A/N: Jesus, I didn't expect so many of you to like and follow. Then again, this is the Genshin fandom, but regardless, THANK YOU and ENJOY!

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Book One: Chapter Two

[Finding Solace in a Cell]

"Qiqi, you can't be dozing off. Come on…!"

"Mmm, five more… What were we doing again?"

"Oh, for the love of. What am I going to do with you...?"

"Qiqi…" An audible mumble escapes the teen as his consciousness begins to stir. "Mmm, ack! My stomach!" Coming to, Relon's eyes flutter open as he goes to massage himself only for clanking sounds to catch his attention. "Huh?" Looking over himself, he widens at both his arms and legs chained to a wall.

Attempting to pull, his efforts prove fruitless. Panting for a moment, he gazes around to find himself in a cell.

"Where am I now?"

"Lose, and you'll be given a fate worse than death."

"Don't tell me…! Like hell am I gonna be some human lab experiment!" Attempting to break free, he hears the sounds of footsteps.

"Seems like someone is awake." From beyond the bars stands Eula along with two others, both female.

The first slightly below average height. Her long white-blue hair tied in a high ponytail by an armored headdress with light blue-gray eyes accompanied by a mole underneath her left eye. Her attire consists of a knee-length skirt under armor.

The other a young woman with long blue hair also in the shape of a ponytail fading to a darker shade at the end. Her most eye-catching trait being a pair of dark red horns that bend back along her hair, similar to how a goat's horns look, with red markings on them. Finally, a set of heterochromatic eyes whose irises are purple at the top and fade into pink and gold at the middle and bottom. Her attire consists of a skin-tight bodysuit with a bell around her neck. Her figure much like Eula's; little to imagine.

"Where am I?"

"Straight to the questions, huh?" Eula retorts. "Quite bold considering the position you're in."

"I keep telling you I don't remember anything! I don't even know how I got on that crazy island and you attacked me out of nowhere?! I think I have more than a fair share to be asking questions!"

"No, you don't." Eula cuts through dismissively withdrawing the polearm. "This weapon is a clear indication that it originates within Inazuma. And judging by your appearance, there's a clear indication of Electro powers."

"Does the concept of me having amnesia not getting through to that stubborn head of yours?! I'm literally lost on whatever the hell is going on! Inazuma? The hell kinda place is that? And who's this Raiden Shogun? Some Goddess or whatever? I'm just trying to remember what I was doing and where my little sister is!" He ends panting to glare at the unfazed three.

"It is possible he's telling the truth." The young lady with horns comments glancing to Eula.

"But it is only that; a possibility." Eula notes. "Since leaving Serei Island, the storm over it has gone dormant. It's sheer erratic force when I encountered him was on another level from what the lore behind it usually states."

"Then what should we do?" The third asks. "We've had others in the past claim to have amnesia but none have been like him."

"For now, we leave him be. He can't go anywhere anyway. We can discuss what to do onwards with the general and the others." Eula answers to leave, both girls exchanging a look to one another and then Relon before leaving.

Watching his only hope for answers disappear as noted by the slamming of a door, Relon drops his head in defeat.

"Qiqi…" He mumbles for a flash of her smiling face to make Relon's eyes widen clenching his fists. "The hell am I doing wallowing in self-pity? I need to break out of here and find Qiqi. Hmpf!" He begins yanking the chains holding his arms. "If that Eula woman... and the others won't tell me anything... then I'll find the answers... myself! But first… I need to… break out of here…!" Stopping to catch his breath, he eyes the wall.

These chains are bolted within the wall so it's not completely impossible. It's just going to take a lot of effort. Hang on, Qiqi…! With that final thought, Relon resumes his tiresome efforts.

Out of sight of his cell, the girl with horns rests against the wall. Her stoic demeanor unchanging with every pull of the chains.

After what he could only guess to be hours in, Relon finds himself hanging exhausted.

"Damn it…!" He breathes out noting of the hinge having not moved at all. "Ow, stupid cuffs." He mumbles, soreness resonating from his wrists.

Considering how much ruckus I've been making, it's safe to assume I'm the only prisoner down this hall. That or some wackjob enjoys the sounds of clanking chains. Regardless, I doubt that Eula woman or the others would bother to check on me around this time. Not like they cared when they clearly heard me trying to break free.

About to resume his escape plan, his stomach grumbles.

"Stomach, now is the worst time to holler being hungry. No, work through the hunger! They might force feed me and I'll get a chance to escape then… or they could just kill me. Argh, just work! For Qiqi!"

Hearing his efforts resume, the horned woman leans off the wall departing as with the silent closing of the door, she is gone. Eventually, morning comes. The same three women can be seen walking down a corridor before descending down a flight of stairs to a dead-end accompanied by multiple cells.

