#starks in teyvat

[brynn-lear]

When Cuckoos Throw Ores [Yandere!Jing Yuan x Reader]

Questionable Overview: After transmigrating to Teyvat, you and Jing Yuan had lived like family on your shared apartment as getting-by descenders. But, you made an error too grave. You hid the anonymous love letters you received from the person you should’ve trusted the most— and now you’ve got yourself a broken mind. [Fic written for May June]

CWs/tags: yandere themes, isekai, moments where you wish Jing Yuan just committed murder instead so it would hurt less, mentions of failed childbirth, nadia & vlad are adorable, implied hysteria, cute n' wholesome beginning w/ found family to "man... man.", gaslighting gatekeep is JY's passion.

"I'm an adult, Jing Yuan! I think I have the right to leave as I please."

Have you ever been so incredibly fascinated by such a mundane object that all worldly noise drowns?

"The right to trample on my heart? To leave me to drown in my despair while you obsess over a single ore without a single thought for me? I must say, it doesn’t seem very sound. Stay put while I call for Doctor Baizhu."

Have you ever had your hand reach out ever so slightly without you realizing such? For your fingers to curl— for you to seize a trinket as though you were compelled by an existence— an idea higher than any mortal comprehension? As though it was fate? As though it was a fruit you weren't meant to take a bite off?

But the most mundane of all…

"There’s no need! Because great General and Emanator of the Hunt Jing Yuan—"

Have you ever lamented a life that "never" happened?

"— I have the right to mourn the happy ending you took from me!"

Though those uninitiated will rehash the root of events in your arrival to the chasm, the most knowledgeable would start the accounts from your arrival to Teyvat.

You did not step foot alone.

When your worldline was destroyed, so, too, was Jing Yuan's. 

Lady Ningguang greeted you both with a good measure of skepticism. You were both "descenders.", though it was soon made evident that your origins are different. He was from "Xianzhou Loufu," and you were from "Earth."  Course, despite your shared tragic circumstances, not everything shall be handed on a silver platter for unfortunate souls. Ningguang was kind enough to provide you both with a shared apartment complex near the fishing port and since then, you and Jing Yuan had a bond not so dissimilar from siblings. He got a job as a general, and your current position is a little more flexible than your previous one.

Whatever principles and studies were available in the previous realms you lived in, they were carried over in Teyvat. Each word circulating about Jing Yuan’s undefeated sword and lance techniques makes you smile; he, in turn, would enthusiastically applaud your sold artworks and STEM innovations. It makes you wholly embarrassed every time he makes what is supposed to be a celebration of his mission’s success into a congratulatory speech for what you’ve done in the same timeframe. Didn’t matter how minute it was. His comrades had already considered the long-standing tradition as a not-so-private joke.

His lack of personal praise worries you sometimes…

There’s a stark difference in your approach to this new life. You mourned for yours being gone; while he doesn’t speak much about his.

“No rush,” he'd say. “All truths shall reveal itself in due time.”

You know about his world, though vaguely. He has a striking resemblance to the character from Honkai: Star Rail. Course, that implies he had gone through similar ordeals as the character. 

“I am an old man, there is nothing for me to grieve.” He told you once. “I have… already witnessed comrades pass, and then some. Have you encountered the phrase: there are fates worse than death?”

Jing Yuan closed his eyes.

“I… find it easier to assume that it might be the only way to put old conflicts to rest.” He shook his head and downed his final shot of baijiu. Yuan sighed, tasting the aftermath in his breath.

“It’s better to put a permanence in death than another forced rebirth.”

He poured you a shot.

"Some memories are better left forgotten. And that applies to you, too."

Whatever he said felt untranslatable to you, hence, you gave up on making more inquiries. If the day comes and he wishes to open up, you'll be there for him anyway.

Or so you thought.

“Heard you’re planning to add another medal to your jacket.” 

Jing Yuan nearly halted from tying his long hair up. You watched his shoulders tremble, likely from trying to compose himself.

“Ha! You've heard a half-truth, I wasn't scheming on anything, it was merely handed to me.” His tone was calm, but you heard the well-hidden smugness.

You shrugged and sipped your coffee nonchalantly. 

… You seriously wish his uniform didn't hug his form that good. Just staring at him makes the room feel degrees hotter. 

You cleared your throat.

“I didn't say anything about schemes, Jing Yuan. Suspicious.”

“Oh?” He hummed, almost sultry for your ears.

…Curse him and his damn beatific smiles.

This playful banter is as natural as the dawn of day. Rather than spending the early morning getting ready for the day, you've both grown accustomed to teasing the other person. He, in his finely ironed uniform, and you, in your comfy pajamas. 

“Since when have I besmirched my name by squandering time? Rude of you to imply that slothfulness rules over my life.” Jing Yuan joked before he moved another piece. “You wound me, dear (Y/n).”

Due to the nature of the conversation, you hadn't thought of your next move much as you continued to probe him. “And what exactly are you doing right now instead of reporting to the Qixing, General?”

He smirked. “I am on-duty, am I not?”

“By talking to me?”

“I have been bound by mundane duties in both my past and current lives, and I must say, engaging with a Person of Interest such as yourself has not only been productive but also mentally stimulating.”

You paused. 

Person of Interest…?

Might as well curse him and his fancy cursive way of implying something too. 

Your nose scrunched. “Are you saying I'M on the Qixing’s watchlist?!—”

“Not in a bad light; don’t worry your pretty head over such menial matters,” he ruffled your hair as he craned over, gazing at your disgruntled morning expression with a loving vigor. “They have an eye for your talent. No Ministry would ever obsess over a clean criminal record.”

You grumbled as you attempted to fix your hair, despite lacking any energy. “Thanks, that calms me down. Especially with the talks about criminal activity on the rise and all.”

He laughed at your snarkiness.

“Is this your best attempt at prying information? I must say, your current occupation suits you. I can now place a finger as to why the thought of Lady Ningguang hiring you as a profiler put me in tremendous unease.”

“Oh don’t be a prick, Yuan.” You chuckled heartily as you gave him a playful slap— which he no doubt avoided. “But seriously, can’t you tell me more about what’s happening?”

There were no further words needed. Such rumors had been on the forefront of the people’s minds: a group of rogue “mercenaries” had found new temptations in banditry— and had the nerve to stew misfortunes on the main harbor itself. As a newly enforced general, Jing Yuan had, of course, been subjected to handling this situation under the ever-watchful gaze of the Qixing. A challenge, as he likes to label it. Whatever helps him sleep at night, you’d reply.

Although, it would certainly soothe YOUR insomnia better if he were to divulge even a hair-sliver of detail in regards to how “safe” this mission truly was.

“(Y/n), there is no cause for concern.” He pulled back, placing his hands on your shoulders. “You know my repertoire— else I wouldn’t consider you a close friend.”

Your heart ached for a second.

In small snippets from the multiple conversations you’ve had with him, you knew he kept his list of close friends few. There’s always a hint of guilt in his voice when he talks about those named Baiheng, Jingliu, Yingxing, and Dan Feng in passing. 

“And I’m just worrying over you,” you lightheartedly glared and waved your hand dismissively. “You know, like a real close friend.”

You both grinned in unison as if telling each other that neither would back down from this “argument” any time soon. He snorted and messed your hair up more. Over the time you’ve spent in each other’s company, your near-telepathic way of conversing has become quite an eerie issue for other mutual friendships. 

Not that either of you minded this. It’s always nice to be understood. 

“I know that look in your eye. Don’t add a part two from last night’s horror stories, please.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave,” he buttoned his jacket. “Last reminder before I go: you have arranged a meeting with Nadia this afternoon.”

“Thanks,” you huffed. “But unlike you, I don’t sleep in and forget my schedule.”

You swore that even after the door was closed, you heard him chuckle yet again. After that, he was gone.

Honestly, with someone with a “life-loving” temperament like him, you’re unsure if he’s easy to please— or too damn good at faking it for his good.

You heard soft knocks against your window.

Slowly, a grin forms on your lips.

“Hello, little man…” You cooed as you stood up and opened for not only the fresh Liyue morning breeze to enter…

But for a diligent little cuckoo bird to deliver its very special package as well.

You’ve always had a soft spot for animals…

“Hmm?”

Your eyes softened as it dropped its parcel and leaned its body against you, warming itself by sitting cozily on your window ledge. This little bird is quite the skilled messenger— always dropping by as soon as Jing Yuan takes his leave. As to why it suspiciously arrives as soon as he is gone, you’re unsure. Such a sneaky creature; you can’t help but adore it.

That’s not to say its deliveries are not as equally charming.

You chuckled as you elegantly unwrapped the ribbon. The letter was elegantly written in a scrawl you’ve familiarized even with eyes closed for the past months, yet it still holds an intensity that makes your heart flutter. 

There it was. The two words that keep you going better than any coffee brew.

“My dearest, (Y/n),….”

“Another letter from Vlad, I’d hope?” You sneaked from behind.

Nadia yelped, hitting you almost immediately. The delay was surely from being on a lovelorn cloud-nine, but her Fatui training that earned her last name definitely should’ve made you double-think.

You shriveled at the pain and she awkwardly cradled you.

“Oh shucks— I’m so sorry, (Y/n)! I-I didn’t realize it was y-y— Don’t scare me like that!” 

“Sorry! Sorry!” You hissed, blaming only yourself for the stinging aftermath. “I-I’ll get over it.”

Nadia guided you to the empty seat beside her. As soon as you were seated, she wasted no time to spill.

“The contents were far too adorable for my heart, oh, dear Tsaritsa, you NEED to read this.” 

An eyebrow was raised. Saying you had a suspicion that something like this would happen would be an understatement— when it came to Nadia, it was more like routine. It had been regular for you and her to get together at least once a month to chat over letters that you both received. Nothing about the time you spent with her was dull. She's the reason you adapted to the Liyue way of life so well. As you were both foreign to the culture— you and Jing Yuan are admittedly the extreme cases— you and her were eager to recount experiences in times of distress. And times of pure unbridled lovesick joy, such as this.

“C’mon, pass it.” You tried to say cooly, but the glimmer in your eyes betrayed your high school-like excitement.

“Same time.” Nadia huffed. "Can't have you gatekeeping your own letter!"

You pulled out yours from your purse.

Nadia wasn’t the only one with something to present to the class. This is just like a teacher forcing students to read their discreetly passed notes out loud. 

Nadia has her Vlad.

You have your Nay Jung I.

Instantly, you both suppressed a giggle in the abrupt exchange.

Nay Jung I. You know little about him, and that intrigue keeps the fire going. When you see a white cuckoo passing by the window, you immediately know it means well. A sight that makes your heart skip a beat. Instead of pushing eggs, it slips a love letter whenever Jing Yuan isn’t around. All coming from a man you can’t track down.

That’s right.

You have a secret admirer.

As you read through the middle of Vlad’s letter for Nadia, you heard your very-much-an-adult friend bite back a squeal in front of you. Nay Jung I may sound like a feminine name, but he was a man. You could’ve sworn you saw Xiangling laugh from the corner of your eye as Nadia tugged your sleeve around like a fool.

“Oh my God?! He wrote that?!” Her lips were akin to wobbly lines toddlers would draw when mimicking the sun’s rays. 

“I find myself constantly catching glimpses of you in my daydreams, my mind flooded with what could be— what should be. Forgive me for my selfishness, but I fear it won’t take long before I can no longer bear the thought of being without you… What?! That’s so SWEET?!” Nadia clutched your love letter tightly, eyes wide as though she was the recipient.

Xiangling, bless her soul, had to peek behind her.

“I wish I could have the courage to reveal myself to you. When I doubt myself, my thoughts turn to you… Aww… I wonder who Mister Nay is and what did you do to get him this in love?” Xiangling playfully pouted, which made Nadia grin wider, almost teasing her. “Geez. When will I get a boy to send me letters?”

“I’m sure you’re going to get one or two someday. A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right?” Nadia shrugged as she folded the paper and hid it. “Plus, I fear you’re too young for this.”

“Careful, Dia, she’s the one preparing our food.” You joked.

Nadia has grown more friendly to locals for the better since you started sharing meals here. Everyone knows the feelings between her and Vlad were mutual— but neither of them was willing to confess. With Nadia hoping he initiates, and him densely hesitant on whether she reciprocates. One of them can end this phase should they abandon pride or cowardice.

But Nay Jung I?

You can’t find his records anywhere… And he had told you that it is a fake name by your fourth letter, much to your chagrin.

So, you’ve settled with this arrangement. For now, you are both friends, despite knowing he has feelings for you from the start.

“Mister Nay definitely has it bad for you, Mx. (Y/n).” She gave you a closed-eyed smile. “You need to write back immediately! The man’s probably starving for it!— Oh, right, the pot!!!”

As the chef rushed back after being distracted, you gave Nadia’s letter back to her.

“Any chance of rain?” You asked.

“Cloudy with negative one percent chance that I’ll run to Northland Bank and confess to Vlad.” Nadia spoke sheepish;y.

“That’s at least five percent higher than yesterday.”

“Well, this last letter was adorable.” She swooned.

“Mx. (Y/n), you seem incredibly free at the moment, care to have a chat?”

You turned to look at the new person who joined in.

Fur coat, a distinct mole placement, a sharp haircut, and eyes self-assured enough to conceal their need for urgent assistance, it has to be none other than—

“Miss Yelan,” you gave her a polite smile. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Nadia sat up straight, shifting to her work mode. “Is there some business you require from the Northland Bank?”

“I have no quarry with you, Madam Nadia, what I do want—” Yelan tilted her head, her eyes calculating. “Is to speak to (Y/n) in private.”

You paused, recalling the conversation you had this morning.

‘I have been bound by mundane duties in both my past and current lives, and I must say, engaging with a Person of Interest such as yourself has not only been productive but also mentally stimulating.’

Maybe this is what Jing Yuan was warning you about this morning.

“Fine, I concede.” You sighed, swiftly snatching your letter from Nadia’s hands and tucking it inside the pockets of your inner jacket.

“Lead me to where you most need me.”

Over the years you’ve spent on Liyue, you’ve had another habit you’ve been nursing on the sidelines.

Epigraphy.

Better yet, it’s for the sole purpose of decoding ancient artifacts. Before you were transmigrated into Teyvat, you found that inspecting artifact descriptions and reading through lore strewn in notes and dialogues were a great part of what made playing Genshin Impact enjoyable. You devoured theories whether they were from YouTubers like Ashikai or other CCs who were eager to unravel and analyze myths from different civilizations. To be inside THE sandbox was the greatest treat. If your friends were here, you have no doubt you’d have plenty who’d look and try to pick apart Mister Zhongli’s brain.

Unfortunately, you never managed to catch his eye.

And the biggest misfortune of all, you caught Miss Yelan’s instead.

“It’ll take me a few weeks to decipher and solve this puzzle…” You told her hesitantly. “And I can’t guarantee anything either.”

Yelan only tilted her head. Strands of her hair hid her expression, and the only body language to be read was the way she played with the die on her fingers. You wondered if she was deciding your fate by giving it a roll…

You looked at the inscribed walls.

A man with horns… and his partner wearing a long hanfu… His partner… Reminds you of a beautiful cuckoo bird.

You sighed.

When she bargained for a chat in “private”, the Chasm was the last location you had in mind. Even more, it did not occur to you that she aimed to use you as a translator. For a language you only learned a few years ago.

You knew you couldn’t exactly deny a member of the Qixing, especially with how much you carried a moral debt for Lady Ningguang, so you agreed under the condition that Yelan wouldn’t snitch to Jing Yuan.

He might just give you the silent treatment if he found out you were here.

But back on the walls and the puzzle mechanism in the middle of the room…

Both were seated under the shade of a tree… 

Each holding a cup of tea…

“Damn it, why me?” You cussed out loud.

You seriously want to tell her that she should’ve chosen Zhongli. 

Not that you’d know that Yanfei begged Yelan to hire you for the job.

Yelan made her dice vanish. “If you need further assistance, and by that I meant necessities such as food and water, call for Wenyuan or Shanghua. They’ll materialize right in front of you.”

On the next wall, the horned man tightly held his partner, with tears falling from his eyes… His tail was more apparent in this depiction, but there were crystallized ambers and statues all around…

Like they were running…

Away from him…

You faced Yelan.

“Yelan, can’t you call for someone else—”

You blinked.

She was gone.

You don’t like being here.

You don’t like this cave.

You’re not sure whether you liked the fact Yelan invited you here. On one hand, you were grateful for the opportunity, but at the same time, you thought yourself unqualified for whatever piece of ancient Liyuean history was waiting to bite you in the ass. 

It didn’t take a genius to know that whoever the drawn man was, he was a force to be reckoned with. You played enough Genshin to know that yakshas are not to be trifled. If this ended up as an Azhdaha scenario, you wouldn’t want to be the nameless NPC who died along the way.

Should’ve commissioned the traveler.

As you progressed in your decoding, the texts were beginning to gnaw you. 

“Have you heard the tale of Lady ███ ███?”

You trembled at the thought.

Curse Jing Yuan and his ghost stories.

The story wasn’t even that frightening.

What got you was how Jing Yuan sold them. He had preached it as though he had been a witness. It’s just a typical unnerving tale to keep children alert, but he had always been far more persuasive than you.

“When she and her husband were out exploring, her husband left her while she sired his heir. He left her there to die.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes narrowed. You quietly applauded his commitment to the bit. Should you not know any better, you would’ve thought he hated that man more than anything.

Like he was seething with jealousy.

“Some claim he hid her there to fight for a war, some say it was out of love… In my eyes, it was an unforgivable neglect.”

Jing Yuan claims sharing ghost stories was a common occurrence from when he used to teach his disciple. But you’re not an idiot. You can sniff out a reason why he loves to bring these stupid tales.

“Days felt like a prison tally. She had forgotten what it felt to live in the sun.”

“She lived only by fulfilling basic needs. No matter how thick the mud was, no matter what was within the soil— all she could do was bitterly swallow what was to come. She bit her tongue on the ever-growing famine— and wished that her child would survive.”

Jing Yuan does not want you anywhere near the chasm.

“So when it was time to give birth, she had no assistance. She pushed her child out as hard as she could, and laid an empty egg.”

Before you could even ask why a human would lay an egg, Jing Yuan continued.

“But they both passed away.” 

“Legends say, that’s the reason why the lumenstone ore glows. It contains the watchful gaze of a scorned mother and unborn child…”

“And if you aren’t careful, you too—”

“Could be trapped inside it.” 

You scoffed.

Was the tale stupid? Depends on who you ask. Was it sad? Sorta. Was the thought of two ghosts— possibly more— watching you as you were forcibly dispatched to read through The Chasm’s secrets terrifying? Given the dark and brooding atmosphere, it was a quiet yes.

“Hmm? I— I solved it…?”

You blinked.

Maybe you still retained your skills as a Genshin player. Anything for a luxurious chest is what you would’ve said. And yet, it still baffled you that one did appear.

When you unlocked it, you saw no “primogem” like you quietly hoped (it would be funny if you unlocked a wish function, but that’s unlikely…)

Instead, you found a dusty ore.

“Great.” You muttered dryly. “Just what I needed.”

It was amber in color, same as the clothes the man wore in the wall paintings. You’re at a loss on how you should report this to Yelan.

“Better than nothing.” You spoke, laughing slightly. That sounded like something Diluc would say. You should buy a dandelion wine after this hard work.

Quickly, you fished out the gloves in your pockets. It was made of nitrile, which should protect the ore from possible oil and moisture from your hands. Yelan was very insistent you wear it.

But as soon as you touched the ore…

Your consciousness slipped away.

There was a man in front of you.

But you couldn’t see his face. 

“Dearest ███ ███…” The horned man smiled delicately as he sipped his tea. “It has been centuries since our first wedding ceremony. Do be honest with me, do you still hold the same passion as before.”

