Chapter Text
Even during the harshest of winters, when the most vibrant shades of red stick out from the pure snow, and tears spill out on to rosy red cheeks of a death that will never be forgotten, that will forever shine like gold in his memories; Love and beauty shall still find its way through, like the last cherry blossom that still kept its flowers during winter. Or an immortal soul that was destined to befriend the now former geo archon that is Zhongli. The tale of a grim reaper who was responsible for Zhonglis former love for passing on to the after life, and an archon that has retired his name. Listen closely as I tell you this story, for it is surely to be a beautiful one indeed.
"Every living being has its end someday, you know turning back the clock will not work dear Rex Lapis. For death and life are both inevitable." Y/n had said when Zhongli begged them for Guizhong to come back and live again. He was so close to saving her, he witnessed her blood on the blinding snow. Even if there was something y/n could do, it would result in the same scenario that even an immortal archon would go mad over.
"Please y/n...she was the only one, I cant bear to lose her!" Y/n took pity on the god, but if they ever got caught meddling with the dead they would cease to exist. Still knowing this, they implanted a bit of Guizhongs soul into a beautiful cherry blossom tree and sent the rest to the after life.
"Weep no more Rex Lapis, for I have planted a bit of your lovers soul into a cherry tree. But it shall only be located in one tree, so choose wisely." They wipped his tears and gave him a few days to decide. Y/n witnessed the creation of Guili Plains from the geo archon in memory of Guizhong. He came back to the grim reaper and request the cherry tree be planted there.
"Is that your final decision?" Making sure he had no regrets.
"I understand your requirements for this contract, so I accept with no regrets." And just like that you granted his wish.
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Every year, Zhongli visits the cherry tree and basks in its presence. He even talks to it as well, not many people visit Guili Plains so he enjoys every second of alone time with the tree and himself. Zhongli had come to adore cherry blossoms from the contract y/n had opposed on him, and on a very peculiar day the grim reaper had disguised themself as a human and now works as a florist who sells flowers for those who have passed. Zhongli could feel their presence once they first came down to earth. Like a shockwave, the memories came back to him almost like he forgot about what had happened a few thousand years ago. He found y/n sitting alone next to a cherry tree, the only cherry blossom tree in liyue, that was Guili Plains.
"Y/n...? Is that you?" They turned around and gave him a small smile.
"Rex Lapis... or should I say Zhongli, its been ages hasn't it? Even when you retired, you still wish to live amongst the people."
"Guizhong loved humans. So I wish to seek the purpose and study their behaviors of such beings. Even when those around me come to pass, ill strive to make good memories with them so I can look back."
They chuckled and turned again to face the tree. "Still the same as ever, I've missed you." A petal landed on their hand but dissolved into ash as living beings cease to exist once a grim reaper has come in tact with it. Because of this, they wear gloves and clothing that wouldn't cause a threat to such a beautiful world. They put back on their glove.
Zhongli say down next to them and they enjoyed a comfortable silence. "I still fondly remember the day when you planted this tree" He spoke.
"Thank you for doing that...I would have crumbled without knowing she would never live on to see this world again." Though he grew numb to her death, tears almost threatened to spill out.
"It was the least I could do Zhongli. I can reassure you she is living happily now." Y/n held his face and wiped his eyes before any tears could have a chance to spill. The wind blew freely and sun was setting, turning the sky into a bright pink and orange, like something that was only found in paintings. The cherry blossom petals shined as bright as stars and the rosy pink color reminded him of when Guizhong blushed. Oh how much Zhongli missed those memories. He felt them fade, and he felt guilty they were. Yet he knew it was for the better. He would move on, but he made sure her legacy in this world would never be forgotten.
End