"Do you think he's ready to talk?" The shortest wonders.

"One way to find out." Eula speaks.

The horned-girl remains silent as they reach Relon's cell, finding the teen motionless.

"Is he…?" The shortest asks with caution.

"Yes." Eula nods. "He's asleep. Must have tired himself out trying to break free."

"What should we do? He needs to eat."

"We'll have one of the guards deliver it once he wakes up. Nothing more we can do." Eula dismisses leaving as the two follow after, the horned girl's gaze remaining on him for a moment longer before looking forward.

Eventually coming to, Relon gently shakes the remaining sleepiness as he finds himself in the same setting as earlier.

"So it all was real. Why did I get my hopes up again?" He gives a light yank of the chain to widen, his demeanor shifting to determination as once more the sounds of clanks ring in repetition.

"Lady Eula, Ayaka, Ganyu, the prisoner has awoken!"

Hearing the sounds of pattering footsteps after the closing of a door, Relon continues his efforts not paying the returning spectators any mind.

"Good of you to finally join us." Eula greets stoically.

"..."

Looking at her companion with a slightly judgmental look, the shortest speaks up.

"We've brought you lunch." She smiles though nothing comes in response aside from the moving chains.

"Considering we're attempting to be more friendly, do you not think it would be wise to accept our offer of sincerity?" Eula questions for Ayaka to widen.

"Eula!" She snaps as does a chain before silence, all three looking to see Relon's chest steadily rise and descend.

"Does chaining someone up make you innocent?" He wonders to no one, Eula narrowing her gaze. "Threatening harm to someone simply confused over their very being? Spouting superiority?"

"... Your point?" At this, Relon's face slowly rises to meet Eula's.

"Not very chivalrous if you ask me." Both girls widen, one more than the other, as Eula blitzes into the cell withdrawing her claymore out of thin air to hold it over Relon's head.

Gently pressing his head to the blade, both glaring darkly at the other.

"Go on. Not like I have much else to lose." He mutters darkly.

"Eula, don't!" The short girl snaps.

Not breaking eye contact, she lifts her sword for it to disappear. Her scowl lessening.

"Don't worry, Ayaka. I wouldn't do something to such extremes. Considering our check-up is done, so are we." She turns walking out the cell closing it behind her before departing up the staircase opening the door. As it slams, a breath held in finally escapes Ayaka.

"That was… close." She sighs looking to see Relon already back at work. "I've never seen her this worked up since… you know." A nod comes in response by the horned woman. "We should get going, Ganyu. We still need to prepare." She says taking the girl's hand, Ganyu's bell ringing a gentle sound followed by the slamming of the door.

"..."

Day after day, the sound of clanking metal rang throughout the hall. Each day the same as the last. Daily check-up, decline of food and water, resume work, and sleep. Relon had long since given up on guessing the time or days that have passed since. Eventually, it all felt like nothing but a blur. Each day unbeknownst to the prisoner, he was watched. His spectator never making themselves known… until now.

One night well into the morning, a lone figure can be seen walking through the corridors coming upon a door. Opening it gently, the loud racket reverberates up the staircase to her ears. Closing the door quietly, lit lanterns reveal the figure's noticeable horns as with every step down the staircase, the repetition of clanging metal increases in volume. Stopping before the source, the sounds do not. Taking a seat on the ground with her legs folded and her arms resting comfortably on her lap, Ganyu gazes at the working teen.

Taking notice of his wincing arms, she remains silent until he pauses from his efforts breathing from exhaustion. After a moment, he resumes his struggle.

"You care deeply for your sister." She speaks for him to stop.

"She's all I have left." He answers in a hoarse voice, his head remaining lowered.

"You're scared." A fist slams against the wall in anger.

"Of course I am. An amnesiac waking up on an island?! Lightning striking with every step he takes and some soldiers come out of nowhere ready to shoot him?! Of course I'm scared!"

"Then-"

"But I'm more scared of what's happening to Qiqi…" This statement causing Ganyu to widen once again as tears begin to fall down Relon's face. "She's on her own and I can't protect her...! I'm supposed to be her big brother! Her shield to protect her and I don't even know where she is…!" His fists clench as he steadies his erratic breathing. "That's why… I'm going to find her... no matter what!" He declares. "And no one's stopping me!" He begins yanking with greater force only to stop, the gentle sensation of a hand resting upon his cheek snapping his eyes up finally.

In doing so, he finds Ganyu before him expressing what he can only guess to be compassion in the form of a smile as hinted by that glimmer in her eyes..

"What are-" Hushed by her finger at his mouth, Ganyu examines the chains before pulling out a key.

