CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: HIGH GROUND

It had been two weeks since the battle against the Tsaritsa's forces, and, in that time much had happened after Ganyu had passed out in Keqing's arms from both the pain and exhaustion of fighting nonstop since after sunset that night. Ever since, she'd been in a deep slumber, and her beloved had been eagerly awaiting for her to open her eyes. She'd checked in on her every single day, but, after three days, she knew she had to seek aid beyond Inazuma.

Yelan still had not returned, so she had decided to work on finding another way back to Mondstadt, knowing the very person who had healed her wounds could bring her love back to full health. At most, she knew Ganyu wasn't dead, having remembered that qilin were very famous for sleeping rapidly and figuring that that was the cause of the elongated slumber. Nevertheless, Keqing had stayed by Ganyu's side in comfort and worry, while also taking time to decide what was next for Inazuma.

The damage to Inazuma City had been devastating, but, with the efforts of the people of the land and hope, she knew that the Land of Eternity would recover from its battlescars over time. She felt bad just leaving Ayaka and the others to fend for themselves, but they all understood that she needed to move onto the next nation and its people. Seeing Mondstadt was the best place to go, knowing it was where Yelan had left for and was the place that could get Ganyu's condition better, that was her next destination in mind.

She had submitted a request to the dockhand, and, after a long three days, Keqing had found her ride back to Mondstadt. After some last goodbyes and wishing Ayaka, Raiden, and Yae the best in rebuilding their homeland, she boarded the ship with Ganyu and began her way back to the portion of Teyvat she knew best. The way back had been a very turbulent one, but, after passing the storm barrier yet again, the rest of the tread had been very calm and steady.

She'd arrived at the shores of Falcon Coast in no more than fifteen hours after leaving Inazuma's own, and, upon departing the ship, had carried her comatose beloved all the way to the inner walls of Mondstadt. However, she'd nearly lost her hold upon seeing the state of the city's buildings, charred and stained with gunpowder.

A very familiar sight she'd become traumatized with after the night she literally almost lost everything.

However, she'd become less sick to her stomach upon seeing that life still existed within Mondstadt's tall concrete walls that acted as shields. She'd met up with her familiar allies not long after, and, while nestling a cup of tea in her hands, had been filled in on what had occurred only less than a week prior.

The only ally she hadn't met with was Yelan, to which she had been informed that said comrade had taken her leave with the Anemo Archon and his dragon, Dvalin, to Fontaine the day before. She apparently had a plan in mind, and needed to go and hopefully recruit some additional allies.

Upon the very mention of the God of Freedom and his elemental drake, Keqing had been surprised and relieved. She knew that the Tsaritsa had not only failed to capture two archons now, but also saw that there was hope, seeing that Mondstadt had not fallen to the attack by the androids.

That gave her a boost of confidence that made her feel that, despite how much damage Inazuma had taken, it was possible for these nations to fight back and not become another Liyue Harbor. However, the discovery that elemental power possessed by Dvalin had not benefited the androids was the cherry on top of the cake, seeing, when they'd eventually face the Tsaritsa, they'd need some kind of advantage.

The battle for Inazuma's survival had been a battle of machines, mortals, and divine strength; the battle with the Cryo Archon would be one of a goddess, machines, and mortals. That's a whole different battle entirely, and they'd barely managed victory in Inazuma.

Had it not been for the fact that Yae, Ganyu, and the yokai had had the power to demolish war ships to scrap metal, the outcome for Inazuma's fate would've likely been different, and that was the clear truth that Keqing knew full well. However, she also knew that they had won, and, thanks to the combined efforts and strengths of Inazuma's people, divine beings, and their matriarch, the outcome had been a clear message to the Tsaritsa that they were far from defeated.

And that was the real truth.

As for her beloved, upon arriving at the cathedral with Ganyu in her arms, Jean had ordered Barbara to prepare for another healing session. The damage that her partner had taken was worse than she'd thought, the impact from the hit having fractured her entire left set of ribs and bruised her lung on the same side. However, Barbara had stated that a good amount of the damage she had taken had already been healed, but not entirely.

That had been enough confirmation for Keqing that Ganyu's overly-extended slumber had been caused by her qilin traits, the practical coma being one's way of healing their injuries.

