Chapter Text
“Do you think I’ll be able to get along with the others again?” Nahida said, frantic. Though she was never one to be agitated, this is the first time in 500 years that she and the archons were going to be reunited after all, although besides the Anemo Archon, the Geo Archon, and the Electro Archon, not all of the archons were coming. Aether, one of Nahida’s closest friends, was given a favor by her to send an invitation to the other archons to gather in Sumeru, except he only had ties with the Anemo Archon, the Geo Archon, and the Electro Archon, so only they could come for the time being.
“Well, I know that the Electro Archon is a selfish god who is capable of abandonment so there’s that.” the Wanderer said indifferently. “Are you sure that it has to be me who has to help you and the archons get along?”
“Well, there is a reason as to why I specifically wanted you to help.” Nahida said, giving the Wanderer a knowing wink.
“Wait… you don’t mean to say…” the Wanderer replied, his voice laden with apprehension.
“Hehe, relax, I’m sure the Electro Archon would love to meet you (again).” Nahida said.
The Wanderer silently grumbled in irritation, a thought going over his head which was: “What did I get myself into?”
Suddenly, a bright winged turquoise silhouette landed right outside of the Sanctuary of Surasthana, where Nahida and the Wanderer were located. The impact had the wind strongly blow in every direction from where the silhouette came, making Nahida’s petal cape flutter and also almost blowing off the Wanderer’s huge hat. The bright turquoise light and the strong winds faded until all that was left was a boy about the height of a teenager who seemed to be clutching something in his chest. He revealed the object to be a bottle of a beverage of some sort. The boy grinned, seemingly relieved that the bottle wasn’t damaged in any way.
“Sorry if I may have caused a few issues from my landing. It’s been so long since I’ve flown so far from Mondstadt.” The boy said, scratching his head with a wholesome smile.
“Are you… the Anemo Archon?” Nahida said, staring at the boy in awe while the Wanderer looked at him nonchalantly.
“Ah, how could I forget to introduce myself. Everyone in Mondstadt may know me as Barbatos, but you may simply call me Venti the bard, one of Mondstadt’s well-known musicians and rhyming star!” the boy, or rather Venti, replied, strumming his lyre every time there was a pause in his sentence. “And you must be Buer? The wise, and compassionate god of Sumeru who holds great power over dreams?”
“You don’t have to call me that! Just call me Nahida.” Nahida said.
“So, I’ve heard from the Traveler that you’ve forgotten about your past memories from before 500 years ago.” Venti said, his face suddenly showing a slightly serious and nostalgic expression. “It truly is a shame. We got along very well before.” Nahida nodded.
“But now that we’re here, we can get to know each other all over again.” Venti said, his face returning back to his cheerful expression, until he caught sight of the Wanderer beside Nahida. The Wanderer averted his gaze as Venti looked at him curiously.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting you before.” Venti said as the Wanderer was taken aback with alarm, not expecting the Anemo Archon to actually talk to him.
“Oh, him?” Nahida said, pointing to the Wanderer. “That’s my friend, (Name).”
Venti held out his arm to the Wanderer, but the Wanderer refused to shake hands. Venti looked at Nahida, exchanging sheepish expressions. “Well, I do hope we can get along as well.”
“Speaking of which, I wonder when the others will arrive.” Nahida said. “Maybe we should check outside of the Akademiya. They may not have decided to take such… measures to get here.”
“Hehe, once again, I do hope my landing didn’t cause any trouble.” Venti replied.
“Then let’s go.” Nahida said, gesturing for Venti and the Wanderer to follow.
“Hold on, I have something to say.” Venti said before Nahida and the Wanderer could move.
“I would prefer to hide my identity as the Anemo Archon, which was why I tried to fly here by myself. When we’re out there, please do not disclose my identity to your people.” Venti said.
“Alright, I promise I won’t.” Nahida said.
The three of them darted off, greeting scholars, students, and teachers who came their way, except the Wanderer, who stayed silent. Outside of the Akademiya at Treasures Street, a place lined with shops, merchants, and different stands, they saw a tall man who seemed to be window shopping.
“A vase from the desert. It’s craftsmanship is interesting and the texture is unique, certainly something I have never seen in any of Liyue Harbor’s antique shops.” they heard the tall man mutter.
“That’s because the vase was made from clay that was created using sand.” Nahida said, walking up to the tall man. “A trademark of King Deshret’s civilization.”
“Ah, are you a fellow antique connoisseur?” the tall man asked.
“Not really, but I do have some knowledge that I may be willing to share.” Nahida replied with a charming smile, causing the man’s lips to form a grin.
“My name is Zhongli, a consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor from Liyue.” the tall man said. “I was called here to meet the Dendro Archon. But it seems that we have already met.”
