Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Very well. I, Furina, will use this trial to show the world the true meaning of justice!”

“The court asks the prosecutor to take the stand.”

Furina is seething. 

This witness, she said she was, was so kind and gentle– but in the end, she betrayed all trust Furina had for her.

She barely heard Lumine speak out a ‘thank you, your Honor’ before she took her place across from Lumine– in the spot of the defendant.

Lumine and her fairy, faces full of grim confidence– they are sure they can manage to foil Furina’s ‘secret’.

This secret is far more important than you, outlander. Furina dug her nails into her palm. Fontaine rests on me– these five hundred years will not go to waste.

“Allow me to ask, before we begin,” Furina sneered. “Just how much work did you do to get me onto this stage?”

“Well,” Paimon began. “We did do a lot of prep after that meeting that day.”

“I can go over the tasks assigned to the Spina di Rosula,” Navia interjected. “Since they were quite straightforward and easy.”

How well planned was this? 

Furina did not hear Navia’s explanation about the Spina di Rosula’s actions. Nor, she found bitterly, did she care.

People she thought she could trust. 

Clorinde, Neuvillette, and that damned ‘witness’. 

They all betrayed her in the end, didn’t they?

This, Furina thought bitterly. This is the humanity you so love, mirror-me. Is it worth casting aside your divinity for the company of bastards like these?

Lyney and Lynette were speaking about their actions, but the roar of blood– human blood– in Furina’s ears clouded all noise. 

The Fatui, too. Their stupid ‘Father’.

Mirror-me, I know I do this to save Fontaine. But with subjects such as these, is Fontaine worth saving?

Furina physically flinched back at the thought. 

No. The people of Fontaine are worth saving. A life saved is a life saved… and not everyone would betray me.

This was a thankless job, that much Furina knew. She hated mirror-her– hated herself – for the inability to do anything about it.

If I were the true Hydro Archon, I’d have been able to do something about it.

Her hands were cold and clammy, even under the silken gloves she wore. Her arms felt heavy, something was stabbing into her right hand–

No. That’s not natural.

She stared at the cheerfully twinkling chess piece in her hand.

“Sorry about that. We deceived you back there.” Lumine winced. 

"I'd hesitate before giving all the credit to yourself," Furina hissed. "I would presume that not even you two are stupid enough to not enlist Clorinde and Neuvilette in this. Their part, at least, I can guess."

She paused. 

“As for you, outlander, I suppose your role was to keep me distracted while the Fatui hauled us back to the Opera Epiclese?”

And then the outlander shook her head.

“No.”

Furina's vitriol spluttered to a halt. “What?”

“My job was to give you one final chance to say your secret.”

Furina, then, started laughing. High, deranged peals of laughter– and by the end, even the Iudex was unnerved. “I suppose I lost my final chance, then.”

She closed her eyes, trying to stop the spinning in her head. Half formed sentences bobbed in and out of consciousness- what debate skill she had had been eroded by more than five times the lifespan of a typical human eating away at her.

I must keep acting. I have to hold out until... until mirror-me can carry through.

And so she lifted her hands and tipped her hat in an elegant bow, continuing what she had done.

“It’s fine, what’s done is done.” Furina beamed at the audience below. “The stage is already set, and there is no reason to disappoint the audience. Let’s see this trial through then, to the very end .”

Lumine stiffened. Furina’s voice had grown colder than the Dragonspine winters.

Furina's eyes tracked someone who came over to hand Lumine some papers. She couldn't tell what was written on them.

No worry. I can certainly win this– I am, after all, Focalors.

“The prosecution and defence are both in position. The trial will now begin.”

Furina laughed. “There is no point to all this legalese, Chief Justice . Skip to the part where I am told what exactly I did wrong.”

Furina spread her arms. “The actions of an archon, of course, must puzzle the masses. Do tell where I did wrong, and I will be happy to clarify.”

Lumine lifted her eyes to meet Furina. Her eyes were determined, but taken aback at the genuine anger in Furina’s eyes.

“My accusation isn’t about your conduct as an archon.”

“I am saying that you are a fraud, and were never the archon to begin with.”

There was some murmuring in the audience. Disbelief rang out throughout the opera hall– and, Furina thought grimly, being eternally 16 for 500 years does something to convince them.

“Lady Furina, do you plead guilty?”

…

“Lady Furina?”

And she gave another fit of laughter, laughing until her stomach hurt, laughing until everyone was certain their archon had gone mad.

“Of course not. Why would I plead guilty to such an insane accusation?”

“There is no reason why I, Furina de Fontaine, a member of the Seven and Regina of all waters, kindreds, peoples and laws of Fontaine would be guilty to something as stupid as that.”

There was some more murmuring.

“I am sure that common sense will prevail here. How could I have lived more than five hundred years? The audience here surely remembers me since their birth– I have not changed since.”

The Oratrice tipped towards Furina’s side.

“See?” Furina said, smug. “Even the Oratrice agrees with me. Should you wish to drop the case now, I promise on my archon’s honor that I will not press charges.

“And if I am not the archon, who is? Who else here in Fontaine has lived as long as me? The people have long worshipped me as their god.”

The courthouse was spinning. Furina tried to blink it away.

That stupid fairy piped up. “The people of Fontaine only worship you because that’s their long held belief. First of all, you might be a member of a long-life race– or you’re just a cursed human.”

“Whoever gave you that idea?” Furina laughed hysterically. “Don’t tell me- was it the Knave? ”

At the affront to her friend, the outlander finally regarded Furina with disdain. “It doesn’t matter where I got the information from. What matters is the veracity of the claim.”

Neuvillette was pondering too. “I once thought the aura of a God was like a curse… but perhaps it was just the curse itself I was sensing.”

Paimon said, in her shrill voice that Furina wanted to tear out of her throat– “You sensed it too, Neuvillette?”

“So, Furina.” Lumine crossed her arms. “Are you just a cursed human? How could you have fooled the people of Fontaine into worshiping you?”

“Why do you think gods are worshipped as gods?” Furina mocked. “Everyone knows that the main difference between a human and a god is the possession of "authority." Gods can do what humans cannot — that's why they're worshipped as gods.”

“For centuries, manifestations of this authority have been spread cross Fontaine. Perhaps you thought it was my predecessor, Egeria, that created the Oratice and the Indemnitium that it creates?”

Lumine shook her head. “No. You have no authority over the Oratrice– Childe’s trial is proof of that.”

Furina scoffed. “The Oratrice is an independent entity. Just as you cannot control the child you create, I cannot control the Oratrice. This does not, of course, negate the fact that I created the Oratrice. Of course you do not understand the gods… there is no need to explain.”

“Lady Furina.” Neuvillette warned. “If you continue to withold vital information from this court, I will have to condemn you.”

Furina felt like she’d been slapped. “You… you’d use that kind of rhetoric against me?”

“This is no rhetoric. These are but the rules of the court– the rules you helped to make.”

Mirror-me. You naive fool. You thought humanity was pure and kind?

“Since you did not even understand the inner workings of the Oratrice,” Paimon slammed her little fist on the balcony. “These so called manifestations of authority must’ve been made by the real hydro archon!”

“...”

“Are you braindead?”

Paimon let out an outraged gasp. “What?”

“Order in the court!” Neuvillette ordered. 

“The ‘real hydro archon’? Just because I am flawed, I must not be the archon? You’re really losing me here."

Lumine seemed to be the type who could take attacks to herself, but not her friends. "Put aside the Oratrice, then. Surely you can give a brief demonstration of your power as an archon?”

Furina studied their faces. Lumine and Paimon had that annoyingly determined looks on their faces; Clorinde and Navia looked quite certain she would not be able to.

Furina silently, thanked mirror-her. Why else would she have been granted such a gift in her most dire hour of need?

The gods are good after all, Furina felt a giggle bubble out of her mouth. Hah... hahahahah!

Furina lifted her palm and Paimon gasped.

“But the Knave said she didn’t find a gnosis!” Paimon shrieked. 

Furina's core ached with the memory of a wound. Getting stabbed with a hand, however imbued with magic, is not particularly good for the health of an average person.

Everyone in the courthouse, as one, turned their heads to look at Paimon. Lyney and Lynette looked worried.

“No worries, dear House of the Hearth.” Furina glared at them. “We can talk about how your dear Father attacked me some other day.”

Neuvillette stood up. “Wh-”

Furina tried her best to channel Hydro through the power of the Gnosis.

Act like it'll work. Act like it'll work. Act like it'll work and just maybe, it will.

Funny enough, I think that's my philosophy on life~!

And on top of the stage, a water geyser bloomed into a tree, holding its shape for a brief moment before splashing down–

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the outlander, her fairy and Neuvillette’s eyes widening as he lifted a hand to stop the geyser.

Except it didn’t stop. Waves upon waves crashed onto the people, holding that beautiful purplish sheer– the Primordial S-

And the briefest drop of water touched Furina– she was gone.

It’s… it’s so warm…

The Primordial Sea felt just like her cushioned bed back in the Palais Mermonia.

Furina’s head hurt, so she moved around–

Knock, knock.

Quiet, rhythmic tapping; a melusine, no doubt.

A melusine?

Furina sat up out of instinct, and silken sheets fell off of her bed. Her unstyled hair drooped over her shoulders, but the tips weren’t white.

Does the Primordial Sea dye your hair? Furina giggled hysterically. Is this some post-death dream? Mirror-me? 

That comforting presence behind her back wasn’t there anymore. Instead, she just felt it.. somewhere. Everywhere and nowhere at once.

Her head felt like it was full of rushing water…

The melusine knocked again.

“Ah– please come in,” Furina hurried to look presentable. “My sincere apologies for not responding the first time.”

“No worries at all, Lady Furina,” the melusine smiled. “I am here to deliver your breakfast– Monsieur Neuvillette was most concerned when you grew ill.”

Neuvillette…

“Please send my regards,” Furina took the cakes gratefully. “Thank you, miss… uh…”

“Machora, Lady Furina!” she beamed. 

“My apologies for not recognizing you sooner,” Furina felt her face grow red. 

“All is well, Lady Furina.” Machora put a biscuit tin on the tray. “I was recently transferred here from Lumidouce Harbor; perhaps that is why?”

“Thank you for the breakfast, Machora,” Furina smiled, though the ends of her mouth quavered. “Have a nice day.”

Machora gave one questioning glance at Furina before hopping out the door and shutting it quietly. 

Furina looked at the cakes and then outside.

The…. the Primordial Sea…

Furina held up her hand, but nothing happened.

She tried to emulate that moment when she had summoned the gnosis– what was it she had done? 

Furina imagined the lavender hues of the Primordial Sea and the moment of first dawn when the ocean refracted light in every which direction, brightening up the depths–

When she opened her eyes again, the rushing water sounds her headache made her hear were gone. 

And a gnosis hovered above her palm, twinkling cheerfully. 

The ends of her previously styled jellyfish bob were trailing over too, though they moved as though she were underwater. The ends too, were glow–

What.

Furina stopped concentrating and the gnosis dropped into the mound of silken blanket as she studied her hair.

As she stopped holding the elemental power, and the individual strands grew darker, a horrible thought occured to Furina.

The Primordial Sea– oh no oh no oh no oh no

The Primordial Seawater wave had grown tall enough to reach her– surely the other members of the audience–

Furina, forgetting all newfound gnosishood, buried her face in her hands.

She had to ask Neuvillette about this.

She picked up the gnosis, studied it a bit, and then it vanished– like vision holders? They can make weapons and items disappear, after all– Quickly getting dressed and running the (indemnitium powered, she thought bitterly) hot hair iron through her hair, she sprinted out to find Neuvillette– or tried to.

Furina de Fontaine, properly Focalors, coughed out a gallon of water.

A massive puddle of water pooled on the ground and Furina spat out what remained in her mouth.

Does the gnosis… mirror-me, I could really use your help.

Some memories came trickling in– the Dendro Archon, Lesser Lord Kusanali– no, this one is Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. More wise, older than descriptions of the child-god.

Rukkhadevata? I can't recall that name... am I really that far gone?

She was.. having tea and cakes with Furi.. Focalors.

Wait.

By the Heavenly Principles, am.. am I Focalors?

No. I’ve always been Focalors. I am Focalors, just as she is Furina.

Greater Lord Rukkhadevata seemed to have seen a joke of great amusement, for she start laughing and pointing at something beyond– 

Behind her– was this a gathering of archons? – was.. someone that looked suspiciously like Egeria, and the god of thunder’s kagemusha (what did that mean?) throwing small balls of energy as they debated over the best tea cake.

As Focalors turned back to Rukkhadevata, who was thoughtfully chewing on the valberry toppings, something caught her eye. 

The archon of anemo was hovering a few feet above the ground, collecting apples off a tree. He turned to look at Foca- no.

Not Focalors.

Furina.

And beckoned.

Furina was thrown violently out of the memory, and she felt faintly sorry. Lingering traces of ‘Focalors’ from the memory told her that she wasn’t supposed to be finished. Neuvillette was looking at the puddle Furina had gagged up and back at Furina.

“...Lady Furina? Are you feeling well?”

“All is well, of course,” Furina dusted herself off. “Just feeling a bit under the weather, is all. Perhaps the changing tides have affected me as well?”

“...Lady Furina, you came into large concentrations of Primordial Seawater when you were inspecting the Fortress of Meropide. Your aura… it feels off as well.”

Remembering the court case– the court case – Furina stiffened. “Oh? Do tell about my aura, Monsieu- wait, what? The Fortress of Meropide?”

Neuvillette nodded. “Machora did tell me about a possible concussion. Your aura feels a bit off, is all. A much greater resonance with Hydro… which even rivals my own…”

Furina de Fontaine halted. 

Any doubt shattered, she knew.

That little stint in the courtroom had changed something, everything.

A much greater resonance with Hydro… rivals my own…

Full godhood… 

But she did not consider the newfound power she felt flowing through her veins. She only felt panic, because if she had become one with mirror-her… how could she hope to stop the prophecy?

She was supposed to trust that Focalors had a plan! Where, then, was that plan? 

Wait.

Fortress of Meropide... Fortress of Mero- that incident. Five years ago.

Furina had been visiting the Fortress for a meeting with the new Duke. Wri- Wriothesley?

But... the court case took place more than five years after the fact.

“Neuvillette… I’m sorry to ask, but what year is it?”

He looked faintly surprised at the question, but it melted into understanding. “Traumatic head injury… Sigewinne said amnesia was common. Though perhaps this was beneficial? Your hydro affinity seemes to have increased a million tim-” 

He coughed into his hand. “My apologies. It is 500 AK, five hundred years after the cataclysm.”

500!

Furina felt elated. She felt like she could rise into the clouds- five years into the past! Five more years to save Fontaine! – but perhaps this was unfounded, since she hadn’t found anything the first five hundred years…

No. She would learn from her mistakes. She could fix everything. She was a god, a proper god, a member of the Seven.

She had peers! Ones she could talk to outside of business and delegates, without needing to fear them figuring her out!

She could leave the regular duties of Fontaine to her officers and Neuvillette, right?

Five years surely wouldn't hurt. 

But where would she go...?

Not Snezhnaya.

She had no wish to go to the Harbinger's home turf... at least not while she hadn't grasped the full potential of her abilities.

Maybe not Natlan either.

The environment there wasn't known to be very friendly. It was, however, known to be almost entirely devoid of Hydro. Not good. Mavuika was also likely to rope Furina into some years-long tournamsnt.

The rest seemed to be fair game. Inazuma might be an issue, since she as back to before the lift of the Sakoku Decree, but the other nations Furina had confidence in.

I can save Fontaine from the prophecy! I can fix everything!

I'm... I'm a god- no, an archon!

“Monsieur Neuvillette, you are aware of the prophecy, right?”

He stiffened. “Of course. Why bring it up now?”

“I believe I have a way to figure everything out and save Fontaine… but I’ll need the help of the other archons.”

Neuvillette had, unsurprisingly, attempted to convince Furina to stay. 

What of the Opera Epiclese? Your day-to-day happenings? The Oratrice??

It’s fine, Neuvillette, these things are easily remedied. The Oratrice especially; it operates on the power of my gnosis.

That was some crock of shit Furina stirred up. Without the consciousness of Focalors inside, would it still work?

Furina did some tinkering afterwards. and after a few more helpful memory injections from Focalors she had successfully reprogrammed the Oratrice to operate on Neuvillette ’s subconscious.

What’s really important is to save Fontaine from the prophecy.

Neuvillette had sighed, pinching his nose bridge. 

Very well. Then, I recommend you head to Mondstadt first. It’s the most welcoming to random visitors without a visa– I will see to a boat to take you to Starfell beach.

Furina had thought for a moment. It’s fine, Neuvillette. No- really, it is. I can travel by the waters alone– I am, after all, the archon of hydro.

She didn’t want anyone to see her panicking in the boat about the prophecy.

After some back and forth, he relented.

Very well. I’ll have the melusines take on your civil duties, and I will be making an annoucement to curb further suspicion.

Furina left Fontaine a few days after that. 

With every passing day, she started feeling better. No longer feverish, no longer paranoid, no longer like some unknown force was eating away at her body and mind. 

She felt her mind start to clear, and with it, the hysteria she had experienced in the last... hundred years. 

It really was a very long time.

Her thoughts were clear and precise, working through theoretical endings to court cases... that happened years ago. Furina felt herself cringe inwardly every time something that had bubbled out of her mouth ended up driving court cases into ditches.

A fish jumpscared her and she forced herself backwards. The movement was a bit choppy, but could be refined with little issue.

Archons, I love being an archon. 

Furina loved this method of travel– every so often, when she felt like it, she would have her artificial current spit her out and she would do a few twirls in the air before lnding back into the ocean.

Her dominion over hydro was amazing– momentrily forgetting all about the prophecy and the court case.

The court case–

Furina’s mood soured and her current started blasting random fish every which way.

How could she have ever forgotten about that? Even after thinking about legalese through the entire trip?

Neuvillette, Clorinde, and that outlander… all teaming up, putting together their talents…

And that stupid harbinger. Furina hated being so weak. She would have to work on that.

But even so, she knew in her heart that they were all just trying to prevent the prophecy… just as she was. 

She could feel that any normal human, no matter their martial prowess, she could easily best in a duel. Because now Furina was Focalors, the archon, one of the Seven.

A vision holder, maybe. If they hadn’t fully maxed their potential. 

Clorinde, definitely not. Not without some martial prowess on her part… though if Furina invoked her gnosis or tapped into more volatile sources, she could squash Clorinde and pray that she doesn't shoot faster.

A harbinger…

Furina would have to train.

Hard.

While she traveled, perhaps she could fix these issues. With godly power on her side, and limitless potential…

Furina slammed headfirst into something, and as she indignantly dragged herself out of her thoughts to the white hair and pink outfit–

That fairy.

Paimon.

The current propelled her out and she landed gracefully on the sand, completely dry.

The traveler, holding her fishing rod, was detaching Paimon from the fishing rod and looking at Furina with her mouth open.

“您是谁？” she asked (asked? Furina only knew her tone was questioning.) “她为什么在钓竿上?”

Furina stared at her blankly.

She lifted her arms and tried to mime a ‘what the fuck, speak the language of Teyvat’.

Lumine groaned and Paimon began to stir. 

Furina walked over, put her hand on Paimon’s chest, and watched as her hand glowed and-

Paimon spat a gallon of water onto Furina.

She felt like the scene from the Palais Mermonia was happening again…

But Paimon lifted her head. “What’s going o- AAAAAHH!”

Lumine stepped back and summoned her sword into her hand, pointing it at the gremlin. “这些是什么声音?!”

Furina laughed and Paimon tried to hurriedly curtsy. “Focalors???”

“Just Furina will do,” she smiled (though she was sure it was cold– the court case was not forgotten). “Who’s this? Do you know her?”

Three months, Furina marvelled.

In two months, Lumine was completely conversational.

In just three months, Lumine had fully mastered the Teyvatian language– she could speak it as fluently, perhaps more, than some twenty year olds in Fontaine.

Paimon had explained everything– Teyvat’s customs, Teyvat’s regions, and the Seven– notably, Focalors…

Lumine had thought long and hard before telling them her story– how she hd lost her brother, how she had met… the sustainer of Heavenly Principles…

They shared a common enemy, Furina realized. They both lost much to the Heavenly Principles and both stood to lose more. 

But the Heavenly Principles can't be all bad, right?

I'll mull it over.

The three of them quickly became close friends, because only having two other people to talk to (one of whom needed to kept asking for words) is a generally good bonding experience. 

Though Furina never forgot the court case, she shelved it into the back corners of her mind. That was in the past- the future?- and everyone was working for the same goal.

She could forgive that. 

One day, Furina had brought up a desire to learn how to fight, and nearly drowned Paimon when she asked why Furina, as a god, didn’t already know how.

Lumine was a bit clumsy, truth be told. But after a while, Furina quietly thought that Lumine was far more graceful than she had expected– fighting and sparring her reminded Furina of a dance.

She developed her own sword art style, full of twirls and flamboyance that Furina had in front of the crowds.

She felt, before, like nothing might ever stop the cataclysmic deterioration of herself and her sanity…

But after that snap when the court case happened… Furina had her bout of perpetual insanity cured. Perhaps during the reappearance of her divinity within herself- gods were, by design, much better at living longer than humans.

When she thought back to the encounter with Neuvillette… she hadn’t forced her stage persona.

Maybe the flamboyance was just part of her. Not the overly-so Furina de Fontaine, who performed for five hundred years. Just Furina.

And perhaps now, just Focalors.

“Yahh!”

Lumine thrust the stick she had smoothed a while earlier towards Furina, who dashed to the side.

Both of them had improved exponentially over the months. Lumine was slowly regaining her former strength; Furina was learning how to use her dominion over hydro and her newfound swordsmanship.

She had learned a really nice trick– she could summon a water bubble to sit on!

Lumine had taught her how to make her weapons and items disappear.

Though Furina never got it. She only succeeded in almost impaling Paimon.

Over a while of thinking, she had found a way to store her items in water. All these items would be perfectly preserved in some fourth dimension, exactly as she left them. Lumine was curious about her hydro powers, and Paimon tried to get Furina to give Lumine a vision.

She had concentrated and concentrated, but she couldn’t feed that tug of power towards Lumine.

She could only shake her head sorrowfully.

A few days later, Furina felt a bit of her falling off. The feeling reminded her of combing her hair and watching a couple of strands fall out.

Furina had run out of her tent excitedly, waking up Lumine and Paimon right as the sun rose.

She saw a significant lack of Vision near or on Lumine, so they ended up believing it was someone else.

She fed a letter to a hydro fish creation and sent it towards Neuvillette. He was, after all, far more experienced in these than her. Maybe he had the answers.

One day, when both Lumine and Furina felt confident in their abilities, Paimon led them to Barbatos’s Statue of the Seven.

Paimon and Lumine stared up at the statue, but Furina had conjured a geyser so she could look down at it.

“These Statues represent the Seven’s dominion and protection over the world,” Paimon explained. “Like Furina– she has a bunch in her homeland, Fontaine!”

“Let’s go laugh at her when we get there,” Lumine teased, looking at Furina rise still higher on her geyser until she had to crane her neck down just to see them.

“ANYWAYS,” Paimon huffed. “This one represents Barbatos, the god of anemo– the wind!”

Lumine nodded. “Like.. like how Furina is the god of wat- hydro?”

“Yepyep! Go ahead, try to talk to it!”

Furina had descended from her geyser, adamantly keeping her eyes on Lumine and Paimon and not the statue above her. “That does nothing. I haven’t heard any prayers since I became a god.”

Oops. That sounds recent. Please don't notice... hahaaaa...

“For five hundred years? Well I’m sure some prayers get through… right?” Paimon tapped the statue a few times. 

“If they get through, it’s to my subconscious.” Furina shrugged, relieved Paimon hadn’t figured out what she meant.

Thank the heavens.

“No worry! Lumine, try to talk to it anyways.”

Lumine reached out, put her gloved palm onto the statue, and

A small turquoise light flew out of the statue, landed on her chestplate, and disappeared.

“Woah…”

“Ooh, ooh!” Paimon flew circles around Lumine. “Did you just feel the elements of this world?”

Furina sniffed lightly. “You just touched the statue and got the power of anemo? Well that’s hardly fair. The people of this world spend their lives dedicated to gaining those powers.”

Lumine shook her head. “I think… I think it’s because I’m not from this world.”

“That’s a real blessing though! Anyways,” Paimon pointed towards a faraway island. “If we keep heading that way, we’ll reach Mondstad- EEK!”

A bunch of pyro slimes had made their way towards the statue.

“LUMINE, KILL THEM!” Paimon screeched shrilly.

“They must be here because of the influx of elemental energy,” Furina reasoned. “The element of anemo is special in the fact that it can swirl other elements. This infuses it with said other element– why don’t you try using my power?”

Furina, oddly, felt like a worldbuilding lore dumper in one of her favourite light novels. 

Furina took her sword, crafted through sheer force of will and named (quite brilliantly, if she did say so herself) Splendor of Tranquil Waters. Lumine took great joy in calling it Splenda, often citing some… sweetener?

Furina slashed it through the air twice, and Lumine pushed out a wind orb to absorb that energy.

The turquoise grew to the dark blue of Furina’s hat, lightened up a bit and returned to Lumine, who swung her arm and slashed the slimes in half with the energy; which had formed a whip.

Paimon nodded approvingly, like she hadn’t just panicked a while earlier.

“Anyways!” she said, dusting off her cape. “You did great in fighting off those slimes! Let’s head to Mondstadt City, now…”

Furina had explained a bit more about swirling elements in anemo and possible uses on the way.

“The whip was good thinking, but we’ll need to be more close range as well…”

They had reached the edge of Cider Lake and were heading into a forest ahead when

“Holy shit, Furina, what the hell is on this planet?” 

Furina turned around haughtily before seeing the dragon.

“Oh… that is, of course, a dragon.”

“Wow,” Lumine summoned her sword at the ready. “Never would have guessed.”

Paimon worried at a leaf on a nearby tree. “Let’s proceed with caution, no matter what.”

The dragon was standing over something– someone– but their voice was muffled and Furina couldn’t tell what was going on in there. 

She and Lumine shuffled over to get a better look, and

Barbatos.

He didn’t appear to notice Furina, completely concentrated on the dragon. He was saying something encouraging..?

Lumine inched past her bush when her chestplate glowed with the anemo she had and it flew towards the dragon, startling him.

The dragon roared, and Barbatos abandoned all hope of saving it. He moved backwards, once, twice, and vanished in a column of wind.

“That’s rather nifty,” Furina commented once the dragon was long gone. “Can I turn into a puddle? Become one with the ocean?”

“Let’s wait until later to find out,” Lumine assured her.

Where the dragon was, there was a crimson teardrop. It was colored as red as her blood… when the Knave stuck her hand into her chest for the gnosis that wasn’t there… 

Furina felt the strongest possible aversion towards the thing. It didn’t affect her directly, but it felt like it shouldn’t exist– a freak of nature, artifically made.

Lumine stashed it into her pocket.

“Wh- why did you–” 

Furina spluttered, stepping back from Lumine, who was thoughtfully contemplating.

“You never know” was the blonde’s cryptic response.

“Hey, wait– where’d Paimon go?”

Paimon came back from the forest a few minutes later clutching Furina’s hat.

“I tried to hold onto your hat but it just flew off with me!” Paimon punched Furina twice. “How the heck does it stay on when you guys spar?”

“Let’s… just keep moving forwards,” Furina sighed, pinching her nose bridge. 

“Oh, right! Furina!” Paimon tapped her on the shoulder. “We need to get you some new clothes and a false vision before we go into Mondstadt.”

Furina was confused. “What?”

Paimon tried to mime something, but Furina’s only key takeaway was that she was going to get jumped.

“When people recognize you as Furina, bad things will happen,” Paimon warned after failing to mime it. “We’ll be targeted by far too many people- it’s best if you stay low-key.”

Furina was terrified to feel the gaze of the people following her again. She was only too keen to agree.

Paimon and Lumine went on ahead while she stayed near the forest, humming lightly to herself and taking a dive in Cider Lake.

The water there was surprisingly clean and fresh. The fish variety there were friendly, though they had few stories of interest to tell. 

She tried to explore the sea bed, but the contents there were painfully depressing. The sand was painfully granular with no variation, but it didn’t mix with water well, which Furina theorized was the reason it was so clean.

While Lumine was busy locating an outfit, Furina thought.

All that pent up anger, frustration and hysteria from the court case and before… was startlingly clear.

Her memories, previously foggy, became like little bubbles of water she could reach into and view. 

Her crumbling mental sanity (she recognized it now) was pieced back together and healed into a perfect web of intersecting logic and sense.

Is this because I became a god? Furina asked again. Was my human mind just not strong enough to remember… so much information?

Mirror-her remained quiet. 

Is this because you are guilty, Focalors? Furina turned her attention towards her divinity. Focalors, had you not anticipated this?

A quiet noise of assent from the divine force within her.

Furina pulled out her gnosis, a sculpted blue chess piece (though she knew little of how to play) and contemplated it.

Is it this that allows me to be a god? Or is it Focalors? Do I need this?

Furina tried to call upon it’s power, to call the infinite sea of possibility inside this one chess piece, and it responded.

Furina felt the ocean, all its waves and all its wonder within her. Limitless potential- was this, then, ‘tapping directly into Celestia’?

So much power in such a small piece… the one who created this, then, must truly be one to behold.

She clasped her hands together and the gnosis vanished.

Furina swam around the bottom for a bit, tickling the fish.

She tried to draw on her own power, and to her surprise a greater amount than she thought appeared.

She was unfamiliar with this power, but Focalors would be there to help.

Everything would be al… righ… what?

The waves were stirring up again, but this deep into the lake where few specks of light shone through, she shouldn’t have felt them.

She swam up to investiga-

“Oh, Lumine. Sorry- are you back?”

“Well obviously. I got you some new clothes, since Paimon mentioned you being something of a celebrity, and a fake Vision– that should allow you to masquerade as a normal Vision-holder.”

Furina felt like laughing. How funny it was, then, that she was a human masquerading as a god just months before?

Lyudmila and Mikhail stared out towards the Mondstadt city fountain.

“Did you hear?” Mikhail asked. ‘“The hydro archon Focalors has left Fontaine!”

“What? Really?” Lyudmila gasped. “Wouldn’t the city collapse without her?”

“Nah, there’s no way. They have the Chief Justice. This is a good chance for Lady Arlecchino to infiltrate and search for the gnosis!”

Lyudmila sighed. “I just hope they'll all be okay...”

“Stop being such a worrywart, Lyudmila,” Mikhail scoffed. “I hear the Tsaritsa is sending her Harbingers to all corners of the earth to search for Focalors as well. There’s no way she’ll escape us for long.”

Lyudmila opened her mouth to speak a retort, that that wasn’t her meaning… but shut it again.

Chapter Text

Furina studied herself in the makeshift water mirror she made.

“So?” Paimon asked nervously. “Do you like it?”

Her suit had been traded for a summery dress, flowing silk like the water she held dominion over. The edges were lined with scale patterns, fading from dark blue to light blue depending on the angle she viewed it from. 

Right underneath a choker (in a similar design to her hat, Furina noted) was her ‘Vision’. 

This was excellent craftsmanship indeed, her inner Focalors marvelled. Smooth crystal finish, Hydro symbol crafted of noctilucous jade– some other jade?– mined from the Chasm, it seemed? That glow doesn’t come from random peaks near Liyue.

The vision acted as a brooch for a bow, the ribbons of which flowed behind her to create a fish tail effect. A long flowing sleeve on one side, a sheer skin-hugging on the left.

This was beautiful craftsmanship indeed. Furina still kept her gloves, her socks and her boots.

And of course, her signature jellyfish hairstyle and her hat. 

Lumine gave her a large box of contacts, which Furina inspected, put two on, and shoved the rest into her water dimension.

Though far better than the normal people, her clothes were still a far cry from her archon clothing. It rather reminded her of the extravant clothing vision holders often got tailored for them.

“Where did you get these?” Furina questioned, marvelling at the bow at the back.

