Fu Gu awoke slowly, the warm morning sunlight filtering through the curtains of Keqing's home. His body ached from the aftermath of the intense battle, but he felt strangely calm. His powers had grown, and the Harbingers were no longer a threat. He could still feel the remnants of the fight in his muscles—the exhilarating rush of Hollow Purple, the tension of life and death.
As he sat up, the door creaked open, and Keqing walked in with a tray of food.
"You're awake again," she said, a faint smile playing on her lips. "You heal fast."
"I've had practice," he replied, flexing his fingers. "Feeling stronger every time."
Keqing placed the tray on a small table near him. "You've stirred quite a buzz in Liyue, you know. Even the Qixing are impressed."
Fu Gu's eyes gleamed with interest. "Impressed enough to recruit me?"
Keqing folded her arms. "Perhaps. Though Ningguang has her eyes on you for different reasons."
"Is that so?" Fu Gu smirked. "And what about you?"
She raised an eyebrow. "I'm not like the others. I'm more interested in what you plan to do next."
Fu Gu stretched, easing the soreness from his body. "I'm thinking about visiting Liyue's Archon. I have questions. Plus, it's time I introduced myself to the Geo Archon properly."
Keqing nodded. "Zhongli will be expecting you. He was there at the battle, watching from a distance."
"Always one for grand entrances, huh?" Fu Gu chuckled. "Alright. Let's meet him."
---
### **The Pillars of Liyue**
Fu Gu strolled through Liyue Harbor, his presence commanding attention as he passed by. People whispered, pointing toward him in awe. He had gained a reputation as the powerful warrior who stood against the Fatui.
Ahead, Zhongli waited at the entrance of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, looking every bit the calm and composed figure Fu Gu expected.
"Ah, Fu Gu," Zhongli greeted him with a serene smile. "You've made quite an impression."
"Seems like I have," Fu Gu responded. "Though, I thought the Archon of Liyue would be more involved."
Zhongli's smile didn't waver. "The Geo Archon no longer rules over Liyue. I prefer to observe."
"Observe?" Fu Gu raised an eyebrow. "You seem more like the kind who would act when necessary."
Zhongli inclined his head. "When the time comes, I will. But it appears you've handled things quite well on your own."
Fu Gu crossed his arms, sizing up the man before him. There was no denying Zhongli's presence—his calm demeanor hid a power that Fu Gu could sense, even if the Geo Archon didn't flaunt it. It was different from Raiden's raw, overwhelming aura, but no less dangerous.
"So, what brings you to me?" Zhongli asked, his voice deep and steady.
"I'm curious," Fu Gu replied. "You know a lot about this world. About its past, its people. I want to understand the Fatui and their goals."
Zhongli's gaze became thoughtful. "The Fatui... are ambitious. Their methods are ruthless, but their aim is to reshape Teyvat. They seek the power of the Archons."
Fu Gu chuckled. "So they're after you too?"
"Perhaps," Zhongli said calmly. "But I no longer hold the Gnosis. It is beyond their reach."
"So they think." Fu Gu grinned. "I've learned one thing from my time in this world—nothing is truly beyond reach."
Zhongli smiled softly, an expression of knowing. "Perhaps you're right. But you have a role to play in this grand game, Fu Gu. One that may transcend even the ambitions of the Fatui."
Fu Gu shrugged. "I don't care much for their plans. I just want to be the strongest."
Zhongli chuckled lightly. "Your strength will undoubtedly shake the foundations of this world. But strength alone isn't enough to shape its future."
Fu Gu met his gaze, feeling the weight of the words but keeping his own ambitions clear in his mind. "I'll do things my way. Whatever comes next, I'll face it head-on."
Zhongli nodded. "Then I wish you luck in your journey. There are still many challenges ahead."
As Fu Gu turned to leave, Zhongli's voice stopped him.
"Be mindful, Fu Gu. Power attracts attention, and not all eyes are friendly."
Fu Gu didn't turn back. "Good. Let them come."
---
### **Keqing's Resolve**
Later that evening, Fu Gu found himself once again in Keqing's company. They stood atop a cliff overlooking Liyue Harbor, the city aglow in the soft light of lanterns.
Keqing had been silent for a while, clearly deep in thought. When she finally spoke, her words were steady but laced with emotion.
"You fought for Liyue, for the people. But you don't seem like someone bound to any nation or cause," she said, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
Fu Gu shrugged. "I fight for what matters to me. Right now, that's getting stronger and carving my path."
Keqing looked at him, her violet eyes searching for something in his expression. "You're different from anyone I've met. You have power, yes, but it's how you use it that intrigues me."
He smirked. "Intrigued, are you?"
She flushed slightly but held her composure. "You're arrogant. But not without reason. You've earned that confidence."
Fu Gu stepped closer, his tone shifting slightly. "And what about you? You don't strike me as the type who admires arrogance."
Keqing's eyes softened. "I admire strength. The strength to fight for what you believe in."
He held her gaze, feeling the weight of her words. There was a tension between them now, one that hadn't been there before. Keqing, so driven by her beliefs in human potential, had started to see something in him—a strength that aligned with her ideals.
"I'm not like the others," Fu Gu said quietly. "But I think you've already figured that out."
Keqing nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes. I have."
---
### **A New Direction**
As Fu Gu prepared for his next move, the time had come to leave Liyue behind for now. His strength had grown, and so had his reputation. But there was still much to be done. The Fatui had been dealt a blow, but they were far from defeated.
He stood at the edge of the harbor, watching the ships come and go, when Keqing approached once again.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" she asked.
"For now," he confirmed. "But I'll be back."
Keqing nodded. "Liyue will be waiting. And so will I."
Fu Gu gave her a small, confident smile. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
With that, he turned and walked toward the waiting ship, his next destination clear in his mind—Inazuma. There were still challenges to face, and perhaps even more allies to gain.
As the ship set sail, Fu Gu gazed out over the waters, his thoughts drifting back to Raiden Shogun. He had left Inazuma with more questions than answers, and now, with his power growing and his connections expanding, it was time to return. Time to face the next step in his journey.
---
Let me know if you'd like any changes, or if you'd like me to continue the story further!