Archive of Our Own ^beta

You were going about your day as usual when you decided to read some SAGAU Imposter AU fanfictions on the internet. The plot does not provide you with as much satisfaction as you would want, and the readers' ability to exact revenge seems too— in your opinion, quite lacking.

On the other hand, you consistently maintain a nonchalant attitude about it. You are still going to go ahead and read it, then continue scrolling until you discover another fanfiction.

A retribution in the form of exile? You probably won't find this interesting. Taking your newfound powers and using it to wipe them off as payback? That is quite thrilling; however, wouldn't it be preferable to make them regret and bear the sins of killing their one and only creator for the rest of their lives?

The shame and remorse that would slowly consume everything within them until there was nothing left.

The vivid memory of them using the blessings that you bestowed upon them to dishonour your divine existence is particularly satisfying.

The effort that you put into everything to get them to the position that they are in right now.

The memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives of how they used everything you blessed them with to get rid of you. 

The SAGAU AU fanfictions you've been reading have somewhat convinced you that the characters in the game can actually hear your voice, so occasionally you open the app, play the game, and talk to each character as if you think they can hear you.

The characters with the most heartbreakingly repetitive lines would receive your highest praise and reassurance.

You would hear Zhongli speak his infamous voice line, “Osmanthus wine tastes the same as I remember, but where are those who share the memory?”

And you would always reply with, “If the universe permits it, I would be delighted to share a drink with you and listen all about the wonderful times you and your loved ones have had together over the years.” In the warmest, and gentlest voice you could muster.

It's possible that you've gone insane because those are only fanfictions, yet you still find amusement on doing it.

And then, all of a sudden, it was as if the heavens had listened to your thoughts and made the decision to send you to the world of your creations, directly in front of the divine statue they had sculpted just for you.

Specifically designed with you in both heart and mind. The very statue that they would bow down to and pay respect to, something that they would look upon with reverence in their eyes.

You, the one who brought them into existence. You, the one who gave them life. You, their one and only creator.

Who would have the audacity to imitate the appearance of our Diving Creator and to step foot on the sacred ground!

Our Goddess was right; now that she has chosen to descend to our humble plane, a great number of people will attempt to copy her and steal her divination while her body is still adjusting to the conditions of our realm.

“Ah,” A sound like a gentle whisper was coming from your mouth. You did not move from where you were seated on the ground, keeping your attention fixed on the floor below you, which featured the most exquisite carvings you had ever seen. A smirk grew on your lips as you tried to stifle the chuckle; perhaps it was a maniacal laughter that was threatening to break forth. Fortunately for their sanity, they were spared the trauma of seeing it.

The fake, as one could have anticipated, displays an excessive amount of caution.

You were familiar with those lines. Where they would straight out deem you as fake. Imposter AU, huh? Then you guess that there’s no need to negotiate. After all, all of them will act like rabid dogs and probably decapitate you.

You slowly lifted your head, revealing long, wavy, glittering white hair that had fallen to the ground and was streaming down your back. The color of your hair was the most pristine that any human being could ever hope to witness. And your eyes. If one were to stare into them, they would be as dark as the abyss, and upon doing so, they would reveal the universe that is contained inside themselves. It appears to be a reflection of the night sky, where stars would shine brightly in honor of the one who nurtures the world, one whom they would always protect and one whom they would always look after.

As their attention was drawn to your face, those who were entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the sacred grounds began to tense up. The eye that had the most loving gaze was staring at them, as though the person they suspected of being an imposter is connected with them.

The imposter observed them in a manner like to that of a mother observing her children.

Despite their threats, they saw how you continued to lovingly glance at them with a hint of curiosity, perhaps wondering why they are so hostile to you.

Seeing them come to a complete halt makes you feel amused, but you keep up the act as if you are a compassionate and forgiving divine entity. However, at the bottom of your heart, you secretly wish for them to be ashamed by the way in which they regarded you as a fake.

Are you too vicious with your thoughts? Maybe.

Are you meant to ignore all of it simply because they are completely devoted to you?

Then why aren't they able to recognize that the imposter, who you believe was probably seated on the throne and bearing the title of God of the Gods, is the one who is being deceitful?

Is it because of your appearance?

You maintained your position on the ground, staying perfectly still as you watched them patiently while keeping your amusement well veiled in your eyes.

The only thing that can be seen by them is a stunning woman who is smiling warmly in answer to their presence. Simply the fact that the woman was watching them caused them to increase the pressure they applied to the grips of their spears and swords.

The wind that was not intended to enter the enclosed place unexpectedly caressed their bodies as if it were talking to them—

Do not hurt our Creator.

The grounds trembled, as if enthusiastic and pleased to be blessed with your presence, that their Creator was willing to dirty their feet to step on the land. The grounds were evidently happy that their Creator was willing to bless them with your presence.

It's not even an exaggeration to say that the entire Teyvat, the first child of the Creator, is likely experiencing an incredible amount of joy just from recognizing your divinity.

The big and broad doors swung open with a bang, and the glances that your beloved and wonderful acolytes gave you as they heard that someone was copying their dear God seared deep holes into your skull. In all honesty, you would prefer to stay and witness how they will act from that point on.

My, my… You thought. Have their IQs decreased dramatically in the span of a single night as a direct result of the arrival of the real fake?

The holy grounds are far too little for a game of "hide and seek," despite how much you love to have fun playing with them. You can't wait to discover how they will deal with someone they have identified as an imposter like yourself. You are patient, and you will embrace everything they will give you.

You would counteract any evil intended for you with acts of kindness. You, in turn, wish they wouldn't let you down as the shame destroys them from the inside out.

After all, it's hard to see a mother being the source of any kind of harm to her children.

If they wish to hurt you, then so be it.

You wonder.

Who will kill you first?

Them?

Or yourself?

You heard them running after you as you escaped the place, which you didn't find particularly difficult. Your lips formed an unconscious sneer as you ran, not too fast, and not too slow. You want them to catch up to you so that everyone may play together.