These memories appear to you in a blur.

“No, I do not.” You heard your voice say as the man’s shoulders slowly deflated. His amber eyes looked down, and his smile began to strain.

With two fingers, you lifted his chin.

“If anything, my love for you has grown stronger,” you spoke. “For you and I shall never let our draconic instincts dull, and our union will be the greatest treasure we shall hoard in this never-ending flow of time.”

“…/n…!”

One hand took his scaley hand and the other held his cheek, caressing softly.

“Promise you shall return?” You heard yourself mutter, this time weak and hopeless.

He leaned against your palm, purring as though it might be the last time he’ll savor your warmth.

“You know I do not make promises, ███ ███.” He spoke firmly. “What I keep are contracts. And I have vowed to make you happy, for as long as I live.”

“…(Y… (Y/n…. snap… out…!”

“Contracts normally sound so cold, but your honeyed voice makes it sound so romantic.”

“You know well, my love, in all my years, I’ve witnessed endless contracts and agreements. Whether it was tangible or verbal— each one was a significant chapter to someone’s life.”

The horned man softly detangled your fingers from his long brown hair and kissed your hand.

“But only one brought forth complete change. Our matrimonial agreement. The contract we signed gave me the most happiness. I’ve never signed a happier contract than this one.”

“And I share the same sentiment.” You cooed, almost cheeky. “And I hope our future child shall feel our love as well.”

He rested his head on your shoulder and sighed.

“The day shall come, my love.” He spoke. “Just wait for me, until I fulfilled what the Heavenly Principles desires.”

“Of course,” you hugged him back. 

“I shall wait for you, my dearest…

“(Y/N)!!!”

You flinched.

Suddenly, you’re not in the mountains. You’re not hiding under the shade of a tree with warm-hued leaves. You were…

You were sitting on a patch of grass, just outside the chasm.

And Jing Yuan is mad.

He had a cold unmerciful glare. His built frame towered above you, casting a large shadow. It was already nighttime. Normally, only the moonlight and the lamps from afar should be the only source of light here, but his golden eyes seemed to glow. As though it was ready to call forth an entity you were not prepared to face.

You know the depths of his anger. Years of living inseparable from him has made every communication almost telepathic and that hadn’t changed. You can read it in his breaths, in his stiff and tall posture, in his unnerving gaze.

He is threatening you to spill. Saying without words that:

There are fates worse than death.

But your pulse was steady. But your breathing was calm. But your expression was blank.

You weren’t terrified.

And you can read that deep down, that scared the General more.

“Nay Jung I…”

For a moment, Jing Yuan’s eyes widened— as though there was something he was the only one privy to knowing. His face had a mix of surprise and disbelief before he steeled himself.

“Nay Jung I?” He scoffed. 

“What of him?” Jing Yuan asked.

“He’s my soulmate.”

As soon as those words left your mouth, brief incoherent syllables sputtered out of his mouth. You evoked more emotions in him this time around. You saw flashes of shock, what seemed to be happiness, hope, and then utter confusion.

“...What?”

“I saw him.” You said, calm. “I saw him as soon as I touched that rock. My soulmate— he had long hair and eyes like a dragon— I think he was a dragon, and so was I. I think my soulmate is in Liyue and he’s hiding behind the name Nay Jung I.”

Jing Yuan opened his mouth, before thinning his lips.

This time, you were certain.

He was not only mad. Jing Yuan was sorely disappointed.

“I understand…” 

You know the expression on his face. You read him like a discipline you mastered in epigraphy. He thinks that… 

You have gone “cuckoo.”

He turned around, no longer facing you.

“I’m sorry then, (Y/n).” 

Jing Yuan does not sound sorry to you.

“What for?”

There was silence for a moment, before he spoke again, voice bitter and vile.

He was not sorry.

He was furious.

He was hurt.

He was jealous.

“Nay Jung I is the leader behind the past terrorist attacks.” He paused. “And I killed him.”

You haven’t recovered ever since.

Every medical “professional” you’ve encountered told you that you were hysterical. That you just hallucinated what you saw. It isn’t possible that the visions you saw were Nay Jung I anyway. 

Maybe they were right about the last part, you don’t want to believe it. 

It was in your instincts. That man had to be your husband in the past. Who cares if you came from another world? Maybe you were an Expy. You had to be. That person— the one who reminded you of a cuckoo bird in those walls— had to be you in another universe. 

It had to be.

Your real soulmate is out there.

And Nay Jung I isn’t dead.

But you’ve never been good at persuading others.

Soyourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveit—

“General Jing Yuan, is (Y/n)…?”

Outside the apartment, Mister Zhongli and Jing Yuan stood by the window, peaking at your form. You were so engrossed by your inner conflicts that you couldn’t hear them.

“They’ll… move on from you, eventually.” Jing Yuan spat back coldly. “I’m not the God of Contracts, but I keep promises that do not fail.”

Zhongli’s face crumpled in anguish.

“May I ask a question? Just to sate a bit of curiosity, of course.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes narrowed. Zhongli took that as a yes.

“Are you Nay Jung I?” He asked. “I did not see his name on the list of the deceased criminals—”

“Yes, he and I are the same,” Jing Yuan silenced him. “Nay Jung I is an anagram of Jing Yuan. You can reorder the letters and confirm it for yourself.”

Originally, Jing Yuan had hoped to woo you with a romantic tale of an anonymous admirer. But, in your delirium, you had mistakenly believed that Nay Jung I was the same man in your visions. 

It was repulsive.

Never before had he wished to scream so loudly. He had not felt this much anger when he discovered the crimes his old friends had done. He had not felt as betrayed as when you claimed love for Nay Jung I, but it was not him.

He wanted to summon the Lightning Lord to destroy Liyue right then and there.

It was a frustration he had never felt before. Not when he was training with Jingliu. Not when he was scolding Yanqing. Not ever.

But Jing Yuan was not an impulsive man.

He prides his patience.

He prefers to scheme quietly rather than flashing bold moves.

Jing Yuan sucked in a breath between his teeth. 

“I suppose it’s my turn to ask.”

He shut the windows and Zhongli’s heart ached as he could no longer see you.

But then he turned to look at Jing Yuan.

And he knew…

Jing Yuan is much older and wiser than he looks.

“Tell me, Rex Lapis,” he spoke sharply. “Did you wed this world’s version of (Y/n) (L/n) and leave her and her child to die?”

…

…

…

That silence was enough.

Jing Yuan’s private investigations behind your back were right.

In the vast “multi-verse”, there is a version of you that married this dragon who descended from his Archon status.

“I... have wrought upon them great suffering. I am unworthy of their affections. Should a day come where (Y/n) enacts the fury of my wife and child on their behalf, it will be justly deserved.”

Zhongli did not further elaborate.

Whatever happened in the past, it still haunted him to this day. Lingering in the back of his mind, dulling his self-confidence and wits. Maybe it’s why Yanfei thought you should investigate the cave. Maybe she wanted the alternate version of ███ ███ to come back.

But she's gone.

Jing Yuan took a step closer.

“Your wife is dead, Rex Lapis. They are my (Y/n), not yours.”

“I-… I know.” Zhongli— no— Morax spoke, voice laced with grief. “I know she and (Y/n) are not the same, however, I…”

Another step.

“If you wish for their happiness, you will continue to not speak to them. You have done enough damage.”

Morax closed his eyes mournfully. “I am well aware of this”

Another step.

“Let me take care of (Y/n). Let me make them happy.”

And another.

Jing Yuan stared deep into Morax’s soul.

In all his years of living, it didn’t occur to Morax that he’d find another familiar cuckoo again.

But it wasn’t his wife.

Jing Yuan took another step.

This man in front of him was pushing and pushing…

“Let this conversation be a verbal contract,” he said. “That I, Jing Yuan, vow to make (Y/n) happy, and that you, Rex Lapis, shall step down as a final way to atone your sins of uxoricide and filicide. Do you accept?”

Like a cuckoo throwing an egg off the nest.

Forgive me, dearest ███ ███.

I am unworthy of you, let alone this alternate incarnation of yourself.

Morax inhaled deeply. He remains in his head, yet he can't escape the present. The more time he spent searching inside himself for solutions over his approximately 6000 years in Teyvat, the more evident it became what the sensible path of action was. With open eyes, Morax welcomed the return of the present. He observed the vivid hues of existence. In the vicinity, he heard Jing Yuan's pet cuckoo bird. But most of all, he felt his age.

Whatever time was appropriate to dream of a family— it had long passed him.

I am but an old man who deserves to fade away quietly.

And he…

Has the same vigor Morax once had.

That obsessed look.

That tight, suffocating hold.

Just like staring at a reflection of himself, centuries passed.

Jing Yuan, too, was a man depraved. Worse, he is a man who lost everything, clinging only to (Y/n) as his only solace in Teyvat.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan took a walk with you, with one arm draping around your shoulder to ward off those he deemed unwanted.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan brags about you with his men in each available opportunity, socially claiming you his.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan glares at someone who got too close when he thought you weren’t looking, pushing suitors away.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan rarely talks about his story and would rather talk about something you had done, making you a large part of himself.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan only cares about you, and not even a sliver for himself.

He would rather not see him destroy himself the way he had done long ago.

And just like that, the General got rid of his greatest rival— Liyue’s archon and your husband from another life.

He is out of the nest.

“I accept.”

May June can now message Jing Yuan

[yandere-3-sagau]

Yandere!SAGAU x Secret!Creator!Reader Part 2.5

Short Summary: After encountering a group of hilichurls on your way to Inazuma, you discover the benefits that come with being the creator of Teyvat. (i couldn’t sleep so i decided to keep my flow of thoughts going.)

characters: Xiao

warning(s): blood, violence, heart attack, ooc characters, xiao being weird

Previous | Next

─── ･ ｡ﾟ✧: *.☽ .* : ✧.───

You’re on your way to the harbor, pushing Grandpa Fuyi in his wheelchair. The grass crunches beneath your feet as you put a bit more force in pushing him. The two of you travel on the outskirts of the town away from the dirt path that leads to the main town.

Not long ago, a deep feeling told you that if you were to enter through the main town you’d definitely run into Zhongli. Just the thought of it sent shivers down your spine. To avoid being seen, you decided to take a detour.

As you’re walking, you see a group of hilichurls resting with their weapons laid by their side. You slow your pace, being very careful with your movements…but as your eyes scan the area, you feel your heart drop in your chest. Not far from the group of hilichurls, you see the large figure resting against a tree beside them… a mitachurl.

It’s your first time ever coming across one and even from a distance away you can tell how large they really are. Their size in real life is incomparable to the size you’ve seen on your screen. The sheer size of the monster makes you freeze in your tracks. Sweaty hands tightening on the handles of Grandpa Fuyi’s wheelchair, you slowly begin to back away. However, the squeak of the wheels, albeit quiet, is enough to wake them.

They, jump up, alert. Their eyes immediately turn to the two of you, snarls echoing into the air. The mitachurl wakes as well, the ground shaking as it jumps up. Their loud roars wake Grandpa Fuyi up. He realizes the situation you are in and you can feel how hard he’s shaking through the handles of the wheel chair. You too, are filled with terror, not only in fear of your life but for Grandpa Fuyi’s.

Despite his fear, he yells at you.

“R..Run… run away!” His voice finally snaps you out of your trance and you quickly begin to wheel him away as fast as you can. But your pace isn’t fast enough and Grandpa Fuyi knows this as well.

“Child… leave me…”

Your eyes widen and when you process his words, a tear falls from down your cheek. The glittering crystal falls to the ground as you continue running.

“No!” you tell him. Your voice is shaky, a stark difference to Grandpa Fuyi’s which is surprisingly steady. It’s as if he’s accepted his fate.

“It’s alright… I’ve lived long en-“ you interrupt him immediately.

“Are you insane?!”

You keep on running. You hear a low hiss in the air and you stumble, cursing when you feel a sharp pain in your back. You head twists, glancing down behind you to see golden blood dripping from your clothing and an arrow sticking out from your lower back.

Your pace slows from the pain, sweat dripping down your face. You can hear the footsteps grow louder and the ground shakes heavily from the mitachurl’s stomps. A slight turn of the head tells you that it’s too late to run as the mitachurl has caught up.

Unable to run any longer, the gears in your head turn fast as you think of way to get out of the situation. The mitachurl is only a few feet away from you, your body now filled with adrenaline.

The mitachurl swings his club, you can feel the wind as it comes down towards the two of you. As a last attempt to protect him, you shield Grandpa Fuyi with your hands up, hoping to take the majority of the blow.

Just as you feel the club collide with your arm, a golden light blinds you. The light clears and all of a sudden you see the monsters launched away from you, slamming into the ground, their bodies slowly disappearing.

Who… who saved us?

Your eyes scan the surrounding area for your hero, until you realize that it’s only you and Grandpa Fuyi. Realization sets in and you stare at your hands in shock.

Did I… was it me?

You’re snapped out of your thoughts when you hear Granda Fuyi gasping. You turn to see him grasping at his chest. It seems like the weight of the situation finally weighed down on him as his face is scrunched up in pain.

“My chest…” you kneel by his side, eyes wide. You panic once more, not knowing what to do. He’s having a heart attack.

Amongst your racing thoughts, an idea flashes in your head.

I-I’m the creator, you think.

You stare at your hands before placing them on his chest. A few seconds pass and nothing happens. Grandpa Fuyi’s groans of pain continue, frail hands clawing at your hands on his chest.

Your pillar, the one person to help you, is dying and you can’t do anything about it. Your hands shake, tears falling down. The tears harden into crystals, some bouncing off onto the floor, the others piling onto his legs as you lean over him. Grandpa Fuyi is too dizzy from the intense pain that he doesn’t even notice.

The time you spent together flashes through your head. You think of the times he helped you, the times he stayed awake late at night to comfort you when you couldn’t sleep from the fear of unfamiliarity. His kind smile and his corny jokes that took you a while to even understand.

As you’re lost in your thoughts with your crystal tears still steaming, a small light suddenly flashes from where your hands are placed against his chest. Letting out a gasp, you wait for the light to die down.

Grandpa Fuyi begins to relax and his eyes flutter shut. Your heart drops in your chest. It isn’t until you hear the soft sounds of his breathing that you realize he’s fine. You let out a cry of relief, resting your head on his knee.

Finally, you start to calm down and your breathing evens out. However, as the adrenaline leaves your body, the pain starts to sink in. You reach for your back, flinching as you feel the wooden arrow stick out. You curse, unsure of what to do. You know if you pull it out, blood will rush out like a champagne bottle with the cork popped off… but if you try and get help, your identity as the creator will be revealed.

Your eyes squeeze shut for a moment before you open them and grab a shirt from your bag. You rip the shirt into strips and roll up one of the strips into ball. With a deep exhale, you reach for the arrow, hoping for the best. Your hands pause, scared of the pain that is soon to come. However, with no other options, you force yourself to build up courage.

Finally, you rip it out, the pain of your skin tearing causing you to cry out. You can feel the blood pour out of you so you quickly press the cloth ball to your back and apply pressure to the wound. You wince and bite your lip to silence the scream you want to let out. Using the other strips from the ripped up shirt, you clumsily wrap the wound as best you can.

Finally finished, you let out a sigh, the pain still radiating from your body. After a bit, you realize you’re still out in the open with the sun almost completely set. The danger starts to sink in again, so you stand up, ignoring the pain. You wipe your hands, thankful for your black clothes that hide the golden blood stains before rushing Grandpa Fuyi to the harbor. As you rush, you forget to clean up the crystal tears and puddle of golden blood you left behind from the disaster you just experienced.

Filled with desperation and the need to leave Liyue, you don’t notice the figure standing on a hill not far from you, watching as you leave.

—

Xiao was doing his nightly rounds when he heard the echoing stomps of a mitachurl. He quickly rushed over to the danger, spear grasped tightly in his hand.

He arrived just as the mitachurl attacked you. Xiao cursed, seeing the mitachurl’s club collide with your arm, thinking he’s too late.

However, he’s shocked by the golden light that erupts from your form, knocking back the monsters and destroying them with a bright flash.

Xiao’s feet are locked in place as he finally takes a good look at you. At the golden liquid that seeps from your body and the crystal tears that pile on the ground. His heart is pounding in his chest so hard, he swears he can hear it.

Is he hallucinating?

He’s trying to make sense of what he saw but by the time his racing thoughts slow down, you’re gone.

Dazed and unsure of reality, he slowly shuffles over to the place you were just at, the scent of blood growing stronger as he draws near. Xiao drops to his knees beside the puddle of blood and tears. His hands shakily touch the heap you left behind. A choked gasp leaves his mouth as looks at the warm, golden liquid on his hands. Just by touching it, Xiao feels like his karmic debt has somehow lessened just a bit.

It’s you… it’s really you…

He’s delirious, unable to control his actions as his hands scoop up more of your blood, bringing it close to his face as if he wants to cover himself with the proof of your existence.

Xiao wrestles back his self control and his rationality returns. Though he’s able to calm down, the need to see you remains. Xiao jumps up to his feet, ready to chase after you but he stops in place.

What would he say to you?

That he knows you’re the creator?

What would you think of him?

Surely you’d be disappointed with him for not coming in time to stop you from getting hurt. Xiao doesn’t think he can handle it if he saw you stare at him with disappointment. Just the thought of it makes his heart clench.

Although he’s reluctant, he fights the urge to follow you. It takes a while and several deep breaths but he’s able to tame his impulsiveness. Now, somewhat calm, he bends over to collect your tears, very carefully placing them in his pocket like they’re his most prized possession. After collecting your tears, Xiao leaves, intending to share the news of your arrival with the other adepti.

—

You arrive at the harbor, breathing heavily. Grandpa Fuyi is still fast asleep. With a slight limp from the pain, you go around asking each of the ship members which boat you can take to Inazuma. However, each of the ship members give you the same answer.

The only ship leaving for Inazuma is the Crux. Despite it be being black, your clothes are still soaked with golden blood. You’re unsure if you can handle the chance of meeting both Beidou and Kazuha without them noticing anything. You want to give up but the radiating pain from your wound fills you with a sense of urgency that forces you to accept.

That’s how you find yourself in the lowest deck of the Crux, surrounded by sleeping ship members. Grandpa Fuyi lays on a cot by your side, not once waking up from his deep sleep.

You wait for a while, making sure every one is asleep before heading to the small bathroom. There, you take the time to thoroughly tend to your wound as well as wash out the golden blood from your clothes. As the last of it slips down the drain, you stare at yourself in the mirror, thinking back to all of the events that occurred.

You start to wonder, what other powers do you have?

You decide to experiment. Thinking back to aspects of the game, your thoughts land on one of the most useful devices… waypoints. The traveler is able to use waypoints to go anywhere they want in Teyvat. Deciding to put your powers to the test, you think of a place you want to go to. You rule out Inazuma, since the Crux is already on its way there.

Still unsure of any limits you may have to your powers, you decide on somewhere nearby, hoping that if it does work, you’ll still have enough juice to teleport back. Although you feel a bit wary on entering Liyue again, there’s a part of you that doubts the teleportation would even work.

This doubt allows you to close your eyes and concentrate. Your mind forms the image in your head and you feel a sudden rush of power. When you open your eyes, you’re exactly where you imagined, inside the Wangshu Inn.

You smile widely, excited over having discovered a very useful power.

“Y… Your grace,” a voice full of wonder calls out to you from behind. Your head snaps to the side, all excitement draining just as quickly as it came.

Xiao’s yellow eyes are wet as if he’s about to cry. A loud thud reaches your ears as he drops onto his knees in front of you. Ever since he saw you, your image was constantly on his mind. Because of your sudden appearance, he thinks that truly heard him, his desire to see you so deep that you decided to answer his prayers. His eyes are filled with an intense admiration and a twisted sense of worship.

