#genshin impact story

[littleprincessintraining]

“Farewell, Atossa.

I apologize for making you know me unwillingly.

Still, I don’t wish you to forget me.”

It’s ok I didn’t need my heart today 😭

[genshin-squabbles-and-wobbles]

The Forgotten Maiden || Part 2

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Character: Zhongli

Type: Angst, and tragedy

Content: You are the God of Light, you were once Zhongli’s beloved lover as he promised his full heart to you before his departure to the archon war, however, once he returned, he was injured and lost his memory of you. You figured out that he fought the god of memories and the impact of this fight affected his memories of you. 

Recently, you revealed to him your true identity in the middle of doing a request for the traveler, then left. You left him there, unknown about his thoughts.

Part one: Here

[ Please don’t repost, this is my original story. ]

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You were retreating to Guili plains, passing Wangshu in, you walked. Your heart was beating fast, as you were cursing yourself. “This…This was a mistake. I am very stupid. What happened to leaving him be?? I completely let my emotions get the best of me….” You stopped and sighed. You were almost to Mondstadt, so you stopped and sat on a nearby rock for a break. What do you do now? You blew your cover, everything you have worked for and hide from him was gone, you don't know your relationship with Lumine now, and now...you feel...regret. You looked up at the night sky and sighed. Should you disappear? Should you return to Celestia? Should you hide in yourself? What does this world have left for you now?

You looked at the ring and necklace he made for you thousands of years back and tossed it angrily. You gave up, you are done with these type of things. Defeated, done, he won't ever love you again. Never. Why try? Why wonder? Despite having the sacred contract of marriage, it will be loveless. Why? You snapped at him like a damn child. What the hell is wrong with you? Love just sucks. You slowly stood up and walked to Mondstadt, looking around and calming down from seeing your ex lover again after a thousand of years. You sighed as you stared at the ground, you were just tired, and maybe you should move on. Maybe someone else is out there for you. Maybe you can find someone new. However, within a few minutes of your walk back to Mondstadt, you felt a bump on your head, recognizing the shoes, you looked up. It was Zhongli, holding the ring and necklace you tossed not too long ago. You were dumbfounded. What is he doing here? Why? Why must you deal with this again? You immediately walked around him and walked faster away from him to Mondstadt. However, again. Another bump, he was in front of you again, with the ring and necklace.

Zhongli looked at you with the same emotionless face. He gently took your hand, and pushed the ring back onto your finger, and put the necklace back onto you. You looked at him confused. "Why...?"

Zhongli still was holding your hand, as he was looking at the ring. "It would seem that these items you tossed have my craft on it, not only that, it has my markings on it as well." He continued to examine the ring. You noticed something, he had his gloves off, and his bare skin was touching yours. It has been years since you felt his touch, despite it being such an increment of it, you were blushing and stuttering already. Zhongli lets go of your hand and looks at you. "If what you say is true, then let's make a contract, I just have almost retired from that, however, for you, I want to make an exception." You sighed, you never had any sort of contract with him, but what is there left to lose? Zhongli looked at you with his glowing amber eyes, scrutinizing you. You looked at him with a depressed face, as this was some sort of last hope. "Fine, lay it on me. Can't say I'm going to follow it because I don't care anymore, so punish me now if you so desire." He looked at you and spoke. "Is that so? Then that would be problematic -- how about you listen to my proposition, and see if you would take my deal." "Okay, Okay...what is it?" You crossed your arms, trying to not be difficult but it was hard to maintain that.

"Lets try and date for a month, I want to try and give you a chance. Get to know you, or....re-know you. If things work out, then we will decide on what to do from here." You blushed. "HUH?" You looked at him with widen eyes.

"Does that sound good?" He asked unfazed by your reaction.

"Why?" You said, doubting him entirely. "This...ring and necklace convinced me. If you happen to have more...proof, then please show it to me. The idea that I have forgotten something, even more, and important person such as a fiance, then it does trouble me to a certain degree, as I do not want to lose anymore then I already have."

You looked at him and back at your ring and necklace. "You already have lost me." You threw the used to be precious items at him and walked passed him. You said in a hateful tone, fed up and defeated.

You couldn't help it, all these feelings for years, they are coming out now. What do you do with thousands of years of emotion? Where do you even put that? As you walked away, he was standing behind you, watching you walk away from him. He was holding the ring and necklace in his bare hand, and gently squeezed it, quietly, deep in thought.

You were continuing to walk, you were almost back to Starnatch clift. You immediately regretting your actions, this was never you. Grief and loneliness has completely changed you and made you scared. You sighed and looked up at the small cabin you have built for yourself. Maybe you can take a break from adventuring and helping people, maybe you can be dormant for a couple of hundred of years.

As you arrived at your door and opened it, you feel a grab at your hand. You turned back, to see it was the same man. Zhongli. Zhongli began to speak. "Please, listen." He tried to speak with a slight tone of begging in his voice. Your heart was beating fast, you forgot how stubborn and persistence this man was, before he became knowledgeable. You forgot his true nature, as a man who commands a whole element of mountains, earth and homes. You began to pull your arm away from his strong grip. "No! I am done with everythi-" Immediately you were pinned against the wall inside your dark cabin. The only light being the moonlight, from the wide open door, however, there another source of light. That was his yellow melting lava eyes looking into your eyes. His body was pressed against hers as his bare hand with no glove was holding your chin up to him, as his other hand was on the wall cornering you. "Look at me." He whisper sternly. You blushed brightly, you really forgot how stubborn this man is. He was fully focused on you, you don't know what was going through his mind. You don't know his intentions at all. You used to read him so well before but now, you know nothing. You were helpless, feeling his ever strong body against yours, as his left leg was standing in between your legs trapping you. "Look at me and don't look away until finish speaking." He whispered to you. "I refuse to give up on this, you made a claim to me, and now there is proof that lined up to this claim. This was a claim if you knowing me romantically. Correct?"

You glared at him. "Answer me" He spoke demandingly. "Y-yes.." You kept your eyes on him as he requested.

