Disclaimer: The following story will have spoilers for nearly all of Genshin Impact. Specific spoilers will be listed above here but I cannot recommend you continue this story until after you have completed at minimum Inazuma Act III.
Delusions are a terrifying thing…
They possess power the humane could only dream of. This is why the humane are often limited by their own imaginations. My Delusion wasn't anything special. Its craftsmanship, powers, and side effects are all those found within the even most unsuspecting Delusion.
But I cast aside my humanity centuries ago. My Delusion fed off of my anger and my power, the burning of flame within my veins acting as a power conduit. In all the centuries I've followed underneath the Tsaritsa, no one has managed to unlock the abilities of a Delusion more than I have.
Unfathomable Ice. Sheer Cold. Both things I've learned over the centuries. Perfected over the centuries. I could freeze a room at will and everyone within it. I even fought that despicable god and won with said power. But despite all of these facts, it only took mild pressure to shatter my masterpiece.
It's a strange feeling, to see your life's work go down the drain in an instant. Five centuries of experimenting, testing, and training to wield my Delusion effectively. Gone before I could snap my fingers.
Now here I stand amongst my enemies powerless. The burning embers of the witch clinging gently to my blood as it burns with every beating of this heart. I feel in a feverish daze, unable to rest nor able to fight. Curse my genius. The liquid flame that runs through my body is unbearable without my Delusion.
My only consolation is the deep sea wind whipping at my face. How ironic. But even that has lost its luster after braving the intense thunderstorms separating Inazuma from the rest of the world.
Liyue is not far off, I can even manage to peer at the tips of the mountains as they rise over the horizon. Part of me feels relieved. Leaving Inazuma behind eases my beating heart as if a tremendous weight has suddenly been lifted.
Clouds appear on the horizon. A heavy veil of water streaming from the heavens cascades to the ground in a dazzling show displayed by the overabundance of hydro in the skies. As Liyue Harbor grows nearer I'm faced with the reality that I no longer have my parasol nor an entourage to provide one for me. I sigh in disappointment. Guess I'll have to spend even longer on my hair than usual…
"Signora." The detestable voice of my savior calls out to me from behind. I turn my head in silent acknowledgment of his presence. "Beidou tells me that we're going to be arriving soon. She says the Alcor will have to spend a few days in harbor before you head toward Sumeru and onto Snezhnaya."
The Traveler wears a black and red, almost maroonish, bandana gifted to him by the crew of the Crux. Since coming on board, he's become simply one with the family. As I relax and recover my sour body from our conflict, he has been helping around the ship. So much so that he has become as respected as their captain.
Not that I would have lifted a finger to help them even if I was in good health. But the fact that he was able to defeat me, block the Musou no Hitotachi, run away, and still has the energy to help with chores around the ship is baffling.
I nod my head in understanding.
"Then I suppose this is where we part ways. But don't think just because you… helped me back there that you're going to get any easier treatment the next time we meet." I say, my voice lacking of any emotion.
"That's a shame, it would have been nice to reach an understanding but I guess our views are just too dissimilar." He sighs in defeat. "But, on behalf of my good friend Beidou, I will be accompanying you to the Northland Bank to make sure the process goes smoothly and you're not thinking about anything disingenuous."
I furrow my brow. Goody two shoes. "As a Snezhnayan diplomat, I would never attempt to do anything that could potentially disrupt our relations with Liyue Harbor. Especially now that the Geo Gnosis is firmly within our grasp. There is no need to be so apprehensive."
The Traveler raises his blonde eyebrow. "What about as a Harbinger?"
I do not deign him with a response.
The Traveler sighs. "Just don't do anything stupid and we'll be over with this before you know it." We both pause for a moment, staring daggers at each other. Once tensions have cooled off after a brief time, conversation begins again.
"What of the Electro Gnosis? If you did not succeed in retrieving it, wouldn't the Tsaritsa be furious with you?" The Traveler asks me.
