#khaenri'ahn witness

[savior-of-the-ink]

The Witness: Wait, you know we are from Khaenri'ah and possess a Mondstadtian lineage? How...?

Albedo, deadpan: You have the star-shaped pupil of an halfblood Khaenri'ahn and your combat outfit resembles the one of the Anemo Archon. It's not rocket science.

[baeshijima]

u know what would be a cool genshin fic idea? isekai/transmigrated reader, but instead of appearing within the general timeline, you come into the genshin world 500 years prior to the start of the storyline in khaenri'ah.

honestly it could be either a little before the cataclysm, giving enough time to delve into some relationship building + explore some world building with characters like dainsleif, traveller's sibling (which would probably be lumine bc i actually do like her as abyss sibling & aether as traveller), and npcs like halfdan (still crying over him to this day ;w;) and possibly the khaenri'ahn royal guards (assuming you either join them or have a good enough relationship with them), OR it could be you appear during the crisis, completely and utterly lost as to why you were brought amidst the chaos and bloodshed as you watch everything you barely knew about this nation crumble before your very eyes.

either route will still result in reader's existential crises and constant "why am i here? just to suffer?" monologues because really, who would be fine after going through that after coming from /our/ world? and not to mention you've had to endure the next 500 years wandering with no real set path because you don't know this world— this era of teyvat or of genshin. you're merely stuck, unable to die, and forced to live a life of uncertainty with no clear direction for you to go to.

despite it all, you've at least been able to see dain during this course. while your meetings pass far too quickly for your lonesome, and his solemn demeanour is something you're yet to be accustomed to after having been with him before the fall of khaenri'ah (assuming it's the route where you appear before the cataclysm), you're glad to see a familiar face every now and then. after the messy departure with the lumine who left for the abyss order, you've come to appreciate his quiet presence more and more each time.

and then you decide it might be time to settle. you soon realise it's difficult to do so when your lifespan has become far more than that of a human's — of a mortal's — and so you find yourself becoming used to staying in one place for a few years before setting off for the next. rinse and repeat. over and over. it's come to a point where you've witnessed the nations undergo various changes each time you visit. you know change is inevitable, and yet your heart stings each time you witness it; a testament to how the world is ever-changing, yet you're stuck in place as a bystander.

one thing you're grateful for, however, are the bonds you've established amid your back-and-forth over the centuries. from archons like zhongli and venti to long-life beings such as neuvillette and the adepti to regular mortals who have showed you kindness as if one of their own... you've grown to cherish those memories, often reminiscing them when the nights get too long and surroundings too quiet. it was difficult at first, and still is, but you've become used to the inevitable change and the passing of those you once knew.

and after 500 years, you find yourself face-to-face with one you haven't seen since before you appeared in this world; the protagonist of this world, and the one you eventually join in hopes of finally finding a means to an end, aether.

little side notes/extras:

from /our/ world, you would probably know the storyline from up to around current (5.0) or maybe a little after the fontaine aq conclusion. it gives a lot to work with, but you definitely won't remember a lot of the lore after so long other than some main events, especially since most of your knowledge is pretty irrelevant for the next 500 years,,,

i think it would be cool if you had an inteyvat on your person as a little homage of khaenri'ah, which may or may not invoke some opinions from certain characters (*cough* aether immediately being reminded of lumine and having an existential crisis *cough*)

post-cataclysm you would go through a, uhm, long phase of helplessness, wondering why you were even brought to this world so far back if you couldn't even make any contributions. it does eventually morph into a resolution to do what you can to help those you come across if it's within your capabilities, but the nightmares and helplessness come back every now and then as a reminder for what you can't do :D yippee :D

honestly i'm on the fence whether you would have a vision or some other type of abilities (think on the similar lines of aether/lumine's and dain's), but i think having some type of purification mechanic would be a must in your arsenal !! would definitely lead to some moments between you and characters like dain or zhongli who suffer from the erosion as you give them a slight reprieve from what rages within and corrodes them

a little self indulgent, but i'd like to think your first /proper/ meeting with zhongli happens during a lantern rite festival, wherein you're admiring the lanterns in the sky after making a wish of your own and he comes up from behind with "they're beautiful, wouldn't you say so?" and !!

also as for love interests, as much as i would love for human/mortal characters, a part of me feels like this story would be better suited for the immortal/long-life characters as love interests?? idk i feel like considering that 500 years is, well, a long time, the bonds you would have with them compared to characters like, say, alhaitham or diluc would be way too different ?? though i would definitely still add them as love interest bc i am a sucker for so many of the human characters ;w; it would also add to the angst and hurt/comfort ahahha...

anyway thank you for reading this massive brain dump of a fic bc i absolutely would put this as a long term project, and if u made it this far then i would like to say that dain solos—

[kii-nami]

WHITE COMET'S DESCENT | IL CAPITANO

You never state for what reason you are holding him back, but it is already obvious. The Commander of the Khaenri’ahn army went missing with one swift strike of the starbound ice. You don’t seem to think of people as disposable yet cannot bring yourself to warm the snake’s nest willingly. Thrain shares the sentiment: he has never been a fan of holding his enemies closer than his friends. And despite your peculiar character, this is definitely something Thrain cannot fault you for. Queen [Name] Einherjar is incapable of trusting even herself. He fears that one day it can become your downfall. He accepts the position with no hesitation, yet it does not save either of you from damnation.

CW: 7K WORDS; PART ONE OF TWO; FEM!MC; MADE-UP KHAENRI'AHN LORE; OCS MENTIONED; PART OF A WIDER GENSHIN AU BY ME AND MY FRIEND; THRAIN GET BEHIND ME THEY'RE BURYING YOU ALIVE

The rightful heir is beautiful even when drowning in the blood of the usurper king.

The crimson is dripping down your fingers like holy water, just like the unstoppable streams of stars that the royal astrologers love to blabber about so much. Not that Thrain cares for things like that, at least not right now.

Irmin’s decapitated head is on the table, and you’re occupying the seat of the Vinster King with the grace of inteyvat, silks swaying with your each move akin to the petals trembling under the lukewarm currents. His wife, stars save her soul, cannot find peace even in death, following her unwilling husband into eons of non-existence. The golden-haired youth, the one Irmin cracked the red skies and split the white stones for, stands to your right with nothing but a morose distaste woven into her silence. Yet it is directed not at you, the one who is stealing her heavy crown with one slash of a sharpened blade and two shards of glowing ice, but the last supper of those who stand against you.

She seemed so eager to please the king not so long ago yet now she denounces even the remains of the usurper who granted her the reign over the nation with little wits yet all the madness put behind his reasons. Where such defiance came from is unclear, even how this alliance she has with you came to be is uncertain, but it is not something he understands. Neither is he meant to. Thrain is a simple knight, despite the strenuous burden forced upon him by those higher than him. Deciphering things like these is better suited for the likes of Surtalogi or Vedrfolnir, incapacitated as he may be.

What Thrain is truly interested in is the blade carelessly dropped on the dining table, a misplaced butter knife amidst the finest porcelain. The sword, the one that was deemed forever lost amongst the thousands winds of time, is also painted the same crimson as the silks of your sleeves. Hundreds of cheap copies of it are floating around the markets, dozens of recreations worth a small fortune are gathering dust in the collections of the rich that just get richer. None of them come even close to the sheer power of the true Blade of Fólkvangr. It cracks and buzzes, sparks of lights sizzling like electricity, responding the each and every move of your chest. Inhale. Exhale. The banquet room is silent, fallen in a deep courtesy, everyone fears for their life.

“Rise, Khaenri’ah.” Your voice is even yet soft, and somehow, a stark contrast to your appearance, nonetheless.

Nobody moves except for you, as the golden-haired youth offers you her steady hand. Thrain does not pride himself in knowing much about poetry, yet the sentiment is there. Your fingers stain her palm with red, the remnants of the crimson moon glimmer in your eyes in the shape of a star long fallen. You wish for Khaenri’ah to rise, and so you do.

“You shall not bow any longer.” His heart hurts when he lifts his heavy head. All that is left of it is rushing to win a race that simply does not exist. The Blade hums the song of frostborn starlight, the lost souls yearn for something he could never truly grant them. Yet you, whoever you are and whatever your name may be; the one made of burning shards of shattered sky and the freezing rubble of broken stone; the one in the image of the marble still polished, you can. And you will.

“This torturous eon of suffering has finally come to its end and now it’s time for you to seize the freedom that has been taken from you by the Vinster King’s rule.” The rightful heir is as well versed in the way of the word as she is in the way of the bloodshed. Next to him, a blonde Æsir woman stares up at you with a masterfully hidden horror, given away only by the tremble of her wet lashes. Tense palm on the small of her back, Surtalogi is uncharacteristically solemn. “The walls must be broken. The ties must be restored. Khaenri’ah must become whole again. The sun shall rise above our heads and drown our lands in light. For I, [Name] Einherjar, am your rightful queen.”

Well-polished marble indeed. The dull ache of his all-inviting heart never goes away even after the crowd accepts a new monarch with a bit more hope than yesterday. The king is dead, long live the queen. Or however it goes.

Maybe he should start this new chapter by reading some more poetry.

Queen [Name] of the House Einherjar, the Second of Her Name, Supreme Sovereign of Khaenri’ah, trusts no one despite appearing as if she trusts all.

Surtalogi has been staring at the parchment in his hands for a little while now. Enough for Thrain to understand that nothing good would come out of it, not that he faults the man for being apprehensive. Despite not actively participating in the conversation or being asked to voice his opinion, this meeting – the first of many tiresome discussions of the nation’s future with its greatest of minds present – has been long and taxing on both soul and body. Even the reason for acquiring a place at this table remains a little vague at best, yet he stays seated. Orders are orders and Thrain is not yet included in Khaenri’ah’s brightest constellation despite his tremendous responsibility.

“If I so may… There is a peculiar clause I cannot seem to wrap my head around.” When Surtalogi finally speaks, the tension snaps in the form of Lady Syn’s heavy sigh. The Æsir woman is not good with dealing with men having opinions, Thrain gathers easily. She is conservative in her beliefs, and you allow her to be; the thin line between reparations and indulgence is never crossed and something tells him you agree with most of her sentiments, anyway. “You titled my future wife a princess, yet you state none of her children can inherit the throne. It seems rather… discriminating… to exclude her this way, don’t you think?”

Surtalogi is careful in choosing words, especially in the presence of the leader of a rebellious faction that just happens to be that aforementioned future wife’s maternal aunt. You have gathered quite a circle around yourself, and the voices remind him that nothing in this world is a coincidence, but everything is destiny. Whether this fate leads you to ruin is another question entirely and Thrain wishes not to explore it. The new era only just began, and it seems as promising at the sunlight that a lot of god-defying refugees claim to miss. Neither you nor Syn seem perplexed by Surtalogi’s incriminating claims either, so why should someone like Thrain dwell on it any longer.

