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victoria1676 · 3 years ago

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LEAVE ME ALONE AND LET ME BUILD MY S**T! Interlude: The aftermath of the destruction: The Calm before the Storm

Summary: The Last thing you remembered was finally putting Dream to jail and then everything went black only to wake up in a world you don’t recognize. trying to find a way home you found yourself in a mob chase that you find irritating and once they are satisfied threatening and killing you who then respawn the in execution made them realize who they almost killed and just as they were about to fall from their knees and beg for forgiveness.

You destroyed their homes in Revenge.

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(Prologue Part 2) (Prologue Part 3) (MASTERLIST)

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PLEASE LIKE, FOLLOW AND REBLOG! IF ANYONE STEALS MY WORK WITHOUT PERMISSION PLEASE INFORM ME!

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DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GENSHIN IMPACT OR THE DREAM SMP! THEY BOTH BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS AND I ONLY OWN THE PLOT! EVERYTHING HERE IS MADE FOR FUN AND NOT CANON ON GAMES AS THIS IS AN SELF AWARE IMPOSTER AU MIXED WITH VILLAIN AU OF THE SAGAU/SELF AWARE GENSHIN IMPACT!

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Notes: I would like to Shoutout to my senpais: @willowedwisteria, @chocoenvy and @nicebonescomrade for the help on Guizhong and Morax because without them I would have been stuck and not able to finish this interlude this TAT

But anyways I would like to apologize for posting this late since I had to take alot of revising and stuff here to make it interesting and make it enjoyable for you guys XD

So the Interlude here is basically the aftermath of Mondstadt’s destruction and there will be Dream SMP spoilers again in this one and also this will show different perspectives of the characters I have chosen in this interlude. So far I had remove two since it would make it struggling for me to finish so you’ll see the two povs that I wasn’t able to add it here in Prologue 3 and a interlude of a certain character. There's a explanation a bit of what reader's personality is like on Rubedo's perspective a bit.

Also quick note I tend to switch God and Creator since that's what I usually see or read from the other SAGAU stories so I hope you guys won't mind or confused of me switching God and creator sometimes XD

Prologue part 3 will come out soon since I just finished revising and adding changes to this interlude to make you guys enjoy it but I think I went overboard on the build up whoops XD but oh well at least it has interesting details once we finish all the prologues UwU

But anyways please enjoy this interlude and I will do the Prologue 3 next month since the interlude was a pain to right TWT

Also first half is the flashback of Reader in the Dream SMP and I can tell you I have no idea if I did their characters right or made them OOC on accident which I apologize 😭😭

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WARNINGS: Swearing, Violence, mentions of characters who died, angst, destruction, NPCS dying, betrayal being mentioned, Manipulation is being mentioned, Mentioned of a character being dead, Spoilers from the Dream SMP lore, Characters might be OOC since I'm trying my best to get them in character DX, things will go dark soon and cult behavior are mention here!

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Interlude: The aftermath of the destruction: The Calm before the Storm

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"Please tell me I'm not late please!!" You flew at high speed.

You hated Dream so much for teleporting you far away from Tommy and L'Manburg after he confronted you for protecting your little brother. The voices started appearing insulting the masked man and wanting blood from him.

If you were there then Tommy wouldn't be hurt.

If you were only there that time when he was about to get exiled and you could have prevented him from getting exiled if you just stayed a bit longer to be with Tommy instead of going to Techno about his plans on what he will do for his retirement.

Your chat was with you chatting loudly as you focused on returning to L'Manburg to catch your baby brother and the people you care about who gonna be losing more of their canon lives.

“Damnit Quackity!!’ You cursed the Mexican for pissing off and fighting Technoblade who is supposedly retired from anarchy but is now ready to fight again thanks to the butcher gang wanting revenge on him for destroying L’manburg.

"THEY HAVE UNLEASHED THE DOOMSDAY!!"

"TECHNO IS BETRAYED!!"

"TOMMY SIDED WITH L'MANBURG AGAIN!!"

"HURRY TOMMY IS GONNA DIE AND TUBBO AS WELL!!"

"RESCUE THE POG PEOPLE AND LET THE ONES WHO ARE NOT POG DIE!"

"WILBUR SHOULD HAVE NEVER MADE L'MANBURG"

"YES CHAT!" You shouted at them, "HE SHOULD HAVE NEVER MADE IT IN THE FIRST PLACE OR BRING TUBBO AND TOMMY TO WAR!!"

"Don't worry Big (First initial)! The blade will take care of me!" Tommy huffed with a smile.

That was the last you remembered living with your little brother and the moment you left the house you were teleported away under Dream's commands where you had to take a month to return home since he teleported you far away from the main island of the SMP.

Curse that Teletubby!

You were very pissed and out for Dream's blood as your eyes slowly began to turn red before flashing back to (e/c) color.

'Once I get my hands on that Teletubby I will-'

"TECHNO IS GONNA KILL TOMMY AND TUBBO QUICK!!"

"ANARCHY!!!"

You cursed as you used your ender pearls to get you there faster. Luckily it was also raining so you can just use your trident.

'Let me not lose another brother please!'

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"WILBURRRRR!!!!!!" You screamed in agony as your father embraced you yet you continued crying.

Never in your life have you thought that your brother would smile in his death after he told his own Father to kill him and he couldn't so Wilbur kept pressuring you but you tried to tell him not to make Philza kill him but he told you that it was alright and he deserved it for causing trouble.

In the end, your father; Philza killed him.

I T

H U R T S

MAKE IT STOP PLEASE IT HURTS!

"I love you sister" Your brother ruffled your hair as you hugged him.

Why did you have to die?!

For the first time, the voices began to mourn Wilbur instead of yelling for blood.

OUR OLDER BROTHER IS GONE!!

WILBUR NOOO!!

NOT WILBY!!

WE LOST MUMZA AND NOW WILBY!!

NOOOOOOOOO!

You kept screaming and crying even though your father tried to calm you down.

You lost your mother to the unknown curse.

And now.

You have lost your older brother from his unfinished Symphony.

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I already lost Mom.

And I already lost Wilbur.

Please any deity out there.

You saw what was once L'Manburg now was a nation filled with holes and TNT falling from the skies with Withers attacking every living being.

Don't make me lose another family again.

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"TECHNO STOP!!"

He paused as he turned around and saw his sister standing in front of an injured and shaking Tommy and Tubbo with her arms stretched out blocking them from him.

"ENOUGH TECHNO!" She shouted at him as he could see her tears running down her face.

"Move (Y/n)" Techno ordered his sister.

"L'MANBURG IS GONE NOW! THEY LEARNED THEIR LESSON" You attempted to reason with him.

"DON'T TAKE ANY MORE LIVES! THEY LEARNED THEIR LESSON! HISTORY HAS ALREADY REPEATED ITSELF MANY TIMES NOW" You felt your voice hurting from the shouting but you didn't stop until you finally convinced Techno not to kill Tommy

“And yet it's also their fault they keep getting their nation destroyed” Technoblade responded but you already know he is right.

The scenery changes to a familiar home as he could see his sister in the same position with Wilbur behind her cradling his bruised cheek. You stood there crying with your arms out to stop him from going any further fighting with Wilbur.

Technoblade sighed and let his crossbow down a bit before looking at you in disappointment.

"You already know why I had to do this," He said, "Your chat saw Tommy betraying-"

"I know!” You shouted, “He betrayed you for L’manburg and we all know that but the fact you let Dream go with you when you know what Dream wants with Tommy!”

“It’s obvious he would side with L’manburg but also because this is his home!”

Green eyes flash before your eyes as he took Tommy away from you with a smirk of triumph that made your blood boil.

"Both of you make your decisions! Tommy joined L'Manburg on his own decision and you joined Dream with your own decision!"

You panted tiredly feeling your voice become hoarse as you stared at your eldest brother before he glared at Tommy behind him who moved near a scared Tubbo and returned the glare at the pigman hybrid.

"Are you picking his side now?" He said referring if you are siding with Tommy.

"I choose people!" You answered him, "I choose my family! You already know I'm in the middle ground!"

BOOM! CRACK! CRACKLE!

Another crack of thunder hit the ground as the rain felt heavier for you.

"So, please…No more killing. You already destroyed L’manburg that will now forever take a long time to repair…"

"…"

Philza watched his children talk before staring up at Dream who seemed to be dancing and humming something. The elytrian knew how much you cared to bring your family back just like the old days.

But it was too late to bring them back all together. After all, Dream SMP killed and brought much pain to the whole family and its people.

"You are a fool," Technoblade said as he then gave the signal to stop the doomsday.

"I know…"

"But just so you know" He began walking and stood next to you.

"People betray each other and we both know how much betrayal hurts us" He reminded you, "You can't keep protecting Tommy or continue thinking our family will be back like before when it is too late now”

You looked down, not bothering to speak up about what he had said to you as the rain heavily came.

"I told you many times to be careful who you place your trust in (Y/n). We both know what our loyalty can be like and we all know how the world is like to us players”

"…I know"

"Don’t forget the universal language I gave to Tommy that time”

“Tommy, the thing is you’re using words, but the thing about this world, Tommy…” You let Tommy learn into your shoulder, “Is the only universal language is violence”

Tommy glared at Techno weakly while the half pigling crouched down to his little brother’s level, “Your sister knows this and we have that conversation with you”

“...I know”

“And you know the meaning of what I told him those words right?"

You glanced at him as both of you made eye contact once again.

BOOM! CRACK! CRACKLE!

Another thunder cracked once again as Technoblade continued talking to you, he suddenly said something that made your eyes widen, you grit your teeth and looked down.

Once the TNT ran out, Technoblade left with Philza and Dream. The people who reside with L'Manburg mourned for their home as you continued hugging Tommy who kept saying 'sorry' and Tubbo clutched onto you.

"And stop thinking everything will be fine as our family will be fixed again when we already have lost our bonds with each other…"

You cried silently hearing the words that your eldest brother told you and you knew he was right about what he said to you.

