I chuckled to myself, still carrying Nahida in my arms. My body ached from everything, but holding her like this felt light, almost effortless. She looked up at me, her eyes soft, and a small chuckle escaped her lips.
"Shigeru, can I read your mind?" she asked gently.
I grinned, leaning a little closer so she wouldn't miss a word. "Sure, but not too deep, okay? Can't have you dirtying your mind with my idiocy. You'll never recover."
Greg twitched on my shoulder, his tail flicking once like punctuation. See? Even the lizard knows you're not clean material.
Nahida giggled, a sound so light it almost pushed away the weight pressing on my chest. Her power brushed against me—warm, curious, gentle. And then, without warning, she hugged me tight. So sudden I nearly tripped.
Greg flicked his tail again against my cheek, like he was saying "Balance yourself, idiot, don't drop the kid." I rolled my eyes inwardly. Damn, this lizard's pretending to be my life coach now. Next he'll start giving TED talks.
"You're carrying so much," Nahida whispered. "I don't even know if I can help you… but I will do my best."
For a moment, I froze. My mouth opened, but nothing came out. Me, speechless. Rare sight, huh? I forced a grin before it got too heavy and ruffled her hair.
"Oi, don't go saying stuff like that. I'll cry, and trust me—you don't want to see an idiot like me cry. It's ugly. Like, rivers-of-snot ugly."
She pulled back, her tiny hands still clutching my shirt. I gently set her down on a jade-green sofa, its surface looking more like something carved by the heavens than furniture. Then I crouched, grinning. "Hold on a moment. Let me settle my girls first."
With that, I scooped up Lumine, Nilou, and Paimon like they were dolls. Soon enough, the three of them were sprawled across my lap. My legs felt like they were being crushed under divine punishment, but hey—worth it. I brushed Lumine's hair with one hand, Nilou's with the other, while Paimon snored like a miniature sawmill.
Greg shifted, climbing up to perch on my head like a crown. Yeah yeah, king of idiots, I get it, I thought dryly. His tail flicked once, suspiciously like agreement.
"Man, I'm lucky," I muttered. The words slipped out without my permission. "Blessed with companions who actually like me. What alternate universe did I stumble into?"
Nahida tilted her head, smiling faintly. "Shigeru… about what the Doctor said earlier."
"Oh, that?" I tilted my head back and let out a laugh that was a little too cracked. "Brace yourself. This explanation's gonna be fifty percent bullshit, forty percent weird analogies, and maaaybe ten percent logic."
Greg's claws tapped twice against my head, like he was saying 'More like one percent, dumbass.' I ignored him.
Nahida giggled. "That sounds about right."
I leaned forward, lowering my voice like I was about to tell ghost stories around a campfire. "The sky? Fake. Like, beyond fake. It's the biggest screen in existence. You're not looking at the universe—you're staring at a painted backdrop, like those cardboard sets in cheap plays. And beyond that fake sky? Oh boy."
I pointed dramatically upward. "That's where the real stuff is. Stars that don't play by our rules, truths so ugly they'd make even Childe cry, and maybe the bill for all the food Paimon's eaten."
Paimon snorted in her sleep like she was protesting. I smirked. "See? Even her subconscious denies it."
Greg tilted his head from above, his little claws tightening in my hair. He's probably thinking: great, this idiot's explaining the universe like it's a comedy skit.
Nahida covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "So… half of that sounds impossible, and the other half sounds like nonsense."
"Exactly," I said, tapping my temple. "But here's the kicker—I don't doubt it. Not even one percent. Which means either I'm a prophet… or the dumbest man alive."
Greg snorted through his tiny nostrils, already casting his vote.
"Or both," Nahida teased.
"Or both," I admitted, grinning. "But the sky's just the beginning. If it's fake, then who's keeping it up there? Celestia, of course. They're the ones behind the curtain, pulling strings, deciding who's god and who's pawn. People call it divine order. I call it the biggest cosmic scam ever."
Nahida's eyes sharpened, her tone serious now. "Then what lies ahead?"