"You don't get to make that claim and walk off from me. You have made that claim, stick to it. If you do not like my proposition then I am not leaving till we agree on one."

[adeptusappreciation]

MASTER HEADCANNONS

----DATING DEAR ALATUS-----

Soft Xiao // Tw for Kissing, Physical Contact, Suggestive Content // GN Perspective

(PHOTOS AND GIFS ARE NOT MINE)

Arrives early to the spot you were supposed to meet at to set out your favorite snacks.

Always grabs your waist gently before kissing you, and always asks beforehand to make sure its ok.

Nervous about first everything, concerned if he's doing it right or not. Once you assure him there's no stopping his curiosity from anything.

Notices whenever you are sad or put down and always finds a way to cheer you up from bringing you chocolate or giving you the best kisses in the perfect places.

Prefers eye contact whild being intimate with you so he can stare into your beautiful (your eye color) eyes.

(If you have scars) Dear Alatus takes his time admiring your body, making sure to trace all of your scars making sure they are accounted for and loved. He understands a negative past and makes sure you are given the princess/prince treatment.

(Insecurities) He makes sure to love your insecurities, while respecting them, he always praises them and never ever says anything bad about them.

Adaptive to rounds, and will keep himself active just to keep you happy in bed.

(If you like degrading) he always apologizes and has guilt about degrading you but always makes it up with food or soft affection.

Loves, loves, LOVES it when you dress up or do anything just for him and he always makes sure you know he is thankful.

Masterlist done!!!

Looking forward to writing more specific stories

Requests are OPEN (9/21/23(m/d/y))

[nanakorobiyaokii]

i just love it when he say his name. “aruhaizen~!” ♥ 

[manybluez]

Jeht has unironically become my favourite character in Genshin and her story isn’t even finished yet. We will meet her again, will it be in the next desert area or in Natlan we shall cross paths. I really hope she finds her own happy ending cus even after everthing that life has thrown at the girl she is still standing ready to brace it head on!

One of the best characters in the game! Big props to the writing team!

[kikorenart]

WAYWARD COMPASS - PART ONE - CHAPTER ONE

[Soma(OC) x Anders(OC) Genshin Impact Original Fic]

Written by @kikorenart & @drawlypsy

Summary: Soma Amachidame; heir apparent to the Amachidame Clan of Watatsumi Jima has spent years wandering from city to city in Teyvat for one purpose - to rise beyond his means and reunite with his little sister. His next stop; Sumeru where the Akademiya and prestige awaits.

It’s only a shame he has a proclivity for getting lost.

Rating: Explicit

Tags: original character(s), slow burn, m/m, f/f, blood and violence, smut, Inazuma lore, Fontaine lore, video game mechanics

Notes: comin’ atcha hot with a brand spankin’ new (pre-written) original story that I’ve co-written with Psy for the last ten months or so. Updates will come twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays and will be primarily found on AO3.

CHAPTER ONE - Taking a Wrong Turn

He stood on the deck of that ship until the last shred of light left along the horizon. The lanterns on the beach were his only indicator that Watatsumi was there at all, disappearing below the waves as if no more than flotsam on the tide. Soma watched until his eyes ached from the salt air and the whipping wind casting strength into the sails of the Crux. This massive ship was bound for Liyue’s main port, a place so far away it seemed unfathomable. Yet as he drifted further from the only home he’d ever known, he felt the tether in his chest tighten with sharp agony.

Kiyo was on those shores.

He hadn’t been able to speak to her just before he left. The aunts and uncles forbade any final farewell; vindictive to the very last, it would seem. They did not know that he had already sat with Kiyo in secret and told her the whole of his plans the night before;

“Can’t we go together, Nii-sama?” She had implored, and for the life of him he could not remember the reason why as he gazed down at her forlorn tears.

“Would if I could.” He replied softly, committing her face to memory on that moonless night. “There are many things I must prepare beforehand. I cannot let you come from nothing. Be brave for me, sister.”

For a girl of nine, Kiyo peered through her gold eyes with far too much intelligence alongside the compassion she held - a burden she carried for her brother and his ambition. It took only moments for Soma’s little sister to quiet her sadness, and with great hesitance that he felt in her small fingers, let his hand go with a bow of her head.

“I will.” She nodded then, “I’ll-…miss you.”

There is a crack in Soma’s heart at this goodbye, and it widens at the resignation in Kiyo’s face for letting him go. It bid him to lean down and gently cup her little face in his hands.

“I’ll be quick as lightning,” He smiled, “-I’ll write often. We’ll be together again soon, Kiyo. I promise.”

————

Soma kept his promises to his sister, no matter how impossible they seemed. He would return for her. This he vowed upon the vision glowing at his neck, the only light in the dark and storming sea beyond Inazuma’s isolated shores.

‘Be brave, and wait for me.’

Six long years. It felt like all would be achieved in those first few weeks of Soma’s arrival at the city of Freedom. He had found a way to ingratiate himself almost immediately with the Favonius Knights. Swordsmanship was a skill he had cultivated nearly from his infancy, but his scribe work seemed more interesting to the likes of Varka and the Acting Grand Master Jean.

It had at least provided ample time to write letters back to Inazuma, one after the other for every new venture. Soma took it upon himself to learn everything he could about the native culture of the land he wandered into after a lengthy stay at Liyue harbor and an arduous trek through Dihua Marsh. He became intimately acquainted with the language, the food, and ultimately the local companionship. Something to pass the time while he worked his way from a lowly clerk to something more akin to a secretarial position of authority. This had paid off handsomely, in the end, with a recommendation to the hallowed halls of the Akademiya - a full-throated Favonian referral to become one of their students with a former valedictorian’s blessing.

Lisa had been instrumental in his progression professionally and personally. He could have sworn he found in her a like-minded electro user who saw the benefits of scholarship along with its pitfalls. Someone like him could be blinded by ambition if he wasn’t careful, since there were more than enough temptations put in his way. She helped to smooth the track forward without leading him astray, and for that Soma was immensely grateful. Lisa was not his only companion, though.