“I took inspiration from that water whip and got the vision tailor to get me some hydro-inspired clothing,” Lumine explained, gesturing to the turquoise glow on her chestplate. “The vision itself… I said that I’d like to display a vision, but keep my actual one hidden in case of theft. He had some with him, thankfully.”

“How much did this cost? I’ll get the Palais Mermonia to pay you back.”

Paimon chuckled weakly. “Two hundred and fifty thousand… we took out a loan from the Northland Bank, so it might be closer to two hundred seventy five…”

Furina waved her hand. “No problem. Fontaine produces that in a minute flat.”

Paimon’s mouth dropped open. “So… so much Mora…”

Lumine and Paimon led the way back to Mondstadt City, chattering about the people inside, when a blur of red jumped from a nearby ridge.

“Hey you! Stop right there!”

Furina felt a stab of that old annoyance, the one that she often felt when the people of Fontaine asked her for an audience right on the streets while she was back from another fruitless day of prophecy study.

“You two… I saw you two earlier! You two got past me while I was fighting off a hilichurl camp!”

Furina looked at the questionable outfit. “There’s no armor on that outfit. How did you fight off a bunch of… hilichurl archers, on top of those towers?”

The girl in red was flustered. “We- well…” 

Furina noted the empty quiver. “An archer yourself? With that emblem on your clothing too… Knight of Favonius?”

“N.. No– You know what? Yes, yes I am! Outrider Amber of the Knights of Favonius. State your business at Mondstadt before I force it out of you!”

Furina quietly glanced at Lumine, who looked faintly questioning that she could fight them in close quarters with a bow.

Paimon rushed forwards, quick to politeness and stop a confrontation.

“We’re not looking for trouble!” she squeaked. 

The Knight– Amber– reached for an arrow, but her quiver was empty. “That’s what all the troublemak–”

Furina narrowed her eyes slightly at her.

The Outrider paused for a moment, and winced. “My apologies for the earlier transgressions. I am Outrider Amber of the Knights of Favonius. Welcome to Mondstadt, vagrant outlan– ah, shit… – strange yet respectable outland- t- travelers!”

“Sheesh, what caused the change of heart?” Furina smiled, smug. "And another introduction? How flamboyant of you."

Amber continued with her script, undeterred. “What are your names?”

“Lumine,” offered Lumine. “The blue one is Furina.”

“Doesn’t sound like a local name to me…” Amber mused. “And.. this mascot… what’s the deal with it?”

“Emergency food,” Lumine blurted.

Furina scoffed. “Cannibalism is illegal in most civil districts, including those of Mondstadt and Fontaine. You’d have better luck trying to get her to fly around scouting the lands for treasure.”

Amber laughed, a nervous tittering as she looked Furina up and down. “No worries. You guys are just travel partners, then?”

A few nods from the three.

“Alright then. Since recently there have been dangerous dragon sightings, I’ll escort you into the city.”

“Oh?” Paimon asked. “Thank you… but.. Paimon wonders, what caused this sudden change?”

“I’m returning to the city myself after those hilichurls,” Amber retorted. “Besides, I’m not sure if I can trust you quite just yet!”

“Why so suspicious?” Lumine asked. “That’s a rather rude way to treat wayfaring travelers.”

“Oh.. ahh..” Amber flushed a deep red. “I’m sorry. Probably things I shouldn’t be saying as a Knight…”

“No worries at all,” Paimon assured. “Lead the way to Mondstadt City!”

“So, susp- uhh, strange yet respectable travelers, what brings you to Mondstadt?” 

“Lumine here got separated from her brother.” Paimon explained, ducking to avoid a tree branch. “Furina and Paimon are helping her out! We’re at Mondstadt to see if there are any hints of him here.”

“Oh…” Amber looked away, embarrassed. “Looking for family… huh.”

Furina heard a blubbering sound from behind her.

Amber shook her head. “Ah- these guys spring up like flies… if you’ll excuse me, I just need to deal with these anemo slimes…”

Amber lifted her hand and her bow materialized, golden particles forming a somewhat depressing bow; but it was functional, and that was what mattered.

She closed one eye, squinted a bit, and let out five arrows of pure pyro in succession, each taking out an anemo slime.

Paimon clapped in appreciation, which made Amber flush again, but they continued onwards towards the city.

“Let me officially introduce the city of dandelions, wind and freedom!” Amber beamed, looking around at her city. “Travelers under the protection of the Knights of Favonius, welcome to Mondstadt!”

Paimon followed this with a hearty cheer. “No more having to camp outdoors!”

Furina scoffed. “You wouldn’t have had to camp outside if you had just followed me into the water. I told you I wouldn’t let you drown.”

Furina remembered being quietly grateful the two had declined due to her lack of proficiency with controlling water.

Paimon stomped a bit on air. “You- you know Paimon has trauma from almost drowning!”

Lumine glanced around the city. 

“It’s so empty here… where is everyone?”

Amber shook her head grimly. “Everything’s been put out of place by Stormterror recently… But worry not! Everything will be fine so long as we have Jean with us.”

“Jean?” Paimon questioned. 

Amber nodded fervently. “Yes, Acting Grand Master Jean. With her on our side, there is no terror Mondstadt can’t overcome!”

But Furina noticed the textbook twiddle of her fingers and the shifting of her weight from one side to another.

Nervous… what’s Stormterror…?

She called on Focalors and for her to share her knowledge.

She is in a memory again. 

“Egeeeriaa!” A voice whined. “Dvalin needs his apples!”

“More like you need those apples, Barbatos,” her predecessor held the apple out of his reach. “Dvalin already had his share of storm spirits! Those spherical things provide more than enough nutrition for him!”

“Stormterror?” Furina questioned. “The Dragon of the East? But he is the archon’s familiar, no?”

Amber looked a bit surprised. “No one outside of the Knights knows about that. But yes– I don’t know too much about it, though.”

“Ah. I’ll go asking around, then.”

Amber opened her mouth but closed it again. “I would advise against asking the people, though.”

“So?” Lumine asked. “Any… uh… popular spots… for.. tourists…?”

Amber laughed. “I recommend the cathedral, or the gliding spots– that tower near the Knights of Favonius headquarters is a good place to start.”

“Ooh! Paimon knows about this one!” Paimon nodded. “Wind gliding is one of the most popular things to do in Mondstadt– and every year, there’s a gliding competition!”

Furina nodded along with her. “Every year, the Steambird features a column for that– and speaking of, you’re the champion, right? Amber? I thought you felt familiar.”

Amber puffed out her chest. “The one and only! And just because you knew my title as outlanders, I’ll get you a glider for free!”

Paimon cheered. “Woohoo! Furina, your knowledge as the hyd- d- d- dro nation inhabitant comes in handy!”

Furina glared at Paimon, as if to say ‘one more word and I would have smote you on the spot’.

Lumine was looking right at home with her wind glider, but Furina was panicking.

“Oh my archons, I cannot do this.”

Amber looked over questioningly at her. “Why? It’s not that high up, if you’re scared of heights.”

Furina looked apprehensively at the stone path below. “Yeah… erm…”

Furina shifted uncomfortably. "I..."

She knew it was a bit silly, but she always thought of herself being above the people while they drowned in the flood would be awful. 

If they were to die, and she was the only one who lived, then she might as well have never existed. If they had to suffer, she was going to do so right beside them.

“Furina?” Lumine asked, finishing her loop in the wind current and disengaging, landing gracefully with her skirt in a pool around her. “Are you okay?” 

“No worries, I’m fine,” Furina looked away. “Just um– you can go on with your wind gliding license test. I’ll find a replacement; I am after all, th- a wielder of hydro.”

Almost slipped there… Furina, you’re growing rusty. Five hundred years of opera not rubbing off on you enough?

Lumine nodded understandingly. “I used to be scared when I first took to the skies too. My broth–” she coughed into her hand. “Nevermind. If you’re sure…”

Furina nodded, removing glider and putting it back onto the shop stand. “Y- yeah. Go ahead, Lumine.”

She followed Paimon and Lumine to the plaza in front of the cathedral and watched as Lumine slowly flew down towards the fountain.

Now that she thought about it, Furina didn’t think there was much to worry about. The flood was in Fontaine, not Mondstadt. There was nothing to be scared abo... ut. 

“LUMINE??” 

Paimon screamed, looking up at the storm cloud that had suddenly covered the city. “LUMINE!” 

Furina froze. “Storm clouds… rain?”

Right as I think about it! I can't...! No no no-

But no rain fell, and Lumine was just blown high into the air– to the point if Furina hadn’t squinted, perhaps she’d have thought Lumine was just a seagull passing by.

Paimon was still screaming and Amber was trying her best to stop her and calm her down, but that dragon– the one from before, the Dragon of the East– flew by and roared at the city.

The small amount of people who were flitting about promptly started for their homes, running and shrieking.

Furina still felt that panic closing into her, hearing the screams from another her– feeling the tears fall from her eyes as she sat on her comfortable corner of the Palais Mermonia, safe from the rising water–

But no. This was years prior– she could stop it! She just had to snap out of it, snap out of whatever this was… she had to focus on helping Lumine…

Lumine!

The girl in question was engaging in a duel with the dragon, each shooting projectiles of anemo at the other. 

Furina wiped tears she hadn’t known were forming out of her eyes and without a second thought, called on the waters of Cider Lake. 

It came naturally to her. Perhaps a correct analogy for this would be ‘as natural as breathing’? The archon of dendro would know better, she thought.

Torrents of water ballooned towards the dragon, and Amber’s head snapped towards Furina, questioning. 

The dragon, quick to react, started its onslaught against the city, shooting projectiles of anemo like a porcupine would its quills. Furina’s eyes widened, clasping her hands together as all her spheres of water melted into a puddle and formed a dome around the city.

She felt the spikes crashing into her water full force, but she had to stop it. 

Furina had to stop it somehow, before lives started being lost.

The people were screaming from their windows, as Stormterror had never directly attacked them before. The more rational of the bunch were pointing up at the dome and the more religious of the bunch were praying to Barbatos.

One of the projectiles punctured a hole through the dome and Furina panicked, directing her attention to the projectile falling through.

Amber shot a flaming arrow at the projectile and knocked it off course, where it crashed harmlessly into Cider Lake.

Furina looked over at the girl gratefully, but her arrow was nocked and ready to fly the instant another one broke through.

This is a test, right? I just have to pass this… I just have to be strong enough to save Fontaine when the flood comes.

Furina refocused her energy on the dome, and it became slightly more opaque. The sun was beginning to dim as people emerged on the streets, pointing and gasping and using their Kameras to snapshot the happenings.

Lumine was still hard at work up there, quelling the dragon… so why couldn’t Furina? 

An outlander protecting Teyvat better than one of its archons– even if she was a newly birthed archon.

I must practice more. I can’t always rely on godly instinct.

Furina grit her teeth more and started sending water shrapnel up towards the dragon.

Two or three of them hit, and the dragon roared in pain, stopping temporarily to focus on blasting the shield–

Furina panicked again, gathering her strength for defending against one final blast when Lumine finally got a clean shot on the dragon and it roared again, retreating towards the northern mountains.

“Furina! Furina!”

Paimon?

“Miss Furina will be up soon, dear. My potions are very potent.”

I’m… underwater again…

Furina gasped and sat up, coughing.

Viscous purple liquid splashed out of the tub she was in. 

A lady was standing over her, with a purple witch’s hat and the Knights of Favonius insignia inlaid on her corset.

To her left was Lumine and Paimon, wearing matching expressions of worry. 

To her right were two people discussing. One of them radiated hostile energy– the blue one with fur-lined clothes– and the other one exuded an aura of perpetual tiredness, but also that of duty.

Blonde ponytail, white knight’s clothes, a sword imbued with Anemo in her hand…

Wait.

A witch in a purple hat with roses… the…

Furina’s foggy human memory cleared to make way for divine thought. A few years ago, the Akademiya had contacted Fontaine with news of one of their most accomplished graduates in two hundred years, only to leave to become a librarian.

That one was definitely Jean, the current Acting Grandmaster.

“What… are you two okay?”

Chapter Text

The two and the scholar, Lisa, explained the situation.

“After you passed out, you hit the concrete and lost a fair bit of blood. These two cuties here brought you to me, and I helped patch you up a bit!”

Furina rubbed her temples. “I see… how is the Stormterror threat and Mondstadt, then?”

Lisa smiled warmly. “Thanks to you, no harm has been done. You have quite some control over hydro.”

Furina blinked, unsure of how to respond to the compliment. “...thanks?”

Lisa laughed and called to the other two.

They stopped their heated argument at once and rushed over.

The blonde one started apologizing profusely. “Thank you so much for your service in protecting Mondstadt. I deeply apologize for all the injuries you sustained, and the Knights of Favonius will forever be in your debt.”

Furina was momentarily taken aback. “...thanks?” she repeated.

The blue one chuckled.

Furina didn’t like him. Immediately and forever.

But why? 

She felt her heart drop at the star pupils, but she didn’t know why.

Focalors?

No response. As confused as she was.

“Though Amber tells me you’re here to search for a sibling, the timing is very regrettable. The Stormterror threat has caused quite the ruckus.” he said, gesturing to a map with a few pins detailing the spots the dragon attacked. 

Lisa nodded along with him. “All the elemental spheres and ley lines are so messed up… the current state is perhaps akin to a ball of yarn in a kitten’s paws.”

Jean sighed again. “I’m… deeply sorry for all of this. Kaeya and Lisa are right. Traveler… Lumine, was it? If we didn’t have this issue, we’d be able to do more than just put up missing person posters.”

She turned her attention to Furina. “And I’m, again, deeply apologetic for your injury while doing Mondstadt a great and irreplaceable service. If you three need anything, please let us know. We simply ask for you to repose in Mondstadt while we focus on dealing with the threat so we can search for your brother after everything has passed.”

Lumine shrugged indifferently. “Alright. Is there an inn we can stay at while we wait?”

Paimon, for the first time since the conversation began, spoke. 

“You can’t be such a slug! We have to help too!”

“Why should we?” Furina interjected, uncaring. “It’s not our responsibility to do so. Haven’t we just ‘done Mondstadt a great service’?”

“Well… well…” Paimon stammered. “We can’t just… leave… all the work… to the Knights.”

Jean shook her head, still tired but determined. “Miss Furina is right. The work is for us Knights to do.”

But Kaeya, damn him, had something to add. “But should you need any funds for your stay… the Knights offer generous amounts of mora for–”

Paimon’s eyes bulged with money signs, but Furina beat her to it.

“Who says we need mora?” she hissed. “Do we look very destitute to you? Are you hoping to capitalize on a few wandering travelers who did your city a service, praying to Barbatos that they need mora?”

His jaw hardened when she mentioned the anemo archon. “I see then. If you do not get mora from us, where else will you get it? Living at a hotel… doesn’t come cheap.”

Furina laughed humorlessly. “Still trying?”

Lumine shared a glance with Paimon. “Forgot she really is good at her trade.”

Jean somehow looked even more tired than before. “Kaeya, just let it rest. Even though Grand Master Varka left, we still have more than enough forces to quell the temples.”

She turned her attention to the trio. “If you wish to stay at Mondstadt, I recommend the Goth G– the church’s hotel. It’s the best aside from the Goth Grand, but the Fatui have rented that out completely.”

Paimon tilted her head. “Why would the Fatui rent out an entire hotel…? Are they that rich?”

Jean nodded. “Yes. Their wealth is second only to Ningguang.”

Lumine opened her mouth, perhaps to ask who Ningguang is, but Furina nudged her and mouthed later.

“Alright then. We’ll check in there.” Furina said. “Good day to you.”

Jean looked over and smiled. “And to you as well. May the wind bless your travels.”

Furina had received a package containing a few Northland Bank coins, each valued at ten thousand mora. 

Paimon’s eyes tracked each and every coin as Furina slid over enough for a month’s stay in the best suite they had– complete with a kitchen and room service.

They stayed there for the next week or so, enjoying the sights in Mondstadt. Furina had gone for some delicacies, but when she found nothing she was familiar with she just ordered a sweet madame and a sticky honey roast for tonight’s dinner.

It was nice. They had a good supper.

With bitter satisfaction the next day, she saw Kaeya returning clutching a wound to his left arm.

A quick gaze into elemental sight told her he had a rough scuffle with something that wielded hydro. 

They left together, hoping to gather some groceries and non-perishables to last them a while before they could resume the search for Barbatos.

It was… shockingly easy.

They were heading back up to the cathedral’s hotel, just right of the cathedral, when they noticed a large crowd gathered under the statue of the anemo archon.

“Hey, what’s that?” Paimon pointed over. “I hear… music?”

Furina shook her head. “Let’s go check it out.”

And Lumine, in all her infinite grace, beauty and elegance, shouldered her way to the front.

Paimon and Furina trailed behind her, muttering apologies to those who would listen.

“Oho, another eager audience member for the bard~?”

Furina froze.

That voice…

“Well have no fear, for Venti will always be here! Another apple so red, or a loaf of bread for another song, perhaps~?”

His voice always trailed off, so annoyingly, but this was the same whiny voice in her vision.

Furina shoved her way to the front too.

“Oho! So many eag–” Barbatos halted, making eye contact with Furina.

She forced her gaze to go cold.

“W- well then, a few more songs before we retire for the night? Silk-lined Streets , or perhaps Liyuen Night ?”

As forcefully as she could, Furina glared at him.

He let out a small chuckle before his voice blared in her mind.

Later. Sunset, on top of the statue.

Furina dropped a bag of mora in front of him and his eyes widened. 

“Generous today, are we? Worry not, there’s still much to see!”

By the Heavenly Principles, please shut up.

“To fund your songs for another few hours,” Furina said shortly. “Come on, Lumine. We’re going.”

Lumine looked at her questioningly. “We haven’t even heard his songs ye–”

“We’re going.”

The audience, as one, flinched and recoiled.

Lumine looked momentarily unnerved, but followed Furina out of the crowd nonetheless.

“What was that?” Paimon demanded. “Your voice went super low and chilly and scared everyone!”

“So what?” snapped Furina. 

“Why’d you do that?” Paimon demanded again.

“I don’t know,” Furina hissed sarcastically. “Maybe to get you to start moving?”

Paimon gasped.

Lumine came to the defense of Paimon. “There was something wrong with that bard,” she said uncertainly. “He felt off… not like Jean. They both have Anemo Visions… right?”

Furina shook her head violently. “That bastard abandoned Mondstadt and left his people to their own devices as he scampers about singing his songs.”

Lumine held up her hands. “You don’t mean…”

“Yes, Lumine,” Furina pointed back up at that statue. “He’s Barbatos.”

“How’d you know?” Paimon pestered her again.

Furina felt like pulling her hair out. “For the last time, Paimon, I know because I’m an archon. If you would please shut up for one fucking second, that’d be infintely helpful.”

Paimon floated towards Lumine sadly.

“What’s up with her?” Paimon looked down.

“Probably just mad. She’s out here traveling to help save Fontaine, he’s in Mondstadt and hasn’t done anything to help it.” Lumine chopped up the carrots into medallions. 

Furina tore the letter to Neuvillette apart and threw it behind her, where it melted into water and dropped to the floor.

Lumine eyed the steadily growing patch of water on the wooden floor. “Furina, the water’s dropping through again.”

Furina let out a noise of deep frustration and the water started boiling, evaporating into the air.

She picked up the quill again and contemplated what to say.

Hi there Neuvillette, so recently I found out that even though I’m risking my life out here fighting dragons and shit to save Fontaine the Anemo Archon hasn’t done anything to help his city. Which is actively under attack. Did I mention that part?

No.

Furina glanced outside of the window. The sun was beginning to go down towards… Fontaine… but it wasn’t sunset yet. 

She dipped the quill into the inkwell and started scratching out a letter detailing her recent travels (and her expenses) and about Stormterror.

When she was done, she rolled up the letter, created a bubble of water around it and liquefied the paper inside. Neuvillette would be able to reconstruct that.

She sent it on its way, a small jet of water making the long journey to the Palais Mermonia, and sat down at the dinner table with Paimon and Lumine.

Lumine was a very good chef indeed. She’d have to teach Furina sometime. 

Furina tentatively tasted the tea, but it was perfect– bitter, but not overly so.

“I’m impressed,” Furina gestured to the food. “You’re some cook.”

Lumine beamed at Furina, happy to see her friend in better spirits. “Thank you. Lots of practice– I had to teach my brother, too.”

The three headed off towards the statue. Furina thought it best to disguise them or have them listen in from afar, but Lumine objected, saying that she had to ask about her brother herself.

True to his word. Barbatos– Venti– sat on the hands of the statue, humming to himself.

“Lady Focalors,” he greeted, setting his lyre down. “How nice it is to see you and your friends again.”

The lyre had vanished, but Venti clipped his vision back to his belt. 

“That’s fun,” Furina noticed. “Why not just summon the lyre at will?”

“Ah, that’s no fun,” Venti chided. “Gotta have some outlet for godly power, ehe.”

“Why not use it to, you know, save Mondstadt from your dragon?” Furina crossed her arms. 

Venti sighed. “Your arrival was most fortunate then, for I was myself about to take action. With some heroes to assist me, there’s nothing tha–”

“What’s in it for us?” Furina sat down on a bubble of water she created, floating slightly over the edge. "I'm sorry, but how does distracting us from our goals and helping save the city you swore to protect benefit us?"

Paimon tried poking it.

"Ah," Venti coughed into his fist. "Ah. That... Focalors, you changed quite a bit~!"

He thought for a moment. 

“The winds reach far and wide,” Venti nodded towards Lumine. “If you help me in saving Mondstadt, I’ll tell them to keep an eye out for your brother. He’ll be found within the year, so long as he’s on the surface of Teyvat.”

Lumine’s eyes widened and she turned to Furina– a silent plea.

“And to you, Foca– do you have another name?” he asked. 

“Furina.”

“And to you, Furina. There are reasons time and wind are correlated. Perhaps I could help you with your prophecy dilemma.”

!!!

And Furina was sold.

“What do we do?”

Venti smiled. “That crystal you have…”

“Jean!” Paimon called. “Je– an?”

Jean was in discussion with a masked lady at her desk.

Paimon hovered near the doorway, unsure. Furina and Lumine followed behind her, peeking in.

“...Which is what caused us to be here in the first place.” the masked woman said smoothly. “Should you be unable to deal with this Stormterror threat, the Fatui will be glad to lend you their strength. We can put an end to this dragon issue. We can put this monster do–”

“‘Put down’?” Jean interjected. “Monster?”

“Ah.” the woman (a diplomat, Furina thought) backtracked. “Er–”

“I’d expect a more professional attitude from one of the famed diplomats of the Fatui,” Jean slammed her hand onto the table. The diplomat flinched back. “You say you want to help, but here you are, threatening to put down one of Mondstadt’s four winds…?”

The diplomat looked slightly abashed.

“Hah… I won’t have any of this nonsense in Mondstadt while I am Acting Grand Master.” Jean pointed at the door. “You are no longer welcome here. Try again another day.”

The diplomat giggled. “Heh..heheh… It’s really not as crazy as you make it sound.” she covered her mouth with her hand. “Very well. That’s enough negotiation for today. But we’re simply exchanging… constructive opinions… no?”

Jean pointed at the door again. Furina, Lumine and Paimon hurried to run and make it look like they’d just entered.

The diplomat glared at them as they entered Jean’s office.

“Jean!” Paimon flew over. “Who was that?”

“Ah,” Jean smiled. “Traveler, Paimon, Furina. You’re back. Have you considered my offer?”

Furina tried to dodge the question. “That was one of the Fatui, right?” she asked. “To try and slaughter one of Mondstadt’s winds on your lands… irredeemably offensive.”

Jean did not object. “Through the three temples, we’ve finally stabilized the elemental flow. These Fatui… I’d have sworn that they’re sabotaging us on purpose. They’ve always coveted the power of Anemo.”

“Speaking of power,” Lumine began. “We found this crystal– Ve– we thought it’d be helpful in defeating Stormterror, since it came from him.”

Jean leaned back, repulsed. “That… crystal… we’ll have to call Lisa. Follow me into the library.”

“Oh, cuties, what’s this you’ve brought for me?” Lisa reached for the crystal. “Hmm… I sense impurities, but we’ll have to run some more tests… if you could please just gi– ouch!”

A small burn was forming at the place Lisa made contact.

Lumine panicked, withdrawing the crystal into her pocket dimension. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, no worries,” Lisa soothed. “I believe the impurities react with elemental energy. But why you don’t get affected… fascinating.”

Furina glanced up. “Lumine, do you remember what Venti said? Take it back out. The second one, too.”

Lumine hesitated, but lifted her palm again, clasping her hand around the forming crystal.

Two of them rotated around each other, faster and faster until it began to glow.

Vibrant red at first, but then Lumine harnessed her power and imbued it with energy.

Spinning, faster and faster, changing from bloodred to turquoise to white–

When the spinning stopped, both crystals were the color of anemo.

Lisa reached towards it curiously. “The impurities I sensed… they’re gone. I can touch it now.”

Jean’s eyes were wide as saucers. “That’s truly impressive. I… that’s…”

Furina nodded to Lumine, who retracted her hand. The crystals remained in orbit of one another.

“I can sense the pure overflowing anemo energy from here. That’s incredible…” Jean reached over and touched the crystals as well. “But… what was the point of showing us these?” 

“A bard believes that with enough anemo energy, we can emulate the anemo archon’s presence and summon the dragon,” Furina lied, the words falling like honey from her tongue. “Lumine here noticed something during her fight with Dv– Stormterror. On his back was a purple spike, poisonous. We believe that such a torrent of anemo energy can cleanse the dragon– if you’ll follow me into your office, Jean, I’ll tell you all about it.”

Lisa nodded. “I’ll be nursing my burn here if you need me.”

Furina led Paimon, Lumine and Jean back into the office.

Furina set down her vision and the two teardrops onto her desk.

Jean looked at Furina questioningly, picking up her vision to hand it back to her– but…

“Acting Grand Master Jean of the Knights of Favonius,” Furina gave an eloquent bow, using water to shift back into her archon outfit. “Let us be reintroduced. I am Furina de Fontaine, Focalors, the Archon of Hydro.”

Evidently neither Lumine nor Paimon had expected this. Both let out long, drawn out gasps. “That outfit was expensive!” Paimon said, outraged.

“The Palais Mermonia has more than enough funds to cover,” Furina dismissed. "I'm not planning on getting another outfit. I'll stick with my suit, thank you very much."

Jean raised an eyebrow. “...pardon?”

Furina had expected this. “Surely you have heard of my departure from Fontaine, spoken by the Iudex Neuvillette himself.”

“That’s no proof,” Jean objected. “How could you just claim to be an Archon? I did hear of the announcement, but I can't imagine why an Archon would choose to head to Mondstadt on a whim."

“What do you need for me to prove it?” Furina asked impatiently. "Name it."

“...hmm." Jean thought quietly for a moment.

“The Fatui… they said something about the anemo archon’s gnosis. Do you have one too? An elemental chess piece they said could be used to resonate directly with Celestia?”

uuuuuuuuugggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Furina lifted her hand and there the gnosis was. “Is that enough?”

“There is… intense hydro energy inside that thing,” Jean muttered, backing up. “Do you know how to control that? You might flood all of Mondstadt!”

Furina stiffened at ‘flood’. “I assure you that as the hydro archon, I know perfectly well how to control hydro.”

Jean had stood up and was in the middle of a bow. “Might I ask why you have arrived here at Mondstadt, then?”

Furina waved Jean off. “No need for formalities. That bard I spoke of, Venti, he speaks the truth. He told us to meet him under Venessa’s tree– you know of her, no?”

Jean stood but remained standing. “...I do. The massive tree at Windrise. What is this for?”

“We need to use the concentrated anemo power of the tears– there are more, by the way– and the Holy Lyre der Himmel to summon Dva– Stormterror.”

“Though, of course,” Furina added casually. “I will be wiping your memory should you say no.”

I have no idea how to do that.

Jean stiffened. “I would have said yes either way. But… the lyre… it needs many people to sign many papers. How could we possibly obtain it?”

Furina cackled. “We steal it. And then, when Dval– Stormterror is purified, we’ll return it before anyone even realizes.”

Lumine and Paimon sat quietly in the corner, but now Paimon spoke up. “With the power of the Traveler and an Archon on our side, there’s nothing to worry about, Jean!”

Jean still looked uncomfortable with the idea of stealing but set her jaw in determination. “Anything for Mondstadt. When do we meet?”

Furina smiled. “Tomorrow morning.”

Paimon had whined and whined about having to float all the way to Windrise.

Furina scoffed. “How much energy does flying need?”

Paimon gasped indignantly. “You’d be surprised!”

“I can carry you,” Lumine offered, lifting her arms to carry Paimon.

“No worry,” Furina dismissed. “I’ll get us all there.”

Paimon opened her mouth, probably to object, but the three of them melted into orbs of water and started towards Windrise.

Back home in Fontaine, out in the wilderness, Furina often saw small portal jets. 

At first she was apprehensive about transforming herself or her companions, but after realizing the true extent of her authority over Hydro she knew the only thing holding herself back was, well, herself.

After relentlessly questioning Focalors about her abilities as a god, Furina was in awe.

And with the possession of her Gnosis?

The Dendro Archon had been able to utilize the Gnosis alone for her Akasha. Compiling all the power of wisdom and dreams in the name of the Archon… 

If she could do anything remotely close to that?

The prophecy wouldn’t even be an issue.

Chapter Text

Venti was nowhere to be seen.

Furina looked around, having stashed her Gnosis away.

Paimon was hacking up water– where from, neither Lumine nor Furina knew, but Furina had to admit it was pretty funny watching Paimon wheeze, pat her (dry) clothing and raise her arms to the heavens, praising ‘any gods that may be up there, except Furina’ for becoming ‘Paimon again’.

Furina looked up, lifting her arm and making a brushing motion.

The condensation of morning dew on the leaves grew heavier and separated to each side, revealing that he wasn’t in the branches.

“A hundred Mora says he makes a dramatic entrance,” Lumine joked.

Furina snorted. “Probably. Something with his lyre, too.”

Paimon stopped her theatrics and flew up, making rustling noises as she searched the top too.

When she came back down, she just shook her head sadly. “Nothing here.” 

“It’s fine,” Furina dismissed. “He’ll be here. Probably.”

“Are we banking on a ‘probably’, here?”

“Oh!” Paimon turned around. “Master Jean! Morning!”

“Good morning, Paimon,” she smiled. “Traveler,” she dipped her head. “Lady Furina.” she bowed.

“Why so formal?” Lumine and Furina both hurried to stop Jean. “It’s fine, really!”

“But you are an Archon, and I, a representative of Mondstadt,” Jean stood, looking a lot less tired than she did yesterday. “It’s only fitting.”

… article nine, section C does have something about respect to Archons of other nations.

We don’t talk about that. 

“Pishposh, we’re out in the middle of nowhere. No one cares.”

Jean tilted her head. “The rule is put in place so the Archon doesn’t smite the repre– nevermind. Forget it. When does that bard you talked about get here?”

“He’s late. But he’ll probably be here.”

“...Lady Furina, your voice is way too confident for the words you’re saying.”

Furina mock gasped, but then looked around.

There was a rustle in a branch to her left.

All four of them looked up. Paimon started flying up when there was a noise of panic and something green fell out.

The wind caught him before he face planted into the grass, and he landed upright with his hat on and everything.

“What in the– are you alright?” Jean rushed forwards to help.

“Eheh… that was less than ideal, but no worries. I’m perfectly fine.” Venti plucked a leaf out of his hair. “I’m Venti, a bard. Have you got anything for me?”

“Hmm… the Knights of Favonius, still as competent as ever!” Venti inspected the red tears. “Even those without Visions are able to do the same work as those who do… maybe even more.”

“Due to their lack of elemental energy, the Knights were able to safely retrieve these. I was hoping the Traveler could purify these…?” Jean looked hopefully to Lumine.

Lumine nodded dutifully and stretched out her hand, taking the tears.

Furina wanted to try touching them, but abstained.

When the tears were purified, Venti clapped again. “Very good!” 

He took the tears, ran his hands over them a few times, and tapped on them with his nails. 

