A/N: I CAN FINALLY PLAY GENSHIN IMPACT AGAIN~!
..or I should be able to, once I get this bloody thing downloaded with my crappy wifi. So many gigs...T_T
It's been an absolute ordeal getting it to work on this new console, and I'm terribly far behind everyone, but here we go. We've got a heavy chapter here, full of intrigue. Hope you enjoy it!
I've got a team helping me these days -Advent is helping with Worthy, while Slifer's working his magic on Strings- Ronin and Dark are resting at the moment.
In short, we're all very busy! If this chapter gets a ton of feedback -hopefully it will!- then I'll do my best to ensure an earlier update.
In other news depression's starting to hit real hard these days. Sometimes I wonder why I do anything at all. I can't claim to understand what's going wrong with my head. I don't even know why! One moment I'm fine, then my mood craters for a few hours, then I'm back again for a bit, and the cycle repeats. Its rather annoying; as though I've become a prisoner in my own mind sometimes. Sure, what's one more mental problem on the pile. Not like I don't have enough, what with already being this old. Feels like every day is a battle sometimes. My doctor is of no help at all.
*siiiigh* Don't mind the rambling of this geezer...
With my fifteen year anniversary on this site finally here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days, I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. Feels like everyone's lost their minds sometimes. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.
I'm just a humble author trying to make his way in this wild world, one word at a time.
Time and feedback will determine if this should remain a story. Simple as that.
As ever, I own nothing at all, no quotes, references, themes or memes.
They're tributes to legends far greater than I, one and all~!
...you didn't think I'd forget about Dottore now, did you?
Brace yourself, he's proper terrifying in this chapter.
Verbatim for Sumeru, but that's obvious by now.
"Protect the child. That is everything. That is all."
"Wait! Aren't you overreacting-
"PROTECT THE CHILD!"
~?
Her Wishes
Delightful.
Simply delicious.
What a truly delectable experiment this had become.
Unexpected variables were often impossible to account for in every given field test, but Dottore found the results of this sudden shift to be most amusing indeed. Here was a being who, some time ago, had been a mere mortal, very much so. He had come not from Teyvat, but somewhere beyond it. Now he was as a god, increasing his power day by day, laying Harbingers low left right and center. Two had already been made fools of, with a third well on the way if he deigned to turn his attention to Inazuma. With each victory, his curiosity only grew. Now it could be denied no longer. The itch to know, to discern what he was...why, it was overpowering.
The potential loss of one "segment" of himself would be...regrettable perhaps, but he just had to see.
How long would it be until he broke free from even these confines to stand above the very archons themselves and become...so much more?
Yes, that settled it. He had to meet him. He simply must, if only to have his answers.
And so when the opportunity presented itself...he acted upon it.
(.0.0.0.)
How wonderful it was to be free.
For the longest time the walls of her cage were all that Nahida had seen, all she had known, all she'd thought to ever be; never to be experienced in any meaningful fashion beyond her dreams. It was something she had thought herself at peace with, an unrequited longing that she would never see fulfilled. When one was a god -or goddess in her case- one learned to live with loss.
Yet here she was.
Free.
"How's it feel?"
She looked up at Naruto and squeezed his hand with a merry grin. "Like so many things!"
The sunlight on her skin, the grass between her toes, the crisp air in her lungs; the simple act of walking through Sumeru -through her city!- all these were things she'd taken for granted. She'd never thought to cherish a simple walk in the park as she did now, yet here she was, walking amongst the common folk, hand-in-hand with her...what was Naruto exactly? A New Archon, yes of course, but he'd taken on a more protective role since he'd first freed her from her cage. What was he? Her guardian? Her protector? Or perhaps-no, no, no. Bad thoughts. Don't go there.
Still...after being sealed for so long, she truly found herself enjoying her first true trek outdoors.
Everywhere she looked she found familiar faces and places.
It felt like coming home.