However, Keqing had still gone through with allowing Barbara to speed up the healing, but, even with a full recovery, Ganyu still had remained asleep. To say that the fact her beloved had not opened her eyes had scared the living hell out of Keqing was an understatement, but, after some reassurance from Barbara, she had calmed down. There were still signs of life in Ganyu's body, showing that she clearly wasn't dead, so she had just decided to allow nature to take its course and rest up for the following day.

That day was today, and now she sits anxiously beside her slumbering partner, resting a steaming cup of coffee in her lap. The sight somewhat-sickens her, but, deep down, she knows that Ganyu isn't one to fall to something like a giant fire-coated cannonball. She's a veteran of the bloodiest war in the history of Teyvat with ancient knowledge and skin as tough as leather; there's absolutely no way a petty attack like that would subdue her.

Would it?

Her conflicting thoughts were interrupted by the intrusion of a familiar witch she'd met the day prior, walking towards her with steady steps and stopping just off to the side of her.

"Hmm, usually if someone is this troubled over the state of one's health, it's a case of love," the voice Mona Megistus spoke, causing Keqing to gasp in surprise.

However, Mona acted quick to show Keqing that she meant no offense.

"Oh, please do not take it as me teasing or belittling you, Ms. Keqing," she assured. "I have no intention of judging you or anyone. My previous comment was only me being observant while thinking out loud, so I do apologize if I may have caused you any accidental offense."

Keqing sighed heavily in relief, giving Mona assurance that she could join her on the elongated bench. She walked around and took a seat next to her troubled occupant, beginning to address her reason for coming here.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Mona Megistus," Mona started.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Megistus," Keqing replied in kind.

"Just Mona is fine," Mona assured. "Now, allow me to ease your troubles by assuring you that Ms. Ganyu is going to be just fine."

Keqing jumped at that, having not expected those words to come out of Mona's mouth.

"How can you be so sure?" Keqing asked in mild shock.

"Let's just say that, right now, your partner is going through something very important in her slumber. As an astrologist, I have the ability to read people's destinies and fates through the use of hydromancy, and, just as a precautionary act, Jean requested me to do a reading to determine Ms. Ganyu's current condition."

"And what did you see?" Keqing questioned with a hint of anxiety.

"Well, I saw many things; things that pertain to the near future, but, most importantly, they were things that only she could understand and tread correctly. To put it into a simple way that you'll understand, the one you love is experiencing what is known as an internal epiphany; a psychological phenomenon that only occurs when the host is at a point in their life where they must realize something specific to them only. It's something that only occurs so often in one's life and is very important to experience."

Keqing took a moment to think about what Mona had just stated, having no doubt that she wasn't lying to make her feel better. The timing felt perfect for such an event to occur, even if she couldn't make a single hint out of what an "internal epiphany" was at all. If she had to guess, she'd assume it was something similar to when one receives a Vision from the gods.

A moment that changes one's life for the remainder of their existence.

Not to mention that her beloved had morphed into her qilin form for the first time in probably centuries, so it could've caused some sort of internal awakening. Any other way, Keqing knew the simple answer to what Mona was telling her was that she needed to allow Ganyu to complete her mental trial.

"I think I see what you're saying now, and am willing to allow this epiphany thing to run its course. However, I must ask one thing, seeing time is not on our side."

"You want to know how long this will take," Mona assumed, knowing she was right.

Keqing confirmed her guess correct with a simple nod of her head, to which Mona did her best to give her an answer.

"Considering my own phenomenon took four weeks, I'm afraid there's no telling how long it'll be before she opens her eyes as a whole new person," Mona explained. "These trials are directly connected to whoever controls the flow of time and fate, so I'm afraid only they could give the actual answer. However, I will say that while it feels time is against you right now, nothing can alter the course of fate and destiny, so if Ms. Ganyu's fate is to finish her epiphany in whatever amount of time it will take, then it cannot be changed."

"So, you're saying that despite how long it'll take for Ganyu to open her eyes, it will not make a difference in how the outcome in our war with Tsaritsa will play out?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Ms. Keqing, so please take some time away from the cathedral to get a meal in you. You look dreadful and need to get back into working condition, otherwise, if those monsters attack us again, you won't be able to even defend yourself."

