The statues of the seven…

She had seen some of them but never really took any real time to notice one until now.

Supposedly it showcased the guardian god of any particular region… as to how or why they had been made she hadn't found out in any particular book, not that she had looked very hard mind you, well not up until very recently at least.

Her martial training had been going well, her vision notwithstanding, but most of her normal schooling hadn't been going… well not been going at all really. She just didn't really have the same patience for it, that's not to say she hadn't learned anything, in fact, she had passed through every test the old man had put her through.

It just didn't particularly grab her, not when waving a stick around felt so natural… anything fighting felt natural like she was made for it.

So she simply dedicated herself to what she knew was best at and left the thinky part a bit behind, not all together, but doing just about enough to get the old timer to not complain and put her through more tests.

On all things, though there were exceptions, and even in this there was one subject she found enjoyment in.

History.

Ever since her research on khaenri'ah, she found herself more and more curious about past events as she spent most of her downtime in the library.

How could she ever not, history was nothing but a giant conglomerate of wars and epic battles, beings of legend that paved the way for humanity and even those above them. Her personal hero was of course Ganyu, who knew such a meek woman had the power to destroy entire forests and level mountains to the ground, it was almost a shame she hadn't been able to see her doing her prime…

Thinking of her made her a bit sad, she was now returning back to the harbor, something about gathering further funds and money or whatever for the city, so it would be a while until they saw her again.

She still had so much to ask especially about her past but she had been pretty tight-lipped about most things, not Shirou.

And she seemed almost afraid to speak about the Archon war, the most prominent stage of her legend.

That brought her back to what she was looking up at.

Archons…

If this were a story and each region their own book, they would definitely be the protagonists.

The statue bared down on her it's size creating an otherworldly shadow that swallowed the young girl's form.

She knew about them, I mean who didn't of course, but a lot of them were either shrouded in complete mystery or way too much information.

There was really no in-between when it came to those who stood above all.

Regardless though their influence on the world was undeniable.

Of the original seven only one yet remained and even their existence is brought into question nowadays.

Liyue wasn't so grand as to be removed from that rule, it seems.

Throughout its history, there have been two that have been called God by its people.

Morax.

The God of war, Geo, and contracts.

And...

Her head inclined back, almost all the way, as she looked up at the form of her god. A cowl shadowed his face but the frown showed enough emotion and weight.

Phenex.

The God of healing, steel and ashes.

They were both intertwined with this country's history from the very beginning, one as its creator and the other as its legacy.

But even as Morax's rule spanned nearly fifteen hundred years, Phenex was the one most talked about.

It was the God created at the same as the country.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that this region was his to rule since the day he was born that it was created for him in the first place.

So the people waited with bated breath for their promised god to grow and lead them to a golden age.

For hundreds of years, thousands even… they waited.

And when the time finally came for Morax to step down and allow his son to take his rightful rule, calamity struck.

Things got a bit hazy it seems or there wasn't much in terms of witnesses, the books were always vague and nonsensical, more of a huge mess of hearsay than actual proof which always left a bad taste in her mouth.

How was something this grandiose left out of history, it was very clear that something or someone was keeping information hidden.

One thing was for certain regardless…

It was a calamity that shaped the world the wounds of which still hadn't healed to this day.

Out of every nation, Liyue was hit the hardest it seemed, and yet...

Not one citizen had died during the calamity.

The day of golden flames they called it.

When the new archon spread his wings to protect his people.

That day wasn't filled with terror and horror like everywhere else, but awe.

He was kneeling with a sword in his left hand, his right arm hanging limp beside him. It was no heroic, or overbearing position as one would think of a man of his stature… for the sword wasn't in front of him it was right beside.

Almost like it was cutting through his neck.

After that the god simply vanished, never to return.

Leaving behind only broken promises.

"Shenhe are you coming or not."

A strong voice broke the girl from her reverie as she stared dumbly at the statue.

"If you aren't I'll leave you behind you know."

She clicked her tongue…

No, he wouldn't.

And yet the man walked just the tiniest bit faster.

It was enough to make her panic… just a little bit as she rushed to meet his pace.

Still, her gaze couldn't help but go back towards the distancing statue.

As the final legend of the god of Liyue came to her mind.

It was said that on a rainy day, he would return when the people needed him the most.

It had been five hundred years since then.

She wondered what the people thought of their absent god now, as she looked dubiously at the large back of her teacher…

and what that god thought of the country he left behind.