Most of Sumeru didn't recognize her as their god -how would they, when she'd only been able to visit them in their dreams- but that would be changing soon, too. There was so much she wanted to see, so much she needed to do. Just thinking of it made her giddy. After so many dark days the future was finally bright-
Someone clapped behind them, a hot knife searing through her thoughts.
Slowly, ponderously, the sound echoed in the afternoon.
And she heard him.
"Such a touching moment." A voice like the darkest ice pervaded the air behind them. "I've been lingering here far too long...but finally, I have the chance to be alone with you two." the crisp sound of approaching boots reached her ear and not at all in a pleasant way. "All the precious time I wasted has finally paid off...albeit not as I'd expected. Might I have a moment of yours?"
Naruto heaved a sigh beside her. "Can't we just have one day...?"
Nahida turned to face their interloper.
.
..
...oh, no.
A masked man smiled back at them as he approached, his attire even more eccentric than the sages. His outlandish attire threw her for a moment, before she recognized him. However weakened and isolated she might be, she was still the Goddess of Wisdom after all. She knew many things, and moreover, she knew this man's face. Even if she hadn't-his presence gave him away. Her mind fizzled for a moment...then rattled off what she already knew in her heart.
Dottore. The Second Harbinger. Completely and utterly beyond her.
Naruto stepped forward. "Oi. Don't even think about it, pal."
For an awful moment, she thought he really would.
"Think about what?" The Harbinger replied. "I've found so little of interest among the dead sages' research...until I learned of your arrival. As such, I'm here to negotiate with you. Naturally, I won't do anything dangerous that could potentially damage our relationship."
"Negotiate with me?" Nahida put on a brave face and tilted her head, quietly praying for the passerby, many of whom were utterly unaware of the Harbinger in their midst. "What could I possibly have that you want?" she had an inkling, but she wasn't about to say it aloud. "Why are you here in Sumeru?"
The Harbinger smiled softly. "Allow me to phrase it this way. "I" am not in Sumeru, yet "I" remain in Sumeru." when his words failed to get a rise out of them, he only tutted. "Alas, it seems even the God of Wisdom is restricted by the habits of cognition. How disappointing...
Cognition? Oh. Oh, dear...
...there's more than one of you, isn't there?"
"An astute guess." The Harbinger granted her a brief bout of patronizing applause. "Even the same individual will have different cognitions at different ages...or times. Wouldn't you agree, Anemo Archon?"
Naruto raised a fist. "Only thing I agree on is kicking your ass-
"Peace." he held up a hand to forestall an attack. "I'm not here for your Gnosis. I know what happened to Signora and have no desire to repeat her mistake."
Her fellow Archon made a baffled noise. "Already? How-
"Am I aware of her condition? Please." Dottore made an amused noise. "I am a scholar. I know much. It is allowed to me. Which is why "I" was dispatched to ensure a...cessation of hostilities, as it were."
Dread gripped Nahida's heart in an icy vice. "Then you're here to fight...?
"Perhaps...or perhaps not." his shoulders rolled in a shrug." The Tsaritsa's instructions weren't terribly clear. "This particular segment of me is inherently selfish, and though better suited to conversation, still quite capable in combat. As to your earlier question, a long time ago, I made a major decision in hopes of preserving all my perspectives of how I observed the world." he looked past them, masked visage gazing upon something only he could see. "Observation is the first step of any experiment, but observing the current wold doesn't satisfy me. It lacks an important dimension. That of time. So I saved "segments" of all my ages and made them into independent individuals." his head swung back to them, no, to Naruto, considering. "I suppose you could say it rather resembles another techniques of yours. That's all there is to it.
Naruto inched forward, subtly placing himself between the two of them.
"...if you would be so kind as to indulge me." Dottore noticed in an instant." How do the Gods of Freedom and Wisdom find my method of seeking knowledge?"
Her lips pursed. "Its an insult to the very concept of life."
The Harbinger granted her the grey, grim ghost of a smile. "And yet you tolerate his so easily."
