#a khaenri'ahn dynasty?

[blood-orange-juice]

The Fall of the Faded Castle, vol.3:

A glowing red fog-cloud, Embraced the castle just like a shroud. On the castle's great central stage, a tall thin figure did appear, A dark spirit in black robes, arriving at last. The guests, a moment ago enjoying their revels, Fell to the floor one by one, Bereft of time even to scream. The master sat shivering and still on his throne, His soul also snatched by the dark. Amid the roar of brick and tile hitting the ground, The castle's glory faded into the past, Swallowed by glimmering waves. The blood moon the towers once blocked reappeared in the sky, Its baleful glow sweeping the land. And today, by the banks of the world's purest lake, The water reflects the long-fallen, faded castle. The joy and brilliance that once lit its halls, Consigned to legends and dreams.

Should we assume that Arle also killed Remus?

Nice.

I guess she does have a reason to go back to Remuria ruins, if only to reminisce fondly.

Also I wonder. Her constellation is Ignis Purgatorius (Purgatory flame, or cleansing/purifying flame), so what is it that she cleanses. Forbidden knowledge? That seems awfully Celestia-aligned so probably not that.

[kaeyachi]

firm believer that if signora found kaeya as a child (and with the HC/theory that he looks like rostam) she would have claimed him as her son (and she would have somewhat healed mentally and emotionally too)

[dutybcrne]

Imagine if Khaenri'ahn tears could solidify into crystals,,,

[aromanticasterisms]

ah. hm.

[shiningsunlighthalation]

Since Arlecchino is a Khaenri'ahn, does that mean her red X shaped pupils are symbols of the Crimson Moon dynasty while the four pointed star pupils are symbols of the Eclipse dynasty?

And could Arlecchino's curse be related to Khemia, that advanced form of alchemy Khaenri'ah used? The Crimson Moon dynasty was said to be a time when alchemy was at its peak after all.

[torgawl]

instead of just cross eyes and star eyes distinguishing dynasties in khaenri'ah, why do some khaenri'ahns cover one eye specifically? there’s many things that seem interconnected regarding the lore:

crimson moon turning around to look like an eye; irmin the one-eyed king; the unknown god’s cubes containing eyes in their design (same ones present in the cataclysm as well as the crimson moon), her glitching looking like arlecchino’s, and the four pointed star pattern that appeared when she showed up to the twins; forbidden knowledge and nibelung’s influence; fischl's auge der verurteilung aka eye of condemnation (crimson eye) and her skin's description "o holiest of sovereigns, high princess of immernachtreich (kingdom of evernight)!".

kaeya's note about the alberich saying "i saved this one memento from the fire 'father' made while he wasn’t paying attention. this was in violation of our principles. our clan's affairs should never be recorded" and "though we could not restore khaenri'ah to life, we of the alberich clan should lead lives as those who blaze like fire, rather than those who wallow in the embers [small piece of burning or glowing coal or wood in a dying fire]", father being in quotation marks and references to fire and ashes; the orphanage in khaenri'ah that wanted to house children from destroyed worlds and non-threats that leaked into the kingdom, in hopes of finding beings from beyond the sky who could transcend the gods; perinheri's first memory being transversing something like a chimney, filled with ash and being asked if he wasn't dead just for him to see the eye (crimson moon) and being told he was reborn; dust and the blood of of dragons (or dragon-like beings like durin and elynas) being connected to rhinedottir and the art of khemia; fire as rebirth and life but also, the balemoon blood specifically being connected to loss of memories and loss of memory being equivalent to death (not physical);  despite the orphanage never being able to find that transcendal person, it had many unusual individuals who became knights of the kingdom.

irmin as the first divine halberd (that once pierced the axis mundi [cosmic/world axis, world pillar, center of the world, world tree, etc.] and connected the nine worlds), the prinzessin der verurteilungas (fischl) as the last one; fischl and kaeya comparing themselves to one another and their parallels to irmin and odin; der ring des nibelungen, in which the dwarf (or nibelung) alberich creates a ring capable of controlling the world, using gold he stole from the rhinemaidens (or rheintöchter "rhine-daughters"). the conflict that arises over the ownership of this ring eventually leads to the destruction of the gods and their home, valhalla.

irminsul (irmin + sul) meaning great pillar and being a reference to the yggdrasil, the tree that supports the universe; the description of the item silver twig – collected in the center of the world - talking about a sage that hanged himself upside down in the irminsul tree to gain knowledge of the runes and the cosmos, then going into a secret kingdom down its roots [also a reference to hanged man in tarot that symbolizes wisdom, divination, sacrifice, prophecy, etc.]; odin who hung himself upside down from the sacred world tree, yggdrasil, for nine days and nights sacrificing his eye and throwing himself on his spear (gungir) as a ritual sacrifice in order to obtain secret wisdom; memories, fire and crimson moon hand in hand with the irminsul, king irmin and the concept of fate; the fake sky, the stars and being able to see fate but also fate being a means of the heavenly principles to control the world (neuvillette calling it puppet strings); khaenri'ah, a supposed godless nation but the crimson moon dynasty revering the moon (and hilichurls worshiping istaroth); the crimson moon having an eye on humanity and always being present associated with punishment and destruction (fall of gurabad, remuria and the catclysm).

crimson moon's semblance (arlecchino’s weapon) implying the crimson moon sought vengeance (“few survived the utter destruction of their kind, hiding in the shadows where the sun did not shine, longing for the crimson moon to decree their desire for vengeance be repaid”); the design of the weapon and arlecchino’s boss attacks resembling the double helix present in deathly statuette material dropped by abyss heralds, abyss lectors and shadowy husks, which has a single red eye. it apparently whispers "see, my child. all that lies under the throne of heaven shall be destroyed by upheaval. the eternal peace of the pitch-dark void shall embrace us all.” as you gaze at it.

the abyss order being founded by chlothar alberich and pierro being the first harbinger; the "sinner" – the crystal in chains from the chasm, protected by an abyss herald - not being a god but still worshipped by the abyss order. the voice stating to chlothar and the traveler’s twin that he "[knows their] fate well" and urged them to become a "transcendent one" saying he would "shed a tear at the end of time... as i gaze back upon your life". he also imbued chlothar with the power of the abyss, which alleviated his worsening conditions. the “sinner” refered to chlothar as “dear creature”; dainsleif, pierro and kaeya being examples of khaenriahns who hide their right eye; dainsleif being called “bough keeper”, bough is a branch of a tree, but also his constellation being a snake ring like ouroboros – representing the eternal renewal cycle of life, death and rebirth; the loom of fate being an operation of the abyss order first encountered during "a herald without adherents" quest.

“the threads of your fate lie in my hands” a quote by fischl connecting to the weaves of fate; fischl stating that if she does not obtain the divine halberd “...this world and everything in it is going to burn in hellfire” (legend of the shattered halberd vol. ii). some other excerpts of the book also include: “but unbeknownst to him, this was the greatest cursed sword of all, that had once burned the entire world to cinders: laevatain [in norse mythology, a weapon crafted by loki and the only capable of defeating the cockerel viðofnir, inhabiting the top of yggdrasil], the sword had extinguished after the world was burned, but... it burned bright once more. ‘the whole world... destroyed again...’ weiyang [fischl] fell unconscious as she spoke” (vol. iv), and, "the world is beyond repair. it shall be born anew from the ashes of the last” (vol. vi); dainsleif saying “none will escape the flames. see for yourself” but also neuvillette’s character story including “the puppet strings glossed as "divine rules" would one day be burned away by the fires of judgment” when talking about constellations; burning away the old world, project stuzha by the fatui and the image of dottore burning the irminsul; nahida saying fontaine's prophecy was engraved in the irminsul, implying the tree also contains the history of the future; sibylla, a prophetess who guarded the irminsul in an ancient city located in what later became the high seas (referred to as abyssal depths). she sacrificed her life for the sake of creating phobos, remus' grand symphony, but her lack of a will ultimately caused the project to fail, as her vague desire to "grant happiness to all in the world who are called humans" caused phobos to attempt to satisfy everyone's desires — including destructive and selfish ones — and set remuria towards the course of its self-destruction (possibly tying concepts of will and fate together); thinking of dottore's plan, it would make sense to burn the tree that holds memories with a fire able to erase them (arlecchino's balemoon powers) so that the world can be born anew breaking away from the shackles of fate.

there’s also the improvisation kaeya does during the play in his hangouts. "do you believe in fate? if fate decreed your life was to end in tragedy, what would you do?". he then throws a prop and we interact, choosing if we would face our fate bravely or challenge it and rise above it. kaeya then goes on saying "then so must it be! yes, so must it be! i shall discard this intaglio and rid myself of the shackles of fate", "fate means to send the machinations of war to every corner of the land to fan the flames of conflict till they ungulf the entire world… fate would see my sword tainted with the blood of innocents, that the bright banner of my homeland might fly in every nation known to mankind. but i shall not bow to the will of fate i am no pawn in heaven’s plan. i, qubad, will spend the rest of my days in a foreign land, 'till i breathe my last in a place far from home" and finishes the play with "but i must walk this path, or freedom dies by my hand. goodbye, my tribe and kin. farewell, sweet land of my birth". the prop we get from kaeya, the intaglio, symbolizes the noble origins of prince qubad in the play and the blood-red jewel (blood, red... funny, uh?) is said to be a crystallization of the question kaeya asked us about destiny. furthermore, an intaglio can be a type of engraved gem or metal signet ring.

[thespianinthebackcorner]

So like Arlecchino has the wholr Crimson Moon deal that basically 100% ties her to Khaenri'ah. And I was thinking. What if her X eyes are because she's a descendant of Khaenri'ah and there's something about her bloodline that means like. Either they've been exiled or they've been cursed so that the proof of their heritage (something that family likely would've been proud of since they were probably important) isn't there anymore and was literally Xed out. Like they were exiled by both Khaenri'ah and the gods. Was there a Crimson Moon Dynasty??? I can't remember but if there was then I guarantee you they probably had a big part in the Cataclysm and were cursed because of that. I mean we saw the Crimson Moon symbolism before with Khaenri'ah what with the WWBR trailer and that prophecy from Dain's announcement so we know it's related. And also the Traveler having a trauma reaction at the end of Arlecchino's story quest. And we know she's cursed too with the flames and also the black arms so it does match up kinda. And also she said she was raised in Fontaine not born there or that her bloodline is from there so that opens up the possibility that she was either born in what's left of Khaenri'ah or was born elsewhere to a Khaenri'ahn line

[lyss-sketchbox]

WELL the problem is Khaenri'ahn lore is pretty much scattered to the five winds in terms of books and interactables :'D but apparently Perinheri had some more lore... New book released in 4.5 that had the lore ppl going crazy lol also i think the narzissenkreuz ordo got the stuff for cater from studying khaenri'ahn stuff... there's a lot of modern sources that pull from khaenri'ahn tech ngl. but i think the biggest thing was that Khaenri'ah actually had two dynasties. One that focused on alchemy and one that focused on machinery. So the ruin menagerie was made during the 2nd dynasty, but Rhinedottir/Gold is probably from the first, and considering the name of the first dynasty is "Crimson Moon" seems likely that's where Arle's powers date back from. So. I think there ARE some hints, it's just they're not exactly put in places easy to find for people who aren't insane deep divers :'D

Dainsleif... dainsleif come back........ tell us more.................

Ya know stuff like this makes me wonder exactly how much time do we have left. We're gonna have chapters for natlan, snezhnaya, khaenriah. Then what? Are there more chapters? More world? Because hyv doesnt really... use alot of time to cover dainsleif and the abyss (per every interlude). How much are they gonna cover ya know.

And if people in the past are gonna make appearances again when we do reach khaenriah or the abyss like the whole thing with albedo potentially going nuts, arle being a descendant, neuvi wanting to judge the heavenly principles.

As much as i would love it for hyv to put the books and lore texts in more open areas, i think the lore people deserves the recognition they get for finding and deciphering things

[ladybonheur]

We're probably not going to get an explanation for any of that in the next patch but I do hope the story addresses how dafuq Crucabena managed to find a descendant of the Crimson Moon Dynasty, why Pereure has a different kind of curse (at least I'm assuming it's not the same one imposed after the Cataclysm), and whether she and Pierro get together to bake typical Khaenri'ahn food.

[the-twilight-sword]

Arlecchino, Penguins, and Angels

This theory has a bit of everything.

Naming Parallels

Perinheri- the in-game book confirmed to be related to Arlecchino's past by her 5th character story

Peruere- her birth name

Pers- Freminet's pet penguin's namesake, readable as the in-game book Tales of a Snow-winged Goose. This is based on Mother Goose from our world, which has a harlequin variant. This book also includes a story about a "Princess Marcotte" who is clearly meant to be Clervie.

Le Père- the French word for father

Male penguins- that is to say, father penguins- famously go great lengths for their children.

Hleobranto Innamorato & Blade Runner

Hleobranto Innamorato is the other name for the book Perinheri, and seems to be based on our world's Orlando Innamorato and Orlando Furioso books. In volume two of Perinheri, we hear about Hleobrant and his unrequited love for Angelica, which parallels our Orlando books.