And perhaps, if they decide to give you the performance you want to witness, you would forgive as any other benevolent being would.

“You are…” You started to speak, but then you paused for a brief period of time, as if you were thinking for the appropriate words to say, before proceeding. “Zhongli.”

Zhongli furrowed his brow, his Vortex Vanquisher positioned and ready to strike at you at any time despite the momentary sense of nostalgia he had just had at the sight of you.

There was complete stillness between the two of you as you faced each other, neither of you dared to make a move.

Everything would have been great if not for the fact that the man in front of you is wielding the signature weapon you granted him, which is capable of inflicting harm on you if he so chooses.

Even though he had been given the order to drag you into the depths of the abyss, he couldn't help but find it strange that the divine creator he worships, who is seated on the throne, is capable of such viciousness.

Because he considers you to be the most caring individual he has ever come across, he believes that the divine creator he is familiar with would never resort to doing something like that.

Your presence, the soothing words you spoke, and the kind actions you did all contributed to his falling in love with you.

Zhongli pictured you as someone who is compassionate and understands that if someone else were to wear your skin and impersonate you, all you would feel is genuine concern, even if you will feel a little bit sad, and you might even make an effort to understand why the imposter is trying to act in such manner.

This was the image Zhongli had of you in his mind. Even worse, he believes that you would even make friends with the impersonator.

You are guaranteed to have a wonderful time laughing if you ever get the opportunity to listen to his thoughts. You were never a kind person after all; you only find entertainment in pretending to be like one.

You had no idea that the fanfiction you've been reading can become real, but you're thankful that you acted like it was real back then because it became useful in the end.

But if that is what he thinks of you, then perhaps you can act the role as well.

In all honestly, you do love and genuinely care about them.  Why would you even invest a lot of money and time just to have them if you don't like them at all?

But they have the audacity to give the real imposter the same amount of attention that they are supposed to save for you.

They all immediately ran to worship the fake and did so without any hesitation or doubt.

An imposter can only take on your appearance; they are unable to replicate the divine attributes or wonderful personality that you possess.

You are not really in that much of a hurry to take back secondhands. The imposter who is pretending to be you has already touched your cherished characters.

They need to make amends for their sins, rid themselves of the fake's filth, and start over so that they can be untainted once again.

Only after they have accomplished that will you be able to welcome them back into your life.

They belong to you just as much as you belong to them.

You simply cannot wait for the day when you will be able to watch your imposter's terrified face as your darling acolytes, whom she deceived, slaughter her on their own.

And you will simply take your seat atop the throne that they have so painstakingly crafted for you, acting the part of the benevolent creator who is overflowing with kindness that you are, and who is incapable of causing any harm to anyone, not even your imposter, while your lovely characters do the work of discarding that fake on your behalf.

You could feel the wind gently brushing your face, as if it, too, could not wait for that day to finally arrive. Teyvat will always have your back, even if you are a vicious person and not really as kind as they believed you were. 

Zhongli scrutinized each and every part of your body while also tensing his hold on the weapon he was carrying.

The question is, who exactly are you?

He feels that you are more similar to the divine creator that he knows than the divine creator who is seated on the throne. You are more like the divine creator he is familiar with.

Are you really the fake one? Why are you just standing there as if you are waiting for him to pierce you with his weapon?

He observed that you appear to be terrified, and the pain that suddenly appeared in his chest in response to your retreat caused him to want to gasp for air and look away from your sad expression.

You can't take another step, or you'll end up falling down the rock.

He grimaced and opened his mouth to speak, but he kept it closed when you beat him to it.

"Are you going to hurt me as well?"

No— no— but he should— for his divine creator.

Yet— it pains him. It causes him great distress to see you in the condition that you are currently in. Your tattered clothing will never be able to compete with the most luxurious and magnificent clothes that their divine creator wears as she enjoys a carefree life in the most protected area of Teyvat.

You present a very pitiful appearance. Since you look so frail and harmless, there shouldn't be any reason to be worried if he decides to let you go, right?

This means that he will act as if your first encounter with him never took place and will ignore anything and everything that transpired during this time.

If, on the other hand, he believes, even for one instant, that you pose a danger to his divine creator, he will not hesitate to rip you in two pieces and destroy you.

Zhongli stared at you with an expressionless face, his gaze dark, before saying a single word.

“Go.”

You blinked, appearing to be naïve like you didn't get what he meant.

Does this mean you can leave? Unscathed? Just like that?

"Don't even dare to take a single step onto the Liyue harbor," he warned. "Its people would never be willing to give such a repulsive imposter a warm welcome."

"Disappear to a place where we are unable to see you."

You didn't say anything in response to any of his cruel statements and instead chose to remain silent.

Zhongli can see that even though you appear to be maintaining your composure and putting up a brave front, your eyes are quivering uncontrollably as though you are going to cry.

When Zhongli thought of you crying, his eyes became ever-so-slightly wider. If you shed a tear and it didn't change into a glistening crystal, then it shouldn't be too difficult to get rid of you.

Since he was only killing an imposter, he won't have any need to feel guilty about it. Then perhaps he won't have to disobey the orders of his divine creator because of what he is feeling; all you have to do now is to show him the tears of a normal human, and then he will destroy you.

Pffft— Haha!

You couldn't help but giggle to yourself on the inside at how eager he was for you to shed a tear.

‘Since you are eager about it, I will be happy to show it to you,’

“It seems that… you weren’t true to your words when you told me that Liyue will always welcome me with open arms,”

Zhongli was startled out of his thoughts by the gentle and beautiful voice. The Vortex Vanquisher slipped out of his grasp as his fingertips began to feel numb.

“It looks like I won’t be able to share a drink with you after all,” You gave him a smile, but your tone and expression revealed the fact that you were feeling unhappy.

“My divine creator…” Zhongli heaved a quivering breath out as he reached out with his gloved hands in an attempt to grab you.

You flinched backwards as you attempted to avoid his touch.

Drop.

Your left eye let out a single tear as a twinkling crystal fell to the ground. It is meant to be a pure white color, much like what they have seen in the past, but instead it has a color red swirling inside of it.

