The battlefield was a maelstrom of chaos and energy. Fu Gu stood amidst the ruins, his body battered but unyielding. The three Harbingers—Scaramouche, Tartaglia, and Rosaria—circled him like predators sensing weakened prey. The wound in his chest throbbed painfully, but he refused to show any sign of weakness.
"You should have finished me when you had the chance," Fu Gu muttered, his voice barely above a whisper but echoing across the silent battlefield.
Scaramouche sneered. "You're barely standing. Accept defeat gracefully."
Tartaglia tightened his grip on his blades. "It's over, Fu Gu. You can't win."
Rosaria remained silent, her cold eyes fixed on him.
Fu Gu's lips curled into a defiant smirk. "You underestimate me."
Gathering the last reserves of his cursed energy, Fu Gu began to channel the ultimate technique—**Hollow Purple**. The air around him crackled with raw power, the very fabric of reality seeming to warp as he summoned energy from the depths of his being.
The Harbingers sensed the shift, their expressions changing from confidence to alarm.
"Stop him!" Scaramouche shouted, launching a bolt of electro energy.
Tartaglia and Rosaria joined in, their combined attacks hurtling toward Fu Gu. But it was too late.
"HOLLOW PURPLE!" Fu Gu roared, releasing a massive surge of energy that erupted outward in a blinding flash.
The destructive force of the technique tore through the battlefield, obliterating everything in its path. The combined attacks of the Harbingers were swallowed by the overwhelming power of Hollow Purple.
A deafening silence followed the explosion. As the dust settled, the figures of the three Harbingers were nowhere to be seen—their presence erased by the devastating technique.
Fu Gu stood amidst the desolation, his vision blurring. The immense exertion had pushed him beyond his limits. He swayed on his feet before collapsing onto the scorched ground, unconscious.
---
Keqing had watched the entire battle from a distance, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never witnessed such raw power, such unwavering determination. As the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, she believed firmly in humanity's potential and self-reliance. And Fu Gu embodied that belief more than anyone she had ever met.
Without hesitation, she rushed to his side. The battlefield was eerily quiet, the remnants of the fight surrounding them. Kneeling beside him, she checked his pulse—faint but steady.
"You're incredible," she whispered, a mixture of awe and concern in her voice.
Carefully, Keqing lifted Fu Gu, draping one of his arms over her shoulders. Despite his lean frame, he was heavier than he looked, but she was determined. She needed to get him to safety.
---
### **Sanctuary**
Keqing brought Fu Gu to her private residence, a modest yet comfortable abode overlooking Liyue Harbor. She laid him gently on a futon, quickly gathering medical supplies. Though not a healer by profession, she had enough knowledge to tend to his wounds.
As she cleaned the gash on his chest, she couldn't help but marvel at how quickly his body was healing. *Is this part of his power?* she wondered.
Hours passed as she kept vigil by his side. The moon rose high in the sky, casting a silver glow into the room. Keqing found herself studying his features—the sharp lines of his face softened in sleep, the silver hair that fell across his forehead.
"He looks so peaceful," she mused quietly.
A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Ganyu peeked inside, her gentle eyes reflecting concern.
"Keqing, I heard what happened. How is he?" she asked softly.
"He's stable," Keqing replied, standing to meet her. "But he pushed himself too far."
Ganyu nodded, stepping into the room. "He's extraordinary. I've never seen anyone wield such power."
Keqing crossed her arms, her gaze returning to Fu Gu. "He's the strongest human I've ever met. He stands against gods and Harbingers alike without hesitation."
"Do you trust him?" Ganyu asked.
Keqing was silent for a moment. "I don't know. But I believe in humanity's potential. And he represents the pinnacle of that potential."
---
### **Awakening**
As dawn broke, Fu Gu stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. His vision was hazy, the ceiling unfamiliar. Slowly, memories of the battle flooded back.
"You're awake."
He turned his head to see Keqing seated beside him, relief evident in her eyes.
