To Bring You Home

by BBnibini

Summary:

Oneshot collection meant as "an offering" to the gacha gods. Multifandom.

Latest Target: Beloved Human(Ibuki-Douji Summer)

"You are a precious human, and I am but a god who couldn't help loving you."

  next target: Aesc the Saviour

Chapter 1: Lost in Translation (Zhongli)

A lazy day for him, a busy day for you--no matter the contrast of your agenda, you and Zhongli made it a habit to meet in the food stalls by Liyue Harbour. His presence and calm extinguished the fatigue from the many commissions and personal commitments you promised others of doing. You haven't really questioned what kind of impact you had on him, or why he seemed so dedicated on meeting with you despite your conflicting schedules.

---

Was it the free meals?

That was what you thought--yet he only ever orders the same kind of tea or a slight variation of it every evening.

"That will be 520¹ Mora." The waitress would say on typical days. You share idle conversation together and muse about plans for the distant future.

"I'm feeling extravagant tonight." He would sometimes joke (who knew he was capable of that?) when you had missed several dinners with him. Ten Mora added to his usual set for an extra spot of tea². You would always point out that he didn't have the right to brag about spending “extravagantly” over a paltry sum which he didn't pay for anyway, but he would only smile at you and look contemplative.

"What's wrong?"

Zhongli would sigh in response, choosing not to answer you. He would instead marvel about the beauty of the moon³ in the dark, night sky.

---

It must be the view.

He always found something beautiful about the weather---waxing poetry even in unpleasant storms.

"Radishes? Why would I love radishes?⁴ I don't get it," you would answer honestly, and he would place his hand atop your head and let it rest there.

"Everything is beautiful if you choose to believe it is."

Huh. You never thought of that.

"Well, I suppose radishes are rather filling."

You liked the sound of his laughter---perhaps it was even the reason why you looked forward to thunderstorms.

---

Was it the occasional unexpected dinner guests?

"Comrade, you're here!♡"

"Childe! I can't breathe!"

Childe didn't make it a secret that he's interested in you. In fact, he was rather vocal with his affections.

Sickeningly sweet nicknames, embarrassing confessions after sparring matches, bouquets of flowers at every opportunity--he was your most relentless suitor. You voiced out your discomforts with his overzealous..."methods" but it all falls on deaf ears. You voiced out such discomforts to the attentive Zhongli on your shared dinners.

To show his support, the Geo Archon had a habit of spending more when the Snezhnayan were around. He would order the most expensive tea set, and would make it a point to sit on the other seat beside you, whispering,

"Won't you order more, Traveller?"

...as if asking you to conspire against the Fatui with him.

"What? This tiny portion for 5201314⁵ Mora? I'd rather buy something else!"

Zhongli would shake his head and lean closer--almost a breath away with you.

"But you aren't the one paying tonight."

For a god who was thousands of years old, it was refreshing to see he still had a mischievous side to him.

---

Was he even enjoying your time together at all?

Something felt off today. He was a solemn man, but he felt more...serious right now. Childe wasn't around your usual spot yet he still ordered the shop's most expensive tea set.

"Good evening, Traveller."

You could feel tension in the way he brought the cup to his lips.

"What are you drinking tonight?" You tried to bring light conversation to the awkward vibe you both had, but as he brought his cup down and looked at you, you suddenly felt embarrassed. His amber eyes seemed...penetrating. Even the honeyed tone of his voice sounded dry.

"Vinegar⁶."

"Did something happen, Zhongli?" You cried. "Wai-- Vinegar?! Why are you drinking that?"

It worried you to see that he frowned even further at your inquiry.

"...this is unbecoming of me. I apologise. Shall we take a stroll outside?"

He didn't answer your questions again, but you relented. He wasn't the most direct person you knew. Unlike Childe who does not shy in voicing out his thoughts and his feelings, Zhongli was a lot more subdued. Sometimes, you wished he would speak out more. But given his disposition, you knew it would be impossible to ask of him.

"The moon is beautiful tonight as well, isn't it?³"

His remark made you look up at the dark, starless sky. Any indication of the glowing moon was absent. You squinted your eyes to look closer but never sighted the moon he sung praises to.

"It's an expression."

"Expression?" You turned to him with a frown on your face. You were speaking the same language, but you didn't understand him at all. "Zhongli--"

However his words confused you, the warmth of his lips on yours gave it clarity.

As he pulled away and held you close, the absence of his answer lingered--however, your pounding heart that grew bashful with his stares pestered you, as if saying that you would get your answer if you kissed him again.

"I'm not as honest as that person. I'm afraid I shy away from such bold declarations. Even now, I cannot seem to say it out loud."

"But you're talking to me just fine?"

You were relieved to hear him laugh again. The warmth of his embrace betrayed his beating heart that matched with the pace of your own.

"I wish I talked...more. I'm sorry for worrying you.
.
.
.
.
...envy brings the worst in me, I'm afraid."

"Envy?"

He sounded bashful. "Of...the Fatui Harbinger taking your attention."

...Realising its implications made you bury your head on his chest.

"Would it be presumptuous of me to assume that the feeling is mutual?"

"You're unfair, you know that?"

The answer you were seeking for had finally been found as you exchanged another kiss under the moonless night.

"Hey, Zhongli?"

"Yes, traveller?"

You responded to the silent words he couldn't seem to say...

"I can die happily⁷."

...but you could hear clearly in your heart.

---

Footnotes:

1 ) 520 in Chinese is (wǔ èr líng) = 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) “I love you.”

2) 530 in Chinese is (wǔ sān líng) ＝ 我想你 (wǒ xiǎng nǐ) “I miss you.”

3) The moon is beautiful tonight is an indirect way of saying "I love you" in olden Japan--the expression being credited to Natsume Soseki, a famous Japanese novelist

4) 萝卜青菜，各有所爱。 (Luóbo qīngcài, gè yǒu suǒ ài. 'radishes greens, each have that-which loves') — Radishes and greens, each have those who love them. I.e. "one man's meat is another man's poison" or "each to his own". 

5) 1314 (yī sān yī sì) = 一生一世 (yī shēng yī shì) “Always / forever.” Often combined with 520 so that it becomes 5201314, or “I’ll love you forever.”

6) to drink vinegar/chī cù (吃醋) : to feel jealous

7) According to this source, the phrase 死んでもいいわ | shindemo iiwa (I can die happy) is the best response to footnote 3, translated from the works of novelist Shimei Futabatei.

 

Sources: one two three four five

Chapter 2: Unsent (Solomon)

Summary:

"Your last three words, when we had kissed

Your smiles and warmth I'll always miss." (poem)

next target: Kazuha

Hello, how are you? How have you been?

It's been a while since I have seen

The stars in your eyes, the way they shine

Like the time I was yours and you were mine

 

Through nights I have hidden, and days you have sought

The warmth of your company had always brought

My heart a home, and yours to love

You were kind and patient, a gift to have

 

But I broke your heart, I let you go

Seen starless nights; not let it show

"It's for the best!" I did not trust

The love you had, how long it lasts

 

The words unsent, now never read

Your name I called, but never said

To dust and ashes, this tired heart rests

He's four words short from happiness

Notes:

The spoils of my war with gacha:

 

 

 

 

It had been a long resounding success! ✨ 180 pulls with only Skill 2 Solomon is a little steep compared to my amazing luck at Genshin, but I'll take it. haha. My head can't seem to write at the moment, so have a poem instead. I'm really into the unrequited love genre right now and this is kinda a byproduct of it+reading how it was implied how lonely Solomon was at the previous lessons ++reading HCs about him and MC being past lovers. 