Sadness. Despair. Hopelessness.

That, Zhongli can clearly see.

It’s his fault. His fault— his fault— his fault— his fault— his fault— his fault—!

‘I blessed you with what you are so eager to see and played my part very well,’ You sneered as you thought. ‘Now it's your turn to surprise me.’

You laughed with mirth, but Zhongli is currently preoccupied with attempting to process everything to even notice it. His thoughts are consumed by you and only you — how he brought tears to your eyes and how he made you feel miserable.

He is a fool, he was so eager for you to cry, and now that you have, it is evident that he is the one who is suffering.

He stared at your divine existence with a crazed look in his eyes; he looks obsessed, ready to pounce at you at any moment. He was staring at you as if he wants to possess you. You are aware of that look, and you have seen it many times before.

He wants to keep you all for himself, doesn’t he?

Tch. He doesn’t have the right. He just lost it.

You removed your attention from him and turned to look down at the ground below you. You just need to take one step, and you will be on the ground.

It is in everyone's best interest to escape while the Geo Archon is still in a state of disarray. Even if he is only Zhongli now, he is still very powerful, and he will easily be able to confine you.

It's possible that because of the artifacts you gave him, he's even more powerful than he was when he was still Morax. Indeed, you did a wonderful job raising him.

Perhaps, in the deepest part of your heart, you yearned for this, you wanted this.

You want them to be completely obsessed with you so that they won't make the same mistake that they did and see an imposter as their creator. 

You wanted to be the only one they could see in their eyes. It gives you the satisfaction that you’ve been craving your entire life.

Zhongli grabbed you by the waist and peered at you intently with a look of obsessive fixation flickering in his eyes. It was almost as if he knew what you were going to do.

‘Zhongli, my most beloved Zhongli. Do you not realize that you are behaving in the same manner that you did when you still held the title of an Archon?’

Hm, dragons are possessive creatures after all.

However, even this will not be enough to confine you in any way. You obviously wouldn't mind being locked up and pampered, but not right now.

There’s always a suitable time for things like that.

"My divine creator, I beg you not to weep. You are more than welcome in Liyue. I was foolish. I beg for your forgiveness." Zhongli spoke in a hushed tone.

When he saw the tears streaming down your face, he couldn't help but feel bitterly cold.

“Please— I will do anything you ask,” He pleaded.

You finally looked up at him, but you didn't respond to any of his words.  Your expression never changed; all you did was look at him with disappointment in your eyes.

Zhongli was captivated by your majestic appearance, but the pain in his heart was overwhelming.

You were disappointed with how he treated you. He feels the need to repeatedly stab himself in the chest in order to divert his attention away from the agonizing pain that he is experiencing in his heart.

“You are lying, just like Barbatos,” You spoke. “You have all replaced me.”

“No— we were blind, my creator. Punish us, plea—”

You gave him a genuine smile, which made him feel at ease.

“I only wish for you to not hurt your new creator just like what you did to me,” you started.

"Being thrown away... is indeed very painful. I don't want anyone else to feel as lonely as I do right now, so please take good care of them."

But then again, you are well aware that Zhongli will act in a way that is directly contradictory to what you are suggesting.

It shouldn't even surprise you that after you leave this place, word will quickly spread that the head of their divine creator, who was seated on the throne, has just flown across the room.

Zhongli bowed his head and pleaded with you while kneeling at your feet. He softly grabbed both of your hands. "Please understand that I have no intention of casting you aside."

However, you are both aware of the fact that this had been his aim from the very beginning.

Your hand travels all the way up to Zhongli's head and runs through the silky locks of his hair.

You smiled at him in a way that was meant to reassure him, but Zhongli was the only one who felt a sense of foreboding from your expression.

“Live well, Morax.”

And just like that, you were gone, leaving him to dwell on his own thoughts while they raced around in his head like an annoying parasite.

After all, you still need to play with your favorite Geo Archon’s people.

Zhongli didn't move an inch from his position. You are just too kind, extremely kind.

He wishes that you could be a little bit more ruthless and self-centered and give him the order to destroy the true imposter who is sitting on your throne.

Even though you were the one who was treated unfairly, you still exhibited a great deal of sympathy and concern that your imposter may feel the same hopelessness you experience.

That simply proves the fact that you are the one he fell in love with, and not with the repulsive creature that is currently sitting on your throne.

His lovely creator, why are you too kind? If you give him the command to put an end to his own life in order to make amends for his sins, he will gladly obey. But you suddenly left him. All he needs is your command.

You told him to live well, but how can he? He will never be able to forget the image of you weeping in sadness because of him because the memory will be imprinted into his brain forever. It will remain engraved in his heart and soul for all eternity.

It is something that will follow him for the rest of his life and haunt him.

He was too late.

Will he be able to see you again?

Zhongli clenched his teeth tightly as he felt rage engulfing every part of his body.

The thought of the imposter reigning on your throne and leading a luxurious life while you are being hunted is making him to want to kill everyone, including himself.

If blood doesn’t spill tonight, then he will never be able to sleep.

You turned around and looked back at the location of the Guyun Stone Forest, which was shaking violently. Your mouth twisted into the beginnings of a smirk.

It seems like blood will indeed spill tonight. Not only yours, but also their divine creator’s. And you have your doubts that Zhongli will allow them to die in a peaceful manner.

“The imposter went this way!”

“Seize her!”

“Do not let that creature get away!”

You limped as you tried to hide from the extremely angry citizens of Liyue.

Thanks to Xiao, you now have an unsightly gash on your leg.

Even Keqing and Ganyue are hunting you because of Ningguang's orders, which is something that isn’t really surprising.

It's not like you're going to stand there and let them take you captive.

After all, you have not yet paid Inazuma a visit.

The pursuit went on for such a long time that you could nearly make out the silhouette of the sun in the distance. As soon as those who were chasing you received notice directly from the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, they immediately gave up and stopped their search of you.

You do suppose that they are all present at the place where Zhongli is enjoying himself while slowly and sweetly tending to their beloved creator.