The red-haired Master Diluc had bid him a terse farewell as he packed his bags once again for Sumeru City. It wasn’t a tearful goodbye so much as a silent understanding they’d gone the extent of what their relationship could allow. There were no promises made, and Soma had preferred it that way. Much like with Lisa, Soma did not allow his sentiments to hamper the blade-like focus on the horizon. Set roots. Rise. Then, and only then would he have the foundations he needed to fetch his other half at last. She would rise, too.

All this could finally begin in Sumeru City.

How curious though, that I am now two days overdue my estimated arrival…

Had I made a wrong turn?

It was a rain-soaked night when he finally made it to the misty docks of Fontaine. The city was sprawling, half underwater and made of unforgiving stone. A desolate place teeming with people that were practically stacked atop one another - an existence he could hardly contemplate for how sprawling Watatsumi Island had been. From the slums to the dockside to the upper class neighborhoods of austere and stately homes, there was nothing that escaped the heavy feeling of damp and oppressive modernity.

Gone were the gay and bright windmills of Mondstadt, whose sun-kissed stones were a brighter gray like the foundations of a smile. This was a wholly different kind of city, which lacked any freedoms. Shackles came to his mind as he stood watching a stooped group of beggars by the side street, huddled around a can that acted as their hearth. They roasted pieces of scrap meat over it, as if it could do something to lift the plague stench from the vittles they’d found in the garbage nearby.

A vagrant woman met his eyes as he walked past her swaying form. Soma caught the stench of a whole surgeon’s facility full of rubbing alcohol, but not the clean kind. The fetid kind, that sharply reproached the senses with a vile stab up the nostrils. He tried his best to master his expression as she smiled at him, toothless, and began to babble about pearls and rings. A merry diddy she sang as she swirled down the alley with what he could only assume was formaldehyde in her system.

I have surely made a wrong turn, or two.

——————

THE REST OF THE CHAPTER CAN BE FOUND ON AO3 HERE

[jotunkhiicha]

I reinstalled Genshin Impact and Lumine can SPEAK??

‘Growing Pains.’

The world will not change, it is incapable of it.

“But, haven’t you?” She had asked, a mere flicker of thought like the wisp of smoke from suffocated candlelight.

Upon the cusp of the world, at the end of all that seems to exist, Lumine regards the broken framework as a reflection of the Creator’s mind as they delved into psychopathy and drank from the chalice of insanity, granting form to the crevasses in their mind and granting attention to the twitches of inhumanity. She recalls the fragmented landscape with aspects of the crust having been scraped off and tossed into the air, left to dangle amongst the backdrop of the union of night and day.

It’s unnatural, yet it’s the rawest form of creation she has ever seen.

It wasn’t supposed to be—it is supposed to be different.

Lumine, with the maw of anguish opening up like a chasm inside of her chest, steps back from the edge of everything, walking away from the sight of the sun spilling into the ocean while the moon watches on—helplessly—as her sisters are caught in the far-flung reaches of Teyvat, unable to reconcile with their smothered lives, with their carcasses igniting the caliginous night aflame.

It’s not fair.

“Lumine?” Paimon murmurs as she floats beside her, her voice a sweet reminder of all she had seen and all the tribulations they had encountered together.

Perhaps he was right, maybe she has come to realise the truth of this world during her arduous journey.

She smiles to assuage her companion’s fears like the enticing varnish of gold paint over cheap copper—the sight belied the truth beneath. “I’m alright, Paimon. I promise.”

But what is a promise for a truth when built upon a lie?

Formless and, ultimately, impossible to actualise.

[alwayscorvus]

Fresh start - Chapter One

Fresh start - HOW IT BEGAN (Aether pov)

highschool! au;

Chapter 1/45 - (old one, written 3 years ago)

I started writing this about… idk 3 years ago? Probably a month before Inazuma came out. Based on information and predictions available at that time. Currently, I would change a lot and def NOT use some of this ships. But for the sake of sentiment and good memories I will stay with the old concept. And I will use my old script.

I just always wanted to finish it. But it doesn't really relate to my current work and preferences/believes. Not that they were that bad in the past hahah but still, I've matured a bit in this 3 years

Smooth the end of a freshly ironed shirt. Firmly tighten the tie. Neatly clasp a watch on right wrist. And carefully examine it in the rays of a rising sun.

A final fix of hair, completed with a significant ruffling to a messy state.

Quick snap of phone. Click and done.

-You look great! - squawking voice of artificial intelligence cheered loudly.

Left corner of boy's mouth lifted up slightly at that.

Blond-haired boy shifted his gaze from phone screen to his reflection in the mirror. Indeed. He looked... pretty good. A white shirt and a light brown pullover trimmed with gold thread greatly hid boy's skinny body. His pants, slightly darker than his sweater, practically didn't stand out from the crowd. And diagonal yellow stripes on his brown tie perfectly highligted his honey-colored eyes. Under which, regular shadows disappeared. For the first time in a while.

Maybe this was the time. Time to say goodbye to them. If not permanently then at least for a while. Boy smiled even wider. He really looked good today!

Although in the picture he looked a bit better... More... carefree. Or maybe it was just this flying fairy icon's fault. The one jumping around photo and making both surprised and impressed faces assigned by a program. 

-Aether! -loud, yet kind voice of boy's "mother" rang through the house.

-Coming!

Knocked out of his thoughts, he immediately turn off his phone. With a hasty glance he looked around for his bag. Catching it lying on the bed, he quickly ran out through the open door, almost tripping over his own feet.

Loud shaking of stair steps made his "parent" laugh.

-Now now -she assured through laughter- Easy. If you really took a long time to gather yourself, I would start rushing you more. You still have plenty of time. You will definitely make it! -she exclaimed cheerfully.

Aether merely nodded at that. He opened his bag, allowing metal box with fresh bento to be stuffed inside.