This is further corroborated by the local legend Fairy Knight Twins, Angelica and Medoro. In our Orlando, Medoro is the man Angelica ends up with. The achievement for defeating them is called "Tears in the Rain", a reference to the Blade Runner monologue that is repeated in Tales of a Snow-winged Goose with the line "from red giants to white dwarfs, from the shoulder of Orion to the glimmering Tannhauser Gate..."

The central theme of Blade Runner is the divide between the humans and the replicants, something paralleled in Perinheri and Tales of a Snow-winged Goose. In Perinheri, it says that the Crimson Moon dynasty existed before birds split into domestic and wild kindred, and Tales of a Snow-winged Goose says that seagulls split into two races; seagulls, which continue to fly; and auks, which would never take to the skies again. Clearly, the metaphor here is that humans have split into two races.

It wasn't until I watched this video that I began to understand what these parallels might mean for the overarching storyline. Crucially, the replicants are soldiers for an interstellar war designed so that humans don't have to fight.

Angels & Seelies

This is Arlecchino's boss form. Typically, she has just half a wing, but here, she has six. I most frequently see this design being likened to the appearance of a spider (which would match visually with the Black Widow), but I see this has the six wings of a seraph. In Judaism, seraphim are angels associated with fire, constantly burning; seraph means both "burning" and "serpent".

I don't think it's a stretch at this point to say that Seelies are angels. In fact, there are measures to prevent Seelies from falling in love (and having offspring) with humans- why would this be? Perhaps to avoid creating a Nephil, as might happen according the Book of Enoch (which Genshin takes inspiration from). The Earth is understood in Jubilees and Enoch to have been flooded, inp part, for the sins of the Nephilim, which included drinking blood.

Kaeya & the Blessing of the Crimson Moon

Arlecchino can use the blessing of the Crimson Moon's blood, probably due to her lineage. The same goes for Kaeya, who, like Arlecchino, isn't effected by the "curse of wilderness" which Chlothar says turns all but pure-blooded Khaenri'ahns into monsters.

If you read the lore for Arlecchino's weapon, the Crimson Moon Semblance, you will understand the connection. The drinking of wine symbolises receiving the blood, and the blessing, of the Crimson Moon. How does this connect to Kaeya? Recall his father's letter from Hidden Strife. The Alberich clan are connected to the concept of purifying flame, the same concept as purgatory.

The Wagner Section

For me, every great Genshin Impact theory needs a reference to the operas of Wagner. In this case, it's the "Tannhauser gate" line in the Blade Runner monologue, a possible reference to Tannhäuser, the opera. It follows a bard of sorts and his infatuation with Venus and her underground realm "Venusberg". The evening star in our world is in fact not a star at all, but the planet Venus, and is associated with the fallen angel Lucifer (the demon to which the Ars Goetia's Paimon is obedient to). Khaenri'ah, the underground nation with its star motif, seems to reference Venusberg.

[ohnogachaverse]

Hello I'm back on my bullshit

So @god-canceled-me raised an interesting point in dms about a comparison between Rerir "The Avenger of Solnari" aka a person probably clinging to the past vs. Kaeya who is moving forward and finding his own way (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) and it all spiraled from here

TL;DR Rerir might be connected to the three moon goddesses/sisters

Because what is Solnari? Or who is Solnari? We don't know, we never heard that name and it doesn't seem to be from northern mythology like most of khaenri'ahn-related names

I think Solnari is more likely to be a person than a place because in myths Rerir avenges his murdered father

The interesting part is that Rerir's title is different in different languages. It's "Rächer/Avenger of Solnari" in most of them I think, but in original Chinese it's "The Moon Hunter". And, interestingly, in russian and portuguese his title is "Lunar Avenger" but that might be a mistranslation because I know those are very common in russian version (don't know about portuguese though). But if it's not, than it's very interesting

And we know a story about three moon sisters in Teyvat: Canon, Sonnet and Aria. They switched places in the sky until at least two of them died and now one of corpses hangs there. I'm too lazy to open the actual game, but here are some wiki excerpts

Important points from these are:

Distinction between the moons in Teyvat and in the Abyss, which is closely connected to Khaenri'ah from what I remember

A possibility that those are different corpses

"In love with the stars of daybreak"

Not from screenshots, but The Spiral Abyss definitely has a connection to the sisters

So I rise two versions of who is Solnari (if it's a person, but I think it is)

Version a: Solnari is another name for the sister whose corpse is the Abyss's moon and her sister(s) and/or Celestia are to blame for her death (that's why Rerir is The Moon Hunter). According to one of the books (Moonlit Bamboo Forest vol 3, according to wiki) sisters did kill eachother, but it's the only source mentioning this

Version b: Stars of daybreak was a person, named Solnari, and one or all three of the sisters caused their death. Tbh the main point here is that Sol means Sun. I couldn't find if Nari means anything

Also, an interesting thing, is two Khaenri'ahn dynasties: The Crimson Moon and The Eclipse, which replaced the first one during the Archon War. Dainsleif's introduction mentions "the eclipse is swallowed by the crimson moon" and original Chinese uses the verb "revenge" or "avenge". Tbh it's either me not getting english, or it's interesting that here Eclipse is the one getting replaced.

Another thingy is that Syzygy from the Moment of Syzygy (aka the "event" before you reach 9-12 in the Abyss I actually had to google this ) is an astronomical event when three astral bodies form a straight line and a common example is an Eclipse

And the last small parallel connection noticed by god-canceled-me is that Kaeya was left near the Dawn winery. And there are stars of daybreak. Idk if there is an actual connection but I think that's interesting

[blood-orange-juice]

I swear, Dottore was written by a former STEM graduate. People don't normally write mad scientists this way.

Whenever I try to dig into deep lore, his research repeatedly turns out to be among the most useful data I have.

I know a good study when I see one. I've been on both sides of the academic hiring process, I've written grant proposals and I've reviewed them and I've seen better scientists than me discuss them, so please understand how much weight I put into this: these are very good studies.

(except for, you know, ethics)

His research topics seem random but he actually pokes at the most fundamental questions of Teyvat with each one.

His Eleazar studies dig at the relationship between forbidden knowledge and dead gods (surprise: these are different things. I might have lumped them together if not for his notes).

Cloning himself pokes at the difference between machine and man, and also it's the technology of Eclipse Dynasty, Teyvat's main historical enigma. Have you ever wondered whether all ruin guards were men once? Or why did they switch from alchemy to ruin machines so abruptly? Or why they were cursed.

(I have a suspicion it also pokes at the nature of time and stories, the way he talks about a need for an ideal observer, and also the way Khaenri'ahn history went)

Delusions answer the question of why does Teyvat need Archons for Visions to appear and for humans to be able to use elemental magic. We don't know the answer but Dottore does.

I'm eyeing his artificial god because I don't think that what we saw in Sumeru was the final project. He seemed so nonchalant when it failed.

This is theoretical science at its finest. As a cherry on top, every project also yields practically applicable results.

He's a dream of every grant commitee.

[kaeyachi]

5.1 Spoilers but this is just me pointing something out from a long time observation from me:

1 MORE POINT TO ME ON SAYING KAEYA IS THE ONLY KHAENRI'AHN WILLING TO SHOW THAT MUCH SKIN ON THE REG unless we count the traveler. We gotta respect the Mond influence on him.

I'm not sure if Capitano will not show a portion of his face, but I do want to see what his eyes look like, ngl, even just to prove something about the eyes from the eclipse dynasty (cool colors for eclipse dynasty members and warm colors for crimson moon dynasty)

[kocherry]

⟡ Truthful Adoration in False Illusions ⟡

Pierro x Isekai!Reader

(Part 2/3)

Hello everyone we're at the second part of the and if you haven't read the first half just click this -> Part 1/3 and it is also available on my AO3!

This fic is inspired by Petty Desire by @shumidehiro and Disjecta Membra by @jessamine-rose + Pierro being a soft and needy malewife husband is inspired behind the wall of falling snow we love by @pearlywritings (Please check them out first they're fantastic writers!)

TW: Murder, Death, Blood, Suicide, Mental Instability, NSFW implications, this also has some fluff don't worry xD

< 18k words under the cut for Acts: IV and V >

⟡ Act IV: All I Ask of You ⟡

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime

Say the word and I will follow you

Share each day with me

Each night, each morning

Say you love me/You know I do

Love me, that's all I ask of you

Anywhere you go, let me go too

Love me, that's all I ask of you

•••••

Year 0

“Khaenri'ah has fallen.”

You narrated with tears flowing nonstop while you stood by and watch as the gods unleashed their wrath to the nation.

Khaenri'ah is burning to the ground by the Heavenly Principles that was awakened from Celestia. An inevitable outcome in your perspective since you were the daughter of King Irmin. You witnessed everything in a front row seat how they have ignored the precautions. There is a particular silver haired Royal Mage that shared the same sentiments about the outcome of their continuous practice of the Art of Khemia.

The people turned into monsters, unrecognizable to the point where the Princess doubted if they were truly humans to begin with.

Cursed with immortality, you ran away from the devastation. Turning away in denial of what had transpired to Khaenri’ah, your despair consumed you. And away you go to the hill where the view of the fallen nation that humanity had prided themselves in.

On that hill, your vision is clear as day. Despite being away from the sea of flames that consumed your nation, you burn with them all. A pathetic sob is the only thing that you could hear. Your own cries are the one that is loaded than the screams of the people of Khaenri'ah.

All hope seems to be lost when your diamond shaped pupils dilated when you spot a familiar streak of silver hair and the blue cloak of a Khaenri'ahn royal mage.

With a streak of blood smeared all over.

You shout his name in a fearful voice, hurriedly running towards him. A hand is place on his bleeding chest and your vision start to blur. “Don't die on me, please, you're the only friend that I have left.”  The despair you felt is filled with a brim of an angry hope.

“P-Princess (Y/N) y-you a-are the f-future of our nation, you should r-run...” The silver hair mage started to cough up blood cutting the conversation short.

“Shut up!”

“Don't speak as if you would say goodbye to me!” You cried as you put pressure onto his bleeding chest not caring if your hands started to stench with blood. However, it would seem his bleeding had stopped, you didn't think of it any further. As long as the mage continues to breathe that's enough for him to live.

Running away from the carnage of the gods rained into your nation. A difficult choice is laid upon the Princess of Khaenri'ah. A choice to guide the remaining survivors that fled from the wrath of Celestia or save the royal mage the one you had loved the most. Lifting your claymore, you look at the weapon crafted by the finest smiths and trained by Captain Dainsleif, the Twilight Sword, how to fight.

Without any hesitation you dematerialize the claymore and chose to save your friend. The one you had loved the most.

Away from the wrath of the gods and the carnage they had left, you lead the mage into a secluded area far from the kingdom itself. Into a place, where the flower called Inteyvat, used to bloom in a vast field that seems to have no end.

Now the flowers are completely extinct and so is the Eclipse Dynasty of Khaenri'ah.

However, that didn't matter to you even if you’re the Princess, at least not yet. You already knew the cursed is laid upon you, bearing its marks on your arms. Which would mean that you are the last descendant of the royal family. At first you couldn't bear its sight but as you saw that the Mage also had the marks... somehow you could at least look at it and be glad that you are damned forever with the person you love the most.

The Mage is already conscious, the two of you sat side by side. His on top of yours that lay on his broad shoulder. Hands intertwined and gripped together tightly afraid that if someone let go of the other, they'll be gone forever.

“They’re all gone… the people… those children we took care of…” His voice is hoarse letting out a shaky sob unable to finish what he wanted to say. You could see his tears as he lets out a strangled cry, you couldn’t hear him of course because you were sobbing unconsolably as well.

The tears dried out after a few hours but the pain didn’t.

No words were spoken between the two of you and silence is better than hearing the screams of the people in Khaenri'ah.

“Why did you choose to follow me instead of going with the Alberich Clan?” The Mage is the first to speak again, despite the hoarseness of his voice he wanted to know why you chose to save him. “Anywhere with them is better than with me here. The curse laid upon us won't affect the injuries I sustained earlier so your help is quite useless on me when there are survivors out there who needed you more." Such a hypocrite he is, you could feel his hand grip yours tightly again. He knew that anywhere isn't better without you.

“Does it really matter?” You turn to him, a hand on his cheek gently caressing the skin covered in his own dried blood. “I chose to save you with or without the curse laid upon us. I would always choose you above anyone else... Khaenri'ah is already damned before I was even born and if I were to die it would be at your side.”

You feel nervous because this is practically a confession that you love the Mage. Along with the feeling comes with guilt because you prioritized to be with him rather than escaping with the survivors. Besides... What more could you lose if he did not feel the same?

The Mage held your hands that were also covered in his dried blood. He nuzzles his cheek onto the palm of your hand. His gaze never looked any more intense than ever. “I would have done the same Princess, even if I could hear the children screaming, you were always the one on my mind when the gods showered hell onto us.” His voice didn't waiver like how yours did earlier, his feelings is clear.

The Mage loves the Princess as well. You then both pressed your foreheads against each other. Closing both of your eyes and relishing that you two are still alive.

However, that moment of serenity between the two of you didn't last long.

An overwhelming cold presence made you shiver. The mage's gaze widens at the sight of the one who disturbed the two of them. With his catalyst summoned he protectively stood in front of you blocking your whole view.