An interesting hypothesis I have to admit. One with multiple conclusions. When I attempted to take the Gnosis from the Raiden Shogun, I found it to be not on her person so it could be that she is either not the real Electro Archon or perhaps that version of Raiden within that Eutherymic plane was. In that case it may be neigh impossible to retrieve the Gnosis from her without serious effort. Another answer is Scaramouche had already gotten to it. This was accounted for in the plan requiring two Harbingers, but surely he would of told me if he did… Thirdly, the Gnosis was not on Raiden's body at that time and instead within the care of another. Namely Guuji Yae. She would be my best guess.
But that didn't terrify me nearly as much as the fact that I simply did not retrieve the Electro Gnosis. And now, it's likely Inazuma will be shut off from the rest of the world entirely. Meaning there are no more chances. And if Scaramouche did not or does not retrieve it, the Tsarista will make me pay hell five times over.
My heart begins racing at the thought. I have to remain cool and stoic, as I was trained to. He cannot find out that we have failed.
"The Electro Gnosis is firmly within the Tsarista's grasp. I simply stayed behind to continue fostering relations with Inazuma, as is my job as La Signora. The Raiden Shogun would have been a valuable ally in the years to come." I lied. "But someone messed things up." I say pointedly.
The Traveler smirks, probably pretty happy about the whole situation himself. For some reason, I really really really want to wipe that smirk off his mouth.
"Guilty as charged. Anything for a little revenge." He says the back half with daggers lacing his voice.
"Honestly." I exclaim with passion. "Ever since Mondstadt you've been a thorn in my side. Following gods like some kind of lap dog. What is it that you hope to gain out of your constant tail chasing?"
The Traveler's smile quickly disappears from his face as his vision focuses like ice.
"Like I need to tell you." He lets out coldly.
"Hey Traveler! They're having Tianshu meat in the dining hall! Let's go before they run out!" The high shrill of his floating traveling companion comes from a grate beneath the deck.
The Traveler looks down and dons a warm smile looking at her from in between the cracks in the hull. "Whoa wait for me!" He says with a light chuckle.
As the fairy leaves he looks back up to me with the same serious expression. "You're welcome to join in the feast. Or don't. I don't really care." He says coldly, leaving me alone on deck with nothing but the ocean to keep me company. I look down at the foam growing in the waves. The slick cut of the hull through the water. Liyue Harbor grows on the horizon. It won't be long now before it is time to disembark.
'Hah. Join this filth for some food? Forget it.'
My stomach growls in defiance. I tell it to be quiet.
My chest burns with intensity. Suddenly flaring as if struck by a searing iron. My head feels weak, the headache I continue to have throwing fuel to the embers. Maybe the Tsaritsa won't provide me with a delusion because of my failure… No certainly not. I have retrieved two Gnosises before any others have retrieved one. Surely the Tsaritsa will reward my efforts, right?
…
Right?
Snezhnaya is a cold and unforgiving place.
Rolling, endless, and snow-capped steppes spreading until they reach the base of mountains that scrape Celestia itself. Frozen coastlines on the other side of those same mountains cover the northernmost sea completely in its ice. Some consider Snezhnaya to have one of the most diverse geographies in Teyvat, rivaling that of Sumeru with their ever changing ecosystems.
You would never know it though because it's all encapsulated underneath snow and layers upon layers of ice.
Most cannot survive without the protection of a vision. Those who can wear whatever is available to survive the cold winter nights. Blizzards ravage the land without end. Those who stop moving will die. But despite this, from the small fishing village of Morepesok to the Capital itself, the people seem to be friendly and cheerful. If you ask them why, they will simply point up to the night sky where the Aurora persists. An indication of the Cryo Archon's protection over them.
The Aurora stretches magnificently from coast to coast, taking with it the hopes and dreams of the Cryo Archon's people to her. Among the most requested, and the one that haunts her the most, is the dream to be free.
…
"Your majesty." The Fatui agent speaks, kneeling before the ice throne of the Queen herself.
The Tsaritsa sits upon the throne, looking down upon her high pedestal at the entering agent.
"Speak, my dear. You are in the presence of love." She utters.
The Fatui nods, remaining on his knee and with his head bowed. "Your majesty, the sixth has gone missing. He is in possession of the Electro Gnosis but disappeared after obtaining it. We believe he has gone traitor and plans to use the Gnosis for his own desires. We tried to follow him but we… we lost sight of him after his tracks stopped at a cliff ledge." He sounds composed, but fear trembles through his voice. The terrifying aura of the Tsaritsa grows colder the more he speaks.