The Minecraft family will never be the same again.

"I'm sorry Mom…" You whispered, "I failed to keep my promise"

You don't know why you couldn't remember your mother's smile or voice anymore.

You didn't know why your memories of your happy family are now shattered into pieces.

"I'm a bad sister…"

I'm sorry…

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"(Y/N)"

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You opened your eyes quickly and summoned your axe to hit the person who woke you up but your weapon was blocked. You saw that it was Rubedo blocking your axe from going for his head with his weapon, the festering desire that you took from Aether, and decided to give it to him since it fits him more. You calmed down instantly realizing you were still in Teyvat and also in a familiar room which was one of the bases that belonged to the Abyss that was made for you as Rubedo dismissed his weapon.

"Ah…sorry" You apologize.

"It's fine but it looks like you had a bad dream" He pointed out noticing you almost killed him on reflex.

"Something…like that," You said your words very slowly realizing you are still very tired.

You groaned in pain realizing your body also sat up as you then saw you are in a bed with your clothing still the same yet you can't help why your head was throbbing very painfully.

"What the hell happened to my head?" You muttered as you began to massage your forehead to remove the aching headache.

Rubedo then brought a glass of water that was on the desk beside your bed, "Do you remember what happened or at least recall something?"

You thank him as you slowly drank the water before trying to recall what you were just doing before finding yourself in your bed.

"THEN DIE LIKE ONE!"

Ah, that's right.

You guys just finished destroying Mondstadt but you were sure you didn't black out after summoning the wither there.

A hidden part of you cried and screamed at you in anger for destroying a city that you should just give them their forgiveness.

But you aren't in the mood to play nice when these idiotic simps did not use their common sense and just continue to act blind and be a slave to Mallory.

You are a type to hold a grudge sometimes but this one you have a good reason as these people did not hesitate to kill innocent people for a Tyrant who was the real imposter.

So you'll have no choice but destroy all these governments of the simps so that you can head to Celestia either without their Gods being controlled again by the higher deity.

After all…It's justice to those who died for you even though they were innocent and didn’t deserve to die at the hands of their comrades.

"I don't remember blacking out after we summoned the withers"

"That would be my fault since you almost summoned another wither and almost went into a killing spree again"

"Oh…" You winced, "Sorry…"

Rubedo shakes his head, "I already said it wasn't your fault considering you are not the type to lose control of your calm demeanor whenever your voices called for blood"

"That's true…" You said.

Suddenly a huge pain began to hit your head as you closed your eyes and things started to return to what happened to you that made your first companion knock you out.

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You stood in the hands of the headless Barbatos statue as you watched the three wither attack the people of Mondstadt. Considering they had no idea how to kill it made you snort as you saw one unlucky knight was able to do it only to get the wither effect and began to die slowly as more screams and cries appeared. TNT went off with a bang thanks to those withers. Rubedo stood behind you watching the chaos only from the side.

"Ah" You spoked, "Never thought this how revenge with suffering would be an…amusing sight"

Rubedo hummed as he opened the message box to inform someone, "Indeed although but please do not lose control again"

You chuckled as your eyes slowly became full of blood-red, "Wouldn't promise it"

You watched the knights struggle to kill three withers as some of the people who fought for Mondstadt used their visions to kill the wither but you could see some suffering the effects of the wither.

“I never thought doing anarchy would be this fun~”

Back then you refused to show or fall victim to the voices who were enjoying the sight of L'Manburg gone before you then realize Wilbur and your father were there where the explosion happened.

And then Wilbur died.

More screams and cries rang as the whole Mondstadt began to crumble, fall, and burst into flames. The flag that would have protected this peaceful city was now burned into ashes.

KARMA!!

DIE! DIE! DIE!

WHOO WHOO, ARSON!

LET THE WORLD BURN!

MONDSTADT IS NO MORE!

"Nations should see or hear by now that Mondstadt has been destroyed" Rubedo watched the wither who went after Albedo that is working together with Aether before glancing at you who was humming.

You then started laughing at the destruction as you covered your eyes with your head thrown back to look up at the grey skies.

BLOOD!

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!

Your eyes stayed blood red as you stopped laughing before smirking at the sky and looking toward Celestia. You began to play with another wither skull that appeared on your right hand before throwing it up and down like a toy while humming a dark tune.

The city of freedom continues to burn as the people try to fight the unknown creature that is slowly killing them and destroying their homes.

Only two people witnessed the full destruction being the culprits of destroying what used to be the beloved city of Barbatos.

"I can't wait to destroy this interesting world~"

You laughed again but louder as you failed to realize you have lost control of falling into the voices’ chanting and your bloodlust as well.

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You winced knowing you did lose your self-control once again and you are grateful for Rubedo knocking you out considering your bloodlust has been going out of control for revenge and thirst for blood for the stupid ex-simps of Mallory. You then notice you haven't seen a single crow or your chat in the room other than two baby hydro fungus and different elemental slimes sleeping together in the corner of your room and Rubedo seems to be using one of your brewing stands with different resources from the Nether.

"Where's the chat?" You asked your companion.

"If I remember they are currently bullying someone abyss mages while some are just chatting or yelling at each other in stupid things that I do not wish to know," He said causing you to snort knowing how typical and normal your chat is which is something you are used to.

"What about the people in Mondstadt? Did anyone survive or kill the withers?"

"Two Withers have died under the traveler's hand thanks to the help of the Anemo God and the other one suddenly went straight to Liyue after they found a lot of animals there"

"Looks like Liyue is gonna suffer fighting a wither but probably will kill it quickly since they have that blue-haired Adepti that uses a bow" He was talking about Ganyu as he recalled seeing her in action that time when he was with you in looking for answers of how to get to Celestia yet no one wanted to give you other than to kill you for looking like their God until shit hits the fan of their mistake.

"Indeed Ganyu is very impressive in using a bow and it's a shame she's part of the people who chased you under Mallory's orders"

"True" You agreed with him.

It was kinda ashamed that bow user Adepti decided to be one of your enemies but oh well you aren't in the move to give forgiveness.

"But anyways some citizens in Mondstadts have died from the wither effect or from the fire and debris but most of the vision users that belonged there have disappeared although I think they headed to Liyue for cover" Rubedo explained, "Dainsleif decided to investigate and see if they are there along to get answers from our spy"

"I see" You then open your inventory and grab your apple that was in there, "Before you tell me about who or what our little spy is doing I do wish to know about the progress of our Doomsday operation"

Rubedo began to chuckle as he finished making his potions before making another batch of new potions, "Not even interested who our spy is and more into knowing that project that is like the one that happened back at the server you know"

"I don't care" You cruelly replied to him, "I'm not in the mood to know that our spy decided to betray their nation by becoming our spy after learning that I was their real God and wanted nothing more than my forgiveness when they blew it."

"Second chances aren't something I usually give especially since they want the Creator's forgiveness not mine" You huffed.

"That is true," Rubedo hummed before looking at you.

You looked very tired yet very much ready to get all regions (except Sumeru and Snezhnaya) to be destroyed just like a certain nation that used to be destroyed 500 years ago by the seven gods under Celestia's strings only this time you are the one destroying the nations with your abilities and helps from your allies.

History repeats itself

I guess it was never meant to be right, Wilbur?

If there is one thing that Rubedo noticed is that you have changed after what happened in that failed execution.

Back then when you first found him in Dragonspine injured after he explained to you that he had refused to side with the fake creator when he realized they only wanted them for their looks and was punished by it until you found him and healed him. It was then he decided to become your companion. You were known to be kind, a big sister who can be very chill and lazy sometimes along with being a skilled fighter, a good planner, a good builder, and someone who uses dark humor. You also tend to flirt or tease for reactions that amuse you along with you being a loyal person.

But now?

You become very silent and all you want is to go back to the Dream SMP server to check if your brother is alive and the message box notification of your brother dying was a lie. You would do anything to go back to the SMP server even if you are willing to spill more blood in your hands that will forever make you feel around your hands.

You wished you didn't have to spill some blood or fight against the people of this unknown world you suddenly appeared in. Yet the people who are under Mallory's orders have tested your patience and crossed the line to the point you will have no choice but to be violent as they had killed the people who have tried to help you get home or expose the truth to everyone that the one who sat in the throne of the Creator was the real imposter.

You refused to acknowledge when you found out that you are their true creator yet you aren't sure why you are regarded as one when you don't remember being one or creating this world or making the vision users your vessels.

What Rubedo doesn't know is that you have been getting strange memories of a person who looked like you.

"Something on my face," You said, noticing how quiet Rubedo is being like and also seeing his staring.

"Not really other than realizing the fact you changed after what you have seen on that failed execution that happened I suppose weeks ago” He spoke.

"…"

You didn't say anything knowing he was right as you then summoned a bracelet that had the color red, blue, pink, green, and (f/c). Looking at you made you quite sad knowing you haven't known how long you have been in Teyvat, especially since you aren't sure if the time here is the same on the server.

“I made this bracelet for everyone!” You chirped, showing six bracelets to your family.

“What's this baby bird?” Kristen looked at your little bracelet with a smile

“It's a family bracelet!” You grinned, “That way it shows how close our bond and we are the best family!”

Your heart clenched remembering that memory.

“Despite I am still learning human emotions slowly under your care I can say I know you haven't been well since…you heard what happened to your little brother" Rubedo carefully said his words trying not to offend you.

He remembered when he and Dain brought you back to the base you started crying while trying to contact your brother or any of the SMP members to know if the notification was a lie but alas the communicator remained silent.

“PLEASE!!…TOMMY…”

Your cries echoed throughout the base and no one could console you.

Not when you failed to protect your baby brother and just found out your brother died when you were trying so hard to return to the Dream SMP server.

You just let out a humorless chuckle before lying down back in your bed and wrapping your wings around you.

"…All I ask is if everything is going according to plan," You said.

"We have already prepared a lot of TNT, obsidian, and Redstone materials for the doomsday thanks to the help of the Cryo Archon's organization" He informed you.