A figure of a woman who is enclosed in the power of cryo stood before you two. This one is a god, her clothing is filled with human blood. Yet her eyes are filled with an emptiness as the lines of her dried tears are imprinted on her soft cheeks. The look of someone who had lost everything, the despair in witnessing everything, and the rage that started to stir within… she had the same expression as you and the mage.

“How dare you come before us goddess...!” You could feel the pits of your stomach swirling in anxiousness as the Goddess of Love and the Cryo Archon stood before the two of you.

“I know I have no right to ask this of you but perhaps we can come to an agreement, Princess and Royal Mage of Khaenri'ah.” Her tone sent shivers down your spine as it is as cold as her gaze.

“What do you want from us?” The mage asked despite feeling enraged by the presence of the Cryo Archon.

“Let us burn the old world together.”

Her words are ignited from the flames born from the burning nation of Khaenri'ah.

You look at the mage, both of your eyes had looks of determination. Or rather had the gaze of vengeance. If the Cryo Archon herself sought the both of you out. Then it is fate that she would choose specifically the ones who are cursed with immortality. The ones who failed to protect their fallen nation. The Princess and the Mage, the two souls who bore a deep grudge against the Heavenly Principles.

The ones who would burn... burn away the Old World with Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa.

•••••

Year 5

“Princess if you truly cared for your people, you would not have abandoned us for a mere Royal Mage.”

“Sir Ivaan Alberich, I did choose my people. He is one of my people too... I tried to save many survivors that day but everyone had turned into the monsters of the Abyss.” Of course, that was the complete truth of the matter. When you said that Khaenri'ah had fallen, the people were already forming into monsters of the Abyss. That was when hope didn't seem lost when you had spotted Pierro alive. “Lord Harbinger may be a royal mage of Khaenri'ah but we formed the Fatui in order to strike back against Celestia.”

As of this moment there were only the founding members of the Fatui Harbingers which is the Cryo Archon herself, the Royal Mage who calls himself the Jester, the Princess who calls herself the Scapino, and Columbina who is the one they call the Damselette. You four were the pillars of the Fatui along with the newly recruited soldiers that hailed mostly from Snezhnaya.

Although as good as your proposal it sounds, the current head of the Alberich Clan isn't so pleased with the former Princess of Khaenri'ah. You had come back with a much more dignified influence and a mere royal mage becoming the most powerful man in a nation that wasn’t his homeland. Yet for Ivaan Alberich, he doesn't want anyone from the Eclipse Dynasty to lead them again.

“Princess, I'm afraid I cannot accept your proposal to join forces with the Fatui. Why should we place our hopes to one of the descendants of the Eclipse Dynasty? Was it not your father's shortcomings that our nation had fallen?” Ivaan's words stung, every word he uttered is a jab towards you and your self-worth.

His reaction to be an expected reaction but you slowly realize that there is more to his refusal. And by the tone of his voice, it would seem he bears a grudge against your family.

Pierro remained silent during the entire exchange despite his efforts to negotiate, the Alberich clan wouldn’t even recognize him. Let alone hear out his proposal that’s why all efforts were shouldered onto yours and now you were burdened with it. All he could do for now is stay at your side, watch your back so that you may be able to lean onto him if you would ever need his assistance.

Under the negotiating table, your hand unconsciously grabbed Pierro’s pants tightly. Your hands were balling into a fist not knowing how to respond to this cold shoulder they were all giving you. Now this was the reason why Pierro chose to come because he did anticipate the scornful words from the survivors and he’d be damned if you faced them alone. The other reason is because he too is to be blamed because he did not gain the sages’ favor enough which lead to the nation’s downfall.

His large gloved hand intertwined itself with yours squeezing them gently, “We only act what is best for Khaenri’ah’s interests and so we are obligated to act against the Heavenly Principles so that our nation may rest knowing that we had ended the reign of the gods. The Princess and I would shoulder this burden for centuries until it is time to bypass the checkmate of this chess game against them.” You could tell that this was a closing statement.

Ivaan's heart had already closed itself the moment he saw you walking towards their poorly built houses even if you both had provided aid to them for the past few years. “It is best you would leave now Lady Scapino and Lord Jester.” The title came off from Ivaan's lips with a clear mock in his tone. “You both are no longer welcomed as a respected figures within the remaining survivors of Khaenri'ah.” He only shared the same sentiments with the people, and they desire to no longer be held in the decision of anyone from the Eclipse Dynasty.

You were utterly shock by how the atmosphere suddenly changed. In all honesty, you blamed your own pride for hoping to reconnect with the survivors. Along with being blinded also by the fact you thought they thirsted for vengeance.

The second mistake is mentioning the Tsaritsa and addressing Her Majesty with respect.

The third mistake is going in full of yourself that they would listen to a descendant of the Eclipse Dynasty.

And the very first mistake which you had overlooked is that you openly turned your back to the survivors just to save Pierro.

But you wouldn't change the decision you had made 5 years ago. Without Pierro at your side, you would not have endured the harsh and cruel build-up of the Fatui. The Tsaritsa had a plan and you wish to be part of it as well. You only wanted to share such objective to the survivors of Khaenri'ah.

So, without the help of the Alberich Clan, Pierro would have to recruit interesting figures such as the heretic scholar expelled from the Akademiya and the Crimson Witch from Mondstadt.

Now that negotiation had been declared a dead end one sided. You stood up thanking the entire Alberich Clan. You put up your mask that is the same as Pierro’s but yours only covered the eyes, which is a good thing so the Khaenri'ahns won't see the devastated expression you had.

Once your back is turned, Pierro place a hand on your back looking at Ivaan with a disappointed glare but it is already expected of him. Five years had passed since the fall of your nation and he would understand why the surviving Khaenri’ahns would hesitate in joining forces with the Fatui who had a goddess as their leader.

You and Pierro pass by the makeshift houses of the surviving people, yet despite some of them being glad to see you, most were shooting you with looks of disappointment.

“Is that the Princess who abandoned us for that Royal Mage?”

“Why is she here anyway? Shouldn't she be ashamed of what her father had done?”

“After the gods destroyed our nation, she allied herself with one... disgusting.”

“What a despicable woman she is.”

“Look how the last of the might Eclipse Clan had fallen!”

The sound of the hatred and disgust didn't go with deaf ears. Every one of them didn't shy away in expressing their hatred towards the Princess. It’s not like they had anyone to blame, of course you knew that they have a point. Even with 5 years had gone by the wounds of what Celestia had done hasn't healed.

As the matter of fact, you doubt it would ever heal at all.

Your ears may have heard their furious words, your eyes may have seen their utter look of disgust, but your soul absorbed it all. What they said continued to play in your mind even when you had returned to Snezhnaya empty handed. Despite the comfort Pierro had offered you continued to wallow in your self-pity as he reported to the Tsaritsa about what had transpired.

The Zapolyarny Palace looks desolate as ever and your expression is solemn. Her Majesty is merciful as she had anticipated the resentful response of the survivors. Although despite her forgiveness to your failure, you continued to torture yourself with the Khaenri'ahn's resentment.

“Your soul is tormented Lady (Y/N), do you continue to blame yourself?” In truth Columbina looked worried she holds your hand as she came to your comfort while Pierro is talking to the Tsaritsa inside the throne room.

“…”

“Oh~? Are you not going to talk? That is fine I understand why you are sad." Columbina tilts her head looking at you with closed eyes. “Shall I make those people cry before they die?” Then her eyes dangerously open itself slightly, there is a glint of murder in her gaze.

Sometimes Columbina could be adorable but other times she scares the living hell out of you. Despite the fact she treats you like a friend, it can still be unnerving to hang out with her.

“Hush now Columbina, they are Khaenri'ahns, they lost their nation of course they would naturally pin the blame on me and besides we still need them when the time comes.” You scolded her with a frown on your face.

“You finally spoke~! Heh~ Fret not dear (Y/N) I just wanted to hear your voice~!” Columbina closed her eyes again as she lets out a soft playful giggle.

Again. She is scary.

Thankfully for your sanity, Columbina never spoke again, the soft hum of a comforting tune is the one that replace the silence of Zapolyarny Palace.

After a few minutes of waiting, Pierro came out from the two giant doors, Columbina pats your head as she hands you over to him, the two silently nodded at each other as if you were the topic of their nonverbal communication.

“Come (Y/N), you should rest in our quarters.”

Pierro suggested as he accompanies you to your shared bedroom that Her Majesty provided temporarily until an estate could be built. You two always had shared a bed ever since Her Majesty took you both in Snezhnaya, it was mostly out of fear that you would lose each other. The other reason is because of the nightmares that plagued both of your minds. Sleeping in each other’s arms were the best comfort the of you could offer each other.

Now you lay on the soft mattress of the soft bed. Hot tears streamed harshly from the sides of your face and soaking the soft pillows. The cold air of the harsh winter gave you some sense of comfort. It reminded you that you didn't burn with the fallen nation.

And yet the resentment of the people is what let you to burn yourself in deep sorrow.

After all it is your first time to fail a mission.

“I do not need your lectures.” You said pulling the comforters over your head not wanting him to see the disappointment look he would have, he did witness the entire exchange after all.

“You are mistaken my dear (Y/N).” Pierro pulled down the comforters and his gaze only soften when he saw the wet pillow. “I only wish that you would not shed your tears behind the mask.” He slowly removed the mask that covered your tear stained and puffy eyes. “It is only I who is here with you and there is no shame showing your tears to me.”

You let him strip your mask away from your face, “I know.” He also sheds away his own mask granting you a view of his handsome face.

Both masks that represented how you viewed yourselves is place gently onto the table beside the bed.

“I was there too (Y/N),” His tone is soft and calm as he gently wipe the tears under your eye with his thumb. “I saw them scrutinize your decision to save me. “I heard them voice out their blames towards you even when the fall of our nation is not your fault.”

Knowing you, he already could tell that you continue to blame yourself for what had happened to Khaenri'ah. “They are fools who allows themselves to be blinded on the greater good of our endgame.” The sharp gaze of his blue eyes and the way his diamond shape pupils dilated, you could tell Pierro is furious... But not at you, never at you.

“Then I am a hypocrite too Pierro because look at me...” You sat up and gestured towards yourself, a pathetic powerless Princess of a fallen nation. “I couldn't handle such harsh attacks of mere words towards me. I am glad that I named myself Scapino because I did escape my responsibilities as the Princess.”

“If you are a hypocrite then so am I, behind this mask is another foolish man." He reaches out for the black mask that covered half of his face to prove a point.

“Yet despite the fact that our nation had fallen.” He hovers his mask over his face covering half of his handsome features. “We do not dwell on the past but towards the future on where us humans would no longer be at the mercy of the gods.”

Then he places the Mocking Mask back to cover his face. “Do you understand me (Y/N)?” Pierro asks as he gently caress your cheek wiping the tears that kept flowing. He admits he lacks the emotional capacity to utter sweet words. Yet those are anything but illusions to cover the real truth.

“You are strong woman and despite our initial hesitation we built a new organization that would lead us to a checkmate against the Heavenly Principles.” Now his words were not kind nor they were harsh, they were just realistic. “Without you at Her Majesty's side... and at my side we would not have gotten so far in our progress for the past five years.”

Pierro lets go of your face, he then grabs your own Mocking Mask, the one you call The Escapist, despite all the cowardice you still try to be a good-hearted and help everyone. “Cease your crying and stand tall, you are not going to be held down by their falsified blames.” Now this time he was back with his strict and harsh demeanor.

You let out a fond chuckle as you lean onto his palm, your cheek could almost cover his entire hands. “And here I thought this wasn't a lecture...” The sheer size difference between the two of you is one of the factors that contributed why you let him continue with his lectures. You held his large calloused hand with your smaller ones you grab the mask and put it over your eyes.

“Thank you…” You utter his real name which surprises him as it had been too long since you have called him by his name.

Pierro presses his forehead against yours and closed his eyes. He could feel your erratic heartbeat starting to relax. With a smile on his lips, he is relieved that he made you feel better.

“I may be the Tsaritsa's right hand but I am your royal mage and most loyal friend first. I would not watch this world burn without you at my side.”

There is comfort in his words, at the very least someone is there to keep your mind and soul to continue setting sights on the grand scheme of this game.

•••••

Year 15 

Dead people everywhere and their blood splattered on the ground, it dripped from the claymore that you had held. A cold chill in the air not only froze the dark cave but also your compassionate heart. You had just murdered punished those who had tried to betray the Fatui and it all started because a certain Doctor could not keep his laboratory well protected.

One way or another, someone is about to be dismembered. Bless the soul whoever had gotten to one of the projects. Some of it unimportant but one of the projects involved a certain papers related to an abandoned puppet and the tree of knowledge, Irminsul. The other papers were already recovered by the other Harbingers, and if one were to decipher those research papers… Snezhnaya would be done for good if other nations were to open their eyes about the Fatui involving themselves in acts of blasphemy.

You turn to the soldier who had started this ordeal, “Had you not stolen those papers we would not have this unfortunate turn of events Lieutenant Dominik.” You dematerialize your claymore since Pierro and Dottore had specifically requested to have a survivor to interrogate them.

“Lady Harbinger, you may as well kill me.” The fatui soldier clench his jaw as he replied with spite.

“I will let the Doctor deal with you, he and his other selves holds a grudge.” You brush off his threats not wanting to have a conversation with a traitor.

