Illusions | Xiao x Reader x Zhongli

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And thus, a contract was sealed between the two Gods. Under Rex Lapis' training and protection, Gui Mei was to fight and protect Liyue against evil with her illusions.

She was able to hide herself with ease in the battlefield. Suspicion aroused Celestia when Rex Lapis was ahold of new power. The God was known for fighting his enemies head-on, yet in disguise was his mastermind that allowed his enemies to fall to their knees, even before he had set his eyes on them.

While the God had chosen to keep his clothing simple, Gui Mei had always liked to add details of jewelry in her clothes. Perhaps, the most common feature they shared was the tips of their hair resonated with the color of their element.

Though, the Illusion Goddess had always admired Rex Lapis' hair more, not only for it's soft and silky features when she would brush it for him, but also for the way it would glow when he used his Geo powers.

Many times, she would catch herself distracted from the enemies to watch the way his highlights would glow. She often pestered him about it, asking why her hair doesn't act like his.

She had always thought that the moment of their first contract was the most he would ever surprise her. Yet today came a moment she never thought would occur.

"Mei, I'd like you to meet Guizhong."

Though Rex Lapis could only personally train Gui Mei occasionally, through the blood, sweat and tears that were shed each day, they always had the end of the week to look forward to.

It had been a tradition the two of them had shared for over five hundred years to sit together on the last sunset of every week, drinking Osmanthus wine until the sun was in sight once again.

Nonetheless to say, she was confused, hurt and a little angry. Although this occasion was not one held together by a contract, it was still special to her.

"She is the Goddess of Dust. She is physically weak, but she will be helping us in the War with her brains."

Gui Mei looked at the two back and forth, confusion growing each time she glanced at one of them.

Was she getting replaced?

How did they even meet?

Why... today?

And just like that, a tradition was broken.

Years passed where she had come to be a silent listener to their conversations. Losing sight of what she once was, continuing to slay evil that had come into contact with Liyue.

The jewels that once adorned her clothes had been stowed away, finding them nuisances for limiting her speed. The light in her eyes that could once reflect everything in her vision had faded, only to return at the sight of her enemies begging for their lives.

She was still nowhere as strong as Rex Lapis, but the mere touch of her fingers against her enemies gave her complete control over their minds. She was able to dig through every bit of their memories and find their weaknesses, creating an illusion within their mind that would lead to their demise, either by her hands or their own.

When did I become like this?

She stared at her clothes, tainted with blood as she once again accompanied Rex Lapis and Guizhong to strategize their next actions for the current Archon war.

Keeping her thoughts to herself during their exchange, she couldn't help but listen in on the compliments that the Geo God would give to the Goddess of Dust.

"Intelligence and beauty, a perfect picture for a goddess, would you not say so, Mei?"

The Illusion Goddess looked up at Rex Lapis, only to look back at the cup of wine in front of her.

Was it still even wine? Guizhong had always preferred tea over wine.

She looked at her reflection from the drink and back at Guizhong, nodding as she tried to fix her appearance.

"Oh! There's no need for that," Guizhong grabbed Mei's hand, halting her from fixing her hair. "You're already much beautiful as is." She gently smiled at her.

Gui Mei looked back down, diving in her thoughts again.

If she wanted to, she could have killed her already.

She could have put her through her worst misery and led her to kill herself.

She could have done so a thousand years ago when she brushed her hair after a brutal fight.

Guizhong's sincerity and kindness had always made her envious. It's something she never had, before and after meeting Rex Lapis.

Perhaps that's what made her so special.