Chapter 3: Mirror, Mirror (Scaramouche)

Summary:

Mirror, Mirror on the wall
Who's the fairest of them all?

Notes:

Based on the Pale Flame goblet's flavour text which can be read here. I helped a friend farm for their Phys Dmg Kaeya and got some delicious lore in exchange.

P.S. This piece is just pure speculation, brought about by my undying love for this angry, salty old man plscomehomeily. 

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

Was it I, whose youth remained despite time's passing?

Was it the skies containing lies--its starry canvas painting the world below in unforeseen doom?

But I am neither there nor here--I was a being cast aside and not meant to exist. What use is the truth to someone whom the gods couldn't even touch? What use is time to one who could only squander it and watch the world fall apart under the palm of their hands? 

Perhaps fairness is the flames contained in her eyes--her ideals and her dreams that will only fail to be realised. In the cold of her palace lies a heart whose hope will only continue to slumber--and as the snowstorm passes, her people will not shiver; for she was a god who loved and chose love above all else.

Beauty must be something difficult to understand. Warmth, kindness and sentimentality is a luxury for mortals who would not live long enough to know loneliness. In the hardened eyes of the Ruler of the Abyss, that beauty had faded--how does he feel to see the same flames flicker in the eyes of his precious person? How could he begin to explain that all her efforts would amount to nothing? 

Reunions and bonds, friendship and family--can only the fairest of the fair be called so if they had it all? 

Then what is fairness to someone time had forgotten? What lies in the facade that can only dream to mimic its beauty? 

Mirror, mirror on the wall--who's the fairest of them all? 

In this failed world, there is only one thing I can say with certainty: fairness is only fairness if it is meant to fade. Beauty is only beauty if it is impermanent--for time will only wither everything away, until there is nothing left. 

...until there is only I. 

Chapter 4: Sparkling Steps (Klee)

Summary:

Who is Mondstadt's strongest fighter?

Who is Mondstadt's strongest fighter?

It certainly wasn't easy to narrow it down to just one person: there's Jean, the Dandelion Knight; the proud and ever reliable Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Strong and formidable as she was gentle and kind, her presence alone was enough to keep peace in the nation of freedom itself.

Then there's the mysterious Darknight Hero, protecting Mondstadt in the shadows. They do not seek recognition nor acknowledgement for their altruistic actions--not blinded by prestige nor glory, but driven by justice. Some say that their network of information and seemingly abundant resources can be attributed to a wealthy and honourable person. Several names are whispered by curious onlookers speculating their true name; one of which is the aloof aristocrat manning Mondstadt's wine industry, a retired Knight himself. But the claims and the evidences were too farfetched and vague to ever really be given any substance. 

A new name had also been spoken recently--that of an outlander who bravely fought one of the Four Winds, making a name for themself even in the land of contracts: the Honourary Knight; Liyue Qixing's treasured guest who vanquished the evil god threatening the balance of their grieving nation.

But even that brave Knight knew in their heart that another person comes to mind when one speaks of the strongest in Mondstadt...and that is--

"Honourary Knight! Don't let her get away!"

...came the Acting Grand Master's voice, booming through the headquarter's hallways. Her usual gentle tone was now laced with restlessness. A child's voice soon followed, toddling her steps, only making a stop once she spotted the familiar unfamiliar clothing of who she thought was her ally. Shock perhaps(betrayal too), was seen in her features as she looked up and failingly hid her "treasure" on her back. 

"Will you please let Klee through?" 

When the outlander shook their head, the red-cloaked child couldn't hide her disappointment. Her cheeks puffed and her big, doey eyes glistened with tears.

"But you promised you would play with Klee!"

The Honourary Knight sighed, resigning to their fate--Klee reminded them of family: their precious person who they terribly missed. Just imagining their twin making the same face hurt their heart.

They bent down to meet the Sparkling Knight's eye and held her hands. "Just this one time, okay? And if ever Kaeya coaxes you to fight the fake Knights, don't listen to him and stay in your room."

Klee pouted, not understanding their reservations. "But, I want to protect Mondstadt too!"

"Oh, don't worry! Kaeya will be happy to help on driving them away! We don't want you to get in deeper trouble with Master Jean, right? So you can help us once your solitary confinement is over!"

'That scheming drunkard! Just wait until I get my hands on his conniving ass(or lack thereof)!', was what the Honourary Knight thought, but their thoughts were far too vulgar for the innocent child in front of them, so they held their tongue.

With that (and a promise of Good Hunter's Fishy Toast), Klee understood and squeezed the traveller's hands back. "Okay! Follow me inside! I'll show you my new creations! But! Don't tell Albedo, okay? I was only taking a liiiiiitle peek at his notes!"

Oh boy, more headaches. But it's fine. 

...that just means that Mondstadt's strongest fighter needs a little more life lessons to truly embrace what she will inevitably become.

And once she does... 

Archons, please give us strength--

Notes:

We meme the hell out of her in our co-ops so I desperately want one little bomber daughter of my own. MihoyoplsgivemebabyMegumin-

Chapter 5: Fall Again (Kaedehara Kazuha)

Notes:

Based on Kazuha's leaked dialogue(something to share:maple leaves). I thoroughly enjoyed knowing more about him. I really love his personality, but I'd pass for now. This oneshot is dedicated to two of my Genshin friends who are rolling for him. Good luck to everyone else rolling for him as well!☆

Oh yes, the Klee oneshot catalyst worked! She's safely home and is enjoying her role as my secondary DPS. <3

 

The summer we shared

Fades into a blush of leaves

Bringing with it fall

Your first memories with Kazuha started when you were little. You were but one of the many children brought by the Kaedehara retainers staying within the residence; frolicking about, living the best of your young life while learning of your future duties for the clan. The end of summer brought cooler winds, and the trees in the courtyard were like blushing maidens as their leaves were dyed in sunset colour. A maple leaf had fallen on your hair, and the steady sleight of his hand startled you when he brought it to your eye level with a smile.

"I'm sorry for startling you. It was stuck on your hair."

You weren't even sure if you were allowed to talk so casually to the young master of the house. Though perhaps your younger self back then knew that a boy your age like the young master didn't care for such formalities. He only ever watches from afar as you played with the other children. Sometimes, his gaze lingers at all of you while he was taking his lessons. But when his attendants will ask him worriedly if he wanted to drive you and the other children away(you must have been so noisy to distract him from his lessons), he would plaster on a smile and decline. 

"Do you want to play with us?" 

You practised saying it in your head many, many times...but they were never said. Not until this moment--this blurry middleground of summer and fall that seemed to dye everything in sunset orange. 

"Do you want to play with me?" 