“I-I… It’s an honor-“

“Fuck.”

Previous | Next

[yandere-daydreams]

Title: Opening Night.

Pairing: Yandere!Lyney x Reader (Genshin Impact).

Word Count: 1.2k.

TW: Sex Doll AU, Non-Con, AFAB!Reader, Heavy Dissociation, Obsessive Behavior, Slight Manipulation, and Implied Stalking.

Distantly, you could remember how excited you’d been to be invited to the showing.

You’d opened the invitation at your desk, surrounded by a small group of your more friendly coworkers who’d go on to clap and cheer and promise a round of after-hour drinks after you finished reading out the snippet of text scrolled across the cream-colored cardstock. You weren’t special - a small legion of journalists would be invited to write puff-pieces on all the new models and decide which androids were going to be in fashion next season - but you’d loved Teyvat as long as you could remember, spent more of your free time than you cared to admit doing research on robots you’d never be able to afford, not on a salary like yours. It wasn’t a world-changing, earth-shaking accomplishment, but it made you happy. It was something you wanted, and it was something you’d finally gotten your hands on after years of waiting.

You couldn’t remember when your excitement had started to wane. You were still wide-eyed and slack-jawed when you stepped into the venue, an old opera house restored and decorated to better suit the Fontaine Collection’s high-luxury theming. You hadn’t been able to bite back your smile as you kissed the back of a refitted Focalors’ hand (or, Lady Furina’s hand, as she told you to call her in a tone you could only compare to that of a newly-crowned monarch still drinking in her subjects’ attention), and watched Clorinde’s fencing demonstration with the sort of rapt attention most people would save for famous idols and athletes. Even after you lost your photographer in the crowd, your heart skipped a beat as Neuvillette (the brooding, stoic type of this line, you were sure to note when you next found a minute to yourself) offered you a flute of champagne that you readily accepted, and when a roaming Lyney-droid pulled you to the side and offered to show you magic trick with an irresistible glint in his eye, you didn’t think twice before looping your arm through his and letting him guide you to an all-but abandoned backstage area. You thought you might get something exclusive, something to separate you from the crowd of influencers and tabloids who weren’t afraid to promise features that the approachable beta models only half-confirmed. You thought you’d be safe with a premium-grade android hanging off your arm.

Maybe your excitement didn’t wane at all. It’d been there one moment, then gone the next, replaced with a dark coil of dread and some kind of dizzying, vision-blurring nausea. The sharp corner of the vanity bit harshly into the backs of your thighs, the mirror pressed into your back slowly sapping the warmth from your skin and replacing it with something else, a numbing chill you couldn’t seem to shake. Your clothes had been torn to shreds, left to scatter across the dressing room floor, but Lyney was still fully dressed, fully composed; the palest blush painted across his cheeks and his lips ever so slightly parted but all other signs of arousal, of embarrassment absent. You made a mental note to work that into your article. The new models seem to have a shared sense of unwavering confidence– a stark contrast from their more reserved predecessors from Mondstadt and Sumeru. Maybe you’d be able to get a quote from their handlers, if you ever made it back to the show floor.

You’d have to give Lyney his own section, titled something your boss would have to talk to HR about: Teyvat's New Magician is Good With More Than His Cards. You could only feel half of what he was doing to you, shock dulling your already limited senses, but the fingers drawing loose patterns in your clit was near-overwhelming, the feeling of his synthetic cock splitting you open inescapable, unrelenting. He didn’t need to breathe, to worry about things like soreness or bruising or cramps, to do anything but thrust into you at a pace so erratic, so unyielding that it left little room for you to do anything but lie there and take it. His hips were pushed flat against yours, his tip grinding against something soft and unprotected inside of you and drawing out a ragged gasp, a cracked moan. Out of reflex, your hands shot to his shoulders, nails digging into whatever you could reach, and he let out an airy laugh, leaning closer and encouraging you to hold him tighter, to see if you could tear through the faux-skin Teyvat so often advertised as ‘invincible’. That would make headlines, even if it wasn’t likely to cast you in the best light.

His free hand drifted from your hip to your side to your cheek, his knuckles brushing underneath your chin before he cupped your cheek and pulled you into a deep, lingering kiss. His saliva was flavored, though you couldn’t say what it was supposed to taste like. Cotten candy, maybe – so cloying and sugary, all specifics were lost to the sweetness. It suited him. If you’d been able to use your hands, you would’ve applauded his developers for their attention to detail.

When he pulled back, he was smiling. There was another kiss to the corner of your mouth, then another to the corner of your jaw. Finally, he settled against your throat – his grin so broad, you could feel his perfect teeth resting against your jugular as he spoke. “They told me I’d be able to find a master tonight. The others aren’t ready yet, but I am. They worked the hardest on me.” He was bragging, transparently and unabashedly. In any other situation, you might’ve thought he was trying to impress you. “I knew it had to be you the moment our eyes met. So cute, so easily impressed – I knew you just had to be mine.”

He seemed to perk up, to catch on something. He pressed the pad of his thumb into your clit, and your entire body jolted. “No, no, that’s not right,” he went on, shaking his head. “I’m supposed to be yours.I keep getting that mixed up.”

Faulty programming? It’d be a scandal if it got out, and moreover, it’d be a massive payout if Teyvat decided they preferred to handle things behind closed doors. You bet they’d done it before. Maybe you’d look into that, later on.

Your back arched violently, another pitchy whine bubbling up from some forgotten cavity of your chest. As if in response, he inhaled sharply, buckling against you in the throes of simulated pleasure. His pace sped up, his teeth latching onto the curve of your neck, but any pain it might’ve caused was lost on you, blurred and distorted by the thick rope of tension pulling taut and snapping in the pit of your stomach. Your climax washed over you in slow, throbbing waves, and Lyney was kind enough to pretend he was lost in the same agonizing bliss, to act like that was the reason he was bucking into you so violently.

To act like he had an excuse to do this to you.

He fucked you through your orgasm, eventually stilling inside of you. With his body slotted against yours, his teeth still buried in your skin, he lingered there, only drawing back once your breathing had started to slow and deepen, once you’d stopped shaking underneath him. Even then, he didn’t let you go, didn’t leave you to cry your eyes out in an empty dressing room. Rather, he pressed a quick, fleeting kiss into your forehead before beaming at you - the light in his eyes so bright, you could almost forget it wasn’t real. “I’ll introduce you to my sister. I’m sure she’ll like you, too.”

Right, his sister, Lynette. You hadn’t seen her yet.

She and her twin brother weren’t supposed to be revealed until the show at the end of the night. You doubted anyone had even thought to power them on, yet.

“She’ll be as happy as I am to know we’ll be leaving with such a lovely master.”

[yandere-romanticaa]

Humor me a little.

A door appears in front of you. You instantly recognize it, being the same pale white door from the Genshin Impact loading screen.

You have the option to open it, step into Teyvat but there's a catch. You can never go back here, in your own world.

Stepping into the world of Teyvat would surely give you fresh new opportunities, lands to explore and colorful people to meet. Perhaps you could discover something new about yourself, something that you could have never even thought about if you stuck around in our own world.

A light breeze beckons you, tempting you to just push. You can feel the endless sea of possibilities right in front of you, all of which are just so close, they are so close you can have them all.

However, you're suddenly kissed by the warm rays of the sunlight and hear the cozy laughter of children close by. Pulling out your phone, you skim through all of the contacts in it and keep going back to all of the memories you have made with all of these people. Some are good. Some are not. But even so, those memories, these people, they have made you into what you are.

If you choose to forsake them, they will assume that you are either dead or missing. Or, perhaps your existence would be outright erased from this world in its entirety.

Not to mention the fact that, Teyvat is not a complete paradise. Many ancient and old mysteries lie dormant beneath its starry sky, many of which speak your name in earnest but is your survival truly guaranteed? What's to say that you will not be killed by someone - or something - the moment you step foot into that glorious land?

There is also the fact to consider that you would never be able to obtain a Vision. Visions are granted to individuals only who were born in Teyvat, which you are not.

Of course, there are other ways you could obtain power. Perhaps you could find yourself a teacher and study pyromancy, hydromancy, alchemy or any other form you see fit.

The canvas is stark white, all yours to paint.

Are you ready to take the brush? Do you want to take the brush?

You have two choices - do you come to Teyvat, forsake absolutely everything and everyone you have ever known for a chance to experience something both beautiful and horrific at the same time? Or, do you stay here, in the place you call home, where all of your loved ones are? Our world isn't so bad, perhaps you could meet someone new here... But that door will never appear in front of you ever again.

Ever.

What will it be, Traveler?

[abyssruler]

to you, who loved me most

scaramouche x gn!reader

four snippets, four drabbles, four realistic takes on popular tropes with the person scaramouche was before he became the wanderer. or — soulmate au, time travel, reincarnation, and isekai with the sixth harbinger.

character death (reader), scaramouche being a horrible person, implied dark themes

SOULMATE AU - soulmates share each others’ pain

For as long as you could remember, your heart has always felt hollow. Empty. Your mother once told you that your soulmate must have a heart disease of some kind—but no, this isn’t pain. You know what pain is.

Pain is the electricity crackling through your veins, sharp pinpricks like a thousand needles trying to protrude from your skin. It is staying up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep because of the ache in your joints as if someone is pulling you apart only to glue you back together, like one of those porcelain dolls you always see being sold at the market.

You know what pain is, and it is not the apathy you feel when you discover who your soulmate is. It is not the stark-white heat that overcomes you as your soulmate’s hand pierces your empty, hollow chest.

Pain is the ache you finally feel in your nonexistent heart, a moment before you close your eyes.

And you’ve never known comfort—you’ve never known a lot of things—but you think comfort is the arms that hold you as you choke on your own blood. Comfort is the cold chest against your cheek as you breathe your last, dying breath.

Comfort the voice in your ear, a whispered plea, an apology, one last wish for you to stay.

TIME TRAVEL/TIME LOOP

It’s pointless and foolish and he’s a monster, and you know you should stop coming back, stop greeting him with that same smile you always give whenever you first stumble upon him, dazed and confused and so, so kind and innocent after awakening from his slumber.

You should run from those deceptively angelic looking eyes, but you can’t. No matter how many times you’ve died and come back—the amount of times you’ve died by his hands—you can’t stop coming back and hoping that this time, maybe it’ll all turn out different. That this time, he’ll turn out different.

And perhaps this time, he’ll finally love you back the way he did during your first loop.

REINCARNATION

It was your fault. You shouldn’t have been so kind to him. So warm and bright and innocent, giving him all you have without expecting anything in return. All he knows is to take and take and take until not even you had anything left to give. And still, he continues to take what he perceives to be rightfully his until you’re carved hollow from the inside out.

But you shouldn’t blame him, it was your fault in the first place. You should have known better than to treat strangers like him so kindly.

He has bound your soul to his. Til death do us part, but Scaramouche will not let even death take you away from him. So even if you decide to take your own life, you can never truly escape his grasp.

In your next life and the ones after that, he will always find you, and you will always love him back until you see the monster hidden beneath the veneer of a pleasant smile.

ISEKAI

You’re here. You’re really, truly here in Teyvat.

The most logical thing to do would be to seek out the Traveler, a fellow outlander who would keep you safe until they reach the end of their journey, but you’ve always been reckless and stupid. So you seek out the most disliked Harbinger and join the Fatui under his ranks.

You thought it would be like the fanfictions you secretly read, where he’d notice you and fall in love with you and you’d live happily ever after. But reality is often different from what you expect.

He is harsh, but not the fun, amusing kind of harsh you once watched and read. He is living and breathing and right in front of you, spitting the most horrid words anyone has ever said to you. You once fantasized the scenario of him being mean to you, back when he was fictional and dreamy and not an inch away from taking your useless, pathetic life.

And as you stood in place, blinking back tears that would send him over the edge should he see it, you wonder why you ever thought you’d enjoy it.

[witch-hazels-musings]

Good morning, Hazel. Could I please have a protection ritual for Kaeya including evergreen, black tourmaline, and frankincense? Thank you

Evergreen (the unexpected), Black Tourmaline (safety, shielding), Frankincense (confidence) Kaeya x gn reader | Protection Ritual warning: alcohol mention, public displays of affection, nervous reader, kiss on the cheek

"Do my eyes deceive me? Surely they cannot be spying what I think they are." Kaeya's silky voice slithered through the voices of rowdy patrons but before you could turn to face him, his arm made purchase on your shoulder while he took a long, slow drink of his freshly made beverage. You could smell the booze, a stark contrast to the one you held.

"And what might that be?" you asked, your gaze fixed on those below you. The music floated jovially in the air and you watched a couple dancing lively to the rhythm.

"My, what else but a sad sort wasting away their evening."

"That's strange."

"What is?"

"I didn't think Angels Share had any mirrors in here," you said, smirking and peering at the Calvary Captain from the corner of your eyes.

Kaeya mirrored your expression before waving his hand next to your face, his arm still positioned on your shoulder. "It would seem rather foolish to do so. My face is far too blinding. Having multiple on display may just cause a riot."

"I guess you're right. Teyvat doesn't need more than one Kaeya."

"Truly it would be far too much to handle," he hummed in agreement, his lips curling into a sly smile near the rim of his drink. You chuckled at his expression and stared at his profile while he surveyed the lower floor. The dim light of the tavern made the rich shade of his hair deepen. Your fingers itched to touch it. He had let you once, play with his hair. He used it as an excuse to be late to one of the Knights of Favonius's meetings. You didn't mind and, besides, it wasn't like they could get you in trouble - you didn't work for them.

Kaeya took another sip of his potent drink and you watched the way his lips moved, how slowly and deftly he swallowed. His attention flickered to you so you looked away and found reprieve in your cup.

A wooden chair scraped against the floor and soon the pressure on your shoulder eased as Kaeya sat next to you, one leg resting on the knee of the other.

"So, did you do what we discussed?" he asked without looking at you, his uncovered eye darting from person to person in the tavern. He may be spending enjoying the tavern, but his work of collecting Mondstadt's secrets never stopped.

You swallowed. "I mulled it over -"

"So, no."

You stared at your drink. "I'm working myself up to it."

Kaeya sighed and turned his attention to you. From this distance, you could smell him, all of him. You leaned back in your chair. "You will forever remain in place if you do nothing."

"I know that."

"So?"

"So what?"

"Are you going to make your move?"

Your eyes trailed over his face, landing lastly on his lips before falling back to your nearly empty cup. You didn't like the taste of alcohol but you wished at this moment you'd gotten something stronger. "I'll figure it out."

"And what if this opportunity slips through your fingers? They may not be available forever."

"I know that."

"And, yet, you remain."

"It's not that easy."

"My innocent friend, everything is easy."

Friend. Kaeya's friend. The words cut so you looked away, down to the couple dancing closely to the music. Their faces pressed against each other. You wanted that - so desperately you wanted that.

"Do you really think if I asked them that they'd - that they'd chose me?"

"They'd be a fool not to," Kaeya answered, his voice steady, clear like crystal. You looked at him but he didn't turn away.

A nervous surge rose in your chest and you let it take over. The cup slammed onto the table next to you, the chair you had sat in - the same one you'd found all those months ago when you saw Kaeya enter Angel's Share for the first time - screeched in protest to your sudden movement.

You turned to him, hand shaking, and extended toward his face. "Then dance with me," you said.

Everything faded. The tavern, the music, the world. All that was left was you, your outstretched hand, and Kaeya.

"What is this?" he asked, the corner of his lips rising in amusement.

"Shut up. Do you want to do this or not because I'm two seconds from running out the -"

Kaeya rose to you, his body somehow towering even though the height difference wasn't that severe. You felt his cool hand take yours and sensed his presence as he leaned in toward your ear. "And here I thought I'd have to see you with another. How relieved I am to know that is not the case," he said, humming with a smirk so sharp you worried it might cut him.

He held you, even after you tried to pull away Kaeya held you there. "People are looking," you whispered, clearly aware of the others staring.

"Let them. Let them see what they can no longer have," he replied before placing a kiss on your cheek and leading you to the dancefloor to show off while you hid your face in his sweet-smelling clothes.

Thaumaturgy Anthology (October 11-13, 2024)

This event is based on spells and rituals. Inspiration does not equal understanding; liberties have been taken. All content is owned by Witch Hazels Musings, theft of these images and stories will result in immediate action.

[milkbobatyun]

naive little puppy

pairing: yandere!albedo x reader

genre: angstober, events, yandere

summary: you were so naive, thinking you could run away from him. but he found you, and now, you were going to become an obedient puppy.

word count: 530

a/n: tell me why writing yandere content is lwk super fun :0

the snow crunched under your boots as you ran, the winds howling through the mountains. snowflakes lashed at your face, your breath forming clouds in front of your face.

a snow storm really was not the right time to run, but the fresh snow would cover your footprints. you couldn’t have him finding where you went.

ice clung to your lashes as frost spread across your frozen cheeks. the cold seeped into your bones as your teeth chattered.

your legs were tired, screaming for you to stop and lie down, but you didn’t have the time. when you left, albedo had been immersed in his experiment but you had only a small window of opportunity before he realised you were missing.

‘if he found you…’ you didn’t let yourself finish the thought. a wave of terror coursed through your veins, more frigid than the wind nipping at your skin, a motivation to keep your limbs running.

in a small corner of your brain, the thought haunted you.

if you didn’t take that chance, you would be forever trapped, once he perfected his experiment.

albedo, with his logical and methodical mind, wouldn’t let you go so easily. he would chase you down to the ends of teyvat to find you. the raw, red imprints of the rope cutting into your wrists and ankles were a stark reminder. even now, you could taste the dryness of the handkerchief he had stuffed into your mouth.

you trudged down the mountainside, your eyes drooping with exhaustion, body shivering with cold. you could almost see the foot of dragonspine. surely, this was far enough.

you sought shelter in a hollowed out tree, its tall trunk providing you protection from the snowstorm outside. with the screaming wind tearing through the mountains, you allowed yourself to slip into an uneasy slip.

what a fatal mistake.

albedo had been furious when he found you missing. while his back was turned, busy creating the perfect solution to your disobedience, you had done the one thing he told you not to do. 

you had slipped out of your bindings, acquiring the freeom you were entitled to. you left him. abandoned him. just like his mother. fury burned in his stomach as albedo stared at the place where you should’ve been sitting obediently. his gloved hands clenched the glass beaker, cracks spidering across the neck of the beaker.

grabbing his large coat, he left his laboratory, venturing into the raging storm outside.

to his twisted delight, the snow had yet been able to cover the deep footprints, crisscrossing the mountain face as you stumbled down the mountainside.

he found you sleeping peacefully, without a care in the world, curled up in a tree hollow.

what a naive puppy. you thought you could run from him.

with gentle hands, he scooped you up into his arms, engulfing your body with his large coat. he would get you back to his lab, to test out his new creation.

“such a foolish puppy,” he muttered, his voice snatched away with the wind. “you won’t ever leave me.”

he had work to finish, to finally turn you into an obedient puppy that listened to him.

taglist (open): @leehanscorydora

∧,,,∧ ( ̳• · • ̳)  © curated with love by milkbobayun 2024 / づ ♡

[ofoceansandtombsanew]

nights like this i wish

cw. 5.3 spoilers, post-natlan archon quest, established relationship

pairing. kaeya alberich x black!fem!reader

synopsis. with the natlan's war with the abyss over, you're finally able to visit your lover's home in mondstadt.

notes. one of the few level 90 characters i have, that's how you know he's a real gem. i haven't written much for kaeya which is a shame when he's my favorite male character in the game and the reason i installed in the first place. so i wanted to write a little drabble for him

"And how are you enjoying your first night in the Land of Freedom?"

Nights are different in Mondstadt.