-Have it. I hope you enjoy it!-she smiled broadly and proudly- But if not, don't be afraid to get yourself something! I won't hold a grudge! I have no experience in this anyway... But I'll try to get it! If you have any suggestions, tell me right away. I'll try to get better!

A slightly awkward silence could be felt for a moment. Probably Aether's dull gaze didn't make this situation any better. But he couldn't help it. That's just how he was. Quiet, reserved, definitely not as energetic as woman leaning over him. Luckily, this "moment" like every other, passed quickly. 

Checking began; "Did you pack your books?" "A pen?" "You have the money?" "And your phone, right?" "Have you reported your status today?" "Took your medicines?" "Brushed your teeth?" 

To all of these questions Aether thoughtfully nodded, though he laughed sincerely at the last one.

-Surely. I am not five years old but eighteen.

-Oh, yeah... I'm sorry. I guess it's not that easy to skip through these stages after all -there she paused for a moment to lovingly run her fingers through Aether's hair. But in this gesture something more was hidden. Some sort of sadness and dissatisfaction that Aether didn't fail to notice- Good luck on your first day of school.

-No thank you, as not jinx it! - with these words he ran towards exit door, where he quickly slipped white sneakers on his feet. 

And... just when he was about to leave-... he held door handle a bit longer than he should and turned around. That suprised a woman.

-About you not being able to drop me off on first day because-...  because of work. It doesn't matter! I preferred to go there alone anyway. That way I can settle my mind. As Dr. Ping said: "I need to give myself some time to get used to everything."

At this statement "mom" glowed again, as if a weight had just fallen from her shoulders. Aether, however, couldn't enjoy this lovely view. Immediately after his confession he jumped out of the house. Ashamed of his boldness.

Stepping onto a sidewalk, he looked at "his house" for one last time. It stood still, as if unmoved by Aether's loss. Boy shifted his gaze to building next door, and in fact to its resident. A young, petite boy with knees wrapped tightly in blanket, who held a wooden instrument in his hand. Playing a rhythmic melody on it. A melody carried by wind that blew away his red and white hair.

Aether didn't even realize when he started humming. Just as he didn't realize when around twenty minutes later he bumped into another student passing in front of him.

A loud bang and a swish of papers could be heard thanks to passerby's fall. First words of apology came quickly from both mouths. Lady explained that she was in a hurry and pile of papers in front of her nose covered her view. While, gentleman blamed his drifting off and ignorance of dangers in new school. Eventually they both smiled warmly at each other. Then together helped themselves in standing up, shaking off dust and collecting printed sheets.

-Wait a minute, are you new here? Did I heard that correctly?

-Hmm... Yes? -Aether scratched back of his neck rather shy.

-Oho ho ho! -she exclaimed at that statement truly excited- And what? You walk here alone? Just by yourself? Without anyone's knowledge? On your first day? -she started to ask almost sneakily.

-Y-yes?

Girl clapped at this overjoyed, causing papers to spill out again. Boy looked at it a little stupiefied. Perhaps it would be better to retreat unnoticed? 

On one hand: he didn't like the idea of collecting papers again. On the other: girl's gestures began to show a terrifying loss of common sense. There was no reason to stay. 

Unfortunately, Aether, as Aether was, couldn't refuse to help. 

Or maybe he didn't want to? Did anyone even ask him for help?

-Great! You are lucky, my young man, that you found me. I'm Amber! The biggest and greatest! And this school is my territory! -she exclaimed proudly, supporting her hips with her hands and looking up at the sky. Almost waiting for a divine glow to fall on her.

Glow, however, didn't shown.

Then Amber looked down at the mess beneath her feet. Her face darkened, as if she had just realized her actions. She laughed awkwardly.

-Pardon me? Hehe...

First lesson started quite smoothly. Well, except for introduction, which was unexpectedly thrown on Aether's shoulders. Which in reality was normal for a new student. Especially for the one who suddenly joins second class of high school. 

Shy Aether mumbled a few sentences about himself. He blurted out something about pretended individual teaching and interests.

Short, pale, young boy didn't really pique a big interest. Maybe because he didn't fit into common canons of beauty. Or maybe because the rest of a class had more interesting topics to talk about. Or the lesson was more entertaining. Whatever it was, none of heads turned towards thw new student. 

As soon as Aether noticed this, he quickly relaxed. Which sudden confidence, he began to check out his class himself. Mint-haired creature sitting in a first row, right in front of the professor, almost never put down her hand. She didn't close her mouth either. Every now and then, her shy voice could be heard in the classroom. Full of comments, questions, doubts, but also answers.

He shifted his interest to something else. Aether looked at the room that Amber had brought him to a good few minutes ago. 

White walls, big blackboard and modest benches were pretty uninteresting.

Bored Aether glanced at another student. She also occupied one of first desks. This girl however, showed no interest in the lesson. Her main task was probably fixing a headband on her grey hair. What's more, her body was trembling slightly. It was easy to see that she was stressed a lot. When bell rang, girl squealed and almost jumped up on her chair. "I wonder if her hair is gray because of this whole stress".

-Hey you're Aether, right?

Aether turned towards the cheerful high-pitched voice, which led to meeting an amused blue irises.

-I'm Xingqiu, nice to meet you! -he bowed with a broad smile- And this is my friend. Meet Chongyun! -he introduced by pointing at a nodding head- Would you like to have lunch with us and our friends later?

Mentioned lunch came faster than Aether could have expected. Before he knew it, he was already sitting at a stone table under a glass roofing, breathing in fresh spring air. Together with Chongyun and Xingqiu, as well as newcomers: Razor and Bennett they started to enjoy lunch. While getting to know each other.

Suddenly. Out of nowhere. A loud scream was heard by a group. Aether himself, whose name was just shouted, almost fell face-first into his food box. And it was not out of fear but due to the weight of a certain loud girl who had just thrown herself onto his back. Luckily, she was quick to reconsider. And instead of squishing her friend, she sat down next to him. But, she just couldn't help and just had to ask for an explanation about why Aether dared to leave her, instead of eating with her. After declaring an unforgivable grudge, Amber turned to the rest and introduced herself cheerfully.