"Good," You replied.

It was then the room became silent yet both of you didn't have the heart to ruin other than you could hear the brewing stand working.

"🎶 JuMp in tHe CaDillAc

Girl let's put some miles on it

Anything you want-🎶"

"Rubedo please turn that chat into fried chicken"

"Already on it"

Suddenly explosions and loud cawing noises were heard outside the base.

No one knows what happened but the chat was just cackling that one of their kind had the balls to sing that song.

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Elsewhere a familiar blonde teenager who is in the void sneezed and shuddered to feel a strange annoying chill that he couldn't figure out.

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It didn't had to end like this…

He lay on the soft yet cold white snow in pain.

He barely escaped from getting killed by the Traveler and the other Archons along with his mother's perfect creation.

He didn't expect that he could find his end like this…

Not when he hasn't fulfilled his goal.

“And to think…” He breathed out, “I would be the villain…when they are…following the true imposter…”

He coughed out more blood as he felt his eyes blurry.

“Just when…I-I finally…g-got out of Durin…I…am gonna die…this time”

He couldn't stop closing his eyes as he felt his ears ringing. Just as he felt himself dying a shadow covered his body and he felt himself being turned around in lying on his back.

He didn't know who turned his body. All he could see was a blurry image of a person with big wings.

“-re you okay?”

…what…?

Such kind words felt like kindness that he didn't get from Albedo's people. He could have laughed and looked at them as if they were crazy yet he could not speak with his body in pain from the wound. He slowly closes his eyes but hasn't felt his ringing ears or the pain of his body stopping meaning he is still alive but not for long.

Something cold hit his lips that felt like glass and a hand on his jaw that was trying to open it. He couldn't move so he let the person move his body knowing he would die in the end except he felt something like a liquid run down his throat. He couldn't feel the taste yet it was warm. With a little bit of strength to open his eyes, what he saw will be something he wishes to see even more as his vision was clear for a moment

(e/c) eyes that are filled with worry towards him and a face that looked like the true imposter and he knew who it was giving him this strange drink.

The…great…creator?

“…W…Why?…”

That one word he could only manage to say before things looked a bit dark and back being blurry. Warmth wrapped his body and it felt like a fluffy cloth. Just as he finally accepted the darkness he heard those last words that he will remember.

“We are both labeled as imposters, right? Then…Don't die. Not when I want to ask you if you could be my companion and partner”

Suddenly he woke up wrapped in a blanket and was laying down on a soft bed. What greeted him wasn't the warm sunlight but a face that held happiness and a wonderful smile.

“Hey, there fellow imposter” You greeted him with a playful smile, “Finally awake and still ready to live?”

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Paimon was Aether's second companion with Lumine being his first and the floating fairy was the one who had tried her best to be positive for the traveler.

That is until he learned the truth of what his role is and his sister's role.

Paimon couldn’t blame her friend who she remembered hearing his cries and his screams of anger that time when they were heading to Inazuma.

Paimon could understand why he was feeling like that.

Despite Paimon knowing her origins or what her role is to her friend she could not tell her friend the system would never let her reveal her origins only when the time comes.

So when Paimon and Aether met the player creator in person Paimon knew something was wrong with them.

Aether knew as well and instead of stopping for confronting the ‘creator’.

He decided to let it all happen.

Aether let the ‘creator’ do its thing by spreading lies and use of manipulation on all the nations and its archons.

Paimon was shocked by her friend’s actions and began questioning the blond traveler on why he let the ‘creator’ do its tranny when it could hurt many people if they do not tell them the truth.

But Paimon only received a look from Aether to which she stopped asking.

Aether never told her why he let the nations’ people suffer under a fake creator.

That is until the true creator came and Paimon knew why her friend was like that.

He was tired.

Tired that his role was nothing more than being a vessel to learn the truth of what Teyvat is like.

Aether was nothing more than a puppet to be played like a kid.

If he wanted his sister back then he must play the hero and travel to 7 nations to reunite with his sister.

Aether could handle it but when he learned that he and his sister were made out of codes to be played in this world.

It hurt him so much.

And Paimon knew he hated it and was tired of being shoved around saving and helping people along with doing a lot of tasks when he just wanted to be reunited with his sister.

And so Paimon stayed by her friend’s side by remaining ignorant of what was happening to Teyvat.

Paimon also wonders about that certain conversation at that time with Aether and the ‘creator’. All Paimon knew was the change of Aether's personality and what Paimon meant by Personality she meant the way Aether started hunting down the creator muttering something about he will do anything so long he can be with Lumine despite him taking reckless action from the ‘Creator'.

“PAIMON!!!”

The last thing Paimon could see or remember was pushing Aether out of the way from getting hit by one of the heads of the creature that Albedo's imposter and true creator summoned. She got hit instead of her friend who started screaming her name clutching her tiny body.

Paimon couldn't hear Aether’s words as she suffered the effects and then fell unconscious in her friend's arms.

Paimon will do anything to make her friend happy and promises them that she will make sure Aether reunites with his sister.

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"Someone has fallen to the unknown effects of the monster!"

"Another one has passed away from it!"

"I need medical attention over here!"

“Someone call a healer please!"

The people who survived the aftermath of the fight between the two wither have now taken shelter in Liyue after one of their people killed a wither that wasn't defeated by the Traveler was suddenly in Liyue destroying and killing any living beings it could find or buildings to get to them.

Luckily the vision users in Liyue were able to stop it however the people who got hit by the wither skull have died from the wither effect; however, they have only left people who are vision users unconscious or worse, in a coma. Venti was one of the victims who have been hit by the wither same goes for the other vision users except currently he is unconscious as healers from Fontaine with Hydro visions or those other people who use Anemo started healing the people who have visions or those who don’t have visions but unfortunately can not be saved.

Madame Ping watched the citizens and the citizens from Mondstadt help one another. She could also see the Tianquan sending orders to the Qixing and Millelith to help the survivors of Mondstadt and Ganyu was there speaking to Jean who was carrying a passed-out Kaeya by the shoulder. The Traveler could be seen sitting down with his head down in grief and Madame Ping knew something must have happened to Paimon since she saw someone taking the tiny floating companion to one of the healers.

She sighed seeing what had happened to the city of freedom and that it was the sign of the destruction that would happen to her beloved nation.

“If only you used your eyes and mind, old friend,” She said glancing at Zhongli who frowned seeing the state of the Mondstadt people, “Then our dear creator would never start her revenge on us if we-no you realize the signs that the one who sat in our beloved creator's throne was the true imposter”

“…”

Madame Ping just shook her head and drank her tea while the Liyue's retired Archon just looked at his tea that would soon be a cold tea. Madame Ping may not forgive her old friend for killing innocent people, especially XiangLing's family and other people who helped the creator. She decided to have one last tea with him before she and Yanfei parted ways with Liyue.

At least she and Yanfei knew who the real creator and the real imposter but they were sent to jail after what they did by helping the true creator to escape.

But thankfully they were released, however unfortunately we're only to know the aftermath of what has happened to the failed execution. Both Yanfei and Madame ping agree to leave Liyue not wanting to be in a nation that is currently going around like headless chickens and asking forgiveness for what they had done when they should have listened to them, especially Yanfei who has all the evidence.

In the end, no one listened and now will pay the price…

Zhongli knows that Madame Ping and Yanfei will be leaving Liyue and he doesn't stop them. After all, they had the right to leave by their own decisions, especially since he and his people were the cause of letting their nation feel the wrath of the creator.

“I heard that Shenhe was released from her prison and went into a rampage when she heard Chongyun was killed” Madame Ping started, “The fact there have been sightings of dead treasurer hoarders somewhere in Ligue and a Cryo vision being used on them is the fact that Shenhe is angry”

“Indeed. She was released 2 days after the…incident ” Zhongli said.

“Huh no wonder why I keep seeing elements of Cryo being used on some dead treasurer hoarders that I encountered through the lands of Liyue"

Zhongli and Madame Ping looked to their side and saw Yanfei who was carrying a bag walking towards them.

“Hello, Yanfei” Madame Ping greeted Yanfei, “Is everything already packed?”

“Yep” Yanfei nodded, “Yelan decided to help as well since she's planning to leave with her people along with Uncle Tian and Huixin as well“

“Well, that's good to hear,” Madame Ping said before looking at Zhongli who is watching Jean and Ningguang speaking to each other.

“I will be leaving now, Morax,” Madame Ping told Zhongli who sighed and nodded.

“Safe travels old friend,” He said.

With that Madame ping slowly stood up as Yanfei was there by her side carrying the tea set with the ex-Adeptus. Both slowly leave the Yuehai Pavilion while Zhongli on the other hand just looks at his tea that has now become cold. He let out a sigh recalling what he had done for serving the true imposter. He cursed himself for not realizing the obvious signs of what the true imposter did when they disguised themselves as the creator he had prayed to and worshipped. He should have realized things sooner, especially the way Zhongli faintly remembered the imposter manipulated everyone with some kind of power or fragrance that made them in control of their actions yet Zhongli and the others allowed the creator to do it despite they have sudden doubts about it but will be washed away once the creator notices them.

But it doesn’t excuse their actions for being oblivious and letting Mallory continue ruling and almost bringing Teyvat down with her tranny actions. However after the events of the execution, he and his fellow archons are more than happy that they get to make Mallory suffer and go all out on her since she cannot die when she is cursed by the creator for the crimes and sins she had done from stealing their creator’s identity. Despite the torture of revenge, they brought to the real imposter for her sins, and the archobs know that despite what they did will not make the creator forgive them. Zhongli grimaced at remembering the anger of some citizens such as Chef Mao, Xingqiu’s family, and Chogyun’s family when this whole time the children were innocent and didn’t die for saving and helping an imposter but the creator.

Everything has gone into shambles and Zhongli couldn’t help remembering a particular memory as he then started walking down the Yuehai Pavilion stairs and heading towards his own shrine that he made.

------------------------------------------------------------

“Why”

“Hmm?” Guizhong glanced at her friend who looked at her with eyes filled with questions.