Crickets singing through the night, the occasional howl from Wolvendom. It's a stark, gentle contrast to evenings in Natlan where it's more common to hear the distant roar of a saurian than a wolf. The throaty rumble of Tollano. Or if you were incredibly unlucky, the declarative war cries of the Abyss. The last of which, fortunately, will no longer again plague your homeland. Nor are you restricted to remaining in your homeland's borders in order to avoid straining the Wayobs.

It's nice; Mondstadt is nice.

"I love it," you beam, falling back into the soft grass of Starsnatch Cliff. It's an aptly named location, you realize. Reaching out your hand, it really does feel like you can snatch the stars right out of the skies. If you ate one, what would it taste like? A giddiness that makes you feel like a child again sweeps over you much like the winds Mondstadt is known for. Kaeya chuckles, watching as you snugly press yourself in the grass. "It's beautiful. I'm happy I can finally see where you grew up."

Mondstadt has welcomed you warmly. In some ways, it reminds you much of your own home.

The poetic words of the bards are much similar to those hailing from the Flower-Feather Clan.

The laidback nature of the people is akin to those hailing from the People of the Springs.

In some ways, Natlan and Mondstadt seem inherently connected. The land of wine and song touched in Natlan's colors. You've wanted to visit long before you ever were aware there was a man named Kaeya Alberich in Teyvat. The founder of the Knights of Favonius hailed from Natlan, after all. From a time before the Night Kingdom, no less. Still Vennessa and her tribe found sturdy roots in Mondstadt, much like the giant tree nestled in Windrise.

Now here you are surrounded by the soft scent of cecilias rather than embercores.

I was born in a lucky lifetime. You never were one much concerned with matters dealing with luck. You aren't able to find any other word to describe it. You were born into a time where you would experience Natlan's victory and live to enjoy it. You'd been lucky enough to come across a gentleman from Mondstadt visiting the Collective of Plenty and Natlan's wine industry.

All these things leading up to where you are now.

"Thinking good thoughts, I hope," Kaeya's deep voice pulls you from your thoughts. He's not wearing his eyepatch for once; a rarity in itself. The starry sky is enough to illuminate his face, though, it isn't absolute. The shadows of his hair still work to keep his scar mostly hidden from your sight. It's still an honor he's comfortable enough to show you, regardless.

Playfully, you give him an incredulous reply, "do you doubt they're anything but?"

"I don't know," he teases, voice wine sweet. "You might surprise me. 'I've already grown tired of the sight of windmills, Kaeya. Take me far from this place. I'm ready for the mountainous terrain of Liyue.'"

"Take me there for Lantern Rite," you giggle, rolling onto your side. You pat the grass between you both, a silent offer. Somewhere between joyful and tired, you watch as your lover adjusts his positioning to lay beside you. "Thanks for hosting me while I'm here, Kaeya. It means a lot just being here."

"Hey now," Kaeya tuts, poking your forehead in his teasing. "What man wouldn't host his girlfriend after she comes all the way to his country?"

"I could have stayed at a hotel."

"Adelinde would kill me before you have a chance to meet her tomorrow if I did that."

That steals another laugh from your lips. You heard many a story about the head maid of the winery Kaeya grew up in. Tomorrow you'll finally have a face to the name. "I'd make sure to vouch for you so she wouldn't. I just don't want to take too much time away from your work."

Long distance is difficult for any couple. Considering Natlan's until recent restrictions, you are sure it was doubly more so for any coupling where half of the party was from Natlan. You'd seen a few relationships crack under that pressure. With Kaeya's own job as a knight keeping him busy, it is anyone's guess as much as yours that you were able to last this long together.

It's a relief.

It's a feeling that's warm.

The smile on Kaeya's face matches it, "you're never a bother to me."

"Even when your friends thought I was your totally-real-Natlanese-girlfriend?"

You both share a laugh at that. Outrider Amber had been more than certain that Kaeya had been making you up all this time. "Especially then," you're sure his diamond shaped pupils are sparkling. "It made their reactions that much more satisfying."

[hydroj1ns]

drunk with venti (fluff)

cw: cute lil makeout, alcohol i guess

isn’t it fine for an ex-archon to let loose sometimes?

venti often goes to the pub go get drinks with you, and the events that unfold each night are more or less the same.

tonight, you two are already on your 6th round, your tab is getting dangerously hefty, and diluc is about to kick you out.

smiling hazily at seemingly nothing, you turn to meet the bard’s eyes. were they always so green? like lone emeralds in a dark mine.

he looks up at you, and you can feel your breath hitch. the apples of his cheeks, drunkenly flushed, a satisfying hue. his glorious smile, smooth pink lips parting just a bit to reveal pearly white teeth. the few freckles spanning across his nose that not many knew of; others don’t get as close to him as you do.

of course, like every night, diluc grabs yours and venti’s arms harshly and throws you out of his bar by your 8th round. the two of you stumble disconnectedly into some alleyway. you pin him to the wall. your thoughts are jumbled, but one thing is clear: you need to kiss him. venti, your drinking buddy. venti, the bard with the prettiest voice in teyvat. venti, who you know keeps secrets from you— those striking green orbs seem like they’ve seen everything that is to be seen.

so you do. your lips are on his, and you can feel the dandelions prancing from his mouth to yours. he begins to reciprocate, opening his mouth to give you access. your tongues meet, and the clash of the different wines you had are like sparks that only compliment the amazing warmth of his mouth.

by the time you come up for air, there is a string of saliva still connecting your mouths, and both of you are panting heavily, cheeks impossibly flushed, and eyes dilated with love and lust.

venti can still feel the cold wall behind him, a stark contrast to the warmth you just gifted him.

this happens every night without fail, and each time it does, he can feel all that you give him inside his heart, where there was a previous vacancy. he no longer needs to pretend to be a happy-go-lucky bard; you gave him authenticity. he writes songs about you now, though you might not know it.

he wants to tell you about his life before you, he really does. but maybe some other time.

[enmasae]

Desire of the fittest - Part 2

Self Aware Genshin Alternate Universe - Guide AU (my own take on sagau)

Previous - Next

Warnings :

Adult content (such as violence, bullying, toxic relationships, cursing, angst, nsfw, and others) and yandere behavior (such as obsessive and possessive display)

Theories and lore informations

Since this is my take on an alternate version of Genshin Impact, I've taken the liberty to include elements that may not align with the game's lore but will make sense in this particular story.

Content : And they were roommates, Totally not illegal business meeting, Casual conversation between a pigeon and a dog, How to deal with your partner's ex

"-and that concludes our coverage of the catastrophic disasters currently happening around the globe. On a brighter note, it was recently announced that the renowned game Genshin Impact will explore new horizons to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Today, we have the co-creator and current CEO of Hoyoverse, Mr. Wei, to discuss this highly anticipated event."

The small crowd attending the live show applauds as the CEO makes his entrance. Despite being in his fifties, the man retains a well-preserved appearance under the studio lights, his bright and confident smile illuminating the room. He nods in acknowledgment to the camera and extends a handshake to the TV host, who accepts it. Gesturing for his guest to do the same, they both proceed to take a seat on comfortable sofas.

"Thank you for having me."

The host eagerly clasps her hands together and leans forward, keen to gather more information about the plans for one of the most popular games in its genre. Even with the passage of time, Genshin Impact continues to serve as a source of inspiration for many and boasts a substantial player base worldwide.

"Mr. Wei, we're delighted to have you here with us."

The company's CEO offers a gentle smile, his composed demeanor standing in stark contrast to the energetic TV presenter.

"The feeling is mutual."

Immediately delving into the topic, the host follows the interview script he was given, narrating the current situation for his viewers and initiating a conversation with his guest.

"Several years have passed since Genshin Impact's main storyline came to a close, leaving fans eager to uncover the reasons behind the event announced on social media. While virtual reality has been, indeed, quite the talk in the gaming community since the release of the new AETHERAL&LUMINUS technology, we're curious to know why Hoyoverse decided to enter the world of cyber technology. What led to such decision ?"

Aligning with the host's expectations, the man in his fifties softened his features, conveying a sense of sadness to emphazise his point.

"You may call it nostalgia but the team and I wanted to provide players with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Teyvat one last time before the server's shutdown-"

"Boring..."

As the television screen dims, the ceo's voice fades into silence. Setting aside the remote, you find yourself drawn back into the embrace of your current companion, reveling in the affection he showers upon you. His lips delicately trace a path from your collarbone towards your throat, eventually meeting your own. As your eyes lock with his, you feel him whisper against your breath, anger kindled by your earlier statement.

"I allowed you to have fun with that descender, isn't that enough ?"

Maintaining eye contact, you seize his shoulder and skillfully shift positions, placing yourself atop him. Taking control, you lift his hands from your waist and secure them above his head. Aroused by the demeanor you display, he decides to let you to enjoy yourself and refrains from attempting to escape your hold. Savoring the moment, you slowly bring your face closer to his, allowing your lips to meet once more in a gentle union. As his lips moves forward to taste yours again, you assertively seize his jaw and unhinge it.

"Since when do I need your approval ?"

He escapes your grasp, emitting a painful cry. Clutching his jaw, he quickly realigns it with an audible crack and assesses its movement. Surprisingly, he doesn't appear overly shocked by your swift anger. He has to admit that he provoked it when he brought up your vessel. Well, former vessel, much to his satisfaction. He never held much fondness for the boy, believing he consumed too much of your time. He sighs while reclining on the couch, bringing you into a tight embrace. His gentle hand runs through your hair as he relish in the scent of your cosmetic products. While he remains unfazed by your unpredictable behavior, he doesn't hesitate to flatter you for forgiveness.

"You don't, but I appreciate when you consider it."

You dismiss his sweet words, recognizing them as mere attempts to please you, yet you accept them despite knowing him. He's an adept at manipulating others, appearing to have their best interests at heart while exploiting them. He creates an illusion of comfort and understanding, yet beneath it all, he harbors disdain for emotional displays. Even while knowing that, you prefer to believe in the distinctiveness of your relationship. You hope that he genuinely cares, even though your own feelings are uncertain. While you're not exactly friends, there's a sense of comfort in being your authentic self with him. Though not lovers, you find solace in holding each other during chilly nights, making the mutual loneliness less impactful.

Neither of you can define what you are in each other's eyes. That's why treating him the way you do comes more naturally, it spares you from overthinking.

"I'll play along, but only if you give me a little favor."

He notices the quiet sadness in your eyes but decides not to mention it. Smiling against your lips, he offers a gentle peck, silently seeking permission to go further. Forehead touching yours, he inhales your essence as you part your lips. Confident yet respectful, he explores your mouth at a measured pace, allowing brief breaks between the playful twirls of your tongues.

"Name it, and it'll be yours."

As you gradually pull back, you notice the man pouting, clearly yearning for the warmth you bestowed upon him. Although his clinginess strokes your ego and you enjoy feeling desired, it occasionally becomes irksome. The aftermath of the previous night speaks volume of how long it has been since both of you engaged in such passionate activities. Given your shared affinity for dominance games, perhaps it would have been wise to dial it down a notch.

"I want to be part of your project."

Instantly, the dark-haired man rejects the idea with disdain, his pout transforming into a disapproving snarl, and his nose scrunching in distaste at the mere thought.

"Out of the question."

Even if you saw coming this outcome, it doesn't prevent the surge of anger rising in your chest when he dismisses your request. In a swift motion, he seizes your forearm right before you could reach for the nearest empty alcohol bottle. While his hold lacks strenght, it effectively hinders you from shattering the glass against his head. Closing his eyes, he delicately brings your hand to his lips, placing a tender kiss on it.

"Losing you would drive me mad."

He might have intertwined his own existence with yours, yet, sometimes, it doesn't seem enough to keep you by his side. The intensity of your fascination for his domain unnerves him. While he had hoped for you to hold a similar affection for the present world you both inhabit, he acknowledges that these dying lands can never exude the radiance of Teyvat. Perhaps it was his error to entrust you with its care in his absence. He should have foreseen it. Even if you claim otherwise, he can only witness how your need for excitement is akin to theirs.

However, the issue resides within him, as he cannot bear witnessing the disappointment reflected on your face. With a sigh, the one who calls himself primordial release your arm and speak in a subdued tone, avoiding direct eye contact.

"Hypothetically speaking, if I were to allow you to blend in among them, what's in it for you ?"

In response to your silence, the man peeks in your direction, observing your bewildered, crunched-up face. Baffled, he lacks the time to react as you seize the hem of his partially unbuttoned shirt, propelling both of you upward. Guiding him to the rolling chair behind his desk, you swiftly pull him into it. Vaulting over the desk, you perch on its surface, placing your feet on either side of the chair's armrests, leaving him nowhere to run.

"You're joking right ?"

Seizing a knife lodged in the table, you extract it with a resounding crunch of the desk's wood. Positioning it beneath your partner's chin, his shaved face provides no shield against the blade. The man chuckles dryly, raising his hand leisurely to grasp the weapon's tip, casually creating some distance between it and his neck.

"Sadly, i don't do jokes."

Releasing the knife, you allow him to toss it aside, observing its slide on the floor and joining your collection of 'toys'. He rises from the chair and gently guides your back against the desk. His hands trace the contours of your body, scarcely concealed by the remaining clothes he didn't ripped apart. His touch eventually lands on your hands, leading them to his face. His colorless eyes delve into yours, restraining unspoken feelings in the air, akin to words on the verge of being uttered. Relinquishing your gaze, his lips caress your ears, whispering his anguish.

"Tell me why you're so eager to go there when you can stay here with me."

Running your fingers through his lengthy ebony hair, lazily gathered in a disheveled bun, you pull his head in front of yours. Removing the hairpin securing his hair, you let it cascade down, framing both of your faces.

"Freedom, Attention, Love, Entertainment... All guides are driven by their desires."

Your thumb glides down his lips, parting them and revealing the piercing on his tongue.

"I'm no exception, Phanes."

The ancient being chuckles softly, his laughter resonating deeply. He allows you to lead him towards your lips, his own already parted and eager to savor the taste of yours once again.

"We both know you're more than that."

While it's true that at times you remind him of those bastards, he can't fault you for it as it's in your nature to act this way. He just needs to make sure you never consider returning to your roots. Despite being the divine one of both, he'll gladly worship your entirety to ensure you remain by his side.

"My sweet partner in crime~, why won't you let me take care of you ?"

You know that if he was given the chance, Phanes would drive you to the brink of insanity day and night, ensuring you forget everything else but him. Unfortunately for the man, you're not interested in such fate. He won't be the one to stop you from pursuing what you want.

"If you truly cared for me, you'll let me go."

At your words, the primordial one rolls his eyes and deliberately collapses on top of you, relying on you to carry his weight. Despite his slender build, you struggle to pry him off from yourself as his arms hugs you close. Unfortunately, all you manage to achieve is getting his hair out of your face. As he rests his head in the crook of your neck, he examines the hickeys he bestowed upon you as gifts from the previous night. Relishing in the fact he has matching ones on his own neck, he yelps in surprise when you tug on his hair and push him to your right. He grunts and sighs, his palm massaging his scalp, irritated with your behavior.

"Oh, yes. Why didn't I think of that earlier ? Allowing you to dive headfirst into an unfair game specifically designed to trap and torture your kind will truly show how much I value you."

You chuckle at his sarcasm, then hop off the desk to head towards your belongings.

"And here I thought you couldn't be funny."

The gentle sound of your laughter coaxes a shift in his grumpy demeanor, replaced with a heartfelt smile. He takes pleasure in the melodic tones and reciprocates with a contented hum. If he were to pick a favorite sound, it would undoubtedly be your laughter, closely followed by the lovely way you scream his name in ecstasy. Yet, his grin quickly vanishes when he realizes what you're holding. Closing the distance in the blink of an eye, he tries to snatch the small device from your grip. You skillfully dodge his attempts, refusing to let him have his way. Seizing his hand, you twist it with a resounding crack, forcing him to drop to his knees.

"Isn't this fascinating ? That such itty-bitty trinket supposedly holds all the rights you wield over Teyvat. Must be so tiny because, you know, there's not much to brag about."

Having an idea of how you got it, he mentally scolds his shades for being too lenient with you. While you marvel at the tear-sized pearl, you remain oblivious to Phanes breaking into a nervous sweat. You might not grasp its usage yet, but he harbors no doubt that if he doesn't reclaim it soon, you'll figure it out eventually.

"I am the sole reason for Teyvat's current state. It's only thanks to me that those fools can enjoy their meaningless life."

He frees himself from your grasp, swiftly snatching back in place his wrist. Glancing up at you, he watches as you casually toy with the device, spinning it around with the chain and frame-like ornement keeping it secure.

"Says the one who prefers to live in isolation while 'his' world steadily erodes itself after each little 'cycles' you make it goes through."

Before Phanes can respond, a loud whistle pierces the air, catching both your attention and his.

"Man, they got you there."

As the primordial one sees one of his shades making himself comfortable on the couch, munching on some junk food he found somewhere, he groans in annoyance.

"Ugh, Istaroth, don't you have better things to do ?"

The man appears to ponder for a moment as he reaches the bottom of his snack bag. Upon realizing the absence of treats, he deftly snaps his fingers, causing the bag to replenish itself as if it had never been touched. Propping his cheek on his fist, he grabs a handful of snacks, shoving them into his mouth and chewing audibly. Observing the snack bag mysteriously being propelled toward the trash can, he hastily gulps down the remaining food, sighing in disappointment. Nonchalantly inspecting his nails, he brushes off the snack's crumbs, seemingly unfazed by the threatening glare from his boss.

"Apart from watching the two of you acting like animals in heat ? Not really."

While you prefer to remain clueless about how long he's been lurking unnoticed, you see that Phanes doesn't share your point of view. Gesturing angrily at his subordinate, his eyes betray a poorly concealed anger as his lips curls in disdain.

"First off, how dare you disrespect our privacy. Secondly, get your mind out of the gutter, we're not fucking, it's just-"

Phanes comes to a sudden stop, taking in the situation before him. With him on his knees, perfectly positioned to reach your pelvis, one could easily think he's about to give you a head job. You chuckle at the sight of him swiftly rising to his feet and hastily adjusting his partially undone shirt. The shade appears unfazed by his boss's embarrassment, having witnessed and heard far worse.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm not paid enough to deal with your abandonment issues."

The dark-skinned man reaches for a bottle on the floor but decides against taking a sip of whatever's left after some consideration. While Phanes busies himself searching for the remainder of his clothes, you saunter over to the shade in a seductive manner. As the divine being catches sight of your approach, he curses under his breath and feigns interest in the bottle in his hand. He flinches when you place your hand on his shoulder, while the other begins to caress his cheek.

"Hands off, sweetheart. I've got a keen sense of hygiene, and I know you didn't wash those hands of yours."

He swats your hand away from his cheek and pinches the other as if discarding trash, tossing it aside. You hum and flop onto the couch beside him, eliciting a grunt from the shade.

"Such perfect timing, Istaroth."

"With all due respect, which is none, screw you."

Glancing at the jewel in your hands, a mischievous impulse seizes you. Tossing the pearl towards Phanes, you watch as he dives to the floor to catch it, exhaling with relief upon success. With his head conveniently positioned at the perfect height for you to lift it with your bare foot under his chin, you compel him to look at you.

"Would you mind persuading your boss to let me do as I please ?"

Taking advantage of your momentary distraction, the primordial one signals to his shade to refuse, mimicking a throat-slitting gesture. Despite being molded from Phanes' flesh, he lacks the soft spot his creator seems to have for you, preferring to keep a safe distance from your antics. Even if his boss were to order him to indulge your whims, he would most likely flat-out refuse.

"Hard pass, sweetheart."