It wouldn't even be a surprise if they started chasing after you once more at this point. But not with the intent to destroy you; rather, to capture you and adore you.

You did notice that Zhongli caught the crystal tear that you let out when you were preparing to leave the place, so it wouldn't be hard for him to convince everyone that the creator who is enjoying their time in your own throne is a fake.

Zhongli may give off the impression that he is a nice and compassionate man; however, this outward demeanor belies a murderous nature that he possesses.

Even if he has the ability to disguise himself as a mortal, he will never be able to conceal the fact that he went on a murderous rampage during the archon war.

You can't help but be reminded of the way he looked at you that night, and it's probably only a matter of time until he makes another attempt to see you once more.

“Hah. What a possessive bunch,” You mumbled under your breath as you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

You let out a contented sigh as you take in the sound of the birds chirping and begin to hum a tune as the grass gently caresses your feet as you stroll.

The rush of adrenaline that you experienced while you were always on the verge of dying away has not yet completely left your system.

The landscape in and around Liyue is breathtaking. In point of fact, it is the excellent nation in which to frolic about under the bright stars while being hunted like a rabbit.

Hours passed and the sun is almost blinding as you stood once again on top of the Guyun Stone Forest.

You are quite a distance away from the Crux Fleet, which is in the middle of the ocean; even so, this is precisely where you need to be.

Even if you have the ability to immediately teleport to Inazuma, you are not so ungenerous as to deny them the opportunity of offering you a very friendly greeting.

Exciting, isn't it? Once you arrive, will you be greeted with warm pleasantries, or will the sharp and icy blades stab you in the chest first?

From your vantage point on the stone, you surveyed the area below in the ship and noticed that they were making preparations to depart.

You are aware that Beidou is a rather laid-back individual, but there is no doubt that the other people who are boarding the ship are already aware of an imposter who is traveling across the nation of Liyue.

Thus, you used some of your spare time to search for materials that could be used to fashion something that could conceal your upper body while also not drawing too much attention to itself.

Although you prefer to be undisguised just for the sake of taunting everyone, you still need to reach Inazuma.

You can’t have them throwing you off the ship now, can you? Or maybe you do? There are countless possibilities, and all of them are very exciting to experience. 

Simply taking in the sight of their enchantingly furious faces is enough to satiate your insatiable need for amusement.

You let out a bored sigh as you tugged the veil down slightly, just enough to cover your chin. At that moment, you caught a glimpse of Kazuha sitting by the edge, his stature facing you, his head slightly tilted upwards, and his eyes closed as if trying to enjoy the breeze coming to him before it disappeared.

He exudes an air of tranquility, much like Venti did in Windrise.

Your lips begin to twitch into a smile as an idea race through your head.

In an instant, you found yourself high above the clouds and falling directly towards the ship. Since you are aware that someone will catch you, you aren't really experiencing any fear at this point.

And someone really did.

The boy who had been sitting there quietly all of a sudden rose up and leaped up, giving the impression that he was actually aware of it and was very much ready to catch you.

The veil fluttered wildly, paired with the boy’s clothes dancing in the air because of the strong wind. 

You could feel the anemo vision trembling and a wind coming from the boy swirling and grasping you.

All visions in the area resonated with your aura and blazed brilliantly, as if they were aware you were in danger.

You felt warm hands held your body, and the creaking sound of the wood reminded you that you had already landed.

There were a number of gasps that could be heard, and shortly after that, the sound of individuals speaking in low whispers started to permeate the surroundings. However, what attracted your attention was Beidou staring at the vision on her hips in a manner that indicated she was surprised to witness her vision reacting in such a way for the first time.

‘It appears that even the visions are strongly reacting to my presence,’ You thought to yourself, giving a sly grin behind your veil.

After what seemed like an eternity, all of the crew members of the crux were suddenly jolted out of their stupor and realized that someone had just literally dropped down into their ship from the sky.

They were about to approach you in hopes of interrogating you when Beidou lifted her hand to halt their movement and prevent them from questioning you.

Perhaps she too, is also curious of you.

Maybe if her vision hadn't been constrained by her clothing, it would have made its way over to you by now.

“I haven’t seen the captain’s friend smile like that— I mean, he does smile, but his eyes are literally about to form into a heart shape!”

“Captain even forbids us to get close to the mysterious woman. Must be a big shot, huh?”

“Or maybe it’s someone close to the captain. Well, whatever, just don’t disturb the lady. Get back to work!”

 Kazuha gave you a warm smile, who was pressed up against his chest. His hands are firmly gripping you, not the least bit considering releasing their hold on you.

He felt the dull vision stored deep within his pockets burned for a moment as if trying to get out before the feeling went away once he finally caught you. This does nothing but strengthen his belief that you are the person he has been searching for all along.

"The winds have changed," he whispered tenderly as he started to move carefully to the back of the ship where there are fewer people, the genuine smile on his face not wavering even the tiniest bit.

You let out a quiet laugh, and the sound was almost like wind chimes as it reached his ears.

You gave a very tiny cocking of your head to the side, and Kazuha could almost picture your face painted with a kind smile as it always was.

Even though your face is hidden by the veil, he cannot help but feel a fluttering in his chest whenever he considers the possibility that your eyes, which he imagines to be breathtakingly lovely, are fixated on him.

“How so?”

After placing you on the ship's wooden rail, he took your hand in his and planted a passionate kiss on the back of your hand.

What a bold kid.

“Because you’re now home, my creator.”

You gave him a sideways glance while giggling quietly at his antics before responding, "I shall remember this first welcome I have received." Kazuha blinked, appearing to be puzzled. “May I ask why?”

"You were the very first person to greet me when I arrived in this world," You spoke in a quiet voice, and he could detect a trace of melancholy and yearning in your voice.

And finally, you can see that the smile that was plastered on Kazuha's face from the very beginning has begun to waver, almost as if he has come to some kind of understanding.

That’s right, no one would welcome you, not if you were being accused of being an imposter. 