“Do we mean nothing to you?” His question made you finally look at him, “All of us were once under your care and yet we make one mistake, you would kill without hesitation. My child was with the Doctor and he demanded a sum of mora to be able to pay for my son’s surgery. I brought all I had and when I got there? I found out that he used my child as a test run for the delusions that you Harbingers had manufactured.” His voice started to shake not out of fear but out of anger that despite the fact that he would be at the receiving end of your wrath. Yet all his hopes were placed onto his son, a son that you knew very that was used for testing the delusions.

When you saw the lieutenant mourning for the loss of his child, you wanted to just die with the rest of the soldiers right then and there. “Your child served Her Majesty.” Your voice starts to waiver but you cannot bring back every blood you had spilled.

“And you call stealing a mistake? You know very well that those papers would cost Snezhnaya’s future, if it would reach outside this nation, they would awaken once again. The alchemy on those papers… they were once the reason why a great nation once fell at the hands of Celestia.” Your words were so cold but your tone is hollow you started realizing the grave sins you had done to others and the pain that you had inflicted to them.

“Does your grand scheme of plans would be able to save Snezhanaya? Or are you… the Jester… and the Tsaritsa trying to save yourselves instead?” The soldier clenched his fist, his teeth grit as he had heard this explanation before you had killed the soldiers in this cave.

“I think we linger in this cave long enough Lieutenant Dominik.” In all honesty you had started to smell the stench of blood and the rotting of the dead corpses, you had gone too far this time and now it was suffocating you.

“Kill me yourself, I’d rather die fighting than be left at the hands of that mad doctor.” He replied determined to fight you as his cryo vision strapped on his belt started to glow.

“No.” You answered.

“Then you’re a coward, Princess of a Fallen Nation.” Your eyes widen as icicles began to form on his back ready to attack you, “Perhaps it was your own cowardice that led to the destruction of your own nation. I would gladly not see Snezhnaya fall because of a foreigner, it was nice serving the Tsaritsa before you and the Jester had arrived.”

Your claymore materializes itself and blocked the attack.

Blood splattered on your face as Lieutenant Dominik had killed himself using his own cryo vision, the ornament on his belt glowed bright and it was quick to die down. The icicle pierced his own heart as he choked on his own blood, scattering it in the dark murky cave with all the blood of his comrades that you had killed earlier. He saw the despair and horror in your eyes as you watch him breathe his last breath.

He had the last laugh at his death and forever cursing your mind that you led him suicide as his only escape for the Harbingers’ wrath.

The incident left you running away from that cave and into the nearest abandoned adventurer camp, the trail of blood followed after you until you throw your boots and strip your armor burning it. But that wasn’t enough to clean the blood, there were still some on your face and arms.

You spot a river stream nearby.

“Please disappear…” You whisper at the dried blood of your comrades that stuck itself on your hands, you started to sob as the water won’t wash it away. “Please disappear… disappear… please… please… disappear, disappear!” You scratched your palms violently your blood started to seep out of your skin yet you did not flinch at all.

“Disappear, disappear disappear disappeardisappear disappear… DISAPPEAR!!! PLEASE GET OFF!!!” 

Roaring in pain as blue wisp surrounded your hands stopping from inflicting the wounds that you were causing to yourself. You didn’t use your power so it must be Pierro who used the blue wisp since he may have been looking for you since the rendezvous with him had passed by an hour ago.

“Princess (Y/N)…”

“Pierro help… I couldn’t wash it out.”

You were utterly a horrid sight, there were blood stains all over your inner clothes now, your face still had the dried blood but your arms and hands were already cleaned from the moment you had dip your hands into the running cold water.

Once your tears stop you could make out the figure and the man who called out your name wasn’t Pierro. “Captain Dainsleif… please help me.” You whimper out a cry for help.

Dainsleif had a lot of questions from why were you here in the outside borders of Snezhnaya, to why were you covered in blood that wasn’t your own, and most especially why were you crying. He knew you were the one who created the Fatui with Pierro and the Tsaritsa.

Yet he could not help himself to rush at your side. Despite of his disapproval in your journey to fight against Celestia, all he saw right now is not an infamous Fatui Harbinger but a child princess who once asked him for help when she couldn’t lift up her claymore.

Dainsleif’s hands were warm on yours, he had cleaned the blood of your skin, the injuries you caused to yourself already healed but what he could not clean is what you have done so far. His gaze is mixed with pity, disappointment, and compassion. Although you may have changed for the worst, he could not unsee the innocent small little girl he had once met.

He scavenged of what was left in the adventurer’s camp and luckily for you, there are some spare clean clothes he had found. “Here you should go change Princess (Y/N).” You didn’t accept the new clothes.

“It’s okay I think I’m okay Captain, you should not have seen me like that.” You try to compose yourself but despite smiling your eyes looked so sunken.

“May I ask what happened Princess? So that I may understand what transpired you to hurt yourself like this.” Dainsleif places the clothes down and his hand were on your shoulder rubbing it gently to soothe you.

“I killed them…” You whisper. “I killed those soldiers because they were going to betray us… One of them hated the fatui so much and he took his life right before my eyes.” Your voice quiver as your tears started to fall again as the scene of Lieutenant Dominik using cryo icicles to stab himself to death played in your mind over and over again.

Dainsleif’s eyes widen as he was taken aback, he did not expect that you had done all of that only to regret it yourself. He grits his teeth and he is furious at you, “So that’s why you were crying? You killed the people who were under your orders and you blamed yourself for their deaths. How far had you gone Princess (Y/N)?” But are you really to blame for all of the bloodshed that the Fatui had done? “Or did your mage force you into this life?”

Both of his hands were on your cheek afraid that he might’ve been overlooking the Fatui too much unaware of the pain it caused to his dearest apprentice. He basically had done more than your father to season you into the Warrior Princess that Khaenri’ah had come to admire and look up to. Now you were a Harbinger that humans were afraid of, because instead of protecting them you had started to use them.

“What? No, no he didn’t, we started the Fatui together with Her Majesty.” You began to get defensive, many Snezhnayans had thought about that way because despite the fact that you were ruthless, people see you as the opposite of the Jester.

The children loved you, teenagers look up to you, and the adults wished to be like you. The only ones whom saw you as a monster were the ones you had killed, they could not spread that rumor because they were dead before they can send the message.

“Do you truly think you have no way out of this?” His question surprised you.

“I do but Captain… despite this guilt I would not leave the Fatui.” It was true, this was probably the first mentally exhausted experience so far but quitting was not on your mind.

His hand was on your hair, he softly brushes them with his fingers as if letting you remember that you could trust the man who was like a father to you. “What if I ask you to come with me?” Dainsleif became clearer with his intentions now, he didn’t have any ulterior motive all the man wanted was to give you an option, and the safest one was to be under his care once again.

Oh, dear Tsaritsa, the offer is so tempting to accept, you really missed the warmth that his hands offered. You could vaguely remember the nights you two had camped together after a long day of training, he would brush your hair as he hums a lullaby to help you sleep.

“Dainsleif. I think it is time for you to leave.”

A familiar voice came behind you, but before you could whip your head to see Pierro, Dainsleif pulled you back as he stands before you, he was now an obstacle that the Jester must face.

“The timing of your arrival is not coincidental, you only showed yourself when I would take the princess away from you.” Dainsleif’s eyes narrowed at Pierro who had a scowl on his expression.

Rarely you had seen him using his catalyst these past decade and he now materializes it in his hand “I advise in refraining from touching what is mine Dainsleif.” Your eyes widen at that because your relationship with him had never been official. “You may have been her teacher but she is no longer requires your protection.” Pierro had never been more furious, he is fully aware of the carnage you had left in that dark cave and what had transpired is already clear. What he didn’t expect is how you had handled the mental toll on it, when you had started screaming earlier at your bloodied hands, he was running as fast as he could only to find Dainsleif at your side first.

He watched behind the trees and could not bear how his heart clench when he saw you contemplating in accepting Dainsleif’s offer.

“Princess (Y/N) will have to decide that for herself, if she chooses to come with me, you would not let us leave without a fight but do you think you can win against both of us?” Dainsleif materializes his longsword in his hands as he bends his knees down slightly and his other hand glowed with blue wisps. “She would not be forced to do anything at my side and all I ask is that you would let me guide her that she would not give up on herself.” He tells Pierro as if asking him to be your guardian once more.

Pierro didn’t seem to like that at all, “If you ask her to betray the Fatui, she would not have peace at your side. Her Majesty would order for her execution and despite the fact that I love (Y/N)…” He looks at you with a hardened gaze, “I will not hesitate to let her perish at my hands.”

Despite the fact Dainsleif comforted you, it was surprising to say that despite the fact you had become a monster he would still stand by your side. Pierro on the other hand… You had cried for strangers and yet this man would not hesitate to kill you if you would betray the Fatui. The way he would not give up the goal for you somehow made you blush.

The two were ready to fight each other and you haven’t really thought about your answer because why should you even think about it? You had started your training to protect the people of Khaenri’ah with Dainsleif but you failed… So you started the Fatui with Pierro to destroy the gods for the ones who you had failed to protect. It had been a mentally, emotionally, and physically tiring as it all took the last remaining peace of mind you had. That is why you already have an answer in mind and it was answer that you would probably regret later on.

“Dainsleif…”

Pierro’s breath hitch because you had not uttered his name first because that would mean-

“I’m sorry and thank you for taking care of me and comforting me earlier but like I said I would not quit the Fatui.” You could tell Pierro had relaxed now, you turn to Dainsleif.

He had a neutral expression, he already knew the answer of course, though let his glare linger a bit longer towards Pierro as he turns to you. “You haven’t changed little one, when you set a goal, you would always push through it despite the hardships. I would fight you on this one but I will not win against both of you.” He pats your head and smile sadly.

“Farewell Dain… I think… this may be the last time we would ever see each other.” You wrap your arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly.

Dainsleif notices you had grown taller now, last time he received a hug from you was when you were a teenager and you could not reach his shoulders. He nuzzles his cheek onto your hair as he wraps his arms around your waist and closes his eyes. “Goodbye Princess (Y/N).” And just like that he lets you go after he kisses your forehead softly.

The Twilight Sword never looked back because once he did, he would not hesitate to fight you and the mage if it meant saving you from the pits of hell that you would swim with Pierro in the future.

Snow had once again started to fall from the sky, you let out your hand to catch a snowflake, your palm had been wiped clean of blood. Although the same could not be said for your inner clothings. You were about to look down when a larger coat is wrapped around your smaller figure.

“Thank you Pierro.” You snuggled onto his coat inhaling his musky scent, slowly forgetting why you didn’t have your armor on. “You know… you could have seduced me to come with you and not start by wanting to kill me. Because what if I did come with Dainsleif huh?” You teasingly ask while raising an eyebrow at him.

“Do you think I would have let you?” He still seems frustrated base from his tone.

“You just said you would let me and then kill me after… wait a minute did you just get jealous because he hugged and kissed my forehead?” Although you were pretty sure he definitely would have killed you if you had defected, he would be way past that now since you didn’t end up leaving the Fatui. “Kidding aside… I heard what you said earlier.” You place your cold hands on his arm that is about the size of your thighs, oh… you definitely wouldn’t mind getting choked to death by them.

Leaning your forehead as it touches his chest, your lips quirk up, “I love you too.” For the first time since Khaenri’ah had fallen, Pierro had seen you smile again.

This time you smiled because you genuinely love him and that is something he would want to see everyday when he wakes up in the morning.

Pierro removes his mask with his hand as he pulls you close with the other, your lips finally met after two decades of pinning for each other. The kiss is searing hot and far from being innocent despite this being the first time you two had kissed each other.

All those declaration of love throughout the years came to act. His kiss is domineering as if he wanted to devour you whole and you would let him as your tongues clash passionately and desperate to taste each other. The kiss is so overwhelmingly intense that you had to pull away, your arms were still wrapped around his neck. Pierro could tell that he might’ve gone a bit overboard so he instead kisses the tip of your nose.

“Staying at my side is something you would surely regret, I am asking you to stain blood with your hands again, if not us then who would cleanse this world anew?” He leans down to your height pressing your foreheads together his eyes closed as he let himself drown in your arms as you embraced him tightly.

“Anywhere you’ll go I’ll go too, forgive me if I would cry sometimes but I’ll share one loving relationship and one lifetime of damnation with you.” And that was true, the two of you would continue to love each other as you both watch the old world burn itself to the ground.

You two share another kiss but this time it was just a small peck on the lips.

“If that is the case then I suppose our marriage would not pose any problems, we already share the same estate so you have no reason to object.” After mentioning the word marriage Pierro pulls himself away from your embrace, he balls a hand into a fist as he covers his mouth over it while he places his mask back to cover half of his face. “Regarding the matters of your next mission I believe it is time we have to open business trades in other nations so that we may be able to establish bases of operations.”

He immediately debriefs you of the next mission not even letting you recover from the overwhelming emotional rollercoaster you had just experienced in one day.

“Ye-” You were surprised at the change of topic because you had just started to process that he was already asking you to marry him. “Hey don’t change the topic you just asked me to marry you-wait are you embarrasses is that why you’re not looking at me?”

You let out a series of giggles as Pierro purse his lips trying to contain himself from blushing too much but alas you already saw his cheeks darken. “Alright please continue with the mission debrief my dearest husband.” You didn’t tease him any further and let yourself indulge with the fact that you’re marrying your royal mage.