You glance at the divine being sprawled at your feet, examining his little trinket for any cracks. You rise to your feet, causing him to lose his head support and bonk his chin on the unforgiving floor. As the pearl slips from his fingers and starts its daring escape, he's on it like a squirrel chasing a nut, scrambling to catch up. Unfortunately for him, you reclaim it before he has the chance.

"And here I was expecting you'll be the first to want me out of here~."

Istaroth tumbles on his fist and then reluctantly straightens up, a smile spreading across his face's features. Rising from the ground, Phanes approaches you. While his arms gently embrace you, his gaze remains fixed on the jewel you're holding.

"Wait a minute... You want to leave ?"

As his gold-like eyes sparkled with excitement, he might sound a tad too pleased to your liking but you'll gladly take whatever enthusiasm you can get. You firmly press your palm against the primordial one's face, preventing him from reclaiming the symbol of his authority. The sound of his nose yielding under your palm reaches your ears, evoking a high-pitched grunt from him, not that you cared. With determined strikes, you approach the shade, affectionately pinching his cheek as one might do with a child.

"Exactly ! How clever of you ! Good job on figuring it out !"

You grab his hand and swap positions, flopping onto the couch and sending him stumbling towards the god, who's still inspecting his crooked nose in a mirror after you intentionally crushed it. As Phanes shoots a disapproving glance at his subordinate without even turning his head, the shade doesn't get a chance to speak, only receiving a grunt of warning from his boss.

"Not. A. Chance."

With no further resistance, Istaroth raises his arms in surrender and turns around. Displeased with how quickly he gave in, you shoot him a disappointed stare as he flops back onto the couch next to you. Feeling uneasy under your accusing gaze, his eyes avoid yours, darting away.

"Listen, sweetheart. If he didn't listen to you, he certainly won't give a shit about what I say."

Every gaze converges on the desk when Phanes' phone, emitting a distinctive ringtone, disrupts the room, prompting a weary sigh from you. Despite your expectations that he would have gotten rid of it by now, it becomes evident that the voicemail you recorded for him long ago still remains. A cringe washes over you as you hear your own voice trashtalking Phanes to answer the call. Istaroth appears equally displeased, emitting a grunt and burying his face in one of the couch's pillows.

"-fucking bitch ! You better pick up your goddamn phone if you don't want me to shove it down your throat and making you gag like the slut you are-"

A breath of relief escapes you as the deity declines the call upon checking the caller's identity. Unfortunately, the relief is short-lived as the persistent dialler triggers the ringtone once more, demonstrating a fervent desire to speak with Phanes. Having no intention of talking with this particular individual, he forcefully crushes his own phone, ending the incessant ringing. Tossing the damaged device into a nearby bin, he gestures towards his personal notebook to remind him he will need a replacement. Istaroth grumbles into the pillow, clearly irritated but reluctantly acknowledge the directive.

"Noted."

With a tilt of your head, you silently inquire for more information from the god. Phanes, in response, takes your hand and gently guides you to stand, initiating a comforting embrace. Creating a bit of space between the two of you, he delicately retrieves the jewel from the tips of your fingers, all the while maintaining an unwavering gaze with you.

"Don't you fret about such a thing, [Name]. As for your heart's desire, let me take a little while to think it over, and I promise to return with a delightful response just for you. In the meantime, I must have a talk with Istaroth. Would you be a darling and wait for me outside? It won't be long, I assure you."

Skeptical, you emit a doubtful hum, not entirely swayed by his sickly sweet display. Contrary to his anticipations, you don't put up a fight and merely leave the room with an nonchalant wave of your hand. As the appartment's door closes, Istaroth rolls onto his back, casually inspecting his nails as he typically resorts to when boredom sets in.

"Perhaps, it's time for you to let them go."

Regret floods Istaroth swiftly as his blood begins to congeal within his veins, causing him to gasp for breath and emit painful grunts. Collapsing from the couch, he struggles to lift his gaze towards his creator, his vision blurring with the intensity of his suffering.

"And I think it's about time you remember your place. Don't delude yourself into thinking that I've forgotten how you used to help them sneaking around with their ex vessel while I was looking the other way."

The shade gasps for air, sensing his body liberated from the torturous grip Phanes had on it. Coughing, his fist clenches as he swallows down any words that might further sour the mood of his creator. Over time, he has grown indifferent to such torment, losing the will to care or worry about his condemned immortal existence. While there is no hope left for him, there's still a chance for you to embrace the freedom he yearns for. Unknown to the primordial one, he is determined to help you achieve that.

"On the subject of discussion, I better mention this before it slips my mind."

Kneeling down, Istaroth keeps his head bowed, concealing the faint smile playing on his lips. Don't waste the opportunity he's granting you, because even he recognizes that time is running thin.

"Asmoday got killed."

Upon learning the demise of one of his shades, Phanes seizes his subordinate by the neck, pulling him up to his own eye level. Hindered by the contrast in height, Istaroth struggles to breathe, his feet flailing in the air as his creator seems to blame him for the distressing news.

"And by who ?"

Baring his teeth in response to the pain he endures, Istaroth chuckles drily as he struggles to breath.

"I believe- that the fourth descender- actively searching his lost guide within our quarters- is enough of an answer-."

A heavy silence falls upon the room, the air thick with tension. Istaroth's feeble attempt at breathing gradually fade as his creator's grip tightens around his neck. Shortly after, the only audible sound for the shade becomes the echoing reverberation of his own heartbeat in his ears. With adrenaline coursing through him, he looks in horror at the wide and contemplative eyes of his master, engulfed in anger prompted by memories from a distant era. An abrupt gasp resonates as the shade is released, collapsing at Phanes's feet. His heart pounds wildly, eyes wide with fear as his body trembles under the lingering tension.

"You're fired."

As the apartment door slams shut, Istaroth gradually allows his nerves to settle.

"Hourray... vacations."

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆.

　　　.   　　˚　　 　　*　　 　　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　˚ 　　　　 ˚　.˚　　　　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　 　　 　　　　 ✦

"Well, look who it is ! The one and only [Name]. Still on a leash, I presume ? I guess some things never change."

Glancing at the dame lounging on your left, flaunting her arms on the rail, she grins with a wickedness that could make gods blush. You emit a dismissive grunt and slump against the fence, both hands shielding your eyes briefly before giving your face a vigorous wipe, as if hoping to erase her existence. Unfortunately for you, she has no intention of leaving you be. Even though you wish you hadn't, you've mastered recognizing her bewitching crimson gaze, no matter the vessel she assumes. Before you stands Valefor, one of your fellow guides fueled by an insatiable thirst for power. It's not that you despise her more than the others, she's simply an unnecessary pain in the ass right now. Given her impatience, you opt to ignore her until she decides to leave on her own. No need to make a fuss over someone undeserving of such attention.

"Come on, lighten up ! That's not how you should treat your best friend~."

After a nudge from her elbow, you grab your drink and navigate the mezzanine alongside the fortunate few selected players. The sight of their camaraderie before the competition sickens you. Guides, by their very nature, don't blend seamlessly. They never have, possessing too much pride for such alliances. True friendships among them are scarce. Typically, collaborations are brief, driven by mutual benefits before one inevitably betrays the other.

As you weave through the crowd, you notice flickers of recognition in the eyes of some attendees, coupled with hushed comments. Despite the revival of unpleasant memories under their scrutinizing gazes, you maintain your pride, holding your head high. You don't hesitate to reciprocate their side glances, forcing them to avert their eyes. As you head toward a more secluded area of the reception room, you notice Valefor trailing after you, engaging in a few greetings with others along the way.

"Wait- Listen, I really need to talk to you, alright ?"

You sigh at her persistence and come to an abrupt stop, causing her to bump into you. Seizing her wrist, you pull her into one of the VIP rooms and throw her inside, making her stumble before finding her balance. Unfolding a small piece of paper, you ignite it, strange symbols manifesting in the air with a golden hue. Running your fingers together, you cast a brief glance back at the frozen crowd before shutting the curtains of the room. Valefor watches in amazement as the curtains defy the laws of physics, their movement ceasing once you release them.

"Time stopping, uh ? Neat. Is it a little trick from one of your newfound friends ?"

Settling onto one of the cushions, you take a sip of your drink and dismissively ignore her comment.

"I was told by Istaroth that you were advised to maintain a low profile. Guess it was too complicated for a meathead like you."

Taking residence on a couch opposite you, she flops onto it like a toddler and begins playing with the electrical device that allows the couch to transition from a sitting position to a reclining one. Despite of the unsettling noise, you only angrily sip on your drink, at least for now. You're confident that someday you'll get the chance to annoy her in return.

"I'm a guide, I do things my way. Anyway, the little birdie didn't say much about what all the fuss is about."

After finishing your drink, you spit out a small gem resembling a pearl but shaped like a tear, retrieving it from your tongue. At this sight, Valefor mutters a quiet "gross" under her breath before recognizing what you're holding. As you place it on the table, the guide shifts position, perching at the edge of the couch with a broad smile on her face.

"Holy. Fucking. Shit. You're fucking nuts, you know that ?"

You're not crazy enough to snatch the real deal from one of the most powerful gods and keep it for yourself. The little act you staged earlier was merely a ruse to make him believe you'd attempted to steal it and coax him into doing what you wanted. Unfortunately for him, you knew he'd never give in to your demands. That's why you had Istaroth retrieve it for you, but from a far away future. And this is the one you're showcasing now, although she doesn't need to be privy to that detail.

"Phanes expects me to follow his rules, but I couldn't care less about what he wants. So, here's the deal. I'll hand over the little trinket, and in return, you use it to send me to Teyvat."

Doubtful as she should be, or you might have lost all hopes for her, she squints before bringing her face closer to it for a better look. When she glances back up at you, she raises an eyebrow, sensing that something is amiss.

"Why not just use it yourself to get there directly?"

You scornfully scoff and regard the jewel with disdain.

"You think I haven't tried ? It recognizes the one trying to use it, and unfortunately, it only listens to that slut. Even Istaroth couldn't get it to submit to him."

From what she knows, you're more of a whore than he'll ever be, but she refrains from mentioning it.

"And what makes you think I can when not even a shade could ?"

Well, you didn't have much of a choice to begin with. Even though seeking help from one of your kind implies you've hit a low point, you won't allow her to mock you.

"It's a bit of a gamble, but I figured someone with your abilities could tame this little thing. Or is your desire for power nothing more than a joke ?"

As her eyes twitch, you know you've won. There's nothing more effective than challenging a guide to get them to do what you want.

"Deal. But I'd like to ask a question before."

Intrigued about what she might ask, you tilt your head slightly as a silent approval for her to proceed.

"At the very least, was he good in bed ?"

A smirk plays across your face. You hate to admit it, but he's got some skills when it comes to giving pleasure. Not that you'll vocalize it, though.

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆.

　　　.   　At the same time 　　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　˚ 　　　　 ˚　.˚　　　　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　 　　 　　　　 ✦

In one of the storage rooms within the same complex building, an elderly woman joyfully dances to classic hit that was popular in her time. Unfortunately, her little dance session is abruptly interrupted when a star-shaped portal unexpectedly materializes, tearing through the fabric of reality and remaining open long enough for its creator to tumble into the small room, dislodging multiple boxes in the process. Having served as a janitor for the company that owns the building for quite some time, she has grown accustomed to the unusual events that tend to unfold, allowing her to remain unfazed by the recent occurrence. With a frown directed at the spilled cleaning supplies, she removes her large music headset and exhales in mild irritation.

"Really ? This is the end of my shift."

The woman with platinum hair grunts in pain as she slowly rises, her eyes fixed on the prominent wound in her belly, her hand barely covering it. Growing irritated by the raspy voice of the janitor, she flicks her hand, silencing the elderly woman's chatter. The janitor's eyes lose their spark, becoming dull and lifeless, even though she's still breathing.

Limping her way out of the storage room, the injured woman curses under her breath. She loathes the fact that this puny descender caught her off guard, and she vows to ensure it never happens again. But for now, her priority is to get to Phanes. She needs to warn him that a greater threat is looming.

"Asmoday, don't you look terrible."

Disregarding her fellow shade, she attempts to walk past him, only to be halted by a hand on her shoulder. She hisses in pain and bats away Istaroth's hand, her golden eyes cautioning him not to mess with her, even in her weakened state. With an expression of utter disgust, he wipes the blood from his skin, staining his handkerchief, then meticulously inspects his nails for any lingering traces.

"Not that I give a shit, but you might want to consider changing styles. Let's be real here honey, red just ain't your thing."

Not in the mood to get caught up in her colleague's petty quarrel, she limps down the corridor, leaning on the wall for support and leaving gory and bloody marks in her wake. Hearing a snap of fingers, she grunts as she finds herself back next to Istaroth. Noticing the choke marks on his neck and the burnt skin causing his veins to protrude, Asmoday returns the animosity with a venomous retort.

"Have you seen yourself, asshole ? You look like shit that has been stepped on."

The shade dismisses her comment with a shrug as he gazes upward, the corridor lights flickering as if on the verge of fading completely.

"Well, that's what happens when you piss off our big guy upstairs."

Feeling a bit unsettled upon learning their master's sour mood, Asmoday glances at her fellow shade, puzzled about why he's acting like it's the best day of his life. It's been a while since she's seen him so genuinely joyful and carefree, almost seeming out of character. As he looks down at her while she coughs up a little blood, she can feel shivers going down her spine. A cheerful Istaroth is an unpredictable one.

But beyond fear, it unnerves her to see the typically grumpy god sporting such a crappy grin.

"Oh, please. You really thought he'd cut you some slack because you decided to wake up with a dick between your legs ?"

"And yet, you believe that playing the obedient lapdog will save your ass. I wonder who's the delusional one here."

As he peeks at one of the watches on his wrist, his smile tightens slightly. Confused about what he might be expecting, Asmoday's senses sharpen as the building begins to rumble. Glancing at her fellow shade, she realizes it's not just any ordinary earthquake.

"You didn't, you fucking pigeon."

Assuming a fighting stance, Asmoday grits her teeth to push through the pain as more blood seeps from her wound. It's solely due to her powers that she can still draw breath after losing so much fluids. Despite knowing she's not capable of defeating him in her current condition, even with his own bruises, she refuses to meet her end at the hands of a treacherous traitor like him.

"Oh, but I did. Though you're giving me too much credit. I simply distracted the infatuated fool with a threat he couldn't overlook."

The wounded shade struggles to comprehend why he would betray them after all this time. While she understands his disdain for Phanes and anything associated with him, and acknowledges that time holds no significance for him, she still wonders why he would sacrifice everything for you.

"Why go such lenght for them ? They're just a guide."

Istaroth's smile dims slightly as the lights in the corridor begin flickering once more. Glaring down at Asmoday, the shade shows no hesitation as he has already made his decision.

"You see, as for now, Phanes believes you're six feet under. Wouldn't want to disappoint him, now would we?"

With a snap of his fingers, Asmoday collapses to her knees, gradually turning to ashes with a betrayed look in her eyes. Brushing off the remaining dust from his pants, Istaroth hopes that she'll appreciate the scene reminiscent of Hiroshima back in 1945. He hadn't anticipated her survival after what that descender did to her, she's definitely tougher than she appears. Snapping out of his thoughts, he stumbles as the entire building trembles once more. Chuckling, he rejoices in your success.

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆.

　　　.   　　A little earlier　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　˚ 　　　　 ˚　.˚　　　　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　 　　 　　　　 ✦

Inspecting his bloodied weapon, Aether pays no heed to the bodies of the guards who attempted to halt him. Displeased with the fact that the weapon you blessed him with is dirtied by the blood of nobodies, he proceeds to meticulously clean it. Though not entirely satisfied with the results, he glances at the neon loosing their brightness. In the darkness, he assumes a fighting stance, prepared to slay anything in his path.

As the lights flicker back to life, none of the guards' bodies remain to the eye, only the slender figure of the man, seemingly waiting. The cold neons accentuate his thin face and well-nourished black hair flowing along his body. His silver eyes, almost devoid of color, scrutinize him up and down in a judgmental manner.

"You should not be here."

With chills coursing down his spine, Aether takes a step back and tightens his grip on his sword. With just one sentence, Aether realizes that he's facing something far greater than the shade he fought to reach this point. Even if Aether can feel he's at a disadvantage, he's not one to back down. Unfortunately for him, he fails to grasp that this man isn't merely annoyed by his presence in his domain. For he had become the target of all the primordial one's frustrations and anger, he should consider himself lucky he's still able to breathe.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

In the midst of preparing to strike, Aether is stunned by the sudden disappearance of his sword. Startled, he lifts his head to find the man's face mere inches from his own. With a defiant tilt of his head, Aether faces the towering man head-on. Swiftly reaching for a spare knife at his belt, he lunges forward with his weapon. Yet, he staggers forward as the blade slices through empty air, the man vanishing in a blink. Surveying his surroundings, Aether notices that all exits have vanished, leaving the room illuminated solely by a solitary neon light above. Alert, Aether startles as a cold whisper brushes against his ear, sending a shiver down the blond boy's spine.

"You could hurt yourself."

Glancing back, Aether takes a close look at the necklace adorned with a small jewel around his neck. Unable to shake the familiar feeling he gets from the man, he scrutinizes his features while searching for any apparent weakness.

"You remind me of someone."

The man scoffs, straightens his back, and puts some distance between him and Aether. While he kows that the descender is simply dragging out the conversation to buy time, Phanes decides to indulge him. Being quite picky about his conversational partners, he isn't normaly the type to engage in small talk with his enemies. However, he supposes he can make an exception for this one.

"Humph, do I ?"

Left with no more weapons to spare, Aether clenches his fists and attempts to think of a way to breach his opponent's defense. Sometimes, nothing works better than a little provocation.

"I know they're here. And I need to talk with them."

"Oh, you won't, not on my watch."

Aether charges towards the man, poised to strike him down. Just as he's about to land a blow, the man dissipates into black sand upon impact, causing the descender to tumble and fall to the floor. Confused as to why the tiles has transformed into the same sand the man turned into, the blond traveler is left in shock as the scenery completely changes. Emerging in a boundless black desert bathed in the light of three moons against a starless sky, he fights to regain his footing.

"How did it feel ?"

As the man's voice echoes through the air, Aether begins to panic, finding himself getting pulled into quicksand. Unfortunately, the more he struggles to escape, the further he sinks. The moons high in the sky appear to mock him, as if he's to blame for his predicament. Taking a final breath before being completely submerged, the descender has no time to react as he suddenly falls into what seems like an endless void. However, it isn't truly limitless as he swiftly touches the bottom, landing on his back.

"To be unwanted."

Gritting his teeth together at the pain, Aether refuses to give up and strengthens himself once again. Observing the new scenery, his eyes widen upon seeing you in the distance. With his first step, a crack forms at his foot and extends towards you. As he starts to run in your direction, shattering the stone-like floor like thin ice, you only move farther away, leaving him alone in this hellish environement.

"Not good, does it ?"

With the temperature rising, the floor finally gives up under his weight, causing him to fall once again. Using his broken wings to somewhat cushion his fall, he manages to land on his feet.

"I get it, you know. Out of all, I might be the one closest to understanding what you're going through."

Observing the fire ravage the lands around him, a strange itch stirs within him as he starts to recognize the scenery. It's an itch he cannot scratch, only indicating that something is wrong. As screams resonate, he remains paralyzed, unable to break down at the sight before him.

"Nowhere to call home."

He witnesses his sister weeping over thousands of corpses, her gut-wrenching screams breaking his heart. Before he can take a step in her direction and call out to her, her head unnaturally snaps 180 degrees. Under Lumine's hateful glare, he begins to notice the clammy sensation on his hands, his horror growing as he realizes they are smeared with blood. He shuts his eyes tightly and pounds his head repeatedly, desperately trying to convince himself that the man is merely toying with his mind.

"You know, it took me a while to discover what was going on."

