#I feel for Furina. It definitely wasn’t her fault. She is who she is and any human w inexperience would behave the same way

[lavenderchqn]

𝐶𝛨𝛢𝑃𝑇𝛦𝑅 𝟎𝟏𝟑 — GENESIS - PT. 2 (1,2K WORDS) 𝑅𝐸𝐷 𝐿𝐼𝑁𝐸𝑆 — lyney x f!reader smau

𝑆𝑌𝑁𝑂𝑃𝑆𝐼𝑆 —

Second year of university should've been everything you thought of it - more studying with human interaction sprinkled throught... What it definitely wasn't supposed to be was an investigation saga where one of your friends goes missing out of nowhere

𝑃𝑅𝐸𝑉𝐼𝑂𝑈𝑆 — 𝑀𝐴𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑅𝐿𝐼𝑆𝑇 — 𝑁𝐸𝑋𝑇 𝐸𝑃𝐼𝑆𝑂𝐷𝐸 CONTENT WARNING: PANIC ATTACKS

The question asked by [Y/N] changes the atmosphere of the kitchen. It falls into silence, with a hint of cold wind coming from the living room. Nobody comments for a second, trying to wrap their heads around it.

“Is she not upstairs with Navia and Charlotte?” Wriothesley’s the first one to break the ice. 

“When I woke up, she wasn’t there,” Clorinde answers. 

Worry sets into multiple people. The girls are both aware that Lynette wouldn't give up anything to sleep as long as possible. Her being awake at 7 am during summer sounds highly unlikely.

[Y/N] pulls out her phone, dialling her friend. Everyone is sitting, waiting for anything to happen. Not long after, you can hear a faint sound of music coming from above.

Clorinde gets up, saying she’s going to check the upstairs. Soon enough, she leaves the room in search of the source. 

The silence comes once again… accompanied by someone's leg tapping on the floor. 

Neuvillette and Wriothesley also get up to start looking for her downstairs. They both seem hopeful she might be nearby somewhere, taking a cat nap. In their search, they take notice of the opened door to the backyard. Furina and [Y/N] stay in the kitchen, still trying to get ahold of her phone. 

Lyney, who up to this point had only tried to battle his hangover by having espresso, is visibly nervous. As time passes, he looks visibly more uncomfortable.

“The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again late—“ [Y/N] ends the call and puts the phone on the table. Taking a look at the remaining group in the kitchen, her face in discomfort. 

“Is there any way Lynette would just… leave on her own accord?” Furina asks, noticing a notification on [Y/N]’s phone from Clorinde. She managed to locate Lynette's phone… unfortunately. 

With Neuvillette’s and Wriothesley’s return — locating turning unsuccessful — [Y/N] isn’t so sure. 

“Lynette isn’t a person who would do that.” She answers, albeit nervously. Her body is still eating at her. Something is clearly not right. Lynette wouldn’t do this… surely. 

“What are the chances… she’s been kidnapped?” [Y/N] asks. 

The moment those words leave her mouth, Lyney’s head starts spinning. The blood pounds in his ears. His heart pounds in his chest. He can feel he’s falling to the ground. His hands are shaking. Are his eyes seeing double?

He can barely breathe, pain overtaking his body. Every singular breath he takes gets counterattacked with a painful stab. Somebody’s speaking. He doesn’t know who. He doesn’t know what they’re saying. Is he going to die? Surely, he must be. That’s what Lynette would’ve wanted anyway. She wouldn’t want him on this world knowing he allowed her to get kidnapped. It’s his fault. It’s all of his fault. He couldn’t even do the simplest fucking thing and protect her. 

His eyes are drums, pounding with blood. The sole tiles he can see are spinning. It must be his last minutes alive. Why hadn’t anyone said it would be this painful to leave this godforsaken world. It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters. Ever since his birth, his only goal was to protect Lynette. What a pathetic human being he is. Lynette is dead, and he’s next. He shouldn’t have drunk this much. Shouldn’t have drunk at all. If he was sober, she would still be here. 