I chuckled, crooked. "The Tsaritsa. Cryo Archon herself. She's planning to march right up to Celestia's doorstep. And she's not knocking politely. More like, 'Hey bastards, open up or I'm freezing this place solid.' She's collecting the gnoses to make the biggest battering ram in history. And honestly? Part of me wants to watch Celestia's face when she does it."
Greg flicked his tail against my forehead like 'Shut up before someone quotes you.' Relax, buddy.
Nahida frowned. "That's dangerous."
"Understatement of the year," I said, shifting the girls in my lap. "But she's not the only storm. The Abyss Order? They've got their own endgame. Some of it ties back to the twins—to Lumine. Some of it's about what lurks beyond that fake sky. Monsters that don't belong, knowledge that rots you from the inside. They don't want to play the game. They want to flip the whole board."
My voice dipped low, quieter than I meant. "The Abyss doesn't just want destruction. They want replacement. A whole new reality where their rules apply, not ours. Imagine someone flipping over a chessboard and saying, 'Cool, now it's checkers.' That's the Abyss."
Greg's tail wrapped around my ear tightly, like 'Don't joke too much, idiot, you're scaring her.' Fair point.
Her eyes widened. "And you… know all this?"
"Know? Nah." I grinned. "I just put puzzle pieces together. Half the pieces are missing, and the artist was probably drunk. But the patterns are there. If I'm right, the future's chaos. Pure chaos. What we went through? Just the opening act."
Greg's tail twitched, his little body tense. Yeah, yeah, don't look so proud, idiot, I thought.
"Which is why I'm not going solo," I continued. "Think I'd shoulder this alone? Okay, maybe I would, but not this time. I've got a pact with a few folks you know—Zhongli, Venti, Ayato. If the Tsaritsa fails, if Celestia's confirmed as the true enemy, then it's on us to deal with them. Celestia and the Abyss. Both. And let me tell you, the Abyss has fashion sense so bad it should be illegal. Half of them look like they got dressed in the dark."
Nahida blinked, then laughed softly. "You four… working together. That's unexpected."
"Unexpected, sure. But together? We've got resources that can rival anything. Zhongli's got contracts and history. Ayato's got politics and brains. Venti's got… wine and bad decisions. And me? I've got the stupidity to charge first. It balances out."
Greg slapped his tail on my head like punctuation. Even he agrees.
I leaned in. "And that's where you come in, Nahida. Someday, we'll need you too. Not now. Not when you've carried Sumeru's weight on your shoulders. But when the time comes… will you stand with us?"
Her answer was soft, but steady. "Of course I will. If you are fighting for Teyvat's future, then I will stand with you."
Something warm stirred in my chest. I hid it behind a grin. "Knew I could count on you. Little green powerhouse joins the roster."
She giggled. "You really are impossible."
The room fell quiet, save for Paimon's tiny snores. Nahida's gaze softened, but her words cut through. "You really are carrying too much."
I smirked. "Better me than them."
Greg curled his tail around my ear like 'Liar.' Yeah, yeah, let me be cool for one line.
Finally, I stood, shifting the girls carefully in my arms. "Alright. I'll take them to the teapot first. Rest well, Nahida. You've done more than enough."
Her smile was so bright it hurt. "Thank you for saving Sumeru, Shigeru. Fate-changing hero."
My throat tightened. I hid it with a grin and a peace sign. "Heh. Don't make me blush, little one."
Greg twitched again, like he was laughing at my fake cool act. Yeah yeah, shut up, buddy.
And before her words could sink in too deep, I teleported us to the teapot.
***
I tucked the three of them under the blankets like some overworked innkeeper, brushing their hair off their faces as they drifted into dreamland. Nilou was still mumbling half-words about dances, Lumine curled herself up like a cat, and Paimon… yeah, Paimon was already drooling. Typical. I clapped my hands together, stretching my back.
"Alright! Time to do something producti—"
And just like that, my knees buckled. My body hit the floor, eyes wide.
"Ah… shit."
The truth smacked me harder than any Fatui agent ever could. I'd been running around, throwing out plans, keeping everyone alive, talking too much—too damn much—and my body finally decided, nope, you're done.