The Tsaritsa rises from her throne, descending down the flight of stairs just before it. "You know~" She speaks softly, the echo of her heels sending shivers down all in attendance. "Scaramouche can fly. Did you happen to check the sky?" She asks sweetly, a direct contrast to the rhythmic and authoritative steps that approach the agent slowly.
"Y-yes, Your Majesty. If I hadn't been there myself I wouldn't have believed it either. But I p-promise you, Your Majesty, we spent all the time, resources, and manpower we could before-" He is interrupted by the Tsaritsa who wraps her warm body against his in a deep hug.
Surprise lights his face as he embraces the hug from the goddess.
"Shhhh~ It's okay darling. I understand. You did everything you could. Welcome back home." She coos gently in his ear, whispering it beneath her breath.
The Fatui agent is unsure what to say, the only words that escape his lips are, "T-thank you, Your Majesty."
The Tsaritsa pulls away, riding the back of her calves as she smiles warmly at the agent. Her pure eyes piercing like icicles as she looks directly at the Fatui agent.
"What about Rosalyne?"
Liyue Harbor is almost like home at this point. With its sprawling flow of commerce and endless choices in food, it's no wonder that the trade center of Teyvat is here. Unfortunately for Paimon and I, we've become like local celebrities around here. Everywhere we go, there's someone who recognizes us.
It can be pretty nice sometimes though. A lot of vendors will offer us free food or trinkets just for stopping by. Apparently our presence is enough to bring in large crowds, all asking for tales of our adventures.
If it weren't for the constant and drenching rain, this trip wouldn't likely have been all that different. The streets are completely empty with all but a few Millelith hiding indoors away from the rain. As a result of this, the lights on all the buildings are alive and dancing. The beautifully noble city shines in the evening glow, rain scattering the rays of the sun setting on the horizon.
Paimon and I walk through the rain unperturbed. Dozens of hours spent waltzing through thunderstorms have prepared us well for this moment. The vixen next to us though has some thoughts to share about the matter.
"You know, I usually enjoy my trips to Liyue. The people here are far more civilized and cooperative than most other places I visit." I turn to her and can't help but almost burst into laughter.
Her usually perfect hair and admittedly fair face have been completely ruined by the rain. Her mascara drools down her face as if she's been crying. Her blush and lipstick are now puddles of red somewhere draining into Liyue's sewer system. And her hair droops straight down her face, covering half of it with the sheer length of it once wet.
If it was not for the fact that despite all of this, she's still beautiful, I would have burst out into laughter long ago.
"Look at it this way, we're one step closer to getting you home." I say playfully, keeping pace with the obviously weakened Signora.
To my surprise, she scoffs playfully back. "Normally this wouldn't be a problem. With my delusion, I could simply turn the droplets into ice and have them scattered around me." She seems detached as she finishes her statement.
Walking the streets of Liyue to the Northland Bank is almost surreal without anyone shouting at you in either recognition or in an attempt to sell you something. Even most of the storefronts are closed for the inclement weather. Strangely though, Katherine still mans her station at the adventurers guild, seemingly unphased.
"What happened to your delusion?" I ask, prying for more information about the unknown vision-like ornament.
Signora raises her chin in pensive thought as we approach the end of our journey. "Smashed underfoot during your confrontation with the Raiden Shogun. Perhaps while we were… where even were we?" She asks with a swirl of confusion.
"Oh, I didn't tell you? That was the plane of Euthymia. The real residence of the Raiden Shogun, or as the initiated would know her, Ei." I explain to her. The events of the past few days have all become jumbled together ever since waking up after the confrontation with Scaramouche. Miko never did tell me what happened to him.
Signora has a puzzled look on her face. What little I know about her tells me that she was once a student of the Academia. Surely it's that Signora that I see now with perplexion written across her soaked features. I quickly catch Signora up to speed about all the happenings in Inazuma, leaving out crucial details that might have put the country in a jeapordizing position within the Fatui's eyes. She does not seem to show any understanding or processing of the information I give her, such actions are also hindered by the downpour of rain.