Widening, Relon watches as she inserts it into the keyhole as with a click, the chain holding his arm releases. Dropping it, he winces from the burning pain for Ganyu to free his other arm causing Relon to fall to the ground before collapsing on his knees. Panting in confusion, he goes to raise his arms only for a sharp pain to come from his wrists.

Seeing from the top of his vision Ganyu, he looks as crouches before him, her hands go to his wrists' scars. Slightly jumping back at the cold touch, Relon eases himself as his gaze remains on their hands.

"I cannot heal you but I can at least alleviate the pain."

"... Why?" He murmurs.

"... You are different from many humans I have encountered throughout my lifespan. Honesty, conviction, a strong will; all of these you have revealed. Just as many others have yet it doesn't end. Fear, anger, sadness, acceptance. Within the span of barely a week, I have seen much more of yourself than I have any other human. Humans are creatures too after all. There are sides they wish to not reveal yet you have not hesitated in expressing your emotions to their full extent. Not once since encountering Eula. Some would try to bargain their way out. Others would give up hope. Yet, you do neither. It is not uncommon for a prisoner to try their hand at escaping but, there is a slight difference regarding yourself. At least, from what I can make out, you truly wish to be free in order to reunite with your sister."

"... Your point…?"

"I guess what I am trying to say is... you interest me." She allows a small smile to escape her stoic demeanor.

"..."

"I tire of this endless war. Countless tragedies reign all across Teyvat. I don't understand why people insist on going all out to try and prove how their existence is more valuable than everyone else's. To exist in the first place is a beautiful thing, and that's enough… isn't it? Why must we battle for survival? Once upon a time, I remember traveling all across Teyvat. From the luscious greenery as far as the eye can see its crystal clear water. The snow-white mountains colder than anything I've ever witnessed to its molten hot volcanic land masses scorching my very skin. For such a beautiful place to be under siege from its own inhabitants pains me so." Her hands releasing themselves from Relon's wrists to ball into fists above her lap.

"..."

"War can change people. Take advantage of one little, one microscopic, exploit and you gain the upper hand. Such power can lead to the manipulation of not only one's mind but their actions too. You've experienced it first hand."

Eula...

"It deludes the mind of what it was once able to process. Negative emotions are easily gained though difficult to liberate. I fear even when it ends, the vile emotions shall linger alongside the death and destruction…" Ganyu's eyes falling to her hands. "Forgive me, I went off topic."

Pat.

Raising her head at the light weight atop her head, she widens to see a hand belonging to Relon.

"Qiqi often ranted and prattled about all sorts of things after… after we lost our parents." Ganyu widens slightly more at the revelation. "She was barely five at the time so it was her way of venting out stress and any negative emotions harboring her innocent soul. So don't apologize for finding your own circumstances frustrating. If anything, I should be the one apologizing. Aside from holding my little sister close in my arms, all I could ever do to console her was this."

"No…" Ganyu shakes her head dismissively. "Thank you. You really are kind." She gives a more thankful and warm smile compared to a moment ago for it to falter. "But… what about you?"

"I… Both of us couldn't be sad at the same time. Someone had to be headstrong so who better than the older sibling?"

"But, that's…"

"Sad? Unhealthy? Yeah, tell me something the other villagers didn't." He lifts his hand off her head as he leans back against the stoned wall. "I used my grief as fuel toward making sure Qiqi would grow up fine. Now here I am. A large, important, gap in between raising Qiqi and waking up in a place called Serei Island is missing. Whatever happened, I got separated from Qiqi and this war started." Relon notes placing a hand to cover his face. "I can't even recall if I raised Qiqi during such a time as war. Regarding what I do remember, I can't ascertain anything relating to the mental images I still have directly."

"There it is." Ganyu's soft voice sounds gaining his attention.

"There is what?"

"You're attempting to hide how you feel but it is as though your body is rejecting the mere notion unconsciously resulting in an array of emotions flashing one after another."

"... Is it that obvious?" She gives a small nod for the male to sigh. "I guess this is what happens when I hold in such feelings. I'm not only in a mess, but I am a mess." Relon chuckles solemnly.

"I suppose we both are in our own ways." Ganyu murmurs. "You haven't eaten or drinken in days, possibly longer either."

"Thank you for the reminder." He lightly groans, his eyes lifting to meet hers with clear worry. "Why come in here anyway? Won't you get in trouble should Eula, that girl, or one of the soldiers see you in here with me only in leg shackles?"

"Yes. I could possibly be executed for such actions..."

"All because of the mentality war brings..." She nods. "But why do something so risky for a stranger?"

"As I mentioned earlier; You interest me." She speaks crawling to take a seat next to him against the wall gazing out towards the lit hallway.