“Now… we just need the Lyre. With those two, we should be able to summon and cure Dvalin!”

“What?”

“I know even Master Jean gave you her permission, but Seneschal Pegg has yet to return. His signed letter of permission is important in this process.”

Venti looked to Furina for support. “I… come on, Furina, don’t you know something about this? Some, I don’t know, loophole?”

Furina shrugged. “Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with the legal code of Mondstadt. However, something as simple as obtaining an object would be pretty watertight.”

Gotelinde, the sister who told Venti that he couldn’t get the Lyre, nodded. “I am told that it was the Hydro Archon herself who first wrote the codes of Mondstadt, back when the city was first built millennia ago.”

Lumine looked to Furina. “The Hydro Archon?”

“Yes, the current Archon’s predecessor,” Furina said pointedly. “She died five hundred years ago– her name was Egeria.”

Gotelinde looked disapproving at the use of the Archon’s name without a title. “Yes. But whatever the case, you can’t take the Lyre. You are welcome to submit an application to the seneschal and the Grand Master, but until then you can’t do anything.”

Jean sighed. “I told you to expect this. All that paperwork… Thank you anyways, Sister Gotelinde.”

The sister bowed and they left.

“Well then,” Furina grinned. “We know what we have to do tonight!”

Venti looked glumly up. “What?”

Furina cackled. “We break the law and steal the Lyre.” 

“For a god of Justice, you sure are quite the kleptomaniac,” Jean observed. “I don’t think you should be so excited.”

Furina shrugged, uncaring. “Never mind that. Let’s just get the Lyre, save your city, and be on with it.”

Jean smiled, shaking her head. “Alright. It should be midnight now… we should start preparing.”

Paimon came over with Lumine. “Hi Furina! Hi Jean!”

“Hello, Paimon,” Jean patted her head. 

“Hehe, it’s us! Are we ready to leave?”

Lumine checked her bag, pulling out some items. “I made a trip to the alchemy table. It’s strange that alchemy is practiced so openly here, but all the better.”

Jean tilted her head. “‘Here’?”

Lumine decided to pretend she didn’t hear that.

Furina looked over at the bottles Lumine was setting down. “What are these?” 

“These two are smokescreens,” she pointed to two small spherical bottles. “Throw them on the ground, they shatter, smoke covers everything.”

Jean nodded approvingly. “For infiltration, those work wonders.”

Furina looked at Jean. “Does this mean that the Acting Grand Master knows how to infiltrate secured places?” she asked teasingly.

Jean went red and turned to the other side. 

Lumine laughed and continued. “These three Paimon are holding are for lightness. The locals use them to glide longer, we can use them to be quieter when moving.”

Paimon obediently set them down next to the smokescreen. “If we’ve all had a good meal and some water, let’s set out. Jean, you should stay hidden; an Acting Grand Master shouldn’t be committing crimes.”

“Yeah Jean,” Furina elbowed the woman in question. “Wouldn’t want to commit any felonies, would we?”

Jean stepped to the left to avoid Furina’s second round of elbowing. “I sure am glad to know you’re the one upholding the values of Justice.”

Furina beamed. 

Furina purchased matching black cloaks for the three of them. Paimon’s was slightly too large for her, but none of them found issue– it looked rather adorable.

Lumine pushed open the door to the underground basement, wincing when it creaked loudly.

Venti had agreed that he would meet them the next morning with all the necessary preparations to summon the dragon. Furina had sparred with Lumine again– though Lumine was obviously leaps and bounds ahead in experience, Furina had a certain talent for swordsmanship.

They were ready for this.

Paimon carried the smokescreens up, flying ahead– prepared to, at any given moment, drop the bottles of inky clouds on unsuspecting guards.

Furina tiptoed down the steps, trying her best to mask the click of her heels, and carefully opened the door just a sliver.

Lumine motioned for Furina to enter just as the guard rounded the corner.

Furina had pocketed some gravel for use as distraction, and she handed a few rocks over to Lumine.

The two inched over towards the (conveniently spotlit) Holy Lyre der Himmel.

“Hey!”

Furina looked around, expecting the worst. 

Footsteps. Nearing closer, tapping away on the hardwood floor.

Lumine panicked, signalling to Paimon, who dropped the smokescreen accordingly. Furina lifted her hands and slashed them downwards, jets of water materializing and sending a chandelier crashing to the floor.

“What the–” a guard could be seen covering his head and lifting his flashlight, beaming it towards them.

Lumine quickly motioned Furina towards the Lyre. 

Together they hurried towards it just as more guards started to investigate the smoke.

“Must’ve been that chandelier,” one of the guards was shaking his head. “I knew we should’ve switched to those new ones powered by Electro. Gas and candles are such a hassle.”

The curtain covering the lyre was lifted slightly and the two of them scurried through– holding it open for only a few seconds as Paimon discarded her cloak and flew full speed, joining them soon after.

The air was dangerously charged.

Furina summoned the Splendor of Tranquil Waters and held it at the ready.

Lumine, not knowing why but trusting her friend, followed suit. “What’s going on?” she whispered.

Furina pointed her sword at the Lyre. “We’re not alone. Stay on your guard.”

This was the first time Furina had fought– fought fought, not sparring against Lumine, not using Hydro to snuff out the Pyro slimes before cleaving through them. Not fighting some hapless hilichurls who had no defense ready.

Whoever was charging this air was strong .

Paimon ducked behind the two of them, making sure the curtain was still drawn shut. 

Lumine lifted her sword, testing the Lyre.

Small zaps filled the air.

Lumine slashed to the right, and her sword vanished into fine golden glitter. She lifted her hand, to take the Lyre–

A shock sent her reeling, stepping backwards.

A purple-clad woman, bearing the seal of the Fatui, waved her lantern around with a smirk on her face. Cicins fluttered around her, spitting out balls of Electro.

She lifted her index finger to her mouth, reached for the Lyre–

Neither Furina nor Lumine were fast enough to stop her. 

Her hand clasped around it, and she condensed herself into an orb of fine electricity. 

Before leaving, the sheer audacity, she did a few loops around them. 

Furina snapped out of the shock.

She clasped her hands together, yanking them harshly apart as her sword lay on the floor, forgotten. 

As she yanked, a sphere of pure Hydro elemental energy condensed within them. The witch who controlled cicins paused before trying to beeline out of there, away from Furina.

Lumine tried stabbing the sphere of Electro, splitting it cleanly in half– but all it did was reform.

Furina raised her hands above her head and threw the ball of pure Hydro as hard as she could– the witch tried to dodge to the side but the attack followed her, and after a few blinks all that was left was a coughing woman on the ground, flinching from shocks of her own Electro.

The cicins had crowded around her fallen lamp, forgetting all orders from their master in favor of the contents inside. 

The Lyre clattered out of her hand, falling to the ground. Paimon rushed forwards and snatched it up, flying out of reach when the cicin witch tried to grab it.

She reached for her lantern, probably to sic the cicins on them, but screamed when her own shocks ran through her body, leaving her unconscious on the ground.

…

“Well, that’s interesting.” Lumine plucked her half-damaged Fatui insignia off, inspecting it.

Furina raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to pocket a little bit of everything we see?”

Lumine grinned.

There was a stomping of boots and the curtain was ripped open.

The guards took in the Fatuus on the ground, the large puddle of water glowing all sorts of colors, and the crackling electricity that charged it.

Lumine dropped the insignia, shoved her sword back into her inventory, and in one clean motion snatched up Furina’s sword and hollered at Paimon to fly away.

Paimon dropped the last smokescreen and flew out, tinkling fairy noises leading Furina and Lumine through the smoke. Furina stubbed her toe on a bookshelf and cursed being alive, but nonetheless made it to a clearing. 

Furina and Lumine both discarded their cloaks in favor of speed, and with the lightweight gliding potion quickly wearing off they sprinted for the exit. 

The guards were screaming something about the ‘damned Fatui’ that stole the Holy Lyre– Furina was, of course, not itching to correct them.

Venti was waiting for them at the base of the Anemo Archon’s statue– his statue.

Jean and… that weird Knight that tried to coerce them into doing his dirty work were both talking to him.

And someone else… hmm…

Furina knew this guy. He was pretty famous, after all– he sold the fine wines she and Neuvillette sometimes enjoyed during fancy occasions or meetings with delegates from faraway lands.

Fire red hair… luxurious clothing…

Ohhh. This is Diluc Ragnvindr. He’s rich rich– on par with the Fatui and second only to Ningguang.

Best if I make a good impression– when the prophecy is averted, we might even be discussing trade…

Paimon was rubbing the dust off the Lyre when Venti noticed them.

“Ah! Furina, Traveler, Paimon! You’re back!”

Paimon beamed. “We got the Lyre! Hey Jean, hey Kaeya!”

The Ragnvindr child looked sullenly at them. “Who might these be?”

Jean coughed into her hand awkwardly. “Ah– right. This is Furina de– of Fontaine, and the Traveler that saved Mondstadt during one of Stormterror’s attacks.”

“Ah.” He nodded. “Well. I see you have business– I will contact you again when I have enough of a lead to continue.”

Jean nodded and he left.

“What’s up with him?” Paimon demanded. 

“He doesn’t like Kaeya much.” Furina observed. “Some bad blood?”

Kaeya’s smile grew cold. “Then you have much to observe, Miss Furina. Merely a squabble.”

“Sure thing,” Furina snorted. “Tell me that again when you believe it too.”

Jean tried again. “Alright, Kaeya, let’s just have you leave for now– you’re dismissed for today.”

“Paid leave?” Kaeya smirked. “Don’t mind if I do.”

He turned and left, blue locks of hair falling to one side– revealing his eye, the one not under an eyepatch.

Those star pupils again...

… Focalors? Mirror-me?

Focalors was suddenly even quieter than before, the warm presence retreating a little.

Sensitive topic? …okay.

“Anyways!” Venti took the Lyre from Paimon. “We have… enough tears of pure Anemo to regain the Lyre’s power.”

Paimon nodded thoughtfully. “It is looking a little dull.”

Lumine took out the tears. “What do I do with these?”

Venti pointed to the Lyre. “See the strings? Those are the only things that really need the Anemo energy. The 'crystal’ part of the tear is just a hardened shell– simply control the Anemo inside and direct each of them into the strings.”

Paimon frowned. “But Venti, if you’re the Anemo Arc–”

Jean gasped and took a step back. 

Venti glared heaven’s fury at Paimon. 

Furina looked sheepishly at Jean.

Lumine twiddled her thumbs and made the teardrops orbit around the Lyre.

“There are two archons right in front of me?” she demanded. “I- what–”

“Well!” Venti put his hands on his hips. “Not an ideal entrance, but it doesn’t matter. Even if I am one of the Seven, I’ve been asleep so long that I might as well be a normal Vision holder now.”

Jean put her hand over her chest and started hyperventilating.

That’s suspicious. I know I’m stronger than a normal Vision holder and I’ve been a god for barely four months.

Venti gestured to Lumine. “At this point in time, until I’ve had more time to recuperate, she’s your best bet.”

Lumine nodded and tried her best to calm Jean down.

“You never thought to tell me two out of the Seven Archons are here?” Jean asked. “Well– er– sorry, for my lack of manners…”

Venti and Furina both laughed, then each glared at the other for daring to do the same thing they did. “It’s fine,” Venti gestured to Lumine. “We both have the same goal here– saving Mondstadt.”

Jean nodded and slowly started recovering.

Lumine closed her eyes and the teardrops started melting into the Lyre– each string, once dull and brown and brittle as sticks turned into vibrant turquoise shades, glowing as brightly as a Vision.

Jean looked up, lifting her hand to shield her eyes from the light. “This… this youthful glow…”

Paimon looked at her, unimpressed. “Praising yourself at a time like this?”

Jean stood up and shook her head. “I was talking about the Lyre.”

Paimon blushed furiously and turned away. “Oh.”

How had Paimon survived till now? Furina often questioned herself. She reminds me of those protagonists in light novels. The ones that have no experience, be it martial or in the court, but manage to prevail anyways.

Like… the court case.

How can I keep forgetting about that…? 

I should be more bitter. Is three months all it takes for a grudge that nearly killed all of Fontaine to settle? 

Venti shook his head again. “Nevermind that. We should have everything we need to summon Dv– Stormterror. I thi–”

“Master Jean!” 

The guards ran out. Furina and Lumine quickly hid Paimon and tried to make themselves smaller.

“Master Jean,” the guard panted, trying to catch his breath. “Have you seen three thieves dressed in black cloaks? The Fatui–” he started violently coughing. “ –my apologies. The Fatui appear to have stolen the Holy Lyre der Himmel… we managed to capture one of them.”

Jean glanced over at Furina and Lumine.

Paimon was being stuffed into Furina’s jacket, bundled up away from the view of the guard.

“Oh…! Of course. Uh… I… just leave the Fatuus in the Headquarters… and search for Lisa, the librarian. She’ll help you.”

The guard looked to Furina and Lumine, his eyes lingering momentarily on the struggling bundle that went still after Furina hissed something at it.

“I see. Thank you, Master Jean?”

His voice tilted up at the end like he was asking a question.

“Yes, haha… please check to see if they left any more evidence behind.” Jean’s voice trailed off awkwardly. “Thank you.”

He saluted and sprinted back into the cathedral.

“If he finds out it was us, do you think the church will kick us out? I mean, we are staying at their hotel.” Paimon went purple at the thought of all that mora going down the drain.

Furina shrugged. “In Fontaine, stealing something is grounds for being banned from the place you stole from. Probably.”

Paimon looked outraged.

Venti laughed again. “Alright then. So, as I was saying… Dv– Stormterror is only the way he is because of the corruption.”

Jean nodded thoughtfully. “The Traveler told me something about this. When she was battling the dragon, she had seen a large purple spike that was oozing filth and poison.”

Lumine nodded along. “Yes. When I struck it, Stormterror didn’t respond the same way as when I hit his wings. He seemed both parts relieved and angered further.”

Venti started drawing in the air with his pointer finger. “If this is Dval– Stormterror, and that’s the spike–” he circled an area, leaving a trail of glowing Anemo energy as his finger moved– “then Dvalin is, as I thought, poisoned by Abyssal energy.”

Furina prodded the caricature and it exploded into a breeze. “So… we purify it. Like how Lumine purified the tears?” 

Venti nodded proudly. “In theory, yes. Tell us how you purified the tears, Lumine.”

Lumine thought for a moment. “By bombarding it with pure Anemo energy. The tears were highly corrosive to elemental energy, but when you force enough of an elemental energy it’s compatible with into it, it’ll eliminate the corrosion.”

Jean thought thoughtfully for a thoughtful second. “I see… so with enough Anemo energy, we can purify Stormterror? He’ll go back to being Dvalin, one of the Four Winds?”

Furina frowned. “But why not just have you three blast him with Anemo? All of you wield Anemo, all of you should be strong enough to purify the corrosion.”

Venti shook his head. “This corrosion is different. Many years ago, he was poisoned in a battle with another dragon– while the tears are corrupted by Abyssal energy, Dvalin is poisoned by a mixture of Abyssal energy… and the poison of the battle so long ago.”

“Oh, Paimon thinks she gets it!” Paimon clapped her hands. “The Holy Lyre is special in that it can harness the Anemo inside instead of just shooting it at Dvalin and hoping for the best.”

“Right you are, Paimon!” Venti said. “Once we summon Dvalin with the Holy Lyre, we can use all the condensed energy inside to shatter the crystal, let all the filth flow out and he’ll be cured.”

“‘Let all the filth flow out’?” Furina echoed. “Don’t tell me…”

“Ehe.” Venti backed away sheepishly. 

“What do you mean, ehe?” Paimon gasped, outraged. “It’ll be Furina and Lumine that has to cleanse the filth! Grrr…”

“Hey, I’ll help!” Venti protested. “Mondstadt is still my responsibility as one of the Seven.”

“That doesn’t matter! Paimon thinks you deserve an ugly nickname!”

“Heyyy!” he whined. 

“From now on… you shall be known…! As! Tone-Deaf Bard!”

“I’ll have you know I’m perfect pitch– ack! Stop hitting me! Heavens, you’re almost as bad as that old lizard!”

Jean was quiet for a while.

“But… the guard… he mentioned something about the Fatui.”

Furina froze.

“Did you guys… eliminate a Fatuus while you were stealing the Lyre?”

Lumine and Furina shared a glance. 

“Well… she’s just unconscious…” Paimon twiddled her thumbs. “But yes. Furina knocked out a Fatuus.”

Jean shook her head and turned to Venti. “Barbat– Venti, I think I know why the Fatui are trying to steal the Lyre.”

Venti tilted his head.

“The people of Snezhnaya have long coveted your power– the power of Anemo,” she explained. “A diplomat I talked to earlier… she wanted to eliminate Dvalin.”

“You don’t mean… they want to kill him?” Venti shook his head. “No, the Cryo Archon I kn–” 

“It’s been a long time, Venti,” Furina warned. “The Tsaritsa… in Fontaine, she’s caused much trouble over these centuries. Her diplomats are a bit too good at pressuring their adversaries.”

The Knave… straight up attacked me. 

I’ll have to settle that score.

“The only way to affect the power of Anemo other than killing one of the four winds is to steal a symbol of the Archon’s power. ” Jean motioned to the Lyre, still twinkling cheerfully. “If the Fatui get their hands on this– well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty.”

Furina shook her head. “The Fatui are strong but the Archons are stronger. Her harbingers might have strength comparable to gods, but Archons are no ordinary gods.”

Jean laughed humorlessly. “But the Tsaritsa is an Archon too, no? And to keep the Fatui in check… she must be a strong god indeed.”

“She hasn’t shown her face out of Snezhnaya in a long time.” Furina crossed her arms. “And she’s not the original Cryo Archon either– I have faith in the powers of my fellow Archons.”

She looked at Venti. 

“No matter how incapable they present themselves to be.”

“Are we sure there’s no better place to do this?” Furina yelled.

“The winds are strongest here!” Paimon screamed. “We’ve gone over this!”

“If you get blown away you’re flying back to Mondstadt yourself!” Furina screeched. 

Venti closed his eyes and a dome expanded outward, shielding the five of them from the winds.

Jean breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you. I thought I was going to be blown away there.”

She looked around, sheathing her sword (in an actual scabbard!). “Mondstadt really has been going through so much lately. No matter what, things seem to finally be changing.”

Lumine was pulling her sword out of the ground, where she had stuck it as an anchor. “...That’s crazy. The winds here are so strong.”

Venti winked. “Well of course~ These winds are here to protect Mondstadt. In case of invasion, even if I’m asleep… let’s just say it won’t be pretty.”

…

There is no way in hell this guy is as incapable as he said he is.

Focalors made a silent nudge of agreement. 

A memory… 

“You what??”

“Calm down, Morax! You made a whole island from just your rock spears!”

“But I made those from pinning down the remnants of gods in the Archon war.”

Barbatos’ wings drooped as he looked to Makoto for support. “Come on…”

Focalors was enjoying some tea cakes. “Did you make these yourself, Ei?”

“Heavens, no. I.. uhm… am less than well-versed in the culinary arts.”

She laughed. “Such eloquent speech. Nevermind, then.”

She lifted the teacup to her lips when the earth started shaking.

She spat out the tea promptly. Ei laughed, but looked over at the source of the commotion. 

“NO ONE OWNS THAT ARCHIPELA- AGH!” 

A small white dot leaving a trail of turquoise feathers sped off into the distance. “In my defense, the mountains look better with the tips shaved off…”

The voice trailed off towards the end as the dot flew further away, back towards Mondstadt.

Furina squinted towards the distance.

Sure enough, if she reached out with her senses in water, there were a series of islands forming an archipelago… 

…were those explosions?

Jean nodded appreciatively. “After Ursa the Drake was quelled, many storm spirit corpses were found. Perhaps those Eyes of the Storm were felled by those winds?”

Venti gave her the thumbs up. 

“Let’s start with the Lyre ritual, then? If we’re all ready?” Paimon flew to the border of the dome and touched it, where she got blown backwards.

“Right… okay. Let’s see…” Venti took out the Lyre and examined it. “Hmm. Okay.”

He turned to them all. “Whatever happens, please be prepared for a fight.”

He strummed the Lyre a few times, plucking out a melody. He hummed something that went along with it, and the dome surrounding them dissipated.

Furina felt instant regret when she started being bombarded with winds again. She removed her hat, just so it wouldn’t fly away, and stashed it into her coat.

The winds calmed for a brief moment.

Venti looked hopefully at the skies.

The earth started shaking.

…

“Lumine– LUMINE! GET BACK!”

Furina pushed Lumine out of the way just as a tail whipped up and Jean went flying. 

Venti, not missing a beat, swooshed his arm to the side and Jean was surrounded in another sphere, landing safely on the other end of the cliff.

“Bar..ba..tos…!” 

Wow! Astute observation, Dvalin!

“You have come… but what has been done cannot be undone.”

Damn! Never would have noticed!

Furina was in too shit a mood to be cool with that.

Getting almost blown away and relentlessly battered by winds does that to someone.

Venti opened and closed his mouth, probably saying something, as Jean made her way back to the ledge Lumine, Paimon and Furina were sheltering under.

“They’re communicating?” she questioned.

“Unless Venti is opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water he better be talking,” Furina hissed, grabbing Paimon’s cape right before she got blown out of reach. 

Venti opened his mouth to talk again, but another gust of wind almost blew him off his feet. 

A small ball… of Cryo?

Is this the Tsaritsa coming to screw them over?

No, this Cryo has the same taint… 

The same taint as the spike on the dragons back, pulsating a violent purple. As purple as the remnants of the idiots who tried to go to the Chasm for a Steambird article… as purple as the filth from Tunigi Hollow. 

Tunigi Hollow? What happened there? Furina only knew of it as a region of the desert…

When this is all over, Venti better answer my questions. 

The small sphere of Cryo energy shifted between translucent and transparent.

A small thing with a mask, tainted with filth– basking in it– held a scepter, whispering things into Dvalin’s ear.

Furina, forgetting all winds, stepped forward, as sure as the Oratrice. 

Venti was blown backwards, sleet spraying over them. Furina lifted a hand and all of it dropped, harmless water dampening the grass (that hadn’t been ripped out by the violent storm). 

Dvalin roared again. “This was your plan? Have the cowards hiding under the ledge slay me?” 

Venti shook his head, grasping his hat. Furina summoned her sword, prepared for any confrontation.

“And you!” 

The full fury of the tainted dragon turned to Furina.

“You dare stand by him? What’s stopping him from murdering you in cold blood too?”

Waves of memories poured onto her, of Dvalin smushing Anemo slimes under his claw, and them laughing as the bigger ones split into two smaller ones. 

The stupid Abyssal crystal pulsated a few times and Dvalin’s eyes clouded over.

“Do not be fooled by these so-called Archons, dear dragon,” the Abyss Mage spoke, its voice even higher than Paimon’s. “They left you to rot alone in those ruins… now they attempt to deceive you, once more!”

This was not going to end peacefully.

Furina readied the Splendor of Tranquil Waters.

Dvalin roared again, pure anger clouding his judgment.

“Now comes the time for the dragon to serve it’s true master,” the Mage cackled. “While you fools bewail your pathetic selves and watch as your beloved world trembles in fe…ar…?”

Lumine’s head was poking out from behind the ledge.

Cool blonde hair being whipped violently by the storm, a stiff luminescent flower in her hair.

The Abyss Mage looked to the dragon, then back to Lumine.

Dvalin roared on cue, again, and the two vanished. Dvalin flew up into the skies, where the clouds masked his presence, and the winds calmed to just a storm, and not a hurricane.

Furina closed one eye, looked up to Dvalin with a finger gun, and a jet of water latched itself onto Dvalin’s left wing.

The five of them sat in the luxurious suite Furina had gotten them for the month.

“I… I’m sorry.” 

Venti looked slightly depressed. 

“Don’t be,” Paimon reassured him. “You tried your best, Tone-Deaf Bard.”

Venti picked at his food. “That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“It should! Furina can track that water– we’ll be able to find Dvalin faster this time.”

Venti rolled over on his chair to stare at the wall. 

Jean looked pretty happy about it. “We’ve made some progress and the Fatui will be evaded for now. We know the location of Dvalin, we know the cause of his rampage… everything will work out.”

Venti rolled over again. “Thanks, Lumine.”

Lumine brought over a bottle of dandelion wine and a cooked honey chicken. “No problem. This one’s been aged… a decade, I think? It wasn’t cheap.”

“Hey!” Venti perked up immediately. “That’s incredib– wait, who’s footing the bill here?”

Furina rolled her eyes. “The Palais Mermonia and the Indemnitium sold to neighboring countries.”

Venti nodded approvingly. “I should set something like that up myself!”

“Good to see you’re feeling better, though.” Furina set her own goblet down.

“Oh!” Venti nodded to the window. “Furina, you have a delivery.”

Furina’s heartbeat shuttered to a stop. 

Lady Furina,

Recently, the Oratrice has been giving more curt and straightforward answers. The Indemnitium produced also increased by quite a bit– does this perhaps have something to do with your leave?

It doesn’t matter too much. Anyways, you asked about the Archons.

As the Hydro Dragon, I have bias against all of them, and the usurpers of the original order. However, seeing how none but the Heavenly Principles has enough power to shatter a divine throne, judgment will have to wait.

The six other than you are all unknown to me. I know them only by their elemental signature and their deeds in the past– with some unknown to me altogether, like the Lord of Verdure.

I’ve conducted a study on a Masterless Vision and the Vision owned by Clorinde, and it appears that all the power inside is based on ambition. The power boost you felt when that allogene tragically passed perhaps is the result of that festering ambition being passed to you?

I do apologize. I am unfamiliar with the workings of the Heavens. Perhaps you would have better luck asking one of the other Archons?

Nevertheless, it is good to see you are well. I have not previously known you to be so open with your authority over Hydro– did that moment where you struck your head at the Fortress of Meropide come with a revelation? 

When your journey through the nations is over, it will be nice to have you back in Fontaine. A group of protesters headed by the Spina di Rosula’s leader, Callas. He does seem to have some connections to shady folk… regarding a new sort of energy drink that resembles wine and the smoke of the Naku Weed… except a thousand times more potent.

I have opened a bank account with the Northland Bank for your usage. A checkbook is enclosed– should you somehow need more than a thousand payments exceeding ten-thousand mora, you know where to find me.

Stay safe on your travels.

Neuvillette

(The seal of the Palais Mermonia sealed the envelope.)

Chapter Text

“Woohoo!” Paimon cheered. “Sticky Honey Roast!”

Furina smiled as Paimon admired her food. “Good Hunter really is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever tasted.”

Sara blushed profusely. “Thank you so much!”

Lumine nodded along. “Jean said Good Hunter had weeks of reservation time.”

Furina slid a couple of mora over. “Thank you again. We’ll be going now~!”

“You seem to be in a better mood than usual,” Lumine observed. “Did something happen?”

Furina watched Paimon pack up the roast to take back to the hotel. “Mhm. The letter gave me a lot of context.”

“I thought you were an all knowing god?” Lumine teased. 

Furina chuckled weakly, a stab of panic flashing through her. “Gods are more human than you think. Like Venti and I– we both have human bodies, human thoughts…”

“Oh.” Lumine picked up the takeout box. “That’s understandable. When I first fell to this world… the god who stopped me was really vague.”

“I’ve learned that vague, easily-misinterpreted prophecies are one of the best ways to masquerade as a god,” Furina shrugged. “If it’s easily interpretable as something else, it’ll always come true. Besides, as a god, people often make your prophecies self-fulfilling. The Steambird stocks will rise by 3%? The people flock to buy.”

Lumine gave her a weird look. “How would you know how to masquerade as a god?”

Fuck.

“I mean I’ve done that sometimes,” Furina lied. “The heavens don't just drop prophecies at will, like most people think.” She winked at Lumine. “In case you want to be a deity one day.”

Lumine relaxed. “Oh, yeah. That’s understandable… maybe the gods of this world really are more human than I thought.”

“I- I mean,” Furina rushed to correct her. “I know some gods are more godly… like the Geo Archon, Morax. He’s the oldest one. And… the second would be Venti, I guess? I don’t know much about the Electro Archon nowadays.”

“Venti?” Paimon flew away from the roast. “Tone-Deaf Bard?”

“Hard to believe he’s a god at all sometimes,” Furina smirked. “But, whatever the case… he is still one of the two Original Seven– the others all died off… like my predecessor.”

Paimon nodded sadly. “I’ve heard stories of that. Rumors that when the next calamity strikes, the Original Seven will all be lost to history.”

“You could be a messenger of the Heavenly Principles, with those predictions,” Furina scoffed. “The Seven are the Seven for a reason. Especially Rex Lapis and the Narukami Ogosho– er, the Electro Archon. Have fun trying to fight those two.” 

Lumine’s face had hardened at ‘the Heavenly Principles’. “But I thought you said you didn’t know much about the Electro Archon? And what does the Heavenly Principles have anything to do with this?”

“Hey, hey,” Furina tried. “Just because I became the Hydro Archon five hundred years ago doesn’t mean I was born five hundred years ago. When I was just Focalors, Oceanid familiar to the Hydro Archon Egeria, the current Electro Archon and I talked often.”

Oceanid familiar? Since when did I know that…?

“You’re avoiding my question, Furina.” Lumine shifted the takeout bag to her left hand. “What does the Heavenly Principles have to do with any of this?”

How do I not associate myself with the entity that kidnapped her brother…?

“The… Heavenly Principles!” Furina looked to the right, frantically searching her mind for an answer that wouldn’t cause Lumine to start dueling her. “The Heavenly Principles… govern the heavens. The Gnoses the Archons have allow us to directly tap power from Celestia, the realm of the heavens.”

Aw, fuck. That made it worse.

“The… Archons?” Lumine’s entire demeanor shifted. “But you’re an Archon.”

Paimon, who had been flying ahead, came back panicked. “No need to fight guys! Guys? Furina? Lumine??”

“I am!” Furina shook her head. “But I don’t like the Heavenly Principles either?”

“Oh?” Lumine’s eyes darkened. “But for so much free power, why would you?”

Furina envisioned a Focalors plucking flower petals. I’ll tell her, I’ll tell her not.

“The.. prophecy!” Furina blurted. “The prophecy of Fontaine, the one that I came to Mondstadt looking for a solution to! It was issued by the Heavenly Principles…”

Lumine instantly backed off. “The prophecy that said Fontaine would drown and everyone would be washed away?”

“Yes,” Furina shook her head frantically, forcing herself to make eye contact with Lumine. “But as an Archon I still have to pretend. Think of it as… uh… double agenting the heavens! Yes, that’s it!”

Furina felt the divine presence inside her facepalm– but it also felt approving. 

Lumine’s eyes widened, all animosity to Furina forgotten. “But the other Archons. They’re all still soldiers of the Heavens, aren’t they?” Lumine scoffed. “I can’t trust them as long as they are.”

“But just because the governing entity is bad, are all the gods bad?” Paimon drifted around. “The gods of Celestia saved this world and made it habitable for humans.” 

Lumine opened her mouth, probably to ask more questions, but Furina was too lost in thought to care.

Though I trust the Heavenly Principles wouldn’t obliterate this world… Paimon is unconsciously right.

What did the Heavenly Principles do for this world? Neuvillette… the usurpers he talked about… what if they aren’t the Archons?

Focalors? Focalors??

Mirror me?

Quiet.

What are you thinking…? What do you have to gain by deliberately hiding things from me…?

Do you remember the trial?

A quiet hum of assent.

…I see. Then you must remember how I lost my mind.

A quiet hum of assent.

And how I became a god.

…

A quieter hum of assent, and a vision of the past. Or perhaps it was the future?

Like a Vision.

Magical ‘organs’. 

An Eye of the Gods, and a Heart of the Gods. 

Haha. Fate is a cruel mistress. For one destined to be an Archon, even the decisions of a god can be overpowered by sheer human will.

I see why you admired humans. But I have seen humans in their purest, foulest forms. You may have spoken the verdict, but I was the one who witnessed.

“But the gods are the fated protectors of this world,” Paimon objected, clearly in the middle of a debate.