I looked to the side and saw Greg. The little bastard was already sprawled out, tongue flicking weakly. Even the lizard couldn't escape the creeping claws of exhaustion. A grin tugged at my lips.
"Serves you right, lizard."
I collapsed beside him. My body screamed at me, but my grin didn't fade. Greg's tail slapped me once across the cheek before we both passed out cold.
...
I woke to sunlight. And a smile.
"Wakey wakey, my hero. Let's go, to the Grand Bazaar!"
Nilou's face hovered above mine, radiant, bright, soft in a way that made my chest ache. She smiled like I was worth smiling at. How the hell was I supposed to say no to that?
I rubbed my eyes, groaning. "Man… if you're smiling like that, how can I say no?"
Nilou giggled softly. "You always find an excuse to laze around, don't you?"
I sat up, still feeling like a rock had replaced my spine. Lumine was nearby, fixing her hair with those steady hands of hers. She raised a brow, her expression saying, are you done being dramatic yet? I raised a brow back, silently asking why the hell we were even going to the Bazaar this early. She leaned close, whispering.
"Nilou will have a farewell performance there."
"Ohhh…" My eyes widened. "Well, why didn't you say so earlier?"
Paimon yawned loudly, rubbing her eyes. "Because if we told you too soon, you'd just faint again from excitement!"
I scooped up Greg, who was still snoring like he had the audacity to dream, and got myself together. His tongue flicked lazily at me, as if to say don't drag me into this.
...
The Grand Bazaar was alive. Music, chatter, the smell of food stalls clinging to the air. Nilou walked between us, her smile glowing, but behind it—I saw it. A shadow. A hint of sadness. My chest tightened. Without thinking, I reached out, took her hand, and gave her a firm nod. No words needed. Just… I'm here.
Her smile softened, her eyes shimmering, and I squeezed her hand before letting go.
Then a familiar voice rang out.
"Ahh, if it isn't the shining star of Sumeru."
Mr. Zubayr. That mountain of a man strode toward us, grin plastered across his face. He stopped before Nilou, lowering his voice as if it was just for her. "I guess it's time to say goodbye?"
Nilou's lips trembled into a smile. "Yes… I guess so."
Zubayr chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, why the long face? You're about to go on an adventure with the people you cherish the most. Be happy."
Nilou nodded, though her hands tightened around her skirt. "I'll try… I'll dance my best."
Her eyes welled with tears, a bright smile breaking free even as they slid down her cheeks. She nodded.
"Come now," Zubayr said, patting her shoulder. "One last performance."
Nilou turned to us—me, Lumine, Paimon, even Greg. Her gaze searched, as if asking silently.
I grinned, pumping a fist. "We'll cheer for you, Goddess!"
Lumine added with a firm nod, "We'll be right here, no matter what."
Paimon waved both arms frantically. "You better give it your all, Nilou! Make it the best one ever!"
Greg flicked his tail twice, like a drumroll.
Nilou's eyes shone. She stepped onto the stage.
...
I'd seen her dance before. Gods, I'd seen her dance. But this… this was something else. Every step, every spin, every sway of her arms carried the weight of farewell, of gratitude, of love for everyone watching. The music seemed to bend around her, the crowd silent, entranced. I couldn't look away.
This was her best performance. Her masterpiece. No one could top it. Not in a hundred years.
When the final note faded, Nilou stood at the center of the stage. Her chest rose and fell, her cheeks glistening, her lips trembling—but her voice rang clear.
"Thank you." Her voice was soft, but it carried like sunlight across the Bazaar. "Thank you for every smile, every cheer, every moment you gave me. Each one has been a blessing. You've given me more than I can ever repay."
Her eyes swept slowly, as if she wanted to meet every gaze. "I used to wonder if my dances were enough. If I could really bring joy. But every time you clapped, every time you smiled, you answered me. You made me believe I had a place here."
Her lips quivered, but she held firm. "Every applause, every laugh, every tear… it's all inside me now. They're not just memories. They're treasures. I'll take them with me like lanterns in the dark. When I'm lost, I'll light them and find my way back."