“This title is nothing but a meaningless word. Saga is a princess in the same way Lumine is.” You state firmly. The scroll in your grasp snaps closed, the golden-haired youth – Lumine – reaches to remove it from the table entirely. She still doesn’t mind being robbed of authority, if anything, she looks relieved by it being taken off her palms. “She is a princess by her good deeds and gracious nature, yet there is nothing about her or her blood that is strong enough to hold the weight of the Bough.”

“That is not what he asked, my lady.” Something about Vedrfolnir’s lack of accountability is unsettling, but Thrain can only guess that playing the role of a blinded prophet for so long strips one off their sense of self-preservation entirely. “If something were to happen, who would be the next in line to inherit your will? Should this not be a pressing matter?”

Under the sparkling rain of diamonds covering your face, you smile, “Am I expected to die soon, Vedrfolnir? Since you seem to be so worried about my ability to produce an heir.”

Thrain can never discern whether you take things seriously or not, the sheer coat of frost forbids everyone from seeing the you that is authentic. Or maybe he is simply way too guarded and is looking for something that isn’t there to begin with. Thrain is not the one for political games and the court intrigue, that is not what he signed up for entering the Khaenri’ahn military. Yet just like with poetry, with being invited here he guesses he must start learning.

“No, no, that is not what I meant.” Vedrfolnir is quick to dismiss your – however faux they may be – worries. Or smooth out a vague threat he made on your life with pleasantries; Thrain is yet to pick which one is more scandalous.

No matter that royal conspiracies, Syn’s patience is as frail as it is fleeting, so it blows up quite loudly and echoes for far too long, “Then you should stop questioning your queen. This is a matrilineal monarchy, not a democracy.”

Surtalogi has a way of speaking over his soon-to-be-wife in a style that is almost endearing, if it wasn’t for the fact that she is yet to voice her own opinion on the matter. And Khaenri’ah is indeed a matrilineal monarchy. At least it used to be before Irmin usurped the Bough from its rightful barer. And now that the crown is back home, there is nothing stopping you from reverting back to the old world if you so wish.

Despite having all the rights to, however, the newly crowned Princess doesn’t appear to mind such a transgression. And Thrain knows little of Saga Trygg. She is as cautious as she is protected; and despite finding the woman quite pleasant, something tells him it’s better to keep his distance. Nothing good can come out of mingling with the Bough and its thorns.

“Lady Syn, with all due respect, don’t you find it humiliating?” This time Surtalogi is direct and open with his accusations.

You still do not pay him any mind, the diamonds of your overly complicated headpiece glimmer with the identical glow as that of the Holy Blade. Mismatched eyes catch his gaze, your expression doesn’t change. You know something others don’t, that is what his heart tells him. And Thrain has collected too many a lost soul in the emptiness of his ribcage to doubt this premonition.

“I was the one to suggest this.” Syn spits with such ferocity, the red of her lips could be mistaken for blood. “The Bough must remain with the Einherjars, there is a million other ways to unite this nation.”

She is objectively correct, even someone like Thrain – so far removed from politics yet far too entangled in the remembrance of the past – knows that Khaenri’ah can only thrive with the blood that fertilized the soil for the inteyvat to bloom. No technological progress could save the nation from damnation of soul and corrosion of memories, as it is slowly being swallowed by the abyss.

Those unworthy can never get to the Plane of Fólkvangr. And they all have been unworthy for centuries. For so long, in fact, that even Irmin’s hopeless wife – your unfortunate mother you have slain with your own hands – could not summon the Blade and slice open the fabric of time and space to visit the land of the dead even if it was her duty to do so.

All in due time and all with due fate. Maybe under your rule there would be no need for artificial ley lines forged out of human hearts. Maybe with the Bough finally home, everyone would be able to rest in peace, and not in the hollowness of his being.

Surtalogi frowns; as always, he is playing up his true emotional state with an exaggerated furrow of his eyebrows, “Not going to lie, Lady Syn, I feel a little hurt.”

The Æsir huffs, “I do not care for the feelings of men. You are all disposable and serve no purpose outside of your dick and balls.”

Lumine stiffens an amused scoff, the pinnacle of emotional expression coming from Irmin’s chosen heir. You simply raise your hand in a polite wave, reminding the woman where she is right now, “Lady Syn, please do be more tactful.”

“No place for tact in the throne room.” Despite her words, Syn does not interfere any longer. Simply crossed her hands over her chest, a disappointed shake of her head when she noticed Saga readying herself to speak.

“[Name], please answer his question.” Thrain has no clue what exactly she’s doubting. Whether it is your faith in her or the level of care you hold for her. Whatever it is, there is something more to this conversation than just a simple debate over a hypothetical untimely death of a new queen. And you know it. Orchestrated or not, there is something brilliant in a way everything plays out in a way you seemingly expect, “What is the purpose of naming me a princess yet not allowing my children to inherit the throne?”

The air cracks with a chilling wave of buzz, you get up from your chair. Step after careful step you stop right beside Saga and kneel before her. The Blade in your arm is glistening with a sheen of starlight. You ask for her hand with a silent motion, and she opens her palm readily. The troubled wrinkle between her eyebrows deepens. Alice and Gold cannot seem to stop arguing over semantics of magic related physics, and Skirk – ever the voice of reason – doesn’t rush to separate them this time around.

“If you truly desire the crown so bad, then may I offer you my life right now?” You ask, the sword hovering over Saga’s trembling hand. “You are the only one capable of spilling my blood, after all.” When you suddenly drop it, beside Thrain, Dainsleif winces. Everyone in this room knows what is about to happen, yet somehow the tension remains impossibly strained. As if transparent, the Blade of Fólkvangr falls right through Saga’s shaky palm, right through the marble floors of the palace and then emerges back at your side, fully tangible and real in your hold. Alice remains victorious: one can never reign over a concept that is not of their creation. “Otherwise, I shall live long enough for you to never need to carry a burden that your shoulders are incapable of withstanding, my most beloved friend.”

You get up on your feet, dusting the sheer tulle of your dress and silently stroll back to your seat, deeming this discussion finally over. A firm hand on your wrist, Vedrfolnir is extremely capable of pinpointing object’s location while being completely blinded under Irmin’s crazed commands. It is then that Thrain decides that no, the line must be drawn somewhere. He can appreciate the intricate poetry of dramatic irony yet if everything about royalty is akin to this, then he wishes to stay as far away from the courtroom politics as possible. Against his better judgment, Thrain will soon find out that his endeavor has proven to be unsuccessful the second he crossed the threshold of this room.

“You have always been so cold.” Despite the blindfold covering Vedrfolnir’s missing eyes, Thrain can almost see the mischievous glimmer lighting them up when the prophet smiles at you. “Do you not trust us, my dear?”

You dismiss the insubordination, arm limp in his hold and turn to look at the man through the hundreds of diamonds obscuring your vision. “On the contrary, I have all the faith in humanity.”

You too, choose your words with the extreme expertise of someone who was born into a lie and then decided to remain living in it. You may have faith in all of humanity, but you do not trust a single person in this room; that is what the voices tell Thrain is true. He does not doubt it even for a second.

Whether Vedrfolnir catches it is a question that Thrain does not care to reveal the answer to, however. Nor does Vedrfolnir himself seem to be interested in musing over your precise choice of vocabulary, instead opting for asking something else entirely, “Should I expect my brother to be promoted then, since you have such faith in us?”

“No, Twilight Sword must remain with the Royal Guard.” You reject a question – an offer, a suggestion, a statement, an order? – rather bluntly, “I shall appoint the new Commander today. Lady Syn is correct; Khaenri’ah is not a democracy.”

“Ah, how disappointing indeed.” An exaggerated whine falls from Vedrfolnir’s lips, although the smile he’s wearing turns a tad bit too sinister for a second, “Makes me wish to call for the last payment, darling.”

“Vedrfolnir.” You utter his name with the eons of exhaustion woven into your breath, yet complain you do not, “Anything you want, as promised.”

The prophet’s hold on you tightens, “I wish for something that is a one of many, yet also something that is one of a kind.” It is suited for a tortured fortune-teller to speak in riddles, yet the overarching theme of this conversation is a bit too thick right now and Thrain has half a mind to curse the peculiar ruby-eyed witch for snatching him from the training grounds just to forcibly tangle him into shadow politics.

For a fraction of a second you are silent in your musings. Beside Thrain, Dainsleif is as stiff as a board. Then you reach for Vedrfolnir’s face, palm warming his cheek, and press your lips to his. One second. Maybe five. However long for it to remain just on the line of barely appropriate. When you pull away, the crimson hue is bleeding all over Vedrfolnir’s mouth.

“My first.” You clarify offhandedly, noticing the confusion blossoming on the prophet’s visage along with the flush of embarrassment. “One of many, yet the one I could never replicate.” Then you laugh, unrestrained and unapologetic, yet the biting cold never leaves your vocal cords, “Or did you think I was going to promise you the rights on sharing blood with my firstborn daughter, Vedrfolnir?”

Vedrfolnir says nothing. Alice cackles as if woman possessed and grants herself departure even before you offer it to her. The Royal Mage, once discarded by the Vinster King yet welcomed back into the palace by your personal wish, heaves a heavy sigh of disappointment. Thrain cannot exactly pinpoint whether it’s Vedrfolnir’s audacity, your debauchery or Red Witch’s wickedness – maybe even all three – that has the old man lose his last wits. Not that it matters much in the grand scheme of things.

“If there are no further questions, you are dismissed.” Immensely glad to be allowed to leave, Thrain holds onto the exhale of relief for when he is away from the castle walls yet has no chance to. You stop him before he can even move his chair. “Except you, Sentinel Knight. You must stay.”

You never state for what reason you are holding him back, but it is already obvious. The Commander of the Khaenri’ahn army went missing with one swift strike of the starbound ice. You don’t seem to think of people as disposable yet cannot bring yourself to warm the snake’s nest willingly. Thrain shares the sentiment: he has never been a fan of holding his enemies closer than his friends. And despite your peculiar character, this is definitely something Thrain cannot fault you for. Queen [Name] Einherjar is incapable of trusting even herself. He fears that one day it can become your downfall.

He accepts the position with no hesitation, yet it does not save either of you from damnation.

Her Majesty finds solace in a routine that would make a demon god’s teeth rot.

It is not everyone who can brag about being invited to have tea with the Queen, yet Thrain doesn’t think you care much about the honor you’re extending to him. What you do care about is what the both of you can gain from those hushed meetings.

The first time Thrain enters your study, you offer him a seat at the small, low table that can only fit four people. It’s a specific seat, not the one opposite of you but the one to your left. Lumine, the ever-haunting presence, quirks a questioning eyebrow at your action; you say nothing. Deciding to not occupy the space to you right any longer, the golden-haired outlander departs quietly, leaving only the rustle of silks in her wake. A rook moves on its own. His knees are not as reliable as Thrain thought they were, as by the time you win – or lose – the game against yourself, his legs are completely numb, and each minuscule moment sends pins and needles right into his tense muscles.

