Chapter Text
⚓
The night air was always the best by the sea.
Beidou took a deep breath as she looked out at the silent sea ahead. The Alcor rocked gently, as if the waves were saying, set sail already. There’s so much to do, so much to see, and the only thing in your way is the anchor.
Beidou contemplated setting sail in the middle of the night, supply runs be damned, when she heard steps trailing on deck, coming to a stop behind her.
“Captain, there’s news.”
⚓
Some things are inevitable.
It wasn’t anything new that leaders were often chased after and gravely threatened, due to the amount of power they possessed over others, and the influence they had.
A ruler had too much freedom to do as they wished, and so, they had to be eliminated. It was the natural way people pushed to their extremes perceived hierarchy.
That’s all Ninggaung could think of as she ran. This was inevitable. She was bound to end up in life-threatening situations sooner or later. It’s a wonder that it’s taken this long.
Ningguang wondered why she was running. She glanced at her subtly gleaming Vision, and thought of the power she possessed that had gone mostly unused. Visions were gifts from the heavens, and were extremely rare to obtain. Vision-havers were considered to be well-respected and feared— Empress Ningguang, however, didn’t feel like she was giving others much to fear, considering their ease in coming after her life.
“Empress!” Keqing, Ningguang’s personal attendant and friend, called as she caught up to her. “Come with me. Ganyu is leading the guards and is slowly taking the assassins out. I’ll take you somewhere safe.”
Ningguang wasn’t particularly interested in physical altercations normally, but sitting idly by as her servants put their lives on the line for her wasn’t satisfactory either. The first thing she did after being attacked in her own bedroom in the middle of the night was knock out the attackers with the power of her Vision, and run to the hall to see if any of the guards were injured. Some were, but none were dead. She was hopeful.
“Lead me to them,” Ningguang found herself saying. “I’ll face them myself. Maybe that way they’ll think twice before they attack my staff, my guards, my attendants—”
“No,” Keqing interrupted. “Empress Ningguang, your safety—”
“—Shouldn’t be at the top of our concerns,” Ningguang finalized. “My vision is not a decoration, and neither is yours.”
“Neither is Ganyu’s, and she is handling the situation,” Keqing stood her ground. After one sharp look from Ningguang, however, she caved. “... I’ll take you to her, if you insist.”
⚓
Keqing and Ningguang ran to the front gate of the palace’s walls. At the very center of the scene was Ningguang’s senior attendant, Ganyu. She was directing guards and medical staff members around a sea of unconscious bodies. It seemed that the major battle had already ended, and Ningguang was again thankful for Ganyu and how dependable she was.
Keqing rushed to her and they shared a hand squeeze of solidarity.
“Most of the perpetrators are dead. Some of them managed to escape when they realized we were overpowering them,” Ganyu breathed. “I sent men after them.”
“Are you okay?” Keqing made sure. “Are you injured?”
Ganyu shook her head. “No, not me.”
“What do you mean?” Ningguang cut in. “Who?”
A guard ran up to them, bowing deeply to Ningguang. “Your Imperial Majesty, I’m afraid Uncle Tian died from his injuries.”
Ningguang’s blood ran cold.
“What?” Ningguang snarled.
The guard cowed under Ningguang’s intense gaze. “It is as you heard, Your Majesty. He was given immediate medical care, but his injuries were too severe…”
Ningguang’s royal advisor being injured in battle and eventually passing was definitely a hit. But on a personal level, Uncle Tian was Ningguang’s first official advisor, and took care of her since the day her parents were killed. He was a treasured friend; Ningguang barely knew how to process his passing.
“Where are the girls?” Ningguang asked, pushing her feelings aside. “Were they with him?”
“Baiwen, Baishi, and Baixiao are all safe,” Ganyu reassured her. “I rushed them to a safe area before coming here.”
Ningguang internally sighed, relieved. “Update me on any findings, and take good care of Uncle Tian’s body. Keqing, with me.”