You kept a close eye on him, noticing how his hands clenched into a fist as he observes your tired expression. Even so, he did not display any signs of anger and instead move his gaze at your hands, which appeared to be shaking slightly.

He stood there watching you sigh, without moving as your hands moved to clasp his and slowly uncurled his fist.

"It's not good to harbor hatred in one's heart," You opened his hand and made small circles on his palm, as if attempting to calm him down. "You know that better than I do, Kazuha."

"You are too good for this world, my divine creator," he mumbled, concentrating on the sensation in his palm.

You laughed as you realized Beidou was listening in on your talk from behind a pillar.

You let out a snort. Does she think you can't spot her?

"Teyvat was simply one of the countless stars I have created; it is far from flawless, but it will always be my home."

Kazuha's attention was captured by you as he waited eagerly to hear your tale.

You turned your head to gaze at him from below as you brought your hands to rest on his head and lovingly patted the soft locks.

"Just as I desired to feel a sense of belonging in this world, I also hoped that my creations would feel the same way and make this world their home—" Kazuha misunderstood your heavy sigh as a sign of melancholy. But you were only trying to remember the garbage nonsense that the Akademiya scholars had written about you. 

You are just that bored and feel like sharing that crap with one of your precious characters.

You spent your nights reading a lot of books about yourself in this world, and every single one of those books is full of meaningless rubbish. Nevertheless, you will settle for whatever you can get your hands on.

If you include a touch of angst and tragedy in your tale, you can instantly raise it to the level of art that it truly deserves to be.

However, for Kazuha and Beidou, who are currently listening in on the story, this is more than a passing feeling of sadness. They have already started to feel depressed in your place.

"When I first created Teyvat, I always made certain that the living beings in the place I created were always happy. They desired something to help them protect themselves while I am not present, so I provided them a vision with a portion of my power."

The Akademiya scholars really are imaginative.

You came to a stop for a moment when you noticed Beidou not far away, caressing the vision on her hip as if it were the finest gift she had ever received.

"I granted and they received; as long as their faces light up with a smile, then I am pleased."

"It's just— I wish I had the strength to go on. I can still do it, but I'll be too weak to even make an appearance. As a result, I vanished from the world to continue meeting their demands,"

Beidou's expression hardened as she came to the realization that while their real creator is experiencing the drawbacks of granting them the power to defend themselves, the fake creator who descended a long time ago is enjoying the benefits that are not supposed to be theirs. 

You carried on despite the fact that neither of the other two responded to what you said. "I returned to this world not too long ago," You said as you appeared to be reminiscing about something as you gazed up at the sky.

“It seems like it’s time for me to take a step back and rest,” You laughed to lighten the mood, but the two people who were listening to your story did not experience any sense of relief as a result of your humor. After listening to your story, their hearts felt even heavier, to the point where it was practically difficult for them to breathe normally.

You— take a step back and rest? Does this mean that they will never be able to see you again once you have made the decision to eventually depart from the world that you have created?

Beidou was unable to stand it any longer and eventually emerged from her hiding position. As she approached you, she peered at you closely with her brows furrowed and took several significant strides forward.

“If they ever apologize to you, will you forgive them?”

You withdrew your hand and placed it on your lap, "Why would I forgive them?"

Beidou and Kazuha blinked at the same time.

"I will never be able to blame them. It is because I was lacking in some way and did not meet their expectations that they even chose to replace me with someone else," As you spoke, you let out a sigh and tugged off the veil that was concealing your upper body. At last, they were able to see the gentle smile of their actual creator, which was directed at them.

How really unfortunate. But they have no right to feel sad, not when you are the one bearing all the suffering of this world, but your people never acknowledged it and instead continued to worship someone who doesn't even do batshit.

Their divine creator is just far too merciful and forgiving of their wrong doings. They are simply far too wonderful to remain in this world, and they do not deserve the favors and blessings you are bestowing upon them.

"Perhaps, I am not a good creator. The people that live in this world deserve the best, and if they can find what they're seeking in the creator that they've been protecting, then I can't help but just be glad for them.”

If self-downgrading is an achievement, then you probably would’ve receive a customized name card for yourself by now.

Kazuha struggled to find his voice before eventually expressing himself. "That is not true; we are the ones who do not deserve you, my divine creator."

"They may have turned their backs on you, but I will stick by your side till the very end of time."

"Kazuha, you are destined for something much more meaningful. If you continue to follow me, you will only harm yourself." You made a motion with your head to indicate that you did not agree, and the youngster quickly kneeled down in front of you.

You heaved a sigh and patted his head. What a well-behaved youngster.

He is someone who obeys his creator solely for the purpose of protecting them, and not like the archons, for the purpose of having the creator all to themselves.

You gave Beidou just a fleeting look, almost as if you were about to ask for her help, and she almost laughed at how adorable you are. It would seem that their creator is even capable of experiencing discomfort when confronted with an act of genuine kindness.

Or, it's possible that you've become so used to being attacked that you've forgotten what it's like to be loved.

The moment Kazuha glanced up at you with his begging eyes, you instinctively covered them with your palm.

“The sun is bright; you might hurt your eyes.”

“I think it is lovely,” Kazuha said with a smile while looking at you even more intently with a thoughtful gaze.

In response, you let out a chuckle as you ruffled his hair in a playful manner. Clearly comfortable, Kazuha let out a contented sigh as he slowly dozed off with his head resting on your lap.

You started mentally counting down from ten while humming a melody to yourself and playing with the lone wandering samurai’s hair in the meantime.

It's only a matter of time before the people who have been hunting you catch up with you in the end.

Teyvat was whispering, you sense the ground to be rumbling.

It seems as though an angry archon is getting closer and closer, and while this won't have any negative effects on you, it will most certainly have consequences for the individuals he rules.

‘You really did not disappoint me, Morax.’

To think that he would breach the contract he had with the Tsaritsa only for you, and that he would personally obtain his gnosis back just so that he could see you once more is far more amazing.

Amber eyes that shone brightly and were filled with fixation peered directly at you from a great distance away. The Geo Archon is willing to go to war with another nation simply to be able to have you in his arms.