By the time I finish my rant about the happenings she's missed out on, we have arrived at the double doors leading into the Northland Bank. Without saying a word, Signora throws open the two doors as if she owns the place. Though, off the top of my head I can't remember if she does or not.
"The Lady has arrived." She announces, sashaying her way past some shocked expressions and up towards the counter.
I roll my eyes at her showy display of dominance.
A hostess stands patiently with a smile on her face, holding a quill in hand while using her other hand to keep the paper she is signing still.
This place has always given me the creeps. Perhaps it's all the Fatui whose eyes seem drawn to me like a moth to the flame. Perhaps it's the overabundance of money this place holds. Regardless of the reasoning, neither myself nor Paimon wishes to stay here longer than necessary.
The teller smiles up at La Signora with a toothy grin. "Miss Ros-" She quickly stops herself, noticing the company in the room. Myself included. Was she about to say her real name? Curious… I never really thought about what her real name might be. Or if she even had a name apart from La Signora, 8th of the Fatui Harbingers.
"M-miss Signora. What brings you by the bank today?" She asks happily, probably to avoid the wrath of a Harbinger.
Signora seems to freeze for a moment before speaking once again. "I need to make a withdrawal. All of the remaining mora underneath the name 'La Signora'." She says seriously and harshly as ice.
"O-of course, my fair lady. Would you like a receipt of your transaction?" She says, clearly intimidated by her immense aura.
"No." She states plainly.
"V-very will Miss Signora. Please give us a moment while we prepare the transaction for you." The teller says before bowing to her sheepishly. The girl rushes away to collect the funds. I wonder how much a Harbinger has in her collection of mora. Certainly, it has to be more than a certain astrologist I know. And please let it be more than an archon I know…
"Well well well. Look who it is." A familiar voice calls out. I whip my head around, causing my braid to whack Paimon right in the head, her voice squealing as she recovers from the knock.
The red-headed Fatui that had greeted us in Liyue that fateful day stands before us with a smug smile on his face. He gives us a friendly greeting using his hand. Before words can exit my mouth, Paimon says exactly what I was thinking.
"Childe!? What are you doing here!?" She asks the tall redhead.
"Is that any way to greet an old friend? I'm just here to-" Tartaglia's attention is soon drawn to a detached and drenched Signora who stands almost in relief with her hand placed elegantly upon the counter.
Tartaglia does not seem nearly as relieved to see her.
"Signora…?"
I'm drenched. My makeup is coming off. My shoes have so much water in them that I'm starting to develop calluses. This is miserable…
But the rain does do wonders in cooling my skin… Ah, it does feel nice to not be burning again. The two of us step underneath the awning covering the entrance of the Northland bank, finally getting us out of the rain. I pause for a moment, pensively thinking over options in my head.
'What if there is another Harbinger in here… what would I say to them? Should I lie? No, I'll have to avoid the conversation altogether. What are you thinking Rosalyne? You should know the probability of running into another Harbinger is astronomically low, even if this is the Northland Bank. Now stop being a wuss and open the damn door.'
With all the confidence I can muster, I throw open the double door and announce my presence like some kind of Deva. "The Lady has arrived." Hopefully that'll keep them from questioning me. Confidence is key after all.
The shocked expressions detailed on all those inside tell me I have succeeded. I am used to turning heads. Even as a kid I knew I was pretty. I knew how to grab people's attention in the most subtle of ways. How to manipulate how they see me. To even the keenest of observers this appears to be just how I present myself. None can see through my facade.
He always could though…
I walk with sultry in my step, making sure my confidence never leaves my body until the moment I step up next to the counter. A hostess stands patiently with a smile on her face, holding a quill in hand while using her other hand to keep the paper she is signing still.
I couldn't even begin to remember her name. Started with an A or an E maybe. Doesn't matter. All that matters is that she is beneath me and will do as I say. Perfect for the kind of situation I find myself in.
The teller smiles up at me with a toothy grin, the kind that almost makes you want to punch someone. "Miss Ros-" She quickly stops herself, noticing the company in the room.
