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Beidou was sprinting through Liyue Harbor. The beautiful city was now shrouded in darkness and flooded by angry, freezing water. The surge of water swept away pieces of furniture; sharp debris carried through the water like deadly ice cubes. The current carried people, animals, plants, and abiotic things alike, all screaming in terror. Beidou was thankful for her time out at sea, she could hold her own against raging waters just fine. However, the debris was another story. Objects came rushing towards her left and right, and Beidou was barely managing to dodge it all. Over the top of the buildings, she could see the heads and arms of Osial thrashing and attacking. Occasionally, it would flick backwards in what seemed to be pain, which gave Beidou hope that someone was up there fighting it. She had to find Ningguang. Suddenly, a huge chunk of debris, it seemed to be a chunk of metal, came hurtling towards Beidou. She frantically moved to the left, but so did the object. Beidou cried out in pain and surprise as the impact pushed her down. Water filled her nose and mouth and she sank under.
Beidou struggled to find her way up to the surface. The water couldn't possibly be very deep, but the pain and panic coursing through Beidou's body made the depth of the water have no meaning. Suddenly, she relaxed.
Why am I struggling? She thought. What am I fighting for? I could stop fighting. Perhaps this is where I'm meant to die...
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Only a few hours ago, Beidou was sitting with Ningguang in the Jade Chamber. Her ship was docked in the harbor while her crew collected supplies before they headed out again. "The weather is quite favorable today, isn't it?" Ningguang asked, pouring herself a cup of tea and gazing out the window. Ningguang was right, the weather couldn't have been better. It was warm, but not enough to be uncomfortable, with a cooling breeze blowing through the area. The sun shone brightly in the sky, occasionally passing behind one of the fluffy white clouds in the sky.
"It is." Beidou agreed, following Ningguang's gaze. The bustling city of Liyue Harbor looked small from so high up in the air, but Beidou could still sense the life radiating down below. Beidou almost added that the perfect weather meant that the sea was surely calm, perfect for sailing. It was a bit of a shame that she couldn't be sailing today. However, she thought against saying that out loud. When Beidou though about it, she wasn't too disappointed. Being in Liyue Harbor meant that she got to see Ningguang, after all.
"Where will you be sailing next, Beidou?" Ningguang asked, turning to face Beidou.
"Certainly not far, the Crux Clash is right around the corner. I couldn't miss that, I'm the host, after all." Beidou chuckled and gazed across the brown wooden table at Ningguang. Her eyes were a brilliant gold, the same color as the embroidery on her dress. Her eyes showed wisdom and demanded respect and authority, but were kind and human all the same.
"Oh yes, I nearly forgot about that. Is there any 'fresh talent' you’re scouting this year? There must be someone you want to participate." Ningguang inquired while she sipped her tea.
Beidou wasn't much of a tea person, but she drank it with Ningguang. Ningguang made her tea herself, using a unique blend of fruit and herbs each time. It was the only tea Beidou could drink without spitting it out; it tasted exquisite every time. Normal tea simply tasted like grass to Beidou, no matter what was in it. Beidou poured herself a cup with the ornate teapot. As she took a sip, the taste of raspberry with a hint of mint and something else she couldn't place filled her taste buds. Ninggaung's eyes lit up as she watched Beidou drink.
"Do you like it?" She asked. Beidou nodded vigorously and took another sip.
"What's in it?"
Ningguang smiled. "It's a mix of raspberry, mint, and a touch of cardamom. I made it specially for you. I digress, my tea seems to have clouded your memory, do you remember my question?"
"Of course! And the answer is yes. Do you know that blonde traveler? The one with the floating kid next to them?" Beidou replied.
"Yes, I remember them. They visited the Jade Chamber not too long ago. You'd like them to participate?"
"That's right! Did you know they defeated the dragon Stormterror in Mondstadt?"
"Yes, I've heard many stories of their great feats. You know-" Ningguang was cut off by a secretary rushing into the room.
"Lady Ningguang? Your presence is requested. It's quite urgent."