It's likely that you went too far with your performance, and as a result, you may have caused the Geo Archon to lose their final shred of sanity. But that would just make things even more interesting, right?

You turned your head to stare at the sky, giving him your disapproving glance in response to his obsession on you.

Morax became more cautious with his grip on his weapon as soon as he noticed you looking at him in a manner that conveyed such dissatisfaction.

Simply for your own sake, he has taken this extreme measure. The nation of the Electro Archon is a considerably more hostile one, and although he acknowledges that he also failed his duty to defend you against his people, this does not mean that he will not seize the opportunity to amend his wrongdoings once given the opportunity.

The ground began to violently shake, and even the water in the ocean started to get restless. The area was quickly filled with the sound of a crowd that had gathered along the shoreline.

He is so desperate to get his hands on you that he has even sought the assistance of his adepti.

“Shit— prepare to set sail!” Beidou exclaimed.

You caught his glance, and although if on the surface you appear to be dissatisfied, on the inside you can't help but chuckle at the sight of his face.

"My divine creator…" Because of the look you were giving him, his heart aches, and in an effort to soothe himself, he absentmindedly touched the weapon that you had given him.

You don't have any resentment towards him, do you? As long as you are still alive, he has a chance to make amends and win your forgiveness.

He is eager to do whatever it takes to keep you entertained only so that you will look at him once more.

Morax fixed his hard gaze firmly on you while murmuring something to himself in a dark voice, "...allow me to be selfish."

The Alcor’s deck trembled as though it feared the weight of your presence.

The wind was wild, snapping the sails taut, and the crew rushed about like ants whose hill had been kicked. Shouts rose above the din, Beidou’s sharp voice anchoring the chaos as she bellowed orders, her cutlass glinting in the fractured sunlight.

But amid all this, you sat on the rail like a bored child at a festival. Your veil fluttered, your hair was tangled by the sea’s fingers, yet you looked serenely detached, the very eye of the storm.

The ship pitched, the horizon spun, and still you smiled— not with mirth, but with a patience that made every mortal around you feel as though their souls had been stripped bare. Behind you, the land of Liyue roared in fury.

Stone pillars clawed their way up from the ocean’s depths, jagged spears of amber light surging toward the Crux with murderous intent. The sea boiled around their bases, waves crashing against the sudden cliffs that rose from the deep like fangs.

Morax.

Even stripped of his godhood, even in the mortal guise of Zhongli, he was still the Geo Archon, and his rage could move mountains. The air itself thickened under the weight of his will.

And now that he has broken the contract he once made with the Tsaritsa, earning back his gnosis once again, everyone knew that his obsession drives him mad even further.

The crew felt it. They clutched their hilts, their ropes, their talismans, all whispering silent prayers. A few dared glance at you— the strange passenger who had dropped from the sky and twisted every vision on board into a frenzy. Their eyes begged.

Kazuha was the only one who dared draw close. His hand hovered near you, as though to steady you, though you needed no such thing. His amber eyes held that fragile blend of awe and fear, devotion clinging to the edges of his voice when he whispered:

“He will not relent.”

You tilted your head, veil shifting, your smile faint but sharp. “He is a dragon. They are prone to obsession.”

Another pillar shattered the sea not twenty yards from the hull, sending the ship lurching. Crewmen screamed. The Crux groaned, her timbers protesting under the strain.

Beidou cursed as she spun the wheel, fighting to turn the ship into the oncoming waves. “He’ll sink us all if he has to!”

And then she, too, glanced at you. Just for an instant. But it was enough. You saw the question trembling in her eyes: Would you intervene?

You did not answer with words. Instead, you simply leaned back, hands folded in your lap, and looked out toward the shoreline where Morax stood.

The dragon’s amber eyes locked with yours, blazing fury barely restrained by the weight of millennia. He raised one hand, and stone cracked beneath the waves, ready to rise again.

And you laughed.

It was soft, airy, almost warm— and it struck him harder than any spear.

The crew froze. Even the ocean seemed to hush, waves stalling mid-crash as if they too leaned in to hear.

Morax faltered. His hand trembled. For one terrible moment, he looked not like the God of Contracts, nor even Zhongli the funeral consultant, but like a man who had glimpsed something precious slipping beyond his reach.

“Ah,” you said softly, your voice carrying over sea and storm, intimate as a whisper and vast as the sky.

“How stubborn you are, my beloved Morax. How you cling.”

Amber eyes widened, pain flashing across them like lightning.

The sea responded not to him, but to you.

The jagged teeth of stone groaned, cracked, and crumbled back into the depths. Waves surged not against the ship, but beneath it, lifting the Crux high upon a sudden crest and hurling it forward as though eager to ferry you away.

The crew cried out, some in terror, others in exultation. Their visions blazed so brightly that the deck glittered with colored fire, each element straining toward you like moths to a flame.

Beidou’s knees nearly buckled as her Electro vision burned hot against her hip. She clutched it, eyes wide, her lips moving soundlessly.

Not an imposter.

Not a deceiver.

No, something far, far more dangerous.

Kazuha dropped to one knee before you as though compelled, his face upturned, his voice thick with reverence. “The winds have carried you to us. Tell me, and I will carry you across the seas.”

You regarded him through your veil, the faintest curve of amusement tugging at your lips.

“Would you, little leaf?”

His chest heaved as though the question itself pierced him. “Always. My life is yours to claim.”

The words tasted of desperation. Of yearning.

You let a soft hum escape your throat, leaning forward just enough that the veil brushed his cheek. “Hm, no, your life is yours to own, Kazuha.”

He trembled. Behind him, Beidou stiffened, her hand white-knuckled on the wheel as though she feared he had just sold not only himself, but the ship and all aboard, into your keeping.

Perhaps he had.

The Crux surged forward, waves parting as though in deference. Behind you, Morax stood motionless upon the shore, amber eyes burning, his heart tearing itself to shreds in his chest.

He had been the one to command you to disappear.

And now you did— but only on your terms.