“The gods , Paimon,” Lumine rubbed her temples. “Not the Heavenly Principles.”

“The unknown god?” Furina asked quietly.

“The unknown god.” Lumine pulled open the front gate of the hotel. “She introduced herself as the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, remember? I refuse to have her take anything else away from me.”

“Lumine, you really are a good cook!” Venti complimented. “Hehe… thank you for the stir fry~!”

Furina and Diluc shared matching looks of pain. 

“Awww, don’t be like that!” Venti complained. “This is amazing news! With Furina’s tracker water and Diluc’s informant, we’ll be able to set off for Dvalin tomorrow!”

Lumine was decidedly less happy than usual to see Venti, but the promise of her brother was too sweet to pass up. “No worries. I’m sure we’ll all be able to rescue him tomorrow– there’s nowhere else to run.”

Jean nodded. “Right. I’ve placed the Knights on duty– every single one of us is prepared for retaliation, and we have squads planted all throughout Mondstadt. A Vision holder leads each one– we’ve covered all the ground in Mondstadt.”

Paimon clapped. “Furina did some thinking yesterday! She said Dvalin doesn’t like the cold, so he won’t go north– and she sent a letter to Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon, in case he tries to fly there.”

“No matter,” Furina closed her eyes. “The droplets I scattered on him are still moving around at the ruins near here.” 

“The informant was decidedly less than happy, but there’s no room for them to spill the beans now.” Diluc smoothed out his jacket. “Every day from 10am to 5pm, there’s no one watching the dragon. We have seven hours to act before the Abyss Order starts getting involved.”

Lumine nodded mutely. 

Paimon clapped again. “Alllllrighty then! If we’re all prepared, let’s get some sleep– we have to be well rested tomorrow in case of a fight.”

Diluc and Jean slowly filed out of the suite. Venti stretched, finished his stir fry, and made to follow, but Lumine held out an arm.

“One second, Venti.” 

Venti turned around, his eyes darting over to Furina.

Mirror me, pleeeaaase send help.

Focalors laughed a bit.

“Woah!” Venti pointed at Furina. “Your eye! It flashed!”

Paimon turned around. “Oh. Yeah, it does that sometimes when Furina’s deep in thought. Can’t hear a thing around her!”

If looks could kill, Lumine would have had Venti pinned to the wall in a volley of arrows.

“Venti,” Lumine began. “What do you know about Celestia?”

Venti looked to Furina for support.

Focalors laughed again. 

“Woah! It flashed again!” 

“Stop changing the subject.”

When you talk with me, does my eye flash?

A shrug, but then a moment and a nod.

“What do you know about Celestia?”

“Celestia…” Venti hummed. “The water there is foul and the fruits are tasteless. I haven’t been there in a while… but it’s so high up it’d take even me effort to get there.”

“And the Heavenly Principles?” 

Venti’s eyes darted to the door. “The Heavenly Principles… they govern Celestia, and by extension, the world. I know not to anger them.”

“I…” Lumine looked towards Furina. “But you’re one of the Original Seven. Surely you have an opinion on the entity that granted you so much more power?”

“Power?” Venti chuckled. “No, no. The Gnosis is as much a curse as it is a blessing. The power comes with unwanted side effects– I haven’t used my Gnosis in well over a millennia.”

Furina felt cold chills. Side effects?

“I wouldn’t want to be tracked, after all,” Venti shrugged. “The rules of the heavens are rigid and often not in the best interests of humanity. I haven’t heard from the Heavenly Principles in over five hundred years.”

“The Cataclysm.” Furina realized. “Egeria…”

Venti looked pained. “Four of the Seven left during those dark days. Perhaps even five… the Tsaritsa has not been the same ever since.”

“Let’s not dwell on this,” Furina sighed as Venti turned into a wisp of wind and flew out of the window. “I’m sorry… but I don’t believe we have the power to do anything right now.”

“But you’re a god! An Archon!” Lumine stabbed her sword into a pillow and flung it outside. “If you can’t manipulate this world… aarrgghh.”

“We still have to practise,” Furina insisted. “We have a common enemy. I despise the Heavenly Principles for dooming my people. You despise the Heavenly Principles for taking your brother. But we can’t do anything unless we have enough power.”

Paimon looked nervously between the two. 

“I say you finish your journey,” Furina swept her hand across the table, knocking the plates off. The plates turned into mist as they fell and reformed at the sink, washing themselves and stacking themselves in the cabinet. “As you originally said. I’m certain your brother is alive.”

Lumine whipped around. “What grounds do you have to say that?” 

“Because the Heavenly Principles, like it or not, are the ones pushing us around on a chessboard,” Furina said simply. “If I were them… and I saw someone with enough strength to attempt to take on the ‘Sustainer’, I would never just kill them off if I could find a way to use them.”

Lumine relaxed slightly, her weapon vanishing into sparkles as she slumped onto the sofa. “I guess. That explains why she sealed off my powers… but…”

She sighed, rolled around, and threw a pillow off the couch. “I’m sorry. Furina, you’re right. If I just had enough power…”

I can never use the Gnosis without proper reason again.

I have enough power as the Hydro Archon. I have to find a way to gain the strength of my peers through my power, and my power alone.

“Just get some sleep, you two,” Furina pat Paimon’s head. “We have a big day ahead of us. Lumine, give me your sword, I’ll sharpen it for you.”

Lumine mumbled something and tossed the dull blade over.

Furina deftly caught it with her left hand and twirled it around twice before it turned into mist, dampening Furina’s glove.

“Paimon’s exhausted…” Paimon slumped onto the sofa beside Lumine.

“We have beds, you know,” Furina said, amused. 

Lumine mumbled something into the pillow. 

Furina sighed, lifted her hand and both of them turned into small water bubbles. 

They followed her into the second bedroom, where she dropped the Hydro carrying both of them and they flopped onto their bed.

She quietly pulled the blanket up, tucked both of them in, and swept her left arm towards all the candles, where they were snuffed out.

“Good night, Lumine, Paimon.”

Venti sent all of them this time. 

Diluc met up with them in front of the Cathedral, and Jean was tapping her foot nervously under the statue.

Venti nodded, did a headcount, and sent them all off in spheres of wind.

Paimon was throwing up over the edge. “Bleegggggh!”

“Come on Paimon, you did this to me too,” Furina pat her on the back. “Is it motion sickness?”

“Probably,” Paimon coughed. 

Jean walked forwards and lifted an arm to touch the translucent turquoise barrier. “There’s a barrier here. My affinity with Anemo is doubtlessly a fraction of yours–” everyone turned to look at Venti– “but the energy here is so strong and it goes all around the old city.”

“Right you are,” Venti nodded. “But that’s what I’m here for.”

He put his palm to the barrier, which tried to push him away, but he held firm. “Alright then…”

And the barrier opened up where his palm was, expanding further outwards until the entire outer barrier was dismantled.

Diluc nodded appreciatively. “Good to see you’re good for something.”

“Hey!” Venti protested.

Lumine and Paimon squinted upwards. “I think I can see a shadow moving. Is that Dvalin?” Lumine asked.

Furina felt the strong concentrations of Abyssal energy. “I believe so. The tracker says he’s right there. The Abyssal poisoning is strong here also.”

“Venti?” Jean asked.

Venti closed his eyes. He breathed in, then out.

His braids started glowing.

“Is that an Archon thing?” Lumine asked. “Furina, when you use Hydro, yours does that too.”

Furina reached behind her and pulled up one of her jellyfish tails. She tried making the water in the weeds move, and the tips of her hair started glowing too.

“Oh.” Furina let go. “That’s why it changed. Hm.”

Paimon gave her a questioning look but dropped it.

“There are concerning amounts of hilichurls gathered around here,” Venti announced.

His hairdo had returned to normal. 

“Abyssal energy… the Abyss Mages must have told the hilichurls to guard Dvalin,” Jean realized. “That’s why they’re so confident with returning back to the Abyss during the day.”

Dvalin roared up ahead and flapped around.

Furina winced as the dark energy exploded out. Her vision blurred for a second before returning to normal. 

“Well. We just have to keep going up, right?” Paimon pressed her hand to another barrier, which flung her backwards.

“Right. Be careful, there are still some barriers.” Venti moved forwards.

Lumine summoned her weapon and followed him. 

Furina, who already had her sword in her hand, followed.

Diluc and Jean brought up the rear in case of an ambush.

“I see some hilichurl archers over there,” Paimon pointed. “Stay on your guard, everyone!”

The hilichurls, thankfully, did not fire at them.

As they neared the top, the wind grew more and more intense, until it felt like they were pushing through a barrier every step of the way. Venti conjured another dome of Anemo to protect them. 

“Ugh…” Venti rubbed his temples. “The Anemo energy here is so corrupted…”

“This is Old Mondstadt,” Jean said. “The old city… the one my ancestors helped to overthrow.”

Venti looked pained. “Right. Back then there wasn’t even a title of Anemo Archon… but the one who ruled over this place with an iron fist was called Decarabian.” 

Furina waited for him to continue, but he didn’t.

“Ya!” 

Furina whipped around. “DUCK!”

A volley of flaming torches were launched over their heads. Venti looked up and raised his arm– the dome of Anemo intensified, snuffing out the fire– they dropped to the stone floor as harmless charcoal.

“Hilichurls!” Jean shook her head. “I thought they hated the elemental energy and chose to stay outside!” 

“The Abyss Mages must have commanded them in here,” Diluc reasoned, summoning his greatsword. “We have to eliminate them.”

Furina closed her eyes and concentrated.

A bubble of water grew around the heads of the hilichurls on the ledge above them.

Jean and Diluc both halted in their climbing. 

“What…?” Jean jumped down. 

The hilichurls, sensing danger, started running around and trying everything to get rid of the bubbles. Muffled screaming and bubbles filled the water as the hilichurls, forgetting everything, tried their best to escape.

…

They, as one, dropped to the ground, turning into puddles of water, slowly splashing down to the grass below.

Jean looked uneasily to Furina. “That’s… terrifying.”

Furina was feeling nauseous herself. 

Did… did I just do that? That’s so much worse than a clean strike to the head… 

Diluc looked on emotionlessly. “It doesn’t matter. We all kill the hilichurls– this is just a different way of doing it.”

Venti shook his head. “Whatever the case… the energy here is not my Anemo. Lingering traces of the cage that kept the people of Old Mondstadt in mixed with the Abyssal energy outside of the jurisdiction of the gods makes it impossible for me to control this.”

Jean looked towards Dvalin. “Is there any way we can… I don't know… fly there?”

“The barrier turns into a dome up there,” Venti pointed. “There’s no way in that way.”

Furina poked the barrier with her sword. “There’s got to be something we can do… right?”

Venti closed his eyes and his braids flew up, glowing with Anemo energy.

“There is something we can do,” he said, relieved.

His eyes opened again and faded to their normal color. 

“There’s a wind current leading up. A hole, I think– what Dvalin uses to get in and out of here.”

Paimon cheered. “Not all is lost! Let’s make a detour, then! Heading up!”

“Let’s make a detour, then! Heading up!” Venti mocked. 

The wind current alone wasn’t enough to blow them into the sky, but with a little nudge of energy from Venti all of them were launched. 

Gentle winds carried them to the top, where a ring of stones could be seen in the sky.

Venti squinted up. “Dvalin is up there. He’s in pain… we have to find a way up there, fast.”

Furina closed her eyes. “The Abyssal energy. It’s so strong here… if Dvalin was absorbing in this much, it’s a miracle he hasn’t lost his mind.”

“He is still one of the Four Winds,” Venti smiled sadly. “Alright then… how to get up…”

“What if you make a wind current?” Paimon suggested. “You can do that, right?”

Venti nodded. “Right. I’ll try.”

He closed his eyes and a wind current blew up, launching them up slightly, but the wind turned purple and faded.

Venti coughed, spitting out purple goop. Furina rushed over and whacked his back.

“That’s…” he heaved. “Not a good idea…”

Jean tried to run over. “I can heal people with my Anemo. Let me try–”

Furina raised a hand to stop her but she had already lifted her sword and was channeling the energy. 

Panicking, she made a whacking motion with her hand, dousing Jean with water.

“No, don’t do…” Venti wheezed. “That…” 

The water vaporized and Jean looked over at her questioningly.

“The corruption here must feed on Anemo,” Furina concluded. “Lumine, Jean, Venti, don’t try to control the elements.”

Furina placed her palms on Venti’s back and her hair floated up like it was underwater.

Venti coughed again, but all the purple poison was drawn out.

Furina waved her hand and the poison stuck to Venti’s clothes misted away.

Venti stood up cautiously.

“Venti?” Lumine asked. “Know any way up?” 

Venti scanned the ground. “I see three bits of light… aha! Those must control the platforms here– I remember this. Decarabian used the topmost platform to get up to the halo, where he would meet diplomats. It would lift like an elevator– we can use that, since wind currents are out of the question.”

“Or,” Furina interjected. “Because I’m the Hydro Archon, I can get us all up instead.”

The six of them collapsed into a puddle simultaneously, shaped themselves into a balloon of water and rose up towards the crumbling stone halo, orbiting around each other.

“Your control over Hydro is getting much better,” Paimon complimented. “I can’t even feel the sickness this time!”

“No, I just suppressed it,” Furina dismissed. “Don’t worry.”

“Everyone, stay on your guard,” Lumine warned. “Dvalin sees us.”

All of them summoned their weapons and stood in a defensive circle. 

…

The platform in the middle they stood on shattered and they were blown violently into the sky, with only Venti’s returning uncorrupted Anemo keeping them afloat. 

Lumine pulled out her wind glider, stayed up as the rest of them tumbled down– almost crashing if not for Venti, at the last moment, lowered them safely to the ground.

Furina looked up, eyes searching the skies desperately for her friend, when amidst the storm that seemed to perpetually follow Dvalin she spotted her, launching projectiles.

Paimon waved her arms frantically. “Lumine!!” 

But the winds of the sky blew away any words she said. 

Venti, following her example, waved his arms frantically, pointing to the two poisoned spikes on Dvalin’s back. Lumine was blown off course, one of her projectiles fizzing away harmlessly on the barrier surrounding Old Mondstadt, but she caught his eyes and nodded, determined.

Furina, Jean and Diluc had all readied their weapons, safely on one of the pieces of the halo, but there was nothing any of them could do. Diluc half-heartedly sent a flaming bird– a phoenix?-- up towards Dvalin, but it too was quashed by the barrage of winds.

Venti, for the first time, looked frustrated.

Frustrated, perhaps, that his friend was in such pain while he could do naught but watch on, safely on stones with another Archon watching his back?

Furina did not know. 

Lumine lifted both her arms, creating a miniature tornado, and sent it towards the bottom spike.

A bit chipped off, landing heavily on the halo piece they were on. As it fell, the corrupt energy seemed to spill out of it, like a blister releasing the pus it held.

Furina, reluctant to approach the matter, summoned her courage to investigate– but the crystal turned clear, crystallizing into a glassy solid, with all the corruption dispersing in the wind.

Dvalin roared, so loud the five of them heard it even through the hurricane, and turned around, stopping the fight to flee. 

All heads turned to Venti.

“Venti! Tone-Deaf Bard!” Paimon shrieked. 

“I know, I know!” Venti shook his head. “I’ll send a message up to her right away.”

He closed his eyes and concentrated, his mouth opening and closing, forming words– but nothing came out.

Paimon looked at him questioningly.

The bullet hell up above started raining down on them. Furina, sensing Venti was too busy to notice, again raised her shield of water. The projectiles bounced off this time, landing either on the halo around them or fizzling out before they hit the ground.

It was much easier to only shield four people instead of a whole city. 

Paimon was biting her nails, praying to the Archons.

Jean and Diluc remained alert as ever, prepared to fight back. 

Paimon, still watching intently.

Venti… Venti seemed somewhere else.

Through the translucent blue of element-rich water, Furina could discern the barrier reaching up, stopping Dvalin from escaping. Lumine was zooming through acceleration wind currents, continuing to batter Dvalin with projectiles while dodging the ones he sent back.

She’s… something else. If this is just a fraction of her power, she’d easily best someone like me in combat.

But not the Heavenly Principles. Even with her brother…

And at last, with one final strike, Lumine shattered the rest of the crystal. The poisoned corruption slime dripped downwards, turning teal with Anemo and splashing harmlessly against the barrier, absorbing into it.

Dvalin roared in outrage, flapping around once, twice, and landing heavily on a halo piece across from Furina.

Venti’s eyes fluttered open, colored the same turquoise as the purified corruption that had fallen from the dragon.

Furina, Jean and Diluc headed together for the other piece. Lumine was shifting her wind glider over towards the dragon, plunging her sword down heavily. 

Jean looked around for a bridge, a way to get to the other side, before her jaw set in determination and she turned to Furina and Diluc.

“I’ll launch you two over,” she said. “Stand here. Now– we have no time to waste.”

Diluc hesitated. “But–”

“ Now. ” Jean closed her left eye, aiming the Anemo energy for one final blast. “I’ll take care of Venti. Just make sure to defeat the dragon– we’ll join up with you when we can.”

Diluc nodded and stood next to Furina.

Furina braced herself and prepared to cushion their fall as Jean pushed the gathered Anemo energy out, sending the two launching over so fast they nearly got whiplash.

Furina panicked, throwing her hands down and channeling Hydro into their bodies. Jean’s aim was true– the two landed onto the platform beside Dvalin, dissolved into puddles, and reformed with no bodily damage.

Diluc shook off the nausea as Lumine climbed up and struck the remaining crystal, seemingly awakening Dvalin. He fell off the platform, the storm resuming– Lumine was blown far up, gliding safely down to the platform beside Diluc and Furina.

“Alright, then,” Furina muttered. “How do we get him here?”

Dvalin rose up, roaring in defiance, blasting Anemo energy at them. Lumine pushed Furina to the side and leapt into a wind current, gliding up away from the blast.

Furina sat up, scanning the area– Dvalin was readying another attack, looping around the platform to dive towards the three of them. 

Lumine shook her head. “Venti! Venti?” 

“What is it?” Furina called. 

“I lost contact with him,” Lumine shook her head again. “It’s fine, don’t worry. Focus on the fight.”

Dvalin, claws outstretched, raked the stones as Diluc swung his greatsword, releasing a phoenix and charring part of Dvalin’s claw. Furina and Lumine jumped to the other side, with Furina stretching her arms out and leashing Dvalin.

He roared again, unintelligible words being spouted out, as he struggled to escape his water bonds.

Lumine joined Furina, barraging him with Anemo– out of reach of his sword, Diluc could only watch on. 

Furina felt the pull of Dvalin growing too strong. She wanted to call for help– from her friends, from Venti, from Focalors, but without the power of the Gnosis…

The Gnosis!

She could use it! She could use it right now!

Furina felt a thrill go through her at the feel of all that power again.

No! No, Furina. You can’t. 

But if I don’t..

She was saved from making a choice by Venti and Jean crashing down on top of Dvalin. Paimon fluttered around them, cheering. 

Dvalin stopped struggling and Furina was able to slam him down onto the platform– several rocks went tumbling down, probably squashing some poor hilichurls down below.

“Sorry we’re late~” Venti called out. “Go on, Furina, Lumine! Aim for the blood clot on his back!”

“You can do this!” Paimon cheered.

Furina summoned all the will of Hydro, bouncing the two of them up onto Dvalin’s neck, as they repeatedly struck him.

Hydro.

Anemo.

Swirl.

Sword strike.

Sword strike again. 

But as the storm died down, excess Anemo flowed out onto the ground.

The platform started cracking.

Furina and Lumine, busy whacking away at the corruption, didn’t notice.

“H-hey…” Paimon pointed. “What’s that?”

Jean and Diluc looked down. “I-” 

A blastwave of heat almost knocked Furina and Lumine over.

Furina left her whacking and looked down. The energy was emitting intense heat, purging itself of the corruption.

“Is this like getting a fever?” Lumine called over. “I… we have to get Jean and Diluc off!”

“There’s no way we can do that!” Venti shook his head. “I can slow their fall, but the corruption being cleared here affects me too. Just keep doing what you’re doing– the sooner we get Dvalin back, the better!”

Furina nodded and went back, her sword dealing blow after blow to the poison.

But Dvalin started to stir. His ears twitched, then his neck moved, and Lumine and Furina were almost tossed off.

“Just a little more!” Paimon screamed, flying around to look.

But Dvalin started getting up.

Furina closed her eyes, bracing herself to be thrown off.

She felt the corruption oozing from the clots that they had destroyed, the crystals falling to the stone platform as little more than memories of the fight.

She felt the rushing water of the oceans, the lakes and the rivers of Teyvat. The still water of puddles, the rainfall that preceded the rainbow.

And she directed it all towards the clot.

The Hydro was not water. Or was it? 

Lumine couldn’t tell.

Furina channeled Hydro that was so bright even Venti had to look away, focused on shielding Jean and Diluc from the impure Anemo spilling out of Dvalin.

The clot fell away as the Hydro battered it to pieces. 

Furina opened her eyes, the water remaining spilling off of the plat… form…

“The platform! It’s collapsing!” Paimon shrieked. “Guys? Guys!”

The Anemo had burnt a hole through the platform, which started crumbling to pieces. 

Paimon screamed.

Furina had exhausted all her reserves purifying the corruption. She can’t stop all six of them from falling…

…

Mm… Just a little nap… I’ll be up soon.

Chapter Text

“Furina…” Paimon sniffled.

“Don’t worry,” Lisa smiled, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. “The fall and the energy burnout wasn’t as bad as initially thought… thank the Archons Dvalin caught her as she fell.”

“All of us, too,” Lumine pushed Furina’s bangs out of her face. “I guess… you can make an announcement about not needing to be wary about Stormterror anymore?”

Jean, who was dozing off, nodded. “Right.”

“Jean,” Lisa scolded. “You’ve been up for the past few days. You need to get some sleep.”

“I can’t,” Jean shook her head. “I owe it to Furina… she saved my city twice.”

“No, Jean,” Lumine prodded her. “Furina’d want you to sleep too.”

“Right,” Lisa tacked on. “And you wouldn’t disrespect an Archon’s wishes, right? An honorable Grand Master like yourself?”

Jean yawned. “I… okay. Fine. Let me know when she wakes up, immediately..”

Paimon flew over to the base of the bed and pulled the blanket up. “Get well soon, Furina…”

Furina sat up, leaning against the pillows. 

Her whole body felt like shriveling up and dying. Rushing water filled her ears at all times, and she could feel her hands shaking.

“Ugh…”

Once she gathered the strength to, she stood up, pulling the window open and letting the full moon’s light in.

She breathed in the fresh, crisp night air, smelling faintly like dandelion wine– the tavern, and Diluc, must be enjoying some good money. 

…no wonder he’s so rich.

She was dressed in a hospital gown, her clothes discarded and neatly folded on top of her nightstand.

Euuugh. Who undressed me?

Focalors nudged her.

Oh. Okay. Good to know I can start sleepwalking at will with a god who doesn’t know anything about people at the helm.

Furina breathed in again, closing her eyes and enjoying the wind.

Mmm…

“Oho! Good to see you’re up and kicking again!”

Furina whipped around.

Venti had made himself comfortable on the sofa in her room. 

“Oh. It’s you.” Furina closed the window and went back, shivering slightly. “Is– is Dvalin okay?”

Venti nodded. “Some small injuries, but nothing he hasn’t had before. With your help, we purged all the corruption and Dvalin is now free to fly around.”

Furina smiled. “That’s good to hear.”

…

“So…” Venti wrung his hands. “I guess you have some questions for me.”

Furina turned over. “A deal’s a deal.”

“Furina!” Paimon flew up to her and hugged her. “Paimon’s so glad to see you’re back!”

Furina laughed, patting her head. “Hello, Paimon, good to see you too.”

Jean and Diluc were talking about something.

“Where to next?” Venti asked. “Surely you have someplace to go after Mondstadt, right?”

Furina thought back to the conversation they had.

“And Visions?” she asked.

“Given through the sheer ambition of the humans receiving them,” he said. “The Archons are duty-bound to grant them a portion of their power when their will grows strong enough.”

“Oh.” Furina sat down on her bed. “I see.”

“What about the other Archons?”

  Venti gave a small smile. “The new Seven are relatively unknown to me– I haven’t been around for quite a bit. But Beelzebul, the Electro Archon, and Morax, the Geo Archon– those two I know well. “

“Of course you do,” Furina snorted. “No matter. Lumine and I will leave for Liyue soon.”

“And… of course… the matter of the flood.”

“Ah.” Venti’s eyes darted to the window. 

“That’s more complicated.”

“You are aware of the Heavenly Principles foretelling the destruction of Fontaine for the Original Sin?”

Furina nodded. 

“I don’t know what this Original Sin is, but I do know that if it is a sin, it can be forgiven. The people of Mondstadt come to my church every day, confessing their sins to me so they can be forgiven.”

Furina thought for a moment. “I guess. But that doesn’t explain anything. How can I ‘forgive’ them of this sin?”

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you that,” Venti shrugged helplessly. 

“Right,” Paimon chimed in. “We’re heading to Liyue– the Rite of Descension is around this time of the year, right? We’ll be able to see Rex Lapis!”

Furina nodded. “And with Liyue having so many connections… it surely is one of the best places to head. Lumine, you have our visas?”

Lumine pulled out three passports. “Yep. These three visas are stamped with your Hydro– if anyone questions it, the Palais Mermonia will be glad to see their concerns.”

Furina laughed. “Neuvillette will have a good time reading those cases… trying to accuse the Hydro Archon of fraud? The God of Justice?”

…

Oh yeah. That trial. 

Mm. I keep forgetting... my previous life keeps blurring together. 

“I know, right?” Paimon fluttered around. “That’s just insane! How could you accuse justice of doing injustice?”

“Hey, hey,” Furina quickly corrected. “Everyone can do bad. But each god follows their ideals– they wouldn’t do anything that contradicts it intentionally.”

“I’ll let you know if I find any trace of your sibling,” Venti promised. 

Lumine smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”

Jean and Diluc accompanied them to the outside of the Cathedral, having returned the Holy Lyre earlier. 

“Remember that you are always welcome in Mondstadt,” Jean hugged Lumine. “Thank you all.”

“Bye~!” Venti waved over at them.

“Oh,” Paimon pointed to Furina. “Your hat– Paimon thinks it’s still in the Cathedral. One second!”

Paimon flew in, Lumine and Furina waving farewell as the two descended the steps to their daily business.

The four of them stood in comfortable silence for a little bit, watching the two dots separating and leaving for their jobs.

Furina smiled at Lumine. “Whew, that feels good. Sorry we didn’t find your brother... though.”

Lumine looked at the stone tiles sadly. “It’s fine. Not like I was expecting to find him on the first leg of the journey… it’s never that easy.”

“I’ll keep an eye out,” Venti promised again. “May the winds bless your travels, you two. Hope to see you back here for Windblume, at least~!” 

Furina smirked back. “I’ll bring someone from the Steambird to document how three gallons of wine in the cellars mysteriously disappeared.”

Venti gasped. “You wouldn’t!”

They all laughed for a bit. 

“Alright then, if there’s nothing else,” Venti motioned to the steps leading down to the plaza. “See you all soo–”

A click of heels and a snap of a finger.

Furina raised her arms instinctively, shielding her eyes as a gust of icy wind blew through. 

“Venti!” Lumine called out from somewhere behind her. Furina whipped around as two black-clothed agents– Fatui – jumped Venti.

Lumine summoned her Anemo and repulsed them at the last second, leaving them tumbling into the stone.

Furina’s arms felt too heavy as she lifted her sword, entering a defensive stance. 

“At last…” 

“Mondstadt’s rodent ruler, in the flesh.”

Furina’s head whipped around, facing a woman with two Cicin mages behind her, a smirk on her face and an aura of Cryo surrounding her.

Furina stepped back, feeling the same fear she had felt when the Knave had approached her in another lifetime. This… this was…

Venti made to move forwards, but he looked down and a solid block of ice had encased each of his legs. 

Furina frantically looked down as well– she was stuck too. She lifted her sword and tried to hack through it. 

Wait– no! “Lumine!” 

Furina tried to rotate herself, just in time to see Lumine get jumped and restrained by the two Fatui agents. 

Furina forced Hydro energy out of her leg, which shattered the ice. Lifting the Splendor of Tranquil Waters, she ran towards them, distracting the one on the left enough to let go of Lumine– she hastily summoned her weapon, slashing in an arc and forcing the Agent back.

The two stood back to back, their eyes locked on their opponents.

Venti! 

He’ll be fine… right? He’s an Archon. Like me. He won’t stand for such disrespect… 

The two agents moved swiftly– leaving behind afterimages of themselves– no, not afterimages. These were Pyro illusions.

But judging by the way they flickered, and the heat emanating off of them… these weren’t just there to scare. 

“Lumine,” Furina warned. 

Lumine set her jaw and nodded. 

In her peripheral vision, Furina saw Paimon in the window, panicking as she watched it happen. 

Paimon can’t fight! I– ugh! 

Paimon, thankfully, was smart enough to stay inside. 

The agents seemed content to keep the two inside, not attacking– slowly forming a barrier of Pyro, ready to strike. 

“...and glad that I helped save your city when the hilichurls came.” she finished.

The woman sighed. “Absentee Archon of Mondstadt… how impotent you’ve become.”

“That smirk you wear looks out of place,” Venti scoffed. He had started to blast away the ice with Anemo. “Did you steal it from your master’s face?”

She didn’t look happy about that. 

One of the Cicin mages behind her stepped forward. “You–”

Her comrade pulled her back, shaking her head.

“But Lady Signora– she–”

Another shake of the head and she backed off.

Signora…

She stepped back two paces. “Should have held your tongue,” she smirked.

Furina’s eyes widened, summoning Hydro and shielding herself and Lumine, while trying to break through the agents. 

Venti let out a noise of pain, and a thump– he fell to the ground. 

What’s going on???

“This is a Gnosis?” Signora’s hand was barely visible, lifting something… glowing… into the air. 

No.

Furina stabbed forwards, cleaving a clean path through the Agents. She and Lumine sprinted out, Lumine doing so after delivering two swift roundhouse kicks to the heads of the agents; they promptly fell face first onto the stone.

Signora looked back, her arm setting itself down. The Gnosis was tucked into a fold of her dress– Does she not have a Vision? – and her eyes swept up and down Furina, taking note of the false Vision– and Lumine’s lack of one. 

Her eyes flashed; elemental sight? Could she have a Vision after all? 

Her gaze lingered on Lumine's glowing chest plate and on the fake Vision Furina wore. 

Lumine and Furina’s eyes darted between her and Venti’s limp body on the ground.

“You are… his friends, I assume?” she looked down at them. “Psh. Took you so long to fight my lackeys you couldn’t even save his Gnosis.”

She delivered a swift kick to Venti’s side.

Furina felt rage boiling within her. What grounds did she have to attack an Archon?

“You dare attack an Archon?” Furina hissed. “I don't care what diplomat you are and who you serve. One way or another, justice will find you.”

Signora, who was about to leave, turned around. Gone was the smirk she wore when battering Venti- her face was a mask of disgust.

Disgust. At me. Furina de Fontaine. 

...and disgust at Lumine, but I'm an Archon! How dare she!

“If he didn’t want to be attacked, he should have held his tongue.” She swept her dress and motioned to the Cicin mages. “Leave nothing for our Favonian friends to find. Bring those two back to the Goth Grand Hotel.”

Furina lifted her sword, but a blast of frozen air almost knocked her off her feet. A cicin flew up into her face, jumpscaring her, and spat out a ball of Electro– 

…

…

“Continue the search for the Hydro Archon. Give her Vision to me– someone as weak as her doesn’t deserve a gift from someone on the level of Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa.”

“Oh no…”

“What is it, Barbara? Are they okay?? Oh… if they got seriously hurt and Paimon just sat there watching…”

“No, no– you did good. Their condition would be much more dire if you hadn’t come to get me immediately.”

“Will– will they be okay?”

“Mhm. That green fellow though… my healing never seemed to work on him.”

“Ah– ah! I’m… uh… sure he’s fine too.”

“Hmm. If you say so.”