Keqing jumped at the words, having not even realized that she was starving and dreadfully tired after the endless fight back in Inazuma. It all came to her in a sudden onslaught, and, to conclude her unexpected meeting with Mona, she simply got to her feet and said one thing to her new friend.

"You're right, Mona. Thank you for your advice and assurance that Ganyu is safe from harm."

"Oh, it's no big deal," Mona responded. "The old hag had this same talk with me before, and I was tired of seeing you fret over nothing."

Keqing smiled brightly then started for the cathedral's exit, leaving Mona and Ganyu alone in the massive abode dedicated to the Anemo God.

She'd return whenever her beloved opened her beautiful eyes again. When that would be was up to fate alone, something she kept in mind as she heard the massive church door close behind her with a loud thud.

Three weeks later

Over the time that Keqing had awaited her beloved's awakening, she'd taken residency in Dawn Winery. Diluc had given her the offer after Yelan had returned and discussed the new plans she had in mind, seeing Mondstadt was still in a state of repair before anyone could properly live humanely in their homes yet again. Therefore, until the repairs were done, Mondstadt was literally a place that was currently impossible to live in, so Keqing had no better choice.

She'd assisted in helping to repair the buildings as best she could, while also preparing for whatever was next in the journey to put the Tsaritsa six feet deep. Yelan had traveled to both Sumeru and Fontaine to relay the news of what had happened in Mondstadt, Venti, a literal god and one of the Seven, being her perfect witness to assure she wasn't making up nonsense.

If the God of Wind hadn't been enough, the second witness had to be; an elemental dragon as old as Teyvat itself that had witnessed the Archon War and beyond. Less to say, their cases had been accepted as truth without any bit of disbelief, and that had led to something like what Keqing and Ganyu had faced in Inazuma.

The God of Dendro and Hydro had taken the initiative to bring the androids out into the open by fighting the same way that Ganyu, Keqing, and Ayaka had in Inazuma; without the use of Visions and elemental power. However, an exception had been made with elemental dragons' powers, given that they could attack without any restrictions.

The Dendro Dragon, Apep, had not been persuaded so easily, having deep hatred for the Dendro Archon, but, upon the mention that she too was a target and would never stop being hunted, only then did she agree to assist. As for the Hydro Dragon, Yelan had been met with a surprise. The beast appeared in the form of a regular person, but had decided to reveal his true identity upon hearing the severity of the situation. His name was Neuvillette, and it was clear that he cared greatly for the safety of Fontaine's people.

As for the archon, Yelan had been met with another surprise upon hearing that no matriarch existed in the Nation of Justice. The only person who could count as anything close to a god's stature and power was the Hydro Dragon Sovereign, so that was the only person Yelan associated with during her time in Fontaine.

Just like in Inazuma, using clever tactics to drive them out of hiding, the androids had been exposed and terminated instantly. This time, the nations' and their people had the element of surprise, and had shut down the Tsaritsa's operation before it could commence. However, the attacks would never truly stop until the Cryo Archon was dead, and Yelan had made sure to make that clear before leaving Fontaine and Sumeru.

They would have to keep fighting for themselves until she and her comrades entered Snezhnaya to put an end to the chaos once and for all. That day would surely come in little time, but there were still some things left to do, and it wasn't just awaiting Ganyu's return to reality. However, one thing was absolutely certain; they had put a roadblock in the Tsaritsa's motives.

The nations and their archons were now aware of the androids and their weaknesses, so they officially had the upper hand on the Cryo Archon. Another disaster like Liyue Harbor wouldn't occur anytime soon, and that was a huge checkmate in this current war. Their efforts had paid off, seeing that there had been no mention of Fatui-related attacks in the entire time that Keqing had been staying at the winery.

However, that also had drawn a sense of unease, seeing, based on the recordings Yelan, Keqing, and Ganyu had witnessed, it wasn't within the Tsaritsa's nature to be so quiet. She was more likely to throw more soldiers into the capitals of Teyvat in hopes of a sneak attack, so the fact that there had been no attacks for nearly four weeks meant one thing.

She was taking time to rethink her tactics to achieve her goal of victory.

A scary thought, but also an inevitable conclusion after three losses. Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan had checkmate for now in this chaotic and bloody game of chess, but it wouldn't be long before the Cryo Archon would make her counter move. The ultimate question was when she would though, and what would be her new tactic of regaining control over the chessboard?