I turn flush red with embarrassment. The blush that had fallen in the rain now once again dons my cheeks as I can feel the heat returning to my body. 'Did this bitch almost say my name?! Ohooho. I'm gonna have to speak to Pantalone later. I need money now. Best to save face.'
"M-miss Signora. What brings you by the bank today?" She asks happily, probably in order to avoid my wrath but for some reason it just makes me want to freeze it off of her face. Calm down Rosalyne. We all make mistakes. She's just doing her job.
My eye twitches behind the veil.
"I need to make a withdrawal. All of the remaining mora underneath the name 'La Signora'."
A code word. Every competent teller knows this. Recognition lights up her face as she stops everything she is doing, dropping her pen in the ink tray on her right.
"O-of course, my fair lady. Would you like a receipt of your transaction?" The girl seems surprised by the use of the code word but still manages to respond in kind.
The answer to this question will change entirely based on the severity of the situation. Even the connotation within my voice may be enough to change the order I am giving the girl. She better do this right or it'll be treason of the highest order.
"No." I state plainly.
"V-very will Miss Signora. Please give us a moment while we prepare the transaction for you." The teller says before bowing sheepishly and running into the back.
I almost sigh after she leaves, the tension within my chest disappearing with her. She seems to understand the situation. It's on her to act accordingly. I never thought that Pantalone's useless recommendation all those years ago would become my lifeline. I will have to offer congratulations after this.
"Well well well. Look who it is."
Oh no. OH no. Oh nononono. I forgot about him.
I slowly turn my head to make myself as invisible as possible. The familiar head of red hair belonging to the newest addition to the Harbingers waltzes up to the Traveler and his floating companion, beginning a conversation with the group.
"Childe!? What are you doing here!?" The fairy asks the tall red-head.
Tartaglia. The combat addicted deranged lunatic among deranged lunatics. Why couldn't it have been Peruere or Pierro? At least I would have things to discuss with them. Discussions… he's going to ask me why I'm here. I need to act casual. Not like we get along anyway so maybe I can vent my frustrations out on him. For now, I need to look relieved by his presence.
I turn toward the group while placing my arm upon the counter, trying my best to flash a brief but sarcastic smile. I fail at doing so.
"Is that any way to greet an old friend? I'm just here to-" His gaze drifts towards me. He looks back down to the blonde Traveler before immediately looking back up and staring directly at me. I'm sure in my drenched state I must look like a mess. This is the worst. He'll never let me live this down.
Then, he does something odd. Even if only for the briefest of moments, I saw his eyes light in fear. I know the look well, there's no mistaking it. He's never been afraid of me before… In fact the whole point of always at each other's throats was to show we weren't afraid of the other's abilities. What is happening here?
"Signora…?" He asks, more as a question than a greeting. Normally he would have used my last name to drive me insane, but as we are in the company of the Traveler and his companion it is only right to refer to each other as our titles.
"Evening Childe." I say confidently. "You'll never guess where I just got back from." Adding a devious smirk at the end. Normally he would have connected the dots by now and fallen for my rouse. The perplexed look on his face says otherwise.
"W-what are you doing here?" He asks.
I wave my hand around dismissively. "Acquiring the funds to return back to Snezhnaya of course. You were supposed to arrange the ferry back for me. Strange how it never arrived." I lied with a little hint of spite behind my voice to add to the drama.
He swallows something in his throat before he speaks next. "I did not receive word that you had… completed your mission." He says, slowly collecting himself to the reality in front of him.
"Safe and sound. Despite the best efforts one Raiden Shogun." I say, trying to word the events in as little detail as possible. Best not to evoke questions.
"That's… fantastic. And how did you… manage to get her off of you after you took the Gnosis?" He asks.
Wait a second. He's trying to get me to reveal information about my time in Inazuma. He's trying to take credit for MY hard work. He's going to go to the Tsaritsa with the information I'd be feeding him and claim that he was the one to retrieve the Gnosis.
Hahaha… well played. His fear must be an act to get me to gloat about my accomplishment in the hopes that I'd reveal how I achieved it. Something I would have gladly done if it weren't for the fact that I'm lying through my teeth.
"I-" Wait a minute. What if Scaramouche did get the Gnosis and will arrive at Snezhnaya before I do? Then I'm suddenly questioned for everything I've said to any of the Harbingers before this point. I must not say anything I will regret.