The question comes before he can even weight the pros and cons of voicing it, “Do you often play by yourself, Your Majesty?”

You shrug, a light chime of diamonds of your dress echoes through the room, “Not many are willing to face the consequences of my loss.”

Thrain can’t help but think back to your one-sided game of chess now that you admitted your defeat with the ease of someone who has tasted it fresh far too many times. Checkmate. Utter devastation for your side of the board with not much left standing. He isn’t one for overdramatic sentiments, yet something about this specific time brings a solemn dryness to his throat.

And maybe you notice it as well, reaching for a teapot, “Tea?” There must be something on his face that gives away the absurdity of your actions for your smile to peek through the shimmering veil of your headpiece, “Maybe coffee? Alice said this drink is getting quite popular above ground.”

The obscenity of a queen offering to pour tea for her subject is not lost on either of you, yet you seem to find amusement in his inability to figure you out. In his ten years in the Khaenri’ahn military, Thrain got used to carrying out royal whims with swift precision. Failure meant being disposed, and nobody wished to die knowing there would be nothing left of them to remember them by.

You seem to value human life a lot more than the Vinster King did, despite your quick action to remove those who were still hesitant to part with Irmin’s ideals. But you’re also hard to grasp; you hide your face by heaps of diamonds and stars, you wrap yourself in the finest of silks and tulles, you do anything to separate yourself from the world you clearly cherish so dearly.

Thrain guesses that it’s only fair: your wisdom may be far beyond that of an average person and the distance you are willing to cross for the prosperity of the nation seemingly has no limit, but you are still young. The same age Thrain himself was when he so foolishly gave up his life for the king. Naïve and gullible, Thrain’s twenty-year-old self thought he would be doing good by this country. Now ten years later, disillusioned and jaded, heart far too full and head far too misty, he understands how much of a fool he has been.

In hindsight, it was fairly obvious that Khaenri’ah had been exploited by Irmin long before he turned his coup d'état into the rule of tyranny. For what exactly nobody would ever know, the usurper king took this knowledge with him to his grave. Not that someone as ordinary as Thrain should be privy to such revelations.

You, Thrain is sure, still know something that nobody else does. And this is precisely why you are so distrustful of everything. Thrain may not be a prophet, or a fallen star from a foreign world, neither is he a trusted handmaiden, nor an all-knowing witch, and definitely not the master of khemikhal arts, yet the artificial ley line of his heart seems to help him see what others don’t. When those in the shadows are still following the word of the late mad king, your chess board is preoccupied with a devastation far greater than any court conspiracy. Maybe that’s why you are constantly on the lookout for people you can put even a fraction of your trust in.

For once in his life Thrain is aware of the perils lying ahead, he is even given a convoluted warning albeit with no clear sign of what kind of danger he is getting himself into. Mysterious you may be, but your soul is honest, and your intentions are pure. If death is inevitable, it’s better to die for the liege who stands side by side with you in battle than the one who only dictates whichever hand you should swing your blade with.

“Tea.” He took a little too long to answer so it sounds more like an order than a request. Someone else would have already had his head on a silver platter. Your puzzling smile under the veil of stars only keeps growing. Yet as lenient as you may be, Thrain must fix himself before the Red Witch has any more material to use against him, “If that is not too bold of a request.”

You wave him off, “Oh, never. I must warn you, however…” You pour the drink in the two matching cups, offering one to him gently. “My tea is not for the weak.”

The liquid is deep red, almost black, and the scent that fills the room is not something Thrain has ever experienced in his life. Your words of caution are taken into account, yet Thrain can’t help but doubt them. Unless it’s poison, there is little a man like him cannot stomach. And something tells him you are above working with poisons. If you were, the Vinster King would have wound up dead long before you had to battle your flesh and blood for the key to the underworld.

Legs still numb and a strange tingle in his fingers, Thrain lifts a cup to his mouth. The sweetness hits him before his body can process the pleasant aroma of this deathly concoction. You seem unfazed by this honeyed herbal water solution, however, indulging in it even. Eyebrow raised in a silent question, you’re waiting for his reaction with way too much mirth pooling in the light of your mismatched eyes.

“It’s quite…” he hesitates. Lying to you isn’t something Thrain wishes to do and disrespecting Her Majesty’s peculiar tastes does not spell a very bright future in most case scenarios. Unless, of course, you’re testing him in some convoluted way. Thrain isn’t made for court intrigues, neither is he a master of word picking. But it’s getting progressively more obvious that you wish for him to learn. “Unhealthy tasting.”

“Indeed.” You agree, satisfied and not even the slightest bit offended. Then you down the scorching liquid in one swift gulp, gaze searching for something Thrain isn’t sure you can find on his person. Yet you do, “If you come again next week, I promise to ask for less sweetener. Would you?”

Thrain nods, being difficult for the sake of doing so, “The will of the Queen is the will of the nation.”

“That is not what I asked.” You quip, placing your empty cup back on the tray and beginning to rearrange the chess board once again.

Thrain knows, but the only way to evolve is to mimic. You are a master of khemia, you should understand that better than anyone. “If some free time presents itself.”

Diamonds scatter around the floor in a heap of dying stars. Your face, not obscured by the shadows of light, is still glazed with a thin layer of ice. The white pawn moves on its own. “Care for a game then, Commander?”

Thrain never finishes the tea, but you do it for him. If there was poison in it, then it was made of your own blood, and you have bled so much over the years that it simply cannot faze you anymore. The ache in his chest won’t seem to go away, however. It must be the phantom of memories long gone from souls long lost.

What else could it possibly be?

This tradition continues as the years go by. The ice may not melt, but everyone who has grazed the warmth of your light knows that Her Majesty’s closest companions always walk the path in frosted stardust. Be it the loyal handmaiden with her glimmering delusion of your making, or the outlander from beyond with the light glowing at the tip of her blade. Even Thrain himself learns to accept the gnawing buzz of enigmatic power stored inside his modified heart.

In hindsight, he should have known that your interest in him was never all that simple. However, Thrain is yet to decide whether he is worthy of the knowledge you bestowed him with or not. It is not an easy task to use the power which was unfairly ripped away from someone far more deserving of it, after all. You, despite his doubts, make it all seem so easy; turning his soul-tearing dilemma into a simple question of do or don’t, will or won’t.

You say not using it is nothing but potential wasted, an opportunity missed. Letting the power forced upon him by Irmin’s finest khemists rot in the depth of his chest is nothing more than a memory slowly fading into obscurity. And someone like you and him have no right to forget.

The dull grey of the glaciers of his making is far kinder to the touch than Thrain anticipated, it is also quite a useful tool in mundane tasks like cooling his freshly brewed tea. It lost most of its sweetness a long time ago, and you learned to adapt by dropping copious amounts of honey into your own teacup. A big step for you, considering he found out the hard way just how unwilling you are to accept change. Two years in, and you are yet to change your seat or let Thrain occupy any other space except the one you offered him on the day he entered your study for the first time.

It is in this very spot that Thrain also learns that each and every of your presumably illogical actions guided by your whims alone, is carefully planned years ahead of time. For better or for worse.

You drop the king back on the board, breaking the rules and forfeiting the game. Thrain, startled by your sudden action throws a curious glance your way but you bring your silk-covered finger to your lips to shush whatever question is boiling in his mind. Then you put your headpiece back on and you wait. The king is floating above the board, shimmering with a transparent sheen of rime.

The door opens without a knock. Vedrfolnir, Thrain learns extremely quickly, has a peculiar habit of thinking he owns your personal space. Maybe you’re given the prophet a tad bit much hope, maybe the years of confinement have sent him spiraling into insanity. Whichever it is doesn’t really matter, it will never change the fact that Vedrfolnir allows himself things far out of his league.

“Have you been playing by yourself all this time, my dear?” Hand on your bare shoulder, Vedrfolnir stops to your right, easily avoiding the spot you reserved for Lumine as if he can see it. You do not spare the prophet even a glance, the white king takes its place on the board. A black rook catches flight. “I know my darling baby brother is not quite on par with Khaenri’ahn grandmasters, but I thought you were at least willing to count on me to keep you company.”

“Good evening, Vedrfolnir.” You murmur, palm on your chin, seemingly deep in thought. “What is it that you need this time?”

The mad fortune teller doesn’t waste any time dropping to his knees beside you. He leans closer to your side, hand sliding along your shoulders until it finds its resting place on your other forearm, and you are locked in some convoluted version of an embrace with your back pressed tightly to his chest, “Reconsider.”

Thrain isn’t sure whether Vedrfolnir is simply that shameless to act upon his whims in the presence of another person or simply does not consider the Commander of Khaenri’ahn army a man worth acknowledging. Not that Thrain would be surprised if it were to be both of those.

“No.”  You wave Vedrfolnir off like a pesky fly.

Face hidden in the crook of your neck, Vedrfolnir’s voice is muffled by the volume of your hair, “You are making a grave mistake.”

“You have exhausted your three wishes, Vedrfolnir. Should have been more careful with words.” You chastise the prophet as if he was a child. Thrain doesn’t blame you for doing so: Vedrfolnir, despite his reputation, has always been rather quick in throwing temper tantrum if something wasn’t going his way. Which wasn’t often, yet when it rains, it pours. And by the looks of it, a reminder of whatever defeat Vedrfolnir tasted the time you gifted him your first kiss hit too close to home.

“If Lady Syn wishes to have connection to the crown so bad, then why did you deny Saga the right of inheritance?” A shameless whine, strained fingers digging into the exposed skin of your forearm. You take it all in stride, the glacier star that you are. The game continues, Vedrfolnir’s patience is steadily evaporating, “Why sell yourself to a man you do not love? We both know you would live a miserable life. You need someone–”

Your laugh interrupts Vedrfolnir’s manic blabbering. He lifts his head from your shoulder, watching you with his missing eyes. You glance back at the prophet: from the blindfold to the nose to the pout on his lips. Then you sigh, the pawn finds its place on the chessboard.

“He is a man of a formidable character. Easy on the eyes too. I can learn to love him.” You press your finger to the flushed skin of Vedrfolnir’s cheek, gliding your thumb along his jaw until you reach his mouth. “We both know I do not care for the trivial matters of the firsts.”

Everyone knows you do not. That is why Vedrfolnir stills, breathless and motionless. He is so still, in fact, Thrain would have mistaken him for a statue if it wasn’t for the fact that the prophet was so easily flustered by shameless behavior as long as it is you who is being obscene. You don’t let anything escalate beyond the grasp of your control, however, so you push Vedrfolnir away with the same hand that has been holding his face so tenderly not even a second ago.

Your action wakes the prophet up, it looks like. Reevaluating his behavior and approach, Vedrfolnir gets up on his feet and steps away from your personal space, dusting some invisible particles from his clothes. “You will regret it, [Name].”