“Why would you serve the higher god, the creator for everything when we were created just to be puppets?” He asked the Goddess of Dusk who was touching some of the glaze lilies she had loved dearly.

Morax never liked the creator after he learned the truth of what he and the other roles are from Guizhong who spoke to him about what their world and roles are about to them. Nevertheless, he was furious however he continued his role but still held a deep disdain for the creator who only made him and other gods beings that will soon become puppets of their game if they survived the war that will happen to them soon and one of them will become a vessel to the creator. This is why other beings are angry at Morax for hating the creator while some understood the geo dragon’s feelings towards the creator.

They are only created solely to create the world where the creator will be using one of them as a vessel.

So Morax decided to ask his friend why did she continue praying or worshipping such as he had seen his friend giving her favorite flowers, food, or any kind of item she could give away to the temple that he despised since the temple is for the creator where humans and gods would send their offerings in hoping the creator would accept them. Morax was not one of the people who would give offerings to the creator yet he doesn’t stop Guizhong from sending her offers and Guizhong lets Morax show his dislike for the great creator in her presence since she understands how he feels about the higher god.

“This is the first that you asked me Morax” Guizhong chuckled as she turned to face her friend who continued staring at her.

“You never asked me about this despite knowing I'm one of the gods who worshipped them,” She said, “Why so curious, my friend?”

Morax crossed his arms, “I still do not understand why you are showing your dedication to them when you already know the truth? Should you not be angry at them?”

Guizhong merely gave her friend a smile before she bent down to pick up the Glaze Lilies and gestured to follow her which the Geo God did. Both of them were walking to a certain path that would lead to a certain temple.

“When I first learned the truth of my role and what this world is I was devastated,” She explained with honesty, “Learning that my role in this world is irrelevant and I knew someday day I wouldn't meet the creator once they finally walk through the land or choose one of the people or gods to be their vessels”

Morax stayed silent and continued listening to his friend as they both walked to the great temple of the creator where they would place their offerings and prayers.

“I didn’t know what to do with the truth…” Guizhong sighed, “But another part of me was…curious”

Morax blinked and glanced at the Goddess, “Curious?”

Guizhong giggled as she stared up at the skies with an unreadable expression, “Indeed I was curious. I didn’t know why after I became sad I started curious about the reason our Creator made this land and made us as well”

They then reached their destination before Guizhong dragged the reluctant Morax inside the temple that is filled with different offerings from the people and the other Gods that reside in Liyue.

“I wanted to know who our creator is and I wanted to know the reason why they put us in this land with roles to fulfill” She continued before kneeling down and placing the flowers next to the offerings, “So far I only know little information of who our creator is other then we know that they have given us orders or rather things to fulfill. The one place I know who would have more information about our Creator is Khaenri'ah”

“...”

“It's a shame but” Guizhong then started to smile as Morax looked at her in confusion, “I could not help but thank them”

“Thank them?” Morax repeated the words, “You thank them despite knowing your role is irrelevant to this land they made?”

Guizhong nodded, “Yes I would like to thank them. For being alive and able to see what they created and leaving us to make it our home and the home to the people of Liyue”

Her words were genuine yet they still confused Morax. Thanking the creator for making them born and then letting us do whatever we want just for the people that they are given or rather to protect? The geo God still has questions yet he doesn’t have the heart to ask more of his friend who is now starting to do her daily prayers to the Creator.

“You should pray to them, dear friend,” Guizhong said.

“You know I don’t do those things Guizhong” Morax stated.

“Just this once,” She said, “ I am only asking you once to pray for them even if you keep hating our creator”

Morax grumbled to which the Goddess of dust laughed at her friend who then started praying for the first time to the creator.

That was the last time they prayed to the great creator in the temple together…

------------------------------------------------------------

Morax held the dying body of Guizhong who was dying after a fierce battle. Both of them were in an area surrounded by Glaze Lilies as the Night sky bloomed to them. The geo god was in tears while his friend was also crying yet still had her beautiful smile. Both didn’t expect this to happen but they knew someday they would both part ways from each other but not today.

“How could they…” Morax muttered, “You always pray to them…and yet you are dying..”

It was then that Morax started loathing and hating the creator even more. Guizhong, his dear friend and one of his closest people who he cherishes dearly, is now dying in his arms. He didn’t want her to leave or her to see her dying yet fate decided to tear them apart. Seeing his friend like this made him slowly start to hate the creator even more.

Why aren’t they saving Guizhong?

Did she not pray enough for them?

Did her offerings not satisfy them?

Did she not worship you enough?

So many questions that Morax wants to spat the creator angrily when he cannot lose one of his dearest friends who was not afraid of him or judged him for hating the creator. Guizhong saw her friend’s change of expression. For once she was happy to see another expression from her friend other than having his signature poker face or his rage expression but she didn’t not like seeing her friend sad, especially since he is showing signs of hating the creator even more and is probably blaming them for her death. So she slowly lifted her hand despite dying slowly to her death. She needs to calm her friend down and not continue hating the creator.

“Don’t Morax…” She spoke with a soft and tired voice, “Do not hate them for my death…”

“How can I?!” He exclaimed, “Not when you are dying in my arms!!”

His words shooked the land as Morax gritted his teeth at seeing Guizhong still cares about the creator when she is in a serious condition.

“It is not their fault,” She told him but before Morax could retort to her Guizhong cut him off, “We both know…one of us will part away from this land…”

“…”

The full moon glowed brightly in the darkened skies as the Glaze lilies bloom around them. It was a beautiful sight yet quite saddening with the Goddess of Dust now slowly dying from her injuries but still staying breathing only for a bit just to send her final blessings or words to her close friend.

“Sorry I didn't…tell you more my reason why…I continue to pray for them” Guizhong apologize as Morax shook his head to her, “You don't need to apologize Guizhong”

Guizhong smiled as she cupped Morax's face which was stained with tears, “Although…I am glad to see you…showing more expressions…”

Morax was different from the other gods and was one of the people who rarely show emotions. Mostly everyone would see him as someone cold or someone with that they wish they would not cross paths in case of getting killed but Guizhong was one of the people or rather she might be the first person to be close with geo god who has the form of a dragon. There are many times they have been mistaken as a family or the common one where they are mistaken as lovers yet both never say anything of their close bond.

“I am grateful for the creator…” Guizhong chuckled tiredly, “For being born for this land…to meet you…and to meet others…”

“What a blessing to be created with a heart…to care deeply and…the mind to help and guide…the people of Liyue…”

You can see Guizhong slowly losing her body but she still stays strong to make sure her friend remembers her words and also hopes Morax could fulfill her last wishes along with hoping for happiness for him. Morax continued listening to every word Guizhong spoke with her remaining breath as he also made sure to embed it in his memories so that he could remember it forever.

“Despite I…could not see them…Please Morax…Protect and…also cherish them…when……you finally…meet them?” She asked her friend as she could feel her breath slowly going away but tried to stay a bit longer in her friend’s arms.

The tears of the geo god fell onto the Goddess of Dust's cheek who was still crying yet holding a smile for him.

“I will,” Morax said, “I will fulfill it my dear friend"

It sends a small chuckle to Guizhong along with it, which makes her happy that despite not seeing or meeting the creator she hopes the creator would meet Morax instead.

“About…that stone dumbbell…I have given to you”

A flash of a memory of Guizhong giving her stone dumbbell to Morax who looked at it in confusion but also keep it and take it as a challenge given by Guizhong to figure it out

“Forget about it okay…”

Morax just stayed silent as slowly Guizhong’s body began to fade away he held her fading body that was slowly reaching her upper body. The Goddess of Dust’s eyes began to close yet the smile remain on her face.

“What a blessing to be born…”

Those were her final words as she then faded into dust. The night sky continued to bloom as the wind softly flew by Morax who held the dust that was the remnants of Guizhong who has now parted from this world leaving him and others alone to fight, build and bring peace to this world.

“Guizhong…” Morax uttered those words with a voice that missed his friend.

That was the last time Morax saw Guizhong as he then remembered the times with her and the memories they had spent. But what stood out of it is that he has finally realized the words or rather why Guizhong was curious yet grateful for the creator’s existence. No one knew who the creator was or knew what their appearance looked like or sounded like. However, there have been notes about the creator wearing a cloak that covers their face and covers their whole body. They also hold a warmth that makes you know that you are home.

Before Morax was never a believer and hated the creator when he learned the truth and answers from Guizhong but after his friend died in a place filled with Glaze Lilies he finally found all the answers that he needed.

The creator has given all living beings such as Gods, Humans, and animals a meaning of life and is meant for something. This land would be what it was if the creator did not let them do what they want or give them roles to fulfill for this land to flourish. Guizhong as she said her role as background or side character is irrelevant to this world yet still had a meaning. Everyone has a meaning including himself.

The creator did not build this world for fun.

But they created it with love.

With all the answers Morax now has become one of the creator’s loyal acolytes who will not only fulfill his friend’s wishes but also cherish, worship, and thank the creator for making them born out of love.

“What a wonderful god they are…”

------------------------------------------------------------

The location of the shrine was in a cave where only Zhongli knows where it is as he was the one who made the shrine where he can only do his prayers to the creator and bring offerings to them. Zhongli felt tears coming out of his eyes as remembered the promise he made with Guizhong. He bows his whole body to his private shrine to the creator.

He ruined his promise for Guizhong.

What would she think of him now that he had actually hurt his and Guizhong’s beloved creator?

She would be so disappointed in him.

“I’m sorry…” He cried, “I’m sorry my Creator! I am sorry Guizhong!”

“Please give me another chance to repay my sins…”

Outside the cave was a single crow that was spying on Zhongli before it flew off the moment it saw the ex-archon crying on his shrine for the creator.

If you open your eyes and realize the signs sooner.

Then you would have never suffered like this with the sin of hurting the true creator.