Forgotten choices

"aaaah…" Shenhe groaned as she lifted her arms up stretching her muscles, a small crack could be heard as her bones popped lightly "…alright so what's on the menu for today."

She looked behind towards her supposed teacher only to see him absentmindedly looking onto the horizon with narrowed eyes.

Shenhe tilted her head in confusion "Oi you in there old timer…"

He continued ignoring her though which only made the young girl scowl.

She tsked "...alright be that way, I'll be up in the libra…"

"Seems we have a change of plans for today." he finally spoke with an air of finality "Be prepared."

Her eyes widened and she immediately took on a fighting stance.

She had only ever seen him like this once before, back when that goldie bitch and her man servant came to talk to him when they first met.

A wide smirk passed through her lips.

She did promise to take his head off...

Instead, though all she heard was a sigh "Stop that, it isn't a fight…"

The young girl looked back at him as if he was being stupid "Then why do you look like you're getting ready for a war."

He gave her a stare, his eyes filled with all the emotion of "Because I am."

She opened her mouth to question him further but was interrupted as someone… or something finally made their presence known.

With a simple flap of her wings.

"Well, well isn't this a fascinating reception you have for this one…"

A melodic slightly mocking tone passed through the being even as her beak didn't move.

"...it has been some time Jingway."

His face remained completely blank.

"Cloud retainer."

Shirou simply stated his voice absent from any emotion.

The being laughed, the sound more mocking than the last "My my is that any way to receive the one you promised to marry."

He let out a groan, and his serious facade broke away leaving behind only exasperation.

"You and I both know I was being sarcastic."

The bird tilted its head "Truly? Were you also being sarcastic that one time this one found you…"

"Enough!" he yelled out his cheeks slightly tinged with red "Why do you have to remember every little thing" he muttered to himself as he rubbed his eyes.

"Why are you here?" he asked finally.

"I think you know why…"

The two adepti stared at one another neither saying a word, the air felt heavy and hard to breathe as if suffused with an otherworldly element.

Shenhe took a step back, she could feel her knees shaking slightly.

This feeling again it felt as disgusting as it ever did.

"… to help the young one of course."

The stare-off continued…

"Why would I need you?" Shenhe finally asked in a rather mocking way.

The bird laughed lightly not feeling the bit slighted "The young lord has several qualities off that this one assures." she fluttered her wings slightly as if stretching her arms "Though he always had quite a bit of difficulty picking up the adpeti arts."

Shenhe looked pointedly at him, a question clear in her eyes…

He simply grunted, though faltered as the bird giggled again.

"I'm far too… specialized." he finally said with much regret "I can teach you the theory but you will never learn my magic."

"That's not what I meant." she said with a dismissive wave of her hand "Why would I want to learn something like that, I'm doing fine in combat training."

Her vision was nonoperational anyway, she didn't have any talent for the more mystical things… it was clear so why bother.

"That is precisely why you should learn."

Before she could say it was none of her business, the blue feathered crane was already in front of her.

Her blue eyes looked deep into hers as if she was searching for something inside.

"Yes yes you're the one I felt that day, it is clear…" she said quietly almost to herself "… to defeat the remnants of a god, that takes quite the mental fortitude for one so young."

She turned her long neck around to look instead at her aloof teacher.

"This one will teach her."

The stare-off remained without victor though that wasn't for the lack of trying with the way a glow started to appear in the younger adepti's eyes.

Eventually though and with a remorseful sigh Shirou gave up the standstill.

"I guess I was asking too much for a bit more peace" he muttered under his breath before turning around "I'm going to prepare lunch… Shenhe you know your drills well enough by now right?"

The girl nodded though still unsure if she should be on guard now that she was to be alone with this new powerfull being.

She didn't exactly feel like a threat, in fact, her aura was more of a protector not unlike that of her teacher.

Still, she was a stranger… and her personality didn't exactly jell well with hers, she could see herself easily snapping upon any of her words.

More than that though….

She hadn't liked the change it had brought to him.

He seemed more standoffish, more reserved, the fact that he simply preferred to go back inside instead of being with her while she trained told her enough about how this new adepti made him feel.

Unaware of herself her posture changed once again into a guarded stance as she glared at the bird, who simply tilted her head seemingly amused.

"No need to worry young one, this one will merely observe for now." she said gently not unlike an older aunt to a bratty child "Think of me as not even being here."

"Kinda hard to do so…"

The sound of a closing door was heard as Shirou finally stepped inside.

