Edited: 06/24/23
Act I
Chapter VI
From Lost to Found
Fate was after him, he was sure of it.
Aether wouldn't be surprised by the next familiar face he encountered; he had learned to let go of his futile expectations. "Go with the flow," Amber would always say, and now Aether had embraced that philosophy. He no longer cared about what awaited him.
Or at least he hopes so. His heart still hoped for a better future, even at the worst start.
"So, what brings you to Liyue Harbor, old man?" Beidou asked with the innocence of a child.
They headed straight towards what the young girl would consider a "dragon's nest" in the city. Essentially, it was a notorious gang hideout well-known throughout the neighborhood. The Millelith seemed to avoid the place, which piqued Beidou's curiosity. However, Aether was no fool. He knew the power of a well-placed bribe, a language that could speak volumes.
He wouldn't be surprised if the Qixing had no interest in interfering. With Liyue's prosperity unaffected and only the common merchants and citizens suffering, the Qixing had no desire to involve themselves in a gang war. Aether suspected that Ganyu, despite her close ties to the city, was unaware of this development. Her duties compelled her to prioritize matters that no other mortal could handle.
Even the protection of the sole Adeptus was absent during the city's plight. Aether doubted that Xiao would care either way, as he believed that human problems required no Adeptus solutions. The rest of the Adepti agreed, having long retreated from the mortal realm.
But what about Zhongli? Surely, he couldn't have missed such a significant turn of events. And he hadn't, but that didn't necessarily mean he would take action. Aether had a feeling that Zhongli was waiting for someone like Ningguang to step in and address the issue herself.
The issue at hand was that Ningguang wouldn't assume power or engage in politics until she had stabilized her business in Liyue. However, Aether's recent investment in her had the potential to accelerate her ascent within the Qixing, pushing her into the spotlight sooner than expected.
Aether couldn't determine if this was necessarily a negative development. Altering the timeline and manipulating Ningguang's success seemed to stem from a sudden impulse to assist her. There was no ulterior motive, just a genuine desire to provide aid.
Was that the wrong thing to do? Did Aether endanger the future with his impulse? Like what he did with Jean and Varka?
Lately, Ningguang had been feeling down, and Aether, being the fool that he was, struggled to find the right way to support her. All he could think of was showering her with vast amounts of Mora, believing it would solve the issue. His inner Ningguang acknowledged that it did resolve the problem, but it also brought her to tears.
Aether was terrible with women, and now he made a girl who loves Mora cry. How could this possibly get worse? Maybe those were tears of joy. He knew that Ninggaung loved Mora, but seriously not that much to make her cry in joy! Something else might have made her happy, and he doesn't know what. Maybe she's happy to have new shoes?
Noticing the expectant look Beidou directed at him, Aether coughed to conceal his amused smile.
"As a matter of fact, I'm looking for a ride," Aether replied casually.
The young girl picked up her pace, and Aether matched her stride. They had left the bustling market behind some time ago, traversed the bridge that connected the main market to the Chihu rock district, and now the familiar sight of the fountain and the Third-Round Knockout tavern came into view.
Aether's surroundings felt strangely familiar, a reminder that he had been transported to the past.
Aware of the whirlwind of emotions within him, Aether steeled himself and silently trailed behind the girl.
Aether referred to her as "girl" because he didn't trust himself to pronounce her name without coming across as creepy. He was afraid that if he called her "Captain Beidou" with too much relief and reverence, bystanders might look at him in disgust for addressing a child in such a way.
But damn, he couldn't deny that he admired her spirit. Her grit and determination inspired him to take her teachings seriously. During their travels through Inazuma, battling pirates and facing treacherous sea monsters, Beidou always emerged with scars. The sight of her blood-stained, fit body, the sweat on her attractive and tough face, and those powerful, muscular legs bursting from her boots made their journey at sea both frustrating and exhilarating.
To make matters worse, the cabin they shared was far from soundproof, and his companion snored loudly. Beidou enjoyed teasing him, making the situation even more challenging.
Oh, she knew. She definitely knew.
Their journey was filled with laughter, adventure, and a growing attraction to the enigmatic pirate queen.
But those days were far behind him. His Beidou was long gone, and the young lady before him was an aching reminder of another loss Aether felt since this ridiculous endeavor to travel back in time to fix everything. What could go wrong.
"Are 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!" Beidou tried to get his attention, but Aether's mind was far away, lost in his thoughts.
