— Pairing: Zhongli x Guizhong (Guili)
— Tags: short, soft angst, event
— Summary: The tragedy of reunion is knowing that there might be separation once more.
— Word count: 1286
— Ao3
Inspired by Lantern Rite event.
As the roar of the zither from the top of the high mountain mingled with the music and the cheers of the festival at the harbor, everyone was stunned for a long time. The sound was not of this world, but came from the heavens, and the mortals would feel privileged to have heard it once in their short lives.
Consequently, no one noticed anything unusual at the time. Those who paid close attention could only notice a few unusual breezes carrying dust from all around Liyue to one area. Every stream of sand flew with the wind, from plains to hills; from narrow streams to vast seas. Then they met, swirled and merged to become one being. A shadowy figure above the high mountain.
The barefoot maiden slid through the grass, her star-like eyes fixed on each of the xiao lanterns above her. That night, they were stars and moonlight. Peach lips parted slightly as she hummed a tune to the sound of her longtime friend’s zither. How much time had passed? Several thousands of years. Everything had changed, even her melody had been more or less altered.
Yet, she was content. Because, even though she was no longer alive, her music was passed on and was now a part of the current world.
She had been away for a long, long time. She had become part of the land, of the grass, of the wind and water, of the Liyue sky. But that night, perhaps the only exceptional night when her melody sounded, she could return.
Someone's footsteps could be heard from behind her. She could predict without turning her head.
"What a lovely evening, don't you think so, Rex Lapis?"
Zhongli's footsteps came to a halt. The maiden in front of him moved her head slightly, a smile spreading across her lips like a blooming flower. Fragile and fading, but not completely lost. Time stood still for a brief moment.
"It is true that you are back, Guizhong."
The young woman nodded gently. The sound of the zither was still echoing.
"Until this melody comes to its end."
Merely that one moment, for her to see him again. It had to be enough. She had already flown over to where Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper were still enjoying tea. She visitedCloud Retainer as she began to work on the great lantern for her disciple. She had come to sit next to Streetward Rambler when the very first notes were played. And now, she came to visit Rex Lapis, who was standing silently beside her, gazing out at the sea of xiao lantern lights.
"Would you accompany me on a walk around Liyue Harbor?"
Guizhong had always enjoyed the lively environment. She would never sit quietly on this grand and spectacular holiday. Zhongli graciously nodded. She followed him into the prosperous harbor. A man walked quietly among the sea of people and lights, flanked by a shadowy maiden who was as pale as dust. Nobody appeared to notice them, or, more accurately, no one could see them. Side by side, they strolled together.
"How beautiful!"
Guizhong exclaimed as her palm softly touched a xiao lantern on the side of the road. It ascended slightly, as though taking advantage of the breeze. She laughed slightly and added that she could have invented some fascinating machinery relating to this particular xiao lantern.
Zhongli said nothing and simply nodded. Just like the old days when they walked the mundane world together. Guizhong had always noticed everything on the side of the road. She would be fascinated and want to touch or even purchase everything. Zhongli would keep following her silently, carrying everything for her. Her eyes would be so bright, and her smile would be just as vibrant.
Over time, things had changed, and they were no longer beneath the same sky. Nonetheless, certain things remained constant.
Like their feelings.
They came to a halt in front of a teahouse. When the tea was brought out, the song was drawing to an end. Guizhong sat across from Zhongli, still happily looking down at the bustling music hall below. Perhaps, she longed for once to be in the audience, singing and cheering enthusiastically. If she had existed in this realm not in the form of a ghost, she would undoubtedly do so.
From the mountain came the music, harmonizing but not being overwhelmed with the music below. Zhongli looked down at his half-empty cup of tea. Even the gods could not catch the moonlight that had fallen to the bottom of the cup. Just as the retention of the deceased who was now only dust; it was completely illusory.
"Rex Lapis."
Guizhong spoke up. She wanted Zhongli to look at her. One last time.
"Just like this place, Liyue, you have changed a lot. You have had a new identity, a new life, and new friends."
From the upper floor of the teahouse, Zhongli looked down below, where the hat of the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor - Hu Tao - stood out from the crowd. She was holding hands and pulling three of her other friends along to the diner. Zhongli recalled the meeting after Hu Tao's performance ended. Friends? Rather, it was a business relationship. But between people, or between gods and mankind, there is always a kind of contract. People frequently refer to it as fate.
"They would be delighted to meet you, Guizhong."
"Really?" Guizhong eagerly responded. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could meet?"
I would be delighted too if you could stay a little longer...
Feelings that could not be escaped into words have lingered in the heart for thousands of years. However, Guizhong could understand. She had always read people's emotions and knew how to make them feel good. Even after she was gone, the feeling that she was always there provided those who knew her the courage to continue on their own paths. Like the way Streetward Rambler was finally able to replay her music, theirs.
"I was concerned for you." Guizhong carried on the conversation. "I imagined how you would manage after the battle, how you would deal with your loss... But now I realize I was overly worried. You have done well, Rex Lapis. You're smiling more frequently now."
The melody from the high mountains became faster than ever. Guizhong's silhouette turned blurry. The tragedy of reunion is knowing that there might be separation once more.
"Guizhong... I sincerely miss you..."
The corners of Guizhong's eyes filled with tears. She did, however, smile.
"I'm glad to hear those words from you..."
The tune slowed down, gradually. Guizhong's body also became paler.
"You know, I'm always here, in Liyue. I am dust. I have spread everywhere. I have seen the world and countless of mundane lives. I've never really gone..."
Zhongli clenched his fist around the tea cup. The tea in the cup was rippling, as if his suppressed emotions were about to burst. Guizhong's voice continued to reverberate, becoming further distant.
"At this moment, I'm nothing but an illusion in front of you. Yet, I believe that at some point, we will all be reunited. You and I... Everyone... Therefore, as long as you remember me, I shall always exist."
"Would you make a contract with me?"
Zhongli's offer caught Guizhong by surprise. She gave a tender smile:
"Yes. This is a contract. I will always be in your heart."
When the final notes sounded, Madame Ping glanced away and saw a figure smile at her before dissolving into dust and soaring away. By the side of the teacup opposite Zhongli's, there was left a blooming glazed lily, from which a melody could still be heard softly…
-The end-
