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Many centuries have passed, the old and warm Liyue is gone, replaced by a new fresh and modern nation. Human has stepped into a new era of society.
Tall buildings, complicated technology, cars, many other unfamiliar things started appearing before one's eyes. Things changed, by a lot. The Liyue that no longer relies on the help from gods and archons or any higher beings, truly a fascinating sight to see.
Teyvat has always had a history with elemental power and the so called "visions", but all was wiped out without a trace unknowingly. The life on this universe seems... Normal now.
No more magic, no more being a hero and using cool fire skill to attack enemies. And the archons, they're now nothing more than just something people worship without even knowing if they are real or not.
This is the new age for Liyue, for Teyvat.
~~~
Holding the tiny hand of little Qiqi, Zhongli makes his way to the airport, preparing to meet a certain someone.
"Awh your daughter is so adorable"
"Thank you."
Since human no longer believe in the tale of people coming back to life and became zombies, Zhongli disguised the little girl as his small child.
Qiqi doesn't understand anything, she has forgotten everything from the past when Liyue was still ancient, now she just tries her best to live the new lifestyle.
This poor girl, not being able to remember how her nation was like, not being able to feel lost and confused with the sudden changes of her home after a long time. Zhongli feels jealous with that sometimes.
He misses the adeptis, and mostly that yaksha named Xiao, the one he saved many centuries ago.
No, those beings are not dead, they're still roaming here, in this modern place. Not wanting to cause trouble and get unwanted attention, they have decided to live their lives as normal "human beings", after all, the people's mindset today led them to believe that no such thing existed, and they're just folktales to be told for kids during bedtime.
Childe, or Tartaglia, that fatui harbinger still on his mind sometimes. Those soulless eyes and his smile greeting Zhongli in Liyue once awhile hundred and hundred of years ago, he remembers. They went out to eat together often.
It's sad that Childe is no longer inviting him out, because, well, he's not here anymore. Oh, Zhongli misses the old time.
Ah, right, the traveler that once were trapped here in Teyvat, trying to find their twin long ago. Zhongli did not forget.
He still remember that day he faked his death, causing a big mess, giving away his gnosis, and many other things. Traveler went through a lot just to solve those problems, he did feel bad for them.
When they found their sibling, the twins left Teyvat and have never came back since, leaving nothing behind. Zhongli wonder if those encounters with them were just his imagination, it doesn't feel real but does at the same time.
—...look, someone waving. -Qiqi pulled his sleeve, pointing at the gate of the airport.
—ZHOOONGLIIII!!! YOOHOOO!!!
A familiar figure appeared in front of Zhongli, dark hair with short braids and the annoying voice, no other than that bard from Mondstadt - the one who wanders around that nation of freedom with the same look for centuries, he wonders why nobody has raised any suspicion yet. Well, that doesn't matter at this moment.
Usually in the past, these two don't hangout as much, even now. But everytime Zhongli is met with that dearly but hella stupid tone of voice calling out his name, he feels somewhat warm inside.
Venti, who used to be Barbatos, suffers the same tragic situation as Zhongli, an archon who walks the world and watch everyone disappear time after time.
Watching people in the church praying for the anemo archon as this guy just sits there watch, it's a funny scene. Wouldn't it looks so weird seeing yourself being worshipped while you're still present and breathing next to those human? To be honest, it used to be a silly problem, but now Zhongli doesn't care as much, he used to keep his identity hidden ever since the time in the old Liyue anyway.
—Hey, why don't we go have a few bottles? My treat of course!
—You're still the same as ever.
—Ehe.
Back then, Venti and Zhongli would drink together when they have the chance to be with each other, now they're still doing the same. Seems like most things are still here while others have changed their forms. Maybe it's a good time to tighten their bond a little after all this time.
After helping Venti to get his bags to Zhongli's house, tugging little Qiqi to sleep, the two ex archons wandered around the night street and got a few drinks. It got cold after awhile, plus all the alcohol they consumed, their faces were really red.
—Do you think we should invite Raiden over sometimes? Ei, I mean.
—If she has time, of course.
—Mhm! I will definitely bring her here one day!
The two just made simple and small conversations as they walk down the streets. It's pretty quiet at this time.
—Venti...
—Hm?
Zhongli stopped for a bit, then continued with his walk:
—Nothing.
The bard looked at the geo archon confused, but proceed to not ask any further.
"I feel lost, Venti." was what he tried to say, but being a coward, he didn't. The thought of having a young man comfort you is embarrassing and ridiculous, that's what he thought.
As if he sensed something, Venti held Zhongli's cold hand then dragged him to the late night market:
—Let's go buy some snacks! Get some for the little girl Qiqi too! Come on!
Zhongli just went besides the little guy, not saying anything.
It's cold, he held Venti's hand tighter for warmth. Venti let out a small laugh, teased the old archon:
—Hehe, you're like a kid getting scared of being lost!
Zhongli smiled awkwardly.
It's true he's scared of feeling lost, being around such unfamiliar places, where things aren't how they used to be. He's really scared. But being with someone he knows has helped him somewhat, he knows he won't be alone, yet.
~~~
—Shhh, Qiqi is sleeping.
—Ok ok I won't speak loudly, hehe.
The two men sat on the sofa in the living room, playing some card games together.
It's nice to spend time with an old friend again, this time with a lot more activities other than just chatting and drinking. There's a bunch of new stuff Zhongli never got to try, and many more confusing things, but his friend is here to help him, it isn't so bad.
Zhongli wonder how long things are gonna last this way, will it change again after a few more centuries? It'll be hard to get used to it once again.
Well, that's a problem for the future, right now he's with Venti, this bard who he knows, it'll be safe for awhile..