Aether couldn't help but smirk with a sense of nostalgia. "You could say that. Would you believe me if I told you I've traveled to all seven nations and beyond?"
His smile widened as he noticed Beidou doubting his claims. Her crimson eyes scrutinized him, just as perceptive as she had been as a child. It was intriguing to see her without her signature eye-patch, and with short hair that barely touched her shoulders. The clothes she wore were simple and far from the elaborate outfit she would have in the future. Her physique was slender, almost like a twig. No wonder he couldn't recognize her - she was a completely different person as a child!
Aether found it hard to tear his gaze away from her.
"Is that so?" Beidou said with a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Can you name all seven nations then? When I grow up, I'll sail the seas with my friends, just like a pirate. I'll trust your word on it, old man-"
The child abruptly stopped in the middle of the street, coming to a sudden halt. It was a street Beidou recognized well, with the half-finished Adventurer's Guild branch building and the familiar old blacksmith nearby. However, it wasn't these sights that captured Beidou's attention.
Right beside them stood a restaurant she knew all too well. Normally, it bustled with activity, attracting hungry customers eager to savor its delicious dishes, even in the absence of their renowned chef. But today, something was different. The restaurant was no longer filled with the usual lively atmosphere, but instead, it was brimming with mournful individuals who had gathered not to eat, but to grieve.
Aether could hardly believe what he was witnessing, especially when he saw the grief-stricken face of Mao. The man looked utterly exhausted, likely due to the recent loss of his beloved wife.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted, as if time itself had come to a grinding halt. A distinguished man in a remarkably sophisticated suit emerged from the crowd, moving with silent dignity. Alongside him, several Wangsheng employees realized their services were no longer needed and respectfully departed, leaving the mourning family behind. Aether knew they would return the following morning to carry out the final stage of the funeral—the burial rites.
It wasn't the grim fate of his friend's mother that caught his attention, but the man that led the group of funeral parlor workers.
The gentleman's steps were measured, each one filled with purpose. When his amber eyes met Aether's golden ones, an inexplicable shiver ran down his spine. Those eyes held no contempt, only a profound curiosity. Without exchanging any words, he and the other members of the parlor silently departed. It would have been disrespectful to do otherwise, as silence spoke volumes of respect in that solemn moment.
It appeared that Beidou was oblivious to the departing crowd, her attention fixed on a small figure cowering in the corner of the restaurant.
Avoiding his gaze away from that man, Aether recognized the child immediately.
Realizing he had spent enough time contemplating the situation, Aether concluded it was time to take his leave. However, he couldn't bear to let Beidou leave Xiangling alone. He understood the deep bond between Beidou and the young chef, akin to a sisterly affection that had developed since their childhood days.
"Allow me to find my own way," Aether whispered, gently placing a hand on Beidou's shoulder. "You've done enough. I promise I can handle it on my own."
Beidou silently weighed her options, but when Aether pressed another pouch into her hands, she knew her task was complete. Xiangling needed a comforting presence, and Beidou was there to provide it.
"Go ahead. That poor soul needs your support, and I'll only hinder you," Aether said softly, as Beidou gratefully nodded.
"It's down the street, across from the other stalls, right beside the blacksmith. You won't miss it."
Aether observed as Beidou swiftly made her way towards the surprised Xiangling, offering solace. He held onto the hope that both of them would find strength in due time, determined to prevent any senseless wars from occurring again. He failed Beidou and Xiangling because of his desperation.
The scene unfolding before him only served to strengthen his determination. Even if Aether had failed Jean and Varka in Mondstadt, he was resolute in his commitment to forge a path towards a brighter future. He vowed to pave the way for Liyue's prosperity, defying the fate it had been dealt.
As he observed the dark and crime-ridden alleys infested with gangs, the pervasive corruption of the Millelith, and the indifferent members of the Liyue Qixing, Aether contemplated where to begin his quest for change.
Ganyu wandered the streets of Liyue with no set destination in mind.
As Ganyu took a leisurely walk through the bustling streets of Liyue, the moon cast a soft glow upon the ancient city. It was late at night, and the vibrant atmosphere of Liyue culture permeated the air. The city's streets were adorned with colorful lanterns, their warm light guiding Ganyu's path as she meandered through the labyrinth of stalls.