Shenhe looked on towards the house with a frown before grabbing a spear and twirling it around.

Finally, she stepped forward into the field.

She glanced once more towards the crane only to see it spacing out as if thinking about something.

"Whatever…" she muttered dejectedly.

Her normal day was upturned by a nuisance.

She couldn't help but feel cheated.

(Library)

"She shows much promise that girl of yours."

Just when he thought that the day had been a quiet one considering their newest company.

Though that might have just been him trying to ignore her presence.

"Is that so." he added absentmindedly, the pen in his fingers moving at a languid speed before stopping with a grunt his eyes not moving from the white paper sheets "Why are you really here, I know Ganyu hasn't talked to you yet."

"Is it truly that difficult to believe that I merely wanted to see you… I watched you grow up child."

He sighed leaning back onto his chair.

"That's not what I meant…" he said with slight exasperation, he felt like a kid again in her presence being scolded for doing something wrong, the small bits of disappointment he could see behind her gaze were a bit much to bare "… I know what you're trying to do."

"Oh…"

The older adepti questioned with cold but not uncaring eyes.

"...then tell me young lord, what is this one trying to do."

He got up from the chair and made his way over to her, in this form they stood almost eye to eye.

"I haven't come back to take that seat." Shirou explained his voice rough as if it was barely above cracking.

And yet her eyes remained the same even through his denial.

"Then tell me…" she asked slowly "… why did you come back? What have you found in your travels that made you want to return to that which you left behind."

He scoffed at the notion a self-deprecating smirk appearing in his face.

"Nothing, I found nothing." he said through clenched teeth "Five hundred years since that disaster and I'm no closer to finding what any of it was for."

Wrath and rage weaved through his body, wisps of a golden flame surrounded his form as if commanded by emotions.

And yet throughout it all Cloud Retainer simply watched on calmly.

"You can still feel it can't you…" she said calmly "… even now I can see it clearly, your power hasn't diminished even a bit, you glow as brightly as you ever did."

She shook her head closing her eyes for a second.

"Even now they still worship you."

"Their love is misplaced."

The man paced back, turning towards the window, his eyes filled with the visage of the Liyue landscape.

"I hold no special value towards this land, nor its people." he said with sorrow as if he was talking about a grave sin "Mondstat, Inazuma, Fontaine, Natlan it is meaningless to me where someone comes from, I will simply help those in front of me who needs it."

"And yet you chose to save this country above all when it needed its archon the most." the older adepti didn't take his words kindly, her wings twitching and her eyes set in admonishing rage "You say all that, and yet at that moment you chose to save one over the other."

His stance didn't change, not a single movement could be seen as those words passed by, and yet the change in atmosphere was palpable to both.

"One cannot save everyone-" he said forlornly, the truth of such words hanging heavily on his frame "I know that, I simply made the choice that could save the most."

"Is that so?"

She moved forward yet again, her long neck swiveling like a snake until her face was right beside his.

"Then why is it that even now you choose to stay your hand."

He grunted gritting his teeth and shaking off the older adepti.

"What do you want Cloud Retainer."

She sighed in disappointment but nonetheless continued "Young lord, I simply want you to reach your full potential, you can be the best of us and yet you remain encumbered by the past and dreams one cannot reach."

The craned turned around and left the room only stopping to pass unto a few remaining words.

"There is nothing sadder than a god hated by its own people, I hope one day you reciprocate the love they have for you."

Leaving behind the lonely man to continue through his books, as he sat on his chair once again, his back slightly hunched over and his eyes downcast.

Neither of them did notice that they had another onlooker listening in.

One whose face was twisted into rage.

(Outside)

Had I been too harsh… I wonder.

The blue feathered crane sighed in melancholy.

Perhaps I should have chosen my words more carefully, still, the boy has yet to learn fully what his life meant to the rest of us… always putting little to no value on himself. To think he thought that Liyue would have been better off alone than with him.

He hadn't said that fully, perhaps he didn't even realize he thought of himself that way, but it was far too easy for such an elder like herself to see it.

The little bird had always been like that to be fair, only seeing the value of what he could offer to others rather than just inherently being worth something…

It was only a contradiction then, that he himself put such high value on random lives that he knew nothing of.

What a weird God you have become.

Ganyu had done a wonderful job in raising him and she had tried her best to change his mindset but was never quite able to curve his worst tendencies.

Then again it was quite hard to change someone when even themselves didn't quite understand what goes inside their heads.

Therein lies the problem.

Seven archons and seven beliefs.