She took a shaky breath, placing a hand over her heart. "When I think of the children laughing, of friends cheering, of strangers becoming family in this very plaza… I know I'll never dance alone. Not ever."
"This isn't goodbye. Not really. Because as long as I keep dancing, all of you will be with me. When my feet touch the stage, I'll remember this Bazaar, these faces, this love. Every twirl will carry your voices. Every step will carry your warmth."
She turned slightly, her eyes seeking Dunyarzad, then Zubayr, then us. "And even if the world is far away, when I close my eyes, I'll hear the music here. I'll see you all. My family, my friends, my Sumeru."
Her voice cracked, trembling, but she pressed both hands tight against her chest. "Thank you… for letting me be your Nilou. For letting me live as someone who could bring joy through dance. You gave me more than I ever deserved. And no matter how far I go, you'll be here—" she pointed to her heart, tears streaming freely now, "—always here."
She bowed deeply, her frame trembling but unbroken. "So please, smile for me. Because every smile you've given me is the reason I can dance again tomorrow."
By the time she bowed deeply, half the crowd was crying—including Paimon, who was sobbing like someone had just stolen her last snack. Lumine wiped her eyes, trying to look composed, but I caught the tears anyway. Even Greg blinked a little too much for my liking. Yeah, busted.
And then the applause hit. Thunderous, endless applause. Cyno stood at the back, stoic but clapping with steady rhythm. Dehya grinned wide, tears running down her cheeks. Dunyarzad pressed a hand over her heart. Even Alhaitham, that smug bastard, was clapping like it was worth his time. Dori was yelling about making posters, Rahman and Setaria stood tall with pride, Kaveh waved a handkerchief dramatically. Everyone. Everyone was there.
I whistled, loud enough to cut through the roar. Pride swelled in my chest, my eyes hot. Yeah, that was my Goddess up there.
She spotted me through the crowd, her smile breaking wider. And then—
"Hero, catch me!"
"Wait wha—"
She leapt. My heart skipped a beat, but my arms didn't fail. I caught her, her weight sinking into me perfectly.
"Caught you, Goddess."
Nilou's arms locked around my neck. She laughed through her tears. "I knew you would."
I squeezed her close, smug grin plastered on my face. Of course I would.
...
Later, we sat on a bench near the Statue of the Seven. The sun dipped low, painting the sky in orange and gold. Nilou leaned against me, Lumine beside her, Paimon nibbling something she'd stolen, Greg curled lazily at my feet. We talked about nothing—food, silly dreams, dumb stories. The kind of talk that makes the world feel safe for once.
But my chest was heavy. Because I knew. It was time.
I sighed, quietly, and muttered to myself. "Now that everything's settled… I guess it's time."
Greg blinked up at me. I swear the lizard understood. He gave a slow nod, tongue flicking like he was officiating the moment.
Paimon tilted her head, crumbs still on her cheeks. "Time for what? Don't tell Paimon it's more training, because Paimon refuses!"
Nilou lifted her head, her eyes gentle but curious. "Shigeru? What's wrong?"
Lumine narrowed her gaze. She knew. Of course she knew. "You've been fidgeting for a while. Spit it out already."
"Time for me to do something that might be even scarier than fighting gods," I admitted, my voice quieter than usual. Which probably meant I was dead serious.
Nilou blinked, confusion written all over her face. "Scarier than that? What could possibly—"
Paimon gasped dramatically. "Wait, you're not going to announce you're secretly a god, right?!"
Greg slapped his tail against the bench once, as if saying get on with it, idiot.
I clenched my fist. The ring I'd carved in Liyue dug into my palm. The finest stone, the hardest effort, all mine. My heart thudded against my ribs. My throat went dry. But hell, I wasn't backing out now.
I cleared my throat, faking a cough to grab their attention. Both Nilou and Lumine turned to me. Paimon froze mid-bite. Greg flicked his tail twice. All eyes on me. Perfect.
I stood, my knees wobbling slightly. "Alright. Uh. Don't laugh."
Lumine arched a brow. "That's a terrible way to start."
Nilou giggled softly, tilting her head. "You're trembling… but you look so determined."