“I know.” You don’t argue, simply show him to the door with an absentminded wave of your hand. The diamonds clink when you do so, the stars keep falling along with the fabric of your long sleeve. “You should leave now. I have a game to finish.”

Vedrfolnir clears his throat awkwardly, defeated yet not a little bit ashamed, “Don’t stay up too late, darling.”

You huff, almost amused, “Be careful, Vedrfolnir. You call me that so often one might think you’re in love with me.”

The prophet turns on his heels and makes his way to the door, not even once turning to cast his empty gaze at you for the last time, “I wouldn’t dare to fight for your divine hand, my dear. It would break my poor brother’s heart in two.”

The door clicks shut. You sit in silence for a little while even after Vedrfolnir’s footsteps have long faded into nothing. Your expression, veiled by stardust and tulle, is frozen over and doesn’t truly melt away for the rest of Thrain’s stay in your study that evening. Not knowing what to do with himself, Thrain watches the tea in your cup freeze and then melt back into lukewarm concoction of herbal water and honey.

You groan, a tad bit too dramatic and out of character, but Thrain can’t ever claim to know you fully. Not when Alice is fond of saying you are prone to hysterical temper tantrums when your inventions don’t succeed in fulfilling their purpose on your first try. He isn’t sure if you know that the Red Witch is spreading what seems to be confidential information around, or whether those rumors are even true in the first place, but the annoyed huff that escapes your crimson lips says a lot about validity of Alice’s claims.

Despite your stoicism and ability to handle whatever Vedrfolnir throws his way, you are not immune to all poisons.

“He did not sense my presence.” Thrain mentions casually; a nice, easy way to switch the topic from your impending engagement to Lady Syn’s younger brother but not good enough to distract you from whatever it was that Vedrfolnir was implying by bringing up Dainsleif as his secret weapon. Not yet a master of picking and choosing words, Thrain must own up to his mistakes, “He must be quite troubled with your love life.”

“It appears so.” You shrug, the frost not fully melted but the semblance of a smile curves your lips into an oddly mysterious expression. Then you give him a good once over, from head to toe, lingering on his lap for a while. “How convenient.”

You gently pat the pillow you are sitting on, beckoning Thrain to check under his seat. There is nothing under the pillow, and Thrain finds himself almost disappointed by the revelation. You shake your head when he looks back at you, sliding the glove of your hand silently. He follows your instructions, repeating his search until the tips of his fingers graze a thin indent of missing marble, lines precise and delicate. Vedrfolnir may be blinded, yet he sees beyond the realm of what a human eye can perceive. Elemental energy, memories, the power of human will. Whatever those runes do, you found a way to do what even Irmin couldn’t accomplish and blinded the prophet once and for all. Terrifying, yet hauntingly admirable, nonetheless.

Her Majesty truly trusts no one, but the way you share this secret with him means way more to Thrain than he is willing to admit. Maybe it’s fine to cross some lines once in a while. He never truly liked staring at you just to catch the woman under the wall of glowing ice, anyway.

“The madman seemed to get under your skin at last.” Thrain cannot deduce whether his observation offended you or not, but you were never the type to get insulted by the truth.

“I love him, for I can’t see him.”  You admit casually, never specifying who you are talking about or what exactly you mean by that. That is as much as you are willing to give and Thrain isn’t even sure he should know any of that. He did ask, so he must own up to it once more.

“I am not sure you see anything behind those stones.” A clumsy joke lands surprisingly well, considering sometimes his tongue is Thrain’s greatest enemy.

Eyes closed, and shoulders less stiff, you cover your mouth with the palm of your hand. Your laugher has a tinge of sorrow to it, and it only dies when you drop your hand on your lap and gaze at him through the veil. “I am glad, Thrain.” You admit all of a sudden, a hushed whisper uttered like a secret.

“About what, Your Majesty?” Your eyebrows furrow at the mention of your title, as if you have forgotten who you are.

Thrain, for better or for worse, memorizes this knowledge to carry it with him far into the future. You were never fond of titles, or maybe everyone around you just never got used to using them. Despite it being years, Thrain cannot confidently call himself your friend just yet, neither has he dared to assume you wish for him to do so. Now, however, it seems like things are changing. They always do whenever you are involved.

“That it is you they chose.” Your eyes are focused on Thrain’s heart, or whatever is left of it after Rhinedottir finished butchering his flesh.

Somber and wistful, your gaze is full of longing. You have lost your childhood, your forgotten past, your unlived present and your possible future, all of your dreams yet to be dreamt. Thrain lost but a heart, yet gained something that, in a way, is far greater than a soul of one simple mortal man. You once mentioned how all in this life is a matter of equal exchange. To gain something you must give something up first. So what have you gained from losing the will that could rival even this world?

The glowing device on your hip doesn’t appear to come even close in terms of fair trade. And yet… “I see nobody better suited to carry out my will after I can no longer sustain the Plane of Fólkvangr.”

You always have a way of making things go as planned, choose your words carefully, treat your creations with utmost care. Yet Thrain can never forget the first time he saw you play a game of chess against yourself. Your defeat is inevitable. Whichever way you go, no hope remains for you at the end.

“This implies you plan to part with this life before I do.” Thrain voices his concern with a level of steadiness that astounds even himself.

“We can never foresee the fate that those fake stars have given us, Thrain.” You don’t dismiss him or dispel his unease. You are nothing but honest and somehow it is far worse than any lie you could have given him. “But we should know better than anyone that the winds of time are the most unpredictable.”

Your gaze shifts. Thrain follows your line of sight with the caution of a soldier thrown into the raging battlefield completely unarmed. He is right to do so.

For the first time in 2000 years, the skies of Khaenri’ah burn deep crimson once more.

[hunters-vigil]

The Archon's Baby - Chapter 17 - Questions and Answers

First Chapter Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Warnings: pregnant!reader, talks of sacrifice and death, mass death against the abyss (cataclysm), mentions of war (cataclysm), one mention of derogatory language, impending death, consumption of vitality (lifespan), decay of human form (Capitano), brief mentions of Enkanomiya lore.

Fic under the cut, don't repost my stuff on other platforms, i have ao3. Reader is not the traveller. Reader's adoptive sisters are Chasca and Chuychu.

"Ahh… I am happy to see your plan advance one step further. It seems my cry did not cause irreversible damage." A voice echoed throughout the chamber, much to Ororon's confusion, as he asked about who was talking.

"Just as I thought. The Lord of the Night has awakened." Mavuika's face glazed over with seriousness, observing as a pale starry light emitted from the source mechanism.

The Traveller stared at her with wide eyes, while Paimon asked the questions. The Lord of the Night, ruler of the Night Kingdom. Formerly an angel.

"I preside over a realm of souls. Due to my limited power, sleep is the only way I can prolong my existence." Yohualtecuhtin began to explain, "when you activated the device, I awoke and could not hold back my cry. It is a cry that agitates souls. Mot of you were unaffected because your souls are intact. But, with a damaged soul, the effect on your friend was heightened, and his soul almost shattered as a result. And yet, his soul remains in one piece. He managed to overcome this obstacle through sheer force of will… a truly impressive feat for a human."

Whatever else had happened involved another soul that had been affected. A Khaenri'ahn soul… but the soul was expelled instead of taking over Ororon's body.

Mavuika was left to explain how Natlan's leylines had been damaged in the fight of the descender and the dragon, the Lord of the Night constructing the Night Kingdom to compensate for this, with Xbalanque strengthening it with the rules, the Ode of Ressurection, and the Pilgrimmage.

Yohualtecuhtin offering to rebuild the leylines herself, at the cost of her own existence, was something that Mavuika would not accept, as the seelies danced around everyone. Much to The Captain's fury.

"The people of Natlan will face memory loss, mental disorders and cognitive issues… just like the consequences of using the gnosis, this is a price I refuse to accept." Mavuika left out her fear of possible effects for anyone pregnant too. It wasn't assured to happen, but she would not risk it. Any major distress could endanger their lives.

"Humanity's survival is worth any price. Once the abyss runs rampant, all that remains will be a land of corpses and ruin." The Captain snapped, but Mavuika turned to him, already prepare to argue.

"And when the new ley lines are invaded by the abyss? What then? How are future generations supposed to survive?" Mavuika asked question after question, a fire burning inside of her, how are her children supposed to survive? "A land without the Lord of the Night, without the protection of the rules, is doomed from the start."

"You presume too much. If you cannot ensure survival in the present, you have no right to think about the future. What will it take for you to realise that? How many hundreds or thousands will have to die?!" Capitano growled, turning towards the Traveller as they asked the fated question. Why did he care so much?

"Why? Because I am a survivor of Khaenri'ah! I witnessed the devastation and terror of the abyss with my own eyes. My family, my comrades, my homeland…. were all lost to the abyss. It is an unforgettable pain, one that no amount of time could ever dull… not even five hundred years. You've experienced something similiar, Mavuika. You should know exactly what I mean."

"You're right. The pain, the regret, the catastrophe, they all haunt my dreams to this day." Mavuika's face was stern as the Captain got more and more personal.

"If I could go back, I would reject all false hope. I would do whatever it takes to ensure their survival. You have that chance before that now? Why do you refuse to take it?!"

"Because we don't have the right to make that decision! We love this world because it contains everything we hold dear. Everything that has happened here has moved us, shaped us, and turned us into who we are today. Giving up our memories and history would mean rewriting everything. The people of this world would then fundementally different beings, their physical bodies the only connection to their former selves." Mavuika expressed, her hand over her heart as she spoke.

"Even so-"

"All this arguing isn't good for the baby." Ororon cut in, confusing everyone in the chamber. Xilonen glanced towards the door immediately, but you were where she left you, at Quahuacan Cliff, miles away from here.

"What? I was under the impression from our intel that it was your concubine who was carrying your offspring." The Captain expressed confusion, looking to Mavuika, who immediately glared, not appreciating the eyes on her form, or what the Harbinger just said.

"Do not call her that." The God of War seethed, her anger rising by the second. To refer to you as that, and to reveal the Fatui had intel, they knew of your pregnancy? That you were having the Archon's child? Her babies? How many spies were near the stadium? Did they witness you admit your pregnancy to your parents that day?

"I apologise. I did not know the full circumstance behind your relationship with the girl, but given your anger… I see it is more than what was presumed." Capitano took back his words, watching as Mavuika sighed.

"I'd marry her in a heartbeat if there was enough time and it was safe. Ororon, would you like to speak?"

"Not about my friend… but I once carried the hopes of many people, and I was also desperate to save our nation. In The Captain's plan, I saw a chance to ensure our survival. But as I was on the brink of death, my wish for life and purpose was rekindled. I've been very fortunate to be well-cared for by all the people in my life. I refuse to forget that. My feelings were so strong, they overrode my compulsion to sacrifice myself for their safety. No matter what path lies before us, we still have a destination. If we lose our way now, we will lose the meaning of our existence." Ororon nervously looked between Mavuika, who reminded him of a raging bonfire, and the Captain, who seemed to be deep in thought at Mavuika's confession.