------------------------------------------------------------

In the land of Inazuma, a crow flew towards the Great Narukami Shrine where shrine maidens would reside and it was also the place where the Electro Archon’s familiar reside as well. The crow cawed softly before spotting the familiar pink-haired Kitsune of Narukami shrine who seemed to know that the crow would arrive in her shrine as she lifted up her arm where the crow would land with a note on its claws.

“So it finally arrived,” Yae Miko said as she pets the crow who was happy for the pats, “I was wondering when will she deliver the letter after they finally realized their mistake of who they serve”

The crow caw before flying onto one of the roofs of the shrines as Yae Miko starts examining the letter that the crow has given her and she knows who has given this letter to her.

“Hmm”

The Great Narukami Shrine was quiet other than some shrine maidens roaming around doing their task.

“Lady Yae!”

A Shrine maiden who seemed to be a new one ran towards the Kitsune with a look of distress. The shrine maiden panted indicating she was out of breath from running.

“Dear me,” Yae Miko said as she glanced at the shrine maiden, “What news do you have?”

“It's about Mondstadt!” The shrine maiden exclaimed with her eyes looking scared when she heard the news of the city of freedom, “The city has been destroyed and the cause of it was the great creator!”

Everyone in the shrine who heard the news started whispering in shock to her that the city of freedom has been destroyed by the true creator.

“It seems she finally has started her revenge,” Yae Miko said looking back at the letter “Looks like things will not look good in Inazuma if only Ei and the others except the Arataki gang just opened their eyes and realized the signs sooner”

Suddenly another person entered the shrine as one of your chats began cawing at the new person.

“What do you mean by that”

One of the shrine maiden gasps when they see who it was, “A-Almighty Shogun!!”

Raiden Shogun or should I say Ei suddenly appeared in the shrine with a look of shock when she saw the crow from that rooftop and recognized that the crow wasn't from Inazuma but it belonged to the true creator.

“The Shogun has appeared?!”

“When did she arrive?!”

“I thought she was busy, especially since there were many soldiers assigned around Inazuma”

Whispers appeared once again in the Shrine which made Yae Miko irritated by it as she turned around and turned around to face her friend who wanted answers.

Especially since she did not know that Yae was in contact with you.

“My it seems someone has finally got out of her place after what happened to the execution” Yae Miko chuckled, “If I recall shouldn't you be helping your people or continuing your mourning?”

“Don't change the subject Miko” Ei glared at the Pink Yokai Kitsune, “Since when did you come in contact with the creator?”

“Oh?” Yae Miko made a fake surprised expression, “Is the Almighty Shogun jealous that she was not the one to be in contact with our creator?”

“Miko”

Yae Miko laughed as she looked at the Electro Archon who isn't in the mood in being teased, “Alright I'll stop for now”

The Kitsune then shoos away her shrine maidens before gesturing Ei to a table that is already prepared for them ahead as all the shrine maidens give them privacy.

“Let's have a chat after you finally got out of your abode”

-----------------------------------------------------------

“How long have you known the creator Miko?” Ei promptly asked.

“Straight to the point and not even a greeting,” Yae said as she drank her tea, “Although I can't say I pity you once you realized you have been serving the fake creator”

Ei tensed up as she stared at her mango milk while Yae just looked at her. Guilt and pain were all over the Electro Archon’s face after she realized who she hunted down the whole time.

“To put it simply” Yae put down her drink, “Back when Sayu was around she informed me about the so-called impostor that you and the other archons are chasing which I had no interest that is until I saw them”

Yae looked at the person that entered her shrine while bandaging their wounds that are bleeding which are slowly flashing red to gold making her eyes widen once she recognizes the signs.

“So I took them in and started asking questions about themselves” She explained, “Only to find out they are an outlander like our dear traveler and wanted to look for a way out of this world”

“...”

“Did you know that (Y/n) complained to me about when she arrived here for no reason only to get chased down under the orders of our faker” Yae glanced at Ei who continued looking down in shame, “I pity her especially she has no idea what our world is like nor knows about her being the true creator but was mostly labeled as an impostor by everyone”

“...”

“Nothing to say? Well, then I will continue-”

“Why”

“Hmm?”

“Why didn't you tell me about it Miko” Ei looked at her with a frown, “Why didn't you tell me that you knew they are the real creator when you noticed the signs”

“...”

Yae Miko suddenly felt a huge annoyance as her vision began glowing in the rage of her emotions. How long has she tried to tell Ei that she was serving a fake? How many times she was turned away and banned from getting near her and the faker?

She has told her friend so many times but she refused to listen.

This made Yae Miko annoyed.

"I told you Ei! I told you many times that the Divine creator you have been working with was none other than the true imposter" Yae looked at Ei who slumped down as you could see her eyes swarming with guilt in them.

“I-”

"No excuses," Yae cut her off, "You knew you should have been suspicious when that faker suddenly starts throwing tantrums and made stupid executions on the people of Teyvat"

“…”

“The fact you say I didn't tell you when you were the one who ignored my words and continued to blindly follow that faker’s tyranny that already has ruined and killed innocent people such as Sayu and the other people from the other nations!”

Ei flinched but she knew Miko was right and Miko had the right to get angry at her. The Electro Archon looked down at her Dango milk in sadness and shame

What would Makoto think of you?

She did everything to make the creator proud.

And yet you ruined it for her and did not realize sooner that you served an imposter.

-----------------------------------------------------------

“History is repeating itself and this time it's their fault for being such blind simps!”

“…”

Dainsleif watched silently at the crow that suddenly decided to follow him in meeting the spy.

Or rather there are actually two from what he had heard from one of the crows.

“Thou shall all sinners get punished by Big sis!” The crow shouted.

Honestly, Dainsleif pitied you for dealing with these kinds of crows but at the same time, he finds them interesting despite how talkative they are.

“They will” He replied to them, “Her Majesty will start her plan once she gives the signal”

“BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!” The crow shouted following a sound that suddenly sounds like…your cackle?

“If one of my chat starts mimicking a voice that is not their own then they are probably using one of my voices or from my family”

“Is that possible?”

“It is for them and I sometimes wonder if they are a crow or just a parrot in disguise”

At least Dainsleif knows what your crow is doing or what they are like.

Finally the former Captain of Khaenri'ah' has entered the border that reaches the entrance of Liyue and Monstadt as he could see bloody footprints and walls of the cliffs that looked destroyed indicating where the third wither has gone off. One of your crows landed on Dainsleif's shoulder to which he allowed it so long the crows do that yell or peck him then he will continue to allow them to stay on his shoulder.

The good thing is that no one was sight of the entrance as it was getting dark. Mostly the place was trashed with whole and bloody footprints that can be seen at the entrance.

“Now one of our spies should arrive…”

-----------------------------------------------------------

“You know you didn't have to come with me,” Aether said to Amber.

The outrider just gave him a small smile, “I had to, especially since I already finished my tasks in Liyue and also did some checking on Eula who has fallen asleep after finally surviving that three-headed monster’s poison-like effect”

Aether grimaced at that. Eula one was one of the victims and was the first to wake up after surviving the effects of that three-headed creature they try to fight but it was not easy especially when it attacks those who are hit get some kind of poison-like effect on their bodies before dying completely except for vision users who mostly get into like a comatose state or continue suffering the pain.

Paimon was lucky that she survived the process but was unconscious after receiving the monster's effect and Aether hasn't been himself after Paimon took the hit instead of him. The healers told him that Paimon will be okay and are not sure when she'll be waking up but so far she was lucky to survive the effect of the monster.

It eases a few of his nerves to Aether but at the same time, it still made him more guilty than he got Paimon hurt.

Right now Aether was assigned by Ningguang to check the border between Mondstadt and Liyue after Ningguang got a report of something happening on the border due to the sight of crows there. Aether was supposed to do it alone but Amber decided to accompany the Traveler. Right now they already walked passed Wangshuu Inn and now are heading to Dihua Marsh to check out the strange happening at the border that is the entrance between Liyue and Mondstadt.

“I'm quite worried about what will find,” Amber said as she started hugging herself, “To think we have to check something when it's almost dark is making me get goosebumps”

“True” Aether said especially since he doesn't know why feels something will happen, “Let's hope once we finish checking we can use the teleports to go to Lityue”

“Oh yeah speaking of teleporting” Amber looked at the Traveler, “Why didn't you use that instead of walking to the entrance”

That made Aether stop walking with Amber.

In 1 minute of silence, the blonde Traveler went red as he covered his face in shame making Amber let out a laugh realizing why her friend went red with embarrassment.

He forgot about the waypoints or rather the teleporters.

“PFFT! I can't believe you” Amber wiped her tears away, “Forgot about the waypoints! Hahaha!”

Aether groaned as he covered his face, “I'm so sorry Amber!

“Hey!” Amber patted his back, “It's fine, a bit of Exercise helps!”

That made Aether uncovered his face and let out a sigh as he smiled at the outrider. Just then his smile went away as he spotted a crow flying past them. Amber saw the sudden expression of the Traveler and looked where he was looking only to see the crow as well.

“Isn't that-”

“I WANNA GO HOME!!”

The crow whined before flying off as Amber and Aether made the chase to go after it. The crow didn't seem to notice them and was heading to the entrance of Liyue and Mondstadt which means that there can be only one thing.

You might be at the border and as much as the outrider and Traveler could return by spotting the crow they already knew that it would waste their time, especially since they are very close to the entrance.

-----------------------------------------------------------

‘Dainsleif?’ Aether thought as he never knew that he would be seeing the former Captain of Khaenri'ah again.

Aether and Amber arrived at the entrance of Liyue and Mondstadt after they followed the crow. They both thought it would lead them to the creator except it didn't but instead of the creator it was Dainsleif who was at the entrance of the border talking to someone who was wearing a brown cloak.

The Pryo brunette and the blonde Traveler were hiding as they only saw the two people talking about something. They have no idea who the cloaked person is as they try their best to stay hidden through the bushes and trees.

“Hey Aether” Amber whispered to the blonde, “Isn't he that person who stopped the creator back in the…execution?”