"All will be revealed once I am before the Tsaritsa." Is all I simply say.
This does not seem to be a satisfactory answer to him, but an acceptable one nonetheless. He lets out a sigh and turns toward the Traveler. "Sorry that you have to witness our petty 'chats' Traveler. Although now that I think about it, what are you doing here with Signora?"
Shit. I can deflect questions directed at me, but The Traveler does not know. He'll tell him everything and then I really am doomed. If he finds out that I failed my mission and any further missions into Inazuma will be impossible then I may as well be a dead woman. The Tsaritsa will put a bounty on my head. I'll never be safe anywhere. Please Scaramouche. I can't believe I'm counting on you.
"What are you talking about? She asked me to escort her back from Inazuma. You certainly missed a lot while we were overseas." The Traveler tells Tartaglia, giving him the most convincingly gentle smile I've seen in over half a millenia. The Blonde winks at me secretly.
Why is he protecting me again?
Tartaglia raises an eyebrow before looking in my direction. It's my turn to swallow the building adrenaline in my throat. He looks over in my direction for a very long time, obviously using all of his remaining neurons to piece together the puzzle. To my surprise, he shrugs and pats me on the shoulder.
"Good for you, Signora. You finall- OW HOT!" He yelps as his glove is singed off, a burn mark left on his now exposed hand. I can't help but smile.
"Where is your Ice Delusion!?" He stammers out as the Traveler and his companion that I still do not know the name of take a look at his injury.
I laugh haughtily, confidently trying to cover the fact that I no longer have a Delusion. "Left it on the boat. Or did you forget that the Traveler was escorting me?" That was the least convincing answer I've ever given. But Tartaglia is overly trusting, even of me. Best I use this to my advantage.
I can see the gears turning in Tartaglia's head. Steam pours from his ears until it finally churns out an answer.
"Alright, suit yourself. Just warn me next time."
"You will be the last person I warn, Childe. Trust me." I say, hiding my nervous smile behind my hand.
His lips curl into his own devious smile, devilish almost. The gesture takes me by surprise.
"As will you, Signora."
…
"Phewph that was close!" The Traveler says, arms held lazily behind his head.
"Yeah! He was pretty close to finding you out there." The fairy chimes in.
So they did know.
We walk out of the Northland Bank with two heavy sacks of mora in hand. Of course, I made the Traveler carry all of it. If he was to escort me then he better escort me. The Teller nodded to me as she handed over the money across the counter. I nodded politely back. And that was the end of our time in the Northland Bank. Now we walk the drying streets of Liyue after the sun had descended and rain fallen away.
The stars are alight in the night sky. The clouds from the storm before drifting towards Mondstadt. People had once again begun poking their heads out of their homes to fill the streets. Many places began opening their doors, once again inviting the intoxicating smell of Liyue cuisine to fill the evening atmosphere.
We told Tartaglia what ship I would be continuing the journey on before going our separate ways. He promised he would pass this information on to one of Dottore's many segments running around so that he could tell the Tsaritsa which ship I was to arrive on. The Tsaritsa is very shrewd when allowing merchant vessels into her empire. Especially those who are recognized pirates.
"Why? Why did you cover for me back there?" I ask the Traveler, still plenty detached thinking about what might happen when I finally arrive back in Snezhnaya.
"Why? Cause you were in trouble. You don't need another other reason to help someone out." He states matter of factly. "And I know you'd never do the same for me, but I know… I know he wouldn't have…" He suddenly falls silent before he can finish his sentence as we walk towards the Crux.
I scoff at the notion of helping one out just for the sake of it. "No one helped me out when I needed it most… Why should I stick out my neck for anyone else?"
The Traveler sighs deeply. "I understand that we're enemies. And this may be the last time we'll ever talk. We may even be back to trying to tear out each other's throats next time we meet. But…" He pauses for a long moment. "But at least I can face my friends and whatever outcome occurs with the ideal that I tried to change it. And right now, I've lost enough friends on this journey. No one else needs to suffer that fate even if they're my enemy."
