouraged Yanfei to take action.

Her vision weighed heavily on her side, something that was a curiosity of hers. Yanfei wanted to use her father's gift from Rex Lapis, a freaking Weighing Scale! It might measure the value of visions. But to her frustrations, her father said to be patient. Something about the right time.

No matter, even if the whole district saw her march towards a well-known dangerous place, then Yanfei will do so in style. She hoped she would find perfect loop-holes for this, as this would be a risky endeavor, but she was tired of inaction!

Before she could come close, the warehouse grumbled in rage. Yanfei was confused - that confusion turned into terror when the wooden doors that separated the shady things from the light of justice suddenly burst into flames!

*BAM*

The force was enough to shatter a mortal's body, but Yanfei was born with fire in her soul. She was an Adepti, a force of being that can enumerate the thousands of laws that truly ruled Liyue.

Nature was not so kind, as the ground below her grinded her skin, and the walls of the buildings near the warehouse grabbed hold of her. Her back shattered, as Yanfei felt the stone smack her body.

Groaning, the Adepti tried to get up. It wasn't easy, as the scent of the sea air changed into a smog of dust and ash, threatening to choke her.

It did not last long, as the strong sea-winds clashed against the thick smog, revealing a horrifying site. Yanfei gasped as her wide-eyes stared into the pillar that rose above the clouds. The whole roof of the warehouse was gone! So did the doors, and the walls of the warehouse, and even the massive Arsenal next to it was nothing but a giant hole.

What in the Geo Archon's name happened?

Still, as an Adepti, it was her duty to protect the harbor. Yanfei made no contracts with Rex Lapis, but her contract with her parents of being happy and free was being threatened. Yanfei could not let that happen.

Grinding her teeth, she forced her body from the ground once more, and this time stood straighter than ever. Not much of the district was damaged, apart from the nearby stores and buildings. The street itself was shattered. Rubble, dirt, and stones were everywhere.

Continuing her march, and this time her Pyro Vision primed for action, as her hands were on fire with the flames of her justice. There will be retribution for what has happened today.

This was no ordinary explosion, Yanfei noted. In fact, it contained the highest amount of concentrated corrupted energy! It was suffocating, as it was addicting- NO!

Yanfei felt her head light the deeper she went, but she still strove forward, not letting the darkness overtake her. She was rather confident that she could take those assholes on, as she needed a way to unleash her pent up frustrations from the months wasted and tested by these gangsters.

Her confidence was shattered when she saw Sheng himself get blown out of the Arsenal like a ragdoll. Like a lifeless puppet flung into the air. What?

Months back, when her investigation led her to believe the mysterious disappearance of Sheng and his whole gang was no coincidence. Sheng was here, but why? Throughout her investigations, a man like Sheng had a clear sort of twisted values. It was twisted, but admirable.

He was not a man that the Qixing could handle head-on, as he was a Vision user. They would be forced if Sheng were to act dangerously, but conflict was fortunately set-aside. Until now, it seems.

Sheng, a dangerous individual that only fellow Vision users can challenge, was nothing but a knocked-out doll laying on the ground, defeated.

Another figure came out of the ruins, and to her shock, it was Efir! The mysterious stranger did that? Taking a nervous glance at the near-lifeless body of the former gang-leader was a scary sight. What the hell happened?

She gaped like a fish even as she did not see Ganyu and Xiao approaching.

Ganyu, for better or worse, was alright. She was distressed, as anyone was, and the sight of destruction around her seemed to bring back terrible memories. Xiao on the other hand, was rather tense, as he too felt the familiar scent of darkness. The sheer amount of karma nearly made his nose itch, but there was another scent he found that seemed utterly familiar than the darkness.

Something he lost long ago.

Yanfei was surprised but happy to see Ganyu, and was horrified and excited to meet THE Yaksha of Legends. He was rather short, to be honest. Not that Yanfei was mad enough to say that out loud, but he still had that terrifying air to him. She now understood her father's hesitance to speak about the Yakshas.

Even among other Adepti, his status as the famed Slayer of Demons is still prevalent among them. The Golden-Winged King, Alatus. The Conqueror. Slayer.

Even with two of the most notable Adepti appearing, it was still nothing compared to the figure that seemed to be the center of it all. He was rather nonplussed about their presence, but seemed to note them carefully. What a curious action.

Still, the man came out of the Arsenal unscratched, and not bothered at all by the destruction caused by something terrible.

Ganyu was on alert, much to Yanfei's concern. But to her surprise, it wasn't aimed at the blond stranger, but at someone else. When she dared to gaze where, Yanfei understood why. It was Xiao. Since he arrived, the guy was rather paranoid and ready for action, and seeing an unknown figure come out of the dust made him ready his deadly stance.

But for some reason, the indomitable Yaksha froze. Yanfei couldn't see or sense far, but there were two souls present behind Efir. Must be the young child and the friend that he wished to rescue. Yanfei wanted to say something, but dared not.

It was the murderous face that made her pause in fear. Ganyu too, if the gasp of fear and terror was any indication. Yanfei understood her father's warning about staying clear in Yaksha business. When she asked why, she only received a curtly reply. Things will get bloody.

It was nothing like she had ever seen before.

Before Ganyu, or anyone at all, could talk. Xiao disappeared.

And struck.

Yanfei really did not know what to do in this situation.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Kekw - cliffhanger.