The voyage stretched into days.

The crew whispered about you when they thought you could not hear. They left offerings outside your cabin— charms tied with red string, bowls of fruit, even folded scraps of poetry. They crossed themselves when they passed you on deck, avoiding your gaze yet drawn inevitably to it.

You amused yourself by counting how many bowed without realizing it.

Kazuha was rarely more than a step away. He hovered at your shoulder, a shadow in white and crimson, fetching water you did not ask for, adjusting sails before Beidou even gave the order, ever ready to kneel the moment you so much as glanced at him. His devotion was quiet, but no less consuming for it.

Beidou watched this with a storm behind her eyes. She tried to remain captain, tried to assert control, but her vision betrayed her— it burned, sang, thrummed against her skin whenever you drew near.

At night, she sat alone on the deck, staring at it, her calloused fingers tracing its edges as though trying to remember a time when it had been hers and hers alone.

But the truth was undeniable. It belonged to you.

They all did.

The winds whispered your name through the rigging. The sea itself seemed calmer where you stepped, the wood beneath your feet warm, the air thicker with power. You had done nothing but exist, and already you had reshaped them.

And in the quiet of your borrowed cabin, you allowed yourself to savor it.

The mask of benevolence was easy to wear— the gentle smile, the soft words, the indulgent tilt of your head. They saw a mother, a savior, a goddess wronged. And oh, how they adored you for it.

But within, behind the veil of your eyes, you laughed.

How pitiful they were, these children who had thrown you away so quickly. How eager they were now to beg for your notice, to tremble beneath your gaze. Their shame tasted sweeter than any vengeance, and you drank deeply.

Let them worship their false throne. Let them cling to their imposter.

It would not last.

Already Morax had cracked. Already Barbatos wavered. Zhongli’s obsession, Venti’s despair, Kazuha’s devotion, Beidou’s reluctant awe— they were all threads in a tapestry you would weave around their throats until they could no longer breathe without you.

The imposter would be crushed beneath the weight of their own worship.

And you— you would stand above them all, smiling sweetly, forgiving them for every sin even as you laughed at their ruin.

The sea darkened as the days passed.

Clouds gathered upon the horizon, heavy with storm. Thunder rolled across the waves, and lightning licked the sky like hungry tongues.

Inazuma.

The air itself grew sharp, crackling with Electro, the promise of judgment humming in every breath. Even the crew, hardened by storms, grew silent as the Shogunate’s island rose like a shadow from the mist.

You stood at the bow, veil drawn tight, hair streaming in the wind. Kazuha knelt at your feet, one hand gripping the rail as though steadying himself not from the sea, but from the weight of your presence.

“Raiden Shogun,” you murmured, tasting the name.

The sky answered with a crack of thunder that shook the sea.

Beidou swore under her breath, steadying the wheel. “She won’t take kindly to strangers, especially not with the bounty Liyue’s slapped on your head.”

You glanced back at her, smile gentle. “Then it is fortunate that I am no stranger.”

Her throat worked as she swallowed, unable to look away.

The storm split. Lightning forked down into the sea, illuminating the dark silhouette of the island fortress ahead. And there, upon the cliff, framed by the storm’s fury, stood the figure of eternity itself.

Raiden Ei.

Her blade gleamed even from this distance, a shard of lightning bound into steel. Her gaze burned violet, cold and merciless, fixed unerringly upon you.

Around her, soldiers assembled in neat ranks, the thunder of their feet echoing even across the waves. Banners whipped in the storm, their cries drowned by the roar of the sea, but the intent was clear.

You were to be cut down.

The crew froze. Some dropped to their knees, others clutched their visions, all staring at the violet light of judgment that awaited them.

Kazuha lifted his head, eyes wide, his lips moving in a prayer not to his Archon, but to you.

And you— you smiled.

The storm raged. Lightning split the heavens.

“Then let us see,” you whispered, voice lost to all but the wind, “how long you can resist me, my dearest Shogun.”

The first thing you noticed was not her blade, but her silence.

The storm crashed around her, lightning split the skies, thunder rolled like war drums, yet Raiden Shogun stood upon the cliff as though untouched, carved from eternity itself. Her expression was unreadable, but her gaze— oh, her gaze was sharp enough to carve through mountains.

How many lifetimes had she held it? That look, that rigidity, that vow never to falter again. The eyes of a woman who had buried everyone she loved beneath the weight of eternity.

You smiled at her.

The Crux heaved beneath your feet, timbers groaning in the restless sea. Crewmen whispered frantic prayers; some gripped weapons, though none dared raise them. Kazuha stood by your side, lips pressed to the back of your hand, as though by kissing it he could shield you from the storm itself.

“Raiden Shogun.” Your voice carried across the waves, soft yet undeniable. The storm seemed to hush, thunder hanging a moment longer in the clouds before breaking again.

Raiden Shogun’s grip tightened on her blade.

The blade of Musou Isshin rose, crackling arcs splitting the storm in half. Raiden Shogun stood poised to strike, her expression blank, flawless, eternal.

“Imposter,” she declared, voice sharp as thunder. “You dare wear her face? Then vanish before the lightning of eternity.”

Her leap was swift, divine, inevitable. Lightning screamed down with her as soldiers cried out in awe and terror.

But you… you did not move.

Instead, you tilted your head, veil fluttering against your cheek, and whispered with a softness that wrapped around the storm like silk:

“Do you remember, dear Ei, when you prayed through the storm? You asked me if you were wrong to hold eternity in your hands… and I promised you that If the world becomes too heavy, I will bear it with you.

The words struck harder than any spear.

Raiden Shogun’s eyes flickered wide. Her blade wavered, just an instant. The puppet’s programming snarled against the surge of memory, but she did remember.

Not fully— no, the puppet could not contain the whole. But Ei, within, stirred. The woman who had once whispered lonely confessions into the void felt the echo of your gentle reply.

It was the same voice. The same cadence. Impossible— and yet undeniable.

Her body trembled.