Stalls lined the sidewalks, offering a plethora of goods that showcased the rich traditions of Liyue. The aroma of street food wafted through the air, tempting Ganyu's senses. She could not resist the temptation and approached a vendor selling Jianbing, a traditional Liyue breakfast crepe. The vendor skillfully spread a thin layer of batter on a hot griddle, crackling as it cooked. Ganyu's mouth watered as she watched him sprinkle scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds onto the crepe. With a swift motion, he folded it into a perfect triangular shape and handed it to her. The first bite exploded with flavor, the crispy texture blending harmoniously with the savory fillings. It was a delightful taste of Liyue's culinary heritage.
Her mood soared tremendously, but even the delights of Liyue culinary could not stop her worried thoughts.
Continuing her nocturnal exploration, Ganyu immersed herself in the lively atmosphere. The streets were filled with people, their voices mingling with the clatter of wooden carts and the chiming of wind chimes. The colorful stalls displayed a variety of artisanal crafts, from delicate paper lanterns adorned with intricate paintings to ornate jade carvings and traditional calligraphy scrolls.
Ganyu observed the locals engaged in animated conversations, their laughter echoing through the narrow alleyways. Families huddled together, relishing the opportunity to bond and enjoy the festivities. Children ran around, their laughter filling the night air as they chased after glowing dragonflies, their small lanterns illuminating their path. Ganyu couldn't help but smile at the joyous scene, appreciating the strong sense of community and togetherness. She had spent the centuries replaying the same scenario over the generations, and yet it was still refreshing to watch.
As she wandered deeper into the heart of Liyue, Ganyu found herself surrounded by vibrant traditional performances. Acrobats gracefully twirled and tumbled, their colorful costumes adding a touch of magic to the night. Musicians played enchanting melodies on traditional instruments, their music floating through the air and enchanting passersby.
Ganyu's footsteps carried her towards a dimly lit tea house nestled amidst the lively streets. The aroma of fragrant tea leaves filled the air as she stepped inside. The gentle clinking of porcelain cups and the hushed whispers of patrons created a tranquil ambiance.
Unfortunately, her heart did not share the same ignorance of tranquility around her.
She wondered grimly, if such a night would be the same as it would be in the future she had dreamt of? Or would the colorful tapestry of culture surrounding the city cease to exist entirely?
It wasn't only her form that aimlessly wandered, but her mind as well. Her thoughts were preyed upon by those eyes. There was no doubt that Ganyu had seen those eyes before. Filled with suffering and soundless pain. She was neither blind nor deaf when it came to the silent anguish of the Vigilant Yaksha, but like all the other Adepti she ignored them consciously.
Fear was not the only emotion that seized her soul, but guilt as well.
"Was my dream truly a warning from a grim future?" When confronted by Tianshu, Ganyu sounded confident that it was. But spending hours on thinking about it deeper, she realized that the harsh realities in such a vision could only result from the actions of the world currently. The consequences of letting a person suffer alone, to which he might snap and let the world suffer with him. Ganyu would not, will not, let that happen.
Fabled tales of the Yakshas of Old succumbing to their evils, Ganyu wondered with a heavy heart how Xiao handled it for the past millennium. Was he close to losing to his inner-demons he defeated? Was Ganyu too late to stop it? Her heart trembled at the thought.
As much as Cloud Retainer dismisses Ganyu's previous worries to Xiao's dark afflictions, the Adepti herself respected the Conqueror of Demons. So did Mountain Shaper, and Moon Carver albeit begrudgingly.
Ganyu saw him as more than a legendary figure amongst mortals or illuminated beasts, but a soul with a soft heart he hides from the world. Xiao was a teacher she could rely on, hesitantly, as Ganyu found his presence to be too oppressive. It was hard to even start a normal conversation with him in the rare times they do meet in person.
So much so that Ganyu gave up even forming a bond with him, as she was too timid for his vicious battles against the evils, and she was too meek to even consider a small friendship.
What were they gonna bond with? Food? Ganyu doubts that the Conqueror of Demons would have a soft spot for mortal temptations. But she wouldn't really know, would she? Ganyu knows nothing of the person that haunts her thoughts, and she feels guilty for it.
Not much she could do now, as Tainshu gave her a few days off. To ease her burdens, at least for a little while. Ganyu disagrees wholeheartedly. What she needs is more work to drown herself in, not extra time to drown in dark thoughts!
Grumbling, as Ganyu crossed another street for the fifth time, and feeling exhausted from walking around in circles, she decided to take a break. She certainly could go on, but the roads would carve a deep line from her endless worry and deep anxiety.