It was his turn to look startled. The way his face flushed as he clumsily tried to hide the bashful look he had with the maple leaf had been futile. 

"Can I?" 

You nodded and took his hand. 

"Don't worry, master Kazuha. I'll share the blame with you if they ever find out."

Thinking back, that must be the start of it all. Like maple leaves falling on the ground, letting him in your heart had been your downfall.

In the many days of sunset orange, when the adults were too busy to even bother, laughter from a certain pair would fill the courtyard. It was warm enough to quell the cold that accumulated as the orange faded into powder white; it had also brought an end to those precious memories you didn't know you were already making with him. 

---

Cold and pristine white

Yet seeing you amongst them

Warms my freezing heart

He didn't do anything special. You understood that it was just him being him. His kindhearted parents raised him well to become the future heir, and you were merely basking in the fruits of their gentle guidance--an ordinary bystander. Even so, with every call of your name, with every smile given your way, with every look and every word, the feelings that scattered one autumn day only deepened, much like how the snow was doing right now to your feet. 

You knew that they knew. You awaited the punishments to come your way, but they never did. The pang in your heart twisted and twisted; it wondered if your delusions were getting to you. What if you continued holding on? What if you got even closer with each other? Wouldn't it be more painful if this unlikely friendship would continue? 

Or so you thought. You didn't have the heart to push him away--this lonely looking boy who never shared your luxuries of carefree childhood. Yet you knew you could never share these worries with him. What were you to him but some child his age? What could you know? No one seemed opposed to it, so why couldn't he enjoy his childhood, even for a little bit? 

Your drifting thoughts matched the steady pacing of your feet. And it wasn't until the cold snow had reached your knees did you start to feel it through your clothes. 

Where...were you? The firewood on your shoulders felt heavier every step, and the cold of winter was beckoning you to close your eyes; to rest under the pine trees a few steps away from you....just for a while--

"...!"

The call of your name coming from his lips felt like they were melting the snow on your feet. And as he brought you into his arms, the restlessness also melted away. 

"Let's go back."

"Young Master Kazuha..."

You heard your name being called again--this time by your worried father who had just known that you strayed from the group of children gathering firewood in the forest. He brought the two of you in embrace, his broad and strong arms feeling unbelievably smaller than usual.

Even as the two of you were being scolded, it didn't feel so bad. His next words echoed your unsaid sentiments. 

"We share the blame together, after all."

He whispered the familiar words to you on secret, bringing warmth to the winter of your thoughts. 

You didn't know what changed that winter. He now stood with you as you and the other children gathered around and played in the snow, laughing along. Gone were the longing gazes he sent your way, as he was finally there. The apprehension the other children had at first disappeared instantly at the brightness of his laughter. 

From then on, you wished to stay by his side.... 

---

 

Your gaze of knowing

Melts away the cold of snow

Spring begins anew

...yet even with the strength of your resolve, you knew those fun winter days will come to an end. One winter passed. Two. Three, until you lost count--you have grown old enough for such days to be regarded as your long past childhood. Along with it came the responsibilities you had as a retainer's child. It wasn't like you were going away. You planned to uphold your promise to stay by his side until the day you die. Boundaries were only meant to be made. The lines you weren't meant to cross grew even more obvious as seasons passed, and you only intended to follow along its path. 

Young master Kazuha was old enough to take in a wife. He could only delay such duties for so long. 

"But I don't want to get married." He told you, admiring the pink mop of cherry blossoms giving you shade overhead. 

"Young master, it isn't a matter of choice." you scolded. 

He wouldn't say anything back but a sigh. This caused you to sigh in return. 

"Even servants have a duty of marriage to sustain future generations, young master."

"Even you?" 

The rustling of cherry blossoms awoken you from your trance. You pretended not to know the implications of his questions. The pounding of your heart shouldn't ever be known, not even to the whispers of spring breeze scattering pink petals that looked eerily similar the the ones scattering in your heart. 

"Yes, even I."

Ignorance is the kindest gesture you can return to him--for knowing what he meant will only lead to a thorny path. 

Spring was the season of beginnings, but even you know such beginnings were only possible if something were to end. 

"Young master Kazuha?" 

He looked at you with the same gaze you pretended you were numb from. 

"Let's not see each other anymore."

...it was a beautiful spring day, but you couldn't help but long for the harsh winters of your gentler past. 

---

Standing tall and proud

You, with gleaming golden crowns

Waiting for the sun

Eternity. 

In the land of fleeting beauty, only she remains constant. She was the pinnacle of Inazuma's legacy, as well as its stronghold. With the Raiden Shogun's rule, Inazuma in all its transience will remain with her. 

Yet, were all her actions at present excusable? 

The Kaedehara clan had fallen--its tragic heir had gone missing. No one knows where he had went...or so that is what most of the servants' narratives were, but you knew. Perhaps silence is the only way to protect him; their kind and gentle young master deserved freedom in this eternal land. 

You didn't want to dwell on what ifs. In the blaring heat of the sun, among the sunflowers looking up at its radiance, he stood there, even brighter than summer itself. 

He called for your name as he took your hands, kissing its back. 

"I will always remember you."

He was a free man, freer than he was in the confines of his samurai household. Yet, you knew his life of pursuit will always remain with him, and the eternity the Raiden's land had promised was far too comforting to even consider the thoughts in your head. 

'Take me with you' 

'I won't ever forget you too.'

 

 

'Ị̶̛̺̜̣̝̰̣͚̫̓̾̈́̆̈́̊̔̍͂͋͛͌͘͝ ̵̢̨͉̟͖̱͚̆̐̏̚l̷͖̥̃͋͒̉̈́̈̎̃͆̽̈͊̃̈́̆̓̕o̶̡̧̡͖͙̖̙͙̥̻͍̣̗̱͖̦͍̺͙̒̏̏͛͗̌̄͊̽̓͆͌̚̚̕͝ͅv̶̧͕͔̤͚̰̟͙̭̟̠̫̞̀͆̊͗͗̅̊͠ͅͅę̶̘̦̲͓͕͂̑̕͜ ̷̡̢̯̯͙̞̣̲̥̥̞̞̺͕̲͔̆̂͆́̋̑̀̆̃̀͐̀͜͝͠y̷̧̬̜͕͉̣͉̱̩͚̪͒̓͒ͅǒ̸͚̳̠͚̘̯̼̗̳͖͉̫͇͕͔̿͛̉̈́͌̈́͐̑͌͝u̵̧̡̖̼̺̼̯̖̙̲̺̰̮̩̯̜͛̑̃̐͊͛͌̌̓͋́̒̌̚͜'

 

So he waited and waited for the three words he uttered on your ear to return, and even then, promised of waiting even as you parted ways--even if orange dyed the world around you again. 

For like the sunflowers, you were his sun. 

---

Many summers have passed, and you had left the comfort of eternity to seek out the world on your own. The Raiden Shogun and her eternity was showing its signs of fading in ironic tragedy. Yet you wondered why such fleetingness felt comforting instead. 

They called the land you chose to reside in the City of Freedom. Their ruling archon was nothing more than myths and childlike wonder, yet Mondstadt thrived even in their absence. 