"You seem quite tense, Ms. Keqing," a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

Diluc had joined her at the table, taking a seat and accompanying her.

"I've got a lot on my mind," she replied, picking up her coffee cup and taking a small sip in hopes of calming her dancing nerves. "It's been nearly a month since the attacks, and it's just been too quiet for comfort."

"I agree, but don't worry, I have eyes in Snezhnaya right now to assure the Tsaritsa can't sneak in an unexpected attack," Diluc assured. "I made a promise to assure that another disaster like your old home wouldn't happen again, and I intend to keep it."

Keqing took another sip of her practical energy drink then rested her cup on her provided coaster.

"If I may ask, what exactly has been happening in the cryo capital ever since mine and Ganyu's victory in Inazuma?" she questioned. "I'd like to know just so I can rest my worries that another Liyue Harbor is going to happen out of nowhere."

"Of course. My contacts have been keeping an eye out for activity in specific areas in Snezhnaya; the docks, the Tsaritsa's palace, and any of the areas that are connected to Fatui sources. Less to say, there's been no activity whatsoever, meaning it's likely that the Cryo Archon is doing something that involves countering our position in this war.

In other words, she's contacted every one of her Fatui Harbingers and is desperate for a solution to her inability to make any progress. A frightening motion that can potentially lead to us no longer having any advantages, but, as long as we keep our shields up and remain agile, we should be able to maintain our hold on any of the Tsaritsa's future tactics."

Keqing nodded in agreement, following with her own hypothesis on what may be occurring with the palace.

"If I had to take a guess, she's probably trying to find a way to absorb the energy of the elemental dragons. That's our biggest advantage and weapon right now, and, given we've found a way to fight her without use of a Vision, she's resorted to the next best option. How one can even find a way to absorb a dragon's energy is beyond me, but if she's that desperate, I can see her going to reckless tactics to regain the lead in this race."

"To obtain that type of knowledge, she'd have to capture a dragon first, and that's impossible," Diluc analyzed. "She may be a god, but a dragon is far more powerful than a matriarch, so to even come close to finding a solution as such, it'd likely take centuries. Given she's drawn all of her Harbingers and Fatui soldiers into the palace, I know exactly what she's up to. She's using them as protection, seeing that right now would be the perfect time to attack and end her life."

Keqing's eyes bulged instantly. Diluc had hit the nail right on the head.

She wasn't making plans with her most elite forces, but using them as security to assure her safety in this time of desperation to find an answer to regain the high ground in this war.

"Gods above, you're right!" Keqing agreed with assurance. "It all makes sense, because this would be the perfect time to attack her. We know how to fight and defeat her forces, so she's gone to the extreme to protect herself!"

"Correct," Diluc answered with a nod. "Now, let me ask you this. Is it the right move to attack and infiltrate the palace?"

Keqing paused to think, but it didn't take long for her to come to a conclusion. As the former Yuheng of Liyue Harbor she knew a thing or two about how to read your enemies.

"No," she answered simply.

"And why shouldn't we?" Diluc questioned again.

"Because that's exactly what she wants us to do," Keqing answered with confidence. "If we attacked the palace right now, it'd be the equivalent of failing into a pit full of venomous snakes. Her Harbingers would be waiting for us, and that's a suicide mission."

"Very good, Ms. Keqing," Diluc congratulated. "I'm glad you're on the same page as myself and all of our fellow Mondstadt comrades. However, if the initiative is not to attack the Tsaritsa at her lowest point, then what is the next move?"

Again, Keqing paused. However, yet again, the answer came faster than she'd expected.

"Just as she's built up her defenses, we must build up our own, so that when the time does come to initiate, we are on an even playing field. How long it's going to take for her to attack again is unclear, but we'll be ready if we keep the high ground."

Diluc nodded with a subtle smile.

"The Tianquan had a great eye for the right people," Diluc finalized. "You are an excellent strategist, Ms. Keqing. We are very fortunate to have you and Ms. Ganyu as allies, seeing we need to play our cards perfectly if we are going to defeat an archon."

Keqing smiled at the compliment, a light blush adorning her cheeks.

"I appreciate the compliment, Sir Diluc," she thanked. "No matter how long it'll take, that ice witch will pay for what she's done."