Her eyes wandered over a small establishment that had an open space facing the center of the street, with a talented performer singing ballads about Rex Lapis' exploits across Liyue and beyond.
Maybe a small break with the soft scent of tea might calm her nerves and soothe her early snackings.
Taking an empty table, Ganyu seated the farthest seat from the performance taking place. The young waitress who saw her approached with a kind smile. Ganyu ordered some baked sweets that were supplied by a nearby bakery and one cup of Tie Guan Yin tea. With the waitress leaving to get her order, another soul seated across Ganyu unexpectedly.
"Do you mind if we share seats?" The stranger asked politely, giving Ganyu a small smile. "Evenings like this can be filled with plenty of souls wanting to attend Lee Yuchun's nightly performance. I'm a big fan, you see. So I apologize if I brought your evening any inconvenience."
Feeling not disturbed at all, Ganyu smiled, "Oh no, not all. Be my guest, I just arrived here." There was something trustworthy about the man, his presence seemingly invisible to the world but Ganyu can certainly feel his company deeply. How odd.
The man's eyes lit up with interest. "So you haven't seen any of her performances of late?" He asked innocently, and when Ganyu gestured not, the stranger seemingly grew thoughtful. "I see. Good-timing, as her rendition of Rex Lapis' exploits as a disguised woman starts this evening. I heard how colorful the interpretation people nowadays have."
Ganyu giggled lightly, remembering the more explicit rumors Rex Lapis had another century ago. "Disguising as a woman isn't the most silly thing Lord Rex Lapis had done," Ganyu quietly admitted.
"You really believe in unfounded gossip, have you?" There was a sense of playfulness in his eyes. "Certainly, his exploits in Mondstadt disguised as a discontent merchant or his lascivious adventures with the hopeless romantics in Fontaine do sound more interesting."
Blushing at the image, Ganyu shook her head vehemently, "I wouldn't go that far! I know that most of them were just fancy fabrications to shine any narrative on Rex Lapis how much they please."
The man nodded wisely, "For their own benefit too. But don't you think that it is interesting on how mortals think of the divine? How callous or outrageous, only the most ridiculous of the lot would be founded as entertainment." He shrugged, vindicated at the amount of absurdity humans could create. "Not that I blame them, most were harmless speculations and they are quite hilarious fables."
The waitress came back with Ganyu's order, the scent of the tea wafting across the shared table. Ganyu noticed the waitress taking the man's order as well. Her ears perked when hearing "Glaze Lily" and "tea" altogether, and was curious if such a tea was possible. Even the waitress looked hesitant but nodded anyway.
"As I was saying, it is futile to exhaust oneself over such sumptuous fiction carved by creative minds."
Ganyu tended to agree, as she found them harmless to Rex Lapis' vast influence and beneath his divine dignity, but her thoughts of a certain Yaksha who tends to be forgotten or outshined by other tales, made her stomach churn in guilt.
"But what about other tales? Like the sacrifices made by the Yakshas? What about their story?" Ganyu savored a cup of delicate Tie Guan Yin tea, its smooth flavor soothing her spirit as she contemplated the beauty of Liyue's cultural heritage. Or the missing parts of it. "History tends to favor the most brilliant lights, but neglects the ominous few."
The man hesitated, "They are not forgotten, I assure you. Nor were their sacrifices. History would have made the last Yaksha a darling child of myth and legend if the Conqueror made himself known." He gave a sad smile, "Regrettably, the Vigilant Yaksha does not concern himself with the matters of mortal affairs. He has deep commitments to struggle with, whatever it is, might never be known."
When the waitress returned, she returned with a single cup of carefully brewed tea. Ganyu caught a whiff of the scent, and her eyes widened. The man smiled appreciatively, "A connoisseur of tea, I see."
"That's really a wild Glaze Lily tea!" Ganyu couldn't believe her eyes, nor her nose, for she was certain that the tea was from the rare flower itself, not from the conservation areas, but from the outside regions. "How could the restaurant ever get the wild ones? Or rather how are you able to afford that?"
The man surreptitiously smiled, "I happen to stumble into a wild patch once, and beneath it a large patch of Shimmersoil. Instead of taking it for myself, the owner of the restaurant has a daughter that was interested in preserving that patch from the wild. So I told the bright girl, and since then I am privy to a single flower of Glaze Lily tea once in a while." Whilst his smile was wide, his eyes held pain beneath, as Ganyu noticed the man watching the moon whimsically. "You should visit it once in a while. The patch has grown a little large recently from what I heard."