His throat is closing. No matter how much air he tries to gather, there's no use. He's dying. Why wouldn’t he be able to breathe otherwise? Lynette’s taking her sweet revenge. She wants him to feel as much pain as possible. He deserves this. He disappointed his only biological family member. 

All of a sudden something touches him. He needs to get away. He can’t allow death to take him like this. He pushes as hard as he can. Has something fallen? It doesn’t matter. He must run. No matter how he needs to get away. 

Furina starts breathing heavily. Her eyes wander all over the room, trying to figure out what happened just now. She’s not the only one confused at what just transpired. Wriothesley is stuck around frozen in his place. [Y/N]’s eyes cannot stop blinking, trying to take the information in.

“Wriothesley,” Neuvillette’s cold voice exclaims. “Get me an ice pack. I’m getting Furina out of here. Best we do that before she also has a panic attack.” 

He does as he says, helping the girl to her feet and leading her out of the room. Now it’s just Wriothesley and [Y/N] left in the kitchen. 

“C-can we even get him under control?” She whispers, clearly worried about ending up like the girl. She’s still trying to process the way Lyney pushed Furina’s body into the cabinets. 

“We have to,” Wriothesley states. “For his own sake.” 

The commotion downstairs gets Charlotte, Navia and Clorinde on their feet. They are getting downstairs to get to the kitchen before being stopped by Neuvillette.

“What just happened?” Navia asks, looking around for answers. She notices the glassy eyes of Furina and the mildly pissed-off look of Neuvillette’s. 

"Are you alright?" Charlotte adds. "We've just heard a crash." 

“Take pictures of the house.” He says. “We’re going to need evidence.” 

Charlotte takes out her phone and heads upstairs to get the task done. She can hear Navia’s shout, asking her to find a bag to put Lynette’s phone in. 

“I take it Lyney didn’t take the news well?” Clorinde asks, stealing a glance at Furina’s body. With how Neuvillette’s body is shielding a part of her from the eyes of the girls… something must’ve happened. Navia puts a hand on Clorinde’s shoulder. She’s quietly signifying to not push either of them further.

“Do whatever you have to, Neuvillette,” She smiles sadly. “We’ll take a look in the garden.”  With that, they are off — ready to check if there was any way for a kidnapper to get into the house. 

“You can cry now, nobody’s watching.” 

“How… rude.” Furina elbows him for that comment, before wiping her tears away. Her breathing is more stable now, with the adrenaline in her body decreasing. 

“Be glad. From what I’m seeing, you’ll end up with a bruise or two at most.” Neuvillette stands in the entryway to the kitchen, waiting for the ice. 

"I can't believe how you're able to be calm through all that!" 

“Wriothesley, could you please… get that ice?” [Y/N] keeps her eyes on Lyney who's still breathing heavily in the other room. She must do everything in her power to help him back to reality. 

“Yeah… absolutely.” He starts gathering the ice and stuffing it into the bag. “I’m not usually like this. My bad.” 

He manages to pass the bag to Neuvillette before taking a seat. His body is still processing everything that happened this morning. 

In the meantime, [Y/N] moves closer to Lyney. She needs to put as little weight into her steps to not scare him away. From how quiet he is, the attack he’s going through must’ve tired the male out. Although his breathing is still uneven, it’s not as quick as it was moments ago. 

She inches as close as possible without touching him. She sits on the floor directly in front of him. While [Y/N] cannot guarantee that her words will be able to get to him… She hopes they will offer him even the tiniest bit of comfort. 

“Lyney. We’re going to find Lynette. I promise you that on my heart.” She puts up her pinky finger in his direction, her other hand on her chest.

𝑇𝐴𝐺𝐿𝐼𝑆𝑇 — OPEN

@state-of-grac3 @santaluna @meigalaxy @romyoia

@meurtreofcrows @charles-braindump @floweringanna @moonjellyfishie @vavrin

date of publishing — august 28th 2024

[razorblade180]

The Abyss Run

[Musk Reef]

Kirara: Special Delivery! Who ordered the First Aid K- OH MY GOODNESS!