“Yeah, it is him,” Aether replied as he furrowed his eyebrows.

Both of them became quiet as the crow landed on Dainsleif's shoulder sulking, making the blonde Khaenri'ahian pet the bird’s head with his index finger before continuing the conversation with their ‘spy’.

“When Rosaria informed us of you suddenly joining I knew something was up, especially since Her Majesty is currently resting and preparing for her revenge,” Dainsleif said crossing his arms.

“Revenge…” Amber muttered.

The person in the cloak lowly said his words to Dainsleif who was able to hear it with the crow except for Aether and Amber who couldn't hear the cloak person’s voice and words.

Dainsleif sighed, “I trust you should know that her majesty is not gonna be giving second chances not after you almost killed her”

“…”

“Joining us won't make a change or make you accepted in Her Majesty’s arms easily”

“…”

The cloak in person started talking again and Aether swore it they sounded familiar but he can't place his finger on it.

“What's going on?…”Amber asked worriedly, “I can't hear what they are saying except that person who stopped the creator’s bloodbath”

Aether couldn't say anything and tried to get close a bit but Amber stopped him, especially since he almost got spotted by the crow.

“In 3 days her majesty will unleash the Doomsday”

What.

Aether and Amber suddenly felt their heart drop hearing that word. They aren't sure why when they heard Dainsleif's words but hearing the word ‘Doomsday’ caused both of them to have red flags around them.

The person in the cloak flinched but asked them in another low voice to Dainsleif hummed.

“We plan to make them think 3 weeks they can prepare everything in time but that is merely a lie” Dainsleif explained, “Both her majesty and Rubedo agreed 3 days they will unleash it as a punishment”

“We need to tell everyone!…” Amber hissed in a low voice that only Aether can hear, “Everyone will get hurt!”

Aether nodded and just as they were about to quietly escape-

BONK!!

“URGH!”

Aether started swaying as he hit the ground hard. Amber gasped and was about to summon her bow and she was quickly knocked down.

“INTRUDERS!! NICE ONE XIAO!!” The crow shouted as Dainsleif looked behind the cloak person who did a small glance at the duo since they did not want their face to be revealed.

X-Xiao…?

Indeed the one who knocked out Amber and made Aether hit the ground was Xiao who looked at the Traveler with an unreadable expression before walking towards Dainsleif.

“W-Whats the ma-meaning of this…?” Aether asked, “W-Why”

“…”

Xiao didn't say anything as Dainsleif nodded at him, “I supposed you decided to finally come after scouting and avoiding the Geo Archon's eyes?”

Aether suddenly felt his head pounding in pain as his vision began to blurry. All he could hear was the crow's laughter before the cloaked person turned around causing Aether's eyes widened.

No way…

First Xiao and now-

“KNOCK HIM OUT!” The crow once again screamed as Aether then felt his head collide with the ground very hard.

Before he fell unconscious he words these last words:

“Make sure you use the potion that erases the memories on both of them. Her Majesty said that the effect will last until 4 days”

W…why…

And then everything went black.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Somewhere in Liyue monsters began disappearing for no reason however there are some who are around the lands of Liyue but their strengths were stronger than before. Hilichurls would normally be easy to fight but now they are a bit harder and also aggressive. Slimes began to appear in numbers more than before and Geovishaps are sometimes seen in groups with the hatchling as well. The Fatuis are nowhere in sight except some Treasurer hoarders who are unfortunate to get caught in the crossfire with the elemental enemies.

No one in Liyue is safe, especially since there have been sudden earthquakes around Nantianmen that were definitely banned to all citizens and adventures considering that is where Azhdaha was sealed into.

A little blue finch was flying through the trees while trying to find high ground to stay safe from the animals, monsters, Humans, and of course, earthquakes that Azhdaha would make sometimes. The bird chirped before another earthquake came causing it to squeak as it lost its balance and started falling towards the lake.

Just as it was about to land on the water something caught the bird who was confused before opening its eyes and seeing who saved it from falling into the water.

“My what a pretty bird you are”

A woman with brown long hair wore black clothing with a black veil covering her face and a black hat that looked very similar to a certain person who wore a hat. She also wore a beautiful black dress and black gloves. A bracelet that looked like a locket was on her right wrist shimmering from time to time.

The bird chirped, making the woman giggle as she watched the bird fly away to Liyue.

“What a beautiful world this place is…” She whispered admiring the beauty of the city of Liyue.

“Oh but it is”

Suddenly a flash of green appeared a bit far but still near the woman who let out a sigh as she suddenly felt her mood down when he decided to appear.

“...What do you want?” She asked the entity behind her, “Shouldn't you be keeping one of your precious champion?”

“Shouldn't you be in your domain especially if I recall you never appear in your full form except possessing your husband” The entity retorted at the Goddess.

The woman rolled her eyes before running around to face the entity.

“What are you doing here DreamXD?” The woman glared at the other god.

DreamXD just laughed, “Come now Lady Kristin you know why I am here~”

“That’s Lady Death to you” Kristin corrected the Green God especially since she doesn't like how this God is saying her real name casually like she is his friend.

Both knew that they aren't friends especially Kristin can not forgive him when his little champion brought pain to her family.

“My how rude of you” The green God chuckled as his four wings ruffled, “And I thought you would continue being yourself instead of pretending to use that personality despite it doesn't change anything”

“Out with it!” She glared at God.

Kristin has patience but she has no patience for a God who has been interested in her daughter from the moment she was born. The mother remembered how the Green god stared at her daughter with interest and proclaimed she was the reincarnation of a higher God in another world.

Her husband never believed it. She didn't believe it either.

But in the end, she can't help but agree after she saw what her daughter was capable of when she arrived in this world.

The green God shrugged, “I just came to check on you after the other gods well mostly myself have noticed your presence disappeared and to think I would find you in this universe despite you know you can never stop your daughter’s revenge”

“…”

“But when I arrived I never felt excited!” He chirped, “To think she would pull the same idea from her Philza and Technoblade makes my day!”

The God laughed while the Goddess of Death stayed silent and stared at him. Life around Kristin was slowly withering due to her anger that is currently being held back as getting angry or falling for the taunts of the Green God would be a waste of time.

He is just like Dream, his little champion but more annoying.

“It's quite a shame though” DreamXD calm down from his laughter, “Once (Y/n) finally got her powers as the Higher God or rather the creator of this game world she would never return back to herself”

“You know what I mean right Lady Kristin?~”

Kristin frowned. She knew what he was talking about and she could not meet you face to face without Mojang’s going after her. Once you slowly get your powers being the true creator you will be facing a price that you may not like.

Kristin wished that you didn't deserve this role, not when you have no memories of being the creator of this world and all you want is to be with your family.

“Although I wonder…If she was able to become a God. Will she be forever forgotten by her family? Just like when-”

“It seems” Kristin cut him off, “That you have forgotten what your role is like only in the Dream SMP but never outside of it”

Suddenly the atmosphere became really tense as the wind between the two gods slowly disappeared and the animals or other living beings ran away from the area as both gods stared down at each other.

“Tell me DreamXD” Kristin spoke, “What were you the God of again?”

In the blink of an eye silver chains that are glowing with darkness around them appeared and wrapped themselves on DreamXD who was startled as the ground around them withered.

“You! How-”

“The thing is DreamXD” Kristin started as she slowly walked towards the Green God, “ You are a God mostly in the Dream SMP but outside?”

DreamXD didn't say anything but he was shaking around the chains.

Is he scared?

No.

He is angry.

He is angry because out of the other gods Kristin knows that DreamXD is more capable and strong in one server.

But if he were to go to any server or outside of it-

“…Are you trying to make me mad Lady Kristin-”

Kristin snapped her fingers causing the chains to tighten around DreamXD who gritted his teeth behind his XD mask.

“You have forgotten your place and who I am so I will correct you”

Kristin was now in front of DreamXD as she made him bend over a bit as he was very much taller than her and her husband.

“I'm the Goddess of Death,” She told him as her chocolate eyes suddenly disappeared and her eyes became the whole black behind her veil.

“When you are one God in a server that will make you powerful but outside?”

“And you? What kind of God are you?” The smirk appeared on Kristin-no the Goddess of Death made DreamXD grit his teeth behind his mask as he felt enraged and humilated thanks to this Goddess

He should have been aware that Kristin despite is the one who is in charge of the souls in the underworld was given a gift to have chains the will chain other gods and they could not escape it unless Kristin let them.

However Kristin herself knows how much power she has once she got gods on her chains will make her powerful and a threat to other gods. So for now she will only use these chains unless she is provoked.

“You are nothing”

------------------------------------------------------------

JESUS IT'S LIKE 12 MIDNIGHT HERE AND I FINALLY FINISHED THIS LONG AS PROLOGUE YASSSS!!!

MY WI-FI HASN'T RETURN YET SO I'M LUCKY MY MOBILE DATA IS A BIT STRONG TO PUBLISH THIS BUT AFTER DAYS OF REVISING AND RESEARCHING ABOUT GUIZHONG BY ASKING MY SENPAIS FOR HELP ALONG WITH LOOKONG FOR GUIZHONG COMIC DUB IN YOUTUBE TO HELP ME TRY TO GET GUIZHONG'S CHARACTER RIGHT TAT

I TRIED MY BEST TO MAKE HER AND IDK IF I GOT HER CHARACTER RIGHT BUT I'M MORE WORRIED IF I GOT ALL THE CHARACTERS IN CHARACTER AND HOPEFULLY NOT OOC 😭😭😭😭

My brain hurted this shit so bad please 😭😭😭

ALSO YES I ADDED MUMZA IN THE END AND I REALLY HOPE I GOT HER CHARACTER RIGHT AND SAME GOES TO DREAMXD!

