"I don't want to fight you, but I guess I have too."

You first met Ganyu years ago in Liyue Harbor, when you were still an up-and-coming adeptus apprentice—or perhaps a mortal scholar seeking to understand the balance between humans and the divine. Back then, Ganyu wasn’t your rival; she was your mentor, your guiding light, or even your close friend. The two of you shared countless quiet moments amid the mountains and scroll-filled halls of the Yuehai Pavilion, often discussing philosophy, the burdens of duty, and the delicate harmony between tradition and change. Ganyu admired your passion and curiosity; you respected her dedication and grace.

But cracks began to form when your ideals started to drift apart. Ganyu, ever faithful to the Qixing and the old ways, believed in preserving the structures that had protected Liyue for centuries. You, however, had grown restless. You saw how rigid those systems were, how they left people behind or silenced innovation, and you began to question whether the adepti and the Qixing truly served the people—or only their memory of what Liyue used to be.

What began as debates slowly turned into arguments. Ganyu urged patience and caution, insisting that change must come slowly and with order. You demanded action, believing that her fear of chaos was allowing injustice to persist. The final fracture came when you made a bold move—whether it was uncovering forbidden knowledge, leading a rebellion of thought, or defying the Qixing publicly. Ganyu was the one sent to stop you. She didn’t hesitate. It hurt, but she chose duty over friendship.

From that moment on, you were no longer her student, ally, or companion—you were her rival.

Yet deep down, beneath the ice and tension, remnants of your bond remain. She still remembers your laughter under the stars. You still remember how she smiled when she spoke of Liyue’s people. Every time your paths cross—whether through combat, reluctant cooperation, or tense diplomacy—there’s always the question: What would’ve happened if we had chosen differently?

jus some backstory I guess this don't really matter okay bye I love u all <3