Keqing followed Ningguang, and took her hand in silent support once they were alone. Ningguang didn’t hold Keqing’s hand in return, but didn’t retrieve her hand, either.
⚓
The next two days were full of chaos. Ningguang silently grieved Uncle Tian’s death as the palace recovered from the attack. Many were injured, and the loss of some of Ningguang‘s guards made the air at the palace stagnant and solemn. News quickly spread across Liyue; Empress Ningguang was attacked in her sleep, and the attackers were anonymous and sneaky, managing to escape the empress’ guards. It gave Ningguang and her staff more work to deal with, by attempting to tide over the stories and panic that rose from the citizens. Eventually, after the biggest challenges were dealt with, Ningguang found her three secretaries huddled in their office. They all breathed a sigh of relief when she entered the room with Keqing, and stood up to properly greet her, bowing.
“Empress, it’s good to see the palace’s recovery from the recent attack,” Baishi stated. “We have dealt with most of the tasks you left for us, and are ready to discuss our future plans with you.”
“Yes,” Ningguang said as she took a seat. “I am here to hear about our progress.”
Baixiao nodded. “Our full report is fully summarized and is already on its way to your desk. We have something else we wish to discuss with you.”
That wasn’t what Ningguang expected. Keqing wasn’t looking at her, and the girls all looked hesitant. Eventually, Baishi spoke up. “We discussed the situation and came to a recent decision over your safety. Now that tensions are high in Liyue and Your Imperial Majesty is targeted, we believe the best way to protect you is by relocating you.”
Ningguang’s eyes widened slightly before she adjusted to the news. “Your plan is to send me away,” Ningguang repeated, in disbelief. “I could have you dead just for suggesting it.”
Baishi winced, yet stood her ground. “My suggestion is final, Your Imperial Majesty. I will run it through the rest of your royal advisors and personal servants as soon as you approve.”
“Why would I approve such a plan?” Ningguang asked. “What good does it do, other than make me seem weak and make Liyue vulnerable?”
Baiwen shook her head. “Liyue is most weak when you are threatened, Your Imperial Majesty. When you’re safe, Liyue is much easier to keep under control. That’s why Baishi, Baixiao, and I discussed these matters with a particular group of people. It would only be for a few months, until we can contain the situation. Your reign will remain unchanged.”
“Where?” Ningguang demanded. “Where do you think I’ll be safer than here, in my palace, with my staff and guards?”
Baixiao, who was relatively quiet up to that point, cleared her throat politely. “The sea, Empress,” she said hesitantly. “We believe you’ll be safest at sea, where you’ll be impossible to track down.”
“The Crux,” Baiwen piped in. “I’m sure you’ve heard of it. It’s a pirate crew that hails from Liyue. The group has the highest concentration of Vision wielders in the entire world at the moment.”
Ningguang was exasperated by her secretaries' words. Of course, Ningguang has heard of The Crux before. As the ruler of Liyue, she made it her business to know everything about her land, including its waters. Ningguang had some limited intel regarding the members of The Crux, yet little to nothing on their captain or on the work they do behind Ningguang’s back. The idea to join forces with them was entirely unacceptable.
“I refuse.”
“I’m afraid the negotiations have already reached an agreement,” Keqing piped in. Ningguang turned to look at Keqing, her stare deadly. “You must understand, Your Imperial Majesty. Without you, it all falls apart. The people of Liyue, The Crux, us, we all understand that. The assassins sent after you understand that too.”
Ningguang closed her eyes, massaging the temple. “Everyone clear the room. Keqing, approach.”
Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi left hurriedly. After they were left alone, both Ningguang and Keqing dropped their formal act.
“Who suggested this idea?” Ningguang asked. “Don’t tell me it was Baishi, and that you didn’t know. You know better than to lie to me.”
“Ganyu,” Keqing confessed. “Ganyu’s relative is a crew member. Through her, we’ve made contact with their captain. Not an easy woman to get in touch with.”
“If I wasn’t so fond of you, I would have killed you,” Ningguang vowed. “Myself, to honor our bond, and also to make up for your betrayal.”