-How is your first day at school going, huh? -Amber turned towards Aether despite her offence.

Others just looked at them, filling their stomachs in process.

-Eh... well? I guess... I mean, mostly like it? I don't know. So far everything that happened to me has been positive. So... rather good.

-How are classes? Teachers? O! O! Have you met that harsh, old geography professor yet?

-Hmm... no? I only had a language classes today, so I didn't really get a chance. And as for the rest, it waas... normal? I think.

-And how was class, hmm? If anyone is mean to you, your Amber will show them the hell out! -she shouted, as if ready for a battle, pulling up her sleeves.

-No no! It's okay. Nothing happened. Except for that girl with short grey hair, she was a little... weird. But it's not like she wanted anything from me. Onl-

-Are you talking about Noelle? -Xingqiu chimed in.

-Eh? Could it be? The one that was sitting in first bench.

-She was actually more stressed than usual - admitted Chongyun.

-Stressed? It must be that Geo Team again, let me just show them! They won't want to take advantage of this poor girl anymore!

Aether swallowed his saliva heavily and in order to cool down Amber's energy he decided to go a little bit off topic.

-Team?

-Yes, one of the best current teams in stride.

A smile bloomed on dark haired girl's face, which Xingqiu didn't fail to notice. He knew that girl was up to something and that she had some suspicious plans for new student. But he decided not to interfere.

-But there is nothing to talk about -she waved- In the end, stride is the most important sport in this city. Everybody knows it - she answered "casually". 

Although it really felt like she wanted to continue...

Aether gave her a doubtful look.

-Stride?

-Yes, stride. Did I mispronounce?

-No, no, I just... what-- what exactly is stride?

Amber choked on her juice that she was just drinking. When loud coughing sounds echoed outside, Aether hurriedly started patting Amber's back, looking at her worried and puzzled.

-You shouldn't do that, it only makes condition worse - Xingqiu alarmed at the sight of Aether's actions. However, he was quickly interrupted by Amber, who, overcoming her choking, exploded:

-Do you not know stride?!

-N-no...?

Aether moved back slightly on the bench. Horrified by Amber's condition and the fact that he had apparently... said something wrong? 

But what?

-Man, where have you been living! Under a rock?! Stride competition is one of the biggest events here! Not only does every high school participate in preliminaries, but everyyyoneee comes to official games! Not just students! 

Amber started looking around at the rest of her companions in disbelief. Was it just her imagination, or did one of her age-mates really didn't know what stride was? Brown-haired girl let out excess of air, which managed to accumulate in her. She took a big breath and continued, a little more calmed down.

-I'll explain everything to you, don't worry! -she assured, slowly finding clear sides of Aether's ignorance - Oh, it's so good that you found me this morning. Who knows what would have happened to you otherwise. Not knowing about stride is the same as not knowing the taste of world's best Sticky Honey Roast! 

Amber was drawn to the topic and began to talk. About how every school has its own representation. But those with outstanding achievements in stride can have two of them. About how each team can have an unlimited number of members. And about how over the years they began to require five official members to keep paperwork under control. About special roles. About stages of race. She wanted to talk about everything, but she actually said practically nothing. She was quickly interrupted by the bell.

Boys were late and hurriedly went to next class.

-Don't worry, we wouldn't leave you at Amber's mercy - laughed Xingqiu - You better watch out for her, her energy is sometimes... unpredictable.

In the last lesson, Aether couldn't concentrate much. It's not that he didn't try, because he did, but... He really didn't understand anything. He had spent last year trying to get back to normal life. It was hard for him to re-master normal skills, like making tea or putting laundry on. He definitely couldn't find time to catch up with school material...

He moved his eyes to the window. It was almost empty outside. Only two figures stood out in school's square. In one of them Aether recognized his neighbor, whom he had pleasure of seeing today on his way to school. He didn't know the other person. After all, that dark purple hair would be impossible to forget. Boys angrily exchanged words while waving their hands dramatically. Aether couldn't hear them from the second floor. But he knew that two of them were definitely arguing about something.

[devious-little-creature]

You all laugh at the cash-grab gacha meme game about spending real money to buy fake women meanwhile I’M SITTING HERE WONDERING IF THE CUTSCENE I JUST WATCHED WAS REALLY IMPLYING THE SUICIDE OF A CHILD WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK

[cyaniiiide]

[Genshin] Thoughts on 3.3's Archon Quest, Inversion of Genesis

This man took 140 pulls to come home fml

// 3.3 ARCHON QUEST SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED //

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Overall thoughts, I liked it a lot!! I went into this expecting the Therapy Arc (tm) and while we did get that, I did not expect things to play out the way they did. I really enjoyed it though, and I think there's a lot to be said in the execution about how trauma affects people (but more on that later).

Starting off, it seems like Scaramouche has chilled tf out considerably from the end of the 3.2 quest, probably a side effect from dropping 50 feet headfirst into concrete and then waking up to find out he's been fired. Nahida once again proves she's best girl in the first five minutes of the quest -- she's kind yet pragmatic, harboring Scaramouche while also putting him to use, and giving him a huge piece of a puzzle he's been missing.

I do wish we could have seen more of Niwa and Nagamasa's relationship with Scaramouche, though. It would've made the subsequent scenes hit so much harder.

Dottore putting Niwa's actual heart into the device was really surprising. I guess it served to further convince Scaramouche of Niwa's betrayal?