And yet the only one that didn't have one… was the one she currently thought of.

His father had been the god of contracts but he never did quite inherent that, he would tear open any contract if it meant to save a few more precious lives. The only contract he had ever honored fully was the one he made with the heavens… and even then it was more of an ultimatum than a negotiation.

To truly not know one's self…

That was their greatest si…

DANGER

Her body swiveled to the left as something… or rather someone barreled through the clearing cratering the area she was standing just a second ago.

The smoke and debris vanished as the wind passed through the blades of grass revealing the shadowy figure underneath.

It wasn't really a surprise she figured, even if she had just met her today.

Then again that attack had some belief in it…

It was meant to hurt.

Oh well, not the first time she had to deal with a spitfire.

"And what pray tell are you trying to accomplish young one." she said in all the threatening way a mother scolding a child would.

The girl simply shrugged, her face splitting into a wide crazed smirk that did nothing to hide the rage in her eyes "I don't know maybe I just don't like you."

She twirled around her spear crouching lowly her legs bending down ready to spring…

The adepti merely sighed "If this one has done you any wrong…"

She was cut off by a snarl.

"You know what you did!" Shenhe snapped as she showed her true face, her teeth grinding against her words "You come here disrupt our day, and for what? To make him do something he doesn't want to…"

The girl shook her head as if she was trying to clear her thoughts before taking a deep breath looking calmer but far more deadly.

"Doesn't matter, you need to leave it's as simple as that."

The bird chuckled "Oh child, there is much you don't know…"

Again she was interrupted.

In a burst of speed, Shenhe cleared the distance between the two, the pointed stick aiming for the feathered body… that was not there.

"...Your master is a youngling to me, I have taught warriors since they could crawl, I have fought wars forgotten by humanity…"

Cloud retainer sighed tiredly once again this time from behind her, she hadn't even seen her move.

"...there is no point to this, but if it's a target for your rage you need child, then do so… you can be assured this one won't break."

Another scream broke out from the girl's lips as she readied the spear once more.

Again and again, the girl tried to attack, and again and again, the adepti simply weaved through it as if it were merely a blade of grass passing through the afternoon wind.

She knew there was an ocean of difference between them…

She had known she had no chance…

And yet… she had to win.

"Why do you fight so hard child, no matter how you go about this…"

"YOU MADE HIM SAD."

She screamed and suddenly the world seemed to stand still for both of them.

The girl no longer tried to attack and the elder God-like being no longer moved.

They simply stood as the wind passed through both of them, the only sound of a young girl trying her best to fill her lungs with oxygen as her eyes passed through a wide range of emotions.

She gritted her teeth in disgust.

"You made him sad…" Shenhe finally relented as she spat on the ground "...because he didn't do what you wanted him to do, you're all the same forcing others into shit for your own good."

The bird tilted its head slowly taking in the little ones' words, it was hard to comprehend what passed through her blank face… there was a clear humanity in its voice like a strict grandmother, but the being always seemed to lack in expressions.

"...this one feels like the young lord isn't the subject of this discussion anymore…" the crane stated calmly "...no matter, tell me child, may I ask a question by any chance."

The girl sneered in suspicion twirling the weapon in her hands.

"Do you really think this is the time." she asked lowly her voice raspy, whether it be from tiredness or emotion she could not tell anymore.

Cloud retainer merely chuckled "Please, humor this old soul for a little while." she fluttered her wings a bit as if shrugging her shoulders "I am a curious one you see, after this, you can try your best to maim and bloody to your heart's content."

A grin stretched upwards on the young girl's face, it was an ugly sight almost akin to a knife, rage clear in her eyes still.

"You're really starting to annoy me… just ask and be done with it."

The crane took a few seconds to just stare at her, into her... she didn't really know what the point was but it was almost enough to just make her snap and attack, be done with this whole thing already.

"What will you do if he abandons you."

The world seemed to stop… all the rage, vitriol, and hatred inside of her seemed to vanish for a moment replaced instead with nothing. It was almost odd in a way, she had had those thoughts before of course, those fears running in the deepest parts of her soul.

But now that someone had said it… it was like she needed her mind to catch up, like it was an impossibility like someone had just told her the sky was fake.

She couldn't believe it, so it felt like nothing.

"He wouldn't." her voice was filled with a surety that she never had before.

Cloud retainer sighed "Seems I was wrong with my words, very well. What if instead, he thought you would be better off without him."

That seemed to snap the teenager from her reverie "Why would he do that."