Ganyu found that a little too charitable, and said, "What an honor! But I think it is safer to keep it a secret, lest some selfish hands do anything to seek it." Her head couldn't wrap around as to why a stranger would entrust her with such a precious secret. Unless… She gasped, "Did you know I was an Adepti?"
The man sipped his tea, "Would you know that I'm Adepti as well?" He gestured around the lively street of Liyue, crowded with hundreds of people. "Would that really matter in our simple conversation? Will that knowledge change anything whilst we drink our tea."
Used to the politicking of the Liyue Qixing, Ganyu wanted to say yes. Masks were a common wear for them, and for Ganyu too, as amongst fellows of the Qixing she wore the mask of a diligent secretary. And yet, whilst drinking tea, and worried for a dark future, Ganyu had forsaken her mask for a small semblance of peace.
"I suppose not," Ganyu admitted quietly. She watched the streets paved with children roaming the roads with smiles on their faces, the elderly couples savoring every moment with their soulmates, and young people bustling around for opportunities. For centuries, Ganyu shied away from the bright colors of the mortal world, only basking in it when there was no soul to witness.
Glancing back at the mysterious man, she wondered if he had a hidden agenda for sharing tea with her. It wouldn't be the first time either, but it was mostly reserved for other Qixing members who wished to earn her timid favor or to lean towards her mysterious nature. And yet the man cared not, for they do not exchange interests of politics or history, but rather simple things of life like rare tea and histories.
She found that rather refreshing.
It did help that the man was easy on the eyes, glowing amber in the night. Dressed intricately, an outfit for strict conduct with a sense of light sovereignty. The way he carried himself was old fashioned, the way he sipped his tea, or the way he sat straight and stared straight into her eyes for a glimpse of mutual satisfaction.
Ganyu glanced away, blushing.
Humming, the man asked, "Seldom does a soul dine in a restaurant they are not familiar with, lest they seek answers that escape them."
"What do you mean?"
The man turned his attention to the performer on the stage, a young woman with a bright smile. Her song started with a gentle hum before a depressing tune followed her soft voice chanted in the nightglow.
"I know how it feels to be lost," he said with lament in his eyes. "Your heart wanders beyond the mortal realm, to the mournful realm of 'what-ifs' and 'hasbeens' out of fear or guilt. Your mind is no longer established and rigid, and casts adrift to empty domains of sorrow."
Ganyu said nothing, her previous worries came back with retribution. "How did you bear it?"
He smiled wistfully, "I didn't." The singer's ballad arose a little higher, telling a tale of failure and defeat.
"And yet you are still here."
The man nodded, "I'm still here, living with plenty of regrets. I live another day, still thinking what could I have changed. Still dreaming of what I could have saved. Of things I should have not lost."
Her tea has gone cold, and yet her mind wondered how she could still think and live another day with the burdens of her dreams. "What if you knew something terrible will happen, yet cannot find a way to fix it? To find a happy ending in the sea of terrible fates."
The singer stopped, letting the instruments fly low, and waited for the tune to settle.
Ganyu struggled to think, to believe an outcome that might benefit all. The Adepti would not care unless they were facing it, the Qixing and mortals would have overreacted and act desperate, and Ganyu couldn't even begin to think what the foreign powers would do if they heard a glimpse of her dreams. What would Rex Lapis do?
The man finished his tea and mumbled disappointment. "Tell me what's on your mind," he said placatingly as he settled his cup of empty tea. "I may not hold all the wisdom in the world, but I traveled far and experienced enough to at least share my thoughts."
When the instruments unexpectedly built up the tune when it was silent for a second, the singer's voice cried defiance against the night, alluring those all who listened. The ballad danced from a chant of grief, to a lullaby of rebellion against cruelty.
Ganyu hesitated at first, but relented with a heavy sigh. "I have this acquaintance of mine, someone I mostly avoid because of his stern nature, and I feel guilty for not acknowledging him in any way or even acknowledging his sacrifices." Her eyes glistened with sadness. "We all believed that faith in his abilities would be enough, but-"
"But what?" The man asked gently.
"There might come a day he will succumb to his demons."