"Because the clones he use remember and returns to the whole!" her temper slipped its leash for a moment before she reeled it back in. "Life inherently has many rules and restrictions, each with its own significance and reason to exist. They can't be broken on a whim.
"Hmhmhm." the dulcet tones of his laughter instantly set her on edge, leaving her feeling like she'd just stepped into his trap. "Good. Amazing, even Indeed, its difficult for humans to...make peace with themselves, not to mention oneself from a different period." He looked back to Naruto, masked face reflecting nothing. "What would you say to your past self if you met him now? Would you call him naive? Foolish? A greedy brat grasping for attention?"
Naruto didn't rise to the bait, bless him. "That's not who I am anymore."
Dottore tapped a finger to his mask. "And yet you prove my point merely by opening your mouth."
This was getting out of hand. She had to regain control of the conversation before things became dangerous. " If you've been lurking here in the Akdemiya all this time, why wait until now to show up? You could very well have stopped me from being freed."
"Simple. Let me ask you this: would any staff member EVER help the subject in the midst of an experiment?" her lips parted in annoyance, but he seized the initiative from her like a leaf in the wind. "Granted, it was my experiment you upended the whole of, but I was curious to see what you would do. And you certainly didn't disappoint." He looked to the blood on the blond's hands and smiled. "Just like the Shogun's twisted toy, you too are driven by...emotion.
Was he really that eager to provoke a fight between the two of them? "You really are crazy."
"Crazy?" Dottore tutted at her like the child she wasn't. "How rude. I'll have you know I'm first and foremost a scholar above all things. Such results should be left to the hypothetical me confront with said outcome. But you're right," he steepled his fingers, "And that's exactly why I'm so proud of the conclusion of this experiment...though I had hoped He would devour you and use your power to fuel his own." There he went again, throwing poison in their faces. "It might have been interesting to see two Gnosis fuse...
It was a testament to Naruto's self control that he didn't lunge at him then and there. "Come a little closer and we'll see whose devoured."
"No," Dottore hummed, "I don't think I will."
Nahida took a breath to steady herself.
Calm. Focus. Relax. Her lashes fluttered in a slow blink; when next they opened she found her center once more. She was safe. However vulnerable she might be in this moment, she still had an ace up her sleeve. And she had Naruto. Whatever this "Doctor" intended, if he made a move towards her, he'd not escape without a fight.
"As an individual, you don't have any sense of belonging, Dottore...and even fewer convictions than a typical scholar. How sad."
"Oh, no." the self-proclaimed scholar shook his head. "I certainly have my own convictions. They just don't fit with your standards, that's all. All right, that's enough conversation for today. The experiment is over and its time to tidy up the equipment and reclaim any useful materials. For example, your Gnosis...
Two shadow clones appeared on either side of him in a plume of smoke, barring his passage.
"Curious." he prodded one with a finger. "They're quite solid."
Nahida hoped the warning would deter him.
It did not.
"Come now, Lesser Lord Kusanali," the Harbinger looked back to her and for an awful moment she could've sworn she saw the eyes behind his mask. "You're an intelligent Archon. I'm sure you understand the disparity in our combat abilities at this time...but then we have you." He looked to Naruto. "You are an enigma. I have less data on you than I'd like, and what little I do possess is...biased."
"Didn't you say you were here to negotiate with us?" she planted a tiny fist on her hip to regard him. "Its starting to sound like you intend to take it by force, now."
..hmm." As ever, the "Doctor" remained unflappable. "I'm merely stating a fact. After all, I'm also a scholar. Naturally, I hope to show proper respect and dignity to the God of Wisdom...even in such a reduced state."
Her mind fizzled. "Reduced...?"
Naruto flung out an arm. The motion rallied her. Focus. Dottore was trying to confuse her.
Nahida leaned past his limb to stick out her tongue. "Your hypocrisy really is built on absolute confidence, isn't it? I understand your scheme...and if I were alone, I might've fallen for it, but as you can see I'm not alone." she touched a hand to her chest, and the Gnosis within. "And you failed to account for something."