“As you wish my wife.” He replies with a softer tone leaning down to your height as you two shared a short and gentle kiss.

•••••

Year 25

The day after the proposal, your marriage with Pierro became official, at that point both of you didn’t bother to have a ceremonial marriage. Nothing really had changed much between the two of you, from the beginning you have always shared an estate with him. Along with sharing a bed sometimes because of the nightmares from what happened during the Cataclysm. And the only comfort you could feel when you’re with Pierro.

His presence always reminded you that you haven’t lost everything. And though he may never verbally say it, you’re fully aware that he too finds comfort in cuddling you to sleep.

Now that the papers stated you two are married, there is a difference in sharing a bed to cope versus sharing a bed with your husband. You really couldn’t get used to it, because despite being burdened with being the heads of the Fatui and the unforgettable tragic incident of your homeland… you were still able to find serendipity in marrying the grumpy royal mage you always pinned for.

Your cheeks became red again at the thought of what had happened during the officiality of your marriage 10 years ago and the night that preceded it. Instead of reading the reports for this week’s accomplishments in improving Snezhnaya economy and the other are reports for the underground work of the Fatui along with the files of a newly recruited woman that hailed from Mondstadt… you were giggling like a teenager in the small office that is connected in your shared bedroom with Pierro.

Aside from the papers another proof of marriage is the diamond shape earrings, you had a pair and you gave the other piece to Pierro who wears it on a daily basis. As for your husband he had a chained brooch that had a pair of a diamond shaped jewel, he gave the other jewel to you and crafted it into a necklace. You both had a piece of each other as proof of your union in marriage.

The necklace hanged around your neck and you always had the habit of gently caressing the jewel.

“If you would be so generous enough to lend me my shirt back, I have urgent matter’s to tend today.”

At this point you were really used to Pierro suddenly appearing when your back is turned. That's why you weren’t really surprised when he suddenly waltzes in without knocking. He always seems to be so light on his feet despite being huge and having a well-built body.

Needless to say you were quite embarrassed this time because you were wearing nothing but his dress shirt exposing your body with littered bruises and hand marks that he imprinted himself last night.

Your cheeks darken when you saw how his eyes stare at you with heavy lust and you unconsciously rub your thighs together out of anticipation.

“Don’t you have a lot of similar shirts? I wanted to keep this one for myself.” 

Pierro strides forward his hands slamming down his hands onto the desk trapping you in between his arms, you were surprised by how energetic he is so early in the morning. “I want to wear this one.” He whispers leaning close to you and kisses the tip of your ear, his hands were slowly unbuttoning his shirt slowly revealing your naked body to him. When your skin is exposed, he lowers his lips kissing the space above your breasts, his hand is on the diamond shape jewel he held it in between his fingers as he continues to nip your soft skin.

“H-Haven’t you gotten enough of me last night?” You slightly whimper as he began to nip at your exposed neck that still had bruises from last night’s session.

He lifts you by your hip and places you on top of the desk, he maintains eye contact as he kneels down while grabbing your thighs with his large hands. “Blame yourself for walking around wearing my dress shirt and nothing underneath.” He slowly spread your legs open and you complied your breath getting ragged as he kisses your inner thigh trailing his lips upwards.

You let out a soft whimper as his beard tickled your soft skin while lips touches the litter of love bites he had left on your thighs last night. “We’ve been married for a decade and yet you are so easily flustered.” He smirks as he saw how you were already shaking with just kissing.

“That's because I'm still sensitive from last night!” You cover your face with both of your hands embarrassed that he would see you again in such lust-filled daze.

He stands up and grabs your wrist prying them away from your face. He softens up when he looks at your blushing cheeks then kisses your forehead sweetly. Although seeing you in his dress shirt that is too big for your size that it reached down to your thighs. He really couldn’t be sweet and gentle to you after that.

“Perhaps you just need to get used to this.” Pierro hotly whispers into your ear as he grabs your wrist and pins them down on the desk slamming you down onto the wooden surface. His knee kept your bare legs open and his lips found its way onto yours kissing you with much passion.

Needless to say, your morning has gotten so better, although the same can’t be said to the desk you two copulated in.

Humming in delight, you drape your cape with golden plate shoulder pads around your body, your inner clothing has three layers to compensate for the harsh winter. Though it isn’t really that cold since the estate is regulated with the right temperature and your office in the central city has a fireplace in it. You went downstairs and saw your husband talking to the newly recruited woman from Mondstadt.

From what you can see she is holding out her cryo delusion most likely to suppress her flames, and her expression looks frightened. Pierro is somewhat scrutinizing her for coming into the estate without notice. And to ease her mind you place a hand on Pierro’s shoulder which halted him to stop talking.

“Finally, we meet at last Rosalyne, I am (Y/N), did you come here because the delusion hurting you somehow?” She is surprised to have met the Second of the Fatui Harbingers who immediately know the reason why she had come “Forgive us but it is not a power we can so easily tap into, if you would like I can help you get used to it and the pain will numb.” That was quite true because the Delusion is something only a few possess since it's quite difficult to manufacture.

Rosalyne pursed her lip, she didn’t expect that you would treat her so kindly she more or less expected you to be like the Jester. “Thank you, Lady Harbinger, but if I do lose control, I would not be held responsible for what could happen to you.” She replies firmly.

You already like Rosalyne because she has some bite in her words. When you sat beside her and rest your hands onto hers, she still held the delusion tightly as if afraid of letting it go. “I heard from Her Majesty that you were quite eager to start working and what better opportunity it is to come with me, you might pick up a few skills and I can take you down if it comes to it.” Giving reassurance that you could fight made her sigh in relief.

“Rosalyne,” Her head suddenly jerked up to the Jester, “You are quite adept in numerous languages since you hail from Mondstadt and studied in the Akademiya. Having to learn the art of Diplomacy from my wife, you would gain valuable skills that would be needed in the future.” His tone is rigorous as ever, everyone could be easily intimidated by his voice but for you, it's like music to your ears.

“Then I am in your care Lady Harbinger.” Rosalyne replies as she eases her mind that she would be under your care. Her stiff shoulders began to relax, at the very least it would seem she had immediately become comfortable around you.

Turning to Pierro he gives you a nod of approval at stepping up in having Rosalyne under your care. “I shall see you for another few days Dearest, have fun with the Doctor.” You bid him farewell while smiling and holding his hand.

Starting the morning with a great exercise Pierro is eager to work. He wanted to kiss your cheek but you both had no privacy at the moment. He could only offer his thumb gently rubbing your forehand then left without so much saying a word. Your touch is enough and besides you both have long centuries together before the plans would be set in stone.

When your husband left, you turn to Rosalyne holding out your hand for her to take, “Come I have a lot of things to teach you.” She takes your hand eagerly as you were delighted about that. Today is a good day and you hope that it would continue until the day of the rebellion against the divine would come.

•••••

Present time

You open your eyes and saw a familiar dark blue ceiling, your entire body is resting on a mattress that is soft as a marshmallow. She must’ve moved you to a bedroom but the bed is too large to be slept with one person on it. It was obvious that this bedroom is the one you had shared with Pierro where the nights you two had spent is now encased in a small container of memories.

“I think we should take a break for now (Y/N).” Columbina stated as she places the container on the tableside.

“Columbina… how could I have dare to forget this memory?” You just noticed that you were crying as you touch your cheek.

Her eyes were still closed as she lets out a small sigh, “Should we continue, you would find your answers later on which is precisely why I stopped.” She puts a warm wet towel on your forehead to let the soothing feeling of warmth relax your mind to let the blood flow correctly. “I know you are a cursed immortal and won’t easily die but that doesn’t mean your soul would not forget how it feels to be in pain.”

Columbina did have a point, the consequences of immortality is trying to stay sane now look where it had gotten you? Reduced to being a damsel without realizing she is in distress.

“Where is he?” You asked.

“Outside the bedroom door, would you like him to come inside?” She tilts her head wondering if it’s a good idea to ask that.

“Not yet, I don’t want to face him only remembering a fraction of our lives together.” You purse your lips because you definitely want to see him so badly because you had caused him to feel solitude upon your disappearance.

“Very well (Y/N) after I hum a lullaby to relax your mind and we will continue putting back your memories.” Columbina sits beside you as she picks up the container again slowly caressing it as she lets out a soft chorus of hums as if it was sung by an angel.

Outside the bedroom door, Pierro leaned back closing his eyes, he could not stand seeing also. What you had done hurt him as well but if you were willing to try again, he would have no reason to deny having him in your arms again.

If you do accept these memories then he it would mean you would still be willing to continue playing the chess game against Celestia.

Yet right now all Pierro could think is he would once again ask you lead him and save him from solitude, he hopes that you would say you want him, beside you once more, that’s all he would ask of you.

⟡ Act V: Point of No Return ⟡

Past the point of no return

No going back now

Our passion play has now at last begun

Past all thought of right or wrong

One final question

How long should we two wait before we're one?

When will the blood begin to race?

The sleeping bud bursts into bloom?

When will the flames at last consume us?

•••••

Year 35

Pierro is experiencing a migraine, you could tell from the way his hand would often press against his forehead. He had been in that state since last month but of course knowing him he would not disclose his predicament. He would brush it off as something trivial and unnecessary to worry about.

After speed running the necessary work for today and tomorrow’s agenda, you hurriedly went back to the Zapolyarny Palace and invaded yourself in his office. He didn't acknowledge your presence as he continues with his paperwork but it’s alright you already know he’s quite busy. You then place a picnic basket on another table nearby. You quietly prepare him a cup of coffee and pastries that you baked at the orphanage. After preparing him an afternoon snack you place it to his desk then stood behind his chair.

Arms wrapped around his neck as you kiss the side of his head. “I hurriedly went back but don't worry my work is finished earlier than expected. I'm quite worried about you, your headache has been recurring non-stop this month.”

He turns his head but before he can say anything you already jumped to it. “Don't be ridiculous (Y/N)—what? Surprise I can guess what you want to say? You do realize that even if we're immortals we can still feel pain, right?”

Your husband glared at you clearly not amused with your scolding mixed with teases, “I'm fully aware, now leave.” And once again you beat him to what he wanted to say.

“Are you done mocking me?” He asks with clear annoyance.

“Not if you would just give me your time for just one hour and let me take over your paperwork.” You were now serious this time and Pierro could tell that you were no longer be playful if he wouldn’t listen to you.

Pierro sighs heavily he wasn’t in the mood to argue back so he caved, “One hour.” He grumbled dropping his pen onto the table and let his head rest by leaning onto his soft chair.

When he finally gives in to your request, you dim the lights in his office to set a relaxing mood. You brewed him some coffee and prepared the pastries you had baked earlier in a small plate. Eyeing Pierro you saw him dropping his mask placing it on his desk as he closes his eyes. It made you smile in relief that he actually listened.

“Caffein will help ease your migraine and I also baked pastries earlier.” You those to him and he hurriedly took a sip of the warm beverage.

Your husband stares at you with a much more relaxed expression, his hands were on top of your squeezing them gently. “Thank you, I truly need this.” He brought your hands to his lips and kissed each tip of your bare fingers, “(Y/N), you truly are the only good thing in this world.” He sweetly says those words with one final kiss onto the side of your wrist.

With a flustered expression and eyes widen at the 180 degrees turn of the rigidness if the Director of the Fatui Harbinger to your loving mage husband. You squeeze his hand back, “You’re welcome, now let me take care of these they only need your signatures, right? No one would even bat an eye if I forged it.” You tease your husband but he just garnered a confused expression.

“Your signature wouldn't pose any problem, you have much authority as I have in the Fatui.”

Well now that your joke is soiled you pouted, “You’re no fun did you know that?” You tell him but he just let out an amused hum as he takes a bit of the crisp snack you gave him earlier.

As you let Pierro rest, the stacks of paperwork were an easy task to do since that was mainly your job as the current Mayor of Snezhnaya. You were sitting on top of his desk signing non-stop but of course you also read the contents of what you were signing. The paperwork caught your eye is the incident involving a tragic accident regarding the new batch of recruits fresh from the orphanage that was sent on an expedition to investigate an archon residue detected in an inhabited island.

This happened a year ago and you could vividly remember the faces of those new recruits. All because they were the one who often helped you in the kitchen when you visit the orphanage. You purse your lip as you currently over their files, it turns out that they all survived the god of that island because they were spared but they were all subjected to help in Dottore’s laboratory.

“Pierro why didn’t you tell me all of these?” You ask your husband with a shaky voice.

His migraine started to attack again as his finger rubbed his forehead, “They were under Pulcinella’s care, it isn’t relevant since you do have your own subordinates.” He nonchalantly stated as if he didn’t care what happened to those children. The ones you would bake pastries with or occasionally train, he just discarded them because the delusions needed to be produced massively for the growing ranks within the Fatui.

“I watched those children grow up and their lives were just used for an experiment?” Your voice began to break as you remembered the smiles and giggles of those children, now you won’t be able to even see or hear them again because they had perished.

“Indeed, but their sacrifice contributed in making sure the delusions to perfect the Cicin Mage’s prototype.” Your husband’s tone changed, it’s as if it was the Jester speaking to you, not him.

“Did you ever regret it █ █ █ █ █ ?” You asked in calm anger.

