𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧

36 - how to accidentally ascend and want to descend

As the trio, Y/n, Ganyu, and Ping, stood in the shadow of the memorial, Y/n noticed how Ganyu seemed to have grown into a much more composed and graceful figure. Her ethereal aura seemed to dominate the very space around her. Y/n realized she must have taken on a great deal of responsibility over the years.

Ganyu, as if reading Y/n's thoughts, cleared her throat, "I, uh, work as the secretary for the Liyue Qixing now. It's been...an interesting journey to say the least."

A rush of memories hit Y/n like a tidal wave. A younger, sprightlier version of Ganyu, with her little horns and an earnest expression, popped into Y/n's mind. Training sessions under ancient trees, Ganyu's determined face as she mastered her archery, and Y/n, always there to guide and encourage. Y/n had known of Ganyu's destined ascent to greatness, courtesy of her Genshin gameplay escapades. But seeing it in person, the embodiment of all that hard work? Y/n's heart swelled with pride, like she'd won a thousand wars without lifting a blade.

Ping, who had been quietly watching the reunion, suddenly chimed in with a twinkle in her eye, "Oh, you should hear Cloud Retainer go on about Ganyu. She sounds like an overly doting grandmother recounting every little thing her grandchildren do."

Y/n grinned and turned to Ganyu, her voice tinged with nostalgia, "Ah, yes, the ever-so-proud Cloud Retainer. I can practically hear her now, singing praises of how 'Little Ganyu has the wisdom of the ancients and the resilience of the mountains.' She could turn her adoration for Ganyu into an epic ballad."

Ganyu's cheeks flushed a bright shade of pink as she bashfully responded, "Oh, she has not changed one bit! She still shares every little story from my childhood with complete strangers. It's endearing, but so, so embarrassing."

Y/n's eyes sparkled with mischief and affection as she playfully nudged Ganyu's arm, "I knew you'd grow up to do amazing things, but this is beyond stellar! Look at you, all regal and rocking responsibility like a queen. I'm pretty sure Cloud Retainer is distributing pamphlets with your childhood photos somewhere around here. And here I am, just hanging out with Teyvat's finest, like it's just another Tuesday."

A sudden procession meandered around the corner, its somber cadence an echo of reverence to the memorial dedicated to Liyue's fallen goddess. Y/n's heart throbbed at the discord of time; just yesterday, through Phoenix's eyes, she was in an era where Guizhong's laughter could still be heard. Now, the silence seemed almost taunting.

As Y/n's gaze fell on Guizhong's statue, a poignant reminder of time's merciless march was etched in stone. Guizhong's demise was an enigma shrouded in mystery. Even though Y/n had been an eyewitness to her final moments, the cause and the events leading up to her death remained an elusive puzzle. She had seen Guizhong's life extinguished by Rex Lapis himself. She had seen the grandeur of the Guili Assembly crumble into dust. But how much of that aligned with the tale as told in the canon story?

Y/n suddenly noticed Ganyu tensing up and offering a deferential bow to the newcomers. The entourage was led by an assortment of poised, regal figures garbed in attire reminiscent of what Ningguang might wear, had she decided to raid a museum for ancient ceremonial threads. Y/n's intuition was sharp enough to slice through a diamond, and she realized that this was the fabled Liyue Qixing of this era paying respects to the fallen.

One of the Qixing members, likely sensing the disarray of emotions emanating from Y/n's general direction, stepped forward. Y/n, though wrapped in the thoughts of the past and the "what-ifs" of fate, couldn't help but think, "Please, not the deity treatment."

With a grace that seemed to defy gravity, the Tainquan of the Qixing elegantly waved at Ganyu, her voice carrying a touch of regal surprise. "Ganyu, to see you here is as delightful as a sudden rain in a parched desert. Weren't you supposed to be taking respite from your duties? And who is this intriguing company you keep?"