"For all the great judge of character that he is, the young lord is a very bad judge of himself." the crane stated her voice filled with both nostalgia and sadness "He may very well one day feel like you are better off at the hands of another… that he can't help you further, that you have nothing to gain from him, that little lady is his biggest sin."

The adepti closed her eyes and took a deep breath and for the first time Shenhe had known her, she looked vulnerable.

Her voice was...

"The value he puts on his world goes as far as what he can do for others, if he can't he will simply move on to another he can. A never-ending chase."

…melancholy filled with regret like she was talking about a machine she could never fix.

"He'll always love you, he'll always care, he'll always come back if you ask for help… but the next thing to save will always be more important."

She closed her eyes for merely a second, Shenhe couldn't help but wonder what memories filled her vision instead of the darkness.

"That is the man you follow now." the adepti took a deep breath, her form unwavering despite the weight of her statements "So tell me young one how will you deal with this conundrum."

The child stared at her, her eyes unchanging, her expression like that of stone "I would accept his choice."

The crane's eyes widened, she hadn't expected such maturi...

"And my choice would be to remain by his side regardless of that."

"That…" Cloud Retainer spluttered utterly confused "…you do understand how that sounds correct?"

The girl rolled her eyes and shrugged "There isn't much to get, he would have made his choice and I mine, after that, nothing matters." she said utterly uncaring "Now can we get back to me pummeling you into the ground until you leave, it's getting late and I still want drink hot chocolate if I can."

This girl, seriously…

As much of a hypocrite as the young lord.

"Very well, do as you wis…" Cloud Retainer started with a chuckle but was interrupted as her vision was suddenly clouded by the color of steel.

It had only taken a single second to close that distance.

Faster… huh.

Still, regardless of speed, the attacks continued to be the same, straightforward jabs that continued to harmlessly whistle past her head as she weaved and dodged around her, it wasn't really her fault she was an unorthodox enemy.

The girl jumped her spear going downwards as she threw it to the ground below her, though the only enemy it found was the dirt.

Her adepti body wasn't exactly made for combat but it did create a lot of opportunities to flee from it or at least to not get hit, as far as she gathered the girl didn't have a lot of experience to begin with, probably only gotten into spars with the young lord… and he was well known to pull his punches so to speak.

It hit nothing, as yet again the adepti easily dodged such a telegraphed attack.

Is this truly her limit?

Something caught her eye just then, as the human twisted in the air…

She backstepped a bit before a foot came crashing down onto the ground.

It seems she used the weapon as a pole to continue her attack.

As the more time passed, the more the girl seemed to be getting stronger.

No…

That wasn't quite right, was it?

Instead of a thrust, she slashed with it like a sword the air pressure bending the steel with how hard she was swinging it.

She merely ducked but it seemed to be a mistake as the little one used the momentum of the swing on her own body the kick grazing some of her feathers.

It was simply that she was getting more comfortable with fighting the elder adepti, her body was already beyond that of a normal human being, to begin with, but the fact that she was already reaching this level despite the lack of combat experience.

A prodigy, there could be little doubt.

Still…

She flapped her wings only once, the force being enough to knock away the relentless girl.

… It simply wasn't enough to close such a huge gap.

It did manage to move her around a bit, as her back hit the tree just beyond their little abode, seriously this girl making her work a bit of sweat.

She was behind her once again in a second the long weapon trained to her head like an arrow.

The girl was probably getting tired at this point, they had been going for quite a bit and her fast dashes were probably quite troublesome on such small legs.

Only a few more and she would go down… she was sure.

And yet…

Why was the air so suffused with magic now?

Danger…

It felt misty now… cold perhaps? No, simply different.

Danger…

It was like looking into a mirror, was she actually getting tired now? Aaah perhaps Mountain Shaper had been right she really needed to start exercising again, if this had been enough.

Danger…

Perhaps it would be best to think about this when she didn't have a murderous little girl trying to make her into mince meat.

Another step to the right, another harmless thrust of the blade, another dodge, and yet…

Danger…

...Why did everything scream at her to get out of the way yet again.

Her gaze moved towards the girl, she was to her left now, watching as her arm stretched forward towards a target that wasn't there anymore.

But, why was her face expressionless? When did she become so pale? When did cracks appear in her skin?

Why was it snowing?

DANGER.

Her head swiveled to the right as the arrowhead cut through the skin right under her eye.

How?

She had dodged that attack just a second ago.