Dottore dared a step forward. "And what might that be-
Naruto flung out a hand, fingers splayed.
"Me."
The "Doctor" grunted in surprise as the Wind struck him; hurling him back into a wall. Cracks spread across the stone in a startling spiderweb behind him, yet for all that he never once cried out. People turned to look at such a sudden explosion of violence, while others fled, but Dottore remained unfazed. He stood with an effort, ran a hand through his hair and straightened up once more. For all intensive purposes, he remained utterly at his ease.
And then his mask cracked.
Right down that angular middle, revealing his face.
In that instant, Nahida glimpsed one of his eyes. So cold. So inhuman. No, that wasn't quite right. It was almost as if he was...
An arctic chill seized her very soul. Were it not for Naruto, she might have frozen then and there.
...curious." Dottore adjusted his mask, concealing his face once more.
"As I said, I'm not alone." she forced a smile she didn't quite feel, not after seeing the meticulous monster behind the mas. "Two Gnosis resonating as one, in perfect sync...who knows what might transpire? Why, it might even awaken the Heavenly Principles...
Dottore went still.
Nahida smiled inwardly. 'Gotcha.'
It was a bluff of sorts, one she wasn't entirely sure would work. And yet. "Do you dare to gamble such a possibility with me?
"Hmph. Gamble?" a rare frown marred the doctor's face. "How surprising. I thought you would use evidence or rigorous reasoning to prove your point. The word gamble is the last thing I expected to hear from the God of Wisdom...
"Funny," Naruto chortled, "Because I gamble all the time."
"So it would seem." the Harbinger made an annoyed noise and crossed both arms before his chest. "One could argue that every experiment is a gamble. But this is a clever move. To think you'd see through me so easily. As a scholar, I respect all possibilities. This has always been my principle and is an essential trait as an experimenter. Together, the two of you might overcome me here and now. Indeed," he thumbed his chin, "I can't ignore this possibility. So tell me then, what are you conditions?"
"We have several." Naruto took the lead and she practically beamed with pride, happy to see him showing some initiative at last. "Your little ceasefire, for one. We'll accept it...for now."
"After all," Nahida chimed in, "As the one who initiated this cascade of events here in Sumeru, shouldn't you pay the corresponding price?
"Price?" he considered them curiously. "Interesting. What price would you have me pay, precisely?"
She sensed weakness and pounced. "How about erasing all your other segments?"
"Ha!" a bitter bark of laughter startled her. "So this is how you wish to restrict me, the most threatening opponent of the nation of wisdom." a fist clenched at his side for the merest of moments and she felt something monstrous rise in him...before he quelled it again. "What you request of me is like plucking out the eyes I have placed in the dimension of time itself." that cracked mask turned to face her once more, blank as the eye within. "Segments are exceptionally difficult to make. They require extremely rare resources and enormous amounts of time and effort. Requiring me to destroy them all here and now...bravo. A suitably wise decision on your part. But what does your comrade have to say?
Naruto tensed. "I agree with her."
"Do you, now?" The Doctor's smile was sly, almost serpentine. "How very interesting." His eye swiveled behind the mask, fixing her in its gaze once more. "Can I assume that you've long been wary of me? Among all the versions of me, this segment you see now is the most selfish. If it weren't me, your idea wouldn't have worked. What have you seen of me, I wonder? You must've been observing me; how else would you have known I've long grown tired of their endless doubts and arguments...
Now it was her turn to smile. "Like you said, its difficult to make peace with yourself. Brilliant though you are, have you managed to do that?"
"I see." he made an annoyed noise. "If you think all those versions of me are worth a ceasefire...then deal."
...is the relationship between all of you really that bad?