It wasn’t often Kirara found herself completely caught off guard; especially with these particular kinds of deliveries within her friend group. She couldn’t remember the last time she was asked to help with an Abyss domains. However, there certainly wasn’t this many people injured or even requested!

No matter where she looked, someone was in sight. Aether was bandaged up and sitting near the portal while the rest of his friends weren’t any better or enthusiastic.

Keqing, Raiden, Hu Tao, Yelan, Zhongli, Yoimiya, Wanderer, Mona, Kazuha, to the likes of Chevruse, Bennett, Navia, Xiangling, Xingqui, Furina, Noelle, and more! So many friends sulking and bruised up to varying degrees. Even the Kamisato siblings!

Kirara:What the heck is happening!?

Everyone:Suffering.

Kirara:You can’t beat it?

Faruzan:Beating a few monsters isn’t the issue. It’s just…

Collei:There’s so many, and so little time. It’s so daunting!

Nilou:*laying down* Not mention oddly paced. Specifically, floor twelve, chamber one.

Just uttering that made everyone grunt. Was giving up an option? Definitely. Aether wasn’t holding anyone hostage and he actively ran in himself to conquer the beast. This wasn’t the first time gaining every star was impossible, but this should be possible. Many among them were truly strong and have tested their teams in many trials. It was obvious when a challenge felt out of their depth, but this felt fundamentally cruel.

Yoimiya:Guys, I’m sorry I’m not cutting it this time. I’m just too slow.

Hu Tao:If you’re slow then I’m a snail with no slime. We can do a lot together but it it’s enough! Why are things appearing in intervals!?

Ei:It certainly doesn’t make things easy. Raw power does little here.

Baizhu:But consistency still needs it or it’s pointless as well.

Kirara:What’s the troubling part?

Aether:Multiple waves, but they’re spread out. Mechs, emerites that tame beasts, but the bigger issue is the other side which Pyro mages into Lectors and then Serpent Knights.

Sucrose:Just when you counter one thing, it’s at potential expense of another. Time, power and safety being the big thing. The issue is only made worse with the blatant demand for hydro.

Furina:*mumbles* Where’s Neuvillette when you need him?

Aether:Hey! We don’t dwell on decisions not made. We’re strong; I know this. Also that’s rude to say in front of Ayato.

Ayato:I can acknowledge that man’s strength. I’m more concerned about others who might feel a little more discouraged, given other people who aren’t here to help.

Yoi and Hu Tao: We are fine.

Xiangling:I’m kinda not. I really thought I could pull through.

Lyney:Even Father wouldn’t scoff at this challenge. You’re doing fine.

Tighnari:And Al Haitham has his own faults. He’s not exactly made for the second half, and we’re not slow on the first half either. This is a team problem that only gets solved together.

Shenhe:Sorry I’m not more helpful.

Ayaka:You’re perfectly fine. Some battles are worse than others.

Navia:I’m sorry your first Abyss has such a dreadful atmosphere.

Clorinde:It’s perfectly alright. If anything, a shared struggle makes it easier to know everyone faster. Despite the outcome, it’s been nice.

Yao yao: *passing out food* We feel the same!

Wanderer:*mumbles* Don’t be so sure.

Sethos:Be nice. We need the positivity while others are hard at work.

Scaramouche looks over to the left, along with a few other people, watching Keqing, Kokomi, and Nahida looking at a list of failed combinations, time markers, and allies. Honestly if people did want to leave, those three were holding enough determination to make people power through. Those three, Nilou, and Clorinde had the most bandages by far from constant runs, but were pretty good thanks to multiple healers.

Aether:Any luck? We could call it a d-

KNK: Hold on!

Aether:*smiles* I tried.

Keqing:Nahida, do you have any unconventional wisdom left?

Nahida:Honestly….I don’t like to admit it but I think at this point it really comes down to effort.

Kokomi:I’m inclined to agree. Several of these plans are genuinely solid, and I do believe many of us here have the strength and synergy. Our missing speed may come down to a little luck and repetition.

Nilou:….*sits up* Put me back in. In a broad sense, it’s no different than practicing a dance routine in terms or repetition. I feel like can take on the first half pretty well. Although that leaves less hydro for the Lectors.