And yet her feet had remained in the same spot, her back was still towards the same tree and the spear was still attacking the same target.

She hadn't moved at all.

She had only imagined it.

This girl… what had she done?

Still, she couldn't be careless, the very same girl was still on the offensive.

She needed ground to think and time to snap away from the adrenaline that coursed through her old body.

So without meaning to…

Cloud Retainer attacked her as if she were an enemy.

It was only a small slap really, a flip of her wings but it had been enough to send the small body flying away towards the house only stopping once she hit the ground violently.

She coughed out blood, a painful wheezing sound came out as she tried to get air in her lungs, and once they did...

She started laughing maniacally.

Cloud Retainer's eyes widened...

Shenhe rose from the ground slowly, almost slithering her way up, blood pulled underneath her feet as the liquid poured from her fresh wound the skin of her right arm almost peeled off from scrapping the ground.

And yet she smiled widely even as her teeth became red from all the blood, even as her legs trembled barely holding onto her own weight.

She was still going to continue, wasn't she?

"Gotcha." Shenhe said slowly and viciously almost gleeful that she managed to somehow harm her.

The magic around her was going haywire, even now she could feel it… the utter killing intent.

If this continues… tsk...

Might be better to knock her out completely even if that meant hurting her further, she didn't really seem the kind to go down quietly.

Her body tensed ready to spring… but immediately relaxed back.

It seems that this 'battle' was at the hands of another.

The laughter stopped just then.

A silver metallic feather slowly fell from the skies right in front of Shenhe.

She seemed utterly transfixed by the thing, her eyes slightly glazed as if she were dreaming, she reached towards it but hesitated.

It seemed like such a pure thing, shining like a beacon, it felt wrong to touch it.

Was a curse like herself supposed to do such a thing.

Almost felt like a sin…

Instead, its descent was stopped by the hand of another, a hand far larger than her own, it landed gently as if it belonged there before it was engulfed in golden flames.

It felt warm but not in heat like a feeling rather than a sensation.

An arm encircled her and she finally understood where everything came from.

She looked up and her stare was answered with another full of transcendal kindness, It almost made her panic as if she were witnessing something beyond her.

She had spent so much time with him that it had become hard to tell.

Shirou… her teacher wasn't a human at all.

It was the first time since she had gotten here that she truly saw behind the façade, behind the mask, and into the God that was housing her.

"It's okay, this is over, I'm here now."

The pain went away…

Her anger left her…

The murderous thoughts had gone quiet…

Everything felt soo warm.

Her body slumped over as everything went dark.

"You didn't think to come over sooner?" Cloud retainer sighed as she finally relaxed, the day's tension finally leaving her elder body.

Shirou didn't answer, however, merely picking the child up and placing her gently beneath the tree, his eyes moving slowly checking for any injuries his abilities might not have picked up on. It was for naught, however, there were very few things he couldn't heal and a few scrapes and battle wounds were hardly death.

Still, it was the first time since that day that he had seen her in such a state.

Finally, after being certain she was simply calmly asleep did he look over to the now… very human-looking adepti.

Black greenish hair framed a cupid stern face her lips permanently set in a frown it seemed, he remembered looking up at it, always feeling inadequate… the trials for perfection were not a thing most would go after but she had expected little else from those she called students.

Well, at least he didn't have to look up anymore, being as tall as he was.

"I didn't think you would take it this far." he said in a serious tone though more curious than angry "It's not like you to be caught off guard."

"I do not fully understand what she did." She said while cleaning her glasses daintily before looking at him in a motherly fashion, her form had changed but she still retained the same air around her "But it was quite strong to addle even the mind of this one."

His eyes narrowed as he picked up the small trinket forgotten beside the tree.

"She used her vision…" he explained while showing the object to her "...I'm guessing she didn't even notice it, probably just wanted to hit you really badly and this thing picked up on that sentiment."

"Hmmmm…" The elder adepti frowned but relented shrugging her shoulders "...probably so, it was quite powerful, then again given her bloodline and what she went through it would have been a given."

Shirou nodded smiling a bit sadly, before ruffling the girl's hair a bit. She groaned in annoyance but otherwise remained quietly sleeping away her fatigue.

"Have you thought about our discussion perhaps."

The man sighed and got up walking over to her, his index finger burning with the same flame as the feather once had. He stared her down for a second before touching her cheek right below the eye where the fresh wound was still marking her face.

Cloud Retainer didn't say a word merely watching him carefully as if judging his actions, as the wound healed and fizzled out like a piece of cloth being stitched.