Dottore merely shook his head. "I don't think there's any need to dwell on that. The surplus versions of me can simply be exchanged for something far more useful than their existence. Do you think anyone can offer themselves at a higher price? Besides, with my abilities, its only a matter of time until I find better...perspectives." there it was, that sly smile again, a subtle warning not to ignore the snake in the grass. "Perhaps its best to say you're just...temporarily ahead. But how can you be sure that I've really erased them? I could lie, after all."
She held out a hand. "That's well within the realm of possibility...but I can see your remaining honesty."
Naruto stepped up beside her. "And if you don't, I'll kill you where you stand."
"You honestly believe you can, don't you?" Dottore rasped a laugh. "You might be one of the few who can...very well."
His visible eye closed for a moment and the air shuddered around them.
Nahida felt a flicker in the air, like a ripple in the pond.
"Well? Have you confirmed that its complete?"
It was. Against all odds, he'd kept his word.
She released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. With this, the Fatui would be crippled in Sumeru for some time. And even if they weren't, weakening their No. 2 would set them back months, if not years. It was a fair trade, she felt.
But she wasn't finished yet.
"The future of Sumeru City will be in my hands alone." she declared, forcing herself to meet that eldritch, icy gaze behind Dottore's mask. "Once we've solved the...current problem plaguing my people, I will shut down the Akasha to let curiosity and the thirst for knowledge drive the realm of academics once more. There won't be any further gaps for you to exploit."
"A pity." Dottore feigned a shrug he clearly didn't feel. "It truly pains me that my academic achievements have never been appreciated in my homeland. Of course, I have no interest in being rejected by this city for a third time. And what of your Gnosis?
There was the ice again, creeping through her veins. She scowled at him for it. "Don't be greedy, Harbinger of Snezhnaya."
"No," came the rejoinder, "This is a different transaction. If you intend to turn off the Akasha anyway once you've dealt with your problem, there's no further use for the Gnosis of Sumeru, is there?" She didn't dignify that with a response, and of course he took the opportunity to twist his black knife in her heart. "Don't find that agreeable? Very well. Then lets think of it this way. Since you're the God of Wisdom, how about I exchange some knowledge with you? His visible eye sought Naruto as well. Something that would benefit you both.
A rasengan snarled in Naruto's grasp. "You can take your knowledge and shove off-
She was curious. "...what manner of knowledge?"
Naruto heaved a sigh.
"The means and manner by which to return you to your former glory." he must've seen the confusion flash across her face; because his smile grew cold indeed. "The only way to do so, in fact. Or hadn't you realized? Accept it at your leisure and you'll be restored to your proper form in good time. And if -when- it succeeds, you'll know that I was right. All I ask in return is your Gnosis when the time comes. On that day, I will come and collect what I am owed. Is that not reasonable of me?"
Her head ached.
Was this why they called her Lesser?
Had she truly been something -someone!- before this? She didn't want to believe it, and yet...
"Arrogant as that is, it has piqued my knowledge...
Naruto stifled his Rasengan with a sigh.
Dottore told them his secret.
And her eyes widened.
"Excellent." The not-so-good-doctor hummed, oozing satisfaction. "With negotiations, we've all gotten what we wanted. I'm very glad I got to meet you like this. And as for you, Anemo Archon...allow me to offer a piece of parting advice, from one who breaks the laws of nature, to another."
Naruto made an annoyed gesture. "Out with it, then."
"You are not from this world." Dottore seemed to relish in the flinch his remark caused. "Under normal circumstances, it shouldn't be possible for you to acclimatize with a Gnosis so thoroughly, yet here you are, the very exception to the rule. That Barbatos truly made a fascinating creation; I doubt even he realized the gem that fell into his lap that day."
Naruto didn't strike. There was no need. His stare was deadly enough.
"How easily you allow yourself to be shackled by others." the corner of Dottore's mouth curled in a sardonic smile. "Its nauseating. You've so much potential, yet you waste it twisting yourself into knots for their sake, cavorting to their whims and never your own. If you continue to do so, you'll lose everything.