"Simply being enraptured by my oddness shouldn't be enough to do something so risky."

"I want to understand more about humans. Even in a time such as this in hopes of finding a resolution that won't result in death... And I especially wish to hear what you think of them."

"So that's it..."

"Because you're a bit different from most people in Teyvat, just as I am…" His eyes raise, glancing at her visible horns. "Please, tell me what you think." She asks, looking at him awaiting his answer.

Pondering the wording for a long moment, Relon is now the one to face the hall before speaking.

"You remind me of a goat albeit a cute and strong one." He speaks nonchalantly.

"H-Huh?" She stutters out a sudden blush.

"Sorry, too weak so bluntness is the way I'm going about answering." He says shifting to get comfortable once more. "But I mean what I say. You're an attractive women. The little time spent together, I feel as though I myself have a good grasp on the type of person you are." At this, Ganyu refocuses awaiting for him to continue. "You like to read, don't you?" This causes Ganyu to be taken aback. "Your vocabulary is definitely up there, but I suppose that comes with life experience and age. My mom before she passed always said it was rude to-"

"3,217." She blurts for Relon to look confused blinking in repetition.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"My age. I'm 3,217 years old." Opening his mouth to respond, he dismisses it.

"I really have lost a lot of my memories. I figured you were older looking considering how you spoke regarding it but wow." He chuckles, Ganyu listening intently. "Judging from your reaction a moment ago, I guess it's safe that you do like to read and taking in your age, I can understand your stance on the concept of war and human beings. At least, I'd like to say I have a better understanding than before. Now then..." He raises an arm no longer feeling the stinging pain as bad as before. "We're all different yet we're also the same." She tilts her head in slight confusion. "Humans, creatures, even the plant life surrounding nature itself; we all express ourselves in similar ways, shapes, and forms. They're just slightly different. We laugh together, joke on each other, roar in anger, weep tears of sadness, destroy what we fear and dislike, and so may others. Take a goat for example. They laugh and express happiness when in herds. Yet, they also can show violent personalities when their loved ones are in danger." At this, Ganyu widens. "Just as we humans do. "Even nature performs the same action. Unlike through violence we are used to, a plant can simply release a spore to alleviate the situation. All the same, we act in response to a desire. To protect what we care for. And we'll go to whatever lengths to do as such."

"Then… how are we different?"

"Simple." He smiles softly for the first time rolling his head to face Ganyu's. "Neither of us are plants. We may certainly act like it but in the end, we have bones, ligaments, and actual blood running through our veins." He chuckles. "We share similar qualities but how we go about acting on those qualities is what diversifies each of us. Take yourself for example. Eula was really strong and skilled in the sword. I'm sure you're also skilled in whatever weapon you use considering you share a position with her."

"That is true but-"

"But you're not Eula. And Eula isn't you. Simple as that. We're similar in how we act but as for us individually, there can only be one of us. There can only be one Ganyu and certainly only one me." He ends.

"... I see." Placing a hand to her bell, it chimes that melodious jingle Relon has only heard once. "A lovely sound."

"When I was young, I was given this by someone dear. No one was as wise as them. This bell is all I have left of their memory."

"They must have been a good person."

"They were. In a sense, you remind me of them." She smiles.

"Really? How so?"

"They too had a very open mind while I to this day have a very closed one..."

"I don't think so. With how you spoke of this world, its different landscapes, even the yearning of peace. I'd say your mind is very open. At least now, if not before." He gazes back ahead, closing his eyes as Ganyu slowly comprehends his words.

"I wish I could think as broadly as you."

"Heh, give it time, Ganyu. Reading books is completely fine but if you really want to learn, you need to get out into the world as I have. See things in person and not out of texts from a page. Do some of that, and I'm sure you'll gain a better outward perspective on life as I have."

"I was so focused on learning, I never took the moment to evaluate myself…" Ganyu murmurs in realization. "Thank-" Looking at Relon, she widens at the teen having slid down the wall to lay on the floor sound asleep as noted by his soft breathing and elevation of his chest.

Smiling, Ganyu carefully pulls his body so his head rests on her lap.

"You've been fighting against sleep for my sake, sorry." She whispers brushing his hair with a gentle stroke of her hand.

"It's… fine…" He murmurs out halting her action. "War…is a cruel... misconception of life... Why can't we just… live in peace… as one…?" He breathes out his final words.

"I ask the very same question. The very same…" Her question falling on deaf ears, the gentle rustling of her hand stroking Relon's hair is all that follows into the early morning.

TheMexicanAttcker: Man Eula is such a bitch in this chapter

Lmao, I died reading this one. You ain't wrong though.