Scaramouche's info about our sibling is also very interesting. 👀 We know beforehand that after crash landing on Teyvat, the abyss twin woke up and saw Khaenri'ah being destroyed. This tracks with what Scaramouche tells us, that Khaenri'ah was our twin's "first destination after arriving to this world." I thought that that meant our twin just saw the destruction and chaos raining down immediately and left, but I guess they must have stayed in Khaenri'ah for a while if Pierro remembers them. (Gee, thanks for leaving us at the crash zone for days?? Weeks? 💀)

I'm not sure what is meant by "Plus, [the Abyss Twin] only came to this world because the heavens responded to the summoning." The twins "crash landed" on Teyvat twice -- is Scaramouche talking about the first time, or the second? I guess the second would make more sense, since the "heavens responding" could be the Unknown God trapping us, but in that case, what about the first time we crash landed? Also, what summoning are they talking about? Nahida mentioned that if she destroyed a Gnosis, the Heavenly Principles might respond... was the Cataclysm the result of something similar happening?

Anyways, after that lore drop, Scaramouche tries to undo his existence to give his old friends a second chance at life. ;-; All of his anger at the world was a result of the "betrayals" he lived through, so to find out that Niwa never betrayed him at all... I wonder how much of his decision was him wanting to do right by Niwa and the others, and how much of it was him wanting to just disappear from the world. D:

It's a little strange that Nahida tells us to wait things out in a random hotel after all that, but I guess she wants to make sure we're set up with accommodations...? xD

I really am starting to like the traveler and Paimon's interactions more and more. Honestly, I don't remember much of them prior to the 3.0 archon quest, but I appreciate how much the traveler thinks of Paimon's well being ("the truth might be very distressing for Paimon...") and how much Paimon tries to cheer us up, or change the topic when she senses the traveler is feeling down. :D

(It's also pretty cute, and classic Paimon how she lists off her favorite foods to try and take her mind off things LOL)

The next couple of scenes take place in Inazuma -- I can't remember if we've traveled to different nations during archon quests before, but it's a nice change of pace, and makes complete sense with what's going on. I appreciate the knowledge that the "new Kazuha" is the same one we've known ;u;

I was really excited when I saw that the prerequisite for this archon quest was Kazuha's story quest, because I thought that he might appear here. Oh well. 😔

Nahida's way of storing information in an abstract fairytale was very clever. I wonder if she does this with other things as well?

The fairytale itself is very cute, but I did find myself laughing at the last scene with Scara's angry kitten eyes lol.

The most interesting thing about the fairy tale, however, is the monster that represents "Dottore." Since Dottore was "Zandik" before, I guess the "monster" part is Dottore seeing himself as different/worse than other people? Anyways, if we take the fairytale at face value it means that he tried to live amongst other people for a while, but still hated himself for being a monster, and hated others for not being able to see it.

In the fairytale's version of events, Dottore sees Scaramouche getting along with the foxes, and gets pissed off. In reality, Dottore had already joined the Fatui at that point. Did something similar happen to Dottore in the past, though? The Feather of the Pale Flame set mentions that he was chased away from his hometown, which doesn't really give enough detail.

I doubt we'll get these answers for a long time, probably not until Dottore becomes playable.

In the next couple of scenes, we see Wanderer! Throughout this archon quest so far, I'm thinking that we'll undo the damage Scaramouche caused and give him proper therapy (tm) or something that kickstarts the costume change. It was after our conversation with Nahida, seeing that she wasn't aware of Scaramouche before we told her that I realized that this change would be permanent. I have mixed feelings about this, although most of them are positive (but more on this later!!)

Wanderer is... really good-natured. He works without pay, just because the shopkeeper let him shelter from the rain once. At some point though, when we're trying to convince him to come with us, it seems like he has a flash of insight? It wasn't brought up again, but after that, it seemed like his personality changed a bit... I'm still confused about what that was, lol.

After that, we journey through memory lane. I really like the change in direction when it comes to trial combat in stories. Before, it felt a bit contrived, like the story was just finding reasons for us to enter a dungeon with that story character. (Don't even get me started on Eula's dumbass story quest.)

This felt really natural, though, and IIRC Nilou's story quest didn't even have a real dungeon (just a small scene where she beat off some enemies). I prefer this vastly to having a mediocre or poor story + a proper dungeon.

Back to the fight, Paimon's "Hey! Are you done yet!?" to Wanderer as he was having a mental breakdown had me in tears 💀💀

I loved the scene of him grabbing his past self's hand, as well as his past self holding onto his hand. He speedran Fischl's whole Persona 4 sequence and did it in the nick of time 🥇

He wasn't able to reach that distant light he saw, but in the end, by accepting his past self -- Scaramouche's anger and grief and wrongdoings, he created his own light, and in turn, received an Anemo vision. (Does that mean, then, that Anemo visions are given out when people are able to accept their circumstances? Or is it still something else? Vision discourse has been a thing since the start of this game and all of the explanations I've seen or come up with have felt "sort of right, but missing something still." I can't wait til we get the answers to these questions, if ever)

And after all that, at journey's end... our gremlin (tm) has returned. 🎉

...He even lets us choose his new name! I like how for certain names, he rejects them outright lol. (His reaction was kind of muted though lol, I was expecting a little more than "You can't be serious 😑")

After I spent 140 pulls on him to bring him home, I was all for calling him Scaradouche, but in the end I settled on... Tsutsuji.

I have a lot (tm) of feelings about Wanderer's story. I'm sad that Kazuha no longer has as strong of a reason to show up where Scaramouche does (more best boi content is always welcome thank u), I'm happy that Wanderer and Nahida are now canon buddies/coworkers, and I'm apprehensive and curious because WHAT WAS THAT ENDING WHO WAS THAT???

One of the more prominent feelings I have about Scara's story is a deep sense of sadness. Scaramouche could not accept who he was, and erased himself as a result. However, Wanderer, a completely different person at that point, was able to accept Scaramouche.

While it's definitely not a 1:1 comparison, I'm reminded of a story I read years ago, "Star Lover."

For such a short story, a lot of things happen in it -- but the part I'm most concerned with here is the idea that to truly recover from past trauma, it had to have never happened at all.

Tsutsuji, one of the main characters in "Star Lover," embodies this idea, which is where the name comes from.

Would things have been better for Scaramouche he sat down and worked through his issues, instead of "running away" to become a completely different person? It's hard to say. After all, it was only through Wanderer that he's eventually able to come to terms with his past.