Nahida winced as a look of absolute murder passed across Naruto's face. Nevertheless, he held himself in check.
...is that all you have to say?"
"It is. I'll be watching your career with great interest. I'm curious to see how the other nations treat you...devourer of gods."
He bowed abruptly and conjured a rush of frozen mist, summarily vanishing into it; in a blink he was gone, leaving only his parting remark behind.
Nahida considered the fading haze with a sigh. "Well, he's going to be a problem down the road.
"Maybe," Naruto shrugged, "Lets not worry about him for now.
"But the Fatui...
"Are my problem." he patted her head, and sat down beside a tree, drawing a sullen pout to her lips. "You just focus on getting better."
She plonked down at his side with a sigh of her own, winded. "I hadn't realized how anxious I truly was until he finally left...
"Yeah. he leaned back against the worn oak"Bastard reminds me of Orochimaru. And not in a good way.
"Orochi-what?
"Story for later." He yawned. "Sleepy now."
Her brow twitched at his blase deflection. Ignore her, would he?! Fine. Two could play that game. It was her duty as his senior to keep an eye on him, after all. Her head landed in his lap as she sprawled out beside him. Naruto made a bemused noise at her antics, yet didn't protest.
But he did chuckle. "You're not going to let me get up, are you?"
"No." she smacked his knee with a hand. "I'm stressed."
Silence stretched between the two of them.
Nahida savored it; knowing it would be the calm before the storm. "Naruto...
"Hmm?"
"Earlier, what Dottore said," She creaked a green eye open to regard him. "What did he mean, about restoring me? Was I really-
"Weeeell," he drawled and looked away with a rueful laugh, scratching a whiskered cheek. "I'm not entirely sure about it myself. M'guessing its a long complicated story. For now, we're not in any hurry to go anywhere." those placid blue eyes met hers, flecked with a hint of Anemo green. "We've got all the time in the world. I'll take you back to Mondstadt for a bit after this, gather the gang, and then we can fix up Sumeru together. Sound good?"
Her lower lip trembled a little. "And afterward?"
"We'll cross-and-or-burn those bridges when we come to them." he rolled one shoulder in a carefree shrug; if he knew how much he resembled Barbatos in that moment, he might've scowled. "For now, think of this as a vacation, be a good girl, and enjoy your nap.
She spluttered halfheartedly. "No fair, bossing me around! You're younger than me!
"Maybe, but I'm also taller." he winked. "Therefore, I win."
He was teasing her, she knew. Trying to distract her...
.
..
...blast, but it was working.
When was the last time she felt like this?
A curious feeling swelled up in Nahida's heart. Her eyes widened.
Ah. She recognized this. It had been so long since she'd truly felt such an emotion. Not simple joy or relief, this went far beyond both; transcending the physical and emotional plane to buoy her spirits. She knew the word. Oh yes, she knew it well, though she'd not dared to speak it in an age. What she was feeling now, what spurred a tiny little smile to her lips, unleashed a storm of butterflies in her stomach and made her heart beat faster than it had in centuries...a single word encapsulated it all.
Love.
Oh, dear. She'd fallen for him.
Could gods fall in love? Was it allowed?
...will you," she gulped, still be here, when I wake up?"
He ran a gentle hand through her hair. "As long as you like."
A delicate yawn parted her pale lips. "That...that might be awhile."
The New Archon only hummed. "Then I'll stay with you until you're content."
Her heart hitched at the thought of him ever leaving. "...what happens if I'm never content?"
He laughed, utterly unaware of the enormity of what she was asking. "Then I guess I'd better get comfortable, eh?"
...it would do. Right now she just wanted to cuddle down with him and nape together in the shade.
A tiny giggle fled from her lips. "I think I'd rather like that...
Her peace said, Nahida finally closed her weary eyes.
Naruto did the same, his breath evening out.
And if he held her close...she didn't mind.
Sleep came all too quickly.
A/N: Aaaand scene. There we have it!