“Oh no… this slot in her bow. Did she have a Vision?” 

“Eh?”

“These clips, here– they have traces of Hydro energy.”

“Oh– oh! Yes, she did– where’s her Vision??”

“I’m not sure. Maybe still outside? I’ve never heard of a Vision holder just losing their Vision… That’d be horrifying for them. At one moment, the blessings of the gods– another… just a normal person again…” 

“Hey! A normal person isn’t so bad!”

“Ah– right, right… sorry. But I’m… not sure what I’d do without my Vision.”

“Mhm. You use it for healing, right? Paimon would love to be able to heal people at the drop of a hat!”

“Ohh, I think you woke her up!

“Eep!” 

Furina blinked, trying to get the grogginess out of her eyes. 

“Ehh… Furina? How are you feeling?”

Furina rubbed her eyes, her arms still feeling stiff and numb. “Not too good. It’s hard to move.”

“That’s normal,” Barbara quickly restarted her healing on Lumine. “Any burns? Muscle contractions? That was a nasty shock you got there… you’re quite lucky. Both of you are.”

Furina tilted her head. “What?’

“Paimon saw you two get shocked!” Paimon shrieked, flying forwards to hug Furina. “I– You could’ve died! There was so much Electro, everywhere!”

“Leave nothing for our Favonian friends to find.” 

Did that... Fatuus try to kill us? 

Did that bitch try to kill me ?

An Archon? 

“I think… nevermind.” Furina shook her head. “How… how’s Lumine?”

“She’s doing well,” Barbara concluded. “In fact, she did much better than you– she seems to have a lot more resilience against attacks like that. My healing just worked unexpectedly well on you.”

“But not at all on that Tone-Deaf Bard?” Paimon asked. “Weird.”

“I know,” Barbara sighed, her Vision pulsing out with Hydro. “I still don’t know what happened there.”

Furina sat up, looking around her. “I don’t know either…”

She seemed to be in a backroom of the Cathedral– there were stacks of boxes, candelabras sitting on shelves and a few ritual garments neatly folded and placed on top of a plush ottoman. 

“Your Vision, Miss Furina…” Barbara started, sighing. “I’m sorry…”

Wut? 

Oh, yeah, my fake Vision.

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” Furina dismissed. “That was fake anyways.”

“Eh- eh?” 

“Yeah, it’s just there so I can– uh– not get my Vision stolen in the streets.”

“But Paimon mentioned you were from Fontaine! Has Justice truly failed there…?”

You are NOT insulting Fontaine. 

“Not at all!” Furina waved her off. “It’s just that the Justice there is so good that I’m concerned whenever I’m outside of Fontaine.”

Barbara nodded. “That sounds about right. Treasure Hoarders run rampant in the wilds around here.”

Lumine started to stir.

“Please stay down, Miss Honorary Knight!”

“Honorary Knight?” Furina questioned.

“Yes, Acting Grand Master Jean decided that Lumine should be commemorated for her deeds. She said something about… how you already have a title far better than ‘Honorary Knight’... and how it’d be disrespectful to try and force that title onto you.”

“Mm.” Furina shuffled around, finding a pair of slippers on the ground near her bed. 

“Fu… Furina? Paimon?”

Paimon fluttered over. “Lumine! You’re finally awake!”

Lumine rubbed her eyes and yawned.

“Wow… that was some tranquilizer.”

Barbara turned over to her. “Eh? You can tell? But yes, some of my healing might have triggered Electro-Charged, so I had to tranquilize you both.”

Medical practice in Mondstadt seems largely unregulated, but this deaconess knows what she’s doing.

Lumine yawned even wider. “Experience… what planet is this? Aeth–”

Furina suddenly looked away awkwardly. 

“Err…” Paimon nudged Lumine a bit. “We’re on continental Teyvat… ehe. Did you have- er- a funny dream?”

Lumine’s face fell immediately. “Oh. I see. I’m sorry.”

Barbara nodded understandingly. “That tranquilizer is often said to induce hallucination. It’s a new one imported from Inazuma, made of seventy-seven percent Naku Weed.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lumine sighed and rolled over, pushing herself into a sitting position. "Don't worry about it to much. Let’s leave soon, then?” 

Paimon thought for a moment and then agreed. “Let’s head to Liyue next. It’s a bustling trade hub, with easy access to most other nations– plus, the Rite of Descension is soon. This is a good opportunity to see Rex Lapis up close!”

Lumine stretched. “Furina? Anything else you need to do?”

Furina shook her head. “Let’s get going soon. I’ll stock up on some food supplies but… eurgh. Let’s leave tomorrow morning, so we can spend the night in Wangshu Inn and not the wildlands.” 

Barbara laughed. “It seems like you two are back on your feet. I can offer you two a room in the Cathedral’s hotel for the night, but I’m really sorry that we can’t provide you with the best top-floor suite…”

“Don’t worry about that,” Furina waved at her. “I was the one who booked that out. Speaking of, I wasn’t expecting to leave so soon… only three weeks? And a noteworthy event every few days!”

Lumine yawned again. “Could’ve been spread out more. So tired…”

“That might also be the clobbering the Cicin Mage gave you,” Paimon pointed out.

“Don’t remind me of that,” Lumine groaned. “I would’ve never let them do that before.”

Furina stretched, feeling something in her back pop. “Sister Barbara, what time is it now?” 

Barbara walked out of the room and came back a bit later. “The moon’s about to set, so it should be around six in the morning. If you leave today, you should start packing up.”

Furina nodded. “Thank you, but not today.”

Lumine had changed back into her dress and Paimon was carrying a traveler’s backpack. 

“Alright then. Today, let’s gather the necessary supplies. Even if we spend the night in Wangshu Inn, the trek is long and the walk to Liyue Harbor is still longer.”

“Yeah!” Paimon cheered.

Chapter Text

“Okay… that should be all. Lumine? Did you get it?”

Paimon floated over, carrying the small wooden bucket. “Yep!”

Furina peeked inside, looking back at her makeshift campfire. “Alright, hand it over…”

The small piece of Pyro slime inside was starting to char the edges of the bucket, so Furina quickly dumped it onto the kindle she had gathered. 

Lumine summoned a small gust of wind and fanned the fire a bit. 

Paimon speared two of the salmon they’d bought from Mondstadt and hovered around them.

Within moments, the fire started going. Paimon cheered and started baking the salmon, while Furina took out the canteens of water and refilled them with purified water. 

She handed a canteen over to Lumine, who shared it with Paimon. 

“The day went by so fast! I can’t believe we’re halfway there already!” Paimon squinted in the distance at the massive tree that held Wangshu Inn. 

“Mhm,” Furina chewed on her salmon thoughtfully. “This piece of land is called Sal Terrae. It has some nice sights, so enjoy it while you can.”

Paimon shook her head. “This place is really salty. Literally… the water’s…”

“I know,” Furina beamed. “When I purified the water earlier, I got an entire salt cake.” 

She held it out proudly. 

Lumine inspected it. “This salt could fetch quite a bit, you know. Selling spices and salt is often the best way to make money.”

“Lumine,” Furina sighed. “Teyvat learned how to process salt before I was even alive. The water here is so salty because the god of salt died here.”

Lumine went quiet. “Oh. Sorry.”

“No need, anyways!” Paimon fluttered in front of her with another salmon skewer. “Furina’s rich already! Plus, that guild we joined, the Adventurer’s Guild– they pay us a lump-sum too~!”

Furina remembered on their way out of the city a woman had stopped them. She had seen her before, manning the Adventurer’s Guild in Fontaine.

“Hello, Katheryne,” Furina had greeted. 

“Greetings! I couldn’t help but notice you three coming through. You are the Honorary Knight and friends, yes?”

Lumine looked around, then nodded.

“Ah! Wonderful. My name is Katheryne, receptionist of the Adventurer’s Guild. Would you three be interested in being adventurers?”

Furina examined her shrewdly. “What’s in it for us?”

“Various rewards, plus commissions for commissions! We pay very well.”

“For example…?” Lumine asked.

Katheryne nodded, then pulled out a series of blue gemstones pieces humming with Hydro. “These stones are said to improve your Hydro affinity- connecting you to the Archon Focalors herself!”

…

Paimon and Lumine’s eyes slid over to Furina. “Yes… okay. I see. Sure. Of course. When do we start?”

Katheryne beamed at them. “Whenever you’re ready, come and take a commission– we’ll pay you, plus the commissioner pays generous tips.”

“I still have the blue rocks she gave me,” Furina dug around in her pocket. “I can’t feel any more affinity to Focalors… must’ve been a scam.”

“I can see Hydro when I look at it under Elemental Sight though,” Lumine shrugged. “Maybe it’s just you?”

Paimon giggled, scarfed down the rest of her second salmon skewer, and guzzled down half of the canteen. 

“Are we done with lunch?” Lumine asked. “Wangshu Inn is just in the distance… Furina, can’t you, I don’t know, water magic us there?”

Furina scoffed. “You think I don’t want to? Sal Terrae is so salty any water I summon is instantly polluted. And trust me, you do not want to be polluted. Once we get to that Statue of the Seven–” she motioned to the beacon of blue light– “I’ll ‘water magic’ us there.” 

Lumine sighed, packed up everything and threw it into the sky, where it vanished into golden glitter. 

“Let’s get going, then.” 

Paimon sighed, wiping a fake tear from her face. “So… tired… Furina…”

Furina shielded her eyes from the setting sun as the Statue of the Seven glowed golden and Lumine learned how to throw rocks.

“Paimon! Look~! Grilled fish skewers!”

Paimon perked up. “Where???”

Furina laughed, pulled the leftover salmon from her water inventory, and handed it to her. “Wangshu Inn has some good food. I’ll treat you to something there.”

“You’re the best!” Paimon cheered, wolfing down the skewer. 

Lumine threw a large meteor down to the ground, stomping the ground in a combo and releasing several pulses through the earth.

“That’s good!” Furina complimented. “I could feel it from here.”

Lumine looked up to the hill she was sitting on and gave her a thumbs up.

“The sun’s about to set though,” Furina called down. “We should head over before the sun goes down- that’s when monster activity increases the most.”

Lumine nodded, using Geo to create a platform and using Anemo to jump up.

“That’s amazing!” Paimon marveled. “You can use both?” 

“Mhm,” Lumine beamed. “I feel stronger already!”

Paimon huffed. “Not everyone gets the blessings of the gods as easily as you do, you know! I’m not sure anyone’s ever wielded two elements at once…”

Furina shook her head. “That’s false. Many gods have used two powers at once- there have been stories over the years of the Raiden Shogun’s lightning being hot enough to spark fire. Not exactly Pyro, but it’s fire.”

“But you’re gods!” Paimon objected. “What about us plebeians?”

“Ah.” Furina looked away. “Never heard of that happening.” 

Lumine laughed, then stretched a bit. “We should get going, Furina.”

Furina sighed, channeling Hydro. The ends of her hair floated up, the strands separating as though submerged-

The three water drops circled around each other, orbiting as one screamed obscenities about seasickness.

“One room for the night, please.” Furina pulled out her cheque. 

“Just one?” the lady at the counter looked surprised. 

“Yes,” Furina scribbled down ‘10000’ and ‘Paid to the order of Wangshu Inn’. “We leave for Liyue Harbor tomorrow.”

The lady looked suspicious. “...Alright, then. That’s a bit much, though, ma’am.”

“What?” Furina pointed to the receipt the waitress had scribbled out. “Two thousand for the meal, five hundred for the tip.”

“Tip…?” she asked. “I… um… alright… I guess. What’s– nevermind. Enjoy your stay.”

“Did you get the feeling she doesn’t like us much?” Lumine looked back at her. “Paimon?”

“Paimon doesn’t think she means any harm herself,” Paimon reasoned. “We do give her business after all. But she definitely doesn’t like us.”

Furina sighed. “We still have to keep our guard up? Come onnnnn. I thought we were done when we stopped camping in Starfell Valley!” 

Lumine steeled herself. “But we’re in foreign territory. My brother… he… he would always be careful in situations like this. It’s saved us from many things more times to count. Foreign people are never welcome– least of all foreign visitors from other planets.”

Furina nodded, following suit. “Paimon, I have no clue what you did before you met us, but Lumine’s right. Fontaine… it’s hard to immigrate without a citizenship personally approved by either Neuvillette or I.”

Paimon shivered. “...okay. Paimon trusts you two.”

Lumine mined the area with several alerts, Geo energy humming as the three of them went to sleep.

…

…

…

Furina’s eyes flashed awake.

She didn’t dare move. 

She pretended to shift sleepily, sluggishly shifting so that she was facing the inside of the bed.

Traces… traces of godly energy. 

Godly energy… god– 

Lumine’s golden eyes stared back at her.

Furina blinked at her, her eyes and hair faintly glowing, the latter under the blanket. 

The smallest pulse of Hydro softly linked her thoughts to Lumine. 

She gave the slightest nod, her golden eyes narrowing. 

Someone’s watching us.

From the mines? How can you tell?

Instinct. 

…Sure. Why, though…?

Focalors?

Wha–

…

Oh. Sorry. Lumine? You there?

The fuck was that?

Oh… ahhh… ermmm… I’ll explain– when we’re safe! I promise! But…

My divine side doesn’t know what’s going on either, but she theorizes it’s because of me being a god.

Goddamnit, Furina! Wait– divine side?

I can sort of talk to her. I’ll explain more later.

Don’t wake Paimon.

The connection cut.

Still not strong enough, Furina thought angrily. How am I a god and still so weak? I can barely fight, I can’t hold Hydro for too long– what Archon am I?

Lumine’s eyes shot to the side. 

She sat up. 

“He’s gone.”

Furina slowly sat up too. “The fuck was that?” she echoed.

“I don’t know, but you felt that too, right? He’s got more than one set of blood on his hands.”

…

“Yeah. Non-human blood...” Furina shook, hiding her trembling hands under the blanket. “I…”

Lumine put one hand on Furina’s shoulder. “It’s fine, Furina. Don’t worry. Whoever he is, I’m sure we can take him.”

She didn’t have the heart to tell Lumine the presence she sensed had the blood of gods on his hands.

Chapter Text

Neuvillette stopped the flow of water with ease, but the damage was done.

He was wrong to have doubted Furina, even for a second.

He knew the rage of an Archon summoned power beyond even him… but… he never thought Furina would’ve been that quick to do so.

The fourth slate, brought by Freminet a few minutes too late, showed that the prophecy was not stopped. In fact, by pushing the trial, it had moved further at an accelerated rate.

In the grand Opera Epiclese, only three people remained. 

Himself.

The Outlander.

And her fairy companion.

Freminet had excused himself, tears welling up in his eyes.

Furina’s hat and Gnosis were the sole survivors of her, the only proof she had existed. Puddles of water, the remains of the opera attenders, trickled down slowly, the pitter patter of the drops punctuating every passing second.

Neuvillette picked up the Gnosis, and a wave of memories flew through him.

Furina, sobbing alone, her voice echoing through the waters of the Fountain of Lucine.

Her godly counterpart, Focalors, standing alone on a stage, her face contorted in fear and panic, pulling together the vast stores of Indemnitium inside the Oratrice. 

Right as Furina lifted the Gnosis, a blaze of thought flew through her mind. 

No. Not now. 

I need more time .

Neuvillette was thrown out of the memory , feeling the Authority of Hydro returning to him. He stood up, prepared to do his duty, to save the people of Fontaine and fight whatever narwhal that beast was–

But the world before him blinked.

Neuvillette shook his head. 

The world blinked again, longer this time.

He lifted his hand, which was as corporeal and hand-ish as ever. 

He shook his head again. 

Neuvillette was back in the Opera Epiclese, grief hitting him from the deaths of all those he considered friends.

…except Wriothesley. But Wriothesley was mortal, and Neuvillette had long since resigned himself to the fact that human lives were as fragile as a goblet of fine spring water.

The Traveler made her way to the stage. “Neuvilette, did you feel that?”

“The blinking?”

“Yes,” she said. “That. Any idea what it might be?”

Neuvillette shook his head, at a loss. He racked his brain for something he might’ve forgotten about the death of an Archon, but if his memory was correct (and it very rarely wasn’t) an explosive display of power was more likely than blinking.

But then the world blinked again, even longer.

He came back to the Opera Epiclese to the Traveler on the ground, clutching her head.

He scanned the area– he couldn’t detect the water residue of the audience Furina smote. 

Grief made way for panic.

He stretched his senses upwards– the Gnosis was gone. No Hydro energy there.

He rushed over to the Outlander, helping her back up, and they stood back to back, prepared for anything that might happen.

But alone on that stage, Neuvillette’s ever-sharpening senses dulled, like a beautiful ornate knife reduced to chunks of unrecognizable steel, containing neither the beauty nor the threat it once held. 

He couldn’t sense the Fountain of Lucine. He looked over at Lumine, who was scrunching her face in concentration.

Wait… wasn’t there a third person?

He turned back around, and the fluttering of the Outlander’s cape stopped. He turned around. 

… 

Why did he feel like there was supposed to be someone there?

The fabric of his reality, the walls of the Opera Epic-something, formed cracks–

Wait. Where was he? 

The cracks formed shards, shards that started glowing, and Neu– who?

He tried to summon his newfound Authorit… what?

The cracks closed in around him, and he closed his eyes, the deep gnaw of panic giving way to confusion.

…

…

And he was himself again.

He strode up the stairway towards Furina’s room, worrying about her state after that run-in with the Primordial Sea. Hydro Archon or not, she was still an Ascended Oceanid familiar… the Primordial Sea would still affect her. 

But it was fine, because she had sealed up a few cracks that might’ve grown disastrous. No loss of life was recorded and the perpetrator who loosened the bolts was quickly sentenced to the Fortress of Meropide’s less-than-pleasant areas. 

Machora exited the room, the typical melusine smile ever-present on her face. “Lady Furina seems fine now, Monsieur. Wait a bit while she gets changed, then you may go see her.”

“Thank you, Machora,” he said, relieved (even as he kept his signature poker face up!). “Take your lunch break early.”

She beamed up at him. “Thank you, Monsieur~!”

After waiting a bit longer, he pushed open the door, seeing Furina hack up some water–

Her aura, previously muted and somewhat repulsive (though he attributed that to his predecessor’s innate hatred of the usurpers), was bright and glowing, radiating a level of Hydro he had only ever seen in himself. 

And a memory poked and prodded and tickled the back of his mind.

A gentle breeze blowing by an Electro-charged tree in the shape of a kitsune, sakura petals cascading down.

Chapter Text

Still unnerved from that last encounter, Furina led Lumine and Paimon through the Guili Plains towards Liyue Harbor.

“If Paimon floats up like this,” Paimon zoomed up. “Liyue Harbor is not far ahead!”

Furina smiled, though it looked a bit strained. “Yep. The Geo energy here is stronger than ever.”

The ruins of a beautiful civilization passed, and they were almost at the bridge that divided Liyue Harbor from the rest of Liyue. 

“Hmm…” Lumine pointed to two guards. “Knights?”

“Close,” Furina corrected. “The Millileth– they are to Liyue as the Knights are to Mondstadt. Fontaine has a military entity too.”

Lumine nodded. “But what for? I thought the nations were all friends.”

Furina sighed. “Strictly cordial relationships. I’ve not heard from the Lord of Dendro or a god of Fire for well over four hundred years. The Geo Archon comes down once a year and Venti just woke up.”

Paimon counted on her fingers. “But that’s only six. What of the Cryo Archon?”

“Less than cordial for that one,” Furina amended. “Her Harbingers have bugged me since their formation, around the same time I ascended to archonhood.”

“Ugh, Paimon can’t imagine dealing with the likes of Signora for that long…” 

“Right? It was horrible ! A disgrace that she’d do such a thing to her fellow Archons.”

“Halt!”

The guards at the gate crossed their qiang *. 

“What business have you got in Liyue?” the one on the right asked.

“Simply here to visit,” Furina did a small curtsy. “We’re traveling merchants from Fontaine, you see. We’re here to watch the Rite of Descension.”

“Another one…” the guard on the left grumbled. “That’s the fifth one today and it’s still a week till the Rite.”

“ Visas?” His friend interjected.

“Of course!” Furina pulled out the documents. 

He studied them for a bit, took out a stamp with the Geo symbol on it and stamped the passports. “Welcome to Liyue, then.”

Paimon did a small wave to them and then left. 

“Phew, they were scary…” Paimon shivered. 

“Just doing their jobs,” Furina shrugged. “But we’re in now, so let’s get looking for a hotel.”

In Liyue Harbor, we should be safe! I have some time to hone my skills before that thing might be back.

The Adventurer’s Guild had ample housing, but they were all a bit cramped– so, with another grand display of wealth, Furina booked a month in a penthouse room in Baiju Guesthouse.

“Ma’am! Are you sure…? This is non-refundable, you know!” 

Furina shrugged. “Yep. Cash this cheque in at Northland Bank within the day though, or they’ll start charging interest.”

The clerk nodded vigorously and handed them the key. “Suite 301.”

“Thank you~!”

Lumine and Paimon silently followed Furina up.

“Not a day goes by where I’m not grateful you’re filthy rich.” Lumine told her.

Furina smirked smugly. “Liyue is one of the biggest consumers of exported Indemnitium. We’ve had surplus for over a hundred years now and that adds up to a lot of Mora.”

Lumine smiled and pushed open the door, leading to an extravagant suite with a balcony view. “Whatever the case, being rich is living easy.”

Furina shifted uncomfortably. “I guess… in Fontaine, the Palais Mermonia does give out quite the sum of Mora through welfare.”

“Anywhere you want to eat tonight?” Furina asked. “I’ve made reservations at Liuli Pavillion and at Xinyue Kiosk, but those are next week.”

“I’m not really that hungry,” Lumine shrugged lightly. “Maybe just some drinks?”

“But Paimon wants food!”

Furina laughed. “Okay, okay. There’s a teahouse up ahead– some osmanthus tea to go, maybe?”

“As long as Paimon gets food after!”

“Hello?” Furina asked the lady at the front. “What tea do you offer here?”

“Hmm?” 

“Oh. Hmmph. This is the Yanshang Teahouse. Are you mentally prepared? Have you brought enough money?”

“...what?” 

“We require an upfront deposit of fifty thousand Mora.” she folded her arms.

Furina blinked. “I’m sorry, a deposit for tea? How expensive must this tea be if you request a deposit? Under the thirty-first amendment to the legislature of Liyue, deposits for goods under the sum of seventy-five thousand Mora are outlawed.”

“And what a lawyer you are. A teahouse need not sell only tea. Good day to you.”

“But–”

“Do I have to call security?”

I could probably beat them, but then I’d probably get arrested.

“...no.” 

“Very well.”

“I kind of am curious about what business goes on in there,” Lumine remarked, heading towards the ACTUAL teahouse just down the road. “If it’s so secretive, I’m not so sure that’s a teahouse after all.”

“I hadn’t left Fontaine in five centuries before I left for Mondstadt and met you two,” Furina straightened, a haughty look on her face. “If the law is in such disregard that they’d allow illegal activities to happen right under the Qixing’s nose… knock knock.”

“Hehe!” Paimon giggled. “‘Knock knock lawbreakers, it’s the Hydro Archon of Fontaine and I’ve heard you have some lawbreakers not brought to justice. So put down your spears and return the jurisdiction of law to me before I have to resort to bringing Justice!’”**

“I’ve heard that before, in another world,” Lumine said thoughtfully, waving to the lady serving tea. “Table for two and a high chair, please.”

Paimon gasped, outraged. “You– why, you! Paimon trusted you!”

“Your friend is right,” the lady soothed. “A high chair would suit you best. You’ll be able to look down at them from above!”

Paimon huffed, mollified. “Fine. Just this once, you hear Paimon??”

Furina laughed, setting down her hat and picking up the teacup. “One Osmanthus Teapot, please.”

The lady nodded approvingly. “And for you two?”

Paimon looked up from the menu, considering her options. “One… erm… any specials?”

“Today we have our famous live seafood hot-pot! You look new to Liyue… Third-Round Knockout is famous for both our drinks and our seafood! Being next to the wharf does have its benefits!”

Furina inspected the ingredients list. “Nothing against seafood! It looks beautifully made here. Though I prefer desserts… Can I have one Almond Tofu?”

 “We’ll take the lobster, then.” Lumine closed the menu and handed it over. 

“Oh! Really…?” the lady looked taken aback. “It’s quite expensive… I just said it because my boss told me to…”

“No worries, Furina here has deep pockets.”

“Thank you!” 

The gentleman beside them, sipping on some STRONG tea (Furina could hardly sense the water in there!) looked over. 

“The lobster is live, you know,” he said, setting his teacup down.

Vaguely familiar?

Furina closed her eyes and tried to remember. “I’m aware. I’ve seen worse things die.”

The people of Poisson… 

This is why I’m here. Focus, Furina! You’re not here to enjoy delicious food with Lumine and Paimon. 

The people of Fontaine… yes. I cannot watch that happen again.

“...Are you alright? You seem quite pensive,” he commented.

“Whatever,” she snapped. “And who exactly are you?” 

“Zhongli,” he said, dipping his head in a little bow. “I often come here for the delectable tea. I daresay you three are not from here?”

“Mm.” Furina nodded. “We’re simply here to witness the Rite of Descension.”

His face grew unreadable. “I see. I hope it lives up to your expectations, then.”

“Finaaally,” Furina stretched. “That was the longest week ever.”

“Speak for yourself!” Paimon set her sunglasses down. “Shopping is soo fun… Liyue has so many shops, hehe!” 

“Wait until you get to Fontaine,” Furina sniffed disdainfully. “The delicacies and shopping district there are unrivaled in Teyvat. There is a reason fashion trends alllll originate from Fontaine.”

“Aaahhh!” Paimon squealed. “Delicacies!”

“Of course that’s all you get from that,” Furina grumbled.

Her mood was soaring. A second member of the Seven! Her journey was, at the very least, a third of the way to the end. 

Plus she hadn’t seen the mysterious entity in a while.

Her expectation was right! None would dare intrude upon an Archon ’s territory.

…Signora. 

She’s different. Furina will make sure her life ends by her hands. 

She shivered. Furina never thought herself bloodthirsty, but when it came to delivering justice, she found herself cold and unfeeling.

Regina of All Waters, Peoples, Kindreds and Laws of Fontaine.

Purveyor of Punishment.

Furina rather liked that. She wasn’t the weak human she was back then. She was an Archon! The Archon that she revered for so long…

Maybe she was still more human than she thought.

“Ack!” 

“Where’d this water come from? Ugh… better change clothes.”

Furina smirked, leading Lumine and Paimon to the front, where the Tianquan of the Qixing, Ningguang, was busy with preparations for the summoning ritual. 

“...are we sure you’re a god of laws, Furina?” Lumine sighed, pinching her nose bridge.

“Yes,” Furina sniffed haughtily. “Do you want to bring that up with the Palais Mermonia and the Gardes?”

Or the court, a grand trial before the Iudex?

“Ohh! No, no, I’m good.”

The Yuheng clapped a few times, and all idle chatter ceased.

“Thank you all for coming. Please stand back while the Rite of Descension takes place.”

Furina leaned forwards, not wanting to miss a single second. Paimon fluttered above all of them, holding a Kamera. 

Ningguang called upon Geo energy, creating stones to slot neatly into the incense burner. 

A faint prickle appeared at the back of Furina’s brain. The incense smelled like… like memories of days gone by.

The clear sky parted, grey clouds crackling with energy filling their place.

Rex Lapis slowly drifted down, a graceful spiral twisting towards the bottom, towards the plebeians–

He met her eyes.

And started dropping.

Furina was pushed back by Lumine and the two of then stumbled back, Paimon screaming something shrill up ahead. Rex Lapis tumbled into the burner with a deafening crack, steel and Geo crashing together.

Furina snapped to attention, clasping her hands together and pulling them apart, the Splendor of Tranquil Waters grasped her left hand. She called out to Paimon and the three made to meet up and enter a defensive stance when–

Ningguang had been carefully inspecting the corpse. She stood up, finally, gestured to the Millileth, and spoke.

“Rex Lapis has been killed. Seal the gates!”

Rex Lapis?

The most senior member of the Seven? Who’d have enough power to kill him…?

No. How DARE anyone kill him?

But Furina and Lumine knew, with weapons in their hands, they were the prime suspects.

The two quickly stashed their weapons away, beckoned to Paimon, and they ran off. 

“Rex Lapis… dead?” Paimon shook her head disbelievingly. “Paimon’s freaking out! The killer is amongst us!”

“Shut up and let’s go!” Furina hissed. “If he really is dead, we need to get the hell out of here before shit starts hitting the fan!”

“What do you mean?” Lumine asked, her eyes wide. 

“The death of a being that powerful releases all of their power,” Furina grabbed Lumine’s cape and dragged her behind a doorway, away from the sight of a Millileth soldier. “Rex Lapis is the most senior of the Seven, the one whose death would release the most energy. We need to get to the harbor without using any elements or you best believe there’s an explosion happening.”

“Like… like you mentioned back in Sal Terrae!” Paimon realized. “The amount of salt in that water was due to the god of salt dying!”

“And if what the records in Fontaine sah are correct, and they very rarely are not,” Furina pushed them forwards. “The god of salt was one of the weakest and most peaceful gods. With the guy who made an island with discarded weapons dying? We’re fucked unless I protect you guys in the harbor.”

Furina misjudged.

The soldier in front turned around, saw them, and raised his spear. “Hey, you! Stop right there!” 

The call alerted his friends, who gathered around. “Hands in the air, weapons on the ground!”

Not that they were carrying any weapons… 

Furina thought better than to summon her sword or her element, but Lumine wasn’t going down without a fight. 

Furina pushed Lumine through, and the girl threw her sword like a javelin, cutting a clear path through the guards. The sword disappeared into fine glitter midway and reformed in Lumine’s hand, and the three of them sprinted out. 

The ever-present click of a Kamera flashed as they ran, and they were just about to jump in the harbor when Paimon screamed and a spear dropped beside Furina.

Furina whipped around, prepared to deliver heavenly retribution if she saw a single drop of blood, but it was just Paimon’s cape, speared to the ground. 

She ran back and tugged it up, but the tassel caught in Paimon’s cape. She pulled most of it out, but by then the Millileth were closing in and Lumine was just making her way back.

…urghhh. 

It’s fine. Morax doesn’t seem to have exploded in a fit of power… maybe he just died a long time ago and dropped?

But I saw his eyes.

Nevermind. Whatever. I can argue my way out of this one.

“The court asks the prosecutor to take the stand.”

Those words sounded wrong without the echo of the Opera Epiclese and the boom of Neuvillette’s cane against the ground signaling the beginning of another trial.

Furina, Lumine, and Paimon stood beside their lectern.

Furina had a moment of dizzying deja vu.

“Your Honor, Yanfei on behalf of the Qixing.”

“Your Honor, Furina on behalf of Furina, Lumine and Paimon.”

“Mm. You may be seated.”

The audience shuffled as they took their seats. 

This space was so cramped compared to the grandiose halls of the Opera Epiclese! When she got back to Fontaine, she must do something about that… maybe a donation of a court hall?

“This is the matter of the state versus Furina, Lumine and Paimon concerning the murder of Rex Lapis, Lord of Geo.”

“The state calls upon its first witness, Millileth Officer Xiangsheng.” Yanfei moved around. 

“Y-yes… erm..!” He stuttered, making his way up to the judge’s podium. “I was among those who chased down Miss Furina, Miss Lumine, and Miss Paimon as they were fleeing from the site. Miss Lumine summoned her weapon and attempted to attack us, and the three of them fled together.”

“Your Honor,” Yanfei nodded along. “The three of them fleeing from the scene is clear indication of guilt. For what normal citizen who just witnessed the death of a god attempt to flee the scene of the crime?”

The judge nodded, turning to Furina. “And you? Anything to refute Miss Yanfei’s statements?”

Paimon coughed nervously. 

“We hail from Fontaine, as specified on our passports,” Furina motioned to Lumine, who passed her the folder. “In Fontaine as of late, we’re made aware of the impending doom a prophecy from the heavens brings. So, we did some studying, as well as some piecing-together of knowledge.