Upon opening his eyes, Aether discovers that he is now bound to a chair, the furniture itself constricting his hands behind his back. Before him, Phanes lounges in a comfortable seat, casually playing with the shattered intertwining of fate that symbolized the connection between you and the renowned traveler. Upon realizing this, the descender struggles against his restraints. Yet, as he attempts to vocalize his desire to reclaim it, no sound escapes his mouth.

"They hid you well. However, once the secret was out, all they could do was to plead on your behalf, begging me to spare your life."

Seeing that his captive had much to express, Phanes impulsively snaps his fingers, only to regret it instantly as Aether unleashes a furious scream that pierces his ears.

"You're the reason they abandoned me- !!"

The primordial being hastily snaps his fingers once more, brushing his forehead to alleviate the headache induced by just one sentence. Truly, this descender possesses the ability to irritate him like no one ever has, and he considers himself a patient man. Disregarding the claims of the blonde traveler, he dismissively waves his hand, prompting the furnitures to move out of his way as he approaches Aether.

"No, no, no, no, I didn't do anything. You see, I merely allowed them to toy with you. Ultimately, it was solely their choice to discard you."

Watching Aether squinting his eyes, revealing his lack of faith in the god's words, Phanes laughs mockingly at the sight. It's pitiful to see the descender place so much trust in you, as if you could truly be concerned with his well-being. Despite the man's assertions, Aether believes there must be a valid reason why you had to leave him, which is why he is determined to find you. You wouldn't have casted him aside simply out of boredom, would you?

"There's much about guides that you seem unaware of... Quite surprising, considering where you come from."

Feeling the release of his restraints, Aether is abruptly pulled to his feet as the room is swept away by an unknown force. Upon opening his eyes after the wind dies down, he finds himself up in the sky, with floating pillars adorning the scenery. As the setting evokes memories of the place where he first engaged in combat with the sustainer of the heavenly principles, a bad chilling sensation runs down his spine as something seizes his shoulders.

"You're free to believe me or not, but I understand how difficult it is to live in someone's shadow. First, your sister, then, [Name]. Perhaps it's time for you to learn how to be yourself."

As the god takes a melancholic tone towards the end of his words, he snaps out of whatever memory he was recalling. Aether, still unable to move on his own, observes a door materializing out of nowhere before swinging open, emitting a bright flashing light.

"Whatever, who am I kidding ? You never learn from your mistakes."

Stepping aside, Phanes waves with a slight fake smile on his lips.

"Oh and, you might want to start running."

Glancing behind him, Aether witnesses the stone slabs breaking and tumbling down. Rising to his feet, he makes a run for it. With his wings shattered from his previous journey that was intended to be the final one, he can only rely on his legs to reach the door. Leaping through it, his consciousness fades away.

'Resetting complete'

...

{Words : 7387}

Heya, finally i managed to post part 2 ! Sorry to keep you all waiting. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did while writing this.

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@lilisette24

[lovesickeros]

☆ choir of the faithless

{☆} characters venti, kaeya, the abyss {☆} notes cult au, imposter au, drabble, gender neutral reader {☆} warnings violence (minor) {☆} word count 2.7k

One moment, you lay wistlessly in your bed, head full of fleeting thoughts and ideas you bounced around internally. You were moment away from falling asleep, the draw of exhaustion unraveling the threads of your mind, pulling you apart and weaving your thoughts into the fathomless depths of a boundless dream.

The next you conclude that is exactly where you must be – blinking rapidly against the bright sun that bears down upon you through the massive branches and array of thousands of leaves swaying above you. It can only be a dream because you know those roots, those winding branches and the soothing song of wind chimes as leaves rustle and sway in the invisible path of the wind. It feels too real, but don't many dreams? You reach your hand sluggishly skyward, imagining the feeling of touching those leaves so high above, admiring the way light fractures as it passes through the tree so massive it blots out the sky above you. You'd have to crane your neck just to catch a proper glimpse of solemn blue past the swaying ocean of vivid greens.

It's beautiful.

It's familiar in the way home is. That warmth that settles in your chest, the solemn, quiet moments between. You've spent hours staring up at this tree, both your first steps and your last, simply admiring it all for what fleeting moments you can cling to.

You've played the game long enough – strayed towards its familiar branches at they reach towards the heavens – to recognize Windrise at even a passing glance. The perfect portrait of Mondstadt – the massive oak at the center, the statue of the seven with its hands outstretched and its wings curled protectively around itself..a memory of something you've seen a hundred thousand times, lingering like a ghost amongst its branches and roots, clinging to its familiarity. Maybe Mondstadt isn't the most complex, or gorgeous, or detailed..but it was the first stepping stone to the world of Teyvat you knew. It was the beginning of the Travelers journey and your own – the first, hesitant step into a game you'd learned to love.

You might as well enjoy it might it lasts, right?

This tumultuous, fragile dream of yours.

You sit up with no small amount of hesitancy, taking in the rolling, distant hills and far away cliffs. Mondstadt isn't that far – far enough that it bleeds into the scenery, but you feel that pang of fragile familiarity seeing it in the distance anyway. In contrast to its nation, Mondstadt stood like a towering beacon of stability, stark grey against the ever expanding hues of green and blue, a symbol of tranquility among the monster-laden lands beyond its walls. You still come by once and a while, whether or not it's your favorite place to linger – if only to reminisce and ponder the countless hours you've sunk into the game. To take a moment and admire the nation that had slowly dragged you into loving the world you've become so familiar with, to truly take a moment and process your endless journey further, deeper, into the mystery of Teyvat as it slowly unraveled like a spool of thread.

It felt almost real. The grass beneath you, the wind rustling the leaves and swirling around you, the warmth of the distant sun as it stood unwavering at its peak – but it was a dream. Vivid, maybe, but still a dream.

You didn't want to wake up from it, though.

It'd be nice to stay here for a little longer, to be able to wander past these fragile barriers of the world around you – but would you wake if you longed to see those distant horizons? Would you even remember this dream? Maybe not.

But the endless urge to explore – to see and truly experience that distant, familiar visage for yourself – was calling. A craving to run your hand along towering stone walls, to trace the intricate lines of the alchemy table you'd used hundreds of times, to get lost in the endless books tucked away in the library..a longing that you could never fulfill.

But you'd try anyway, wouldn't you?

You'd make the most of this fleeting dream – stumbling like a newborn fawn after seelies, watching from hidden perches as the occasional cart rolled by on dirt roads, observing the distant hilichurl with a look of solemn understanding. Re-familiarizing yourself with the paths you'd traveled hundreds of times, treading along the same, curious line you'd taken the Traveler.

Maybe it was just an aspect of the dream, but the wildlife didn't run away like it did in the game – the wild boars startled when you approached, but they'd settle down and continue their idle grazing before long. The occasional crystalfly fluttered to your outstretched hands like a moth to flame, the cool, subtle touch of anemo against your skin like a soft breeze, ephemeral and fleeting.

Even the squirrels did not flee at your boundless curiosity – it is as if you are a ghost, perhaps, wandering these wide spanning plains in search of..well, you aren't sure. You let your feet guide you, just like you used to. There is charm in the aimless exploration, a sort of comfort in wandering and observing the world through new eyes.

Perhaps you should've taken more caution when you reached Mondstadt itself – a dream was a fragile thing, after all..there was no telling when a dream could meld into a nightmare. But you were in the nation of freedom, who could blame you for throwing caution to the wind?

Uncertain as your steps across the bridge were, it was tranquil – ducks skimmed beneath the bridge, fish dotted the serene surface, clear waters rippling with their movements. There was something about it all that felt more alive. It felt more real, for a moment, but what an absurd thought that must be.

A dream is no more real than Teyvat.

And at the gates of the city, at last, you feel relief – the eyes of NPCs glide over you like water over the back of a swan, allowing you to simply step past them without even an utterance of a question. Up close, with your own eyes to guide you, Mondstadt is more alive than it's ever been. The people converse and laugh and breathe – the small details you'd miss looking through the limited frame of the Traveler peek through, now.

You get so lost in admiring it all you almost trip over a cat that strays near your feet, rubbing against your ankles. Your hand twitches, as if to reach down and pet it, to feel it's fur beneath your palm – but the small voice that flows from the tavern stalls you in your tracks. You don't have to turn around to know who it is, you've heard her voice enough times to recognize it – and, really, you'd rather not get caught up in the logistics of interacting with the characters in a dream at the moment. It's not like they can see you, besides. Everyone else didn't even seem to know you were there at all.

And you were here to explore, first. You could test the limits of the dream later, once you're satisfied you've seen it all.

You sidestep the cat – as much as it pains you to ignore it, you really don't know how much time you're afforded in this dream – and take up wandering undeterred. Maybe you'll check out the library, next..you only read a measly fraction of the books there, after all, and the wonder of something new is a tempting lure. Maybe if you get the chance, you'll seek out your favorite character – even if the dream ends there, it'll at least dampen the disappointment when you awake in your own bed again.

Mondstadt is still relatively small, despite seeming so much bigger – by the time you're slinking into the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, your legs are aching from all the walking. Even if you don't find anything too interesting here, well, you'll take sitting down for a moment to catch your breath at least.

The game made it seem so easy to get from Windrise to the city, but your legs practically putty when you peered into the library with a healthy amount of caution – it's not like anyone has even glanced your way since you woke up in this dream, but you knew not to test it around Lisa and her books..

Even if it was a dream, waking up because you got electrocuted by a pissed off librarian didn't sound very appealing.

Especially because, along the way, you'd become the perch for a handful of anemo crystalflies. You'd almost forgotten some linger on the rooftops until now..well, they seemed content to just rest on your limbs, and it's not like they weighed much if anything. It'd probably be fine – how much harm could a crystalfly cause?

The steps down into the lower level of the library creaked slightly as you slowly took in the grandiose room, trying to glimpse some semblance of familiarity amongst the hundreds of book covers nestled into the shelves. Maybe having a reference of just ten or twenty books wasn't exactly the most extensive list – you could barely even remember what books you mindlessly picked up chasing glittering spots like a moth chases the flickering flame.

Maybe you'll see Venti's statue, next – it was impressive enough in game, you could only imagine how it looks in person, how the smooth stone feels beneath your fingertips.

For now, you scour the rows and rows of book, gleaning the contents of the books from the assorted covers and titles so foreign to you. You recognize a scarce few, those you picked up on your first, brisk walk through the library scouring for treasure just to be disappointed at the lack of it. These days you're just happy to bask in the atmosphere and reminisce here – unless you're dragging your feet to do your Theater for the month. Not a lot of room for reminiscing when you're busy fighting for your life to finish on time.

Still, you're almost half disappointed there hasn't been many playable characters around..sure, maybe they'd just ignore you like the other NPCs, but it'd still be nice to see them. If Dawn Winery wasn't so far away, you'd consider dropping by, just to see, but..well, you've hiked long enough, personally.

Though as much as you'd like to busy yourself in the library, you do want to make the most of your time, too. You don't pay much attention to the patter of footsteps as you ascend the stairs and awkwardly step past the guard outside the library, the brief blur of reds and blues in the corner of your eyes gone before you can truly see its source. Well, there's more to see anyway – the cathedral was impressive enough when you first saw it in game, you can only imagine it's magnificence now.

All the stairs definitely feels worse now that you can't just haul yourself up a wall like in game, though. Maybe it would've been better to rest a bit more in the library, but you really didn't want to waste this chance..how often did you really have this much control over a dream, anyway? You feel lucky it hadn't turned into a nightmare.

And it was more than worth it when you crested the top of the stairs, the wind rushing past you for a brief moment and almost making you stumble as your eyes flit towards the towering stone you'd known so well. Hands outstretched and draped in robes, looking all the Archon they are..well, it was a lot more detailed like this. The lull of music doesn't escape you, either – because of course they'd be strumming that lyre beneath their own statue. Playing to an audience who knows not the bard that plays a melody of their own triumphs. The same bard who commands the wind as if an extension of themself, their voice the chimes that sing in tune with its winding paths, free and true.

Even if you've never heard the song they play before, it leaves a warm feeling in your chest – a homesickness, maybe, for a place you've never even been to. A longing for the world made up of lines of code and pixels on a screen. Endless yearning for a world not your own – a place you don't belong.

Poetic, isn't it?

Fitting, seeing as your audience is a bard who loves to tempt another into a riddle of their own, their silver tongue used for mischief rather than malice.

It wouldn't be so bad if you woke up now, you think. Lulled back to reality by the gentle strum of a lyre and the sweeping winds.

A reality all your own.

The harsh twang of a lyre brings you out of your aimless reverie, eyes of the teal ocean meeting your own in a moment of startling clarity. You are almost tempted to look behind you, for they must be perceiving another – but the empty, hollow thud of the lyre hitting the cobbled ground is like a bullet to the chest.

Beneath the shrouded eyes of an Archon, the wind coils into a tightly wound bolt that sings with danger, the draw of a string making your blood run cold and your instincts flare up.

Before you could even process the fact they'd just drawn a bow – the bow you had given them – the pillar of the corridor shattered like glass beneath the force of an elemental arrow, rubble dusting the cobblestone and dragging you out of your horrified stupor. If it hadn't been between the two of you, you can only dread to imagine what an arrow that pulverized rock would do to you.

There's a knot in your stomach as you turn to pace right back down the stairs, but you stutter at the sharp glint of metal and familiar blue hair that stands frozen mid-step – for a moment you can't even register any of this, your mind refuses to accept the stark, bleeding truth right in front of you, but the shrill sound of anemo forces you to make a choice. You only hesitate for a moment before throwing yourself over the edge of the wall, nearly choking on your saliva when you hit the ground – it was farther than you remember, but when your other choice is a blade and an arrow, you're thankful you haven't broken anything yet as you stumble to your feet.

Why haven't you waken up yet? You don't want to be in this dream anymore – you don't want anything to do with the nightmare it's become. Just seeing their faces, familiar and once so calm and warm, contrasted with the sharp edge of danger made you want to be sick.

Water – water will wake you up, right? That always works. Your feet slip on the dirt, struggling to gain purchase, forcing yourself to rush towards the cliffs edge – you have to repeat that it's just a dream like a mantra just to keep yourself calm when you look down, the lapping waves and jagged rocks making you almost reconsider. Not that you get the chance, really, when the wood of the tree beside you is splintered so violently you can feel them digging into your skin.

You don't even realize you've lost your footing until the edge of the cliff gives beneath your heel, air rushing around you and forcing what little breath was left in your lungs out violently. Your vision blurs into a collage of blue and grey, the sky above and the side of the cliff you find yourself falling from flooding your vision – you have to trust you'll simply wake up in your bed once you hit the water. You have to.

You don't want to imagine what it would mean if you didn't.

It's just a dream – all of it is just a dream, no. a nightmare.

And as the water parts from the impact of your body against the surface, it drags you down like an anchor weighed against your chest. Your vision bleeds into white, a chill enveloping your limbs until you feel numb – dead, probably. You must be dead. You died and you plead that you wake up back at home, exhaling whatever breath you had left, cold stinging your throat like shards of glass.

Anchored weightlessly in frigid cold, blinded by stark white, your fleeting thoughts are silenced as your consciousness flickers in and out, lingering long enough only to hear the murmur of a raspy, unearthly voice.

"I believe the experiment can be considered a success, Princess."

[genshincreatorau]

CreatorAU Liyue Headcanons part 1

【summary】 — some headcanons for Liyue and the first few characters of the region. I'll be honest I don't know if these count as headcanons anymore it's just a straight up story but I'm too stubborn to change the title now so we're calling these headcanons.

【contains】 — brooding . Stalkerish? behavior . clingy genshin man . slightly suggestive right at the end

【characters】 — xiao

Liyue

Liyue is a nation ruled by the people, so their days of worshiping the gods are over.

even among those who know you as the creator, they are more likely to think of you fondly then to actually worship you.

and even that is not for your status as a god but for being the one to save Teyvat from the brink of destruction.

not that you remember that part.

There are a few exceptions though. the few who have oh so anxiously awaited your arrival.

don't keep them waiting too long.

Xiao

now your first venture into the lands of Liyue was Aided by your most lovable and reliable bard.

Venti was seeing you off as you crossed the border into the land of geo.

wishing you safe travels so that your paths may cross again.

you didn't give much thought to how he didn't leave right away, sitting by the stone gate as he started gently playing his flute. letting it linger in the air.

no you didn't think much of the sweet melody that played as you walked down the path towards the Wangshu Inn.

enjoying the sounds of the birds and the song.

what did catch you off guard was the Vigilant Yaksha that stood waiting outside when you finally made it there.

as you approached he seemed to just stare you down.

you weren't sure if he was waiting for you or if he just happened to be standing outside.

when you approached he didn't pay you any mind, just looking away as if he was disinterested.

he didn't look all that happy to see you, a stark contrast to the cheerful and eager welcome you'd had in mondstadt.

Xiao was the first one to completely ignore your presence.

it felt strange.

hesitant to try and start up a conversation with the cold Yaksha, you walk right by him to the inn to get a room for the night.

it took you quite a while to walk here and you could only imagine how far you'd have to travel to make it to Liyue Harbor.

you'd have to spend a couple of nights sleeping outside.

luckily you were prepared for that.

for this evening you'd enjoy the comforts of the inn, and then tomorrow you could head out.

the inn was nice with food and comfortable rooms where you could rest.

the next day would be your first day alone since you arrived in Teyvat.

...

or that's what you'd thought.

very early on in your journey you'd noticed the peculiar feeling of being watched

Xiao followed you from the Inn.

at first from a distance. you'd catch glimpses of him every once in a while, just watching you from somewhere high up.

but as the day went on it seemed like he put less and less effort of keeping his presence hidden.

your eyes always seemed to find him anyways.

by evening he was just walking along behind you. not a word spoken as you traveled in relative silence.

you'd settled down where you were gonna camp out for the night. going to start a fire.

as soon as you knelt down, Xiao was there beside you.

his hands brushing over yours for a moment as he took the flint from your grasp.

Xiao had the fire going within moments.

Xiao had started to get up to leave before you tugged at his sleeve. gathering up your courage to offer him to stay.

and to your surprise he did. sitting back down.

you hadn't thought this far. you truly didn't expect him to take you up on your offer. though he seemed to be sitting just a bit behind you.

you didn't waste your chance. trying to make a more comfortable atmosphere.

speaking up about whatever popped in your head, though you ended up mostly talking to yourself as Xiao just listened.

only really providing a few nods and soft grunts of acknowledgement.

you'd thought for a moment that perhaps you should drop the conversation, he didn't seem all that engaged.

but, as you had been talking.

Xiao had leaned his head onto your shoulder.

he looked so peaceful you couldn't bring yourself to break the moment.

Xiao didn't seem to notice the slight drop in the conversation.

you kept talking to him until you dozed off.

Xiao made sure you slept safe. letting you lean back onto him as the night went on.

and as you laid in his arms, he watched over you.

just as he did in the inn, just as he'd done the moment you crossed over the border.

Xiao had been so confused when he first saw you again. there you were, just as before, but it didn't seem quite right.

he heard you'd been resting in Sumeru after the battle but he didn't expect you to be so...

weak.

no. he wasn't looking down on you, but he truly couldn't help but frown when he saw the state you were in.

when he'd first met you in person, your mere presence had made him melt at your feet.

yet here you stood, barely an inkling of your divine force left. not that it was any fault of your own.

no. he'd failed.

he'd failed to protect you, failed to keep you safe.

you'd done so much for Teyvat even after it strayed from your teachings.

but he wouldn't fail again.

this time he'd keep you safe.