Like the carefree breeze, its people were equally so. They did not mind your origins nor your reasons, and instead welcomed you in their land with kindness and hospitality. Often, you wondered if the Anemo Archon chose this path of rule to embody the freedom that he is--that perhaps, this might be even his wish. 

"I received a vision! It's--" 

You smiled to yourself as you stopped that train of thought. You knew your reasons for choosing Mondstadt as your new refuge. Deep in your heart, you were waiting too. 

Rain was quite an unusual sight in Monstadt--you were far too used to sunlight and breezy afternoons that the sight of darker skies were comforting to you instead. You liked the sound rain made as it hit the roof, the smell of petrichor in the air--

"Hello?" 

Such appreciative thoughts were brought to a halt at the sound of a familiar voice. But he did not speak again, so you weren't sure if you have imagined it instead. The knocks on your door however, reassured you that not everything you heard was imagined. 

Your heart pounded at every step, silencing yourself from the hopeful yearning that keeps on resurfacing as you went closer to your doorstep. 

But he was there. He wasn't only hopeful yearning. The orange hues of the trees from afar only seemed to deepen the sunset reflecting on his eyes. They widened as they gazed at you. 

"I'm very sorry, but can I trouble you for refuge for the night?" 

Laughter. You haven't shared one since that distant, summer day. You took the stray maple leaf out of his hair and echoed the words he had uttered to you on the day you first met. 

"Did I startle you? You have it stuck on your hair."

..but this time, you chose to stay by his side.

That night, I listened to the hymns till dawn, not for serenity, but to seek a sliver of your soul;

That month, I flipped through all the scriptures, not for enlightenment, but to touch the pages where your fingers once lingered;

That year, I knelt on the grounds, my head embracing the dusts, not to pay obeisance to the Gods, but to feel the warmth you left behind;

That life, I wandered through ten thousand great mountains, not in search for an afterlife, but to cross paths with you – 

Chapter 6: Flower Mage (Merlin)

Notes:

No fic. Brain can only write poem. Merlin had evaded my summons for all of his banners. Pls just this once LOVE ME ;;w;;

Draped in white with misty smiles

Captivated by your eyes

Cloudy, assured yet without snide

What do you carry deep inside?

 

Alone for years in elusive seclusion

You mourn for company, humanity's destruction

Means nothing to you, or so it should

But here you are, with all you could

 

Lonely caster, Magus of Flowers

Can you see me from your tower?

Clumsy, weak, mediocre

Yet with your guidance, I have the power

 

To save humanity whom you love

To change the world, the stars above

Will you watch over (me) in my journey?

To protect what's important, to make everyone happy

Chapter 7: The Case Files of Lady Heron (Ayaka Kamisato)

Word has it that a certain pair is growing famous within all the seven regions—none seem to remember their faces, but their good deeds were whispered upon the gossips of housewives, on the innocent wonderings of children and the unspoken dreams of restless adults wishing for respite; their mystique leaves a lot to the imagination. When they work together, any impossible mystery was easy to solve—any danger turned into fearless feats.

 

But who is this pair exactly? Were they lovers or friends? Acquaintances or coworkers? One was lovely and elegant—carrying an aloof yet gentle air. Every word out of her was dignified and composed; she possessed knowledge of higher society; skill and grace with the sword. Her beauty was breathtaking; but none seem to remember who she was. It was as if she were the first signs of frost on winter; beautiful but will inevitably melt away; and as she fades, all the small bursts of awe she had gathered will also disappear with her. Her partner was even moreso. They were mentioned even less, as if only meant to highlight the lovely lady by their side. On rare occasions, accounts of their appearance surface, all tying them down to one unforgettable smile, offered to the troubled people they come across. They had a look of knowing on their face that seemed to ease the apprehensions of all they come across—a gesture translated so well in their actions too, as they always accomplish the promises and expectations laid upon them. Unfortunately, their achievements shone brighter than themself; perhaps a testament to their ever reliable yet inconspicuous self. All accounts of them seem to agree on one thing, however—that they smile the brightest with the lovely young lady by their side.

 

“And that’s why I, Lady Heron… know that you’re the culprit!”

 

“B-but…how?!”

“Lady Heron” held out her hand to her ever reliable assistant, who procured her ornated fan for her. A quick swipe and its intricate patterns spread out like winter frost, cold like the gaze she had given to the man sitting on the floor out of shock.

“It was simple, really. As they say…it’s elementary.” She stuck out her tongue to the mischievous assistant hiding back a smile at her side, thankfully obscured by the fan at her person. “You have confessed your sins yourself, Sir Suss. Did you not say that you were in the gentleman’s club that same midnight? And before you make any denials, here is a documented proof of your alibi on your own handwriting.”

As Lady Heron had said, the evidence was indeed in Sir Suss’ own handwriting, detailing his presence in the said establishment at the suspected time. Lady Heron assisted the victim’s grieving husband back to his feet, while her assistant continued her report without missing a beat.

“I-Impossible!”

“Sir Suss…how could you?!"

Indignation ignited in the eyes of Sir Suss, directing his rage to the lady detective calming the victim’s widower down. However, before he could even reach Lady Heron, he was immediately stopped by her assistant.

“You’ve harmed many wives enough, don’t you think so, Mr. Suss P. Cius ?
.

.

.

.

.

.

I’d suggest not harming that one.” They point to the lady detective with a smile. “The late marchioness might be merciful…but, I am not.”

It being a warning was flimsy formality. For Sir Suss was already glued to the floor by the cheek. The usual calm on the assistant’s face mirrored the rage that had long extinguished from his own eyes. Theirs was more subtle yet deadly. The small hope he had felt died upon sighting it. He had crossed this person for even having the thought of harming their lady, and now he was doomed to choose the lesser of evils on his unfortunate path.

“Arrest him now! That monster killed my wife!” Grief rung bitterly in the quiet room, the cries of her mourning husband will never be heard.

“Mr. Butler, rest easy. My partner and I will relay the details of this case to the Yard. However, the master of the house needs you.”

“Understood, milady. Thank you for your assistance.”

“Thank you, Lady Heron!”

‘With that, the case of the “Skirt Chaser” had been closed. Many a man’s wife had lost their lives to his cruelty, but perhaps now…they can finally rest in peace now that they have their closure.’ Was what Lady Heron was thinking before her attention was drawn away by her partner who had a frown on their face.

“Can you show me your necklace?” They almost sound as if they were pouting. Lady Heron smiled.

“We had just closed a case, my dear assistant. Why are you so gloomy?” She took out the necklace containing the ring that matched the one on their finger and saw them frown even further.

“Can you wear it on from now on?”

 

She looked incredulously at them, then laughed once she solved the "mystery" behind their grumpiness.

“It seems I have closed yet another case.” She took out the ring from her necklace and obediently wore it on the same finger as theirs. “I thought we’re going to solve this mystery last?”

The Curious Case of the Stolen Bride— in a land faraway, ruled by an Archon promising eternity lies a beautiful princess. She was the eldest daughter of their clan, loved and respected by all, but on the day of her wedding, she disappeared. She was last sighted by a maid who entertained questions about a nearby festival.

“I’m ready to face my consequences.

.