“Regret what?”

“What we became.” When you replied that, Pierro’s diamond shape pupils dilated as if studying your facial expressions because your question poses a threat to everything you had built for Her Majesty, the Fatui, and Pierro. Your anger turned into a fake smile not wanting the argument to escalate any further.

“Ah never mind don’t answer that just rest, okay? One hour and I’ll finish all your task then go to my office because Rosalyne is returning today from her mission.”

You quickly change the topic but Pierro grabbed your arm before you could even stand up. “What do you suggest to do then?” He wasn’t going to let this go but he would like to know if your stomach could handle the blasphemous acts of the Fatui.

“Use the criminals or traitors then, we have no need for prisoners they take up a lot space and resources.”

And he will take your word for it.

You were going to regret this but for the sake of those poor children in the House of Hearth you have to pay blood with blood. Pierro is surprised that you have suggested that in the first place. Although it would indeed be practical, if the traitors would plot against or even think of leaving them… what better way to put an end to it by subjecting them to Dottore’s care instead?

How horrible you had become, you bit your lip and rested your head onto his shoulder. “Pierro I’m sorry for lashing out perhaps I shouldn’t let myself get attached to those children.” You wrap your arms around him hoping a hug and an apology would be enough for him to forgive you.

“I will look for a new headmaster who could train them at a very young age so your attention wouldn't be divided.” Pierro didn’t condemn you nor did he verbally say you're forgiven and you’re afraid to even look at his expression since you really didn’t want your husband to be cross with you.

“Alright but do that after another hour of rest.”

The topic has ended and you kiss his forehead softly while you gently brush his hair with your palms and let his head rest onto your soft chest. For a while you let yourself enjoy the serendipity of your married life. You just begin to imagine that your husband is different to the Jester. After all, it was easier to delude your reality into an illusion just to give you a false sense of security. Perhaps this would at least retain your sanity until the rebellion against the divine would come.

•••••

Year 50

Your entire body is aching.

How could it not when you had fractured your ribs?

A gaping wound on your stomach could also be added to the list along with multiple bruises on your entire body. Defeating a god with little followers on a secluded island was no easy feat, especially when Pierro wasn’t here to assist you but then again mission success so you had no right to complaint.

“I suppose you have my gratitude.”

Okay maybe you have one complaint since you hate to go on missions with Dottore’s most arrogant segment, the Omega build. He held up an archon residue container that sealed the body of the dead god inside. You didn’t dare look at it because you would remember how that god begged for mercy… not to himself but to his followers.

“This amount will suffice until my experiment is a success. You were the one who killed this minor god right?” Dottore grinned which made you feel uneasy.

“A fine observation Doctor, is the blood on my claymore not enough proof?” Your blood pressure is rising and you were itching to kill this annoying little shit with your own weapon. The adrenaline from fighting earlier hasn’t died down yet, as the matter of fact being provoked made you twitch.

The Doctor chuckles deeply, he put a hand on his chin as if thinking of something, your diamond shape pupils narrowed down at him. You ignored the people on the background crying in hysterics mainly from the miasma they had inhaled when you killed their god. Though they were all rendered helpless as your subordinates sedated them one by one.

“Oh no no, I'm just curious since you do know the consequences of killing a god. The people are plagued with madness already so I thank you for saving me the trouble of finding new test subjects for the archon residue you had collected.” You already know that but his sarcasm made you angrier.

“Do not test me Zandik. Get to the point.” Every word you had uttered, especially his real name is a warning, you were already gripping your claymore to the point the veins on your hands were protruding.

Dottore suddenly laughed, “Hahahahah! Hah. It's just amusing that you once called me a monster but are we really so different Princess (Y/N)?” His words hurt more than the minor god’s attacks, he was calling you a hypocrite and right in front of your subordinates no less.

But he was right, to deny such accusations is laughable on your part. You have done unspeakable things for this rebellion against the Divine. You were a monster.

Now you will show Dottore what you can do.

A claymore enclouds in sharp blue wisp is swung right at him, the tip of your claymore is then stopped by a white gloved hand. A booming sound is heard as the hand stopped your attack before it could truly behead Dottore. Your view is blocked from him none other than your husband who just arrived in time to save a fellow Harbinger.

“Move Pierro, I want to give more results to Zandik’s wonderful conclusion.”

Pierro didn’t flinch when you scowled at him, the claymore is still moving but with his strength he is able to subdue it easily. He turns to the one who pissed you off, “Doctor, I suggest you take the archon residue and your test subjects to your laboratory before I lose my temper as well.” He ordered impatiently.

“Of course, Jester.” Dottore lowers his head a bit, base from his expression, he didn’t expect that the Jester would actually come and see the conclusion of their raid in a small island not far from Snezhnaya. “I will send my child segment, the Zeta build, to tend to the reports he gets along with your wife.”

Pierro then grabbed your blade not caring if the blood from the god you had killed stained his glove and sleeves. He then flipped your claymore so he would be the one wielding it, “Are you done with your tantrum? I hope you realize that petty words are not worth to eliminate such an important asset.” Considering his reasoning you were indeed on the wrong side of this argument, you should have not lost your temper. Then again you and Dottore do get along fine but when it comes to philosophical ideals you two never get along.

“When we return to Zapolyarny Palace I will thoroughly remind the Doctor about overstepping his boundaries.”

Okay you were satisfied with that for now.

The claymore dematerializes from your husband’s hand as you feel relaxed at least this is settled you really didn’t want to stay any longer. Not when the sight before you are a devastating carnage you had left when you killed these people’s god.

“Let’s just go-nnghk!!! ” A sharp pain attacked the gaping wound on your stomach.

Pierro hurriedly caught you in his arms, “What are you standing there for? Get a medic.” He shouts at the nearby elderly female soldier who hurriedly called for help but you didn’t miss the way she smiled when you coughed up blood.

You groan in pain as you rest your head on your husband’s shoulder clutching your stomach to put pressure on the wound. As your breathing became ragged you try to calm yourself down to concentrate on the wounded spot and to let the curse of immortality heal your wounds.

“Eyes on me (Y/N).” His gloved hand was on your cheek while the other is pressing onto your wound to put pressure on it because the more you bleed out the more your body gets affected by the miasma.

In all honesty, you deserved this. Oh, how you were careless in fighting just so you can feel a deserving punishment. The god who lets the flower bloom in the harshest weather was a weak opponent but you let yourself get wounded. You were sure that the miasma is based from wolfsbane flowers that the god grew on the island.

An island that’s full of green lush and colorful flowers despite the winters of Snezhnaya reaching far beyond the borders and now all of those beautiful plants and flowers became brown and withered.

You can endure this pain, it will heal slowly and with time your body would forget what the wound looks like. No wonder Dottore scrutinized you earlier, he had seen through the fake façade you put up. You could have easily ended that god but chose to harm yourself in exchange for what you would do to the people of this damned island.

This is karma for what you had done and you hope you could still stay sane until rebellion against the divine.

•••••

Year 65

Ever since the incident of battling the god of that small island, you never had been assigned missions outside of Snezhnaya. Pierro had every reason and right to ban you from expeditions, you were putting yourself in danger deliberately. And your relationship with him started to strain but with time you try to make it up to him.

Although your husband will always trust you as wife… but the Jester isn’t able to do so but a decade and half passing by, he is able to trust you as the Scapino again.

At present, you were currently on an inspection because there are reports of sighting that there's a spiraling darkness lingers in a forest east from the capital city.

“My lady once this inspection is over, I would like to formally hand over my resignation letter, I am far too old now.” The subordinate who navigated the area is an elderly woman who had always been under your care for 50 years.

Her timing is really poor since you both were in front of the Abyss portal.

“Alina, I’m sure your family would be delighted so of course I would let you retire.”

“My Lady they have been dead for 50 years.” She replies coldly sending shivers down your spine.

“Oh… I’m sorry to be so insensitive.” You slightly bow your head apologizing for your carelessness.

The elderly female soldier smiles hollowly, she had been your subordinate for the longest time, though you never did grow close like friends. She seems too formal and kept her distance, you respected that and she was the one who help you recuperate from your injury from the god you had killed some time ago.

Now you begin to understand why she kept her distance. “Why do you feel sad My Lady? Do you have any right to feel that when you killed my husband, Dominik?” That person is someone you could never forget and even his loved one never did, now she's here to avenge him.

That man killed himself because of you.

Your legs began to wobble as you suddenly see blood around you and the gaping hole of Dominik's chest open by the power of a cryo vision. And his eyes that is filled with so much hate that if it could kill, you would have been slaughtered mercilessly.

Your heart began pounding loudly against your chest as the old lady grab your wrist, “Why are you so kind and empathetic to your subordinates knowing you lead them to death? Do you know how hard it was to endure 50 years to serve the one who killed my family?” She began shaking you while your head is floating in the clouds trying to keep yourself remain conscious of what was happening in front of you.

“I didn’t mean to… I… didn’t know he would…” Your voice trembles as you close your eyes shaking your head like a child guilty of candy theft.

“You didn’t know that he would kill himself? Is that what you want to say? But who was the one who lead him to take drastic measures?”

‘Me… It was me…’ You whisper to yourself and your eyes bulging while you grip onto your hair and your entire body started to shake.

“That’s right and you’ve been doing these to many families.” The old lady caresses your cheek while wiping your tears away. “What’s worst is that you set sights on an orphanage to produce soldiers for the Fatui. How many of them reached my age? How many died in glory? In battle? In vain?”

You feel lightheaded and nauseous.

“Can you make it up to me? To us? The people you have caused nothing but pain?” The old lady never stops staying condemning words and you made no effort in stopping her because she had a point. You were the mayor of Snezhnaya and it would do your reputation no good as you had vowed to listen to every citizen’s problem. “Will you let me push you into the Abyss so that my soul would finally be at peace?”

Then you shakily inhale because if you were to fall into the Abyss, there’s no telling how much time would pass on the outside world. “But my husband… he would worry…” You whimper as she digs her sharp nails onto your skin.

“What about my husband? Lieutenant Dominik and I could have been living peacefully with our son but you took that away from us.” She pulls you closer to the portal as her nails teared the surface of your skin causing you to bleed.  “And your own husband… I’m sure Lord Jester married you so that the Fatui wouldn’t fall early since you are after all, a founding member.”

Your heart stopped at her words.

Little did you know that it was the nail to the head when Anila started to talk about Pierro, her 50 years of labor under your lead began to grow into a delicious fruit. The look of despair in your eyes when she had finally start to break your soul. She would relish it until the day she dies.

“Stop lying… he always had loved me… before Khaenri’ah fell… he told me himself.” 

You sounded so helpless.

“Poor Princess (Y/N), your own husband lied to you so please…” Her grip onto your wrists loosens up, “Let me relieve you of your pain.” She didn’t used much force to push you into the dark spiralling portal.

And now… you were falling into the Abyss.

The last thing you ever saw is Alina laughing until the darkness of the Abyss consumed your entire body. You close your eyes as you brace for the impact of your fall, perhaps this was for the best. All those people you have caused so much pain and loss, they did deserve some comfort in their lives that their vengeance had been fulfilled by the loved one of the first person who cursed and hated you.

And as for Pierro… ‘Is his love all a lie to keep me around?’

You deserved a punishment such as this and when you landed, you could feel every bone in your body shattering. Having multiple fractures wouldn’t kill you anyway so you might as well try opening your eyes. And when you did the first thing you ever saw is a series of events that hasn’t happened yet…

In the land of Freedom, one must force its way to get what is needed.

The oldest of the gods can be persuaded through the honor of contracts.

The Crimson Witch of Flames turned to ash, Rosalyne’s sacrifice is worth the cost.

To obtain something of equal value must be lost, Dottore knows no bounds after all.

Justice is inevitable but is it honorable when it is only served in favor of the most powerful?

Fire fueled by the blood spilled, the most powerful Captain lays his life for the rebellion

The endless neverwinter is desolate and harsh but as this nation endured for all time, every lives that were lost would have a final resting place in the entirety of the old world.

A female blonde traveler dressed in all white is accompanied by her little fairy guide is now face to face with their net obstacle. Me.

“Are you satisfied now Lady Scapino?” Lumine’s tone is cold towards me unlike her soft-spoken tone during the time we spent together for a short while. “Does your rebellion against the divine truly worth the lives you took. All of these bodies, they are the Fatui… are their lives meaningless to you?”

I grip onto my claymore but I had no more reason to fight, the game against Celestia had reached its conclusion.

“They were not meaningless to me at all, if not for their sacrifice we would not have come so far. If I were to be reborn again, I would have chosen your role Lumine, a traveler who sees the world with hope and a little companion would also be nice… but alas I was born a Princess of Khaenri’ah. I was doomed from the beginning and therefore I accept my eternal damnation.”

Before Lumine and Paimon could reply you were pulled back into the light.

Pierro is the first thing you ever saw since he held your semi-conscious body, you could feel his hands shaking as he cups your cheek. His one visible eye glistened in painful relief as he stares at your battered body.

“I thought I lost you to the Abyss, my love.” He hugs you tightly but you were confused as to why is he relieved.

Wasn't he the one who lied so that you wouldn't abandon the Fatui?

“Where is she?” You refer to the elderly who pushed you down.

