Liyue Harbor
Several Months Later
The morning sun cast golden light across the harbor, painting the rooftops in warm hues. Fishing boats swayed gently in the water, and the scent of fresh seafood and spices drifted through the air.
A young woman with soft blue hair walked through the bustling streets, her eyes wide with curiosity. She wore simple, practical clothing—nothing too flashy, nothing that would draw attention. Her hands were delicate and human, adorned with a few silver rings.
"Excuse me, where can I find the best tea in Liyue?" she asked a passing merchant.
The old man pointed toward the upper districts. "Yujing Terrace, miss. Expensive, but worth every Mora."
"Thank you," she said with a bright smile.
Her name was Fashui. She had arrived in Liyue a few weeks ago, drawn by stories of its beauty and prosperity. Everything felt strangely familiar to her, though she had never been here before.
It was as if she were remembering a dream she had long forgotten.
She made her way up the steps of Yujing Terrace. The view was breathtaking—the entire harbor stretched out below her, glistening in the morning light.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" a gentle voice said beside her.
Fashui turned to see an elderly woman sitting on a stone bench, a warm smile on her face. Her eyes were kind, carrying the weight of countless years.
"It is," Fashui agreed. "I feel like I've seen it before, but I'm sure I haven't."
The old woman chuckled. "Perhaps in another life."
Fashui tilted her head, intrigued. "Maybe."
She sat down beside the woman, and they talked for a while about nothing in particular—the weather, the harbor, the upcoming Lantern Rite.
"Where are you from, child?" the old woman asked.
"Far away," Fashui replied. "I've been traveling for a long time. I'm not sure where I belong yet."
The woman nodded knowingly. "Sometimes, the places we belong find us when we least expect it."
...
Later That Day
On the Streets of Liyue
Fashui wandered through the market, admiring the colorful stalls and the lively crowds. She paused at a jewelry stand, picking up a small trinket shaped like a fish.
"This is beautiful," she murmured.
"An excellent choice, miss!" the merchant said enthusiastically.
She smiled and handed over some Mora, tucking the little fish into her pocket.
As she turned to leave, she collided with someone. She stumbled back, dropping her bag.
"I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention—" she began.
"Are you alright?" a voice asked.
She looked up and found herself staring at a young man with dark green hair and piercing amber eyes. He was shorter than her, but his presence was commanding. His expression was calm, almost cold, but there was a flicker of something else in his gaze.
They both froze for a moment, something unspoken passing between them. A feeling like déjà vu.
"Xiao!" a cheerful voice called from behind them. A tall figure with four arms strode over, grinning. "There you are! We've been looking for you—oh, who's this?"
The young man, Xiao, shook his head slightly. "I don't know."
"Excuse me," the tall man said, turning to Fashui with a friendly grin. "I'm Bosacius. This grumpy fellow is Xiao. We don't usually bump into strangers, but it seems fate has other plans."
Fashui offered a small smile. "I'm Fashui. I'm new here."
"New to Liyue?" Bosacius asked, his eyes lighting up. "Perfect! We know all the best places to eat. You should join us!"
"I don't want to intrude..." Fashui said hesitantly.
"Nonsense! The more the merrier!" a woman said, appearing beside Bosacius. She had fiery red hair and a mischievous grin. "I'm Indarias! And this grumpy-looking one is Menogias."
Menogias nodded politely. "A pleasure."
Fashui looked around at the four of them. They seemed like a strange, close-knit family. Something about them felt warm and familiar, even though she was certain she had never seen them before.
"Sorry I'm late!" a voice called out. A young woman with blue hair and large claws came running up to them. She had a kind face and a gentle smile. "I was helping Ganyu with some documents—"
She stopped when she saw Fashui. For a moment, she stared, a flicker of confusion passing through her eyes. Then she shook her head and smiled.
"Hello! I'm Bonanus. I don't think we've met."
Fashui felt her breath catch. Something about this woman felt... strange. Like looking into a mirror she had never seen before.
"I'm Fashui," she managed to say. "It's nice to meet you."
Bonanus tilted her head, studying Fashui for a moment longer. "You seem familiar. Have we met before?"
"I don't think so. I'm new to Liyue."
"Ah, well, welcome!" Bonanus said warmly, her smile genuine. "Liyue has a way of making people feel at home."
"I've noticed that," Fashui said, relaxing.
"Bonanus!" Indarias called out. "We're taking her to Wanmin Restaurant! You coming?"
"Of course! I wouldn't miss it," Bonanus replied, falling into step beside Fashui.
...
Wanmin Restaurant
The group settled around a large table, chatting and laughing as dishes were brought out one by one.
"This is amazing," Fashui said, savoring a bite of grilled fish. "I've never tasted anything like it."
"Xiangling's a genius," Indarias said proudly. "She can make even Slime taste good."
Fashui laughed—a sound that made everyone pause for just a moment. It felt like they had heard it before, though none of them could place it.
Xiao sat across from her, his chopsticks hovering over his bowl. Something tugged at his chest, but he couldn't understand why. He shook his head and ate his meal silently.
"So, Fashui," Bosacius said, breaking the momentary silence. "What brings you to Liyue?"
She shrugged. "I'm not sure. I just felt like I needed to be here."
"Then you belong," Bonanus said softly. "Liyue welcomes everyone who seeks it."
Fashui smiled at her. "Thank you. That means a lot."
...
Later That Evening
Outside the Restaurant
The group stood under the evening sky. The lanterns were beginning to glow, casting a warm light over the streets.
"It was lovely meeting you, Fashui," Bonanus said, offering a kind smile. "You should join us again sometime."
"I'd like that," Fashui replied.
She turned to leave, but paused, looking back at them. "You all seem like a wonderful family."
"We are," Bonanus said softly. "And now, you're a part of it, if you want to be."
Fashui's heart swelled. "I think I'd like that."
She walked away, disappearing into the evening crowds.
The Yakshas stood together, watching her go.
"There's something about her," Indarias murmured.
"I felt it too," Bonanus said quietly. "Like I've known her forever."
Xiao said nothing, but his gaze lingered on the spot where she had vanished.
"Come on, let's go home," Bosacius said, wrapping an arm around Xiao's shoulders. "We have all the time in the world."
Xiao nodded slowly, but he couldn't shake the strange feeling in his chest.
It wasn't sadness. It wasn't loss. It was something gentler. A warmth he couldn't explain.
Maybe that was enough.
...
The Rooftop of Wangshu Inn
Later that night, Xiao sat alone under the stars. The wind carried the distant sounds of laughter from the harbor below.
He thought of the woman named Fashui. Of her blue hair. Her laugh.
He shook his head and looked at the sky.
Why does she feel so familiar?
He didn't have an answer.
But for the first time in months, he felt at peace.
Perhaps that was all that mattered.
The End