“As we all know, the Sal Terrae region of Liyue is heavily salted, to the point that you could taste it if you simply opened your mouth. We found out that this salt is the remnant power of the god of salt, who once lived there.

“The libraries in Fontaine are vast and full of knowledge. It was there that we discovered that the death of the god of salt triggered an explosion so large that the surrounding rocks, and the surrounding people, were all turned to salt instantly. Knowing this, my friends and I ran, knowing that with my Hydro Vision, I could protect us in the harbor.”

The judge nodded. “If you may, could you briefly demonstrate to the court your prowess over Hydro?”

Put aside the Oratrice, then. Surely you could give us a brief demonstration of your power as an Archon?

“Of course,” Furina nodded. 

A small fish of water swam around the courtroom. The paparazzi oohed and took photos. 

Yanfei was undeterred. “If you knew, why would you fight the Millileth? Why not convince them to order an evacuation?”

“Because these explosions of power aren’t delayed by a few hours,” Furina rolled her eyes. “Do you simply assume that because I knew, I would be able to convince the Millileth, who so graciously told me to halt and give myself up as we were fleeing for safety?”

Yanfei flushed, her cheeks turning red. “I- Fine, then. You were running because you didn’t want to get obliterated. Do you have any proof that you didn’t kill Rex Lapis?”

“Innocent until proven guilty,” Furina hissed back. “Do you have any proof that we did?”

“There were no other people there that possessed weapons or Visions,” Yanfei said determinedly. “All of them were scared out of their wits, and even the Delusion-possessing Fatui were shocked into silence. Besides, as the court surely knows, my heritage contains partial adeptal blood. You, as well as Miss Lumine here, possess power far exceeding that a normal Vision holder should have.”

The judge turned to Lumine. “Do you possess a Vision as well?”

“No– ow! Yes, I do.”

Furina had kicked her when she tried to deny. 

“...I see. Could you give a brief demonstration for the court?”

Lumine made a small tornado appear. The paparazzi started snapping photos again.

“Since you two have abnormal power rivaling even that of the adepti,” Yanfei pointed at them. “You two are the only possible suspects who might have killed Rex Lapis.”

Furina scoffed. “Are you kidding me? Really? That’s your argument?”

The crowd started bristling. 

“Order in the court!” the judge ordered, slamming his gavel down. 

“While it is true we possess elemental power, I think you’re severely underestimating Rex Lapis here. And you, as a member of the adepti, surely know this better than we do.” Furina crossed her arms. “Rex Lapis is literally the prime of the adepti. His death would have caused an explosion flattening most of Liyue and some of Mondstadt.”

“In fact,” Furina said, catching the look in Yanfei’s eyes. “Even the prosecutor’s lawyer, the best lawyer in all of Liyue , knows this. There is no way we killed Rex Lapis. We would have been killed from rebound and the explosion. I think Rex Lapis simply found the end of his life and ascended back to Celest– the Heavens to rejoin the other gods.”

Yanfei looked away. 

“I am sure common sense will prevail here,” Furina concluded. “With all the facts laid out before you, honorable judge and jury, I am sure the answer is clear.”

“...”

The audience started chatting amongst themselves.

“Silence!” the judge smacked the gavel again.

“...Let’s go over the facts.”

The jury started talking, and the judge reviewed the transcript.

…

“This trial has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Miss Furina, Miss Paimon, and Miss Lumine are innocent.”

Chapter Text

“Pheeww…” Paimon sighed, draping herself over the bed. “Paimon’s exhauuusted and she didn’t even argue! Is this what it’s like being in court all the time?”

“Well of course not,” Furina lifted her chin. “ I always sat in a throne above the other people. When the state needed a lawyer, we always had a state lawyer and the champion duelists. Not enough spectacle here! That was far too boring.”

“Boring?” Lumine demanded. “I think they were going for the death sentence!”

“Exactly,” Furina scoffed. “What good is a death sentence if criminals instantly die, painlessly? Send them to prison or make them suffer for what they did!” 

“Furina, you’re concerning.”

“ Thank you for the compliment.”

“Ugh, nevermind. What’s done is done and I’m pretty happy we just got out scot-free.”

“For you, maybe,” Furina sighed. “But I’m something of a public figure in Fontaine. The instant one person who’s been to Fontaine before sees my face in those paparazzi shots, we’re going to be hounded.”

“But why are we here again?” Paimon asked. “If we were here to see Rex Lapis… but Rex Lapis is dead… what do we do?”

“Liyue is one of the only places with visa application to Inazuma as of now, due to it’s important status as a trade hub,” Furina turned the fire off and strained the macaroni in a colander she bought. “Even if Rex Lapis is dead, the Raiden Shogun Focalors knew would’ve never backed down from a fight. She’s practically invincible!”

“Focalors knew?” Lumine questioned. “And I’ve been meaning to ask… divine side. You said something about that.”

Furina had been preparing for this. She didn’t want to lie, but five hundred years of lying had conditioned her for this. 

“You see my eyes?” 

Lumine pulled her bangs away. “Yeah, with your funny eyelashes. What of it?”

“These two represent my sides,” Furina lied. “This one, the light blue with the normal pupil– that’s me. Furina. The Furina you know.”

“...Yes?”

Paimon looked around and decided it was best to ask questions after this conversation. 

“This eye,” Furina pointed. “Represents my divinity. Focalors, the god.” 

“How does that work?” Lumine crossed her arms.

“Shhhush. Anyways. Five hundred years ago, we were one– the divinity part in a human packaging. But a tragedy happened, and Focalors and I were– separated. Consciousness, anyways. I’m the ‘human packaging’, with Focalors in the backseat ready to help when needed, but she’s still me and I’m still her.”

Lumine looked skeptical. “Can you not remember anything before this ‘tragedy’?”

“Only what Focalors deems necessary to know,” Furina shrugged helplessly. “Bits and pieces, here and there.”

Lumine shook her head. “And you’re still a god…?”

Then these must be the creations of the REAL Hydro Archon!

The best lies are woven with threads of truth, Furina.

“Of course,” Furina slapped on a mask of offense. “The divinity is still inside of me, you know. I’m as much of a god as Venti is– arguably more, since he doesn’t do shit nowadays.”

“Furina!” Paimon screamed. “The macaroni sauce!” 

A rancid smell of burnt cheese filled the air.

Lumine appeared to have mulled it over that night after they had a small dinner of takeout from Wanmin, since she seemed far cheerier than she had been the night prior.

Furina, relieved, promised to herself that when everything had blown over and Fontaine was saved, she wouldn’t have to lie to Lumine and Paimon anymore.

Paimon seemed nervous at first, but after seeing that Furina and Lumine were feeling themselves again, went back to her commentary of Liyue’s customs.

“Mmmhmm,” the bored clerk made a note on her paper. “And the purpose of your visit to Inazuma?”

“We’re delegates of the Palais Mermonia, there to discuss official trade routes with the Tri-Commissions,” Furina smiled winningly. “We’ll be there and back within a month.”

The clerk looked up, one eyebrow raised. “You do realize the Sakoku Decree stops most trade routes. What trade routes are you talking about?”

Paimon started stress sweating. “The– the, uhm. Indemni..tium? The Tri-Commission told us about some energy issues in Inazuma City, so we’re there to discuss whether Indemnitium would be a valid energy source.”
The clerk nodded thoughtfully. “I see. It’s true that the city has had some resource shortages after the start of the war against Sangonomiya. I see. Alright. Do you have your passport? Or a representative?” 

Furina slid their passports over. “No representative.”

The clerk squinted. “Does that say… does that say ‘Furina de Fontaine’? And you two,” she turned to Lumine and Paimon. “You two don’t even have last names…”

Furina turned to Lumine and Paimon. Fuck.

“Eerrr… yes!”

“...”

“I’ll give you a hundred thousand Mora if you stamp it.”

“...”

“Two hundred thousand.”

“Welcome to Inazuma, esteemed delegates of Fontaine!”

“Apparently, since there aren’t any ships going between Liyue and Inazuma until the next two months…” Furina sighed. “We’ll have to wait a bit. Want to go back to Third Round Knockout?”

Paimon nodded. “Thank the Archons you’re rich, Furina!” 

Lumine shrugged. “Two months until the next trade ship… I feel like we should do some exploring around the rest of Liyue.”

“I’ll see if we can secure some tents or something,” Furina sighed. “What is it with you and wanting to sleep outside so much?”

Lumine laughed. “I guess I’m just more used to it. Maybe we’ll meet those adepti you mentioned, though.”

“Oh.” Furina shivered. “Yeah.”

What if we meet that thing again? 

“Don’t worry too much, Furina!” Paimon patted her shoulder. “With you two here, there’s nothing that can hurt us!”

“What are you then?” Lumine demanded. “Emergency food?”

“Hey!”

The gentleman from before was sitting at his same spot, listening to the story the storyteller was telling. 

Wow Furina! Such a way with words you have! A story the storyteller is telling! Genius!

“You again?” Furina asked. “You seem to like this place a lot.”

Zhongli turned around. “Ah, Miss Furina, Miss Lumine and Miss Paimon. Good to see you again.”

He speaks like he’s older than me! Hmmmph!

“Good to see you too!” Paimon sat down on her chair. “Do you like the food here?” 

“Mm,” Zhongli blew on his tea and took a sip. “The storyteller is quite good. His stories are a bit far-fetched, but entertaining nonetheless.”

“What an esteemed gentleman you are,” Furina sighed dramatically, sitting down. “One pot of chamomile tea and two servings of crystal shrimp, please.”

“Chamomile tea? So early in the day?” Paimon questioned. 

“Why not?” Furina shrugged. “We don’t have a lot to do… I just have to pay off that disgui– dress you guys bought me back in Mondstadt, at the Northland Bank.”

“Mondstadt?” Zhongli questioned. “How is the situation there? I haven’t been there in quite a bit myself.”

“Ah, same old,” Furina sighed, at the same time Lumine said “the Stormterror threat is over, thankfully”. 

Zhongli chuckled. “Good to hear. I don’t believe Barbatos has been sighted in quite a while.”
Five hundred years ‘quite a while’. 

“You speak like an adeptus,” Paimon shook her head. “Ancient and wise!”

He stiffened a bit, but relaxed– far too quickly. A practiced calming of oneself.

Furina had observed this same expression once too many times on Neuvillette, whenever someone committed a hideous crime even he couldn’t stay impartial to.

“That’s a compliment, Mr. Zhongli,” Furina sighed. She seemed to be sighing a lot. “No need to be so stiff and formal.”
“...I see. My lunch break is almost over. I’ll have to go back to work now.”

As he left, Furina gently spilled some tea on the back of his tailcoat, glowing Hydro for only a moment before disappearing into the fabric.

Only Lumine noticed, giving her a raised eyebrow as Furina set the teapot down.

The apricot-honey combination of osmanthus wafted out of the small puddle. 

“Hmm… yes. Thank you for paying back your loans on time,” the lady at the desk smiled. “It’s rare nowadays that we have patrons willing to uphold their end of the promise.”

Furina’s gaze dropped down to the nametag. Ekaterina .

“Of course!” Paimon said cheerily. “If we make a promise, it’s good to keep it!”

“I most certainly agree,” Ekaterina smiled warmly. “Loyalty and promise are two of our most important values here at the Northland Bank.”

“Hehe!” Paimon giggled. “It’s refresh–”

“Hey, you three!”

Lumine and Furina slowly turned around. On the staircase, there stood a ginger with a red mask and a grey suit.

Not a normal member of the Fatui. 

The guards around them saluted him as he sauntered down the steps. “You three… I recognize you! You were on the paper a few days ago!”
“...”

“For… for that court case?” Lumine asked.

Alarm bells were ringing in Furina’s head. 

“Yep! You guys caused quite a stir, you know! It’s not every day someone is accused of killing Rex Lapis– just like how it’s not every day someone beats Yanfei in a court case.”

“But Yanfei knew she was in the wrong!” Paimon put her hands on her hips. “Furina said afterward! ‘With the blood of an Illuminated Beast in her veins, she knows better than we do that we didn’t kill anyone!’”

“But you still won, and that’s what matters.” he nodded. “I’m Childe, by the way.”

Furina snorted. “Child? What are you, a kid?” 

“C-H-I-L-D-E,” Ekaterina spelled out.

“Oh. Thanks.”

Childe laughed. “Right, thank you, Ekaterina. But… you know…”

He wants us to do something… of course he does…

“With the Rite of Parting happening soon,” he began. “I feel it would be wise to tell the adepti beforehand.”

Mhm.

“Another side quest?” Furina complained outwardly, lifting her arm in a dramatic mockery of distress. “That’s cruuuelll.”

“I’m with Furina here,” Lumine nodded. “What’s in it for us?”

“The Qixing remains convinced of your guilt. You need to get through to the adepti before they do, or you’re screwed,” Childe smiled, but his eyes turned cold. “With the might of the Qixing and the adepti against you… it doesn’t matter who you are.”

Ugh.

“And you think it’s a good idea to saunter up to the adepti?!” Paimon gasped. “Wouldn’t they attack us anyways?”

“I’ve recently procured a Sigil of Permission,” Childe beamed. “These will allow you to get the guarantee that, at least, the adepti won’t attack you on sight.”

"Where's your guarantee of its validity?" Furina demanded. "You Fatui have tried to attack m- us in the past. What's saying this isn't a deathtrap?"

Childe thought for a moment. "I suppose you're right to be suspicious. The last Sigil of Permission was said to have been destroyed centuries ago. You can double check with the owner of the Yanshang Teahouse, as I procured the Sigil from him."

“...okay, then. Say it's real. Is our only compensation here ‘not get smote by the adepti’?”

“Furina!” 

“What?”

“Hmm," Childe nodded. “No, she’s right. At the Northland Bank, we do value fair exchanges.”

He thought for a moment.

“Alright, how about this? I can see you both wield elemental power.  These Sigils of Permission contain a lot of power– enough to use as a conduit, at least a few times. If you’re ever in a bit of a squeeze, rip it apart and you’ll buy yourself some time to escape.”

“Discounting us as weak that fast?” Furina demanded. 

“Just realistic,” Childe sighed. “Even I, as a Harbinger, might meet my match in battle some day.”

Harbinger!

“A Harbinger?” Paimon floated back a few floats. “You– You’re just like Signora! How do we know you’re not tricking us?”

“Signora… Signora. You’ve met her too, huh?” Childe’s face clouded over.

That’s interesting.

He genuinely dislikes her.

“I don’t like her much either. Her methods are… questionable at best. Trust me, if the Tsaritsa wouldn’t have my head in an instant…”

Paimon nodded along. “She’s the worst! She attacked us!”

“Attacked?” Childe shook his head. “What happened to peaceful diplomacy…? No matter. I’ll talk to her later. Do we have a deal?”

“Do you have another Sigil?” Furina asked.

He looked surprised. “No, just the one.”

That’s… weird. A half-truth. Furina, be careful.

“Why would you give us your only Sigil?”

“It’s just as much in our benefit as it is yours,” he shrugged. “If the adepti find out Rex Lapis is dead, the Fatui will take a massive hit as well. Our main branch of the Bank is here, plus Liyue is one of our biggest trade partners and allies.”

“We’ll do it!” Paimon said.

“No, we won’t,” Furina slapped a hand over Paimon’s mouth. “I need to know what else you have to offer. Putting our lives on the line and hoping that a centuries-old Sigil will work?”

“Interesting!” Childe laughed. “Very well. I’ll throw in five hundred thousand Mora and talk with the Qixing– I heard you guys wanted to go to Inazuma? We can get you there.”

“Are the Fatui active in Inazuma?”

Childe looked away for a moment.

Contemplating whether or not to lie? Don’t try me.

“Yes,” he said finally. “Why?”

Good choice. 

“I don’t want a way to Inazuma,” Furina crossed her arms. “I want protection while we’re there. If a single Fatui soldier attacks us while we’re in Inazuma, as they’ve so graciously done in Mondstadt…”

Ekaterina stiffened. “Who are you to threaten Master Childe?”

“Calm down, Ekaterina, it’s fine,” Childe soothed. “That’s reasonable. I’ll spread the word.”

“It’s a deal, then.” Furina lifted her hand.

They shook on it.

“What a negotiator you are!” Childe clapped. “And… Did you say your name was Furina…?”

“What’s it to you?” Furina folded her arms even more.

“Nothing, nothing, keeping your name in mind for later,” Childe beamed. “You should apply to join the Fatui! Maybe we’ll have a new Harbinger soon.”

No thanks.

“I’m good,” Furina nodded. “If there’s nothing else…”

He handed Lumine the Sigil, and she stashed it away in her inventory.

“Alright then. Farewell.”

The three of them walked out.

After they did, Furina immediately called on Hydro to search the area for elemental energy that would react with hers.

Hydro reacted with all other elements, after all.

Furina motioned for the two to make some idle small talk, nothing important. 

The Electro she sensed followed them all the way back to Baiju Guesthouse. 

After shutting the door and coating all available surfaces in a layer of Hydro that stopped all elemental energy bugs from coming through, Furina finally stopped talking to Paimon about tent preferences.

“We’re being watched,” Furina said finally. “One Electro user. Probably a Delusion– not strong enough of an energy to be a Vision.”

“Watched?” Paimon screeched. “What??”

“Bugs,” Lumine realized. “We’ve been bugged.”

“What?”

“Bugs are listening devices,” Lumine explained. “I can’t feel any presence watching us… and Furina feels elemental energy. They’ve planted ears on the walls.”

“Stupid Harbinger, after your comrades fucked up royally you still think you can dupe me? ” Furina tapped her foot, sending splashes of water up. “Your little Knave and that ‘Fair Lady’ character…”

“...Knave?” Paimon whispered. “Lumine, Furina keeps bringing up the Knave… she’s one of the Harbingers. Is there some animosity…?”

“These idiots …” the water started bubbling violently. 

Paimon floated just a bit closer to the ceiling.

“You know what?” Furina laughed. “Sure. I’ll do your stupid little side quest. When you try to double cross me, I’ll put you in a coma.”

The three of them took the time the next day to grab some illness masks.

Furina had noticed that whenever someone was sick in Liyue, they often bought the masks Fontainian surgeons would use. 

The three of them snuck out to get some takeout from Third-Round Knockout, only to be greeted with multiple newspaper handouts of them.

“Urgh…”

Furina snatched one and dragged Paimon behind a wall.

“This guy they’re interviewing is convinced we’re innocent, and this guy they’re interviewing is convinced we bribed Yanfei.” Furina crumpled up the paper and tossed it behind her, where it melted into water as it fell. “The press is as stupid as always.” 

“Paimon always forgets you’re a celebrity in Fontaine,” Paimon said thoughtfully. “It’s really a wonder no one noticed you before this!”

“People are stupid and I never liked getting my picture taken,” Furina stomped out of the alleyway and pushed her way through the crowd, leading them back to Baiju Guesthouse.

Lumine shrugged at Paimon and followed Furina. 

The people noticed their masks and their warm clothing (for they had covered themselves with cloaks) and immediately made a wide path for them, covering their mouths and looking away. 

Furina pushed open the door to the hotel, stomped up the stairs, unlocked the door and slammed it closed again. 

I do really still hate the Knave.

I used to just feel blind fear… but really…

Lumine set the takeout down and Paimon started nibbling tentatively at the food.

“We leave tomorrow at dawn,” Furina announced, setting two backpacking bags down. “Fill these two and we’ll leave for Jueyun Karst.”

Chapter Text

“The mountains here are really tall,” Lumine observed, tossing a white tassel to the side after plucking the star-shaped jewels and Mora from the treasure chest.

“Yeah,” Furina stomped down on the last Pyro Slime and it exploded into goo. “Bleurgh..”

“It’s so pretty here!” Paimon cheered. “Like that tree… plus, there’s an entire view of Celestia from here.”

Furina glanced up.

The floating palace of the gods twinkled cheerily in the sunlight, the Celestial Nails primed to drop.

“Yeah,” Furina rolled her eyes. “The stories say that Celestia dropped those Nails like candy.”

Paimon turned around and gazed at Dragonspine.

“Paimon’s heard stories about Dragonspine and how a Nail was dropped there,” Paimon said thoughtfully.

“I’ve sent spies up there before, nothing worked,” Furina shrugged. “The wind is too strong and the temperature is too cold for the expeditions to work out.” 

Lumine looked up at the mountain thoughtfully, but turned back to her chest and shut it after stashing away the valuables she liked. 

“Eh, whatever. Let’s go.”

Furina grumbled something and followed.

“There’s so much amber here… Lumine stabbed her sword through the fourth amber crystal they found as Paimon spoke. “Wonder what made all of this.”

A little crystalfly fluttered out, doing a few loops before landing gracefully on a tree branch.

Furina threw a rock at it. 

The crystalfly flapped away before it hit. Furina promptly suffocated it in water, and it fell to the ground.

Lumine picked it up. “Good quality core… we can trade this in at the Guild for some of those rocks.”

“The Hydro rocks that increase your affinity with the Archon,” Furina sighed. “Sounds a bit questionable, don’t you think?”

Lumine nodded. “It’s still interesting. The bigger chunks… they hold a LOT of Hydro energy.”

Furina pulled out the chunks Katheryne had given her as a sample. 

She could feel the Hydro, but it was faint– like a new Vision holder who hadn’t yet grasped their potential.

“What do you even do with those?” Paimon asked, fluttering back to inspect the rock. “Eat it?”

“We can get Furina to eat it to find out,” Lumine suggested.

“Ha-ha,” Furina tucked it back into her pocket realm. “No, I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure there’s some ritual where they feed these rocks into Visions– but as neither of us have Visions, this doesn’t help one bit.”

Lumine chewed on her lip and continued up the mountain. 

“This is… which adeptus is this again?”

“Hm… ‘Mountain Shaper’ lives here, according to the map.” Paimon pointed at the name scribbled above ‘Mt. Hulao’.

“Lumine? The Sigil?” 

“Got it.”

Furina stretched. “We’re almost at the top. Paimon, if the adeptus attacks, you fly away as far as possible and keep watch from there.”

Paimon nodded. 

Furina saw the tree that marked the top of the mountain and cautiously walked past.

A pond, and a crack in the mountain– leading to the abode of the adeptus, apparently.

These guys remind me of pilgrim tales from Sumeru…

Lumine walked up to the adeptus sigil keeping the door to the abode shut and whacked it two times with her fist.

…

“ WHO DARES TRESPASS ON MY MOUNTAIN?”

Lumine backed up quickly and Paimon poised herself to fly the other way.

“We come bearing news!” Furina called. “I–”

“Ugh, do I have to do this?” she whispered to Lumine.

Lumine nodded vigorously.

“May I request permission to–” bleargh… –”talk to you outside? This is news you don’t want to miss.”

“... VERY WELL.”

A bird came out of the mountain crack and Furina fought the urge to laugh.

Lumine presented the Sigil of Permission.

“A Sigil of Permission…? One was unaware that such things still existed in the mortal realm…”

This guy is more high-and-mighty than that Harbinger was.

Ugh… has being an Archon lost so much weight? I was some mascot of Fontaine for the last five hundred years! I’d HOPE he cooped himself up for so long he doesn’t know who I am!

“In the old days, Rex Lapis himself cast these for mortals with his own hand.” the adeptus’ voice had shrunk considerably after leaving his abode. “One, along with the other adepti, were contract-bound to hear out any who came to us with such Sigils. Speak– but take care to speak the truth, for Liyue Harbor is not so far away that one is easily deceived.”

Lumine and Furina silently shared a glance. Bitch.

“WHAT?”

Paimon floated a few paces back. 

“Rex Lapis… assassinated?” Mountain Shaper stomped and flapped his wings. “At the Rite of Descension itself! The incompetent Qixing… who dared to commit such treason??”

“Hey, hey,” Furina said. “Calm down . We just told you no one killed Rex Lapis. Hello?? I thought you just said ‘Liyue Harbor is not so far away’? Explosive god death magic here??”

“One does not appreciate your condescending tone,” Mountain Shaper stomped again. “We adepti were charged with the protection of humanity by Rex Lapis himself. As your kind flourished, we retreated into the mountains. Indeed, twas a gesture of goodwill to humanity– but with you being a prime example, perhaps it is time we give a reminder to the rest of you.”

“How crazy is that?” Furina scoffed. “How long has it been since you talked to someone here?”

“That matters not,” the adeptus glared at her. “One shall reconvene with the other adepti to discuss. If you are correct, and Rex Lapis has simply ascended back to Celestia, one might forgive this transgression. If he was truly assassinated… one cannot guarantee your safety.”

“Toodle-oo, then,” Furina waved. “We’re going to the other adepti now. You know where Moon Carver is?” 

Mountain Shaper went back into his abode. “Do not push your luck, mortal. One has tolerated you on account of the news you have delivered and the Sigil you possess. Do not attempt to aggravate me further.”

“What a pretentious prick,” Furina scoffed as they descended the mountain. “He’s soooo used to being worshipped that the slightest bit of recoil lands him in a horrible mood. Bitch.”

“Be as it may, Furina, it’s still important to not aggravate the adepti…” Paimon twiddled her thumbs. “Paimon thinks we’re pretty lucky. He agreed to talk to the other adepti!”

“Isn’t that what we’re about to do? Talk… to the adepti?”

“...Furina, please try to be less disrespectful to Moon Carver and Cloud Retainer.”

“Who dares to disturb the sacred lands of Jueyun Karst?”

Lumine presented the Sigil. 

Moon Carver recoiled, looking at the Sigil.

“Hmm… A Sigil of Permission. One was not aware that these still existed, but one will honor the contractual obligation to hear you speak.”

“He before you is the mighty adeptus, Moon Carver. What business do you have here?”

“One has arrived here in Jueyun Karst along with one’s travel companions, Lumine and Paimon,” Furina did a flamboyant performer’s bow. “Persecuted by the Qixing, we stand here before thee bearing news.”

“...continue.”

Flabbergasted when someone talks back to you in your own language? Psh.

“One knows you must be aware that this time of year is reserved for the Rite of Descension. This ye–”

The clang of steel echoed through the valley. Moon Carver turned to see Lumine throwing a spear cut cleanly in half onto the ground. 

“Did you just try to fucking assassinate her?” Furina summoned her sword and ran after the man in the Millileth soldier. “Come back here, you coward!”

A whole fucking squadron of Millileth, each bearing multiple medals, came running at them. 

I remember this. In my last life… in my last life, Lumine was attacked too. The Steambird covered it well.

“Coward?” the leader shouted back. “It is you who attempted to seek refuge amongst the adepti, feeding them lies! All forces, focus on apprehending the assassins!”

Moon Carver did a full 180 and walked towards a nearby tree. “Deal with the disturbances, and one will hear you out.”

Are all of the adepti so prissy???

The group charged, but Furina summoned the water of the river near them and sent it crashing down full force. Lumine ran in with a dull blade she had picked up, swinging at them.

After a short fight, all of the Millileth were down.

Lumine and Furina tied them up in a bunch and left them squatting by the river with their armored boots full of water. 

Furina grabbed the ringleader by the arm and dragged him back to the pagoda Moon Carver was calmly sniffing the flowers at.

Paimon floated up and slapped him a few times.

“U…ugh…”

“Thank you for that suspiciously long rope you had on you,” Furina nodded at Lumine.

She nodded solemnly back. “You never know.”

“I’ll never question your hoarding habits again.”

“Uhhg… y-you!”

“Alright, he’s conscious,” Furina sneered. “Who sent you?”

He didn’t answer.

“We can make this easy and you can tell us immediately, or I’ll slowly waterboard you until you drown and get the guy with the highest number of medals pinned to his chest.”

He stayed silent, eyes glaring up at her.

“Well, you did just try to question an Archon,” Furina sighed. “Alright. Lumine, shift him into a lying position.”

Lumine did so, and handed Furina a piece of fabric.

Furina nodded approvingly, then created a slope under him of solid water.

“What– what did you just say??” the man panicked. “A-archon??”

Moon Carver looked similarly surprised. “Archon?”

“Last chance.” Furina summoned a sphere of water and dropped a droplet on his forehead. 

“...!”

He ended up talking.

Smart.

Maybe the way to go was to make the people fear her as much as possible…? 

Whatever. She’d ask the Raiden Shogun when they got to Inazuma.

“Mm…”

The guy spluttered, water leaking out of his nose.

“Ningguang…” Furina pondered.

“I knew her to be a brilliant merchant and the richest person in Teyvat, but I really didn’t peg the Tianquan to be a person who’d send her best Millileth assassins after people who were proved innocent.”

“Lady Ningguang said she knew you two were hiding something…” he mumbled. “We weren’t supposed to kill you, I swear! Just bring you in for interrogation.”

“And what a wonderful job you did!” Furina nodded, a sugar sweet smile on her face. “Alright. Go back to your little hit squad. Tell Ningguang to fuck off, and then maybe I won’t kill her in her sleep.”

…

He scrambled off, coughing.

“One cannot say one approves of your methods,” Moon Carver finally said. “But your friend was nearly murdered, and you had the mercy to leave them alive. One cannot recall Rex Lapis showing the same restraint in the Archon War.”

“Mm, fascinating.” Furina sat down on a water bubble. “So. Rex Lapis.”

“He really was right,” Paimon shook her head. “We should’ve just introduced you as Focalors from the start. Your left eye and hair was glowing back then too… you’re scary when you want to be.”

Furina smiled. “I guess. Cloud Retainer is just up there… let’s hope she’s more like Moon Carver and less like Mountain Shaper.”

Furina, Lumine, and Paimon stepped into a small pond. Paimon lowered herself so she was touching the water, and Furina sent them up in a water balloon, speeding towards Mt. Aocang.

“This is much better!” Paimon nodded approvingly. “Less watersickness, better view!”

Furina laughed. “Anything for you, your Royal Hungriness.”

“Hey!”

They landed in the middle of the lake, where a bird and two women were eating.

I’ve… seen this one before…

All six of them froze for a moment.

The bird and the woman with horns reacted first. 

The illuminated bird, beak opened and poised to shout some manner of ‘trespasser’, was stopped by the horn lady.

“...Madam Focalors? What brings you to Jueyun Karst?”

The bird whipped around. “What?”

“I’ve seen her before, in meetings,” horn-woman said, dipping into a bow. “You are Furina de Fontaine? Lady Focalors, Archon of Hydro?”

“Er… yes…” 

Furina frantically tried to recall her name. “Yangu?”

“...Ganyu.”

“Ah. Yes. Ganyu. It’s, er, nice to see you again. Why aren’t you in Liyue Harbor?”

“She recognizes Furina?” Paimon whispered. 

“Of course! Though many people here don’t know anyone outside of Liyue, it’s very hard to forget what an Archon looks like.” Ganyu motioned to the food. “Biscuit?”

“Did you not see the newspaper photos?” Paimon asked between bites. “Oh no… our cover is even more blown than Paimon thought!”

“I haven’t been in Liyue since the death of Rex Lapis,” Ganyu admitted. “Maste– Cloud Retainer called me back immediately for fear I would be the… what did you say?”

“Ahem,” Cloud Retainer sniffed. “One’s worries were most justified. If the adeptus killer went to Liyue Harbor, it was prudent to withdraw you from your duties.”

“Ganyu was very stressed when she first came here,” the taller, white-haired lady said. “She was bothered by work, saying that ‘Lady Keqing would have her head’.”

“Ah!” Ganyu blushed. “I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce you. Um… Lady Focalors, Miss Lumine, and Miss Paimon, this is Shenhe, another disciple of Cloud Retainer.”

“Mm.” Furina sipped her tea, eyeing Shenhe, who was thoughtfully chewing on a mountain flower. “Are you human? You don’t exude an adeptal aura.”

Shenhe nodded. 

Cloud Retainer glanced at Lumine. “One sees that you have procured a Sigil of Permission. While one was not aware such a thing still existed, one is duty-bound to hear your words. What request have you for one?”

“Ganyu already told you of Rex Lapis’ death, right?” Furina set her teacup down. “We came to inform the most influential of adepti in Jueyun Karst.”

“An Archon acting messenger? Hmmph.” Cloud Retainer sighed indignantly. “No matter. Ganyu has informed one already. The Conqueror of Demons is already on the lookout for those who might’ve attempted an attack… however likely an assassin may be.”