In real life, people try to find meaning in their trials, purpose in their trauma. Weighed down by emotions, they push their way through creeping ivy and waist-high water. There's an ingrained philosophy that "trauma is an opportunity to come out stronger."

To be clear, this is not a bad philosophy. In fact, it's the only way many people have to move forward.

But... what if you never had to experience that past trauma at all? What if you could just undo it?

Neither Scaramouche nor Tsutsuji waded through a bog of their past trauma. In Scaramouche's case, Wanderer was able to do it for him. In Tsutsuji's case, it was like it had never happened at all.

If only we could do the same in real life.

Other Random Thoughts:

The "Inner Irminsul" area was beautiful. I remember thinking before that Sumeru was going to be very nature-focused, seeing as it was the land of dendro, but I am really really digging the added high-tech aspect as well, from the story to the landscapes.

After seeing Niwa's death, Scaramouche mockingly asks if we're actually worried about him. He says something similar in the previous archon quest ("hmph, those words make you sound like a friend who actually cares.") little shit

I counted three Lumine "wtf !!!" faces this quest

"The wisest leaders are fated to end up with the best helpers" ASDFGHJKL; INJECT THE SCARA NAHIDA FRIENDS/SIBLINGS CANON STRAIGHT INTO MY VEINS

I really loved this quote as well: "The past is set in stone, but you can keep moving on. And the longer your future lasts, the shorter your past will become, until one day it is but a tiny fraction of your life." ;-; Nahida best girl

While the quote is uplifting, it's also quite bittersweet... what if you want to hold onto your past self? Plus something something passage of time becomes faster the longer you've lived. Someone like Zhongli would probably be pained when reminded of this quote/truth.

The last part of this story reminded me of No Way Home, a little bit. But while I hated No Way Home, I loved this. I think for NWH I was too sad about Peter losing literally everyone who knew and loved him?? For Scaramouche lmao it's not like anyone loved the Balladeer (except for Niwa and the others hrngggg). Poor Niwa, it's not like things really matter anyways because he's dead but there's something so sad about Wanderer feeling so guilty and sad about his friend's death, whereas Niwa in this new reality doesn't even know who he is.

Ik I mentioned this before but who ???? is the voice at the end? I'm so excited and curious to find out more about them, and about what it means for the story as a whole.

"Fate is called as such, for it cannot be changed, nor can it be reversed. It can only but be accepted." <- This quest really ended up being a textbook example of what Mona says, huh. I guess this is also related to what the mysterious voice said at the end? That things can't really be changed in Teyvat.

I wonder if that gives the Teyvat simulation theory more credit... aaaaa it's all so interesting

Also, what if information was rewritten in Irminsul before? Nothing enormous events-wise could have been changed (unless the people who make the "rules" that nothing big can be changed ARE the ones who rewrote something) but it's still interesting and kind of frightening to think about!

What if Irminsul was rewritten more than twice and we weren't around to witness it, meaning that what's done is done. It's not like it really matters, because it's a video game, but... well. If it ever comes up, it'll be an important story reason, but we likely won't get the whole story about what happened in the "past"/alternate world. Even though it's just a game, it's exciting and scary, to think of the interesting stories we could have seen, but wouldn't be able to.

[mixer460]

God, I was finally able to come back and publish something after so much time, well, now I decided to draw something related to my new story.

Genshin impact my oc

)

[genshin-squabbles-and-wobbles]

The Forgotten Maiden || Part 1

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Character: Zhongli

Type: Angst, and tragedy Content: You are the God of Light, you were once Zhongli’s beloved lover as he promised his full heart to you before his departure to the archon war, however, once he returned, he was injured and lost his memory of you. You figured out that he fought the god of memories and the impact of this fight affected his memories of you. 

[ Please don’t repost, this is my original story. ]

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You were standing alone on Starsnatched Clift, reminiscing events of the past. When you realized he hasn’t remembered you, you tried everything in your power to help him remember. Pictures, monuments, structures, even silly contracts that you and him made together as jokes. Nothing. Helplessness is all you felt now. You lost your home, your lover and your self in one day, without protest. The moment you saw he was happy in Liyue, seeing his friends, eating at restaurants, was the moment you decided, maybe it is for the best.  He as another life now, and you don’t have the right to intrude on that anymore. He is happy and that is all you want. Ever since then, it’s been about 1000 years since you’ve seen him. You avoided him. Him? No. You avoided heartbreak. You now wander Teyvat alone, helping Travelers, and using your powers in little ways. Bringing light onto struggling trees and plant, helping the sun shine brighter, Lighting up dark places, and helping in other small ways. I guess you can say you were a traveler yourself. Your light can help any flower grow despite the circumstances.  You were living a isolated and quiet life until you met Lumine and Paimon. You accompanied them in bounties, commission, and helped them collect certain plants. However, Lumine requested your help with something that makes you nervous.  “So, what do you say?” Lumine says with sparkling eyes.  “U-Um, I am not sure, I haven’t been in Liyue for a while, and for a reason at that.” You responded, nervously.  “What reason would that be? Paimon is curious.” Paimon pushed on the subject a little farther.  “Haha, that is a secret.” You smiled, saving yourself from your history being exposed. “Why do I need to go to Liyue to grow glaze lilies? I can just grow them here and harvest them for you, friend.”  Lumine continues to explain. “Well...I am helping Mr.Zhongli, He wants to collect these things. I tried to sing to them but not much luck. So was hoping you could have better luck.” You signed and looked towards the side. You thought about it a bit. Do you really wanna see Morax right now? However, it has been a 1000 years, you feel like you have given up and you won’t react to these situation the way you used to. Maybe, you can handle it... You were so wrong, you can’t handle it. Just as you arrived in Liyue harbor through Guili Plains, you felt so much emotions. Liyue was a place that hurts being in. However, you kept yourself together, for Lumine, a friend. You two continued to traveled through Liyue, looking at stores and restaurants. Liyue really has prosper, throughout the years. You made some mental notes on revisiting some areas for yourself later.  You were enjoying the view, until-

“Mr. Zhongli, I found someone who can help with the Glaze Lilies!” Lumine said happily and looked at you. 