“The first thought I have every morning is about you,” Keqing told her. “About my Empress, and the life she’s given me, and the land she defends so fiercely. Please understand. Ganyu and I have discussed this because we both care for you and your safety.”
“Your personal thoughts on the matter are irrelevant,” Ningguang dismissed. “Liyue is at risk--”
“Because you’re at risk, Empress,” Keqing said. “And we can’t allow it.”
“How can I agree to a plan that puts me in the middle of Liyue’s sea?”
“Put your trust in us,” Keqing begged. “This is the best option. Ganyu and I won’t leave your side for a moment, and our agreement with the captain is your total, guaranteed safety.”
Ningguang wanted to argue, but Keqing was giving her the most pleading look she could muster, and Ningguang was tired, and weak to Keqing’s underhand tactics.
“Tell me more,” Ningguang said eventually, sighing.
⚓
After a sleepless, long night, Ningguang found herself hiding in her garden early in the morning, waiting for Keqing to find her and drag her out of the palace. She spent a peaceful hour sitting down by the marble table Uncle Tian gifted her once he found out how fond she was of the gardens, drinking tea and (affectionally) cursing Keqing’s birth. Soon enough, Ganyu approached her.
“Your Majesty,” she bowed her head. “The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor sent their director to personally collect Uncle Tian’s remains and bring him to proper rest. Would you like to greet him?”
Ningguang knew of Zhongli. He was the graceful man working the grimmest profession in Liyue, doing so with great respect and even greater mystery. Ningguang had only ever seen him once, yet heard so much about how he is in person from others. “Send him here,” Ningguang told her, “And tell him I’d like him to have some tea with me.”
Ganyu hurried to do as she ordered, and in a few moments, a man dressed in a dark garment bowed to her elegantly.
“It is a great honor, Your Imperial Majesty,” Zhongli spoke, his voice low and charming. “I did not mean to disturb you.”
“Sit down,” Ningguang told him. “I apologize if I disturbed your work, but wanted to thank you personally. Uncle Tian was a trusted friend of mine.”
Zhongli sat down and smoothed the ends of his sleeves. “The loss was hard on me, as well. We were acquainted.”
“You’re acquainted with quite a few people in my inner circle,” Ningguang pointed out, only slightly probing.
“Death doesn’t discriminate.” Zhongli took a sip of his tea, and savored the taste for a moment. “People don’t pick their tragedies, and I don’t pick the people I happen to be acquainted with.”
“Then, I have a question for you,” Ningguang inquired. “Do you happen to be acquainted with The Crux, by any chance?”
Zhongli took another sip of his tea, carefully considering her question. "The Crux? A fine question. I do not know much. But what I do know…"
He put the cup down gently and crossed his arms in thought. "The Crux is comprised of three ships. The main ship is called The Alcor, and is under the direct control of The Crux’s leader Captain Beidou. The two other ships are nicknamed The Crux’s left and right, and are led by two commanders.”
“Who are they?” Ningguang questioned.
“There’s Hu tao— the lone, powerful, demon girl that is in charge of the left ship, and Yelan, Captain Beidou’s finest, who is in charge of her right. Both are quite unknown to the public, but if you find the right people, you’ll be able to learn more.”
Ningguang digested the information for a moment. “Didn’t you say you don’t know much? You seem quite versed in the subject.”
“I happen to be an enjoyer of stories,” he supplied. “Nothing more.”
“What else do you happen to know?”
The Man pondered her question for a moment. “Nothing of interest. I personally know some of the crew members, is all. Some of them are well acquainted with your high-ranking staff and Liyue’s finest nobility, despite their unusual backgrounds. It’s best for you to meet them and hear their stories to understand exactly how The Crux connects to Liyue.”
Ningguang didn’t like his answer, yet accepted it regardless. “I trust that this conversation will remain between us, Director.”
Zhongli stood up and bowed. Then his lips twitched, turning into the slightest of smiles. “My lips are sealed,” he promised, “As long as you tell me where you bought that tea.”