Clorinde:…I’ll fight them. Electro is the next best thing. Also if I’m confident in anything, it’s my speed. Give me a bit of wiggle room and I’ll make the most of it.

Mona: Well if those two are going to lead, then all that’s left is to decide the teams and try our best. So, who’s going?

xxxxx

[Floor 12-1, two hours later]

If visions were given to those with ambition, then Nahida wondered if a person could be so ambitious that they gained multiple. If that were the case, she was certain she’d find out at any moment. For someone of his health, Dr. Baizhu was incredibly stubborn; his glasses were discarded as he took a rest to her left. On Nahida’s right, Furina had long since tossed her hat aside, letting her hair run wild. Both of them had fresh bruises and sweat but seemed motivated all the same.

Then, there was Nilou. Unlike the other two, she chose to stand near the challenge sigil. She had discarded her headdress and hour in and naturally had the most bruises. Still, she calmly took deep breaths to steady herself and remained focused.

Nilou:Is everyone ready? At this point I think it’s safe to say muscle memory is on our side.

Nahida:You may be right, but….

Furina:You need a bigger break than all of us! As a fellow performer, I’m well aware that a supporting role is at times the most harsh.

Baizhu:I agree. You really should sit awhile.

Nilou:It’s okay. I’m used to long hours practicing, and it’s cooler in here than in the desert. Also if I’m being completely honest…I might not want to stand up again if I sit down.

NFB: (More like she won’t be able to)

Furina:Very well. The show must go on. *stands*

Nilou:Alright everyone. Just like we’ve rehearsed. Lesser Lord Kusanali, Dr.Baizhu, the lead is yours. Lady Furina-

Furina:I’ll match the rhythm. Also for crying out loud *smiles* just call me Furina. The rest of my friends do.

Nilou gave a tender smile and nodded before focusing on the task ahead. She took one final deep breath as everyone got in position behind her. Once again, Nilou sprinted forward. The moment she activated the trail, she went straight into her sword dance and conjuring rings of water with a leap that landed her in front of the primal constructs; she paid them no mind as they were quickly marked by her god and assaulted by Furina’s honored guest while a shield protected her from bloom explosions.

Nilou completely to the other side, leaving the enemies to Nahida while Furina and Baizhu also ran. A Ruin Guard appeared right on time and was immediately marked. A sanctuary from Nahida dawned the arena as Furina gave her blessings. Baizhu constantly pressured the mech alongside Nilou’s dance. With another leap, she flew towards the right and landed with a big splash as two Ruin Drakes rampaged.

Thank goodness for Baizhu’s shield for cushioning violent swings. Nilou too her fleeting seconds of rest as her three friends converged to her spot to actively face the bots, attempting to keep them close by so the constant bombardment of cores could do their job. This was always the worst part.

Nilou began to dance once more and at the moment of the robots’ end, she once again ran to the other side first. Nahida and the honor guests were right behind her. They wasted no time attacking the Emerites on sight, marking them and their summons as the foes circled them in the chaos of dendro. Sanctuaries were fortified, shields, blessings, and attacks were constant from all angles, but Nilou paid it not mind. The clambering of noise would not distract her from making it perfectly between all obstacles and sending out one final wave that drowned out all noise, reducing everything to silence. All that remained was the sound of her own panting, her head held down as she remained in the pose that ended it all.

Nahida and Baizhu: (Stamina or not, she’s clearly exhausted.)

Furina:Hey, are you-

Nilou:T-The time? How much time did we use?

xxxxxxxx

Clorinde:One minute a four seconds. They shaved off five seconds.

Kokomi:Do you think that’s enough?

Clorinde:I can’t say for certain, but I refuse to let such efforts go to waste so easily.

Being a leader wasn’t particularly new for Clorinde, but she had to admit today had been like no other and her partners were no small part in that. Although she was rookie in this case, she’s never been a stranger to long hunts or tests of endurance. Still, this entire situation was enough to mess up her hair and toss even her precious hat aside. The only reason she wasn’t completely drenched in sweat was ironically due to the pyro enemies reducing even sweat into nothingness.