There is a flash of anger in his expression, “She died after you fell, she planned it all so that we may never find you but she failed.” He seems to be hiding the whole truth but you didn’t dwell on it as long as Pierro didn’t admit he tortured the poor old lady as punishment for your disappearance.

“I see… at least she didn’t suffer any longer.” You sigh in relief.

“Why are you concerned about her? You should take a look of yourself my love, your eyes are sunken and your dress is ruined, you’re also filled with scratches and bruises.” Pierro is back again with his soft tone, it’s always that loving and gentle tone whenever he’s with you but not to others. Now… you were also beginning to doubt his sincerity.

“Do you truly love me?”

You had to ask that above anything else, you were stuck in the Abyss for an hour and all you saw is how horrible you had become. Because of what Anila had said you just need to know if what Pierro made you feel is real. If it proved to be true you don’t think you can ever go on living again.

“Did Anila tell you that I only married you so that I can continue to use you?” Pierro places you down gently, he was sitting on the snow and you were sitting on his lap. He cups both of your cheek and kisses your forehead. “She couldn’t be more wrong, like I said before, I would not rebel against the divine without you at my side.”

Base from his breathing, you knew he wasn’t lying and that made you tear up because Anila probably only told you those lies to catch you off guard.

You could feel his lips peppering kisses all over your bruised face, it didn’t hurt as his lips only put light pressure. “That and you are the only good thing I have left, we’ve been through so much and though it pains me that you doubt my love for you.” He brought your hand to his lips, his one visible eye stare at you with a loving expression that he only shows when you two are alone. “My heart and soul always belonged to you ever since the day you fell through the muddy garden of the palace.” That made you giggle because you could vividly remember the day you asked Pierro when was the first time he realizes he loves you too and it was one of those nights where you both sneak out to spend time together.

Although your smile died, ‘But Pierro, what if I don’t want to be at your side anymore whether you love me or not?’ That’s what you had wanted to ask but kept your mouth shut, it’s the least you could do after he confirms that he does indeed love you.

“Ahem… this is a very touching reunion but we need to move Lady Scapino to a much better facility.” Dottore coughs as he awkwardly stood with his child segment Zeta and Columbina who were watching the entire time. Signora is surprisingly there as well but she remained silent as her expression is hardened but her eyes express great relief.

‘What the hell I didn’t even notice they were there?’ You were shocked because your senses were usually sharp but then again you just fell into the Abyss and came back.

“When is it my turn to hug her Jester?” Columbina pouted as she crosses her arms.

“Yeah! Don’t be greedy you’re only her husband but we’re her friends!” Zeta frowned as he pointed a finger at Pierro.

Your husband glares at them both as his arms wrapped itself around your waist, “I was her best friend first and she doesn’t need you both.” He scowls at the two who then look at each other then at Pierro but before they can even run towards your direction, Dottore grabbed them by the back of their shirts.

Signora steps forward as she wraps a coat around your body, “Welcome back Lady (Y/N).” She gives you a rare smile as she steps back again to respect Pierro’s wish to give you some space. And your heart feels warm knowing that your comradea do care about you.

If you could just close your eyes for the sacrifices being made, you could try and be blind for all you care… All for your husband and friends. At the very least you can still fulfill your role in the Fatui until rebellion against the divine.

•••••

Year 75

Two decades had passed ever since you fell into the Abyss you had an obsession with the memories of the future and what better way to know everything through experiments? Having spilled too much blood you subjected yourself to be the lab rat instead of using who would tamper with their mind. And Pierro is once again furious about your recklessness in using the Art of Khemia to play with your brain.  The proof of it is by locking you up in your shared estate and letting all your things from the mayor’s office to be delivered here.

“Have you lost all senses? Do you know how dangerous it is to tamper with your own memories?!” Pierro saw the alchemy notes you had drawn into an orb-shaped capsule made from an automaton and it contained your memories of your time in the Abyss. “Your obsession with the Abyss is dangerous, the darkness tapped into your darkest fears (Y/N).”

“If we could avoid making mistakes then maybe there would be less casualties, those people who we killed for this ridiculous plan against Celestia-”

“You dare ridicule our entire lives’ work?!”

Pierro raised his voice at you, he grabbed your shoulders and tightly gripping them making you wince in pain. He shook you slightly not hiding the fact that his anger towards you. It was the first time you had ever seen him lose his temper and you were the one who caused this.

But his wrath is far more acceptable than the ones you had seen in the Abyss.

What you saw in the future were all fragments but you could put together of what had happened, the Fatui had all the Gnosis but at the cost of many comrades’ lives. Having to witness a vision such as that became your newest curse as you couldn’t bear to see your comrades dead. And they were all gone because of you… and you didn’t even finish the outcome of the future because Pierro pulled you back.

“After all these years why have you begun to regret what we had done? Do not forget that you were the one who started this with me.” His grip onto your shoulder started to hurt and you were sure it will leave bruises for days right there.

You purse your lip not wanting make him angrier but Pierro doesn’t understand because he turned a blind eye to the blood that the Harbingers and the Tsaritsa wrote.

“I wish I did forget all of this.” How you wish you could have prevented yourself from ever seeing those memories from the Abyss but it does also count as a blessing.

“It’s time to end these foolish theatrics (Y/N), if you wallow in your delusional fantasies then you will truly succumb to madness.”

Pierro scolded you as he lets go of your shoulder, he gives you a harsh glare as if daring you to oppose him. He had enough of your games for the past few weeks, you were really believing in the Abyss when such memories can be a reality but it’s the Abyss who showed you those memories and you were not going to risk it by thinking it was all fake.

“Then so be it, █ █ █ █ █.”

You don’t think you can stay sane but you were past the point of no return now, at the very least you had to fulfill your role in the Fatui until rebellion against the divine.

But you don’t think you could continue to bear to see the blood you had written for this to happen.

•••••

Year 85

A decade had passed ever since the huge argument you had with Pierro, it took you both five months before starting to talk again. Your memories of the time in the Abyss started to fade, without the help of Dottore and Columbina you could no longer tap into that spectrum. Pierro had strictly forbidden you from ever using the Art of Khemia to tamper with your memories and preserve them in a capsule.

You did wonder what happened to those memory capsules that you did create.

No matter, you were far too busy being occupied by a new hobby aside from baking, it was reading fictional novels. You absolutely adore the way it perfectly captures your attention since is vastly different from reading mission reports or those educational books about Teyvat. Though, Pierro once expressed his distaste with fiction but you quickly jump into defense that it helps you sleep when he isn’t home… and of course he caved in as usual.

“Lady Scapino, are you listening?”

“Yes, I am Pulcinella.” You set down what you were currently reading after being broken from thought by a fellow Harbinger. “About those noble families, of course it is given they want to expand their influence to the Fatui. They are deluded with the mere fact they once had power over Snezhnaya. However, we could use their ambition and turn it against them, Her Majesty is the reason why they haven’t even tried to usurp the Harbingers.” You were incredibly tired at the internal conflicts happening within the nation it’s really been difficult to handle which is why Pulcinella being promoted into a Harbinger really relieved some of your burdens.

“I must admit it is rather adorable of them to think they can usurp us it just takes a matter of little persuasion to my end to stop their stupidity from spreading.” He disappointedly shook his head since it’s a waste of time to handle childish conflicts but for the sake of Snezhnaya’s prosperity, he will do what must be done.

“You know Pulcinella you could be mayor instead of me, you’re rather good dealing with the people.” Suggesting this wasn’t a joke on your end, he would be a better mayor than you, besides setting this up would be easy on your part once you depart.

“Hoh hoh. I might take your offer one day Lady Scapino,” Pulcinella then stands up, his eyes stares at the doors of your office a bit amused. “Did you know the Jester is standing behind you all the entire time of our conversation.”

You manage to let out an amused huff, “I know he’s always been like that, always there behind to support me when needed and vice versa.” You look at Pierro who was leaning against the door frame with his arms cross as he waited for you to finish talking with Pulcinella.

“Ah young love…” The elderly small man lets out an amused laugh.

“Aren’t we older than you though?” You tilt your head in curiosity.

“Hoh hoh hoh, I shall tell you the truth some other time Young Lady Scapino.” Pulcinella’s teasing made you pout, “I believe your husband waited long enough.” He leaves your office still amused with your husband’s odd antic of always standing behind your back.

Pierro is still leaning by the door frame and without anyone that could disturb both of you he smiles, “You look divine tonight.”

Suddenly all your walls shatter as you became shy because when you look at the mirror on your desk, you look really horrible. Eyes sunken, hair slightly messy, hands stained with ink, and poor posture. Yet despite looking like that Pierro remain by at the door frame looking at you as if you’re the most beautiful thing he had laid his eyes on.

“I truly don’t know if you’re just being a tease or telling the truth.”

“A bit of both.” Pierro closes the door and strides forward to grab your hand and place a kiss on your knuckles. “How are you faring these days? You haven’t gone home for three weeks now my love.”

You were absolutely but nor really shocked about that the evidence is already your messy appearance, “Shit really? No wonder I look like trash.” You held Pierro’s hand tightly and squeezes them. “Darling, I’m really sorry I thought that if I go home, I wouldn’t finish any work done and my perception of time is incredibly poor.” In all honesty you just didn’t want him to see how you had grown mentally and emotionally unstable.

“Do you even sleep?” He asks worriedly.

“Sometimes I do but…”

“The nightmares.” Pierro finishes your sentence, he already knows how the nightmares never stopped because the same could be said to him. He pulls you into a tight hug as he rubs circles onto your back and you sink into his touch as his beard tickling your forehead as he leans down to your height to properly cuddle you.

“It’s not really that bad anymore, ever since those memories of my time in the Abyss started to disappear, I feel lighter...” ‘Best to avoid telling him that I still feel like I want to disappear crap, he seems too happy to see me right now.’ “Anyway, did you really miss me that much that you would personally come and fetch me?” You pull away from the hug poking his cheek .

“Our bed feels cold without you there.” He replies seriously which made you pout.

“Ah you just miss my body?” You ask teasingly.

Pierro place another kiss on your hand, “I miss your presence at my side (Y/N)…” Then another kiss on your cheek, his lips trailing up to your ear. “And you’re right I do miss seeing the look of your face curled in ecstasy.” He huskily said while blowing warm air onto your ear causing you to turn extremely red as you step away from him flustered.

“Damn it I’m suppose to be the teasing one in this relationship.” Grumbling under your breath you grab the novel you were reading earlier then covered your blushing face from his gaze. “I think I would rather have this book between our faces you don’t get teased so easily anymore.”

“Take it from experience of being married to you for 70 years now.” He gently pushes down the novel as he gently flicks your forehead.

“You say that as if it’s a bad thing getting married to me.” You stick out your tongue at him.

Pierro removes his mask while placing a hand under your chin moves closes to your lips, “On the contrary, I truly have no choice because you truly have bewitched me.” You both share a sweet kiss and he pulls away a bit curious about the book you were holding. “Now would you kindly tell me what you have been reading lately? I look forward to your questionable taste in novels.” He raises an eyebrow in amusement as he is rather intrigued with your poor taste in fictional literature.

“Here I’ve been reading this one and it’s a comedic adventure story~!” You held the book up once again and showed him the title.

Pierro had to double take as he grabs the book clearly bewildered by the lengthy title of the novel. “Isekai? Reincarnation? That is ridiculous and it definitely doesn’t seem to be well written base on its title.” He had a look of disgust in his features which made you giggle.

“It isn’t so bad and besides I think it’s funny that the title of this novel is ‘This is a story after I died in the real world then getting isekai'd into my favorite board game but why the fuck is the Demon Lord who greeted me instead of a cute fairy guide?!’ It’s creatively eye catching.” You grab the novel back feigning offense to his reaction.

“I would close my eyes.” He firmly stated.

“Ugh come on don’t you find it funny?” You held novel back up again to his face and clearly trying to annoy him.

Pierro sighs as he shakes his head and closes his eyes, even though he disapproves of your choices in novels he still lets you read it. Baking is a hobby you once developed to stimulate your senses and keep your brain active. And now with your newly discovered hobby, which is reading, it really did improve your mood for the past few years. You weren’t prone to hysterics and you slowly discarded the memories you had of the future.

They were a curse after all.

But little did your husband know that the heavy burden you felt remained despite the memory being gone. Can you truly be with Pierro until the day of the rebellion against the divine?  

•••••

Year 100

The past few years were torture as you were allowed to have missions outside Snezhnaya, Her Majetsy had interfered with Pierro to let you out in the field. It did improve your mood sometimes but most often you didn’t want to go because it will lessen the time you had left with Pierro. And as much as possible you want to be with him until everything would be settled when the day comes of your long absence within the Fatui.

Which is why you were here in his office.

“Don’t you have a diplomatic mission in Sumeru?”

Pierro wonders why you weren’t on a carriage ride to the harbor and wasting your precious time in going to his office.

You purse you lip guilty of what you were about to do, so you pretend to shy your head away. “Ah… well I just want to see you one last time my dear husband…” There weren’t any lies to your voice but the way you spoke seems to alarm Pierro as he immediately stands up from his chair to come to you.

“Is that why you came to annoy me so late in the evening? You know you could have just asked, we’ve been married for decades now and you’re still shy as ever (Y/N).” He tested the waters of your mood but you just hugged him really tight and your face is buried on his chest.