The man's eyes widened in surprise but it disappeared when he gave a thoughtful hum. "Those who shy away from the light cemented themselves as not worthy of it," He nodded with a grim look. "Sadly, there are tales of gods and mortals succumbing to their burdens. Whether the duty was too heavy or the battle they fought countless times finally overcame them, it is only a matter of time." His tone trembled with hesitance, but Ganyu found his voice to be so compelling. There was a sad tale there, but Ganyu did not have the heart to ask yet.
"Have you ever heard the tale of the Wandering Trader?"
Ganyu thought about it, but it was the first time she ever heard of such a tale. "I have not, but I am interested to hear it."
The man smiled gratefully, "Long ago, there was a Wandering Trader who roamed the lands, searching for purpose. He carried with him a burden of guilt, haunted by the demons of his past. You see, Ganyu, the Trader was torn between his duty to contain these demons and his guilt for the harm they caused."
Ganyu leaned forward, her eyes filled with empathy. "What happened to the Trader? Did he find solace?"
The man's voice grew softer as he continued, "Regrettably, the Trader succumbed to his inner demons. They whispered relentless accusations, exploiting his guilt until he was consumed by his own darkness. He lost sight of his purpose and wandered aimlessly, burdened by the weight of his actions." He closed his eyes, as if remembering dark times that still haunted him.
Ganyu's voice trembled with concern. "What can one do in the face of such torment?" She remembered the sensation of feeling helpless, confronted by the champion she sought to admire from a distance bearing down on her, to end her life. His eyes still preyed upon her soul.
The man sat in silence.
He met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of regret. "The Trader's Tale serves as a reminder. We must confront our inner demons and find a balance between duty and self-forgiveness. It is only through understanding and accepting our past that we can move forward." Then he showed a sad smile. "And a friend willing to lend a hand."
Ganyu's eyes perked in intrigue, "A friend?"
"She was a gentle soul," the man nodded with grief, "Even when he was stained by so much blood and violence, she insulted his wares and invited him to her home. They bonded over useless things, argued over fruitless words. Yet, she found his scary company to be adventurous, brave enough to face her fears."
"And what about the Trader?" Ganyu asked like a child, excited to hear what happened next.
The man chuckled embarrassingly, "He developed a deep fascination with her. A friend that fears not his demons or mistakes, but rather enjoys irking his stern soul to the brim of annoyance. But he cherished every waking moment with her, and his darkness slowly vanished to the void." His voice faltered, seemingly going unnoticed by Ganyu who was enraptured by the tale. "They led a fulfilling life together, just the two of them until the end of time."
"Wow," Ganyu was awed by the tale. She had Cloud Retainer tell countless tales of the Adepti and Rex Lapis, but never much of mortal tales. She grew fascinated by every sentence, of every next word. "Was that the end? DId they live happily together?"
The man went silent, his mouth set a grim line. "No," his voice was hoarse. "As with every tale that started somber, then it must end in a somber note." He closed his eyes tight, "When a nearby village heard of the Trader's friend harboring him, a harbinger of death and evil, they gathered together to confront his friend."
"Oh no," Ganyu inhaled sharply.
"Oh yes," the man nodded with unrestrained anger. "When the Trader was far away, they banded together to capture the girl, brought her to their village, and burned her alive to exorcize the demons that tainted her."
Faint with sadness, Ganyu felt the friend of the Trader did what she believed was right, and she could relate with that.
"When the Trader heard of this, he came to save her, but it was too late." The man's face held no emotion, and continued, "In his rage, he promised the heavens to unleash the evils he spent his whole life battling to the people who had done him wrong. Who had done his friend wrong." He sighed, "But his friend, who has a bigger heart than any in the world begged him not to, the Trader was angry and confused."
"Why?" Ganyu asked, silently fuming. There was a limit to her patience and kindness, and she shuddered to think what would happen if something would happen to her like that.
"Why, indeed." The man straightened himself. "The Trader's friend said that if he did unleash the evils he spent battling and suffering for, then he would lose her too and succumb to his hatred. That he will grow too angry, beyond revenge, and something far worse. Losing himself meant losing his memories of her, good and cherished memories. She did not wish for that, a sad end for both of them."
"Oh," Ganyu felt tired when she heard the sad acceptance in the Trader's friend's fate.
The man nodded with despair, "Let fate decide for the villagers' demise, she said. Live for me, she pleaded. Live for me." He opened his eyes, which glowed with determination, and he said, "To which the Trader did. Live long he did, outlasting the villagers that wronged him, and found peace in a purpose he had finally discovered."
Ganyu urged gently, "Which was?"