"That's right. Natlan's heroes gave their lives so we could have this chance against the abyss. Their sacrifices are our blessings. Not only are their deeds and spirits exceptionally meaningful, they may also be our path to victory. I don't want to give up just yet." Xilonen added, her eyes burning with passion as Paimon pointed out there was just one hero left to awaken.

Yohualtecuhtin would be awake for some time, allowing people to ask her questions, but also giving Mavuika the option to sacrifice the Lord of the Night for the ley lines rebuilding.

"You must have a profound connection to this land, since you're so determined to save it. But what are you really trying to save? The land? Or its people?" Mavuika glared at the Harbinger, who only hmped at her question, turning to look at the Traveller instead.

The Traveller's answer of wanting to win led to The Captain yielding on his plan. He granted Mavuika to have the Fatui at her command during the war, despite them not seeing completely eye to eye.

"Mavuika… if you have a moment." Yohualtecuhtin called out before everyone minus the Traveller and Paimon could leave the chamber. It was only when everyone had cleared out that the two began to talk.

"Is this about the plan, or what the Captain said?" Mavuika waited carefully for what the Lord of the Night had to say.

"Your twins are not born yet, but they shine like gold. The abyss will prey upon her, but I assume that you are aware of this."

"I will not let anyone or anything harm her, or our children. Even after my plan comes to its fruition." Mavuika confirmed, ignoring the tug in her heart at Yohualtecuhtin knowing about the twins… of course the Night Kingdom knew, but that meant the Abyss knew too.

Yohualtecuhtin sighed in a way that sent an uncomfortable feeling through Mavuika. A pity sigh.

"What of the political uprest that could come after your death and their birth? Will the people respect the rules, or expect your newborns to take the divine throne as their birthright?" Yohualtecuhtin asked, but there was no anger to her words, no frustration or appal that the archon was having a child. It felt more like intrigue, worry… concern like a parent would have for a child.

If the Traveller were there, they would be reminded of Enkanomiya's' puppet rulers, the Sunchildren, before Orobashi assumed control of the land.

"Our babies are as human as I am. All Pyro Archons are humans who ascend after proving themselves to be worthy. If my children grow to become warriors for Natlan, it is because they want to, not because the people feel an obligation to my memory. I am one of many Pyro Archons, there have been many before me, and there will be many after. Our children will become whatever they wish, I have faith in my beloved that they will flourish, and so will she. My regret is that I will not be there to see it." Mavuika confessed, her hand resting as a fist on her chest as she spoke.

This entire conversation was uncomfortable, luckily, it ended not long after that, allowing Mavuika to return to the stadium, while the Traveller and Paimon asked Yohualtecuhtin some questions about Natlan, and Teyvat, the abyss, and the Loom of Fate.

///

With the Fatui now fighting with Natlan against the abyss, Mavuika was able to question The Captain about the source mechanism, and more, with Paimon asking about how he knew about the gnosis. The cataclysm…

"You knew Ayizu, and you fought for Natlan all those years ago. Why don't I recognise you?" Mavuika frowned, letting out a sigh, "it must be the mask."

"Even without the mask, my past appearance is long gone. Even with the curse of immortality, the flesh still rots." The Captain sighed too, but Paimon and the Traveller could only exchange looks, and bring up Dainsleif, who the Captain recognised as carried a degree of pain and hatred that far surpassed his. The Captain then admitted he also would prefer not to harm the Traveller, due to their sibling being Khaenria'hn royality.

The abyss would most likely sense the change in Ororon, and heighten the attacks on Natlan as a result.

Meanwhile, that night, Xilonen and Citlali went to the Lord of the Night for the Traveller's ancient name… finding out that forging an ancient name for an outlander could consume some vitality of the forger, and that Citlali saw Mavuika's impending death in a vision. The price of saving Natlan, one that Mavuika long since accepted.

Mavuika let out a sigh as she returned to her chambers. Her bedsheets were empty and cold without you there, and she didn't get a chance to ask the Captain the one question she wanted to ask. If he knew which Fatui division had hunted your biological parents to death, and why?

Staring at the ceiling, the Pyro Archon shivered, wishing she could hold you instead of the pillow that held your fading scent. At the first sign of trouble, she'd send a division of her warriors and Fatui to retrieve you, and bring you to her side… losing you. That would be the last straw.

///

Chuychu stared at the object in her hand, still wondering why it had appeared under her pillow, and when. It was to be hers, she could feel it. The elemental power… but what had she done to earn it? Chasca got her anemo vision while fighting in the Night Warden Wars. She came back with it, never saying a word on what had happened for it to appear before her.

[yaeggravate]

there was this old theory that kaeya's coin was a reference to charon's obol; a coin used by the dead as payment for crossing over to the underworld.

Charon's obol is an allusive term for the coin placed in or on the mouth of a dead person before burial. Greek and Latin literary sources specify the coin as an obol, and explain it as a payment or bribe for Charon, the ferryman who conveyed souls across the river that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead.

this theory initially went nowhere until captain jesus appeared rocking caduceus symbols (on his old outfit) and ferryman powers. the caduceus is mostly known for being the staff wielded by the greek god hermes, guide of the dead and herald of the gods. (funnily enough, hermes is also a divine trickster, god of thieves, eloquence, commerce, swiftness and wit; traits you would associate with kaeya rather than capitano but whatever)

it's inevitable that some khaenri'ahns would function as psychopomps since it's become increasingly likely they are descended from/deeply connected to angels. (with arlecchino as the most glaring example; she even wields a scythe!)

so here's a fun thought: what if the coin is more than just a symbol (and a weird sentient token)? what if it's a surprise tool that will help kaeya gain acess into the "underworld"? if the coin allows him to travel between realms without any drawbacks, perhaps we could see this happen in a future arc 😌

[thormanick]

The big question right now is: is Capitano on his way to kill Mavuika in the final AQ, or is he going to become her "substitution" in any way shape or form? They both existed for the past 500 years, and tbh with the rotting flesh thing I can't see Capitano being a huge fan of such existence. Plus, Ororon was talking about "soul(s?) escaping" when he witnessed Capitano getting injured; his soul either wants to literally leave his body (bc he shouldn't have been immortal in the first place as a human), or he is a host for some Khaenri'ahn souls in a way Ororon was supposed to be.

Also can't help but think once again how petty it is to make someone immortal as a punishment. Cruel and soooooo petty. Cruel for obvious reasons, petty bc I can imagine the Heavenly Principles might have used this method of a punishment as a way to get back at the Shade of Death for the overstepping of the rules (this is very far out in the headcanon territory, I'm not saying this is the exact reason why they did that). (I can't imagine the Shade of Death being a fan of the immortality curse. I quite frankly think it affected her negatively emotionally, but I have no evidence for that.)

It's also kinda silly. Here is your (supposed) enemy/creation/whoever who displeased you, and so you punish them with immortality. Great! Should they not rot away or fall into a bottomless pit, they now have an undetermined amount of time to decide how to get back at you! And they will be extremely petty about it as well, be sure of it!!!

Choose your curses wisely

[blood-orange-juice]

I'm not a fan of bridging Genshin and Honkai, but the authors seem to be doing it anyway, so... blame Hoyo for this post.

tl;dr of Honkai lore

At the core of Honkai's cosmogony are two concepts. The Imaginary Tree — a tree of branching parallel universes, each twig of which is a timeline and each leaf a world. And The Sea of Quanta — a boundless place of entropy and chaos from which the Imaginary tree spawned.

Order and chaos, basically. They exist in constant conflict, the tree tries to consume the sea of quanta and the sea tries to flood and dissolve the tree.

When a world fails to persist it can "fall" from the tree into the sea of quanta, becoming an unstable fragmented version of itself called a bubble universe. A shadow of a proper world. Such a universe is eventually dissolved in the sea.

Bubbles universes can also be artificially created or spawned from someone's memories. Either way they are unstable. If I recall correctly, Genshin was confirmed to be a bubble universe in a Honkai 3rd easter egg.

Ether Anchors

There's a technology allowing to extend a bubble universe's lifespan, is called an Ether Anchor. An Ether Anchor holds together fragments of a bubble universe that follow a fixed set of laws.

It seems to be more of a place/space anomaly than an object (“a topological formation that exists between the dimensional manifolds”), if I understood Durandal's and Roland's lore correctly, but also can take the form of an object, if honkai wiki is to be believed.

(I think space anomalies are anchor points, not the anchor itself? the places where it sews fragments of reality together. I'm still figuring this part out)

Quotes from Durandal VN summary:

At the core of the Ether Anchor, space from different dimensions were cluttered together like vines

"There, he witnessed the endless possibilities of another ancient world. "

Tartaglia's character story 4

Readjusted her body composition with the Ether Anchor to turn herself into a weapon.

I think there was a guy in Genshin who constantly talks about turning himself into a weapon. I can't quite remember his name though...

 Synchronized themselves with the Ether Anchor, becoming the “Son of God” itself.

"The purpose of this line in the ritual scripture is to forsake the self and sink into the abyss, and in the abyss, to welcome rebirth as a holy infant."

Narcissenkreuz Ordo note

Another property of the Ether Anchor is that it allows bubble universes to interact with one another. 

Or maybe not exactly different bubble universes but rather fragments of the same bubble universe (or, since we are in a multiverse, these could be the same thing)?

"Unborn life, unfulfilled wishes, Tragic dreams at the edge of the universal darkness that could never come true."

Festering Desire description

Ok, this is getting too long and no one reads long posts. Maybe I'll continue in a separate post later. There are still the topics of the Abyss (and why it's not The Sea of Quanta), Descenders, whether the anchors need to be sustained in some way, Tsaritsa's goals, why does everyone who has seen the Abyss speaks of ultimate injustice, Alice and Hexenzirkel in general, what is Irminsul exactly, and, of course, Childe, why Childe's promise of a battle at the edge of the universe is more important than it might seem, what are world cycles, and why Childe's part of 4.2 story sucked so much (I now have a Lore Explanation. or maybe a copium overdose. probably both).

For now I'm calling it though. Whatever Khaenri'ahns messed up, it had to do something with Teyvat's Aether Anchor.

[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~!

[nanbeidou]

The Wilderness Curse

Ever since the desert lore was released, and comparing it to other ancient civilizations.. I've been thinking about what if the curse of the wilderness is not actually laid by Celestia?