Your grip around him tightens, “Yeah… I know… I just really wanted to see you, █ █ █ █ █ .” You whisper to him as if you were afraid to leave him all alone.

Pierro isn’t really sure about why you’re suddenly so clingy but he won’t complain if you embrace him like this. He removes his mask along with yours to place a kiss on your forehead, “I know it’s been a long time since you would be sent on missions outside our nation.” He then place both hands on your cheek pinching them slightly while kissing the tip of your nose. “Maybe getting out in the field is a good exercise for your battle instincts…” Then another kiss on your right cheek. “And having a high ranking member in handling diplomacy would surely give us a presentable image.” Then another kiss on your left cheek.

You sigh dreamily as he finally kisses you on the lips, “I will miss you too my lovely wife.”

“I hope you don’t miss me that much though~” Despite your tone being playful, you could tell that Pierro oddly feels like there’s some implications of your words and odd behavior lately.

And he was right.

Five months had passed since your farewell to your husband and you were sure that the Fatui is looking for you ever since you disappeared in Sumeru. The secret establishment of a base of operations within Sumeru, Liyue, Inazuma, and Mondstadt along with gaining connections to people with high position in their own nations. At the very least you could leave a great gift of compensation for what you were about to do.

You do hope that every trace of your journey wouldn’t be easily recognized since you were sure that the spies Pierro had sent had been tricked into going to Fontaine and Natlan.

Although you did wish Pierro never loved you and just used you. It would be easier that way because as you stood in Starsnatch Cliff, you were hesitating to erase your memories once and for all. How poetic it is to seek your own freedom in the land of the Anemo Archon… you weren’t a worshipper of gods but every time you see people who do… most of them were living a life of bliss.

A novel is being held by your right hand and the other held an orb that could contain an archon residue.

“I guess this is cheers to my new life.”

A bright light engulf the orb and the novel’s printed pages began to disappear, your eyes were widen open as markings of an alchemic formula surrounded your forehead. Much to your relieve the process is really was starting… You couldn’t handle the burden of being one of the ringleaders in the Fatui just to plague the lives of others. You saw the outcome of the future, and though you may forget most of it, you couldn’t forget the way you hated yourself.

The Tsaritsa and the Fatui would be much better without a thorn to their side.

Pierro could do so much better if he wouldn’t worry about you 24/7, he’s more of leader than you and if you could turn back time you would have chosen to die during the Cataclysm with the other people. But alas you couldn’t die… so what better way to end your misery by erasing your entire memory and replacing them with new ones?

“(Y/N)!!!”

A roaring voice startled you but the process of ending your misery can’t be stopped because you made sure of it.

“I see you really worked hard to find me huh?” You turn to Pierro.

Expecting to see him angry is a mistake because you saw the tears of agony streaming down the side of his uncovered face. That made your heart clench, you weren’t the only one hurting yourself, you were also hurting him. ‘It’s okay he can live without me… he did mention if I ever defected, he would personally kill me…’ You try to reassure yourself as you dropped the novel and the orb.

Then you lost balance and one step backwards you were once again falling.

‘But how come I don’t feel free of my burden?’

‘Burden…?’

‘Oh, that’s right my thesis…’

‘Wait… Why is the house burning?’

Your vision is being flooded of unfamiliar images of infrastructures that reaches the skies, transportation boxes that uses wheels, and a small rectangle gadget. They were unfamiliar to you… a faint voice could be heard… yelling at your name… but you could see your feet running towards a sea of flames that engulfed a small unfamiliar house.

When you gasp for air, you realize that you were no longer inside the burning bedroom and your injuries were non-existent as you look at your hands. Although between the spaces of your fingerds you see a figure of a man standing in front of you.

‘But why does he look in so much pain’

“You're—wait wait don't kill me I'm not a threat!” You yelled at him with a groggy voice as if you had just been crushed by an overwhelming weight.

“Princess (Y/N) I advise that you remain calm as you had just woken up after falling from Starsnatch Cliff.”

‘Why do you look like you wanted to say something Pierro?’

You choose to ignore the gut feeling of something being wrong because how could it feel that way when you’re finally inside your favorite game? And the rebellion against the divine is but a forgotten memory… and so is the years you’ve spent with your husband Pierro.

The fake memories in your mind could never erase the feelings of your soul. Despite having thought of meeting the Jester for the first time your truthful adoration towards Pierro already started to seep through the false illusions of your lies the moment he opens his hand towards your direction.

•••••

Present Time

When you woke up again Columbina is longer at your side, she already had suspected all your memories had returned. At first you didn’t respond to her but eventually she lets you gather your own thoughts and left you alone. Well maybe not alone… Pierro had finally entered your shared bedroom but he kept his distance as he stands by and watches you from the edge of the bed.

“I truly am pathetic, aren’t I?” You bitterly chuckle and he didn’t respond to that. “I don’t want to live knowing I ruined lives, maybe if I were just a mere traveler, I would not hate myself this much.” You began to sob desperate of wanting to hurry the process of wiping your entire brain clean of everything. “I couldn’t do it anymore █ █ █ █ █, I’m not like you…  I can’t pretend to be cruel for the sake of our goal.”

Pierro didn’t step forward just yet, he tore away his mask as you both look at each other’s exasperatedly tired expressions.

“You always had a kind heart Princess (Y/N), you care for everyone even though not many had love you back. You always love the people of Khaenri’ah that’s why you learned how to wield a claymore for you to be able to protect them. Though you may act like a princely knight in shining armor, you were always fascinated with domestic bliss such baking and always wanted to open your own store.”

As he began to recall his own memories of your time before the Cataclysm, you find it surprising that he actually remembered all of it. He treasures the time you both had spent together as much as you did as well, your kindness was always your weakness. You know that but Pierro talks about it as if it was your greatest strength.

“Not only you were kind you were also the brightest light in my life, which is why I always loved you since the day you fell into a muddy soil and demanded me to call you ‘Your Mud-jesty’.”

The sudden confession surprised you because that incident happened months after you both had just met, it would seem that he was the one who had fallen for you first. You remember making that bad pun when you tripped into the mud after sneaking out with him late at night to play chess in the gardens. And despite feeling numb of your senses and emotions, Pierro managed to tug your heart from his admittance.

As fast as his fondness came, his face is pained with lament of the past and mourning to the people you both once were. “Those joyful days cannot be taken back now (Y/N) but those memories are there for a reason, it’s what kept us going.” He moves closer to you his hand on your cheek wiping your tears. “We’ve crossed the threshold and past the point of no return, no matter what you do we can’t change the past. Isn’t that why we’re working with the Tsaritsa to once and for all end their control in this world?”

Despite everything that happened, you could feel that his wrath hasn’t been quenched… And neither did yours.

The thing that held you back is you directed that wrath to yourself which led to your almost downfall. But still you couldn’t turn blind eye for what you have done. “What then? What happens when dust settles and Celestia had fallen… can we really go back to the way we were?”

“The bridge is crossed, so let us stand together and watch it burn.” Pierro is finally able to hold both of your hands, he really does have some odd way of proposing to you. “We cannot go back to the way things were, we’ve already decided that didn’t we? At the very least we would still have each other by the end of everything we had done.” That was he always had envisioned back then and even now, letting the entire world collapse so long as you watch it happen with him.

When he implies that he wants you back at his side you were taken aback, “You would still want me despite what I have done to you?”

“You have no idea what you had done for me before all of this, I truly adore you (Y/N), like I always said… you are the only good thing I have left in this world.” With that Pierro had said his spiel, these were his genuine feelings, you could even see the traces of the royal mage he was once. He never shows that side to anyone else but you, for what reason could he even show them his soft side? His heart always had and always will belong to you.

“Will you let me earn your forgiveness before you could accept me again.”

You couldn’t accept his willing forgiveness without penance for hurting him by almost killing yourself in the process. What’s worse is that you deliberately erased your memories with him and replaced them with fake ones. Someday you would want to hear why he loves you to the point he would forgive you almost immediately.

“Of course.” And Pierro wishes to honor your decision.

As for the Fatui and Her Majesty… Their forgiveness will be a challenge to earn as well and it won't be an easy road to walk into. There is still some lingering darkness on your mind directed towards yourself. But if your husband isn’t one to give up, you shouldn’t either. You decided it was time to stop being short sighted because if you do… it would dishonor the promise you made that day when the Tsaritsa found the both of you huddling in a hidden location.

As for the people you and Pierro had used and will sacrifice… you both vow that their final resting place would be the entirety of the old world. Beyond the past the point of no return, Pierro is standing there with you as the world will soon plunge into chaos that you two would start in a few centuries.

Although you save those thoughts for tomorrow because for now all that matters is in front of you.

“And if you truly insist on asking me for forgiveness, would you join me for a round?” Pierro asks holding out his hands to yours.

You happily intertwined your hands together and finally look forward on the days, months, and years ahead of you both.

~ End of the Second Part of Truthful Adoration in False Illusions

A/N:

So yeah uh about the rankings with reader being number 2 instead of dottore, it will change for canon reasons just let it be for now xD I hope you all would look forward to the Interlude chapter where the story is told from Pierro's POV and the Epilogue!

Also im sorry if this got delayed i accidentally deleted part 2 and when i retyped it i feel like I messed up but I still tried to replicate my lost work :<

Again sorry for scamming everyone thinking this would be an isekai reader when it's most definitely not XD Also should I post what Princess of Khaenri'ah Reader what I imagine would look like? but id rather not cuz i want you guys to imagine yourself suffering like that with pierro /j

Anyways that is all I hope you guys enjoyed the fanfic and look forward to the 3rd part~!

[kii-nami]

Teyvat has its own laws and the godless lands of Khaenri'ah had never abided by them. Stuck in a constant cycle of cataclysmic tragedies and poisoned by the Abyssal secrets, the Irminsul gives up on seeking help from Teyvat's Gods and calls for its Caretakers back. However, once they hear its cries, the world cannot ever be the same again. Only The Second Throne of Heavens is cruel, and does not take lightly to disobedience. Luckily so are the humans who had been wronged by their unjust actions. May this Samsara be their last.

OR ALTERNATIVELY, A CANON COMPLIANT ITERATION OF IRMINSUL'S MEMORIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF KHAENRI'AH, WRITTEN BY ME AND @sewersaga

cw: female reader; khaenri'ahn mcs; reverse harem; two separate fics with two different mcs, both interconnected; written before 3.3 but with some bits of it included; teyvat lore based on my personal theories, which may be incorrect later down the line; khaenri'ah lore based on theory; any lore beyond what is canon is based on my theories; abyss princess lumine; traveler aether; villain celestia; villain rhinedottir; wanderer has been given a name; the fatui harbingers have been given names and lore; any other tw are specific to each fic; discord for discussions

IMPERIUM SINE FINE @kii-nami

Khaenri'ah is waning. The Eclipse Dynasty is nothing but a deathbed for the once great nation. Disenchanted by the life of misery in the land of starless sky, Khaenri'ah's Princess takes it upon herself to restore the former glory of her home, and so she does. Those are also her very hands that destroy Khaenri'ah for good in the process of bringing it up to the stars. Yet Irminsul holds all the knowledge of the world, and it is never wrong with its decisions. [Name] Einherjar will do whatever it takes to atone for the mistakes she has made, even if it means sacrificing everything in the process. She will also drag anyone down the path of damnation along with her, as long as it means curing her people of the curse thrown upon them by The Second Throne. One thing at a time, however. For now, the Queen is dead, long live the Queen.

SIR ITUR AD ASTRA @sewersaga

[Name] Trygg was born to serve the Crown. There is no other purpose to her life but to give up herself to the Eclipse Dynasty's dying light. With the looks of a child and a soul of a grown woman, The Handmaiden's existence moves at a snail's pace. There is nothing remarkable about a life of a servant. Or at the very least, there should not be anything. Yet Irminsul has a mind of its own and fate works in mysterious ways. What was supposed to be a harmless request in hopes of greater good, turned out to be the first stone in the path to revolution. And then the greatest fall one could ever imagine. Now all that is left for her, is to find herself amongst these ruins and not lose anything else in the process. The road to Abyss is paved with good intentions, after all.

[reginrokkr]

Dáinsleif has always been an enjoyer of night, perhaps because it is everything he's known— never once having seen the sun as far as he's aware, maybe because he was always enchanted by the stars and iridescent lights that rarely came to manifest beyond the mantle of the false sky. But he cannot claim to have ever seen the night sky this way. Unlike the crimson nocturne dome reigned by the ineffable moon after which the dynasty takes its name from. Under this heaven, the first descriptor that comes to mind is tranquility despite the underlying foreboding aura he senses from somewhere in this place.

Alas, one question remains: what is this place?

Stray footsteps lead him towards the shore, another thing of the nature he has never seen: for the only oceans that Khaenri'ahns know of are the vast skies above them. Every step leaves a luminescent trail soon to be washed away by gentle waves, specks of sapphire ingrained in the sand of the same color as the crystalline water that reflects the sky above... as well as those lights that may be similar to the aurora borealis he has heard from Snezhnayan citizens. Twilight Sword comes to a stop, the mantle on his shoulders flows with the breeze as his platinum hair does whilst star-branded eyes look at the tower far ahead and the odd moon hanging above it, mesmerized in his silence by the beauty of what he acknowledges as a location vastly different from Khaenri'ah.

@yunarise ✧