“Yeah,” Furina shifted uncomfortably. “So Lumine and I were kind of accused of killing Rex Lapis.”

Cloud Retainer did the motion of arching an eyebrow, the skin above her eyes twitching. “Is that so? One would hope you proved them wrong.”

“We did, but then Ningguang sent a hit squad to kidnap us back to Liyue Harbor.”

“Is that how the Tianquan treats those who were proved innocent in the court of law?” Cloud Retainer huffed. 

“Lady Ningguang sent… a hit squad?” Ganyu worried at her Vision. “Oh no…”

“We sent them packing, though!” Paimon put her hands on her hips. “You should’ve seen Furina! One wave… ka-floom! Millileth on the ground!”

“One does not recall hearing of your exploits in battle,” Cloud Retainer nodded. “We must spar sometime.”

“You’re taking the death of your Archon surprisingly well,” Furina crossed her arms. “Moon Carver and especially Mountain Shaper were both rather pissed.”

Cloud Retainer snorted. 

“Master did think that too,” Shenhe nibbled on a leaf. “Ganyu had to remind her about the godly residue from the Archon War, and the deadly effects of that.”

“Right,” Furina smiled. “ Finally, someone with sense. Morax must’ve ascended back to the realm of the gods, or otherwise passed peacefully.”

Cloud Retainer glared at Shenhe. “Though Shenhe’s explanation lacks important context, she is… mostly right. The Conquerer of Demo–”

A flash of turquoise and black appeared, and Furina felt the blast of karmic energy she had felt observing her in Wangshu Inn.

Chapter Text

“You!” 

Furina recoiled, pushing Lumine back and entering a defensive stance.

Similarly, the so-called ‘Conqueror of Demons’ entered an attack stance, pushing Ganyu and Shenhe behind Cloud Retainer.

The two both readied their weapons and prepared to fight, but a gust of wind knocked both of them back.

“What is the meaning of this?” Cloud Retainer demanded. “Explain yourselves at once! One will not have violence on the sacred lands of Mount. Aocang!”

Furina whipped her head around. “What– are you kidding me? You guys are in kahoots?? Are you trying to assassinate me for killing your Rex Lapis??”

The Conqueror of Demons turned around. “You killed Rex Lapis…?!”

“I– er… no…?”

“That wasn’t very confident,” he hissed. “Rex Lapis is dead?”

Cloud Retainer flapped her wings again and a gust of wind knocked them both back further.

“Does one’s word carry so little weight that neither of you two will listen in one's own home?” she stomped. “I’ll only ask once! Explain yourselves!”

“...”

“...”

“Sorry for trying to attack you. Mortals like you shouldn’t be around Jueyun Karst.”

“Did you just try to call me a mortal??” Furina snapped, her heart dropping to her stomach.

“You feel like one. An abundance of Hydro Energy, and a potent curse.”

Furina tried to keep herself calm. “Well that karmic debt of yours must have muddled your senses.”

She held out her gnosis and Xiao, as he had introduced himself, looked at it.

“...okay. And…?”

“I’m the Archon of Hydro.”

He arched his brow. “Archon?”

“I… I was cursed, but I’m an Archon.”

“Oh. Another Archon cursed you?”

He can tell?????????

“I, uh, cursed myself, five hundred years ago.”

And that was all she had to say.

Cloud Retainer and Xiao shared a glance and nodded.

“Shenhe’s been safely evacuated to Mount. Hulao for the time being,” Ganyu came back up the steps. “Thank you for the wind current, Master.”

“Of course. One’s disciples should not be wandering around Jueyun Karst for more time than is necessary.”

“Mountain Shaper had some Almond Tofu cooking, Xiao,” Ganyu set a plate down and took off the chamois leather covering it. “I hope it’s to your liking.”

Furina filed that information away in the corner of her mind.

He ate it slowly as the five of them sat on various elemental creations.

“Rex Lapis is… dead…?”

“We think so,” Furina concluded. “Not a violent death, though.”

He nodded. “I didn’t sense enough karmic residue for it to be.”

…

“So… what now?”

This fellow puts a damper on the mood.

“We’re done with this, so I guess we can go back to Liyue Harbor?” Paimon wondered. “Paimon thinks we’re done here.”

“I guess,” Furina sighed, secretly glad to not be the one suggesting it. “But we’ll have to pay the Qixing a little visit when we see the Jade Chamber.”

“Oh!” Ganyu nodded. “That’s a good idea. You should see Lady Keqing– she’ll be able to get you up there.”

“Thank you, Ganyu,” Furina smiled. “Thank you, Cloud Retainer. We’ll bring you some souvenirs when we visit next time.”

Cloud Retainer looked pleased. “If there are new ones, perhaps you could bring one a new mortal machine?”

“Fontaine has technology far above the rest of Teyvat,” Furina promised. “I’ll bring you something from there.”

Furina exhausted her water transport power around sundown, still quite far from Liyue Harbor.

“It’s so dry here…” Furina took a sip from the canteen. “Does no one have respect for the waters now?”

“This is probably just a dry patch,” Lumine reasoned. “The river went north, we went south– that’s probably why.”

“Ughhhh.”

“It’s fine. Let’s set up camp for the night.”

Furina looked uneasily at the mountains around them. “We saw an innumerable amount of hilichurls and other monsters around here. Are you sure it’s safe here…?”

Lumine sighed. “We can take turns keeping watch. I wonder if those mountain-crack reality-bending abodes could be made portable…”

After the tent was set up and Furina had set up a water barrier that would immobilize anyone that stepped on it in a bubble of water, Lumine started a fire and hunted some boars down.

Furina looked approvingly at the boar she had caught. “Good jowl and loin cuts. We can save the rest for tomorrow morning.” 

Furina washed the blood off and stabbed a skewer through the cut. She used a bubble of pure Hydro energy to put the rest of the boar into suspended animation and shoved it into her Hydro pocket dimension. 

“Allllllright then. While it’s cooking, wanna spar?”

Lumine smiled and adjusted her skirt. “Now we’re talking.”

Now that Lumine had been regaining more and more of her original strength, sparring with her was no longer just brute Hydro force.

Furina twisted to one side as Lumine stabbed her water blade towards Furina’s head.

Furina had derived a good way of injury-free sparring; by creating blades around the same weight as their real weapons out of water that would melt when landing a direct hit on someone, there was both an easy way and a risk-free way to spar.

The blade wet the ends of her hair, but as the hit wasn’t hard enough to break the enhanced surface tension, and the weapon held up.

Furina jumped as Lumine swept her leg at her, taking the opportunity to summon Hydro and try to encase her head.

Lumine forced condensed Anemo out of her mouth, and the Hydro bubble exploded. 

But Furina’s original plan had worked– she had ample time to recharge stamina, using cooling Hydro to soothe the wound from the kick she had sustained earlier.

Lumine charged forwards, ducking as Furina twirled around and swung her blade, causing a wave to ripple out– she feinted upwards, and as Furina ducked, used the handle of the blade to hit her forehead and thrust the sword forwards, leaving a puddle of water on Furina’s chest.

Both of them panted for a moment, remnants of Hydro energy flickering around Furina.

“That was good,” Lumine commented. “You’re getting better much faster than I thought you would.”

“Hey!” Furina huffed, taking a sip out of the canteen Lumine handed her. “Rude, much?”

“Sorry,” Lumine laughed. “Not many people take up sword fighting as fast as you did.”

The alluring smell of roast pork wafted over, and the three of them enjoyed a cut each, along with some sliced Sunsettia for dessert.

“That was good fighting!” Paimon complimented. “You two get better every day, hehe! You better win some battles for Paimon!”

Furina chuckled. “We’ll try.”

The next morning, Furina siphoned all the moisture out of the remaining boar meat to make pork jerky. Lumine seasoned it a bit, put it in a wooden container, and put it in her inventory for later.

“Hold on!”

Furina sent the water bubble towards Liyue.

As they flew, Furina noted how big Liyue really was. Fontaine was not small by any stretch of the word, but Liyue was even bigger than Mondstadt. 

However… she had heard tales of people getting lost in Sumeru’s endless deserts. Maybe her opinion would change.

Endless stretches of dry sand with hardly any water… sounded terrifying. 

Though, Furina thought, bittersweet. There’s not much chance of a flood happening there, mm?

Furina landed them in front of the Baiju Guesthouse, where most of the paparazzi had cleared up. 

“We were only gone for two days and they cleared up already?” Paimon wondered. “The media sure loses interest fast in Liyue…”

“All the better,” Furina shrugged, picking up a few newspapers from a stand and pushing a few Mora into the slot. “We won’t be bothered anymore.”

Lumine took the paper and scanned it.

“Uh… Furina?” 

Furina peeked over after unlocking the door to their room.

HYDRO ARCHON FOCALORS PROVEN INNOCENT IN TRIAL FOR REX LAPIS’S MURDER

“You have got to be kidding me,” Lumine sighed. “And I thought we’d be off scot-free too…”

The next few days passed uneventfully. Furina sent Lumine out for groceries, since she was the less conspicuous one of the two.

“Lumine, is

A knock on the door.

Furina summoned her weapon, hiding it behind her back as she approached the peephole. 

A muffled voice came out, stern and professional. 

“Greetings, Madam Focalors. I am Keqing, Yuheng of the Qixing, here to seek an audience.”

…?

Furina opened the door, unsummoning her weapon but staying tense.

“...yes?”

“May I come in? I’ve brought tea and cakes.”

Furina turned around to look at Lumine and Paimon.

“Well, she did bring cakes!” Paimon smiled. “Come on in!”

“I hope your stay has been well thus far,” Keqing nodded. “You did excellently in the trial– half of the Ministry of Civil Affairs is talking about you.”

“Thank you.” Furina took a sip from the tea. “This is delectable, by the way.”

Keqing smiled. “Thank you, Lady Furina. This is fine imported Gyokuro tea from Inazuma– I can have a batch sent to you if you’d like.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Furina assured, setting her teacup down and making a mental note. “I can have some imported to the Palais Mermonia. Or, better yet, I can get some tea when I visit Inazuma.”

“Have you gotten clearance?” Keqing questioned. “I hear it’s quite hard to get in, with the Sakoku Decree in effect.”

“I guess,” Furina shrugged lightly. “But it’s quite easy to get clearance when you have a valid reason.”

And a boatload of money.

Keqing laughed. “Our strategists predict that Inazuma will open up by the end of this year. After the Rite of Parting for Rex Lapis, we’ll probably start discussing that.”

“Sanctions for free trade?” Furina asked. “That worked well for the Natlan wars a couple centuries ago.”

“I guess we’ll discuss with Lady Ningguang during the next meeting,” Keqing nodded. “Speaking of which, she asked me to ask you for an audience at the Jade Chamber in a few days.”

…

“After attacking Lumine?” Furina gestured to the blonde in question.

She waved weakly and Paimon batted at her shoulder.

“Not likely.”

“I know you said that Lady Ningguang sent a hit squad after you,” Keqing frowned. “But I accessed the Millileth records just a day prior. Any and all official Millileth activity should be redirected there– none, even us the Qixing, dare to break this rule.”

“I see then. Very well… I’ll ask her myself. When did she say the meeting was to be?”

“Two days from now, noon on the dot.”

“The almighty Tianquan of the Qixing found time in her schedule that fast?”

“...she picked out the least important meeting, scheduled it further back, and set aside this time.”

“I see. How honored I am.”

Lumine squinted at the strip of paper as they stood beside the floating plaustrite platform.

“Do… you… sell the moon here?”

The man reading the newspaper beside the platform stood up, surprised.

“Yes.. How many would you like?”

“It would be, uh, unwise to speak of numbers here.”

“Excellently said. Are you three, by chance, the visitors Lady Ningguang has requested to meet today?”

“Yes,” Furina said, annoyed. “Can we go up?”

“A-ah! Of course. Right this way…”

He turned around and mumbled something about “Yuheng” before the platform started ascending. 

Furina tried not to look down, because she was pretty sure she’d fall off if she did.

Paimon was still waiting for something to happen, so the platform hit her when she failed to ascend fast enough.

“Ow!”

Lumine picked up Paimon and laughed. “Float faster next time.”

The ascent of the platform visibly slowed after reaching the first layer of wispy cloud. 

“Ohh… if we’re meeting the richest person in Teyvat, shouldn’t we have brought a gift…?”

That’s proper protocol for Archons, but she’s hardly a god.

“There’s nothing we could really give her anyways,” Furina pointed out. “We haven’t collected a lot of souvenirs.”

Lumine pulled out a turquoise crystal.

A turquoise–

“You took Dvalin’s crystallized poison??” Furina demanded.

“Hey!” Lumine protested. “I thought we’d established I was a hoarder!” 

Paimon seemed over the moon. “That’s a rare and exotic gift! Ohhhh even an Archon would appreciate that!”

“I don’t think Venti would appreciate seeing his friend’s purified poison.” Furina crossed her arms. “That’s like gifting me a piece of Neuvillette’s charred hair.”

“Oh.” Paimon stopped wiggling in Lumine’s arms. “I guess.”

“But as much as I hate it,” Furina lamented. “You’re right. Hand it over, let’s package it up.”

Chapter Text

“The Jade Chamber…”

Even Furina had to admit that this place was majestic, even more so than staring at it from afar.

She tried her hardest not to look down, as she had on the platform, and walked over to the two guards blocking the entrance.

They let her through without a word.

Good.

Ningguang was at the entrance, and it seemed she had been waiting there for quite some time. She was consulting someone else– a secretary? – and turned around to Furina.

“Ah. Madam Focalors… you’re quite early.”

“A good first impression matters, especially when you’re the one I’ll be negotiating with now.” Furina shrugged. 

“We brought you a gift!” Paimon piped up. “Furina and Lumine have gathered this from the Dragon of the East during our travels in Mondstadt!”

Ningguang took the box. “A gift for me? You have my thanks. Considering you were my guests, I suppose I should’ve prepared something more than what I did.”

Her secretary came forwards to Furina, holding a round box with a stamp sealing it shut. 

“For you, Madam Focalors,” she said. “From Lady Ningguang. We hope it is to your liking.”

Furina opened it. 

It was a cloudy glass rhombus.

A Masterless Vision.

From the looks of the metal frame, a Liyuen Vision.

..what am I supposed to do with this?

“In most families, Masterless Visions become important family heirlooms,” Ningguang commented. “This one belonged to a previous Tianquan– it was said that he once halted a fleet of invading ships with his Hydro power alone.”

Oh shit, can I do that?

Focalors gave a tiny nudge.

That’s amazing! Could… could I stop the flood with sheer force of will?

…probably not. Focalors wouldn’t have needed to create me if that was it.

“I see.”

Paimon snatched it immediately and inspected it.

… 

“Alright, then.” Ningguang gestured to an office area. “Let us begin.”

“Hit squad…?” Ningguang mused. “I have never sent such an elite military combat group, least of all after a god who could easily bring down heavenly retribution.”

Furina frowned. 

She doesn't seem like she’s lying… but neither did the terrified soldier. His fear was real.

“But the soldier… he seemed so convinced!” Paimon shook her head. “He nearly took Lumine’s head off!”

“Hmm…” Ningguang mused. “Lady Furina? Anything you wish to contribute?”

Furina shifted on her seat.

She reminds me of the Knave…

“The soldier had real fear,” Furina finally said. “But as far as I know, no godly power can tell lies. I just… learned how to read expressions. Really well.”

Ningguang looked momentarily taken aback, doing an impressive job of slamming her face into a neutral expression. “...I see. What if this fear wasn’t of you, nor of me?”

Paimon’s eyes widened. “Someone else sent him!”

Furina looked down. “Who else has that kind of power and that kind of vendetta against me?” 

The Knave.

“Signora!” Paimon shrieked. “Her again!”

… Oh yeah. Her. I forgot.

“The… The Fair Lady?” Ningguang looked momentarily taken aback. “I thought her to be above sending assassins.”

“She jumped the Anemo Archon,” Lumine shrugged. “Not too sure what she’s above.”

Ningguang looked to one of her secretaries, and she made a note on a piece of parchment.

“Very well. During our next diplomatic meeting, I will bring this up.”

…

“No.” Furina said quietly.

“Pardon?”

“I said no. Where are her current lodgings?”

“Lady Furina, I canno–”

“One of my friends –” And the future savior of Liyue– “was nearly killed by her lackies. I’ll bring this up to her myself.”

Ningguang looked to be mentally debating the pros and cons. 

She seemed to decide that inciting the wrath of an Archon was not worth it.

“And if I give you her location?”

“I’ll pay her a little visit, is all.” 

Having the power to back up threats was amazing.

If her eyes flashed blue just once, everyone backs away.

Because that’s the weight of the title of Archon.

“Being an Archon is amazing,” Furina sighed dreamily, storing the box away. “I’ll never get used to this.”

Lumine and Paimon shared a glance.

“But you’ve been an Archon for five hundred years…?”

“Oh.” Furina turned around. “I have, b-but just the weight of your name is something you never really get used to.”

Paimon nodded, mollified. “That’s understandable. Paimon would never get used to it either!”

“ You’d probably use your title to get free Sweet Madames.” Furina teased.

“Hey!” Paimon crossed her arms. “You’re the one who implemented a bunch of weird laws in Fontaine!”

“That’s very true,” Furina said thoughtfully. “You’d be illegal the first three days of a month.”

“What??” Paimon shrieked.

“ You qualify as a ‘floating object’,” Furina nodded, smirking at Paimon’s increasingly outraged face. “We’d have to attach you to Lumine’s wrist or something.”

“L- like a balloon??” Paimon gasped, darting to Lumine’s side with pleading eyes. “Lumineeeee! Furina’s gone on a power trip! You have to stop her!”

Lumine snapped out of her thoughts and smiled at Paimon. “We’ll buy you some Grilled Tiger Fish tonight to make up for it, okay?”

Furina couldn’t help but notice her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Mhm! We just got our first paycheck from the Adventurer’s Guild, right?” Furina pat around for the cheque Katheryne gave them. “It’s actually quite a bit more than I expected! Though, still, not that much.”

At that, Lumine’s smile became a bit more real. “You are the Archon of Teyvat’s technological hub. You probably have access to more money than the entire Guild.”

Furina huffed. “My creations in Fontaine provide more than enough funds for our journey.”

Lumine laughed. “It’s still good to be in the Adventurer’s Guild. I hear they have a lot of good contacts.”

“Haven’t met a single ‘contact’ who can help me save Fontaine, nor have we met one that has seen your brother, though.”

Lumine smiled sadly.

“Anyways, since Signora is still outside of Liyue, we have a few days to relax and kick back.” Furina turned to Lumine and Paimon. “Let’s get that reward we were promised from that Harbinger.”

Childe was still in the bank, consulting Ekaterina about a recent debt collection.

Halfway to the Northland Bank, Furina felt that prick of Electro watching them again, and from the way Lumine had stiffened, she had too. 

And, of course, right on cue, he turned around, applauding.

“Welcome back! I can’t say I was expecting you to be back so soon, but this is a welcome surprise.” Childe motioned to Ekaterina, who pulled out a cheque. “Your five hundred thousand Mora, as promised.”

“And the talk?” Furina questioned, crossing her arms.

“I’ve sent a messenger to our active Harbinger in Inazuma, the Balladeer.” Childe nodded. “All forces in communication with him shouldn’t attack you during your stay in Inazuma.”

During your stay in Inazuma. Furina echoed. Still free to attack us in Liyue, or beyond. 

But… who’s the Balladeer…? 

“I see.” Furina handed the cheque to Paimon, who flew around in giddy circles looking at the number. “But I’m sure you’ve figured out who I am.”

Childe’s friendly smile wavered. “Signora told me, yes.”

“Not going to try and steal my gnosis?” 

“Signora’s methods are less-than-agreeable,” Childe argued. “Most other Harbingers are above such methods. You’re also an Archon– one of the most influential, in fact. I wouldn’t be able to guarantee the safety of me nor my family in Snezhnaya.”

He views family as important. 

“Alright then,” Furina nodded. “I believe, then, that our deal here is done.”

“Not quite,” Childe procured another large bag of Mora. “Per Liyue custom, I believe a business dinner is to be partaken in.”

“Dinner?” Paimon perked up.

“In the Liuli Pavillion, no less,” Childe beamed. “Every few weeks, we reserve a place just in case a situation like this comes up. Plus, there’s someone else I’d like you to meet.”

Lumine and Paimon looked at the menu with wide eyes. 

“So many options!!”

“I’ve tried many dishes, but some here are completely new!!”

An affluent-looking man in a crisp Fontainian suit exited one of the dining rooms looking posh as he talked with someone else. 

His eyes, disdainful, skimmed over Lumine, Paimon, and Childe, before instantly halting on Furina and shimmying away slowly.

Furina lifted her chin and entered the dining hall, taking a seat, herself and Lumine sandwiching Paimon between them. 

A few moments later, after placing their order for drinks, a man came in.

My Hydro!

The Hydro she had scattered on the man as a tracker was faint, but still there, muffled by a layer of solid Geo energy. 

This, then, was the suspicious man at Third-Round Knockout. 

Except now, a thin layer of recognition settled over her.

Where have I seen him before…?

Zhongli turned over to face Furina. “Hmm? Third-Round Knockout, of course.”

Oh, did I say that out loud…? 

“No, before that.” Furina frowned. “I’ve seen you before.”

His face was completely unreadable. Furina was mildly unsettled. “I do not believe we have.”

Furina’s eyes tracked his Vision as he sat down. He took a sip of the fragrant wine in his cup and motioned to Childe.

“Right. To business.” Childe nodded, handing the slip of paper with their order to the waitress. “So. I hear Director Hu has finished most of the preparation for the Rite of Parting?” 

The Rite. Lumine took part in it last time around, right? The Steambird had a column on it.

“She has,” Zhongli nodded. “I hear Lumine here is searching for the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis– who is, sadly, no longer among us.”

“Zhongli here works for the organization known as Wangsheng,” Childe fumbled with his chopsticks. “The Fatui have always appreciated friends who walk among the shadows.”

“That’s a funny way of talking about Liyue’s one and only funeral service.” Furina scoffed.

“I thought he meant a serial killing agency…!” Paimon whispered to Lumine.

She nodded back. 

The waitress came back with a few of their dishes on a rolling cart.

“But, nonetheless,” Zhongli set his cup down. “The body of Rex Lapis has been squirreled away by the Qixing– I hear you wish to meet the Archons? Then the Rite will be your last chance to do so.”

“But if he’s dead,” Lumine interjected. “How does that help me find my brother, and how does that help F– uhh, with anything at all?”

Childe glanced at Zhongli. 

“Gods have been known to have lingering spirit after death,” Zhongli said. “Recently, he is said to have sent dreams to the adepti. This is reason enough to attempt to communicate from beyond the veil, no?”

Alarm bells started ringing in Furina’s head.

How does he know that?

Those stuffy adepti wouldn’t have communicated with a mere human. 

“That’s true,” Lumine pondered. “And it wouldn’t take much time. The ceremony is just to be a quiet one, right?”

“Of course not!” Paimon shook her head. “Rex Lapis is the most important god of all. The Rite of Parting would be at least as publicized as the Rite of Descension!” 

“Paimon is correct,” Zhongli nodded. “The ritual itself is a somber affair, yet many will attend in hopes of seeing an adeptus up close. There is time for six weeks afterwards to leave individual offerings.

“In Liyuen culture, six is a lucky number.” Childe said, as he dropped a chopstick. “These chopsticks… uggh…”

Furina lifted her chin and flawlessly picked up a soup dumpling, neatly eating it in one bite. 

Lumine seemed to be well-versed in chopsticks already, and Paimon was enough of a gourmet to know how. 

“After a few final preparations for the Rite of Parting, we’ll be able to partake in it.” Zhongli helped himself to some more wine. “But by then, the entire place will be completely crowded with merchants and spectators. I believe it is best for you to visit the body while it is still placed under guard.”

“So dreams can visit us?” Paimon asked. “How does that work?”

“As a mere mortal, I dare not presume how the workings of an Archon happen,” Zhongli smiled. “But I hope the answer shall be clear when you visit.”

A Fatui agent came in and Childe’s eyes widened before he dropped his chopsticks, said a quick goodbye, and left.

…

“You seem awfully sure about this.” Furina finally said. “With your level of expertise, I don’t think you’re human.”

Zhongli raised an eyebrow. “Oh? I’m flattered that the Hydro Archon of Fontaine thinks my expertise to be that impressive.”

“No. I mean you really don’t seem human.” Furina’s eyes dropped to the Vision hanging behind the chair. “Lumine, look at his Vision.”

Lumine’s eyes flashed white and she looked down. 

“Has a Geo shimmer,” she shrugged. “Looks to be real.”

“Not quite . Give me the Geo gemstones we got from the commissions.” 

Zhongli suddenly stiffened. 

Lumine’s eyes flashed white again as she compared the two. 

“Nope, looks different.”

“What?”

Lumine compared the two again, before pulling out a Hydro gemstone and comparing it to Furina’s Vision. 

“It looks real,” Lumine repeated. “It has a different shimmer from your Vision, and a different shimmer from the gemstone.”

If my old false Vision was made from those gemstones… how come Signora didn’t notice…?

Something else to question her about when I bash her face in.

“I…”

Wrong again, Furina. 

“Lyney couldn’t have killed Cowell, because… uh… Cowell killed Cowell!”

“I’m sorry, Monsieur,” Furina said. “Good day to you.”

“He gave us this map…” Paimon inspected the map in question. “This location… should be the Golden House!” 

Paimon flew towards the exit. “Let’s go, then!”

Lumine looked at the gemstone. “Furina…” 

“It’s fine,” Furina sighed. “Even an Archon is bound to be wrong sometimes.”

“No, not that,” Lumine shook her head. “You know your gnosis?” 

“...what about it?”

“It had a concentration of Geo as high as that.” Lumine shrugged helplessly. “I think you’re right, anyways. There’s no way this guy’s a regular person.”

“I–”

Furina jumped as a massive earthquake rumbled through the road. 

“What was that?” Paimon shrieked. 

Lumine looked to Furina and they both nodded. Lumine grabbed Paimon and they melted into bubbles, landing on a roof.

The three adepti they had met up with were raging at Ningguang, who seemed just as resolute. Keqing stood behind Ningguang, along with a few of the Millileth.

Wait, no– two of the adepti. Cloud Retainer was having another reunion with Ganyu, asking if she had been eating well. 

“Really? It’s hardly been a few days!” Paimon crossed her arms.

Furina laughed. 

Lumine scanned the sight again, watching as they argued, but a mop of ginger hair caught her eye.

“Furina,” Lumine said urgently. “Childe.”

Furina’s gaze snapped over to his hand. A piece of paper…

She turned to Paimon, looking at her hand– it was empty. 

“What–” 

Paimon followed Furina’s gaze.

…

“Paimon’s sorry!!”

Lumine looked around too, sighed, and leapt off, using her wing glider to slowly follow Childe to the small building in the distance. 

Chapter Text

Paimon crashed into a tree during landing, while Furina and Lumine landed gracefully on the ground. 

Paimon rubbed her head sadly and stomped the air while she yelled at Furina for something. 

The guards of the Golden House had been wounded— not seriously, though. 

“Looks like a blunt hit on the head,” Lumine observed. “We should call a medic.”

“Not now,” Furina strode past them and blasted the door open. “We still have business that takes priority, you know.” 

Paimon floated in cautiously as Furina’s eyes slowly adjusted to the dimmer light level. 

That’s— a lot of Mora.

“That’s a lot of Mora!” Paimon cheered, diving in and rolling around in the freshly minted Mora. “Ahhhh! Oh, the smell of money!”

Lumine came in after them and shut the door.

Furina turned around to meet with Lumine, who already had her sword drawn and scanning the area for danger.

There.

A Hydro construct— perhaps a blade, by the shape of it— flew towards them, clearly aimed for the head.

Furina pulled together her will, whipping around and slashing her right arm to the side. 

She heard a satisfying splash as the blade landed, formless on the Mora below.

“I can’t say I wasn’t expecting you guys here,” Childe clapped, standing beside the body of Rex Lapis. “But too little, too late. You’ve fulfilled your jobs as guides, have you not?”

He tapped the body a few times, the scales rattling a bit. 

“If you were Fatui, I’d expect you’d be entitled to a feast and a generous reward from the Tsaritsa herself. But now? Archon or not, all you’re doing is standing in my way like worthless dross.”

“You Harbingers really are all the same,” Furina snarled, drawing her sword and walking forwards. “With your treatment of others, can you even call yourselves devotees of the Tsaritsa?”

Childe stiffened. “Her Majesty the Tsaritsa’s dream is the purest thing in this world. We simply follow through to see it happen.”

“Your Tsaritsa, who rules with an iron fist? If the master is anything like the mutts, she’s a far cry from the ‘purest thing,’ don’t you think?”

“...mm.” 

Childe reached forward, his hand stabbing through the chest of the body, glowing with white light. 

Furina could feel the waves of Cryo spilling out, with just a faint bit of Geo leaking out from the body.

Is this— the Tsaritsa’s power…?

It doesn’t matter. She has no right to treat her fellow gods this way, no matter how much power she has!

He withdrew his hand; it was empty. 

Childe whipped around, fury in his eyes, before it softened into manic amusement. 

“I see, then,” he chuckled. “The gnosis isn’t there. You guys had the map— you must’ve gotten to it before I did.”

“This guy is off his rocker,” Lumine whispered.

“And even if it’s not, I’ll settle for one gnosis. And the thrill of battle is something I simply cannot pass up.”

Wait—

He lifted his bow and fired two shots of Hydro, which Lumine deflected by quickly setting up a shield. 

Paimon, luckily, had enough sense to fly away from danger, and not towards it.

The Geo cracked under the force of four repetitive shots, before shattering completely with the fifth. 

Furina ran towards him, lifting her sword and throwing it up, using her right hand to throw down three amorphous blobs, pulsating and spewing bubbles at him.

Childe stumbled in the middle of another shot and seemingly snapped his bow in half in favor of dual knives; the blades Furina had felt coming towards them. 

He slashed apart two bubbles and deflected Furina’s blow, turning around and throwing a blade at Lumine, who was jumping at him with her blade elongated with Geo energy. 

Furina panicked, dropping her sword and spreading her arms, causing the blades to fall into formless water, but the momentum still struck Lumine in the chest, causing her to fall to the ground. 

Paimon flew over, yelling something in Lumine’s ear and trying to lug her out of danger as Furina sent her three blobs crashing towards Childe.

He stumbled, and Furina took the chance to run towards Lumine.

Lumine staggered a bit but stood up, dusting her dress off.

Childe was up too, his bow aimed at the ceil—

“What the—!”

A massive whale sprouted out of his bow, poised to flood the entire area if nothing stopped it.

Furina thrust her hands up, kicking her dropped sword up and pointing it at the whale.

The entirety of the water entered the tip of the blade, she raised her sword, scanning the area for Childe—

Lumine jumped in just in time, knocking Childe off course right before his outstretched hand met it’s mark.

“What the fuck?” Furina cursed, slashing her sword and sending the wave of Hydro back at him. “Did you just try to steal my gnosis? Did your Tsaritsa teach you any manners??”

“If it worked for Signora, it might’ve worked for me too,” he said apologetically. “You can’t fault me for trying.”

I absolutely can! 

Furina directed her sword at Childe, and torrents of water streamed out. He tried to run to one side, but Lumine set up a Geo wall and he got blasted into a pile of Mora, the coins shooting up into the sky as he landed.

“ That can’t feel good,” Furina winced. 

Childe stood up, lifting his reformed bow and trying to shoot, but Furina controlled his Hydro as soon as it came out, pummeling him into the Mora pile again.

“Alright, then,” he smiled, but it was strained. “Be like that. I can see why Signora was so wary of you two, even before knowing your true identity.”

A layer of Hydro surrounded him, but Furina swept her hand, peeling it away— a mask was on his face and he was crackling with Electro.

“Another Vision?” Furina cursed. “ Where the fuck did you get this one?”