Kazuha and Kokomi were a bit singed, but despite the numerous attempts, they both sat down in relative comfort. Not all that surprising for two people accustomed to war. What really surprised Clorinde was how a young lady from the land of freedom was currently stretching out her limbs and was just as, if not more comfortable.

Fischl’s clothes were scrapped up and her interesting speech patterns had been dropped about an hour into this battle. Clorinde had to give the adventurer credit. Fischl remained the same aside from those two facts.

Clorinde:You’re really used to this, aren’t you? I admit I had a few worries in the beginning but they were clearly not necessary.

Fischl:Surprised are you? It’s only natural. I may not look like, but I’m one of the few people who could tell you about every single challenging trial Aether has tried to overcome.

Clorinde:Ah, so you’re veteran among veterans. I’m honored.

Fischl:Hehe, it just worked out that way. I could tell you crazy stories about the chaos Keqing and I faced in a mysterious domain, or even tales of a very ferocious wolf. This isn’t my first time facing an impossible task. You’d be surprised just how possible they turn out in the end.

Kazuha:Best to take her word on it. The Prinzessin has an intuition about these things.

Fischl:Naturally!

Kazuha:Also we have a war strategist.

Fischl:That too!

Kokomi:March full speed ahead until the very end. Kazuha and I will make sure you won’t miss a step.

Clorinde:Then I suppose there’s nothing left to be said.

They all rise up and space out. Kokomi stands facing the center while Clorinde and Fischl are on the right and left of the area a little closer. Kazuha runs right up the middle and activates the challenge, immediately jumping high into the air to drag the samachulr into a madness of high speed bullets, blasts, and water.

Back and forth, Clorinde teamed up with Oz to shred through the abyss mage shields and take the fight head on. The final blow came when Fischl took flight, cutting through the enemy and soaring alongside Kazuha to the Pyro Lectors. The beasts had no time to react as Kokomi placed her familiar and Kazuha pulled them into a storm of hydro before taking into the sky again for Clorinde to come rushing through with more bullets with Oz matching her rapid fire in the electro charged maelstrom.

With the Lectors thoroughly enraged and three teammates close by, Kokomi rushed in and dawned her garb to keep the hydro pressure strong as pyro energy festered and exploded outwards to manifest shields and caused harm. Kazuha swooped up Fischl to a safer distance as Fire rained down and their teammates, including Oz, got busy vaporizing and overloading every move made against them at breakneck speed. Through burns and blistering heat, they silenced their adversaries and looked to their friends.

Fischl was already soaring right into the two Serpent nights with an immediate follow up from Kazuha with an electro maelstrom. A knight went to strike while another tried gaining distance, but the boy quickly took Fischl’s hand again and leaped up to pull them into the eye of the storm where Kokomi’s familiar appeared once more alongside Oz to set the stage for Clorinde to come barreling in with bullets.

It was as if she was trying to cut through the storm itself. In all honesty, it was a testament to her accuracy that Clorinde never ran into them, because half the time they weren’t looking at her! Kazuha came down with a slash to keep the knights in place while Fischl applied pressure to help their speedy friend wrap things up even faster. Back and forth, bullets and blade, Clorinde the pace and pushed her limits with one final slash that cut through both opponents and sent her tumbling onto her knees. The hunter whipped her head around with little breath in her lungs and stared at her team.

Clorinde:TIME!?

Cleared! Time Remaining: 7:01

Nobody said a single word. Just a wave of adrenaline and exhaustion crashing into them at once. Kazuha sighed while Kokomi fell to knees and Fischl’s eyes grew wide alongside Clorinde.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Nilou finally fell right onto her back alongside Baizhu. Nahida couldn’t believe her own eyes while Furina felt like crying herself out. Though separated by chambers, somehow, deep down, everyone managed to scream at the same time in triumphant victory.

Outside, the others watched the 36th star appear and had their own battle cry. It wasn’t a pretty run by any means. But hey, it was worth the get together and team building.

Keqing:So, when are you going to tell them about the new domain you found?

Aether:Let’s not ruin this moment.