What if it's a case of people believing a sort of "natural disaster" is a punishment from heaven? something very common in human history but also in genshin's history from what we've seen; like the desert people believing the curse of Shiruyeh was.. well a curse related to Shiruyeh, and not Liloupar punishing the people by using abyssal power as well (a curse that left people to become creatures who lost their language and faces.. so just like hillichurls)

So far, all the destroyed civilizations we've heard of had something in common, their humans or gods somehow in one way or another made contact with the Abyss (forbidden knowledge)…

We can go as far as the tiara artifacts civilization; the envoys of heaven talked directly with the people, but once they stopped answering them, humans looked for answers "in the deep places of the earth" (see the last sentences of the artifacts):

We hear of it through the Sal Vindagnyr ppl who used to receive blessings from the skies until they suddenly stopped, where a celestial nail fell (possibly to stop some abyssal corruption?) and where we see their last scribe turned into a lawachurl..

What if each time, it came back to people being doomed to fall into temptation as it says in Before Sun and Moon:

You are either satisfied with living under the rule of the heavens, or you make contact with the Abyss and suffer the consequences, the heavens throw a nail wherever they need to patch up an "abyssal leak" not really caring for survivors - but the people are already touched by the corruption, they turn into monsters and lose "their faces and language". Those witnessing it assume it is a divine punishment but if the people were dangerous and had to be punished why wouldn't they kill them and stop their ideas from spreading like has happened with khaenri'ahns and the Abyss Order?

The hillichurl themselves are attracted to the power of the abyss from what we've seen, praying and walking towards the "crystal", and even their beliefs could possibly be tied to it (a little outdates thread i wrote about their belief in "One"), why would celestia curse them with something that attracts them to the very thing they seem to always be fighting?

I think the wilderness curse is an effect caused by contact with abyss power/goo, possibly affecting different humans/creatures differently, and all this time it was simply seen like a punishment from the gods..

always easier to put the blame on something/someone else rather than just accepting it's nature doing it's thing or worse, it's your own very fault. Oh, the arrogation of mankind!!

this is a theory i wrote on twitter early 2023 and have since just found more and more things that confirm it, wanted to have it written in tumblr as well but here's the original thread:

[twilightichor]

𝐂𝐋𝐗𝐈. Following the series of AQs in which Dain participates, this post will conclude with Caribert before the next quest comes in a few months.

✧ I remember talking vaguely about this detail, but just as it'll happen later in a different thing, it's hard to believe that Dain doesn't have some manner of sentience even if in a subconscious level that he has no explanation for. This case being that, among the first things he does upon arriving to the place he remembers vaguely that something happened, he outright inspects the small field where Chlothar used to grow the mushrooms he needed for the potion. And in the present, that same place is where his own corpse and his lover's were buried.

✦ ◜My memories are quite foggy, but my subconscious and instincts both assert that something once happened here.◞

As I was saying— joke's on me I completely forgot about this, so I really was on to something. That aside, I think this opens many doors for him in terms of sentience of things that... not even he experienced. As what Aether witnesses after his sleep was Lumine's memories while Dain was doing something else elsewhere, while still somehow nearby. It does make me wonder if his soul, perhaps untainted by the curse and the corruption (ironically I already portrayed him like this, but seeing more solid things in canon that to some extent make it plausible overjoys me), has somehow an omniscience by itself or it's being pushed towards that direction by something else. A possibility for this would be Irminsul answering directly to Dain's concerns / thoughts and beckoning him in that direction so he discovers it by himself. Whichever the case may be, both are highly interesting and which I already implemented in my portrayal in what concerns his sentience. Overall, it's quite interesting that he insists that something happened in the house even though he didn't experience said something himself.

✧ In view of what we learn about Chlothar's waning body as a result of the curse, I find Paimon's comments about Dain's great senses (smell and hearing) despite his age (in addition to being in a great physical-shape too and be able to pull those moves in a more hostile environment down to being able to press on even when handling great pain that is immobilizing) to be like little crumbs to be alert about Dain's difference when compared to someone dealing with the same curse as him, yet having declined significantly more in just about a hundred years in comparison to the five hundred years Dain lived so far. This is a detail I didn't realize myself back when the AQ was released.

✦ This is a small crumb compared with the huge lore bombs this AQ brought, but I adore how compassionate and mindful Dain is when seeing Lumine crying when she woke up and that he'd decide to let her alone to recompose herself in case she'd feel ashamed if he were to stay instead. Combined the fact that he's the kind of watching over his traveling partner's sleep while he stays wide awake. Now, following the line of Dain's sentience— the direction he takes to continue his investigation is none other than the way Caribert takes by the end of the quest before the scene of the cliff and Lumine passing out.

✧ ◜As far as I'm concerned, humans who do not worship The Seven are nigh extinct... and all who place faith in the gods are my enemies.◞

Considering how little it must've been since the cataclysm broke out, it's very curious how very few Khaenri'ahns made it to Chlothar's days before he encountered the Sinner and quite saddening to think about, how many of them might've turned into monsters of the Abyss, started to have some extent of belief in them even if it's just to be forgiven due to the horrible curse cast upon them or potentially passed away by even worse means, specially if we remember how scared people were of even going past the gates to Sumeru's underground due to the amount of monsters they must've encountered on their way.

✦ ◜It's said that this medicine is imbued with the power of Sumeru's God of Wisdom, and can awaken the mind from a state of deep stupor... It has been used in the past to treat cases of mania. [...] I read it in a book from the Royal Library of Khaenri'ah. It was banned, since this medicine requires the power of The Seven to work. [...] I was leafing through some forbidden texts and happened upon it.◞

Another point worth mentioning, seeing how Khaenri'ah had knowledge of the gods and banned said knowledge from the general public. Chances are that there were two separate libraries and that the Royal Library was of limited access or had a restricted place that at the very least the nobles knew of its existence.

✧ ◜The gods of this world have never stood with humanity... Not even for a moment!◞

I don't have much to comment about this myself as there might be information in the future to shed light upon this, but I think it deserves its recognition for now to keep in mind in the future in case it isn't just some widely-spread belief in Khaenri'ah about the gods and that the founders really discovered something about the gods that made them think this, and that it actually has some weight to it.

✦ ◜There is a waterfall near the statue I prayed at. I need you to collect some water from there around two in the afternoon.◞

Following the line of thought from earlier about the banner knowledge, this detail about that potion is too specific to ignore and a good reason to wonder how far and wide Khaenri'ah's knowledge about the other nations extended. There is no doubt that those who came from other nations also contributed with this net of wisdom, but it's worth remembering that some Khaenri'ahns were also acting as spies both in Enkanomiya and Sumeru. It wouldn't be far-fetched to think that they did this in other nations too.

✧ ◜Halt, humans. Fate has not granted you the right to enter this place... [...] Very well. Then I grant you the trial of destiny.◞

Not much to say about this, except that I have a feeling that it'll become more relevant in the future too. The quest's name while in the sanctuary where the Fortune Lector is found is "A lamenter at fate's end" and the subtitle of this abyssal being is "secret keeper of fate's end". Not to mention that what it was guarding was... the final place where Lumine and Chlothar encounter the Sinner. Furthermore, based on the CN wording and the Caribert AQ description in CN too point towards the Sinner being the same "self-proclaimed prophet / someone who understands fate well" that narrates Dain's description. So there are high chances that the Sinner and Caribert becoming the Loom of Fate are closely related, and most likely than not the Sinner is the one who did something about Caribert's sanity.

✦ Chlothar's suspicious fascination for the Fortune Lector might be a good example of how amazed part of the Khaenri'ah civilization was by the power of the Abyss, as despite how poisonous it is for every living being, he would describe it as a beautiful power. It speaks great volumes of how deep the obsessions were in those who had them.

✧ ◜...O, dear creature, why do you bow down? For fear of the unknown? Or for a power that you covet? O, dear creature, why do you bow down? For I am no God... I am but a "Sinner". You are like a flower born in sin yet pure, spotless... I know your fate well. You need no longer hold back your resentment, nor accept the countless lies. Go forth, become a transcendent one, rise beyond the fate bestowed upon you... And I shall shed a tear at the end of time... as I gaze back upon your life.◞

For some reason, I have the feeling that these words were meant for Chlothar as besides the hilichurls, he was the only one bowing down and not Lumine. And that the male realized that she also heard him and that's where he stayed silent. The reason why this wouldn't apply to the hilichurls too is because the word choice for addressing to someone in singular. Which leads me to wonder if one of the requirements of being a pure-blood Khaenri'ahn like Chlothar is to "be like a flower born in sin yet pure, spotless". This reminds me heavily of the inteyvats given that against all odds, they would still bloom in conditions that are incompatible with life. It's also highly curious that it is possible to be above a fate that's been bestowed and that Chlothar might've been able to make it, which would explain why in the end his corpse could be found buried in the field.

✦ Seeing that abyssal energy coming from behind Caribert's mask fills me with intrigue, and it reminds me of how well-tied the AQs Dain is involved in are. We don't even need to go too far and just think about Requiem of the Echoing Depths and when the matter of hilichurls not taking off their masks so they won't see what they turned into from being humans was addressed, and the follow-up this had in Caribert now. Maybe Caribert is a special case himself due to the Sinner resonating with Chlothar for reasons unknown, or maybe it's something that could happen to other hilichurls as well, I'm unsure. It would be great to learn more about this one day and I'm positive we will in following AQs where Dain comes back.

✧ ◜I never imagined that you, of all people, would deny the Abyss... How ridiculous! We once believed that you would bring new strength and hope to Khaenri'ah. To us, you were the Abyss... A wondrous mystery far beyond our imagination and comprehension... And the one who controls the Abyss can control everything! We yearned for that future. We looked to you to take us there. But what did you bring us instead? O Princess... of Khaenri'ah?◞

This here is a heavy point of irony and re-reading Chlothar's words reminds me once again of Dain's claim of hypocrisy. How Khaenri'ah went from denying the gods to worship someone else like they were one, all because of the devotion they held for the Abyss. It's also intriguing the thought that things weren't going well in Khaenri'ah by the time Lumine arrived, probably tied with the fall of King Irmin and perhaps due to more factors that we don't know about yet.

✦ Lastly, it's interesting the thought that Dain does have his own suspicions about the identity of the Sinner and that there are high chances that he knows that the Sinner is a "he" even though he didn't hear his voice and that Aether might have not said that it sounded like a male voice either. Also the fact that despite being a memory and that somehow Aether was able to see what Lumine went through in those brief days, that the Sinner knows about him through this alone.

[savior-of-the-ink]

Big W for me because the new Archon quest proves that the thing I wanted to achieve with the Witness is perfectly canon and not without precedents

[reginrokkr]

𝐗𝐗𝐗𝐕𝐈. Different uses to an equivalent of Aqua Doloris to introduce knowledge of the Abyss —Aqua Sapientiae—.

Last night in my review of Wriothesley's SQ I touched on the topic of the Aqua Doloris (water of pain) and its plausible connection to the poisonous Abyss and even Khaenri'ah (Khaenri'ahn language uses Latin and this here is outright Latin). After giving it some thought, I want to give that more depth and establish it as part of this blog's worldbuilding concerning a kingdom that was so grand but it also cast a large shadow.

