Chapter Text
Everyone knows that rumors spread like a wild fire chasing its unknowing prey till it latches onto them and drags them into the fiery pits of hell. When the rumor of the golden haired savior of Teyvat came, no one could believe it.
“The Traveler can’t die” They said. “He’s the hero. He’s invincible.”
Liyue, the land of contracts which in turn became a popular harbor for traveling and trading, fostered more talk of the fallen hero than any other nation. People were awaiting some form of announcement from the Qixing declaring their hero alive… or dead.
It didn’t take as long as Hu Tao had expected. Just a month after rumors of the Traveler’s death had reached Liyue had the Qixing announced that they would be releasing news to the public. And Hu Tao, out of all people, should have known that even rumors hold some truth to them. She didn’t want to believe it. The Traveler was a good person… He had helped her with her clients. He had saved everyone in Liyue for Celestia’s sake! And Monstadt! And Inazuma!
No. The Traveler couldn’t be dead. At least that’s what Hu Tao told herself as she made her way through the crowds of people towards Yujing Terrace. Everyone knew what they were there for even if the Qixing hadn’t specified.
Hu Tao clenched her fist as she came to a halt at Yujing Terrace. The people around her were murmuring in hushed voices. For once the whispers following her weren’t taunting her. She’d rather they did.
Her eyes scanned the crowd around her and caught the site of her consultant, Zhongli. She gestured to him as he shook his head, his eyes solemn.
The Traveler wasn’t dead.
He couldn’t be dead.
Hu Tao shakes her head and shuts her eyes close. Her palms are sweaty as she grasps at something, anything to keep her grounded. She only comes up with empty air.
A hand is placed on her shoulder, “The longer you refuse it, the more it will hurt.”
She lifts her head and comes face to face with Zhongli. “Don’t act like you know something. It wasn’t time for him.” Hu Tao snaps. “He had more time! I-I know he did!”
“You have always thought death nothing less than a friend. Why are you afraid now?” Zhongli gently pulls her fingers into his hands.
Hu Tao lets out a shaky breath leaning closer to his embrace, “I don’t want him to be gone. I’ll miss him too much.”
Zhongli gazed at her and held her hands in his. “Whatever happens… He will always be remembered.”
Tears pricked at Hu Tao’s eyes threatening to spill.
Their attention was called to the front as Ningguang, Ganyu, and Keqing entered. Ganyu looked as if she hadn’t slept in days which was strange for a half adeptus. Keqing for once was hunched over and her eyes were placed on the ground. Ningguang as always stride ahead commending herself like a queen with her kingdom. Something was still off in her stance. Maybe it was the pacing eyes or hands stuck in a crossed position with nails tapping her arms.
“I’m sure all of you are aware of the rumors that have passed through Liyue.” Ningguang pursed her lips, “I don’t wish to be the bearer of this news, but alas I must.”
Hu Tao choked to hold back a sob and gripped Zhongli’s arm. She dug her nails into the cloth of his clothes as he murmured softly to her.
“The Traveler who saved Liyue from Osial and then again against Beisht has passed on his journey. Over the next few weeks we will be holding a memorial-“ Hu Tao buried her head into Zhongli and clutched his jacket, “He can’t- Please- Do something! Anything!”
“There is nothing neither you nor I nor anyone else can do for the Traveler now.” Zhongli gently reminded her, “But we will have to honor him. Especially as the director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. You will be able to honor his sacrifices.”
“It’s not right.” Her voice cracks, “He did so much for everyone just to find his sister and he has to pay with his life? That’s not fair!”
“Death is an unfair friend.”