"Ah, Baiwen. I wasn't expecting you. I'll be there right away." Baiwen nodded and left the room. Ningguang sighed and stood up. "I'm sorry, Beidou." She said sadly, meeting her partner's eyes.
"It's alright, Ningguang. We'll see each other soon." Beidou responded, setting her teacup down. Ningguang walked over and gently kissed Beidou's cheek. Beidou blushed slightly, and the butterflies in her stomach that flew every time she saw her girlfriend fluttered. Beidou and Ningguang had been dating for a few months now, and had known each other long before that, but Beidou still got flustered when she saw her.
"I'll see you soon." Ningguang said, and walked out of the room, Beidou following shortly after. They parted ways at the main entrance of the Jade Chamber, and Beidou descended back down to the city.
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Just as Beidou was about to give up, a single word crossed her mind.
Ningguang.
That's who she was fighting for. She had to make sure Ninggaung was safe.
A surge of adrenaline pushed through Beidou's veins and she kicked upwards towards the surface. Her head broke through the top of the water and she took a deep breath of the cool night air. Once she composed herself, she continued sprinting again.
Where could Ningguang be? Beidou thought. Could she still be in the Jade Chamber?
Beidou looked into the sky, searching for the familiar grandiose building. Beidou sighed in relief when she saw it was still there. However, the relief didn't last long. Suddenly, a flash of light appeared, and the Jade Chamber began to crumble. Chunks the size of small houses began to rain from the sky, falling into the ocean below.
"Ningguang!" Beidou screamed, so loud it made her voice hoarse.
No, no, no, no, no. Beidou tried to rationalize her racing thoughts. She couldn't be in the Jade Chamber, right?
Once all the pieces of the Jade Chamber had fallen, the sea monster screeched in pain. A moment later, it sunk back into the ocean. The clouds and darkness shrouding Liyue Harbor parted, revealing a perfect sunset. The water that had swarmed through Liyue Harbor began to drain, and the torrential rain suddenly stopped.
Beidou didn't have time to be relieved. She had to find out what happened to Ningguang.
Beidou quickly made her way through Liyue Harbor, looking for someone that could know where Ningguang was. As she ran through the now dry streets, she noticed someone running towards her. Beidou looked closer and locked eyes with the person.
It was Ningguang.
Beidou had never been happier to see those breathtaking eyes. The ones that were so intimidating, yet so kindhearted all the same. Tears began to stream from Beidou's eyes as she sprinted towards her lover, Ningguang sprinting all the same. How she managed to move so fast in high heels was a secret Beidou would ask about another time.
The two lovers finally made it to each other and the two women embraced each other. Beidou as crying hysterically, which was an odd feeling. Beidou had never cried like this before, had never felt this river of emotions.
"Shh, it's alright, Beidou. I'm here now." Ningguang whispered into Beidou's ear, hugging her tighter, tears falling from her eyes just as rapidly.
"I thought you died!" Beidou exclaimed, sinking into the embrace.
"I would never leave without saying goodbye, my dear." Ningguang replied.
"But the Jade Chamber?! I thought you were in it!"
"No, I was helping the adepti and traveler defeat Osial, the monster who was attacking the city. I can explain to you another time." Ningguang took her hand and began running it through Beidou's hair. She was so relieved.
"Did- did you sacrifice the Jade Chamber?" Beidou asked.
"I did." Ningguang replied, somberly. "I had to. It was the only way."
"You saved Liyue, Ningguang. I'm so proud of you." Beidou responded in amazement. "Not many people would have the conscience and guts to do that. You did the right thing."
"The Jade Chamber can, and will, be rebuilt." Ningguang began. "Liyue will be as well."
"I'm so glad you're okay." Beidou said, not quite ready to pull away from her lover yet. "I love you more than anything."
"I love you too, Beidou. I will always come back to you."
The two lovers stayed in their tight embrace, each soaking up each other's familiar warmth and presence for as long as they could. Eventually, Ningguang was called back to assist with cleanup and Beidou went to go check on the Alcor, but they both came back for each other at night, and enjoyed each other's company until the early hours of the morning. Not even a god risen from the sea could break them apart.