Verisimilitude (GI Various x Reader)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

        "Anyways... the final round should be starting soon. Hopefully Kazuha will be back with the Traveler and her guide soon enough." Beidou mentions. I gaze up at the sky and spy the sun's position with a nod. She's right. The sun is bound to set soon and the match should be taking place at any moment now. As if on queue, Kazuha returns with Lumine and Paimon in tow.

"I take it that the training went well, Kazuha?" Beidou calls out. He nods.

"It went splendidly. Not only did the Traveler get some pointers on her opponent, I also was given the chance to witness her elemental prowess in action. We had a pleasant conversation, I would say." He mentions. I glance over at Lumine and Paimon and it seems as though they must have certainly learned some new information because I can read it all over their faces. Beidou hums in content.

"Alright then. Well, your match should be starting any moment now. Go see Zhuhan and she'll lead you back into the arena." Lumine nods, determination brimming in those golden-amber eyes of hers. Kazuha glances back over in Lumine's direction.

"I wish you luck. I await the results of this match with great anticipation." Lumine heads on into the arena. After nearly five minutes have passed of Lumine standing around, I notice that her opponent hasn't shown himself yet. Beidou notices as well with a frown.

"Huh, why isn't he here yet..." She mutters beside Kazuha and I. She then shakes her head. "Never mind, we can start by making the Traveler's entrance first." She steps forward, gaining the crowd's attention.

"Everyone, listen up. Your attention, please! We've reached the climax of The Crux Clash. This is the final match! We've seen many exciting battles today, and now, at long last, the two finalists have emerged. Now, I'd like to introduce our first combatant. Though few have seen her, her reputation knows no bounds. She strikes fear into the heart of Osial and the mere mention of her name causes even Fatui Harbingers to turn pale in the face... Introducing Liyue's traveling hero, Lumine!" The crowd cheers as Lumine enters the arena.

"Wooooow!!!"

"I've been waiting for this moment!"

"I'm sure everyone witnessed her thrilling match in the semi-finals. But today's final round will surly take things up a notch!" Beidou then hesitates.

"As for our other combatant... Uh, he still hasn't arrived." She looks around, trying to spot the other combatant in the crowd. "C'mon, what could be taking him so long? You can't just forfeit for not showing up like in previous rounds... This is the finals!" She mutters under her breath loud enough for only Kazuha and I to hear.

"Apologies! Everyone just sit tight!" She calls out. Lumine makes her way back over to us.

"Maybe they're too intimidated to show up for the finals?" Lumine asks. Beidou sighs, placing a hand on her hip.

"We've got no other choice.... If he doesn't show up we'll just have to postpone the match." Kazuha frowns as if he senses something is wrong.

"Wait a moment. Something doesn't seem right about this. Captain Beidou, perhaps we should check on the prize." He turns over to Lumine and I. "(Y/N), Lumine, come with us." We nod. We approach the table that held the box that contained the Vision.

"Let me see..." Beidou mutters, opening the box only to reveal an empty container. "It's gone alright... The Vision is missing." Paimon gasps in shock.

"Huh! Did somebody steal it? Who would dare do such a thing in broad daylight?" She asks incredulously. Beidou shakes her head with a frown.

"We don't know when it was taken exactly." She huffs, crossing her arms. "Huh! I never thought that someone here would have the guts to cross Captain Beidou." She states, not quite believing it to be true, yet the proof was before us.