It is known that the Abyss and everything that connects to it is intimately related to Forbidden Knowledge that, according to Rhukkadevata is:

«Forbidden knowledge» is a kind of knowledge that doesn’t belong to this world, and a form of “truth” that can’t be understood. It came from the very bottom of the Abyss. Even I could never understand it. The world is constantly rejecting it, leading to all kinds of phenomena. If we allow forbidden knowledge to pollute Irminsul, I’m afraid the entirety of Teyvat could fall apart. At that time, I knew I couldn’t repel the forbidden knowledge with my strength alone. Which is why I created a device that compiled human wisdom, and named it “the Akasha”.

But we know that after the last episode of Sumeru's main arc, all Forbidden Knowledge was erased from Irminsul with Rhukkadevata's erasure. Nevertheless, that doesn't stop the Abyss from continuing to be a source of truth that still lingers in Teyvat if we take into account the Sign of Apaosha phenomenon, or as per the Chinese transliteration: Burning Truth Weather Phenomenon. Before getting into this, I want to give another glimpse of truth tied to the Abyss, witnessed by Childe no less who spent three months there, three days in Teyvatan time.

There, he witnessed the endless possibilities of another ancient world.

As per what he says in the event of Labyrinth Warriors, it is highly possible that it happened nearby Irminsul, as he describes having fought in the fissures that lie between great tree roots.

No matter how negatively the Abyss is perceived (and how negative the knowledge it provides is, perhaps to Celestia as it reveals a certain truth that doesn't seem to be something they want to be known and yet the Abyss Order is sickened that common folk doesn't know and seek to shove it down their throats at the closest opportunity, however true or distorted their truth may be), it is clear that at the same time it is trying to introduce a censored truth as if it were someone from outside of Teyvat wanting to send warnings of some kind as it may or may not be interpreted through two description lines of Narwhal:

Realistically speaking, however, if a profound universe full of life exists, why hasn't any of that life made contact with Teyvat? Maybe the universe has been constantly trying to infiltrate Teyvat, or maybe a higher power created borders to protect this world.

Lastly, to conclude with the chain of indicators that point towards the Abyss being a different brand of source of truth, I want to return to the Sign of Apaosha. This celestial phenomenon is said to have appeared for the first time after the Cataclysm's apparition as a result of the constant build-up of defilement. According to Khaenri'ahn documents, it was also called Sign of Truth, as they believed that it reflected the "reality" beyond the skies of Teyvat.

Now, to jump onto Khaenri'ah, 「Caribert」 was bolder in revealing that part of the population had this belief that in controlling the Abyss, they would also be able to control the Heavenly Principles. And judging by Chlothar's status as a nobleman of the Alberich house, it stands to reason that this belief was spread among the gentry of the kingdom. As a small parenthesis, the devs also mentioned that all the time back since the conception of Field Tillers and other Ruin Guards there were people with certain obsessions, some of which can be reflected in their infatuation for dragons. Furthermore, it is also known that the Universitas Magistrorum, what could've possibly been an equivalent of Sumeru's Akademiya in Khaenri'ah, possessed great knowledge but they would also twist it to their own needs.

Their obsession for the Abyss didn't end there, however, as it is known that until relatively late years of Khaenri'ah's civilization leading to the looming Cataclysm within close years, Ley Line energy was being used as energy until they have decided to change to Abyss energy. This made them want to investigate this energy outside Khaenri'ah (namely in Sumeru) through a special unit of knights by the name of Schwanenritter at the orders of the Knight Marshal Anfortas (who would later become into a temporary regent due to King Irmin falling ill or passing away). One of the tasks of these knights was also of espionage.

So in view that they would reach as far as to be able to turn the Abyss power into energy for their own use and, no matter how twisted, Khaenri'ah was a nation rich in knowledge of all sorts, it is also possible that they used the Abyss power for other means similar to how the Aqua Doloris was. And by this I don't mean necessarily to inflict pain and control people, but for something different such as isolating knowledge in a substance instead of fear born from unpleasant memories in order to provide it or force it to people and have more join this twisted cause that even King Irmin wasn't above judging by the description of statuettes carved in the likeness of his person:

“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.”

While I'm still a firm believer that there was a part of the Khaenri'ahn population that had nothing to do with the underlying darkness that permeated this kingdom (among which I think Dainsleif was, based on his pain when he talked about the civilization's fall), it is also possible that some people were abducted into a cult-like kind of belief and that manners of "drugs" were used to make these people believe what others, deep in their delusion, already believed blindly as the Aqua Doloris did.

[implexisfatum]

* / zvedza sokolova.

age: appears to be in her early 30's, chronologically 3,500+

gender: female (she/her)

species: elf

alias(es): lady sokolova, her majesty the tsaritsa, the cryo archon, phenex, phenex-naberius

birthday: january 27 (zodiac: aquarius)

affiliation: the seven, the fatui

vision gnosis: cryo

weapon: catalyst/polearm (interchangeable)

constellation: improbus auris.

faceclaim: morgan le fay, fate/apocrypha + grand order

relations on this blog: casimir (NPC/husband, deceased)

trigger warnings: brief mentions of gore.

her majesty didn't always have a heart of stone. many, many moons ago, when the world was in turmoil and factions fought tooth and nail for a seat amongst the seven, there was a young man with big dreams - some said his dreams, and perhaps his ambitions, were about as big as his own heart. although he was merely a sprite that walked amongst the soft, yet cold blanket of snow and ice, he one day dreamed to sit amongst the seven, gnosis in one hand... and his sweetheart in the other. the winter sprite - casimir - was a proud one-man army, determined to win the hand in marriage of an elf he had been in love with for quite some time, his love for her being returned in kind. much like the factions that had enough strength to topple the sprite with ease, casimir, too, fought tooth and nail to win a gnosis for snezhnaya - but to him, the gnosis was merely an extra point. casimir's throwing his hat into the ring of war wasn't for fame or glory, or even the gnosis - but he was one of the few contenders that fought in the name of love. and when he won the gnosis and became the first cryo archon, that very motivation for his fighting became his ideal, and the elf that had his affections - zvedza - became his cherished bride. as the cryo archon, naberius, he treated his wife as an equal in diplomatic meetings within and outside of their nation. for many years to come, the first cryo archon was a firm but gentle leader, his reign being known as the epokha mira (эпоха мира, era of peace). zvedza inherited the gnosis and became the second cryo archon following casimir's death. now known as phenex, zvedza followed in her husband's footsteps and did her best to lead as he did - stern but gentle. the grief of her loss was manageable, yet that never stopped her from asking him for guidance, from wherever his soul traveled to. it was the cataclysm, the tragedy that shook all of teyvat and khaenri'ah, that turned her world upside-down. one by one, zvedza's dearest friends all fell in battle. alongside the rest of the archons, she was forced to aid in the destruction of khaenri'ah, the incident she vehemently fought against. seeing the faces of innocent khaenri'ahns, seeing the look of fear and agony in their eyes as their humanity slipped away in some of their kin... the horrors of khaenriah's destruction would have driven an ordinary being absolutely mad. zvedza couldn't handle it. she was able to find at least one survivor, of course, and invite him to snezhnaya with the promise of sanctuary. his people deserved better... and for their misdeeds, celestia had to be destroyed no matter the cost. and so she, alongside the khaenri'ahn survivor, founded the fatui. the faction would take in powerful beings from all corners of the world that shared the common goal of overthrowing the heavenly principles. and so upon the fatui's founding, zvedza ceremoniously tore her heart out from her chest, locking it in a chest and hiding it in one of the many corridors of zapolyarny palace. the khaenri'ahn survivor - now the jester - and the sole witness to the tsaritsa tearing out her own bloodied heart, was sworn to secrecy, for whoever held the heart controlled the archon. it was up to fate, and her ability to feign sympathy, for the now emotionless archon to see her goals to fruition, no matter the cost. her people, whom her majesty no longer could love, only hoped to be on her side when judgement day would finally come to pass.

[inblazes]

And there it is.

That niggling, treacherous squeeze in his chest -- the one thing he had been working for so hard and for so long to stamp down and box away.

Insecurities blaze anew in his heart, rekindled by the sight that lay before him: Kaeya had no good reason to be communicating with members of the Abyss Order for reasons other than the unthinkable.

And although he couldn't hear particularly well from his chosen hiding place on up high, nor understand much of what was said, the obvious familiarity and the obvious truce between them could only mean that this was not the first time they had met, but part of a pattern of behaviour that had long since been established.

Never before has Diluc been able to reconcile his sibling's claims of being a Khaenri'ahn spy -- he had seen no reason to. He had always believed that actions spoke far louder than words, and once the dust had settled upon that miserable, fateful night, he hadn't witnessed a single act on Kaeya's behalf that betrayed his loyalty to Mondstadt in any way.

This, it seemed, was enough to sow the seeds of distrust somewhere in the back of his mind... But what surprised him most of all was the unexpected pang of jealousy that accompanied it: over a shared tongue, familiar culture, and a homeland in common.

All the things that the Ragnvindr clan, well-meaning as they were, never had in common with Kaeya from the start, and had inadvertently replaced. All that he lacked had haunted him from the start -- for he had always wanted to see his brother as nothing but his own flesh and blood.

Maybe it would never be enough, and they were doomed to walk the opposite path from the very start.

It would be rash to make a move now, the redhead knows -- and yet, as this secretive reunion seems to be reaching its end, his feet take him to the very edge of his vantage point, now stood plainly out in the open.

He's not letting this one go.

And he leaps from his perch up on high, gloved palms aflame with pyro as he swoops down in a manner reminiscent of a bird of prey, fully intending to snatch up their icy little abyssal friend and sear out the answers to his suspicions.

He would have to resist turning his flames upon Kaeya himself, though the sting of that years-long betrayal made it sound ever-more tempting the longer he was kept in the dark about his loyalties. The only thing that gave him pause in the heat of the moment was the oppressive weight of the guilt he bore for the last time.

"I think the both of you have some explaining to do."

Kaeya’s mind was a mess. Every nerve within his body felt like it was electrified, jolting and seizing at the slightest shifts in the wind. He’s not one to be jumpy, not one to be easily startled. Yet, in this moment, he felt a shiver run down his spine.

Perhaps he was being paranoid about everything that’s been happening lately and it left him feeling utterly frayed, but was the feeling of eyes on his back really just his imagination?

No, he can’t think about that right now. If someone, or something, is actually tailing him, then it’d be something he’d have to deal with in the moment. For now, he’s just chalking it up to anxiety, and nothing more. It was foolish, but the longer he put off getting his answers, the more of a window he leaves open for the Abyss Order to potentially make a move.

That’s the last thing he ever wants.

As he neared the Hilichurl camps, Kaeya strayed off the beaten path and instead steered completely clear of them. He was not planning to draw their attention, regardless of them usually not engaging with him. Fortunately, it was late at night, so most should be asleep by now anyway.