"To live," he smiled bitterly. "To live a long and fulfilling life without her."
"What?" All this time, the Trader did find his purpose. "He found what he sought after, his friend's wish? That's so sad!"
"Hmm," the man hummed nonchalantly. "If I were the Trader, I would have snapped. But I liked to believe I have a good friend like her too to set me straight." He shook his head, and added, "What I meant with the tale is that those who are cloaked in darkness do not mean to shy away from the light." The man smiled sadly, "They truly believe that they are not worthy of it, and it is up to others to extend a gentle hand."
Ganyu would like to believe that too. But would Xiao need a friend to set him straight? Straight from what? His Karma? The Conqueror would be offended. Could she be that friend?
"I have much to think over," Ganyu said quietly, "Thank you for sharing the tale." As the chorus of cheers and polite clapping interrupted her, she realized a grave error was made. "Oh! I'm so sorry, you missed Lee's performance!"
The man chuckled, "Nonsense, I would attend another night to seek her comforting voice. For this night, I found your company to be more soothing." He shrugged casually, seemingly basking in her trust for him.
Ganyu sputtered a reply, as her heart jumped unexpectedly. He did not seem to notice, much more interested in the moon's glow as the festivities dwindled to a quiet halt.
Before she could form a coherent sentence, the waitress returned with the bill. Her voice acted on its own. "I'm more than happy to pay both our tabs!" Ganyu was horrified within, as she tried to smile straight.
Both the waitress and the man stared at her amusingly. "There's no need to bother yourself," the man laughed lightly, "I assure you my bill is very expensive. Even as a favor from a friend, I still have to pay for my tea. Wild Glaze Lilies are not cheap to look after." Reaching beneath, the man pulled out- a pile of Mora!? "In fact, let me pay for your bill as well. The least I could do for a man like me disrupting your evening."
Where did those come from? Ganyu wondered with concern. Not one could pull that amount of Mora out of thin air! My pockets can't even fit that much.
The man also tipped the waitress, who was grateful, and decided to leave it at that. She saw that he was about to leave, and she can't just leave it at that. Standing up abruptly, Ganyu tried her best to thank the man. "Thank you for bearing with my worries!" she said in embarrassment. "I, uh, haven't really caught your name."
The man gave a mysterious smile, "I go by many names to many people, but for this hour and the next, call me Zhongli."
Ganyu nodded lightly. "Zhongli, Zhongli," she chanted, doing her best to cement his name. It was short and memorable, noted by the tinge of sadness in his voice. "I don't mind drinking tea with you again," she said timidly, evading his curious gaze. "I felt my burdens lessened by your wisdom. If you don't mind, that is. I wouldn't wish to take too much of your time!"
Zhongli chuckled, "If you have a weary heart, find me at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I have a tea set that might interest you when you have the fancy to spend some time with an old soul like me. I'd appreciate the company, as the duties I have are dour and miserable at times." He waved goodnight, "Until then, you know where to find me. I'll brew tea for the both of us next time."
"Y-yes, tea." Ganyu did not expand further, too embarrassed to think more about it. But when she noted the place he works at, Ganyu wondered if that is why he was so experienced with loss. She found herself fascinated with him- fascinated with Zhongli's profession! Of why he was so knowledgeable and sympathetic.
Ganyu, burdened with a heavy heart, can't wait to drink tea with him again.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Since my apprentice period is over, and I no longer needed to be observed and taught, I was ready to start my career. Made a few friends, mostly from HR. Absolutely nice folks in there. I wished I worked for HR. A man can dream.
Anyway, here's the new chapter and expect the other next friday. Time to reschedule stuff.
I'm trying to come back to the game since the announcement of 3.8 and I wonder if I could enjoy Genshin again. The rest of the rewrite will be Aether trying to find his determination for the future his friends fought for, Ganyu trying to brainstorm for helping Xiao, Xiao being Xiao, Ningguang settling in and making waves, and Zhongli investigating across Liyue.
Honestly, I can't wait to finish this arc, as I am still in the tutorial phase of the story. Reaching Snezhnaya is the true start of the fic. I decided to focus on Lumine, the Abyss, and the characters of Snezhnaya on that arc.
After Snezhnaya, Aether will venture to Sumeru to gain knowledge needed to kill the unknown god. Hilarity ensues and everyone lives happily ever after. Or at least Aether hopes so. Too bad, I got a nasty surprise for him.
Stay tuned for the next update.