Xiao knew you didn't remember him, not from your time here in Teyvat.

so he'd chosen to keep a bit of distance, after all that happened he didn't deserve to be in your presence.

but when you looked up at him so sweetly, how could he deny you?

and if you chose to let him close.

then who was he to refuse?

he couldn't help but lean in to your shoulder, longing to be closer. you held the power to relieve his pain. calm his mind.

even as he didn't think he deserved it.

he couldn't help but crave your touch. the feel of your skin against his.

as he held you that night. all was calm.

【notes】 — man that was longer then i intended it to be. well Xiao will just have to get the whole post to himself. disclaimer, most of this is tired writing, i need sleep. I'm going to sleep. but I hope you enjoyed reading

[love-marimo]

periwinkle angel ♡ (kamisato ayato x reader)

ㅡ hehe, just a little something for the birthday boy, ayato ♡ although it's a bit late ~

He is quiet but graceful. Calm but mischievous. He is dutiful but cunning. Yet, even with these stark differences in his character, and behind his all too familiar and gentle smile he displays as a farce for everyone to see ー a facade as hard as the bedrock, a protection he wears due to his strong distrust on most people ー you captured him. You stole his heart, like a Mirror Maiden having him wrapped around your finger.

Kamisato Ayato is a noble who leads like an emperor. He is obsessive and diplomatic, but he is also loyal and kind. Within the chambers of the Kamisato household, he inspires his loved ones with warmth and he reaches great lengths to fulfill your favors.

If that means cancelling all his plans as the Yashiro Commissioner to spend a pleasant afternoon bubble tea and latte tasting with you? Then you don't have to worry as he just hit two birds with one stone.

If there are three things he loves in all of Teyvat, then it would be his bubble tea, his lovely little sister Ayaka and you.

Oh, dear you.

He sits by the terrace with a lovesick look on his face as you name all the drinks that Thoma and the other maids have prepared, all to your liking. Freshly brewed and mixed, all for the both of you to enjoy.

"Although it is a bit late, I asked Thoma for help in preparing these drinks for us. I love latte as much as you love bubble tea, but it would be lovely if we try out other flavors and indulge on these pastries on your special day." you chimed happily as you sit across the table.

Oh, you. He is going to melt because of you. Ayato almost forgot that it's his birthday due to how swamped with work he truly is. You weren't going to let that slide, and he loves you more for it.

"These are lovely selections my love, perfect for the current weather too. Summer is fast approaching and you couldn't have picked a better time." He beams, clasping his hands together as he sets his gaze on the array of drinks before you.

"Oh, that reminds me, we have been preparing for the Spring festival. Bubble tea tasting would be a splendid activity for the young folk to enjoy." He adds, deciding to take a sip of the chocolate bubble tea.

"You really think about work all the time, Ayato. But, I agree. These took quite some time to make though." You say, also deciding to pick a drink of your choice.

"Hmm, this one has a slight bitter taste to it, but it is complimented by the sugary flavor of the pearls. This would be cocoa?" Ayato inquires.

"Yes, the cocoa used was imported from Fontaine a few months ago. How do you like it?" You reply.

"It's just right, the taste of the chocolate is a bit too strong for me. I'll try this blue one next."

"That one's blueberry. It matches the color of your hair doesn't it? I told them to brew it until it reaches a periwinkle shade, to match!" You chuckle.

Ayato looks at you fondly. His lips curved into a smile, one that is not reserved for diplomatic affairs, but one that screams "I love you" all over it.

It's silly, really ー how he turns into a love bug when he's with you. How he seemingly lets go of any formalities and displays his pure nature, all for you to love and embrace in your arms.

The sun is setting in a lovely shade of pink and purple. You have tried almost all of the drinks and have shared countless conversations about the days that passed that you weren't together. And that ends with one resolution:

"I think I still like my matcha latte better." You say, finishing the said drink after. Ayato laughs.

"I would say the same. Nothing competes with the classic flavor of Black bubble tea."

You took a seat next to him and asked, "Did you like this fun little date?" holding his arm and looking up to him, expecting the obvious.

The periwinkle angel smiles and kisses you lovingly.

"Naturally. I wouldn't mind doing this again at the Spring festival."

ー Lolita

[reccord-raccoon]

don't know if anyone agrees with me, but I kind of fucking hate natlan?? don't get me wrong it looks awesome, like the vibes are sick as fuck but like visually it doesn't fit the rest of teyvat at all.

more ranting below

they have dinosaurs and cars and floating dj turntables, the characters are wearing hightops and visor hats. meanwhile, monstadt is powered by windmills, and everyone is wearing coats and corsets.

like yeah it's a fantasy game, they're allowed to warp elements of the time period they've based it off of, but it feels like they just don't give a fuck about sticking to one time period at all anymore. where did the art direction go??

even just looking at the artwork fucks with my head. if you switch between kazuha's and mualani's banners, the stark difference in the art styles is clear as day. it feels like mualani is from a completely different game. maybe I would actually like natlan if it WERE in a completely different game

I do still like genshin, but this has really broken my suspension of disbelief, and I'm not sure I'll ever be as into it as I used to be

just had to get that off my chest somewhere, does anyone agree?

[larkspyrr]

chapter vi — i have my freedom but i don't have much time (wc. 5.4k)

prev — masterlist / ao3 — next

reblogs are appreciated!

You smiled, slanting a dry look at Wriothesley, your arms crossed. You tapped your foot impatiently. “What happened to ‘being ready for anything, with me by your side’?”

Wriothesley, stark pale, stood by your side. He looked stiff. “Miscalculated,” he said flatly. “Forgot about horses.”

“Don’t be a baby.”

He scowled. “I am a duke.”

Your eyes flicked to his boots and back to his face. You delicately arched an eyebrow. “Doesn’t look like it from here.”

The sun was high in the sky and beating down on your heads outside your family's stables. The breeze was light and smelled faintly like the sea and leather and hay. It was a beautiful day — perfect for riding.

Wriothesley sighed, unaffected by the auspicious weather, looking over the fearsome beast that stood before him, unmoved by his theatrics. The mare was as beautiful as she was familiar to you — tall and broad with a gleaming chestnut coat and a rich, auburn mane. She blew air out of her nostrils in a huff, eyes gentle and curious as she looked over Wriothesley.

“I am out of my depth.”

“Considering your usual depth is ‘seafloor’, I find that hard to believe.”

“You know? I think I have paperwork to do back at the Fortress.”

“You aren’t even on the horse yet, Wrio.”

If you didn’t know better, you might have sworn he was pouting. “This is going to be how I die,” he intoned, jerking his arm out to gesture at the offending horse. She remained impassive. He shot you a glare that lacked any power. “Horses have never liked me. He isn’t going to be any different.”

You rolled your eyes. “She might surprise you. I chose her with you in mind,” you said encouragingly, as though you were speaking to a student still in single-digits. “I thought the two of you might get along. Give her a chance.”

His expression was doubtful. The eye you could see at his side narrowed in suspicion. “You picked her out for me?”

“She’s a real sweetheart and the most patient mare I’ve ever met," you said, smiling affectionately at the mare. "I thought she’d be able to tolerate a learner.”

He turned a baleful look on the horse again, crossing his arms tightly in front of his chest as if to construct a wall between him and his new nemesis.

“...What’s her name,” he said, defeated. He looked like a deflating balloon, his arms falling from their defensive position back to his sides in a display of clear surrender.

You looked at the mare and smiled lightly, placing a gentle hand on her nose. You stroked her soft fur, chuckling. “This is Lucy.”

You turned at the sound of footfall as Wriothesley approached you and Lucy with slow, even steps, eyes focused cautiously. He sighed, nodding at the horse in polite greeting. “It’s nice to meet you, Lucy.”

She looked at him blandly, still chewing her hay.

Your lips quirked as you watched the two staring at one another in the lowest stakes stalemate in Teyvat history. “You can pat her,” you prompted, jerking your chin at Lucy. “She won’t mind.”

“Will she bite?”

“Almost certainly not.”

“And I can trust you?”

You shrugged. “That’s up to you.”

He looked at you dubiously before turning his tired eyes back to Lucy. He reached out a hand, slow and deliberate. Lucy looked at him evenly, clearly bored with all the ongoing buildup. He finally placed his hand on her snout in a glorious — if anticlimactic — moment of victory.

You clapped slowly. “Wonderfully done. Very moving. I shall write the Palais Mermonia immediately and have them issue you a medal for your breathtaking display of faith and bravery.”

He didn’t bother looking at you, still stroking Lucy’s chestnut nose. She nickered quietly. “You’re awfully funny today,” he deadpanned. “What next?”

“We get you on the horse."

He exhaled, his hand falling away. “I was afraid you’d say that.”

“Do you need an instruction manual?” You walked over to Lucy, reaching out to adjust her bridle. You looked at him with a smirk. “Shall I hold your hand?”

He huffed. “I’m sure I can manage, you ass.”

You laughed, a rich sound making its way out of your throat in a surprised burst. “Don’t be like that. I’m doing you a favor. Most new riders start by mucking out the stalls before they get to ride, you know.”

“Well, I don’t have the luxury of time, I’m afraid. No touching coming-of-age stories where man and beast form an impenetrable bond will be taking place here.”

“Never say never, Your Grace,” you whispered with a jaunty eye waggle, taking him by the elbow and guiding him to Lucy’s side. He followed with surprising ease. “You have a few weeks yet. Now up you go.”

He exhaled a rough breath. After only a moment, he planted a foot in the stirrup and hoisted himself up, opposite leg easily swinging onto the other side of Lucy’s saddle and coming to a stop, seated very, very still but looking anything but sturdy.

You grinned up at him, patting Lucy’s shoulder. “How is it?”

Wriothesley didn’t seem to know what to do with his hands. He placed them on either side of Lucy’s neck, his fingers curling in her mane as if to anchor himself. He was frowning slightly. “Nothing special.”

Lucy snorted indignantly and Wriothesley made a noise akin to choking as he doubled down on his grip, hurriedly releasing her once he realized he’d been holding too tight. “Oops, sorry,” he muttered quickly, placing a flat hand on her neck once more in an awkward, apologetic pat.

You couldn’t seem to prevent the smile from spreading on your face. He almost seemed to have forgotten you were there at all. “Don’t worry,” you said, reaching out and scratching Lucy’s nose. She leaned into the touch. “If she didn’t kick me off when I was kid, I doubt she’d do the same to you now. I was an awful student. Impatient and hyper.”

His eyes widened as he froze in his unhurried stroking of her mane. "This is your horse?" he asked, pointing needlessly at Lucy beneath him.

"No, she's not ‘mine’. We're good friends," you said, giving the mare a fond look. “We learned how to ride together.”

He looked at you thoughtfully and cocked his head. The sun filtering down through the slats of the stable roof cast rays of shadow and gold across the monochrome of his hair, gilding him in the morning light. His blue eyes were difficult to look away from. “You really trust her?”

You held his gaze evenly. “I trust her, and I told you earlier it was up to you whether or not you trust me,” you said. “Do you?”

“I do,” he said with conviction.

Your heart hammered in your chest for reasons that seemed to escape you. The sun was warm on your back but it was your face that felt hot. “Well, then,” you said, mounting Lucy behind Wriothesley and clearing your throat. You placed your hands behind you on Lucy’s flank, for lack of anywhere else to put them. “Let’s get going, shall we?”

Lucy slowed to a stop in a wide field, dotted with cypress trees and boulders older than history and riotous, cool-toned blooms, swaying softly in the Fontaine breeze. You tilted your head back to the sky, smiling as you smelled the earth and the sea, the flowers and the salt.

“Come through here,” you said, pointing through a thicket crowned by indigo hydrangeas. You felt Wriothesley’s shoulders shift against you as he turned to look where you indicated. “It’s always been a favorite spot of mine to take a break.”

He hummed in acknowledgement, shifting to guide Lucy in the new direction. It hadn’t taken him long to relax. It had been rough at first — it took Lucy about as long to trust him as it had for him to trust her, walking along with an uncertain gait and the unfamiliar weight of two people on her back.

“Wow," he breathed as Lucy stepped between the brush, following a narrow path made by only her own hooves over the years, and into a small clearing — nestled between trees whose peaks were hidden by the glare of the afternoon sun and the tangle of their own branches, reaching far enough outward to provide a ring of shaded respite around a pool of dappled sunlight. The grass, slightly longer and less trodden than that which you'd just crossed, swayed in the coastal breeze, friendly and beckoning.

You breathed deeply, eyes falling shut for just a moment as you savored the tranquility you had always found when you crossed the blooming threshold into this sanctuary, no matter how many times you found yourself traveling back — unconsciously following a path so natural it felt etched into your heart.

It always felt like passing into another world. Another lifetime.

You let your eyes fall open again, exhaling slowly on a smile. “We can hitch Lucy just here.”

Lucy made her way over to the tree you'd indicated, familiar with your routine.

“She really is yours, huh?” he asked, running a gloved hand across her neck gently. The gesture looked much more natural now than it had barely an hour earlier.

"She’s my friend,” you corrected. You unfolded your arms from his waist, unsure of at which point they had found themselves wound there in the first place. It had to have been a while, as the muscles of your arms felt stiff and resisted you as you pulled away. You shifted your weight, swinging your left leg behind and lowering yourself back to the soft ground. “She doesn’t belong to anyone. Living beings cannot be owned."

Wriothesley hummed, a soft smile on his face as he patted Lucy’s snout fondly and dismounted. He turned away and walked over to a patch of grass just beneath a tree, the lush green soft and sun-dappled. He sat down roughly with a sigh, leaning back and folding his hands behind his head. “Let’s lie down here for a little while.”

You smiled, amused, and walked over. “A nap in the grass?”

“Grass and sunlight are in short supply where I come from. And, come to think of it, naps.”

You laughed and lowered yourself down on the grass at his right, laying back with your ankles crossed. You flashed him your brightest smile. “Well, then, by all means.”

The quiet was as peaceful as it ever was. With your eyes closed, it was all too easy to let the rest of the world fall away; every worry, every uncertainty. All there was, and all there needed to be, was the wind in the grass, the birdsong overhead, and your oldest friend grazing not far away. The other company, while new, was… not unwelcome.

Sharing this peace with someone was rather nice, actually.

The man by your side didn't say a word for a long time.

"Is it everything you'd expected?" he asked finally.

Your eyes opened and you turned your head to look at Wriothesley. His eyes were still shut, their piercing blue hidden away from the world. His lashes were dark against his cheek, the crescent scar beneath them softer, less angry.

“What’s that?” you asked.

He cracked an eye open to look at you, that charming little dimple making a brief appearance on his cheek. "Our arrangement. It's been over a month now."

Had it really been so long? The summer always flew by, but you felt as though it had only been just yesterday that you had met Wriothesley at the debutante ball — all smirks and bluster and spontaneous, underhanded schemes. Wrio was, of course, still full of smirks and bluster and schemes, but in all the afternoons you had now spent together, you had come to see him for everything beyond those things — and all the secret spaces tucked in between, peeking through the cracks of his carefully constructed outward persona.

A persona you had been seeing much less of late.

It had become much too easy for you to fall into a routine with Wriothesley — an unorthodox rhythm that you found inexplicably... comfortable. Maybe even comforting. To know that he had a mask that he wore to protect what he held dear — a mask so similar to yours, with different colors and patterns to suit your respective needs, different fine-tuned expressions, but... made of the same material beneath the paint. Crafted by the same careful hands.

Maybe you had started removing your mask for him as much as he had for you. Candid chats over tea, clandestine smiles shared in a dark theater, raw physicality in the ring, all of it left little room for any masks at all.

And maybe a part of you now felt a little wrong taking a walk around the Fountain of Lucine without him on your arm. Found that the water glittered a little less without the blue of his eyes, the birds sounded a little off-key without the low thrum of his laughter, the flowers smelled a little less sweet without the nearly imperceptible fragrance of bergamot that seemed to cling to him.

You clenched your jaw. Grounded yourself with the way the grass felt beneath your palms.

The beautiful weather must be getting to you. Making you wax poetic.

All of that shouldn't matter. This was all a plot; a ruse. Pretend. The romance wasn't real.

But Wriothesley. He was real.

You remembered his question and breathed an embarrassed laugh, turning back to the canopy above. A small, crimson bird landed in the tree to your right, chirping the harmony to a song whose melody must have been playing elsewhere in the wood, out of your range.

“No.”

He made a noise vaguely like surprise. You could feel his eyes still on you. “How so?”

You thought for a moment, trying to find something that felt like the truth, but less serrated. Not as exposing.

It came to you more easily than you expected, simple and straightforward and uncomplicated.

Even if it wasn't the truth... it was a truth, and that was enough.

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to like you,” you said plainly. “To... find a friend in you.”

There was a pause. Wriothesley lifted himself so he was propped up on his elbows. He looked down at you with an expression you couldn't read. “A friend?”

You dug your nails into the dirt. “That’s what I said.”

He was still for long enough that you almost gave in to the urge to take it back, exchange that truth for one even further filed down, but then — his expression thawed into something new, something that was devastatingly warm. Open. You thought absently that you hoped to see that dimple again and that you wanted to choose just the right words in order to call it forth, but as soon as the thought hit you, you shoved it away somewhere safe. And private.

“That’s good to hear," he said as though he hadn't just turned your chest inside out.

You looked away, suddenly no longer able to continue watching his face. Emboldened by his response, his dizzying smile, you gave him another piece of the truth: "There have been few people in my life that I have allowed myself to trust as much as I have had to trust you in order for this to even work, and... you have not let me down yet. That counts for something.”

His fingers picked at the grass, his eyes watching the movement. His thumb worried at one blade in particular; enough to bend but not break it. “I’m honored,” he said quietly, eyes still stubbornly glued to his blade of grass. “Trust has been a rare commodity in my life, too. So I know what that's like."

You smiled ruefully, looking away. Inexplicably stung. “I believe that. Our peers do not inspire much confidence in the innate goodness of humanity.”

“Yours and mine,” Wriothesley agreed. A tiny blizzard burst into being between his fingers, freezing solid the singular blade of grass beneath his focus. He let his hand fall and turned his gaze back to you, quiet and thoughtful. “Why do you want to become a Champion Duelist?”

You tilted your head curiously. “You really want to know?" you asked. He nodded. "It’s an unoriginal story. I wouldn’t want to disappoint you.”

“You could never disappoint me.”

Your stomach flipped and you chose to table those words to consider later in the quiet of solitude, willfully pushing them aside and letting your mind wander in recollection — to the past, a place that was forever safe.

"I was saved by this strange man when I was a girl,” you started. “I'd been playing not far from here, as per usual disobeying my father’s orders ‘not to go far’." You unconsciously found your face turning in the direction of the memory with a wry smile, remembering the little girl with ribbons in her hair and dirt under her nails. Wriothesley followed the movement with a distant expression. You wondered what it was he saw. "As you might expect, a kid playing alone in expensive clothing attracted unwanted attention and I was cornered by a group of bandits. But then... this man came out of nowhere, sword drawn, and they were all gone before I even had a chance to wonder what was happening.

"I remember him tipping his hat to me and then I was chattering on about how much I loved the color of the feather in it. Such a vibrant blue. I was very young and didn’t understand much about what was going on; I don't even know if I knew to thank him. He escorted me back home. My father invited him for dinner, but he declined."

Wriothesley watched you quietly, eyes kind and curious. "And he was a Champion Duelist?"

"Naturally. I didn't find out until years later. I saw him at the Epiclese and stopped to thank him, for I hadn't all those years earlier. I’d have recognized him anywhere, especially with that beautiful blue feather. By that point, I recognized what that meant."

"And did he remember you?"

Your mouth curved into a smile at the memory. You shook your head. "No. He didn't."

Wriothesley's face fell. "...I'm sorry."

You cut him a small smile. "Don’t be," you said, turning back to the trees. "That was the moment I knew I wanted to do the same thing he did. He changed my life in a few short minutes. I will never forget what he did, not for the rest of my years. But for him? It was just another day. He was a hero just because that's who he was. It was just another day. That's who I want to be."