.

.

.

…I love you, Ayaka.”

“I love you too, anata.”

Word has it that a mysterious traveller had gone missing around the same time as that princess. But who really knows?

Notes:

Here's the results for the previous catalyst! Both of my friends got him! Wish me luck on Ayaka's banner! :D I prepared quiiiite a bit for her haha.

Chapter 8: Four Billion and One (Ganyu)

Summary:

It had been years since the dreaded seventh, and you still haven’t felt the slightest itch.

Your wife had a faraway look in her eyes again.

She looks at you when you call her name, drawling out a “Good morning,” on a Sunday evening. You say good morning back, counting down to her epiphany as you prepared for dinner. She lets out a little panicked scream, and you welcomed her in your arms reassuringly.

“You did a good job, so you earned it.”

…and she deflated there, a blushing, stuttering mess. The smell of her shampoo wafted through your nose; it was the same scent as yours.

---

She was out of practise, but you knew it to be a lie.

On her part, perhaps…where even the slightest minute detail is a severe offense, that may be true. However, you weren’t exactly the most objective person to ask. It had been years since the dreaded  seventh, and you still haven’t felt the slightest itch. You began to wonder if something was wrong with you. When you voiced out such concerns to her, she laughs. Your own laughter, however had vanished.

“I warned you that I’m out of practise,” she says, looking at the quiver slung at her back.

You urged yourself not to say the voice in your head out loud. She was expecting something else from you, but you were blinded by the dreaded seven years that never came.

‘You’re beautiful.’ …even if it were the truth. Instead, you held up your hands in playful surrender. The words you wanted to say were never said, for they were spoken by your lips that felt warm on her own.

---

“What’s the matter?” She asks you, offering you a cup of tea.

You had known her for years, and you have sworn your love for each other a few years back. Her company was not the same anymore. Something changed, and you knew something had to change.

“Ganyu.” You called out to her, accepting the warm tea and taking a sip. The mild bitterness of the Qingxin flowers she loved so much tasted sweeter in her company. You joked that it had gotten salty once you knelt in front of her. She didn’t respond. The silver ring on her finger glinted on the moonlight; she needn’t retort—a smile was a better look on her, especially since she knew she had gotten the last laugh without saying a single word.

---

She has worries like any other person. You and her were different. She wasn’t under any illusion that being with you is eternal. So she hid; she kept her distance. She longed for your company in the sidelines, fully aware.

Once you noticed how conscious she was of this, you took better care of yourself. Birthdays were meant to be celebrated, not lamented upon.

“Thank you for being my wife this year as well.”

Her tears gather at the corner of her eyes and she apologises—then began her seemingly endless chain of apologies that ended in more cake and tender embraces. She thanks you too for being a part of her life, and foregoes her worries of the future.

…you’re still here, and you’re never going away. You heard her say and  you nod, taking her palm and laying it flat on your chest— four billion and one heartbeats(perhaps even more) that beat only for her. She laughs again and calls you sentimental, and you didn’t deny a word.

---

She urges you to sit with her, worried of your tired knees.

The Qingxin tea steeped for too long, so she drank it all by herself. Two very different beings, united by love; she wondered how her mother felt when she fell in love with her father. Did she also feel the same way? The ring you gave her looked beautiful—it even had a stone that matches her eyes.

“It’s time, Ganyu.” She burns herself a little from the tea at your words.

“For what?”

You looked a little different when she looked at you again—older, yet the very same person she loved with all her heart. You didn’t answer her, but you took her hands to yours and kissed it. She didn’t like the coldness that came with it.

She hears Dr. Baizhu, sees him shaking his head and looks back at you.

You place her palm on your chest again and smile…

“Thank you for everything. I….”

…a word and heartbeat away from the four billionth you promised.

Your voice was faint at your last words, but she smiles back.

She did not need the last heartbeat to be hers.

Notes:

I was planning to write one for Sara (my long awaited electro!), but I can't really force myself to write anything. Not gonna lie, but the dearth of feedbacks are getting to me. I received an ask on my tumblr that wasn't very pleasant, and it made me realise how I had been forcing myself to write for PSISLY up until now. I will still work on it, but please don't send anymore asks, pressuring me to finish it. I have a lot of things I'm concerned about outside of fandom that I want to focus on at the moment. I appreciate your interest, but I feel like the effort I put in the series isn't really worth it at the moment. I'll get there, when I feel like I'm writing the series for myself again.

Chapter 9: Dance (Eula)

Summary:

It takes two to tango, and one very upbeat gliding champion to melt a certain pariah's heart.

A great performance starts with a single step.

With every movement lies a message—feelings you wanted to convey as the song flows on and guides you at its execution.

…or so that was what her dance instructor told her in the earlier memories of her childhood; it took a lot of unlearning for her to find an answer on her own.

Message?

Grace?

Impact?

Why does it all matter? In dance, she is at her own world, weaving stories of knights and princesses with every spin and turn—sometimes, it didn’t even need to have a story at all, fuelled only by an insatiable desire to vent her frustrations out. A noble’s many platitudes could not seem to agree with her, finding the more straightforward and sincere approach among the commonfolk more desirable. In the town square where many of them gather at the harvest festival, she peered on secretly on her windows, impervious to the usual dismissive receptions she usually received.

But now…

“Eula? What are you doing? Let’s go before the music starts!”

…the usual hostile air felt almost friendly. The kind eyes of the Outrider holding her by the hand reminded her of a kinder past she never had.

“What’s wrong?”

…what was wrong with her? Even meeting the brunette’s eyes felt awkward.

“M…must you really act so impertinently with me? When did I give you permission to hold my hand?”

Oh no, she swore she had seen the brunette’s red ribbon droop down in disappointment as she let her hand go. Goodness, her wording again. Old habits die hard!

“Don’t--!” she wanted to bury herself in shame.

“Don’t?”

Pink tainted her cheeks as she stuttered out an answer. “Now that you have shown me such an impertinent display, isn’t it polite for you to take responsibility?”

“Eh?”

She felt her face grow hotter. “Unless you want me to take revenge, you owe me a dance at the plaza. Now, don’t let go of my hand again.”

Ah.

When she saw the Outrider’s bright and sunny smiles return at her face, she felt herself sigh in relief and realised that she had a long way to go.

With what?

Well, it would be rude to ask a lady of her secrets, wouldn’t it?

Notes:

Guess what happened while I'm preparing Amber for that one part in 2.3? C3 Amber! Is this a sign, gacha gods? Please let me reunite these girlfriends. <3

Chapter 10: Tea Stalk (Kamisato Ayato)

Summary:

“When in the presence of someone with whom you have a bond, and to whom you have entrusted your feelings, it is hard to lie and get away with it. The truth just wants to come flowing out. This is especially the case when you are trying to hide your sadness or vulnerability. It is much easier to conceal sadness from a stranger, or from someone you don't trust.”
― Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café

AU Prompt: What if you can travel back in time and meet the person you want to meet the most? The catch:You have to bear the hostility and the whims of one unfriendly barista and comply with his rules: "One fateful meeting until your hot drink gets cold."