His hand left her expressionless face "Is there any answer that will leave you happy?"

She shook her head "This isn't about me child…" she palmed his cheek not so gently "...but this cannot keep going, you're going to have to choose eventually, I just want you to be prepared for it."

He laughed mockingly, a slow dogged tremble coming from his throat "Didn't I already make it."

"You know what happens when you go against the Heavens."

He scoffed pushing away her hand, his own fingers idly tracing the scar just above his heart "How can I forget."

They stayed quiet for a while neither finding the correct answers for the other.

"How is he?" he suddenly asked, his golden eyes not leaving hers. His voice didn't betray a single emotion but it wasn't hard for her to perceive the message within.

Despite their estranged relationship, they still cared deeply for one another and longed to reunite, such was the pride of man she supposed.

She sighed and shook her head "How do you think…"

She left him there stewing in her words as she walked away from the house.

"He's waiting for you, as he has always been."

And with that, she was gone, the wind carrying her back home.

Leaving behind a confused and directionless man.

He closed his eyes for a second letting the winter air cool his thoughts. The sun had almost gone down at this point and Liyue was known for their cold nights, it wouldn't do for Shenhe to stay out without something to warm her over.

Probably a blanket… and something a bit more sugary.

Hopefully, she wouldn't be mad over the loss.

(Liyue Harbor)

Ganyu yawned as she slowly walked towards the city gates, it was night now far too late for her sleeping schedule but she had gathered her strength enough to keep those eyelids open throughout her voyage back home.

She didn't want to miss talking to him after all.

They had a lot to discuss and she was sure he would be seeking her out first thing.

Speaking of which…

"Here, let me." a strong voice spoke from behind her though gently, as the weight of her bags was lifted.

She smiled softly.

"It's been a long time Morax."

The man coughed lightly "Please, I told you to call me Zhongli, Ganyu." he said quietly under his breath, there was a bit of trepidation in his eyes as he looked her over "It pleases me to see you well."

Ganyu's head tilted in confusion, a stray strand of blue hair rubbed her nose as she did so itching it until she had to sneeze.

She rubbed it off embarrassingly, turning away from the taller man in shame.

"W-why wouldn't I be." she stated with a stutter "This is his territory, nothing could harm me."

The man sighed but said nothing to counter that ideal.

Not as if he'd ever been able to change her mind when it came to the boy.

They started walking around the city, it was a slow tempo neither was in any real rush to go home even with so much still to do. By this time the streets had become empty and the stars filled the sky like white gems.

Such a peaceful night was meant to be enjoyed rather than slept on.

Though all good things must come to an end.

"How is he?" he asked as they finally reached the plaza overseeing the harbor.

The pretty smile vanished as she twirled her fingers around each other "Hmmm…" she murmured quietly "… he is…" she sighed yet again cleaning her dress in quiet contemplation "...he looks lost Zhongli."

"He still feels like a part of him is missing, I'm sure." the man stated, his expression was like that of stone not betraying a single emotion but his voice was tinged with regret "Perhaps it's time to tell him…"

"NO!"

Ganyu suddenly yelled, a dangerous angry look in her eyes looking more like a snarling animal than the meek smiling one just a second ago.

Zhongli took on her anger with grace, quietly letting her breathe and giving her space. It was… unusual to see her like this but not as uncommon as most people who knew her thought. You just had to push the correct buttons and the warrior and territorial mother would push through to the surface.

Then again few would push such a dangerous button like that of a son to a mother.

"I understand your trepidation with this Ganyu, I truly do…" there was a slight quiver in the stone like a God, it wasn't a topic he was comfortable with either, regardless he pushed on "… but he'll never be complete without this knowledge."

The pleading however had little effect, Ganyu's eyes simply narrowed further.

She was unshakable when it came to this when it came to him… how could she not be.

Regardless of his beginning.

He was hers.

More than his.

She was there when he couldn't when he should be when he cried in the nights asking for food when he had nightmares.

When he didn't understand why he was the way he was.

When he didn't understand what he was.

Morax was always someone she deferred to, and would continue to do so until she died… he was why she fought that damned war.

He was her God after all.

But she could never give ground, not for the little bird.

"Emiya Shirou is dead…. And neither he nor this world need such a man any longer."

(Shenhe)

She groaned in discomfort…

Her body ached with a familiar feeling, in any other day this would be a good thing, meant she had forced herself to the utmost, surpassing what she had done before.