"Where am I?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"You're in my home. You collapsed after the battle," she explained.
Fu Gu tried to sit up, a sharp pain shooting through his chest. Keqing quickly placed a hand on his shoulder. "Easy. You need to rest."
He gritted his teeth but relented, settling back onto the pillow. "The Harbingers...?"
"Gone," she confirmed. "You defeated them."
A satisfied smirk formed on his lips. "Of course I did."
Keqing shook her head, a slight smile playing on her lips. "You're reckless."
"But effective," he countered.
She couldn't argue with that. "You can't keep pushing yourself like this. Even you have limits."
Fu Gu met her gaze, noticing the genuine concern in her eyes. "Why do you care?"
Keqing hesitated. "Because Liyue needs people like you. Humans who can stand up against threats others can't."
"Is that all?" he teased.
She felt a faint blush rise to her cheeks. "And because... I admire your strength."
He raised an eyebrow. "Coming from the Yuheng of the Qixing, that's high praise."
Keqing stood, folding her arms to regain her composure. "Don't let it go to your head."
He chuckled softly. "Too late."
---
### **Connections**
Over the next few days, Fu Gu remained under Keqing's care. She visited him often, bringing meals and discussing matters of Liyue. Despite his usual arrogance, he found their conversations stimulating. Keqing was intelligent, driven, and shared his belief in humanity's potential.
One afternoon, as they sat overlooking the harbor, Keqing spoke thoughtfully. "You know, many rely on the gods for guidance. But I believe that humans should carve their own destiny."
Fu Gu nodded. "I couldn't agree more. Power isn't something given—it's something earned."
She glanced at him. "You've certainly earned yours."
He smirked. "I have."
A comfortable silence settled between them.
"What's your goal, Fu Gu?" Keqing asked suddenly. "Why do you fight?"
He considered her question. "I fight to become the strongest. To protect what I care about. And maybe to prove that gods aren't the only ones who can shape this world."
She smiled slightly. "Then perhaps our goals align more than I thought."
He looked at her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Perhaps they do."
---
### **An Unexpected Alliance**
As Fu Gu recovered, word of his victory spread throughout Liyue. Many were grateful; others were wary. The other members of the Qixing sought meetings, and even Ningguang extended an invitation.
One evening, Keqing approached him with a proposal. "Join me in strengthening Liyue. With your power and our resources, we can ensure that the city remains safe from any threat."
He leaned back, pondering her offer. "You want me to be your enforcer?"
"I want you to be a symbol," she clarified. "A testament to what humanity can achieve."
He considered her words. "And what's in it for me?"
She met his gaze steadily. "Support, resources, and a place where your abilities are recognized and respected."
He grinned. "You make a compelling argument."
"So you'll consider it?"
"Why not? It could be... interesting."
---
### **Harem's Embrace**
Meanwhile, his interactions with the women of Liyue deepened. Ningguang admired his ambition, often engaging him in strategic discussions. Ganyu appreciated his dedication, finding his straightforward nature refreshing. Even Beidou extended an invitation to join her crew for a voyage, intrigued by his prowess.
Fu Gu found himself at the center of attention, each woman drawn to different facets of his character. His strength, confidence, and enigmatic aura were hard to ignore.
---
### **The Journey Continues**
As Fu Gu regained his full strength, the time came to decide his next move. The Fatui threat had been quelled for now, but new challenges awaited.
Standing atop Mt. Tianheng with Keqing beside him, he gazed out over Liyue.
"What's next for you?" she asked.
He smirked. "There are other nations, other challenges. Perhaps I'll visit Mondstadt or return to Inazuma."
She looked at him thoughtfully. "Wherever you go, remember that you have allies here."
He turned to her. "Allies?"
She nodded. "And perhaps... friends."
He chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."
As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, Fu Gu felt a rare sense of contentment. Surrounded by formidable allies and with new horizons ahead, his journey was far from over.
And as always, he was ready for whatever came next.