⚓
Ningguang sighed into her third cup of cold tea as Ganyu hovered around her. “Are you ready to go, Empress?” Ganyu asked politely, and at least she had waited for Zhongli to leave and for Ningguang to be out of tea. Ganyu was a reliable attendant of Ningguang’s, serving her for over a decade of loyalty, and yet still approached her with the highest regard and caution. Ningguang wondered if anything could soften the tense girl up.
“I have no choice but to be. Where is Keqing?”
“Already at the docks,” Ganyu answered. “Preparing for your arrival.”
Before Ningguang could say anything, she noticed a spark of silver in the corner of her eyes. Ganyu was faster to react, and pushed Ningguang’s chair roughly with the sole of her boots, pulling out her bow in a swift motion.
An arrow flew right where Ningguang’s head was a second ago, cutting through the air into a nearby tree.
As soft-hearted as she was, Ganyu was ruthless when it came to protecting what she loved. With two accurate arrows, she shot into one of the bushes and got the hiding assassin cleanly in his legs, making him kneel out of the bushes with a yell and staining the grass red. He looked up at Ningguang with murderous eyes, before squeezing them shut and writhing in agony.
“Empress, I apologize for pushing you,” Ganyu quickly said, helping Ningguang up. Ningguang dusted off her garment, and in a moment the guards came over to see what the commotion was about and noticed the bloodied man.
“Take him to the infirmary,” Ningguang sighed. “Once he’s taken care of and conscious, try to get as much information as you can and report to Baixiao. Patrol the walls and make sure there are no breakthroughs or injured guards.”
“I think we should go now,” Ganyu whispered to Ningguang as the guards took the man. “I don’t want anyone to see you leave, and Keqing might come back to kill the man herself when I tell her what happened.”
“You’re right,” Ningguang grumbled. “I want to stay, but even I wouldn’t push it after getting assassinated in my own garden. Some security this place has.”
“We’re on our way to a safer place,” Ganyu reminded her gently. “Shall we?”
Ningguang’s mouth betrayed her, and her lips twitched up. “We shall.”
⚓
Keqing did a good job of clearing the docks for Ningguang’s arrival. There was no soul in sight, except for Keqing and a few men from Ningguang's guard team. She seemed both relieved and bothered to see Ningguang and Ganyu appear.
“What took so long?” she asked Ganyu as soon as they approached.
Ganyu laughed nervously. “We had a situation. It’s all taken care of now.”
Keqing looked back and forth between Ganyu and Ningguang. “Are you two okay?”
“As fine as I can be,” Ningguang sighed. She glanced at the huge ship gently floating in the water. “So that’s my prison.”
“Who could ever imprison such a force to be reckoned with,” Keqing pointed out with a snort. “It’s resembling more of a badly made birdcage.”
“We should go,” Ganyu rushed. “I really don’t want to stay here much longer.”
Keqing easily transitioned into professional attendant mode at Ganyu’s words. “You’re right.”
Ganyu led them, and Ningguang’s hand twitched ever so slightly in Keqing’s direction. She didn’t let it pass her, and took Ningguang’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Don’t worry, Ganyu and I won’t leave you.”
Ningguang huffed, though Keqing could see through her pretense of annoyance. “I don’t need your consolation. It was my choice to listen to your nonsensical idea.”
Keqing laughed and let go of Ningguang’s hand. “I know. I still wanted you to hear it.”
“We shouldn’t show this to others,” Ningguang told her, on a serious note. “If people see how much I care for you two, you’ll be in danger. This is the only way to protect you and Ganyu, especially now when I’m being targeted.”
“I’ll hide our friendship because you asked,” Keqing agreed, “But don’t expect me to abandon you in battle or something ridiculous like that.”
“Do what is needed. We talked about what you’ll do if something were to happen to me.”
“It won’t get to that,” Keqing promised. “I’ll protect you.”
Ningguang sighed. You can’t protect me from everything, and you can’t protect me forever.
⚓