"Agreed," he stated, getting to his feet. "Feel free to depart to Mondstadt whenever you wish, seeing you've been a great help in getting it back to its original state. I'm also aware of your comrade's condition, but, don't worry, Jean is making sure that she's okay."

"Thank you, Sir Diluc," Keqing finished, Diluc closing the conversation with a nod of his head.

After ending the short talk, Diluc walked off to carry out his own business, allowing Keqing to take time to finish her morning Joe. However, inbetween each sip, she took a moment to just think about what she'd just discussed with Diluc.

How long would this seizefire last?

What would be the Tsaritsa's answer to her current struggle?

How long would this war last?

All questions that, just like Ganyu's current predicament, only fate itself could answer.

Answers that could possibly take centuries to surface.

A long hour had passed by the time Keqing had concluded her daily intake of coffee, having placed the empty cup back on the coaster and gotten to feet to start her trip back to Mondstadt. However, upon stepping out of the building, she'd been by an unexpected face, Yelan having been on a steady walk towards the entrance prior to her exit from the winery.

Yelan could only be there for two things; business with Diluc or something that Keqing had been anxious to hear for the past three weeks.

"Oh good, you're already here," Yelan greeted with a sly smile.

"Do you need to speak with Sir Diluc or has it finally happened?!" Keqing said, her tone going from curious to anxious quickly.

"I'm very happy to say it's the latter, hun," Yelan confirmed, causing Keqing to nearly burst into tears of happiness. "Hehe, when she awoke, all she wanted was you, so I suggest you don't keep her waiting."

Keqing smiled brightly, relieved and excited to finally see her beloved up and active again.

"Thank you, Ms. Yelan!" she thanked in a tone similar to an excited child. "I'll hurry to Mondstadt right away!"

Yelan just nodded, watching as Keqing started to run as fast as her legs could manage to the Mondstadt Cathedral. Yelan giggled at the behavior of the usually-professional Yuheng she'd known for years, adding her own comment before going off to tell Diluc the good news.

"The saying is true. Love makes people do some crazy things."

Keqing was out of breath by the time she'd reached the doors of the cathedral, opening them to the sight of her beloved on her feet and talking with Jean at the opposite end. All professionalism went out the window, Keqing running as fast as she could to the other end of the room and embracing Ganyu in a very tight hug.

Ganyu had caught sight of her beloved briefly before she was met with the comfort of her partner's arms and warm tears staining her shoulder. She returned the embrace, tears escaping her own eyes as the two reunited after what had felt like forever.

"I'm so sorry I was gone for so long," Ganyu comforted, rubbing Keqing's back softly and slowly.

Keqing didn't say anything and just continued to give her beloved all the love she could. At long last, they were together again and in each other's arms tight and warm.

"Let's give these two some time alone," Jean stated, respecting the two's privacy.

The only other occupant was Barbara, having nodded at her big sister's order and following her out of the cathedral's only exit to allow the two lovers time together.

"Uh, big sister, I thought only girls could…you know… love guys?" Barbara naively stated, nearly causing Jean to lose her composure in a fit of laughter.

Jean somehow kept her exclamations in her throat, working quickly to sum up her sibling's curiosity.

"Uh…I'll explain when you're older," she answered, clear embarrassment in her tone. "For now, let's just…go help out with the repairs being made to the lower part of the city, okay."

"O-okay…

While the answers she wanted weren't given, Barbara just continued to follow her much older sister out of the building, holding her sibling to her promise.

Back in the open sanctuary of the church, Keqing and Ganyu remained locked in each other's arms for a whole other five minutes, up until they knew it was time to talk. What had Ganyu encountered in her month-long slumber, and, more importantly, how did it tie into their current battle with the Snezhnayan Queen?

"I'm so happy you're back, but I believe it's time we talk about the elephant in the room," Keqing requested softly. "You were out for an entire month, so I think you at least owe me an explanation."

Ganyu didn't object and just nodded her head in full agreement.

"Of course. However, before I can tell you anything, we need to go back to where everything began for me."

Keqing was immediately lost, but, at the same time, she had a feeling that this epiphany would lead to something like this.

"Where what began?" Keqing questioned.

"My life. We need to go to where I was born over three-thousand years ago; the Peaks of Serenity."