Paimon squinted suspiciously. "Wait, are you—oh! Ohhh! Paimon thinks she knows what's going on!"
I dropped to one knee, holding out the rings. My voice cracked like an amateur bard, but I forced it out.
"Alright, listen up. I'm not great with words—"
Lumine snorted immediately. "Understatement of the year."
Nilou's laugh rang like bells. "But you always find a way to talk when it matters most."
Heat rushed to my face. "Shut up, both of you. This is serious!"
They both quieted, though their smiles lingered. My throat tightened. Gods, this was harder than fighting five Fatui Harbingers all at once.
I took a deep breath. My voice wobbled but I pushed through. "I know I'm an idiot. I know I mess up, I get reckless, I talk too damn much, and sometimes I probably make your lives harder than they need to be. But…" My chest tightened, and I swallowed hard. "But the truth is, when I see you smile, when I hear you laugh, when you reach for my hand like I'm someone worth holding on to… I feel like the luckiest fool alive. I feel like maybe I was put in this world just to walk beside you both, to protect you, to love you. You make me believe I can be more than just an idiot stumbling through chaos. You make me believe I can be a man worthy of your hearts."
Nilou's eyes shimmered, and Lumine's lips parted slightly, like she wanted to interrupt, but she stayed quiet. My chest squeezed harder.
"And look, I know I'm not perfect. I'll probably burn the kitchen down if I ever try to cook, I'll get us lost even with a map, and Greg will forever judge me every time I trip on a rock. But if you'll let me… I want to keep making those stupid mistakes with you. Because every stumble feels worth it when you're both there to laugh, or scold me, or pull me back up."
Greg flicked his tongue and gave me this deadpan stare. Even the lizard knew I was baring my soul.
I chuckled, though my throat was tight. "You both turned my world upside down. Nilou, your smile… it's like sunlight, and I swear the world feels softer when you laugh. Lumine, you… you make me stronger just by standing beside me. You remind me to keep walking forward, even when I want to give up. Together, you've both made me into something I never thought I could be: someone who's not afraid to love."
My hand trembled as I held out the rings. "So even if it's chaotic. Even if it's a mess. Even if we cause too much destruction and Paimon screams at us for it. Will you still give me the privilege… of spending all of those adventures with me? Not just as allies. Not just as friends. But as the people I want to share every sunrise, every fight, every dance, every stupid joke with… for as long as this crazy world lets me?"
The silence that followed stretched forever. Nilou's lips trembled. Lumine's eyes widened, tears already gathering. Paimon dropped the snack she was holding, covering her mouth like she was about to burst. Greg slapped his tail again, impatient, like hurry up and say yes already.
Nilou gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, tears glistening instantly. Lumine's eyes went wide, shimmering as her lips parted in shock.
"Shigeru…" Nilou whispered, her voice breaking. "You idiot… of course I will."
Lumine let out a shaky laugh, brushing at her eyes. "Yes, idiot. Yes! Do you really think we'd say no after everything?"
Paimon shrieked, shooting into the air. "Paimon knew it! Paimon knew this would happen! Finally! Finally! This is the proposal of the century! And Paimon was front row!!"
Greg slapped his tail against the bench like applause, then crawled onto my lap and flicked his tongue at the rings like he was blessing them.
Nilou and Lumine both rushed forward, crashing into me, arms wrapping tight, their tears soaking my shoulders.
"Yes!" Nilou sobbed, her voice shaking but certain. "Yes, a thousand times yes!"
"Yes, you reckless fool!" Lumine laughed through her tears. "We'd follow you anywhere. Always."
My own eyes blurred. My chest burned, but in the best way. I held them close, laughing and crying all at once. "Guess that's a yes then."
Paimon was bawling into her tiny hands. "This is better than treasure! Better than Mora! Better than—ugh! Paimon's gonna cry forever!"
Greg perched himself proudly on my shoulder like the world's tiniest best man. His smug little blink screamed, about damn time.
And for the first time in a long time, I felt whole. Like the world, chaotic and cruel as it was, finally made sense.
___________
End of Chapter 153