The soldiers saw it, gasping as the storm itself faltered, lightning stuttering across the clouds. Their visions blazed violently, drawn to you like moths to flame, some bearers collapsing to their knees in wordless reverence.

And you… oh, you were delighted.

How entertaining it was, to watch the puppet falter, to taste the tension between steel programming and human grief. You gazed at her not with fear but with amusement, warmth curling around your lips in a smile.

“Ah,” you chuckled softly, almost lovingly. “So you do remember. How sweet. Tell me, my dearest— can you still feel me pressing against the storm, standing by your side?”

The puppet’s face remained blank, but her hands shook upon the hilt. Violet arcs hissed and sputtered. A crack formed in the perfect mask of eternity.

Deep within, Ei stirred harder. A heartbeat of regret. A whisper of longing. The sense that she had been abandoned, and yet… you were here.

The soldiers shifted uneasily, their whispers growing. “Could it be—?” “The true Creator—” “Why does my vision burn—”

Raiden Shogun forced her body back under control. Her lips parted, voice mechanical, cold, stripped of all doubt.

“…Illusions,” she hissed. “Deceiver’s tricks. I will not yield.”

The blade struck.

Pain seared through you, starlight spilling upward in glittering fragments as your body staggered with a calm smile on your face. Gasps filled the air— soldiers choking on disbelief, their visions flaring so bright they nearly burned against their skin.

And for once, the almighty Raiden Shogun froze.

For a breathless instant, her mask cracked. Horror flickered across her face, her hands trembling as violet light guttered down her blade. And from within, Ei herself surged upward— the true Archon, the woman who had prayed to you once through lonely storms.

I struck them—I struck them—I struck them... I hurt them.

The thought tore her open, filling her chest with regret so deep she could hardly breathe.

But then her gaze fell on Beidou and Kazuha— Kazuha clutching you to his chest, Beidou barking orders to set sail, the Crux already straining against the storm.

In that instant, Ei’s grief hardened. The softness vanished. The Shogun straightened, grip tightening on Musou Isshin, and her expression smoothed back into cold eternity.

Her voice cut across the chaos, calm, commanding, undeniable.

“Surround the ship. Do not let them escape.”

At once, soldiers surged forward, the cliffside filling with the thunder of boots and clamor of weapons. Electro sigils flared as they encircled the harbor, walls of lightning hemming the Crux in from all sides.

“Captain!” a sailor shouted in terror.

“Damn it all!” Beidou swore, slamming a fist against the railing. Her gaze darted to you— limp in Kazuha’s arms, starlight bleeding from your wound— then back to the encroaching walls of lightning. Her jaw clenched, fury and despair warring in her eyes.

“Take the crew and sail!” she barked at her first mate. “Get them out of here before it’s too late.”

“Captain—”

“That’s an order!”

Her voice cracked with the weight of it. She turned to Kazuha, who had fallen to his knees cradling you, his face pale with silent anger. Soldiers stormed the deck, blades drawn.

Kazuha drew his own, desperation burning in his eyes.

But a dozen spears leveled at once, visions blazing, and he froze. His body trembled, torn between fighting and dying uselessly in your name.

Raiden Shogun descended the cliff with measured steps, lightning parting beneath her feet. Her presence pressed down over the ship like a stormcloud too heavy to breathe beneath.

“Lay down your weapons,” she commanded, calm as a blade pressed to the throat.

“The imposter belongs to me.”

Kazuha grit his teeth, fury trembling through his body. “They are not an imposter!”

His protest was cut short as soldiers seized him, tearing the sword from his grasp and forcing him to the deck.

Beidou’s eyes burned, torn between charging forward and the duty to her crew. She met your half-lidded gaze— or perhaps only the veil covering your eyes, as you let your head loll against Kazuha’s shoulder, feigning unconsciousness.

For a moment, her breath caught. She understood. You were not resisting. You were choosing.

“Damn it,” she whispered under her breath.

“Beidou of the Crux,” Raiden Shogun’s voice rang out, unflinching. “Leave. Return to Liyue. Interfere again, and you and your crew will be cut down where you stand.”

Beidou’s fists clenched, her jaw tight with fury, but the sight of her trembling sailors— of your serene, half-conscious form being lifted into the arms of the Shogun herself— crushed the fight from her.

“Captain…” her first mate whispered.

“Raise the sails,” Beidou said hoarsely. Her voice broke as she turned away. “We’re going home.”

The Crux pulled back, its sails catching wind as it retreated into the storm. Beidou stood at the rail until the mist swallowed you from her sight, her nails digging blood into her palms.

On deck, soldiers dragged Kazuha in chains, his gaze locked onto your form as you were carried in the opposite direction, cradled carefully, reverently— not by soldiers, but by Raiden Shogun herself.

Her grip was steady. Too steady. Yet beneath the calm, Ei’s presence churned violently, grief and doubt twisting in her chest.

You rested your head against her shoulder, lashes fluttering shut, feigning fragile unconsciousness. But behind your stillness, amusement coiled like smoke. How entertaining it was— to feel her heart pound beneath the puppet’s calm, to know she could not banish the regret already consuming her.

And so, the true god was carried into Tenshukaku by the very blade that had struck them down.

Tenshukaku’s halls were silent but heavy with power, the air itself charged with violet. Raiden Shogun placed you upon silk cushions, stepping back with a gaze she forced into neutrality. But her hands still trembled faintly at her sides.

The doors slid open.

“Ei,” came a lilting voice, amused and sharp all at once.

Yae Miko entered, her eyes landing immediately on you. They narrowed— lips curving with interest, ears twitching faintly.

“Oh my… what have we here?”

Ei stiffened. Her mask of calm did not falter— but Yae Miko saw through it. She always had.

She smirked, gaze flicking between you, wounded yet radiant even in stillness, and Ei, whose silence betrayed more than words ever could.

“Care to explain,” Miko purred, “why the one we once prayed to is bleeding starlight in your chamber?”

Ei said nothing. Her silence spoke louder than any denial.

And you— you let your lips curve, faint and secret, as though greeting an old friend across lifetimes.

The game had shifted again.