YEP I GAVE KRISTIN THE HELA LINES FROM MARVEL UWU ✨💕 Plus it was inspired by an animatic I watched in YouTube and I couldn't find it anymore IDK why TAT

And the meaning behind of Mumza's words about DreamXD is that in my own opinion I feel like DreamXD wouldn't be a full God unless he is in the DreamXD since its known that DreamXD and Dream are different persons yet similar people. Plus gods who are in the Minecraft world can visit other worlds like how Mumza was able to enter Teyvat without needing to possess Philza ^^

The sad thing is that she can't meet her daughter or else she'll be force to back to the underworld directly which is sad TwT

But honestly what do you think especially now I can take a break and then work on Prologue 3 that will be coming out next month ^^ I really hope you enjoy this despite it looks dragged on but hey you can't blame me on my world building lol XD

No hate in my comments or else I will remove it also no anon hating me in my inbox of my story when I already said I made this for fun and made sure it is different to the other SAGAU stories but still similar.

Also a bit of changes in Prologue part 1 and Prolonge Part 2! I'll be re-reading this interlude to check it I missed anything or made a mistake once I wake up the next day.

But anyways that's all I can say and please reblog, like and comment on my stories! Don't forget to follow me for of these!

Goodnight!

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Taglist: (If you see your username in the list and it didn't notify you like the rest then I'm sorry since I tried to search your names yet Tumblr decided to say there is no one 😭 forgive me!! TAT)

@rea-can-yeet @chocogi @ayamvirus @greenteaanon @yunadxd @leafanonsforest @g3n0dtt @lilqi @persephone-kore-law @ryokuu @sweet-seraphim @creation-magician @mappleleaf893 @rampantparadox @romireblogss @campanula-rotundifolia @loser-loalo @moon--kitty @abyssmal-skies @atsuki-mitsuri @the-real-fandom-person @alastor-mydear

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if-found-return-to-gusu · 4 years ago

Text

After Christmas With A-Yuan

I want to talk about New Years but when typing it up I realized I really wanted to talk about the day after Christmas too. So I split them up into two separate posts. So I’ll start with the 26th. I went to sleep holding 2 of my favorite people but woke up tragically alone. I could tell I’d been re-tucked into bed with care. I remember the feeling of someone shifting and A-Yuan mumbling and snuggling closer. The press of a kiss against my temple? But I may have been dreaming. All I know is that I woke up alone.

Well not entirely. As he often does, Lan Zhan had placed Suibian on the bed with me. She’s the one that woke me actually. She was snuffling up by my nose, her own twitching against mine as her fur tickled my skin.

“Mmm good morning” I mumbled at her, making her hop around quite excitedly once she realized that meant I was awake. I laughed and sat up carefully to make sure I wouldn’t squash her and beckoned her closer again.

“Do you know where my boys are?” I asked her once she was close enough to pick up. She twitched her nose at me and, of course, didn’t answer. So I told her we should go find them together. (Bunnies don’t usually like to be held from what I’ve experienced. They’ll tolerate it for a while but it makes them nervous. But Suibian never seems to mind so long as I’m the one holding her. Maybe it was because I kept picking her up as she was growing up ((Don’t wanna say when she was a baby because she still IS a baby.)) Oh… maybe she only tolerates it because she’s still so young? Oh I hope she doesn’t grow to fear it. D: I’ll have to make sure she feels extra secure because I love taking her around with me. Anyway. Tangent. You all know to expect it by now)

I swung my legs out of bed and padded out of the bedroom only to be hit by a wall of smells and the sound of kitchen stuff clinking together quietly. I closed the door as silently as I could when I heard A-Yuan giggling and what sounded like Lan Zhan gently shushing him. I poked my head out of the hall to take a peek and found Lan Zhan was very carefully handing A-Yuan a tray of food that was clearly meant for me. A-Yuan had almost taken it when he looked up and saw me. He yelped and shoved the tray back at Lan Zhan, who managed to keep 99% of it from spilling, and rushed at me.

“No Xian-Gege! You’re supposed to be sleeping!!” he said, clearly frustrated that his plans had been ruined. I laughed as he started to physically turn me around and push me back to the bedroom.

“Oh? But what if I’m not tired anymore?” I asked just to be difficult, resisting him just enough to make him put some effort. The boy went to a nearly 45 degree angle trying to shove me forward. I glanced back to smile at Lan Zhan who had set the tray to rights. He smiled back and I decided to stop teasing A-Yuan who had started to whine a little.

“Alright! I’m going! I’m going!” I said. I heard A-Yuan telling Lan Zhan to wait a moment before he ushered me back into bed. I set Suibian down on the floor to hop where she wanted (the squirming and teasing was a bit too much excitement for even her, though she didn’t try to escape until she was a safe space from the floor. I trusted Lan Zhan would plop her back in with Bichen which he did so it worked out) and climbed into bed obediently. A-Yuan climbed on next to me so he could kiss my cheek and tuck me in before scurrying off with the order for me not to move.

Another moment and Lan Zhan and A-Yuan were back in my line of sight, A-Yuan carefully carrying the rather over-laden tray over to me only for Lan Zhan to help place it as I sat up again.

“Good morning, Xian-Gege!” A-Yuan chirped as if he hadn’t just reprimanded me into diving back under the covers. I decided to play my role correctly, which wasn’t too hard because I was honestly feeling very warm by the exchange.

“Oh! What’s this? Breakfast in bed??? For meeee????”

Okay the look on A-Yuan’s face told me I was over-selling it so I just grinned at him and laughed, opening my arms for a careful hug. I let him go and started to ask if the two of them were planning to join me only to find Lan Zhan had left and was now returning while holding two more trays of food.

Not nice to flex on a 7 year old, Lan Zhan. Come on now. XD

It took a bit of maneuvering and there were a few very near calls but we managed to get all three of us in bed with the trays of steaming food over our laps.

Blueberry pancakes and eggs and sausage (for me and A-Yuan anyway), toast and hashbrowns. Complete with orange juice and a glass of water. Entirely too much food that was absolutely completely consumed to the last crumb.

It was… it was so domestic and.. Warm and… My chest aches with it even now. I want that. I want that forever. It felt like the three of us were a real family! And.. and after what A-Yuan said at his birthday party… Okay that’s for later. We’re doing this in order!

As we worked through the mountain of food I suddenly realized-- When had Lan Zhan gotten a third tray? It was possible that he’d had it but only ever pulled out 2 before but this one didn’t match the others. The tray that was given to A-Yuan was a bit smaller (which was good because we were PUSHIN it with the trays on the bed) and covered in little bunny prints. I tapped on A-Yuan’s tray and asked Lan Zhan when he’d bought it. He replied that he had picked it up this morning since he was out anyway.

“You… went out already? And came back? And cooked breakfast???” I asked, somehow still surprised even though I KNOW very well by now that he wakes up at the ass crack of dawn.

He just nodded and smiled at me. “I had to get a few things and I didn’t want to disturb you two.”

I flopped back on the bed with a whine, rambling about how they were spoiling me so rotten and how we should be pampering HIM instead because he’s already gotten so much done that morning and must be tired and blah blah blah. I don’t listen to myself most of the time so I can’t tell you all what I said but you get the jist.

Lan Zhan smiled. I mean. I know he did even though my arm was dramatically over my eyes. I could feel it in his ‘mn.’

“Don’t laugh at meeeeee,” I whined which just made him more amused. A-Yuan patted my knee consolingly and told me I should finish eating before my pancakes got soggy.

A brilliant lad. Top of his class. Couldn’t be prouder if he was my own son.

Ahhh dreams.

Gotta work on one dream at a time. Not gonna compound it right now.

Once we had finished our feast, I insisted on carrying the trays back to the kitchen and cleaning up since they’d gone through all the work making and delivering breakfast. Lan Zhan got a… complicated look on his face at that and I know where his mind was going. I softened and gave him what I hoped was a reassuring smile. I hadn’t forgotten our talk from the other day. I wasn’t going to go overboard. He seemed to understand because he relaxed and nodded at me.

I only did a basic clean up for the time being, promising to take care of the rest of it later. I think that reassured him further.

Not gonna lie, part of me really really wanted to reach for the bottle of cleaner again. My fingers twitched a bit but I resisted. I left a bit of mess and went to sit with my boys in the living room.

Knowing and doing are two different things. And that was admittedly harder than it should have been. But the way Lan Zhan looked at me…. Suddenly it was the easiest thing in the world.

The three of us digested while watching something ‘family oriented’ on TV which just gave me MORE feels to be shelved for now. It ended up with Lan Zhan shuffling closer to me while A-Yuan somehow draped himself across both our laps. I saw Lan Zhan stroking A-Yuan’s hair out of the corner of my eye and it just melted my heart further.

After a couple episodes of… whatever we were watching (A-Yuan apparently had been watching this for a while and wanted to keep going so we indulged him. But I have NO idea what the hell it was)

The moment… it was honestly perfect. It had even started to snow outside. I could see the big fat flakes floating lazily down to earth from the large window. I don’t know what we were watching but it wasn’t too obnoxious. I felt Lan Zhan slide his arm around me as he kept petting A-Yuan. The two of them looked about as content as I was. Warm and close and comfortable.

I.. I really want that moment to be my life. That forever. That is paradise.

But then, as all good things are wont to do, the moment ended. But it wasn’t a sad ending. It was a new beginning.

A-Yuan had shifted after his show had ended and looked up at Lan Zhan, asking if it was time yet. I had no idea what he was talking about but Lan Zhan seemed to consider. He looked at his watch, then nodded with a hum. Apparently this was the correct response because A-Yuan whooped and basically just RAN to the kitchen.

I looked at Lan Zhan, completely confused, but instead of answering my silent question he just smiled and offered his hand to me. Never one to miss THAT opportunity, I took that offered hand and let him lead me to the kitchen where A-Yuan was pulling out… cookie cutters?

“We have to make the batter, first,” he reminded A-Yuan, making the boy pout a bit. “But you can mix the dough” was enough to get him back into his chipper spirits.

“Batter…?? Are we making.. Christmas cookies? A bit late for that, isn’t it?”

“Never too late!!” A-Yuan protested. And who am I to argue against that?

