Love, War, & Beetles

Chapter 20 - History

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     The salty sea air was like a plate of freshly-made Sakura Mochi welcoming me home, filling my lungs and relaxing my muscles. Liyue was so far away after all, Mondstadt further still - much further than the journey out had seemed.

     "Captain Beidou?"

     "Yeah?"

     "Would I make a good pirate?" She laughed that loud, familiar laugh, several crew members smiling along - it was an infectious sound after all.

     "I dunno, kid. Seem pretty good at giving orders, but other than that, I have about as much of a clue as you do. Just relax and sit down, alright?"

     "Would you want me on your crew then?" She looked over me, a soft smile full of thinly veiled smugness finding its way over her features.

     "Are you asking?"

     "Not yet. Just keeping my options open."

     "Ooo, you're good~ Just go sit for now - we'll dock soon." I slipped inside my borrowed room, sitting in the hammock like a couch rather than actually laying in it. All of my bags were secured in the corner, tied together against a support beam. The gentle bobbing from the waves tried to lull me to sleep, but through pure willpower, I stayed awake as the Alcor settled into its usual spot in the harbor, shouts and stomping overhead my signal to leave. Captain Beidou helped me get my things off the boat, rushing a goodbye hug as she was called away.

     "Oh, hello sweetie! Do your parents know you're back?"

     "Hi Granny. And no, it's a surprise visit this time."

     "Oh my! Well, that's quite a good surprise then." She held her arms up and I slipped into the space between, relishing the familiar comfort - she smelled like cherry blossoms and caramel candies. "Best hurry then. Word spreads quick, even in a small place like this," she whispered, patting my head before drifting away like a distant memory. I never really figured out how she did it, but I didn't get much time to dwell on it before my legs started moving on their own, dragging me along the old path I knew by heart. It was overgrown and intensely quiet, but it was mine - well, mine and my family's. I'd grown up chasing and being chased along it, so even as a twenty-year-old, that childish desire to run away and still get caught in the warmest of hugs rose up, as it did every time I visited.

     The bustle of my village roused me from my memories, excitement racing through me again as the trees gave way to a guarded gate, supplies and people walking in and out as they pleased. Several people waved and I returned the action, politeness overpowering my desire to just run straight home into my dad's arms. Maybe this is the time I beat him in a fight.

     I could smell katsu sandwiches and grilling meats as I approached our cabin, a hint of dandelion giving away the wine being consumed in the side yard. They definitely don't know that I'm here - they never drink when I'm home! The giddy feeling was immediately slapped down when all eyes landed on me, a smug grin on Papa's face.

     "Welcome back, Princess~"

     "How'd you know?! I even lied in my letter!"

     "I could smell you the second Beidou docked - bring it in, sourpuss~" I pretended to pout in his arms - even though I was a little taller than him, he always made me feel little and protected, which was ridiculous when comparing him to Dad. "Itto, Ladybug, the baby's back!"

     "Wait, really?!" He practically slammed the door open, picking me up in a hug with a familiar purr. "Why didn't you tell us?! I could've had lunch ready by now if I'd known!"