Wriothesley looked at you for a long moment, awed, then broke into a wide grin — eyes wrinkled at the corners and pinned on you, that little dimple making an appearance. You blinked at the brightness of him, finding yourself struck by just how beautiful he was and wondering if he had any idea at all of the power he had.

"I understand,” he said, his smile smaller but no less arresting, making your brain go blank with static.

You took a calming breath, willing yourself to look anywhere but him and failing, unsure if your grasp of language wouldn’t abandon you under the blinding light of that smile.

“Why did you get sent to the Fortress?” you asked without thinking, desperate to get the force of his attention off of you.

You regretted asking the moment the words left your mouth. You barely had time to mourn the loss of that smile as he exhaled a shaky laugh, laying flat back once more, hands folding behind his head. “You're asking a very difficult question.”

You winced. “I’m sorry. Don’t answer if you don’t want to,” you said quickly. "I just want to know where you come from, too."

He was quiet, scanning your face with a hard eye — an eye that almost seemed to simmer — and you fought not to fidget under his scrutiny. You wanted to withdraw the question, remind him again that he could just ignore it, but something stayed your hand and word.

Finally, Wriothesley sighed. Looked away. “I know,” he conceded quietly. “But it’s complicated.”

Ignoring the twinge of disappointment you felt, you followed his gaze. Nothing above but the canopy and the sun. You recognized a dead end when you saw one and hummed, sympathetic, hoping to diffuse the awkward energy. “At this point, I think ‘complicated’ is our area of expertise.”

Wriothesley huffed softly. “You might be right.” He went still for a moment. It had been long enough that you blinked in surprise when he finally spoke again. “I was young and… hurt. And I did things that I’m not proud of.”

Your mind buzzed. A thousand questions swirled around inside you, like koi in a crowded, turbulent pond, shifting and looping over, and over, and over one another. Tangled.

What did you do? What don't you want me to know? Who are you?

Why is your smile so sad?

"Do you regret it?” you asked instead.

He smiled — a heartbreaking reprise of the one that had so effortlessly stolen the breath from your lungs only a few minutes before. “Another difficult question,” he murmured. “...No. I know you want me to say that I regret it, but I don’t.”

“I don’t want you to say anything,” you said. “I’m just trying to know you a little better.”

“I know. It’s not something I’m used to.”

“Well, that’s what I’m here for, isn’t it?” you said with a conspiratorial smile, willing away the clouds in your heart. “Getting you used to things you’re not used to?”

He laughed, and the rest of the somber atmosphere was carried away on the wind. The gloom, banished. He eased himself down once more, close enough that you could feel the warmth of his arm without touching it. He laced his fingers together over his stomach, inhaling the air of the thicket deeply. The curve of his mouth was tiny and fond, intimate, and you felt your breath catch in your throat.

“I haven’t done this since I was a boy,” he whispered, and you watched the rise and fall of his chest as he spoke. “Just lie in a field and breathe. I still remember the first time I came back to the overworld as a technically free man. I cried, you know.”

You turned so that you were lying on your side, your weight balanced on your left elbow, nestled into a tiny patch of dirt. You flicked the frozen blade of grass that still stood between you, firm and sparkling, resistant to the pull of the breeze. “You did?”

“Oh, yeah,” he said, laughing, rough and gravelly and wonderful. “At first, it was because the sun was so... unfamiliar and too bright for my eyes. It burned. But I think that was just the excuse I needed to really let loose. I’ll never take the freedom of a nap in the sun for granted ever again.”

You smiled and closed your eyes and... breathed.

"For what it's worth," he said after a long while. "I was surprised to find a friend in you, too."

Later in the month, Wriothesley met you once more at your father’s stable, joining the already growing crowd of gentlemen, milling about in their gentlemanly vestments and chatting about gentlemanly things. Lucy stood by his side, as steadfast and loyal as if she’d known him all her life, and not just for the handful of riding lessons they had spent together.

Wriothesley looked almost the same as always, having left his preferred coat behind and opting for something more appropriate and comfortable for a late summer ride. The way his riding trousers fit him could have been described as... distracting. Perhaps even a riding hazard, depending upon who you asked.

Not you, of course.

He was fiddling with Lucy’s saddlebags as you walked around the horse to stare into the kind amber of her eyes. "Look after him for me, would you, Luce?"

She nickered softly, shaking out her mane. It sounded like an agreement.

Wriothesley rounded the corner, coming to your side with a winsome grin. "Lucy and I are good friends," he said with a wink, voice low. "We’ll look out for each other. Don’t worry."

"I'm not worried about her," you said flatly. "I'm worried about you forgetting all your etiquette lessons. What if you choose the wrong fork? What will the peerage say?"

He sniffed. "I'm sure my bungling of silverware selection today will be minimal. Plus, I had a great teacher — beautiful too, made it very hard to focus in class, but I will be fine."

"I'm sure you will,” you said, bumping into his side playfully. You knew he was nervous — knew that the tide of the vote happening in the near future might somewhat rest on the impression he makes today, and he very well knew that, too — but were relieved to see that whatever anxiety he felt he was keeping well under control. “Ride safely, Wrio. Knock 'em dead."

He returned the bump with a chuckle before mounting Lucy with practiced ease. Wriothesley had taken to equestrianism as it seemed he did to most things — like a fish to water.

"I'll see you later," Wriothesley called down to you as he and Lucy trotted over to join the rest of the group. You watched them go with a wave. He turned back just in time to offer one back.

"Hello, dear," came a voice from behind you.

You spun around to the source, smiling in relief once you saw the familiar, portly man standing in the shade of the stable, the reins of a stunning black mare in his hand. "Lord Paquette," you greeted with a polite nod. "Good to see you. I'm sure father will be pleased to have you along."

"Oh, I wouldn't miss it for anything," he said. He leaned to glance behind you, eyeing all the other attendees of the day's ride. His eyes slid back to you as he returned to his original place, rod-straight. "But I was hoping to steal you for a moment to discuss the business I mentioned the other day. If you have a moment."

Your eyebrows lifted, having almost forgotten the comment he’d made weeks ago now, regarding business — with you and not your father, you remembered again with a hint of confusion. You stepped aside to allow him past with a gesture of your arm. "Lead the way."

He nodded tightly and made his way out of the stable, leaving his mare behind as she kicked a bored hoof. You followed closely in Paquette’s wake, listening carefully for his scratchy baritone. He didn’t speak again until he had almost made half a rotation around the stable, coming to a stop beneath a sprawling cypress at the rear of the wooden structure.

He folded his arms behind his back. “I heard through the grapevine that you have aspirations of becoming a Champion Duelist,” he said as casually as though he were remarking upon the weather, robbing you of your ability to think. "Is that true?"

Your smothered your shock as soon as you felt it, instinctively slipping on the guise the Court so liked for you to wear, fitting it on as easily and comfortably as a well-worn pair of slippers. You schooled your face into an approximation of detachment, the picture of unimpressed boredom. "Where did you hear something like that?"

He scoffed, rolling small, brown eyes. "One of my staff,” he said wearily, as though he had the weight of Teyvat resting solely on his shoulders. “They do have a penchant for gossip, you know."

They did indeed. But how his staff had come to be in possession of such gossip evaded you. You and Wrio had been careful, excruciatingly careful, to ensure that both your clandestine training sessions and etiquette classes had stayed strictly out of the public eye and ear. To maintain the facade of a normal courtship, complete with all the expected bells and whistles — chaperones, public appearances, wistful dances, and all.

Clearly something had not been as airtight as you had previously thought.

You mastered yourself, not willing to give anything away.

Paquette peered at you knowingly. "No need to feel defensive, dear. I'm not here to criticize you. Quite the opposite, in fact, " Paquette said. He began to pace, fingers gripping each other tightly at his back. "I find myself dealing with a situation which is… sensitive in nature," he continued, brows narrowing in thought. "I have had stolen from me some documents which might create rather a... problem if they were to fall into the wrong hands."

You arched an eyebrow, intrigued. “Documents of what nature?”

“I’d like to keep that to myself," he said airily, brushing the question away with a dismissive hand. He came to a stop, turning his stare on you. "You understand how volatile things like this can be."

You did, though what 'things like this' entailed, you couldn't say. "And what could this possibly have to do with me, sir? I'm afraid I don't follow."

His voice was clipped, straightforward. Sharp eyes observed you coolly. "I'm offering you a chance to distinguish yourself," he said, taking a beat too long on each syllable, allowing each individual one the time to sink in.

Your eyes widened as the implication of what he was saying dawned on you and the suspicion in your gut was drowned out by surprise.

"You want me to fetch the documents,” you breathed.

“I do,” he confirmed. “They are in the hands of Treasure Hoarders, it seems. Your father and I have been friends for a very long time and I know that you can be trusted for your abilities, I hear, as well as your... discretion. And I do mean to stress the word 'discretion'. You are the hero who dispatches a troupe of meddlesome highwaymen, making the nation safer, and I have my belongings returned to me.”

You had gone utterly still. Your mind raced. “That can’t be all there is to this,” you said at last. Skeptical. “You’re asking me to risk my life for some paperwork and the chance to be recognized?”

"Well..." He paused, eyes darting between your own, narrowed in thought. “You're right,” he conceded after several seconds. “There is more. Though I was hesitant to discuss it here, due to our present company.”

"We currently have the benefit of privacy." You watched him carefully, weighing his words. “I’m listening.”

The look he gave you was hard and calculating. “I’m a good deal younger than your father, as you know, and we are both under no illusions that his time is unlimited. His health has been declining for a while now, hasn’t it?”

Your frowned, forgetting yourself. "What are you getting at?”

He held his hands out to you in surrender, a sympathetic tilt to his brow. “My apologies. Nothing nefarious, my lady. Merely pointing out a fact, one of which I am sure you are well aware. Your father has no heir and so your family will be thrown into chaos upon his passing. And I've noticed his... coughing seems to be occurring more often of late."

You swallowed, disliking the dread you fought so hard to suppress being thrown into your face so casually. It was true — your father's age had only played a small hand in his decline, and the wisp of a man had seemed only to continue fading in recent months, fits of breathlessness increasing in frequency and severity. It had pained you to watch, but you'd hoped...

"Of course, I can’t offer you any guarantees regarding the future of the Viscountcy of Vellerot and who will inherit the title after such a tragic event, but I can promise you this: if anything were to happen to your father before you and your sisters are situated, I will do everything in my power to keep you — and them — safe until such a time as you are," he said, taking a step closer. His eyes were piercing. "I'm offering time and sanctuary. That's what you want, isn't it? Security for your family?"

You began to pace, worrying a path parallel to the one he had previously tread, hoping that the movement would aid the turning of your mind as you considered his proposal and the creeping unease you felt. You wondered how much more he knew which he wasn't saying — what else his 'staff' may have gleaned. You had known the man forever, had spent many, many childhood afternoons playing tag around his estate with his son, and yet you were certain you had never said anything of the sort to him yourself; about your dreams, about your anxieties. Nothing. You would remember if you had. The people who were aware of such matters could be counted on one hand; you treated you and your family's futures with no small amount of care, to avoid giving anyone the gunpowder they'd need to eliminate you.

And they would eliminate you.

Paquette was right. Your family's land and title were highly coveted, and it was all-too-well-known that your father's days were numbered, his age and his health being what they were. When he was gone, whenever that day might be, only one thing was certain — there would be no shortage of vultures descending on the ruin of your family and only one would emerge victorious: the new Viscount of Vellerot.

As for the nature of the documents he was evidently so keen on protecting... You pondered what information they could possibly contain which would warrant such precautions. Such 'discretion'. You were afraid you did not want to know.

You continued to pace the ground, boots leaving layered, dusty prints on the dirt behind the stable, over and over and over one another. Your eyes flicked to Paquette. “This task is what I must do to ensure your protection for my sisters?”

“Oh, certainly I would do my best regardless. As a long-time friend of your family. However, you see... having those documents back safely where they belong would certainly help me to accomplish that, as having them elsewhere would surely threaten my position. Hence, this request.”

“Request,” you repeated. But you could read between the lines — you do this for me, and I do that for you.

"For you to do with as you will," he went on almost nonchalantly. He cocked his head, surveying you. "Though I did have other prospects to take on this job, I am giving the opportunity to you, as you are someone I trust. However, I would like to reiterate the need for your silence regarding the matter. I'd like only a very select few of my choosing be privy to the situation, so I'd appreciate if you kept this discussion to yourself. If you are to accept it, it would need to be a solo ordeal. These documents really are quite confidential, and I'd hate to think of the repercussions for my family if this were to get out. Surely you can understand the need to protect family, yes?"

You paused in your pacing as you heard your father on the opposite side of the stable call for everyone to gather, likely getting ready to depart. You turned to face Paquette, satisfied that your face would betray none of your thoughts.

"Thank you, Lord Paquette," you said with a small, vague smile and a curtsy. "I will consider your offer."

"No, thank you, dear," he said good-naturedly. "Do take care and let me know what you decide.”

He turned his back on you and made his way over to the group, waving a lazy hand over his shoulder.

He never turned to see your returning wave.

Wriothesley caught your eyes as Paquette returned to the group — raised a questioning eyebrow.

You smiled back, a reassurance, but you doubted it reached your eyes.

All things considered, the ride was going more smoothly than expected.

No one had yet called Wriothesley some horrible name or trudged up the past; hell, most of the men had been downright civil to him. More than that, Lucy was a magnificent animal. His hesitation — and he will call it hesitation, for he certainly had not been afraid — could not ever have been more misplaced when it had come to her. She was not only equally beautiful and powerful, but graceful and gentle as well. He had been enjoying his time with her immensely over the last weeks.

Wriothesley could see why the two of you got along so well.

He took a brief detour away from the main group to a nearby brook, allowing Lucy to have a drink of fresh water as a reward for all her hard work and patience. Many of the gentlemen had continued on, barely sparing Wriothesley a glance as he cut off from the group and down the gnarled trail to the water.

He was leading Lucy back to catch up to the main group when he was halted in his tracks by a low laugh that sent a chill skittering down spine, raising the hairs on the back of his neck. Lucy shifted the weight on her hooves nervously at his side, seemingly equally disturbed by the sound. He placed a reassuring hand on the side of her neck and she settled.

“— Just like her father,” he heard a posh voice faintly through the brush, followed by tinny laughter. “... know what’s good for her.”

A second voice responded, slightly deeper and scratchy like aged tree bark. Just as unpleasant. Wriothesley couldn't make out what he said.

“— son will be looking for a woman soon, will he not?” said the first voice. “And while you have a wife to warm your bed, I..." — more muffled chatter Wriothesley couldn't make out — "...her to good use. Women do have one or two.”

The other barked an unsettling laugh, chilly and humorless.

Wriothesley’s blood went cold as he silenced his steps, focusing as much as he could on hearing their words as the passed on the parallel trail.

“A shame..." the voice faded off again before picking up volume as they got closer, easier to hear. "...a rebellious bitch, isn’t it? I daresay she could have her own good use or two if you could get her to behave for more than a few minutes.”

Wriothesley stood rooted in place, legs numb, fingers frozen, having nothing at all to do with the vision pulsing with icy fury at his back. He dared not look, but he easily identified one voice. The other was only distantly familiar.

That first, reedy voice belonged to Lord Thibeault. He would bet his life on it.

“You are certain she will bite?” asked the other man.

Thibeault made a noise that sounded like a considering hum. "You know what they say about hubris —”

The voices continued to fade as they continued back to the main party, but it was another few seconds before Wriothesley regained control of his limbs and followed, one thought screaming through his mind on repeat like a broken record in his gramophone.

Something wasn't right.

a/n: title from 'wild horses'—rolling stones

[strawberrylabs]

Whumptober day 1 with Albedo!

Prompt: "How many fingers am I holding up?"

Whumptober masterlist

Summary: After a particularly nasty fight, Albedo is concerned for his lover's wellbeing.

Warnings: Concussions, blood, fighting, frostbite, cracking/breaking of bones

Your comissions were simple for the day. Most of them involved running around getting apples for people and feeding the pigeons.

Your last one however, invloved taking down some fatui that were lurking around Dragonspine.

No big deal, you thought. You've done this a million times before. Why would this be any different? In fact you'd even say this is fate! Now, you could visit your lover in his lab once your done.

No big deal, you thought.

..no big deal, you thought as you shivered against the harsh Dragonspine winds, clutching your side as it bleeds into the snow, the red a stark contrast to the previously pure white.

The fatui had been further up the mountain, rather than their usual camp on the outskirts. You were unprepared for the winds mixed with the ferocity of the attacks of the hydro gunner, causing frostbite to nip at your fingers.

No big deal, you thought. You can handle this, right? You're an adventurer! You do this for a living!

You can handle this. Until a fatui electro hammer appeared from the snow and landed a particularly harsh hit to your temple...

You heard a sickening crack, before you faded into darkness.

•❅───✧❅✦❅✧───❅•

Albedo couldn't shake the feeling of dread that suddenly overtook him.

He was simply minding his business in his lab as the storm picked up outside.

But for the past half hour, there's been a pit in his stomach getting deeper and deeper. The alchemist tried to ignore it, continuing on with his notes.

He couldn't wait to see you again. The nights on the mountain are long and lonely, and he longs to be in your embrace.

Albedo stands up to grab something from his shelf, but he falters- falling to his knees as he blanches.

Something is wrong.

Something is terribly wrong.

That pit in his stomach is now a black hole that threatens to consume him from the inside out. He feels his lunch attempting to come back up his throat.

Unable to shake the feeling of apprehension, Albedo grabs his coat and ventures into the snowy terrain of the mountain.

Albedo's mind immediately drifts to you. Were you ok? Did your comissions go wrong? Where were you?

Fortunately, his last question is answered rather quickly.

Albedo gets a perfect view of the electro infused hammer colliding with your skull.

And he hears the morbid crack as if it were his own head being damaged.

Albedo made quick work of the fatui.. much quicker than he would've liked, however your well being is more important.

Albedo calls your name as he skids to kneel beside you.

Shakily, he checks you pulse..

You're alive.

Albedo doesn't stop to think about how on Teyvat that's possible, he only knows he has to help you, and quick.

Gently picking you up bridal style, he rushes back to his lab.

He doesn't fail to miss how you skin feels like ice against him. Even through his clothes, he feels as though he's fallen into an icey lake, throat closing in panic.

Or maybe that was simply his fear that he could feel?

The second he made it to his lab, Albedo gently placed you on his bed, not wasting a second on tilting your head up and pouring a warming potion down your throat to help soothe your frostbitten fingers.

Albedo spends hours tending to your wounds, assesing the damage to your head-- which after inspection, it appears you have a crack in your skull, but its not serious.. yet. He would need to get you to Barbara when you're stable.

Now he sits on the edge of the bed, your hand clutched in his as he waits for you to wake up.

"Come on.. come back to me.."

Albedo thinks of the possibilities.

What if he listened to his intuition sooner?

What if he dealt with the fatui quicker?

What would he do if you died before he got you to Barabara?

What if-

As if sensing your partner's trepidation, you groan, eyes fluttering open.

Albedo gasps

"How do you feel? Do you know you're name? How many fingers am I holding up?"

"Uh.. I feel like shit, of course I know my name, and you're holding up... four?"

He was in fact, not holding up four, but two.

He sighs

"Well at least your awake. Please stay still, I'll get you some pain killers.."

You try make eye contact with the man as he stays seated after speaking.

You don't need to be able to see clearly to know what's going through his head.

'Please don't scare me like that again'

'Don't leave me'

You reach and grab his hand with hesitance

"I'm not going anywhere 'Bedo."

this was shorter than intended, but I hope you enjoyed!

i lowkey kinda hate it- im tired leave me alone