a Mother's Sorrow

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The bathroom is filled with a mixture of tension and hope as Ningguang stands near the sink, holding the pregnancy test in her trembling hands. Beidou stands beside her, her expression reflecting the rollercoaster of emotions they've been through during the past two months of IVF treatments.

"Beidou, the test... it's negative again," she said in a trembling voice.

The weight of disappointment hits Ningguang hard, and her eyes start to glisten with tears. Beidou immediately steps closer, wrapping her arms around her partner, providing a comforting embrace.

"Ningguang, I know how much you were hoping for a positive result this time. It's tough, but we gotta stay positive...mind the joke, it's gonna work out, I promise," Beidou said softly.

"I can't help but feel like I've failed somehow like my body isn't capable of giving us a family," She said, quiet sniffles interrupting her sentence.

lifting Ningguangs chin, meeting her eyes, she said, "Don't you dare think that way. You are strong and resilient, and this isn't your fault."

"I'm just so scared, Bei. Scared that we'll never have a child of our own, that I'll never experience motherhood." She said, her voice a quiet quiver.

"I understand your fears, Ningguang. But remember that we have each other, and our love is what truly matters. Children or no children, I love you, and I'm grateful for the life we share."

"I love you too, Beidou, more than words can express. But I want us to have it all - a life together and a family too" She said, sniffling.

"And we will. We have science on our side, and we'll keep trying until we reach our goal. But for now, I need you to be strong, both for yourself and for me."

Ningguang nods, finding some solace in Beidou's unwavering support. She takes a deep breath, trying to gather her emotions.

"You're right, Beidou. I won't lose hope. We've come this far, and we won't give up now."

"That's my girl. And while I'm away on the expedition, remember to take care of yourself, physically and emotionally."

"I will, and I'll eagerly await your safe return."

Beidou departed the next morning, and Ningguang was able to push her work aside to send Beidou off.

-TIME SKIP-

The courageous captain navigates through a dark and mysterious cave during her expedition. Suddenly, a mitachurl emerges from the shadows, its glowing eyes fixated on Beidou. Without hesitation, she draws her trusty claymore gifted from her beloved, determination in her eyes.

"You want a fight? Let's dance!"

Beidou and the mitachurl engage in a fierce battle, their clashes echoing through the cavern walls. The creature's sharp claws scrape against Beidou's electro shield, but she stands her ground, showing no signs of fear.

With a powerful swipe, Beidou manages to wound the beast, causing it to roar in pain. She seizes the opportunity and delivers a decisive blow, sending the creature crashing to the ground, defeated.

"Not so tough after all, huh?" She spits on the decaying mitachurl.

Just as she was about to make her way to the cave entrance where she had left Kazuha, Beidou's keen senses pick up a faint sound – the sound of a woman crying in the distance. Concerned, she follows the echoing sobs deeper into the cave.

Beidou's footsteps lead her to an inner chamber of the cave, where she finds a woman sitting hunched over, her face buried in her hands. Beidou approaches slowly, her heart aching for the woman's obvious distress.

"Hey there. What's troubling you?"

The woman looks up, her eyes filled with sorrow and fear. In her arms, she cradles a small bundle – a newborn baby.

"Please... take her. I can't provide for her, and she deserves a chance at life." The woman says weakly.

"You don't have to do this alone. Let me get you to a doctor."

" I... I can't..." She said tearfully. "I can't do it anymore. My strength is gone."

Beidou looks at the ground where there was pooling blood under the woman's legs, Beidou looked into her eyes, the light being gone.
If things had been different, Beidou could have saved both of them, but the mother had lost a significant amount of blood from the enterance of the little one.
Getting her help would be worthless, she would be already dead by the time she got her medical help.

"Shhh, it's alright. You're not alone now. I promise you and your baby will be safe."

Beidou cradles the woman in her arms, offering comfort and solace during her final moments. With her last breaths, the woman places her baby into Beidou's arms.

"Take care of her... please."

Beidou, with tears in her eyes, "I promise. I will take care of her like she's my own."

With those words, the woman's eyes close peacefully, and she passes away, finding comfort in Beidou's embrace. Beidou took her pointer and middle finger, placing them on the woman's eyes, gently shutting them. She gently guided her lifeless body to the ground to rest.

Beidou noticed a cut running down the baby's face and the baby's cloudy eye. She took off her eyepatch and covered the eye to prevent any dust or dirt to get into the cut.

She holds the newborn close to her heart, overwhelmed with a mix of sorrow and determination. She names the baby "Xia," meaning "dawn," as a symbol of new beginnings and hope. Beidou contacts her crew, making arrangements to take Xia to Liyue Harbor, where she can be raised with Ningguang in safety and receive the care she deserves.



Kazuha waits patiently outside the cave entrance, a gentle breeze rustling through his hair. He glances around, occasionally looking back at the cave's dark opening, worried for Beidou's safety. Finally, he spots Beidou emerging from the darkness, cradling a newborn baby wrapped in her cape, in her arms. Concern fills his eyes as he rushes to her side.

"Captain Beidou, what happened? Are you alright? And... who is this?"

"I'm ok, just a bit shaken up, that's all. found this baby inside the cave, her name is Xia... Kaz'. Her mother... she didn't make it."

Kazuha's eyes widen with compassion, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"What gonna happen now?" he said softly, not to startle the tiny infant in Beidous arms.

Beidou looked down at the baby with determination.  "I'm going to raise her, Kazuha. I'll take care of her, and I want to do it with Ningguang."

"Im guessing she does not know about this? You didn't tell her you were going kid-searching, right?"

"Nope!, it's a Kazuha situation. Archons, that was funny," She said, reminiscing on the past.

"Beidou, that's a significant decision. Raising a child together is a huge commitment, and after what happened last time, are you sure Ningguang is ready for it?"

"We have been trying for the past 2 months with IVF treatments, but nothing is working. Archons, we want this so bad Kaz. But I have no idea what her reaction will be like bringing another baby back home."

"I'm sure things will work out for the best, Beidou. You two have a strong bond, and raising a child together is a new adventure for both of you."

"Thank you, Kazuha. Best son award goes to you." She said, moving the baby into a one-arm cradle so she can pat Kazuhas shoulder and also ruffling his hair a bit.

"You're welcome. Now, let's make sure this little one is safe and comfortable until you talk to Ningguang."

"You go up ahead, I'd like to get to know my daughter."

"As you wish Captain." Kazuha caught up the boat.

As she made their way back to the ship, Beidou holds the baby close, feeling a mix of responsibility and love. The weight of her decision still lingers, she knows she must talk to Ningguang openly and honestly. The future may be uncertain, but Beidou is determined to embrace it, knowing that together with Ningguang, they can face any challenge that comes their way.

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