You froze, his outfit was different but he still had the same face. However you sense him as a human now, rather then a god. You wanted to hide, and disappear. You hated this, you hated Liyue, you hated him. You sucked it up and gave it your best smile, despite the heavy heart of a face you used to kiss. A face you desire more affection and touch from. Seeing his hands, that hands that used to touch you, hold you, your face -- you desperately tried to hold back you desire to touch him familiarly. You really were touch starved. 

“Ah, you must be the proclaimed “Light Maiden” I have been hearing so much about, your adventures have seem to help people all around and about.” The tall brown gentlemen with formal attire greeted you through rumors heard. He had his arms crossed, and closed his eyes thinking about all the information he has heard about you. This happens to be enough to perk his interest in you and the powers you have. This made you feel knotted in your stomach, you wanted to avoid him in all cost. You want, no interest at all.  You smiled and tilt your head a bit.”L-Light Maiden?” 

“Yes, have you not been aware of your reputation?” He said with his hand to his chin, forever pondering your being.  You did a light hearted laugh. “Haha, no, not at all. I just offer assistance to whoever needs it.” 

Zhongli nodded.”Virtue is one of the best languages to be spoken, it brings only greatness to those who have it and those you gives it.”  Lumine smiled and redirected the conversation. “ Let’s head to the glaze lily field, we shouldn’t hold up on this any longer.”  “I agree, lets.” Zhongli agreed and began to lead the way. You followed quietly but tiredly due to this meeting. Or well “Reunion”. They lead you to a dead field, with only glass, but no glaze lilies.  “Here?” You asked and looked around. “ There are no Glaze lilies here.” You placed your hand on the ground.  “Yes, unfortunately, it’s rare to find them in the wild, humans grow them artificially, however, it’s been years since I’ve seen one grow outside of Liyue like this.” He explained, retaining his experience with the blue flower.  Lumine chimed in. “As you guys do that, Paimon and I will go get the Bell from Madam Ping!” She smiled and turned away, leaving you two alone.  You signed at this condition and circumstance you are in. You want to leave and want this to get over with. Despite it being night time, you looked around, seeing for spots to grow a batch of Glaze Lilies. You worked quietly trying to ignore Zhongli.  You placed your hands together and a bright sunlike hue glowed from it, it grew brighter like it was a mini sun. You held it over the dead dirt area as Glaze lilies started to grow to a full adult at a fast pace.  Zhongli all of a sudden spoken out curiosity and awe. “ You truly do have these powers.” 

You scoffed, “Did you think I was lying?” You said gently and continued your work.  Zhongli, “No, not at all, my apologies if I came off that way. I merely was just speaking my thoughts. These Glazed Lilies looks like the finest I have ever seen.”  You chose not to respond and kept on working. Zhongli continued to speak. “ This reminds me of the God of Light, it has been said that she was a kind god. However, she fell into depression once she lost her lover had lost memory of her and she went into hiding.” You froze as the light you were using went out in a second. “I see.” You checked the flowers and kept the back of your head to him. You tighten your fist. 2000 years of grief have been building up in you.  “It is still unknown who her lover i-”

“What do you know?” You instant cut him off and spoken to him harshly.  Zhongli stood and looked at you. “It seems I might’ve upset you with this topic.”  You turned your head to give him the coldest side glare you have ever given him. “You know nothing Morax and you will still continue to know nothing.”  Zhongli unfazed, standing still. “Seemingly you knowing my true name can signify that we have some history together, Though I can’t tell who yo-” “NO ONE! I was never anyone to you! You forgotten me 2,000 years ago, the one day in the centuries I come to see you, you start spouting nonsense about me to my face.” Despite it being 1000 years since you saw him, he forgotten you 2000 years ago, at the end of the archon war. You tried to help him remember you for 1000 years, but once it was no use, you left. Thus, not seeing him for the second half.

Zhongli widen his eyes in surprised at your sudden outburst and claim to being the god of light, even more, him being the lover that forgotten her.  You started to tear up, you were so angry, and spiteful. All these years and this is what you got? Of course, you knew better, he didn’t remember you, but that only makes it worse. It got even worse that he stood there unfazed with an unchanging expression, as if he is trying to assess the situation. Frustration. Years of Frustration quells upon your throat. All he could give was his silence. You weren’t expecting him to magically get his memory back but deep inside, you hoped for some flicker of recognition of you in his eyes.  You took a deep breathe and turned away. You lost your cool, and now very heated. You immediately walked away and disappeared, you’ve had enough, leaving half grown glazed lilies along with a seemingly uncaring man. 

[adeptusappreciation]

Kisses - First

“I don't know how this skill would help me fight, but will I need it?”asked Xiao. “You never know; anyway, you get your face really close to theirs,” you say, as he leans in closer. “And don't forget eye contact as you are leaning in-” you ramble on to Xiao. But you begin to think he isn't really listening, and he wasn't. He was just thinking about doing it with you. He wondered what it would be like to press lips with yours. “Xiao? Are you listening to me? You're so red," you laughed. "O-oh yeah, sorry, please continue.” You continue to describe how and what it's like to kiss to Xiao, but you couldn’t see him slowly leaning closer. Xiao jolted his face forward, grabbing your face, kissing you. “L-like that?” He said quickly, cutting it off and turning his face away so you couldn't see him so flustered. You sit there, replaying it in your head over and over, your cheeks growing darker and darker still.

a/n sorry it took so long, school got me dead atm

trying more dw

[clambuoyance]

Most of these are from January. Anyways I like these guys I forget they come from a gacha game 99% of the time

[manybluez]

Finished Sigewinne's story quest! Only comment: AAAAAAAa 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 The writers delivered 🥹 oh melusines

[evercelle]

mysterious, and surprising.... let the magic begin!