Callista of the Abyss

Chapter 10

not me still trying to make this book good 😟😟 thanks for reading lol

——

from my rotting body
flowers shall grow
and i am in them
and that
is Eternity

——

"That concludes our discussion then, Callista-"

"Vasuki."

"I am thankful we have come to an agreement on this job. On a later date, I do expect to hear updates. Any specific questions before we depart again?"

"No, Zhongli, I only wish you would call me the name I have asked of you. Respect my boundaries and I respect yours. Anything else?"

"It seems we're all settled, Vasuki." Zhongli said with an amused grin. Standing to leave, he reached for the empty teacups that have long been finished.

Something seemed to pique the man's interest as his partner in business raised her hood over her unusual hair. Stealing a glance at the black and green chains stationed at her hip, his curiosity grows.

They share a silent nod and she departs. Zhongli watches her leave, almost protectively. He knows very well she will be alright. Why bother seeing her away? Who knows really.

Perhaps it is the abandoned little kid he still sees in her, the same he saw all those years ago.

——

Making her way through the streets of Liyue, the heat is bothering and un-welcomed as Vasuki has become much too accustomed to the winds on the seas.

Realizing she'll have to take the trip back to Wangshu Inn she was currently residing at, she frowned and squinted her eyes.

The sun was making its decent now, should she bother? Nah, she could just stay on the Alcor with Beidou for the night.

Another realization hit the girl; Beidou would be drinking tonight. It's Friday. She wasn't against it, she didn't really mind at all, but Vasuki had to draw up plans that will bring in results, or at least some information for Zhongli.

Finally deciding on just staying with Beidou and beginning her plans tomorrow, she slips into the docks, locating the kind pirate easily.

Already smiling, Vasuki slips off her hood and waves towards Beidou.

Beidou smiles brightly and gestures her over.

"Hello, Vas! How is Liyue treating you?" The woman asks.

Vasuki's smile widens as she responds,"Very well, Beidou! Have you just brought in the new shipment?"

"We have! What did you head over here for, Vas? It's only been a few weeks, no way you miss me already." The woman laughs.

"Of course i've missed you, Beidou!"

"But...?"

"But nothing! I just wanted to visit and ask if I could stay on the Alcor with you and the crew for tonight!" Vasuki quickens her last sentence laughing slightly afterwards.

"There it is!" Beidou laughs with the girl. "Of course you can stay, Vas, you're a part of the crew, you will always have a place with us."

Beidou's words ring in Vasuki's ears. She smiles brightly and thanks her. After conversing with her for a few minutes, they notice the sunset.

Another crew mate calls out to Beidou to inform her of a situation with the customer. Beidou calls something back and bids Vasuki adieu for the time being.

Vasuki's smile fades and she turns to go find some food, and purchase beidou some beer in thanks for allowing her refuge for the night.

She wanders back into the town, taking a shortcut through the alleyways to avoid the small evening crowd.

Hearing some kids yell out to each other, she glances over smiling a little. Until a body falls into her front.

She grabs the persons arms helping them up, she can feel a warm liquid on her hands. She can tell from the feeling it's blood.

Confused she looks around for any sign of an open wound or a perpetrator.

"Are you alright, what happened?" She asks the victim quietly. She helps them into a sitting position on the wall in the alleyway.

The person weakly points over to the end of the alleyway where a tall masculine figure is standing with their fists clenched.

She ensures the victim is safely sat up and stands to face the figure. She squints slightly trying to catch a look at the identity of this person.

"I suggest you don't get involved. This is none of your business." An annoying voice says through the dark.

"You made it my business when you got my cloak bloody." Vasuki replies.

The figure clenches their fists tighter.

"Then I guess i'll just end this here."

"Maybe let's not, actually." A new voice enters the conversation.

"Stop right there you two!" A high pitched yell is heard next to the new voice.
"No fighting! Not right now!"

Vasuki and the masculine figure groan silently.

——

lmao slay i kinda like this one maybe i'm not a bad writer (beidou is my main(real))