“There was a rather good sale on the cutters when I was out so I thought perhaps A-Yuan would enjoy it.”

“You thought right!” A-Yuan chirped happily before asking what ingredients we needed.

I helped gather the ingredients. Various white powders, eggs, butter, vanilla and so on. With my hands in the rather sorry state they were still in I let them handle putting everything together and mixing it up (safer that way anyway. Even with this, part of me wanted to add a bit of spice to the mix. Sweet and spicy go well together! And I think it’d make an interesting cookie! Maybe I’ll try that on my own some time) but I got to roll it out for cutting.

And then I discovered that when Lan Zhan saw there was a sale on cookie cutters he had apparently decided to buy one of each. There were tons! Even some repeats because of buying some bulk packages of them as well. But that’s okay! Can never have too many snowmen!

Cutting out the shapes was so much fun! We let A-Yuan pick out most of them but even so. I stepped back and let Lan Zhan put them in the oven though. I’m.. getting better but hot stuff still makes me nervous sometimes.

Actually it’s really frustrating! It wasn’t even the kitchen where the explosion happened! It was my bed area. They’d intended to get me in my sleep. It really really was only luck that my explosion went off after a delay. It was probably supposed to go off at the same time as the other one and if it had…

I think Lan Zhan noticed my thoughts starting to spiral again because suddenly he was in front of me. He brushed my cheek with his thumb, either wiping off some flour or putting some on. He gently guided me to look at him and smiled even more softly at me. “I’m here,” he said, his voice low and careful. I smiled back and covered his hand with mine.

“Are you okay, Xian-Gege?” asked my suddenly acquired new ankle weight. I must have looked quite bad because apparently A-Yuan noticed too and latched himself to my leg. He doesn’t do that as much as he used to when he was little (though being with A-Ling seems to bring that out in him again). I reached down to pat his head and smile at him too.

“I’m fine,” I promised to him, then again to Lan Zhan when I saw him still looking at me. “I promise.”

And I was. The moment had passed as quickly as it had come and suddenly I found I really was okay. I hugged them both and thanked them before asking what we wanted to do while the first batch cooked.

Lan Zhan pointed out they would only be in the oven for a few minutes which surprised me. I always forget how fast they cook. Blame it on making them SO rarely. And that I don’t cook may be another factor. Hah. Ah well.

We stood around and chatted while we waited and before I knew it the timer dinged and Lan Zhan was switching them out for the next batch. I don’t know if A-Yuan or me was more impatient for those cookies to cool, but Lan Zhan said that the frosting would just melt off if we didn’t wait for them to be at least room temperature.

I pointed out that maybe I wanted a melty snowman he didn’t know. But he gave me a look so I sat on the bar-stool I’d pulled up and pouted sulkily. A-yuan climbed up onto his own stool and sulked with me. Lan Zhan was pointedly NOT looking at us which made it really hard to hold the pout for wanting to giggle instead. A-Yuan and I shared a look and we both almost broke, but I managed to just re-exaggerate my pout and he copied my expression.

I had just started to implement an old, tried and true method of mine of making a quiet whine noise that very slowly increases in volume when Lan Zhan finally declared that we could decorate them now. With many whoops and hoorays A-Yuan and I set to our task (A-Yuan still on his stool so he could have easier access to the counter. He’s already 7 but still a bit small for his age if I’m honest.)

The two of us decorated our little hearts out while Lan Zhan stayed in charge of swapping out the cookies in the oven. Eventually, though, he ran out of cookies to cook so I tried my luck at getting him to join us in the decorating.

He seemed rather reluctant but I’m nothing if not persistent. “Come oooooon, please? I wanna eat a cookie that Lan Zhan made!!”

I think that’s what finally convinced him. I’ve noticed, and I do TRY not to take advantage of this too often, but… well he never denies me anything. Like… ever. Not unless he has a really really good reason. I don’t know if it’s because I’m really good at pouting or if he really just loves to spoil me that much? Maybe both? I mean…. Okay I’m… Since New Years especially I’ve been re-framing how I look at our relationship. And how he reacts to me and how we interact with each other.

I know I know. About time? Look, you can’t blame me for being careful. Okay? Just… ugh. Anyway….

Maybe it’s rose-tinted glasses. Maybe I’m reading way too far into things. Maybe I’m just wrong. But I hope… I hope I’m right. I hope that what I’m seeing is true. I hope…

But we’ll get into that later.

Lan Zhan helped decorate the rest of the cookies and it went…. About as well as his decorating back at the corn maze had. Bless his talented heart but arts and crafts are definitely a weakness for him. A weakness that is now snuggly coupled with his shit aim in my heart. The two ‘flaws’ that he has and they just endear him to me even more. How is that fair? Somehow him being bad at things just makes him even MORE perfect? That’s just not fair!

A-Yuan and I laughed at a particularly hideous angel cookie, but when A-Yuan asked if that angel was supposed to be ME I think we both died a little. (Lan Zhan did not confirm nor deny the identity of the angel cookie but at a glance it did seem to share my morning bed-head hair. And he gave it clothes that were rather dark and tattered as is my preference. But that could just be chalked up to lack of finesse with the piping. The grey sprinkles for eyes did add a bit of suspicion though.) I mentioned if it was supposed to be me they’d better snap off the wings which made Lan Zhan scowl at me and hold the cookie rather protectively. I laughed and promised I wouldn’t destroy his hard work and he reluctantly relaxed and went back to his careful decorating.

Sooner than I would have liked we ran out of cookies to decorate. Though I’m not sure where we’d put them if we had any more. They covered every flat surface in the kitchen while the frosting settled and dried. “Which ones do you want to take home?” Lan Zhan said after a while of gazing fondly at our kingdom of sugar soldiers. That… kinda made my heart sink. Right. Home. A-Yuan was gonna have to go back home. Which was not with us. Wen Ning was going to be picking him up soon.

Should I be concerned with how fast I got used to it? The three of us together in the play-acting of a little family? Probably.

A-Yuan hopped around the kitchen and considered carefully, picking out some of his favorites to give to the rest of the Wens. He asked me to give a sparkling snowflake to A-Ling which just made me melt.

Eventually we got all his selections all packed up in tupperware and ready to be taken away. But he came up to me with one last cookie in his hand. It was a christmas tree he’d spent so long carefully decorating. And honestly it was a masterpiece considering he’s all of 7 years old. He’d done his best to color in the star at the top with gold frosting and the branches with green. He’d placed strings of dot sprinkles in alternating colors as garland and shaped sprinkles for the ornaments. He’d even tried to put lines in the frosting at the bottom to make it look like tree bark, though that had melted together into a bit of an un-even lump. But still.

“I made this one for you, Xian-Gege,” he said with the brightest smile. He said that he was scared when he found out I was hurt but he was so glad that I was okay. He was saying something else but I cut him off when I hugged him so tight, careful not to crumble that precious cookie.

I still have it. I couldn’t bring myself to eat it. Eventually Lan Zhan and I sprayed it with stuff (per instructions seen on the internet) so that we could preserve it and keep it forever. I turned it into an ornament for a christmas tree. I wonder if we can have A-Yuan over next year. I wonder if he’d notice it.

I was… a bit emotional up until Wen Ning finally showed up to collect his nephew. There was another round of hugs where I told A-Yuan how much I love him and how proud of him I was and then he was gone.

And it was just me and Lan Zhan.

I sniffled a little and Lan Zhan carefully took my hand to comfort me. I smiled a watery smile at him before we both went about cleaning up. We nibbled on some of the more unfortunate looking cookies (which honestly weren’t ALL Lan Zhan’s since I had some failed experiments of my own to add to the ‘reject’ pile) and soon the kitchen was properly spotless. But it still smelled like the cookies, the scent of sugar and vanilla mixing with the sandalwood that usually dominated the home in a mix that was surprisingly pleasant.

Once we’d finished cleaning up, Lan Zhan took my hand again and led me to the living room to sit down. “Wait here a moment,” he said. He went off to the other room to get something. I listened to the soft sound of his footsteps and the rustling of paper. He sat next to me again and asked me for my hands. I offered them to him with a questioning stare that he ignored in favor of undoing the wrappings I’d put on earlier to help protect them while we made the cookies.

One at a time he slowly unwound the length of thin cloth until my poor raw knuckles were exposed.

I asked him what he was doing, but he only responded by pulling out a bottle of something. It was apparently some sort of ointment or lotion. Something soothing. He poured some into his own palm, rubbing his hands together to warm it up before he gently, oh so gently started to rub it into the skin on my hands. I stung for a moment, though he soothed it quickly by blowing on my hands with care. But after the initial contact the sting faded. It smelled so nice. A bit medicinal but definitely sandalwood.

Apparently that’s what he’d gone out for. That ointment/lotion/whatever it is. He’d seen how tender my hands were (of course he had) and wanted to give them extra care. He’d apparently had to go across town just to get it. The post-christmas shoppers were already out in full swing gobbling up sales and crowding the streets.

I… he hates crowds. When we shop we specifically try to go out when there are less people when we can manage it. And dealing with post-holiday crowds. I know for a fact that he’s done his best to avoid that his whole life. And going all the way into town just to get me some hand cream. Just.

My heart.

I can’t handle it.

Even after the cream had been rubbed in with so much care, he kept holding my hands. Rubbing and massaging the parts where the skin was intact and a little up my wrists.

Eventually he stopped but I held his hands before he could pull them away so that I could place a kiss in thanks on his knuckles. When I looked up again he was staring at me. So close. So soft. So….

I pulled back with a cough that probably did nothing to hide my flaming cheeks and he let me. Was it wishful thinking that made me think I saw a flash of disappointment in his eyes?

I thanked him for always taking such good care of me. He told me there was no need for thanks between us.

I smiled at him again and he smiled back. He smiles so much easier now than he used to. At least when it’s just us.

Does that mean that it’s because of me? Am I helping him smile? I hope so.

#wei wuxian #wen yuan #lan sizhui #lan wangji #mo dao zushi #Long Post #(Modern AU!)

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