Notes:

Inspired by my ongoing (and very much in the works) Scaramouche series, and the inspiration behind one of its drafts is the novelBefore the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. Because angsty coffee shop AUs seem to be my aesthetic this auspicious new year. 新年快乐, everyone!

Superstitions hardly ever swayed you when you were in your youth--yet here you are now, a living contradiction as you closed that chapter in your life. You missed wearing lighter colours after choosing to wear drabber ones for the past few months. Regrets couldn't seem to stop stewing in your heart as the rain softened your steps.

Do you know? In a certain cafe, in a certain neighbourhood, every near end of a drizzle, a handsome youth opens shop...

"Oh great, a customer."

...sharp tongue to accompany his angelic face.

"Good afternoon, Owner. Can I have a seat by the window near Monet?" 

Call him by his name, and tell him to seat you in this booth.

You were surprised when the Owner called you by your name. He grimaces. "It's on your name tag." He didn't miss a beat on asking you another question once he felt your apprehension lessen by the revelation. "What do you want?"

Tell him what you desire deep in your heart.

"Two cups of tea, please. One for me...and-"

---

"I would like you to meet your marriage partner." Your father places a hand over a gentle looking man's shoulder. The man gave a graceful bow and offered you a smile.

"My name is Kamisato Ayato. It's a pleasure to finally get to know you."

Amiable and easy to get along with, was your first impression of him. It didn't quell the injustice you felt at being robbed of your freedom, but you were thankful he was...tolerable.

But sometimes, you couldn't help but think...that he can read your soul with just a smile and a glance.

The thought of it irritated you.

---

"Ah, I'm sorry I'm late," The tea spilled a little at his arrival, caught by your tongue that received the aftermath. "Oh no, are you okay?!"

"I don't want any waterworks here, capeesh? If you're gonna cry, do it outside and don't disturb the other customers."

He was warm, you couldn't help but think as his hands held you by the cheek. The faint smell of ink and chrysanthemums.--you glanced at him and shook your head. "I'm okay, please have a seat." You took your cup and burned your tongue again. The numbness it felt as the pain subsided dissipated your nervousness. 

He even sits like a flower. It was unfair. He was sitting across from you, blissfully unaware as he takes a sip of his own tea. 

"I'm..."

---

"...so happy to see you, dearest marriage partner!"

He smelled like ink and some flower you couldn't place your name on. Warm too.

"This is far too vulgar." You feigned a complaint as he snakes an arm around you. "Ayato," you warned.

"No one's around, geez! And I miss you quite terribly." 

---

"I missed you too, Ayato."

The statement made him choke on his tea. You can see the Owner giving you a stink eye in the distance and you pretended not to meet eyes. 

So he can make a face like this too, you couldn't help but wonder. You took another sip and burned your tongue the third time. "What? We're betrothed. Who is it who said a little candour in private wouldn't hurt anyone?"

---

"A little candour in private wouldn't hurt anyone!" He made you lean on his shoulder as the stars continued to glimmer above you. "You aren't very honest, so I must be honest for the both of us." 

You were thankful of the dark, night sky. It cooled the heat you felt on your cheeks as the drumming in your heart matched with the pace of his own. Oddly enough, despite your nervousness, you felt the most safe in his arms. 

"Ayato?"

He called your name.

"Yes, my dearest?"

"I..."

---

"...hope you don't mind what I ordered all too much." 

It takes him a while to place the cup back to his lips. He had been far too flustered of your previous words.

"Assam," Ayato comments, curving up a smile with another appreciative sip. "Though when I'm with you, even plain old black tea seems divine." Your honesty had also made him more comfortable. His bashful face had been a new sight, and you weren't sure if you like it or felt bad you only got to see it now.

You nursed the burn in your tongue with the cold metal spoon as you took another sip of your own cup. Extra hot. Boiling hot. Steeped at exactly 3 and half minutes with a splash of milk and one sugar cube, please. As expected, the tea couldn't be tasted at all. 

"Mine are lying down. How unfortunate." He laughs.  "What about yours?" He asked you again when the silence stagnated your conversation.

You glanced at your cup and smiled. "Upright," you said, and he smiled back at you. You had so much to tell him, so much that could not be expressed in words--

---

"Ayaka!"

"M-my apologies..." her usual fan was caked with mud. All the grace and poise she had mastered over the years felt small, so small in your arms.

"Ayato, he-"

"No..." You muffled her words with a tight embrace and refused to tremble as you held her in your arms. "He's fine, he'll be fine. He'll be back once the storm subsides."

Any other word the Shiresagi Princess wanted to utter were only stopped by Thoma's thoughtful glances. 

"Yes," Ayaka said reluctantly.

"Everything will be fine. It has to be."

---

"Thank you for loving me, Ayato. I won't ever forget what we had."

...yet it couldn't be said. He heard the same words he heard before. Smiled the same smile he smiled before, hatred nor regret nary a hint on his gentle face.

You took another sip of your cold tea, awaiting his response.

But you were only met with silence.

Chapter 11: Threads (Kaedehara Kazuha)

Notes:

Sequel to "Fall Again" and inspired by the tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi. Thank you very much to my close friend, Lexsssu for working on this commission and giving me permission to share it here! <3

The red string of fate is said to connect two individuals whose fate is inevitably intertwined. Though the threads may get tangled or strained, they always find a way to meet as is destined.

Such is the tale of a certain wanderer and an embroiderer.

Once upon a time, the scion of a dying noble family explored the city of his birth as was his routine on most days. Though his family preferred him to be at home studying his lessons, the young boy’s heart was as free as the wind. Whenever he explored, he never had any specific destination in mind, allowing his own feet to take him wherever they desired.

 Mayhaps it was fate or a stroke of luck, but a young Kaedehara Kazuha meets you beneath the sakura blossoms as your hand grabs the end of your ribbon that had been blown away. Coincidentally, he who was walking behind you managed to catch the other end at the same time.

Neither of you knew it, but destiny had begun to pull the webs it had woven.

---

The second time you met, he stumbled upon you sitting down on a large rock beside a small stream.  

You held in your hands some thread and a needle, embroidering what looked to be a maple leaf motif upon a handkerchief. Slender yet deft fingers skillfully created a vivid picture upon your preferred canvas as soft sunlight bounced off of your form, a halo of sunshine surrounding you.

When he used the word ‘stumble,’ he meant it in a literal sense. 

The same wind that gently teased you was also the same one that made his latest poem slip right through his fingers. He’d desperately been trying to catch it in a game of cat and mouse by the outskirts of his hometown.

And it just so happened that his poem had slipped through a clearing, making him hastily follow after and subsequently stumbling upon the babbling brook you took refuge at. 

He was normally careful and even rarer to fluster, but even the cold waters didn’t stop his pale cheeks from heating up at the sound of bell-like laughter.

---

The day the last attendant of the Kaedehara Clan was finally dismissed, its young master brought with him only a burlap sack filled with a few trinkets and necessities for his journey. He is no longer the destitute young master of a once well-known clan, but rather a nameless wanderer whose home will be any shelter he’ll stumble upon. Whether it be some dank cave or an abandoned hut, he will allow the wind to guide his travels.