Today it just meant defeat.

"I lost huh…" she said to herself as she looked at the sparkling blackness above her.

"That you did."

Something warm touched her cheek as she blinked away the surprise, her nose twitching when the sweet sugary smell hit.

It was a cup filled with hot chocolate, her favorite.

But even that couldn't keep away the disappointment.

Well, that didn't stop her from drinking it regardless though.

Things were quiet, too quiet… Shirou wasn't admonishing her or trying to reason with her. She frowned, what she had done wasn't good by any of his measures.

So why wasn't he speaking up?

"Are you not going to say anything?" she asked with a glare as she stared at the man sitting beside her.

He drank from his own cup "You got your ass kicked."

She spluttered in surprise before calming down, a self-deprecating smirk appearing in her face "I guess I did, huh…" she gripped the glass tightly "… damn it, I really wanted to win."

Shirou sighed "That's life kid, more often than not you're going to lose your battles, especially the most important ones."

Shenhe scoffed "Know that from experience?"

He simply chuckled but said nothing.

A quiet numbness fell on the duo as they looked at the starry sky, it wasn't a happy moment but it was comfortable.

Knowable…

"You didn't need to fight for me." he said solemnly "I don't need you to fight my battles, that's not what I'm teaching you for."

"Why would I care what you are teaching me for…" Shenhe snarled the usual anger coming back "...you told me to use my skills for myself right? That's what I did, It had nothing to do with you."

He looked down at her with tired eyes.

"Is that so…"

Shirou had nothing further to say, simply remaining quietly sipping in his drink.

Damn it…

Damn him…

She blinked away the tears.

"I just…" she started shakily and quietly, almost inaudible "… didn't want her to hurt you."

The man sighed ruffling her hair "There are some things you can't fix through battle and pushing people away Shenhe… I understand why you did it but you need more self-control."

The little girl frowned but gave nothing to refute it.

"Then what the hell am I supposed to do, I feel so angry all the time…"

"Like you have something to prove right?" he asked staring down at her inquisitively.

She nodded with a pout.

It wasn't exactly it, she didn't really have a way to put it into words, her own mind couldn't really comprehend it.

She simply had a need…

To matter to someone, to not be forgotten, to take care of…

Huh…

Maybe.

"I think I found a goal Shirou."

"Oh?" he stopped mid-drink his eyes widening before narrowing in suspicion "You're not going to tell me are you."

She snickered "Nope." she laughed at his disappointed expression before quietening down and looking up once more at the beyond "But I can't lose anymore, from this day forward I won't lose more battles."

He gave her a dubious look, only turning serious once he understood her conviction was real.

It was an impossible goal…

But if that's what she wanted.

"I guess we're upping your training tomorrow."

...

It has been quite a long time hasn't it... well life's kinda of a bitch but i'm back and i should resume as i did before the hiatus, sorry to everyone who waited for an update it shouldn't happen again.

Anyhowsers...

There's quite a bit i want to talk about this chapter for one thing Cloud Retainer... yeah i'm not sure if i did her right, her old talky way thing she does is something i found kinda annoying so i didn't really try and keep that up, instead just trying to keep her character reasonably the same, she always seemed like the strict aunt with a heart of gold so that's i went with.

Now about shirou and the larger world there's 2 things in particular i want to discuss.

1- Shirou doesn't have fire powers, i know a pheonex without a flamethrower isn't a real one buuuut i didn't really want to mess with the elemental power... the geo god with pyro and all that, instead his healing ability has a flames visual... yes that's what i'm going with expect his beast form to be similar.

2- I think people will try to call me out on one particular line "Of the original seven only one yet remained and even their existence is brought into question nowadays." yeah i know the general populos doesn't actually know the electro archon changed therefore it should be two instead of one... Shirou hasn't just changed Liyue let's leave it at that.

Now about Shirou's character... yeah i know i'm doing him a bit wierdly but bare with me for a bit, there's a lot of stuff around him that he is keeping a secret and a lot of stuff people are keeping a secret from him... this is pretty much him at the lowest point of his long life, he's kinda like archer without a contract that keeps him a slave if that makes sense.

Directionless and lost would be the best way to put it.

Next chapter is the start of a new arc where everything goes to shit for the duo so let's hope you like that.

Other than that i don't really have much to say other than i really hope you enjoy, it has been quite long so i might be rusty but i really hope my comeback is worth it.

Anyway hope you all enjoy.

Edit: jesus this website is a mess...