I say again, protect the child, and woe to he who would harm Nahida.
I feel the need to point out that Dottore didn't take Nahida's Gnosis. He only made an offer, tempting her.
Hope you enjoyed this; its rare that I write a dialogue heavy chapter. Now then, shoul th be moved to a weekly update? Yay or nay!
Dottore is one of the few Harbingers to actually spook me. And that's saying something. From the hints we've gotten about him...yikes. Don't wanna mess with that. He'd put Orochimaru to shame with some of the shit he's done...
Once more, the Embers rule remains. If folks don't like this story? Well...I'll not continue it. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days; basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
Right then, as ever, Reviews are love, Reviews are Life.
Reviews keep me safe from any and all strife.
So in the immortal words of Atlas...
...revieeeeew, would You Kindly?
Enjoy these humble previews.
Far though some are.
As ever:
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
(Preview)
"Alright, people! We've got a country to fix!"
"Who is this small child?"
Klee clapped her hands with a delighted squeal. "New friend!"
Jeanne bowed her head. "I...overreacted. For that, I wish to apologize."
Shenhe latched onto his arm. Latched hard, and turned a fearsome pout upon him. "No running off again."
...you're not letting go, are you?"
"No. No, I am not."
"Are you certain you won't go to Liyue?"
Lumine squinted at him. Naruto squinted back. Grinned now.
"Did we just become best friends?"
Naruto flicked her forehead. "You're acting like a child."
The Archon recoiled with a yelp, clutching her stung brow. "Excuse me?!"
"Losing your loved ones...yeah, that hurts, I know. It makes you want to scream at the world. I can understand that. But this?" He swept a hand up, indicating the desolate landscape around them. "This isn't the answer. I know it hurts. I know you want to hide away from it all. Yet
"And what would you know of it?"
"More than you could possibly imagine."
How dare he...! "You cannot even BEGIN to imagine what I have lost."
"You're right." his nod startled her. "I can't. But you don't know me, either. So why don't we sit down and talk this out like adults." those piercing blue eyes glimmered green, glancing to her weapon. "We've got plenty of time in here. Or we could fight." he planted his feet and strengthened his stance, ready to move at the slightest provocation. "Kill each other again and again until death finally sticks for one of us. Is that what you want?
"..."
"Neither, then? Fine. Be a coward. Think about it. You know where to find me when you're ready to talk."
His peace said, he turned his back on her.
"You would walk away from me...?"
A continent away, Venti winced. "Oh, dear. I heard that from here. He's really angry...
Blood spattered his face.
His victim laughed. "There he is. There's the monster. You can be surprisingly...heartless...when push comes to shove...
They died in his arms, still laughing.
...why are you in a tree?"
"Dunno. Why are you dancing where no one can see?"
Ayaka felt heat spear through her face. "You are...a very strange man."
"Lady, you don't know the half of it.
EDIT: Hey, thanks for making it!
With my fifteen year anniversary on this site here, I find myself reflecting on the little things in life. What was once a lazy pastime meant for me and a few friends really grew and evolved over time. There are days when I look back on the last fifteen years here and I wonder if anyone will remember me; if I made an impact, despite never making a single cent on any of these stories. Some days were happier than others, and some stories I enjoyed writing WAY too much; to the point where I'd stay up all night working on them.
And of course, there are times when I look to the future and wonder what will become of things when I'm gone.
Of course, I try not to dwell on the latter overmuch; I'm still alive and still writing. In an ideal world, I'd like to keep doing so for as long as I can. But old age is catching up to me and these days, the world is filled with so much madness and death. The recent earthquake in Turkey/Syria serves as a terrible example. Even before that, so many friends and fellow writers I once knew are gone, now. Will I still be here in twenty years? Ten? Five? Its a chilling thought. But for now, I'm still here, still writing.
Looking forward to chatting with you all when I get back from work tonight~!
Maybe you all have a good day, and may it be blessed with muc luck;
~Nz.