“So then you must be Morax, the Geo Archon.” Nahida said.
“You’re not far off, but I no longer go by that title.” Zhongli replied.
“Really? But why?” Nahida said, an oblivious expression on her face.
“Oh right, I guess you’ve never heard of Morax’s supposed death.” the Wanderer said.
“Death?” Nahida said, taken aback by what she had heard.
“Long story short, this old man right in front of you faked his death so he could retire from his position.” the Wanderer explained.
“Yes, that is the general gist.” Zhongli said, clearing his throat. “Also, please don’t call me an old man.”
“Why not? Aren’t you supposed to be thousands of years old?” the Wanderer replied recalcitrantly.
“Well, yes, but now I am but a simple mortal.” Zhongli said. “Who are you, and how did you even know that I tried to fake my death?”
“I’m (Name), and let’s just say I have my sources.” the Wanderer replied. The reason he knew such confidential information was simple: he was once part of the Fatui, who were involved with Morax’s supposed death. The news would’ve of course, spread amongst the Fatui. But you may have already known that, dear reader.
“So you’re no longer an archon…” Nahida said.
“Well, in the eyes of my people anyway.” Zhongli replied. “My position seems to not have been replaced yet.”
“I see.” Nahida said. “So you’re trying to hide your identity too.”
Zhongli seemed perplexed. “Too? What do you mean too…”
Zhongli saw Venti standing right beside Nahida, his eyebrows furrowing. “That unmistakably blithesome face…”
“Ehehehe…” Venti sheepishly giggled.
“That bottle better not contain a beverage unsuitable for this child.” Zhongli said with an untrusting glare, referring to the bottle Venti was holding.
“Relax Morax, it’s just a bottle of Berry & Mint Burst. It’s enough for all of us.” Venti replied.
“That you probably procured through dubious means.” Zhongli said, staring daggers at Venti.
“Just because I’m a bard with a not so stable income doesn’t mean I can’t afford a drink.” Venti said, his cheerful face turning into a annoyed expression.
“At least I’m not a shameless drunkard.” Zhongli replied.
“At least I’m not a brutish blundering buffoon.” Venti shot back.
The Wanderer seemed amused with Venti and Zhongli’s little quarrel, unlike Nahida, who didn’t want them fighting during their reunion.
“Both of you, please stop!” Nahida exclaimed. Venti and Zhongli stopped glaring at each other and looked at her. Nahida sighed.
“I don’t know what happened between the both of you in the past, but today is supposed to be an auspicious reunion for all of us.” Nahida said, trying to be assertive. “So all I ask of you two is to have a peaceful resolution right now.”
Venti and Zhongli looked back at each other. After a few silent moments, Venti sighed and suddenly spoke.
“Well, I do certainly do not want to admit it but… I guess I’m sorry for calling you a brutish blundering buffoon.” Venti said, scratching the back of his head.
“…Then I’m sorry for not trusting you. Let’s just get along.” Zhongli replied, then leaned to whisper in Venti’s ear. “Just this once, for Buer.” Venti nodded, and they shook hands with one another. The two of them exchanged shifty glances at each other as they turned to Nahida, holding hands each other’s hands to indicate that they have made up. Nahida sensed that they really hadn’t made up, but she decided not to push it. It would be better if they made up over time. Besides, it was better than them quarreling the entire day.
“Good, now that you two have resolved your differences, let’s search for the Electro Archon.” Nahida said. “She will most likely have arrived in Port Ormos.”
The four of them began their way to the port of Sumeru City, where they will board a boat to Port Ormos. The sailors insisted that Nahida use their best and grandest boat but she kindly denied them and settled for a simple boat commonly seen in many Sumeru docks. The Wanderer was prepared for the worst as they boarded the boat. He began imagining every scenario that may come their way when they meet with the Electro Archon, the one he saw as his mother who betrayed him. Meanwhile, Nahida felt more confident than before, thinking that surely, she’ll be able to get to know her old companions again. The sails spread out from the mast and the boat began to move. Zhongli sat on the floor while Venti leisurely leaned on the mast, taking out his lyre.
“Now, while we wait for our boat to reach that faraway port, why don’t we listen to a song that will be played by yours truly?” Venti said, giving his lyre a strum.
“I would love to hear it!” Nahida said enthusiastically.
“Fine by me. Give us your best, bard.” the Wanderer said, his expectations quite low.
“Alright then, let us hear it.” Zhongli said.
Venti plucked the strings of his lyre, sending a multitude of musical notes and harmonies, accompanying them with his beautiful voice. The Wanderer listened intently, feeling the warm breeze caress his cheeks.
‘His music… isn’t so bad after all…’