“ Don’t be a stranger, okay? You will always be welcome here. ”

They both know that is still much left unsaid, but both stood still and unwavering as the Lord of Geo himself.

Kazuha left with an additional trinket, but his pack weighed the same as it did.

---

Inazuma is a wonderful place. 

As long as you had the bravery to take the first step, countless sights, sounds, and experiences awaited you at every corner. Good friends also lurked in almost every dusty corner or hidden crevice, but of course dangers were also a part of the package.

Though that was simply a part of life’s charms, was it not?

He’d be lying however, if he said that there weren’t any certainties that he didn’t take comfort in. 

The fact that his hand immediately sought the embroidered fragrance bag strapped to his waist didn’t go unnoticed by his newest friend.

“Oh, so that’s it…”

“What’s what?”

“I always wondered why you never joined me whenever I visited the massage parlor. Send my apologies to them the next time you visit—”

“...Why are you apologizing?”

The other ronin shook his head, smacking the palm of his hand on his forehead as he muttered unintelligible words under his breath.

Kazuha could only raise a pale brow at his antics, chalking it up to Tomo’s own oddities.

Nizi tachite

Tachimachi kimi no

Aru gotoshi

---

He left in the middle of spring, a time of great abundance which equated to a relatively easy journey if you take out the occasional bouts of danger from monsters and bandits. Before he knew it, winter had set in and blanketed everything in a sea of white.

“...brought in by some foreign traders from Mondstadt while I was window-shopping in Ritou. They said it was perfect for this season.”

Though he no longer had any actual home to speak of, what with his ancestral house and possessions sold off or placed into storage after his clan’s fall, he still finds himself at home within a cozy cottage in the middle of winter. A warm cup of cocoa had been given to him, warming his hands and fighting back the cold chill from the outside.

Factually speaking, the drink in his hands was certainly warm.

However, something else warms him from the inside-out.

Kazuha resumes his journey as soon as winter melts into spring.

Tomo bites off any comments when he notices a new fragrance pouch upon the anemo-wielder’s person.

---

Yuku haru ya

Tori naki uwo no

Me wa namida

“I have to go.”

For once in his life, Kazuha felt afraid of these words. Despite being used to them, there is certainty and urgency in them this time.

He’d already lost his best friend.

He didn’t want to lose anyone else, especially if he could prevent it.

That is why there is no time to lose. Not when another life, a life much more important than his own was on the line.

He leaves like a phantom, disappearing into the night as the wrath of the Raiden Shogun crackles and echoes all across Narukami island.

Kaedehara Kazuha was never there at the humble cottage near a stream. Nor did an ordinary embroiderer ever have anything to do with a dangerous fugitive.

And so the threads are stretched once more, farther than it has ever been before.

But they do not break.

---

The symphony of nature seemed more pronounced today.

Perhaps it was because the Sakoku & Vision Hunt Decree were finally abolished by Her Excellency, the Almighty Narukami Ogosho, God of Thunder. 

Even the air in Inazuma felt…lighter now.

For ordinary vision-less folk, it was a blessing to finally return back to normal. Though Inazuma normally kept to itself, its trades with outlanders certainly helped their economy flourish.

For those who worked within the textile industry, the fabrics sold by foreign traders are godsend as it added more variety to their own products. 

But rather than cloth, you are more thankful for something else entirely.

“Shall we return home? I believe it will be pouring quite soon. It’s best for us to go back now before we’re soaked to the bone.”

A hand slips into another, 

fingers intertwined, 

and a single heart beats.

 

Notes:

This actually got me C1 Kazuha and C5 Heizou. xD Comm Lex now to also win your 50/50s! /jkjk 

Chapter 12: A Thousand Paper Cranes (Wanderer)

Summary:

Every year at the last hour of the Sabzeruz festival, Nahida receives a gift from an "unknown" stranger.

Notes:

I love their sibling dynamic. ;v; The Archon Quest is so good and I have so many feelingsnsdkfhjlsd they're found family and you can't convince me otherwise! And ah, yes! I did get Nahida! Hopefully, I'll also get her lil bro TAT

Every year at the last hour of the Sabzeruz festival, Nahida receives a gift from an "unknown" stranger.

This year, it came in a neat package, offensively simple perhaps to her more devoted followers. Hidden within the crevices of trinkets and paper sculptures was a short letter from a sender who couldn’t express his feelings honestly. She reads each passage with a small smile, finding comfort from its sharp-tongued contradictions.

It’s one thousand again like I promised.(1)

“I know, I know.” She could almost imagine its “mysterious” sender frowning at her carefree dismissals. 

“I hate that you seem to know everything about me.”

But she didn’t. And even if she did, she still longed for the days when he would tell stories about himself—knowledge compared to stories were empty shells of information, lacking the heart of its source. When she told him of this, she saw his lips curve up, a lot less guarded in the confines of Surasthana. There he wished to be alone, to heal and to find himself again—occasionally, he would converse with her and she would answer his every question.

It’s probably foolish of me to give you such a gift( 2) b ut, haven’t you always been fond of such childish dreams?

“I’m here, what’s wrong?”

And at times…

At times…

“Why…”

 

“̴̛̝̤̞͓̻̖̗͖̔̽̈̃͐̍̅́̒̓̈́͘ͅW̷̯̠̥̩̌̾̏̈́̍̃͗̈́̔̿̎̿̇̕͠h̸̢̗͈̮͕͔̝̪̣͉͂̽͆́̋͑͊̿̓̾̆͘̚͠͠ỵ̵̛̝̆̎̎͛̃͛̇̚͝ ̴̛̺͍͌d̷̳̮͕̙̳͐̓̈̓͊̋͂̐̓̓̽̈́̌̕͝i̴̭̜̰̳͇̳̬͍̻̘̍̓̂̎͌̿̄ͅd̸̗͚͇̝̝̘͎̭͗̎̾͜ ̵̛̳̜̺͈̜͔͈̣̤̳͔̯͐͋̋̏̒͒̉͑̇̔͌̂͜ͅm̵̛̻̺̠͉͇̫͋̓͗̂̅ơ̵̳̆̈́t̴͓̠̉̽̇̾ẖ̷̘̀̑͐͊̽̈́̇͋̽̾̽̋̾̚̕e̴̤̰͓͈̝̳̝̠̮̠̫̮̮͗͜r̴͖̥̼̙͇̳͇̔͋͌̒̉̽͒́̔͆̔͗͝ ̵̧͍̜̮̤̻̱͕̘̮͇̻̠͕̄̏̇̓̋ͅą̷͙̬̳̼̘͎̝̈́̀͊̎̀̉̍̉̅b̶̢̮͕̙̺͇̲̜͇͇̟̖̼͓͂̀̎̽̎͊̚͝ă̶̪̻͕̗n̶̰͌̈́d̴̡̝͚̪͓̯̣̠͕̦̥̺̟̀̆͛̈́̀͆̓͊̍͗͘͜o̷̢̡̺̫̤̺͉̼̅̔̊̓͋͊̽͜͠n̵̺͖͈̹̏̇́͒͛̊͆̽̓̏̌͝ ̵̦̹̩̳̜͚̈́͐̉̐̃̕m̷̨̬͕͔̫̓ē̸̢̳̠̝͙̤̣̹̣̝͎͔̼̦̼̒͛?̷̫͍̯̬͚̇͛͋̒̚”̴̡̺̘̭̏͗͂̐̅͌̐̈́̕͘͝

 

She would let him find comfort in the dreams she was so fond of. She could not heal hearts, nor could she know its complexities, but…at the disquieting times when his tears had dried, and tiredness could not bring him slumber, she would hold his hand and tell him to close his eyes.