Still, he remained quiet as he kept his trail closer to the edges of the cliffs and closer to the shrubberies and trees rather than anywhere near the Hilichurls’ encampments. He moved as though he knew where to step, sure of his route.

As though he’d done this before.

It was only when he approached the ruins that encircled a pond that he moved into the clearing once more, exposed to moonlight. Taking in a slow breath, he homed in on the lone figure that floated above the water, striding forward towards them.

A singular cryo abyss mage, on their own.

The moment they spotted Kaeya, they seemed to bristle at first… before they let out an exasperated sigh. They did not make any attempts to attack the Cavalry Captain, but they were none too excited to host him, either. It was only when Kaeya stepped into the pond and drew closer towards the mage that they finally hissed out, “Quid hic agis, Vestrae Celsitudinis?”

“Satis. Nosti quare,” the Mondstadtian responded in a tongue he’s hardly used since his arrival to Mondstadt over a decade ago, frowning before he continued, “<Something has been happening, and I want answers.>”

“<You will need to elaborate. Many things have been happening, ‘Captain.’>”

“<You know very well what I mean,>” Kaeya stated, his tone tense.

“<My, my… You have never been so aggravated before when deciding to pester me,>” they jeered.

Gritting his teeth, Kaeya clenched his fist, taking in a slow breath before dragging his fingers through his fringe in attempts to calm down. He began to pace, furrowing his brows as he did so, all while the mage watched, cackling lightly after a moment. “<What has you so strung, princeling? As I mentioned, you will need to elaborate, otherwise I have no answer for you.>”

 “<Don’t—! Enough with the titles, the taunts, I just – I need to understand why I’ve been feeling so restless, and you are the only one that I can ask. There’s been movement with the Order, right? As though you all have gotten…energized? More serious—focused? It feels like something was finished,>” Kaeya fumbled, his words tripping as he tries to properly convey and translate his thoughts. It’s difficult when he hardly uses his native tongue these days, hence his brief switch to Mondstadtian as he adds, “Like you all completed something.”

“<Hmmm. Indeed.>”

“<… Indeed? Are you going to tell me more?>”

“<There is not much that I am aware of myself, Alberich, or much that I may divulge to you. I am afraid your trip here was for naught.>”

“<I struggle to believe that there isn’t something you do not know about your own organization.>”

“<I am not a part of the upper echelons, child. Information is limited even to me. Even so, why should I tell you? You have been nothing but a thorn in my side ever since you were a timid little whelpling; a snotty Ragnivindr son.>”

At this, the Cavalry Captain grew increasingly frustrated, shaking his head as he continued to pace before facing the mage fully, both of his fists balled up. “<Then why didn’t you ever dispose of me, if that’s the case? You say all that, and yet you’ve never laid a finger on me! You’ve never hurt me or made any move to kill me!>”

“<Doing so would have been one of the gravest transgressions towards your clan’s name—your legacy. You would have me disrespect your revered ancestors that have sacrificed everything and more to try and save our dying home? Ha! That you even have immunity as an Alberich should relieve you, half-blood, else you wouldn’t have survived the night you’ve arrived in these ‘Blessed’ lands,>” they spat before guffawing at Kaeya’s audacity. “<All you need to be aware of is that Our Rightful Sovereign finally set things in motion to mend what had been broken, and weave our Fates anew.>”

Kaeya stood frozen while listening, his countenance pinched and beyond livid before it gave way to confusion. His gaze fell towards the water between them as he attempted to parse their answer. As he did so, the mage heaved a sigh and waved a hand dismissively towards the Mondstadtian.

“<Go on and return to your precious city, ‘Captain’; do what you’d like with this information. You can pointlessly bolster your defenses, drink away your sorrows, revel in festivities, spend time with those you’ve come to love—whatever. Just do not come here any longer, if you know what is best. There is nothing but trouble for you here, the longer you remain.>”

[twilightichor]

✦ @apocryphis asked: ‘ i like the disaster of the night sky, stars spilling this way and that as if they were upturned from a glass. ’ (from nahida)

In the likeness of her predecessor, Nahida sees beauty in things that he cannot comprehend. Something as natural as dreams are to humans suffice to capture the attention to a divine connected to an even greater source of memories and experiences of every living soul, for her to find potential in them and turn them into a soothing balm to this aching world and its Axis Mundi, alas, never to herself beyond the tragic gladness she must've felt at the knowledge that one day in the distant future she, too, would be saved from her pain.

Dáinsleif looks at the noctilucent sky in an effort to understand the logic behind her positive sentiments. Coming from a kingdom that knew of nothing that wasn't a veil of night accompanied by ominous astronomic bodies such as the crimson moon or the black sun, he is accustomed to this environment. In fact, he favors it over the day, that took him long enough to get used to at the detriment of his poor eyes bathed in a light he was certain that he didn't belong.

This representation of the celestial dome, however, hits different in an unfortunate but soothing way. If Khaenri'ahns of old cursed their slow velocity to realize that what is displayed is faux, under this sky they would sooner believe they hallucinated— so well done was the job of the Usurper whom moved heaven and earth in order to fashion the world to his liking and to repress the true nature of this world.

As for the reason why he partly believes that it's soothing the way it is...

◜Not everyone needs to know.◞ Softness in celestial azures betray stone cold features. He whose knowledge isn't subpar to that of a saint or a prophet, ironically thinks that there is wisdom that shouldn't be known. Why? Because he's been a direct witness of what knowing too much can do to a man. Some may accept it, others may fall into madness out of rage to confront it and seek a change.

◜But not everything is so bad, after all.◞ His gaze pivots towards the young goddess, the memory of her predecessor overlapping her figure in a brief imagining of what her visage must be like weren't they in a crucial moment that could plummet the world into despair or be blessed with salvation, suffering as she was. ◜So long as people don't lose the ability to dream, even if something factually impossible as reaching upturned stars, there is still hope.◞ Unlike those that couldn't in that faraway dreamless land.

Sapphire irises return to the sky and soften when the realization hits that he understands the logic behind finding beauty in things he initially couldn't, they soften. ◜The night sky could be a living hell, but there will always be a light that will guide you.◞

[cocoa-goat]

Distractions (The Khaenri'ahns x GN!reader)

Scenario: You haven’t been yourself lately, and they’ve noticed. So in order to cheer you up, they try to distract you by getting your mind off things. Whether it be a small pastime/errand or a walk to clear your head.

Featuring: Lumine, Aether, Dainsleif, Kaeya, & Albedo. (Plus a bonus character at the end lol)

Warning/s: Might be a tiny bit suggestive in Kaeya’s part, but it doesn’t really imply anything. Mostly just fluff ☁️

Lumine

> Lumine sees herself in you, so needless to say, she definitely has a soft spot that’s reserved for you alone.

> She’ll take you to her favorite places to cheer you up. If you want to talk to her about your problems along the way, you don’t even need to ask.

> If you’re silent, Lumine will simply ask you if you want to talk, but she won’t push you to do it.

> Maybe she’ll take you to a spot that’s good for stargazing, or take you to a place where there’s lots of crystalflies for you to watch flying about.

> If she could at least just witness a peaceful side of you and make you forget about all your hardships, even just for a little bit, she’ll be content.

> It does her heart good to know that you can begin healing yourself whenever you’re around her.

> In conclusion: Lumine best girl 💫

Aether

> Very worried boy

> Aether drops literally everything to tend to your aid. Like please relax, even Paimon’s more composed than you (T^T )

> Hugs for daysss 🫂🫂

> I think that physical touch is one of Aether’s love languages, so he doesn’t hesitate to run to you and give you one big heck of a hug the moment he sees you cry.

> Even if you don’t cry or say anything, he will still know that you’re sad. Either way he’ll just engulf you in his embrace, gently stroking your hair in the process.

> Please don’t refuse! His hugs are the best. Not too tight, not too loose, just right. 💕

> He’ll hold you for as long as you want him to. He’s not planning to let you go until your pain subsides and you’ve let all your discomforts out of your system.

> You don’t even need to say anything tbh, he understands you completely. You’re his other half, after all.

Dainsleif

> “Something’s clearly been bothering you,” Dainsleif is much more straightforward, but it’s not as if he’s forcing you into opening up. It was more of an encouragement since his tone indicated visible concern.

> And although he might not admit it, this little act of his was a small act of love for his you. He loves you too much to see you sad without telling him why.

> Dainsleif is a great listener. And you can’t tell me otherwise (◕‿◕♡)

> He’s basically just your therapist at this point; but he doesn’t really give much insight on his opinions about your problems, and that’s because he chooses to listen rather than to talk.

> He doesn’t presume to know how it feels to be in your shoes, because honestly, he doesn’t. That doesn’t entirely mean he won’t try, though! I feel as if he’s an ‘actions speak louder than words’ type of guy

> He’ll listen to you rant about whatever’s been bothering you, all the while maintaining a look of understanding on his face. However, if it’s a person that made you sad, well goodluck to them because they’re in for an earful. (Or a beating tbh)

Kaeya

> Husband material™

> Depending on the situation, Kaeya might approach you with a little teasing here and there.

> He’ll probably come up to you and just be like: “Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. But I was there with you, wasn’t I? I don’t see the problem.”

> Anyways that’s besides the point 😭

> If Kaeya senses that you actually are upset, he won’t tease you; because like every other decent person, he knows how to read the room before approaching you. It’s just the bare minimum 🤷🏻‍♀️ 

> He’ll gently rub circles around your back as you vent to him. If you’re crying he’ll wipe a few stray tears away from your cheeks, the pain in his eyes mirroring your own. It hurts him to see you cry :((

> If there’s anything he can do to help you, he’d do it in a heartbeat. There’s nothing that he wouldn’t do for you, so he’d do everything in his power to see you smile again.

Albedo

> Albedo is a clever one. He catches on pretty quick, so he’ll know if you’re not feeling yourself in almost an instant.

> He doesn’t say anything because he doesn’t want to pry, but he does ask you if you want to go on a walk with him on the outskirts of Dragonspine. (He’ll also hand you his coat if you’re feeling cold)

> If you refuse, he feels as if he has no choice but to pry into your feelings. And he does, but he’s not forcing you. He’ll pry ever-so-gently for the sake of not overstepping your boundaries.

> If you accept, however, he’s going to use the opportunity to try and distract you. And once you’re feeling better, that’s the moment he asks if you want to talk.

> Either way, Albedo’s always willing to listen to your troubles. He’ll even go out of his way to try and help you get rid of them. That’s just how much he cares for you <3

Bonus - Paimon

> She’d take you to Wanmin Restaurant for some slime tasting. And you can’t refuse

*cue happy Xiangling noises*

Notes: Thanks for reading!! (P.S, as I’m posting this, my teacher is currently grading my test and he’s definitely taking his time with it; which means I’m most likely gonna fail. I still hope you enjoyed though, until next time!)