I watch him with a stern expression. His braid bobs and weaves with every step he takes. Memories come flooding back to me of a dark-haired knight, alone together in the middle of a meadow. How dare he use those words… To trick my heart so… I never… Never. Want to feel that way again.
A single tear rolls down my uncovered eye as the past rushes into my heart like a lion. In my rage I quickly wipe it away.
"Here should be a nice place." His words spoke in sadness.
The radiant sun kissed the peak of the mountain above as the day descended into night. The whimpering sound of the howling wind rolling across the plains of Mondtstadt reminded me of a land far away, where the streets touched the heavens and the god's gaze did not fall.
I follow my love. He wanted to say his goodbyes in peace but I would not allow him. I knew how much his heart must have been hurting and could not bare to leave his side for even a moment. In the distance, the Great Tree of Windrise sat. It cast a shadow down across the plains, almost grazing our feet as the sun lowered in the evening sky.
He carries a body. A dear friend. His brother. I had watched their fight, worried for his sake where he could not have the chance to worry. Beautiful flowers gently brushed up against us as we looked down upon the spot where we were going to lay him down to rest.
A clearing in the flowers, the perfect memorial. He set his brother down upon the gentle grass, his peaceful expression as he was lowered to the ground the last memory to remember him by.
I could feel Rostam's emotions as I rubbed his back. His anguish. His suffering. He let a single tear fall down his cheek, staining his brother's face with its mark. The wind pushed at our backs, tossing up the loose petals of the flower field into the air.
"You didn't have a choice, Rostam…" I said.
"Neither did he…" He whispered in his sadness. He brushed his brother's hair away from his face. It wouldn't last long as the wind would throw it back over his forehead.
I had never lost someone close to me before. These emotions I felt swirling within me were unlike anything I had experienced at the time. I would come to know them very well over the next years to come.
I didn't know what to say. I hugged Rostam from the back and let tears flow from my eyes. I tried my best to stay silent. To let him grieve without having to worry about me. But I couldn't seem to keep the tears from flowing out of my eyes.
Sadness quickly turned to anger. My hands slowly clenched into fists as I remembered the man that did this to him.
"He has to pay… He can't get away with-" I began but was quickly cut off by my grieving love.
"Enough, Rosalyne. I've lost enough friends on this journey. No one else needs to suffer this fate even if they're my enemy." He said to me. With tears in his eyes and hands clenched around my fists, he said this to me.
I couldn't think clearly at the time. All I knew was that he was right. His brother did not die just so this cycle could perpetuate. But that does not make these feelings go any further away.
So in the face of these new emotions, I did the one thing I knew how to do. Through my tears, I began to sing a song…
It went like this…
"How dare you… Use his words against me." My voice shakes deeply, wobbling from the sadness building within me.
"What?" He asks, confused by my sudden emotional breakdown. "Who's word-"
Just as we were beginning to approach the Alcor, the ship erupts into flames. The main mast of the ship lurges up and is sent overboard into the water. A massive explosion tears the once mighty ship in two, sending all on board into the sea as it rapidly sinks to the bottom of the harbor.
We immediately stop talking to watch the spectacle unfold before us. The sound of the ruptured hull exploding has left me partially deaf and too stunned to speak. The Traveler does not seem to have the same problem as his legs move before his mouth does. I learned to read lips very well over my five hundred years of life. His last words before jumping into the water was, "Beidou!".
I grasp my head as my hearing returns. A sudden headache grows ferociously as the crackling and burning of fire rages next to me. My body feels limp, exhaustion washing over me as my blood begins to boil. Screams for help echo all around me as crates and bodies begin dropping out of the burning ship.
My last memory before I pass out is of the blonde-haired Traveler's floating companion looking around in a panic before noticing me slump to the ground. I drift in and out of consciousness as flames rain down around me. Memories play in my mind like a record. Then my whole world goes dark and silent.
You know, I've been weighing the pros and cons of starting a . On one hand, maybe the motivator of money will influence me to write more often. On the other hand, the last thing I want to do is turn what I love doing as a hobby into a job. Anyways, I've got big plans for this so if things aren't making sense, I'm hoping you'll see how it turns out in later chapters.
Until we meet again~ Whenever that may be.