“Just trust me. You’ll feel better once you wake up.”

“...”

“Sweet dreams, Wanderer.”

.

.

.

.

.

.

“ Hm? What are you smiling about, Nahida?”

She took one last look at the letter and shook her head. 

“Mhm, it’s nothing!”

誕生日 おめでとう, お姉さん.
Happy birthday, big sister.

Notes:

Notes: Folding a thousand paper cranes to grant one's wish is a popular Japanese legend. Scaramouche said "his actions are foolish" because gods are the ones granting wishes, so it didn't make sense for him to give it to her in the first place, but did so anyway out of his fondness for her.

Chapter 13: House Call (Baizhu)

Summary:

Over tea and gentle reprimands
A heart beats, oblivious
To a sickness you couldn’t place

Tell me what is wrong

For patience eludes me 

In my feverish complaints

Over tea and gentle reprimands

A heart beats, oblivious

To a sickness you couldn’t place

No matter the symptoms

Your thoughtful prescriptions

Couldn’t seem to find a cure

As we pore over hours

Doing everything but treatment

In guise of flimsy excuses

And knowing looks and shared laughter

I find myself realising,

That I am not in a hurry to know

And neither do you

 

Notes:

Wow! I haven't posted here in a while. Here's my spoils in Scara's banner:

I haven't been playing Genshin lately so I admit this poem is a little uninspired, but I have been waiting for Baizhu since he appeared in the story! Good luck to everyone pulling for him as well!

Chapter 14: Seafoam Again (Solomon)

Summary:

It was not in his place to stay.

Notes:

Solmare, I'm begging. Give me a choice to love him and support him 100%. I'm sick and tired of the current options we have in NB 😭 /rant over.

Also have this because I feel like he'll have a banner again please I'm so tired. I haven't even written a catalyst for Luocha yet!

He was silver and gold--warm and tender smiles.Watching in silence, a gentle moonlight.The twinkling stars in daytime, unnoticed.

Midnight gold, a rune and a spell:
He presses his lips on your forehead, the most potent one of all

Small moments, heartfelt words.
Simple everydays, morning greetings.

"Hello."good night. "You forgot your keys". "Have you eaten?". "When will you come home?"

"I miss you". "I'll be back soon."
Yet not a word counting to the three he had wanted to say.

Because he knew:  everyday, every second,every moment.
As your eyes trailed over the seven from afar
That it was not in his place to stay 

When the spell breaks and midnight strikes
He wouldn't come after you with a slipper at hand.

Instead, he will wave his wand, and cast a spell: the price of everything,
Even the happiness he could have had with you
And he was seafoam again.

Notes:

Oh yeah, I got Baizhu! (Also me: proceeds to never open Genshin again :) )

Chapter 15: Sol (Luocha)

Summary:

What could be found at loss?

Notes:

So I'm really desperate to get Luocha but I literally draw a blank every time I'm writing about him (cause surprise surprise I haven't played Honkai Star Rail for like a month I just want him for the vibes lol ;;;), so I decided to just share a haiku I wrote a while ago (that reminded me of Luocha for some reason). I dedicated this haiku to the most important "Sol" in my life _{(sorry Solomon, you're fictional;;;).}

I miss you every day. I hope you're in a better place now. :)

The evening bell tolls

Echoing an elegy

(Of) what was found at loss

Notes:

Some freaky update on the Solomon catalyst: I KID YOU NOT I'M SCARED OF MY SOLOMON SENSES SOMETIMES SKFHJKDHKHFDS. After the Vampire event, I was like "Why do I get the feeling he's gonna get a banner soon", that's why I wrote "Seafoam Again" as  catalyst for him in a hurry. And wtf the very next day this man has the audacity to announce a new banner for himself? dlfjsdfl _{you're lucky you're cute and I love you very muchskzjfhdfh!!!!!} Anyway, here's how it went.

So yeah, the catalyst worked! 🥳 I'm still not through with the banner though until I get him to skill 5. (I might update this once that happens) But I'm out of vouchers again :') P.S. I also got Simeon and Satan! (Simeon is Skill 4 now at the time I am posting this.)

UPDATE as of 07.02: MISSION SUCCESS! Monmon is now Skill 5!!! <3  I feel like the notes are longer than the poem itself so I just linked a preview of my pulls here to make it less...wordy lol.

Other notable pulls: Skill 4 Simeon UR+ and Skill 5 Satan SSR!

Chapter 16: Beloved Human (Ibuki-Douji Summer)

Summary:

"You are a precious human, and I am but a god who couldn't help loving you."

Gods are selfish.

Gods are cruel.

Gods will have no way of understanding humans, for they are completely different from them. Even so, gods love humans all the same. They may be small and weak, but they are also filled with hope and possibilities. Their very existence in this microcosm called Earth in the ever expanding universe is a miracle in itself. That is why...

"How was it, Master? Did my special Chaldean cheer lift up everyone's spirits?"

Even if I couldn't understand why you would want to save a bleached world. 

"Yeah! Thank you, Ibuki! With this, we can exorcise all these evil spirits!"

Even if I think that everything you care about is not worth saving...that "starting over" would cause you less pain...

As a god, I couldn't ignore your pure wish.

After all, isn't that why you have summoned me?

.

.

.

"I see. Rather than an endless summer, you want a summer you could spend with everyone, even if it will eventually come to end."

"...yes."

An eternal summer...

...to a fleeting, summer. A dream.

"That sounds fun! I'm in!"

"Just like that?!"

Yes. Just like your star-shined eyes as the summoning circle manifested my Spirit Origin

"Wow! It's really you, Ibuki! Welcome to Chaldea!"

...a precious human. 

"I'm so happy you're here!"

And I am but a god, who couldn't help loving you.

"Me too."

Notes:

This summer is actually super nice to me unlike last year, I got everyone in the banner. I was expecting to write this for Lady Avalon (my WIFE) but she was actually super nice to me this year and even gave me NP3 in the daily summons! Skadi was also pretty nice and the four stars (who actually came home this time! All of them!! I wanna cry. Anastasia and Charlotte didn't give me so much grace last year 😭)!

Though cause you're seeing this now, it means I'm still trying to pull. I wanted the last copy I need for Asclepius but got NP2 Douman instead, and it took me all my anniversary SQ and two packs before I got NP1 Ibuki. :'( Still really happy with everything! I am just writing this for more Ibuki copies cause Summer Kama is almost bond 10 and I need a new arts farmer! (🥺 Pretty please I want to farm Morgan Fest without much thought lol)

Sorry for not posting. Work got busy and I'm still writing for As Aphrodite Slumbered.  PSISLY readers, please stay tuned!

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 5 of Sublimation