“The Tsaritsa,” he said, a bit TOO smug. “It’s called a Delusion; and let me prove to you just how powerful the Tsaritsa’s gifts are.”

A crackle and Furina’s hairs stood up on end; she pushed Lumine out of the way and barely managed to dodge a thunderbolt, falling as she did. 

Fuuuuuu—

Lumine engaged Childe in combat, but she started faltering too, focusing on her Anemo to keep his spear trapped, using Geo for some ineffective offensives.

Furina stood and started running at Childe, but at the last moment had to redirect her attention to another bolt of lightning.

She misjudged— the bolt did not come from the front, and instead came from the left.

Her Hydro shield managed to block some of the attack, but most of it hit her square in the chest, and she fell over, some of her own Electro-charged Hydro falling on her— the remnants of her shield.

She screamed, a shrill sound that caused both Lumine and Childe to be momentarily distracted, giving Paimon time to bravely throw a couple of Mora at Childd. He was adequately surprised when several heavy Mora clunked into his head and turned around, which led to Lumine getting the jump on him and knocked his sword away.

Owww. Ow. Owwwwwwwwwwww.

It felt like thousands upon thousands of needles, pricking her over and over and over, with nothing but her divinity to shield her.

Focalors was trying her best, leaning into the advantage of a godly body, using the immense healing power of Hydro to patch Furina up.

For a god who spent half an eternity cooped up in the Oratrice, you sure know a lot about healing.

The splendor of the court cannot continue on forever. I had to find some way to pass the time, you know.

It was only after the battle that Furina realized Focalors had talked for the first time since she’d— traveled back? Reincarnated? She did not know.

But in the moment, after a disgruntled Lumine blasted away most of the water, ruining Furina’s hairdo (though it puffed back into shape, having been like that for so long), but the charged water was gone and the damage had been healed.

Furina stood back up, picking up her dropped sword, and they faced Childe, who was throwing Electro at poor Paimon, who sought solace behind the Exuvia, and the lingering Geo energy shielded her well enough. 

With Paimon gone, he turned back towards the two of them. 

“You can’t hide Rex Lapis’ Gnosis from me forever, can you? Just give it up, and I’ll save Focalors’ for another day.”

“We don’t even know where it is,” Furina sighed mockingly, twirling her sword around. “If only you had the mental aptitude to realize— but I cannot expect someone as brawn-over-brain as you to think past the dopamine rush of battle.”

A vein twitched in his forehead.

“You lie.”

“And you jest,” Furina countered. “Even you couldn’t have actually thought we had the gnosis?”

“Honestly, man,” Lumine sighed, doing an excellent job of hiding her tiredness. “Just give it up. You’re not beating both of us, we have nothing you want, so why stay?”

“...”

For one hopeful moment, Furina believed.

She was a fool to do so.

A blast of purple light exploded out of Childe.

Dvalin’s Abyssal energy! 

No. Not that.

But similar.

!!!

When Furina felt the wave wash over her, she felt significantly more tired, but Lumine seemed fine, and Childe—

Childe was now clad in armor, a flowing cape of Abyssal energy behind him. Constant pulses of that horrible energy, the one that ate away at her soul, the one which had killed her predecessor, Egeria—

“I can’t get too close to him or I’ll be completely useless,” Furina warned. “I’ll stay back as backup; I’m sorry, Lumine.”

“It’s fine,” Lumine nodded, determined. “Stay safe, Furina.”

And she leapt into battle. 

Furina used her sword to direct Hydro energy at Childe whenever she could, saving Lumine from a nasty gash on her leg and collecting a bunch of Mora to create a whip of both Hydro and cold, hard Mora. 

That caught his ankle and he twisted, almost falling, using his spear at the last second to stab the ground, which cracked ominously.

The ground crumbled beneath them, Paimon hurrying out from behind her Exuvia shelter to watch as Furina turned both Lumine and herself into water right before hitting the ground, solidifying with no damage done.

“That’s a neat trick,” Childe commented, his voice distorted and weird. “You must teach me it someday, when we’re somewhere more— cordial.”

“What Sinthe have you been drinking?” Furina demanded. “You’re clearly aiming to kill, and wondering if I’ll teach you?”

He contemplated for a moment. “You’re right. I’ll teach myself, then.”

Lumine stabbed towards him, getting a clean shot on the arm, and he recoiled, hissing. 

Furina felt the Abyssal energy weaken and she charged forwards, swinging her sword in an arc and releasing torrents of Hydro energy, assisted by both Focalors and her gnosis— for she felt this was an adequate time to use it (and if it was given to her, she had the right to do so as an Archon! ) — and Childe was blasted, again, into the Mora piles, this time fizzling out entirely.

All the Abyssal energy left the vicinity, and Furina breathed a sigh of relief. 

“Look!” Paimon fluttered over. “Childe is back to normal!”

Furina peered down at him.

“It appears so,” Lumine observed. “What do we do with him now?”

He sat up, groaning, his body clearly shaken from the energy he had released.

“You have no idea how to use that transformation,” Furina realized. “You fool. Why would you harness something you can’t even control?”

I can’t control the gnosis either…

Shut up, inner Furina! That was necessary!

Childe sighed. “Still needs some work, I guess. Now that my head is clearer… there really was no chance you beat me to the gnosis.”

“No shit,” Lumine gasped. “But if it’s not here, where is it?”

Childe shrugged. “But if it’s not here… a real head scratcher indeed. But I believe a logical conclusion would be that Morax still lives.”

Furina’s head snapped up. “What?”

“And if he’s alive, I’ll have to draw him out somehow, right?”

A smile grew on his face. “And I think I have just the way to do it.” He sighed. “I must admit, I find it quite distasteful— but knowing it’ll draw the power of two Archons and the Anomaly out…”

He stood up, Sigils of Permission orbiting around him.

Dozens of them must be here…

How— how does he have all of these?!!

“I knew you lied,” Furina hissed. “But only halfway. What are these, artificial?”

“I’m surprised you found out,” he clapped. “But yes. The Fatui have technology surpassing even Fontaine. We studied and learned to reproduce those Sigils— the one you had was a byproduct.”

“If it didn’t work, we would have died?” Lumine stepped forwards, raising her sword into a battle stance. “You were willing to risk that?”

Childe shifted. “You probably wouldn’t have died. But at the time, I didn’t know that you were an Archon, so yes, I was prepared to sacrifice you three.”

“All that power contained in Sigils…” Furina realized. “You’re going to blast away the prisons of the old gods.”

“Just one for now,” he lifted his hand and all the Sigils started ripping. “If Morax still isn’t drawn out… we’ll see about another.”

He shifted into Hydro, copying Furina and flying upwards—

“That’s my ability!” she stomped her foot, causing his bubble to pop and him to start tumbling back down. 

The Sigils were almost fully ripped by now.

“You—!”

Childe turned around, turned into Electro, and zipped away. 

Lumine and Paimon gathered around Furina and the three of them sped upwards together.

“The Jade Chamber!!” 

Chapter Text

The Jade Chamber nearly hit them, but at the last moment Furina tugged them all upwards— they hit Ganyu instead, and the poor girl fell over as the combined weight of Lumine, Furina and Paimon crashed into her.

A few clinks sounded against the stone floor...

“Ohhh my Archon! I’m so sorry!”

“L-lady Furina?”

“Madam Focalors?”

Ningguang and Keqing rushed over. “What happened?”

From the corner of her eyes, Furina noted a couple of Millileth.

“Childe, that Harbinger…” Furina groaned, rolling off of Ganyu and helping her to her feet. “He created multiple artificial Sigils of Permission, and is might be using them to shatter the prison of one of the old gods— Osial, Overlord of the Vortex, I’d wager. He’s been the most vengeful over the past five centuries.”

Ningguang set her jaw, looking over at the storm. “I suppose. But perhaps it is too early to decide if he will carry through. Numerous storms like these have been stirred up before."

“No, like he confessed,” Lumine helped Paimon regain her floating. “Confessed to unleashing a god to draw out Morax, already. Paimon, did you steal Mora?"

Paimon seemed to think this was an appropriate time to flop onto the ground and play dead.

“But Rex Lapis is dead,” Keqing wondered. “How can you draw out a dead god?”

Lumine shrugged. “Beats me.”

The Jade Chamber hovered above Guyun Stone Forest, the adepti and the rest of them waiting. 

Speaking of—

The adepti rushed over, a collection of all the ones they met. Xiao was there, Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, an old woman Furina didn't recognize-

And Ganyu. Oops...

“Is Shenhe still at Jueyun?”

Cloud Retainer nodded. “One found it prudent to leave Shenhe at home. After all, the gods are not to be trifled with, and with Shenhe’s— nevermind. What matters is the issue at hand. Tianquan of the Qixing, the plan?”

Ningguang nodded, determined. "Through important field work done by one Mr. Zhongli of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, I've successfully recreated the Guizhong Ballista, and the Illuminated Cloud Retainer has modified it to be a weapon on par with gods. We'll use that to barrage Osial until... until someone can swoop in and deliver the final blow to put him back to sleep."

"Not kill him?" Keqing questioned. "Why would we let go of an opportunity to vanquish one of the most active defeated gods of Liyue?"

"Because we'll probably die with him," Ningguang responded simply. "Madam Focalors outlined that quite clearly during her trial."

Furina couldn't stop associating the words 'her trial' with that trial.

"Right. Then... let's get on it." Lumine walked over to the edge of the Chamber and peered down. "Brace yourselves, everyone. The stone is cracking."

Ningguang nodded to her three attendants and Paimon. "Seek shelter within the Chamber. We will let you know when to evacuate, or when it is safe to come back."

They all rushed in after a quick thanks.

Everyone waited with bated breath.

...

The stone spear prison exploded, shrapnel flying every which way. A dome of Geo expanded, shielding them all and directing the rocks to the ocean.

A five headed hydra, glowing with power, emerged; the final remnants of the Sigils Childe used scattering around it, landing on the water as harmless paper.

"That's Osial," Moon Carver mumbled. "And here one thought he was finally vanquished..."

Ningguang didn't respond, calling on her power to create a massive platform, the Ballistae emerging from portals.

"Woah..."

Lumine and Furina briefly gawked at the weapons for a moment before shaking out of it.

Furina took her place on the center of the platform, calling on the oceans to hold Osial in place, stopping him from targeting Liyue.

The three adepti they had met in Jueyun Karst leapt into action, aiming the Ballistae towards

Osial and pummeling him.

Furina felt the god shift and clamped her hands closer together, an invisible force keeping them apart even as she tried to force them together.

They heard a faint roar from the god as the hits connected.

"Keep going!" Lumine cheered.

Furina glanced back.

Lumine was hurling meteors towards the god, each one staggering him a little.

Right as Cloud Retainer scored a direct hit between Osial's eyes, Furina felt a wave of Abyssal energy.

The adepti seemed to have sensed it too, for when she turned back, both Xiao and Ganyu were tensed, weapons glowing with energy and ready to spring.

Three portals materialized, exploding with that wretched, godsforsaken energy; and soldiers... soldiers of the Fatui came walking out.

Furina felt the force jerk and slammed her hands down, hitting the platform and forcing Osial back into the whirlpool.

"Cover Madam Focalors and the adepti!" Ningguang ordered. "At all costs, stop them from attacking the Ballistae!"

"All able Millileth forces, with me! Repel the enemy!"

Through her senses in the water, Furina felt another vessel; a large ship, perhaps?

It opened fire at Osial, who tried to twist his head and see. Furina, of course, could not let him.

Keqing, Lumine, and Xiao leapt into action, each slash of the blade felling a soldier. Furina briefly felt sorry for them as their bodies tumbled off the platform, but decided against it.

Furina felt beads of sweat start to form, even as cold winds whipped her hair around. Her hat, by some miracle, did not fly away, and Furina quietly thanked Venti, just in case it was him.

Keqing stabbed the last soldier through the middle as Ningguang closed off the portals.

"The interlopers are no more!" Moon Carver boomed. "Now, we may commit ourselves fully!"

Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper aimed together at the right head. One last clean shot and it tumbled, dipping just briefly under the water-

Furina snatched the opportunity up, turning her attention to keeping the head submerged, feeling bubbles emerge as the god, still battered under the fire of the Ballistae, panicked.

"One last push!" Keqing shouted.

But it seemed Osial pushed harder.

"BACK TO THE CHAMBER!" Lumine bellowed, throwing Keqing back onto the safe stone floor of the Chamber and leaping over with a gust of Anemo. A glowing aura surrounded her; the product of three different adeptal energies bolstering her physical body.

The four other Osial heads reared, combining an insane amount of energy into a ball and raining down energy in a bullet hell. Furina abandoned her attempts to suffocate Osial and focused all of her energy into a protective sphere for the Chamber.

She had no time to think about Liyue Harbor, but trusted that the people had been evacuated. Thankfully, though, the bullets seemed to be concentrated on them.

Or not. Maybe it was unfortunate.

Ningguang bolstered the defences with her own Geo, creating a solid shell in addition to the pure energy of Furina's shield. Waves upon waves of energy crashed into both of them, deflected or absorbed, as a gentle wind lifted Furina back to the Chamber and off of the unstable platform.

But then the shield cracked.

Ningguang's Geo shattered, shrapnel disappearing as she recalled the energy. Bullets crashed into the source of the attacks- the Guizhong Ballistae- and through the platform, which promptly shattered as well.

"Ohhhhh my Archon," Ganyu heaved.

"We're absolutely fucked," Furina agreed.

The adepti moved over, somber clear even through inhuman faces.

"Without the covering fire of the Guizhong Ballistae, one fears the battle will be difficult," Cloud Retainer determined. "We should halt here, and search for reinforcements before proceeding."

"But... the Jade Chamber is our last line of defence! We can't give another inch, no matter what!"

"We know, Ganyu," Furina wrung her hands, watching the shattered remains of the Ballistae drifting around the ocean. "But realistically, our tiny weapons are no match against him. Your adeptal powers can't defeat a god bolstered by Sigils, and my archon powers were too underdeveloped to do anything."

Ningguang was quiet.

What can I do?

I should've practiced more.

"Lady Ningguang?"

I'm so incompetent.

I'm a worthless Archon.

"I have... another idea."

If I had learned to fight beforehand, maybe I would have a better chance of fighting him off.

"...I'll sacrifice the Jade Chamber."

Furina's racing thoughts screeched to a halt.

"What?"

"What is the meaning of this?" Cloud Retainer asked, bewildered.

"...I understand." Xiao donned his mask.

Ningguang's hands were, for the first time since Furina met her, shaking slightly.

"But the Jade Chamber is the culmination of your life's work," Furina said, astounded. "You'd... sacrifice it... that fast?"

"My life's work means nothing if Osial wipes Liyue off the map," Ningguang looked up, determined. "Traveler... Madam Focalors... lend me a hand."

Furina steeled herself. "I understand."

Keqing went inside to gather Paimon and the three attendants.

The Millileth stood at the edge of the Chamber, prepared to jump off.

Lumine lifted her sword and stabbed downwards, all of the glowing aura surrounding her melting into her sword, which cut through the stone like butter. The Chamber creaked, once, twice, and started dropping, a meteor of elemental energy and the sheer weight of stone crashing down.

Everyone leapt off, the adepti heading back towards the harbor, walking on thin air or flying through the sky. A gust of wind sent them downwards at speeds that would have splattered them on impact with the water, but the ocean swallowed them up unharmed and sent them speeding towards Liyue Harbor, away from the blast zone.

By turning a structure held up by energy into a missile, Ningguang had sent a bomb with power rivaling the gods down towards Osial, Overlord of the Vortex.

As if in slow motion, the water around everyone in the ocean solidified into an impermeable shell, shrapnel of the Chamber bouncing harmlessly off the surface as the blobs torrented towards the pier.

"Is everyone alright?"

'Furina' dusted herself off, all the water slipping off as soon as she had landed on the dock.

The sky was slowly clearing, making way for the morning sun.

Furina hadn't noticed it was morning. Does that mean that they fought Childe for far longer than expected?
Whatever the case, everyone was hugging and rejoicing in the ability to enjoy continued existence on this world.

'Furina' gazed at the adepti, who were standing a ways away from the rest of the group.

"Everyone seems to be safe and accounted for," Ningguang observed.

Her voice was flat and lacked the velvet it usually had.

"That's good," Keqing said wearily. "There shouldn't be any casualties on the harbor. I didn't see any attacks directed towards it."

"Whatever the case, the effects of the Sigils last but a short amount of time." Moon Carver intoned. "The Jade Chamber seemed to have dealt the finishing blow on a god weakened by time."

Ningguang took a shaky breath. "We are... indebted to you the adepti for your assistance. If not for your intervention, Liyue Harbor would have had a much more difficult time rebuilding."

"Hhhmmmmmmph. Save your flattery."

"Hey, hey," 'Furina' interjected. "She's had a rough day. You know, her entire life's work being sacrificed to defend Liyue? Cut her some slack."

The adepti turned to 'Furina.' "Archon of Hydro, this concerns you not. The Tianquan must surely remember the reason for our visit?"

"Now, now," Madame Ping sighed. "She is right, you know. A testament to her entire life as a businesswoman and as a member of the Qixing has just been sacrificed."

Ningguang sighed. "I was hoping that the sacrifice could at least bring some material to the negotiation board, but alas."

"Hmmph. Nevermind. We shall continue this at a later date... for the Archon of Hydro seems to have named a culprit for this."

Oh, right.

"Childe, Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers," 'Furina' recalled. "And to think the Tsaritsa was once so sweet and mellow... how she chooses her current subordinates is beyond even me."

"You're talking differently," Paimon observed, flying over. "Something happen?"

'Furina' shrugged elegantly. "I dare to presume that Furina will take care of this from here. She seems to have a multitude of ways to mete out Justice in mind."

"Fur... Furina?" Lumine twitched. She shifted into a subtle battle position, her hand poised to pluck her sword out of her inventory dimension.

"That's no way to treat a friend, is it?" 'Furina' chided.

And

She was back.

"What the-"

Furina whipped around, staring at the place where she knew the Northland Bank would be.

Chapter Text

"HANDS UP IN THE AIR WHERE WE CAN SEE THEM!"

"Paimon, you're not very threatening. Your voice is kind of squeaky."

"Oh. You do it then, Lumine!"

But her outburst adequately startled the Fatui inside of the bank, who hadn't thought to reach for their weapons.

Sadly, Furina and Lumine's drawn weapons quickly brought them back to their senses.

Ningguang and Keqing had wisely called the Millileth to congregate more around the Northland Bank. In case of an unfortunate skirmish, they were called as a neutral third party to regulate.

The Tianquan and the Yuheng were, under no circumstances, to be present at the location. Diplomacy with the Fatui was always unreliable, and force would shatter Snezhnaya-Liyue relations.

Though... Fontaine-Snezhnaya relations might be screwed after this.

No worry, Furina thought grimly. Neuvillette can handle things in Fontaine, and I could... maybe... get rid of the evidence.

Unfortunately, she wouldn't be able to.

Signora and Childe were both here... with...

"Zhongli."

"Madam Focalors."

"So I was right!" Furina crowed, unsummoning her weapon and throwing her hands in the air. "What are you, an adeptus?"

Lumine coughed into her hand.

"Oh! Right." Furina whipped around and pointed her resummoned sword at Signora. "Anyways. Signora!"

Signora eyed the point of the sword with mild apprehension. "You two again? I'm glad to see you at least remember my name. Though... it may be hard to forget watching helplessly as something precious was snat-"

"If you say what you're about to say, damn it all, I will actually kill you."

Signora tilted her chin up and looked her. "With what? I seem to recall you and your... friend... not even able to kill my subordinates."

"You know that funny little chess piece you want?" Furina stepped forwards. "Even without it, hilariously enough, I could fill your lungs with water and watch them explode under the pressure. Or maybe you'd prefer straight up being turned into a puddle?"

Like the people of Poisson.

A vein in Signora's temple twitched.

Furina was a brilliant actress. She had no clue how to do any of that, but... bluffing was kind of what she did for the last five centuries.

"Whatever." Signora swished her dress. "Now, then."

Childe peeked over. "Lumine, Furina! If it isn't the first time we've met up since Liyue was almost wiped off the map!"

"I'm going to wipe you off the map with that little stunt you pulled," Furina hissed.

"We never should've trusted the Fatui," Lumine said at the same time.

"Kindly refrain from destroying Liyue," Zhongli turned to Furina. "I will be quite unhappy if, even after weathering a massive storm and losing one of its best monuments, it gets reduced to rubble."

Furina grumbled a bit under her breath.

"Hey, hey... we got along quite well near the end, though! Well- except for... you know." Childe turned to Signora, who was talking quietly behind him. "And I wasn't even the real deciever. Curse Signora and Zhongli for leading us on."

"What?" Lumine and Paimon turned to Zhongli.

"I actually-"

"Shut up, Childe," Signora snapped. "You can chat once we're done here. Morax, the Gnosis?"

"Wh-" Paimon spluttered. "You're Rex Lapis?"

Zhongli made a noise of thought. "Indeed. Your friend Focal- Furina guessed something of this caliber early on. Though I must apologize for leading you all on... I have a contract to fulfill."

"That which thou seeketh is now bestowed unto thee, for my promise is solid as stone."

"Hmmph, how sanctimonious." Furina and Signora said at the same time.

They both glared at one another for daring to be in sync.

"What- Paimon thinks that's an exciting twist and all... but why give your Gnosis to the Fatui??"

"He, most unfortunately, did not give it for free," Signora sighed. "The Tsaritsa created a contract benefitting both sides in order to obtain it."

"That's absolutely hilarious," Furina said. "What could possibly be worth a Gnosis?"

"I'd say not to insult her Majesty's intelligence," Signora sneered. "Not after you pulled that false Vision stunt back in the City of Mond. I should kill you for that slight."

Furina laughed. "Kill me, really? Even if you could, you'd be-"

"Furina, not now." Lumine nudged her.

...

This silence is awfully loud.

"Furina... is correct," Zhongli finally stated. "Realistically, there is nothing worth a Gnosis in value. But as the god of contracts, if it was no benefit to me at all, I would not have been inclined to sign it."

"But why'd you feign your death?" Lumine wondered. "I... there's..."

Zhongli sighed. "I suppose you do deserve to know. Follow me to another portion of the Bank- I fear your friend has some... words... to say to the Fair Lady."

Childe took that as his cue to leave, slamming the door and violently screaming outside.

...

Signora turned to look at Furina.

She's taller than me... um...

Furina summoned a block of water to stand on so she could look down on her.

"Hmmph. Petty, much?"

"Shut up or I'll curse you again."

"Speaking of," Signora began. "You tried to curse me back in the City of Mond, didn't you."

"I did."

"What was it you said? 'One way or another, Justice will find you'?" Signora smirked. "I've just completed another great service to the Tsaritsa. What 'Justice' will find me?"

Furina studied her thoughtfully. "Unfortunately, you may be correct. I fear I may have been too vague."

Signora stiffened. She knew what was coming, but, for the first time in a while, was powerless to stop it.

" May you die a failure, alone on foreign soil. "

Signora looked adequately shaken by that. She tried to keep up her glare, but her heels tripped on that wet floorboard that Furina had absolutely nothing to do with. She stumbled a bit, but got outside just fine.

Unfortunately.

The sound of heavy, heavy rain started pouring down on the Bank.

Chapter Text

"Shame we won't be able to partake in Lantern Rite this year," Paimon sulked as Furina doled out macaroni to the three of them.

"Don't worry about that," Furina handed out forks. "Lantern Rite happens yearly. We'll be back from Inazuma by the next one."

"Speaking of, Ningguang said we'd have to spend quite a while there," Lumine recalled. "Honestly, with how much everyone says Inazuma has been closed off, it's a miracle we got a ferry there in the first place."

"Yeah," Paimon said between mouthfuls. "And the Inazuman Archipelago is pretty big. The Northland Bank isn't operational there, though, so Paimon thinks we should bring a lot of Mora just in case."

Furina hummed. "Already done. I've sent a letter to Neuvillette detailing our exploits, and he should be able to back us up if things go... south."

"We still can't always rely on that," Lumine prodded at a lump of cheese.

"We'll be fine," Furina smiled. "We've fought a Harbinger, and regardless of... dispute... he still has to inform the Fatui operational in Inazuma. There's almost nothing there, bar the Raiden Shogun, of course, that can hurt us."

"You seem to have a really inflated view of the gods," Paimon observed. "It's like watching a nun at the Mondstadt Cathedral, hehe!"

Furina felt her heart drop into her stomach but laughed it off. "I w-was alive for quite a bit before I became an Archon, you know! I have a lot to live up to...!"

Lumine chewed on her macaroni.

A month and a half passed and the day of their departure was arriving.

"Apparently, not a lot of merchants are going on this ship," Furina looked at their letter. "The... Crux?"

"With Captain Beidou," Paimon recalled. "She helped us fight off Osial!"

"Ohhhh, that boat I sensed," Furina nodded. "She's got a really good ship. Good thing too...  those Sakoku Decree storms will not be easy to weather."

The Crux, it seemed, was a brilliant dragon-headed Liyuen warship. The mark of a thousand battles was reflected in the way she drifted, the scratches on her hull, and the well-polished figurehead glaring at whatever idiot was foolish enough to fight her crew.

...Furina wanted one too. It looked cooler than the blimps in Fontaine.

They got on and took a look around. Everything seemed to be neat and orderly... but s urprisingly, she saw no one other than the crew.

"Hey," she turned to the man thoughtfully chewing on a leaf. "No one else coming?"

He glanced down, did a double take, and nodded. "I... I believe so?"

"Why not? This time of year is perfect for merchant dealings."

"There have been predictions of the Sakoku Decree being lifted soon. I suspect the merchants are merely biding their time, and dare not risk a dangerous voyage through the lightning storm barrier of the Raiden Shogun."

Lumine and Paimon ran off to say their greetings to Captain Beidou.

He was still in a way that bothered Furina, though.

"You don't like the Raiden Shogun."

Furina said it as a statement. He was remarkably good at keeping a poker face, but not still enough to mask his emotions to her.

"I do not."

"Wow, that was simple." Furina boosted herself to join him on the small tiled roof. "Your attire is Inazuman. I'd expect at least some hesitation."

The mystery man made an infinitesimal movement away from Furina as she plopped herself down.

"Her ideals simply do not align with my own." he stated.

"Oh, you think?" Furina scoffed, mildly irked. "Hoho, quite the contrarian you are."

He closed his eyes. "The Crux will set sail soon. I suggest you head indoors, lest you be blown away."

"Quite frankly, I believe you to be more in danger of being whisked out to sea than I."

The Crux set sail and Furina was alone on the deck with the mystery man- Kaedehara Kazuha, as he introduced himself as.

"Kaedehara... Kaedehara..."

"...why do you keep repeating my family name?"

"I've heard it somewhere before."

"I doubt that."

"I'll remember it eventually."

...

"So..." Furina kicked her legs out a bit as the Guyun Stone Forest came into view. "What's been going on in Inazuma? Ningguang said this ship was one of three ways into the archipelago."

Kazuha chewed on his leaf. "Do you know of a decree being released alongside the Sakoku Decree?"

"Not really," Furina said, surprised. "Inazuman news has been closed off."

"I see." Kazuha shifted a bit to gaze at the Stone Forest. "Then, I take it you don't know about the Vision Hunt Decree."

Furina felt her heart shutter. "The... what...?"

Kazuha eyed her expression. "Around a year ago, the Raiden Shogun issued an edict to 'reclaim' all Visions. If she has closed herself even to her fellow Archons..."

"No," Furina laughed weakly. "No way. Reclaim Visions?"

He nodded silently.

"That's hilarious. There's... no way... right? The Raiden Shogun is- was- a formidable warrior. Why wouldn't she want her people to have access to Visions?"

There's no way. There's no way she would do this.

Vision Hunt? For a whole year? How did I never find out about this in EITHER timeline?

Lumine... what did Lumine do...? The Sakoku Decree was lifted right before Lumine went to Sumeru.

Focalors? FOCALORS?

Radio silence.

"You seem to have a strong opinion on this," Kazuha observed. "That's good. At least you wouldn't try to force such a decree on the people of Fontaine."

Furina whipped around. "How- how do you and Beidou still have Visions? This can't be happening, right? Tell me it's a joke."

"Unfortunately not. Beidou and I never stay long enough for the Shogun to try, and the only resistance against the Decree is from Vision holders themselves."

How the...

Wait. He's lying. He's looking at the trees again.

"That's not true. Who else is fighting back?"

Kazuha looked mildly surprised. "Do you already know? Your scent is awfully dulled for someone so perceptive."

"No. I know you were lying." Furina crossed her arms. "Wait- what do you mean, scent?"

"You have excellent judge of character, then. Not even Beidou could see that far."

"Stop changing the subject." Furina sniffed haughtily.

"My apologies. The shifting winds tell me things about people." Kazuha looked up at the sky. It was rapidly darkening. "As for the resistance... Watatsumi."

"Watatsumi... Watatsumi Island? Does that not also fall under the jurisdiction of the Raiden Shogun?"

"It does, but the leader, Sangonomiya, is a brilliant strategist. She has kept all of the Shogun's forces at bay."

"Sangonomiya, huh." Furina watched the first drops of rain fall on the deck.

"Hey, you two! Better come in if you don't want to get smote!"

Captain Beidou. Furina supposed she was right.

Furina sat in the cabin for herself, Paimon, and Lumine.

They had noticed her somber expression immediately and she sat them down for a talk.

"Lumine... I know you're looking for the Raiden Shogun right now."

Lumine raised an eyebrow. "Ominous."

Furina laughed weakly. "Yeah, I suppose. You know what her ideal is, right?"

"Paimon knows this one!" Paimon piped up, floating over with a box of Mora Meat in hand. "Eternity is to the Shogun as Justice is to you!"

"Mhm. Yes, I do."

"She may have gone too far in her pursuit of Eternity. She's not the same Shogun Fo- I knew before... before the war five hundred years ago."

I knew she was being reclusive, and that Archon relations had shattered around the same time I was brought into being, but...

"The Shogun believes that this will bring about Eternity." Kazuha led Furina down the hall.

"What part of this is Eternity? I know that many people would kill for Visions, and she would just take them away?"

"On this part, you agree with us. The war has been at a standstill for quite a while now. Perhaps you could be the tipping point?"

"No. The Narukami was always quite stubborn. I'm afraid not even Furina will have enough willpower to sway her."

"At least, not Furina alone."

Damnit, Focalors! You can't just start talking out of my mouth whenever you want! Stop spouting prophecies and be useful, damnit!

"We're already on the way to an Inazuman port, though," Lumine said pensively. "There's not a lot we can do, right? Are we just skipping over Inazuma? We've come so far."

"But we can join some people who are already fighting against the Shogun. Their leader is apparently a brilliant strategist, and we're two... 'witnesses.' We can't sway her will one way, but we can do it another."

"I'm not sure why you wanted to come here instead of Narukami Island, but I can understand your reasoning." Beidou pat Furina on the back. "The Crux, too, are friends of Sangonomiya. Good luck with your... quest?"

Lumine winced. "I'm not sure we can call it that."

"Haha, just good luck in general, then." Beidou laughed. "Tell Sangonomiya that I sent you- that should stop any possible friendly fire."

And so it did. They didn't encounter anyone on the small grass path, and soon the Sangonomiya Shrine came into view.

A purple building situated on a mountain, pink rock formations resembling shells of a clam expanding in all directions...

Sloping roofs, pearls as big as Furina's head...

Woah.

"Wow...!" Paimon floated over the edge to get a better view. "That's so beautiful! This is the first time Paimon's ever seen it in person!"

"It was a really popular tourist spot around eighty years ago, but I was always too busy to come," Furina sighed. "It's so beautiful, though..."

Lumine nodded in agreement. "The pinks really compliment the surroundings. Whoever designed this is brilliant."

The three took a moment to admire the architecture.

"Right. Let's get going."

Furina sent the three of them bubbling over.

They landed right in front of the main gate, where a couple of soldiers and shrine maidens were loitering.

In retrospect, Furina should've planned that better.

In the interest of further partnership with Sangonomiya, Lumine and Furina decided not to fight as the two of them allowed themselves to be brought before the Divine Priestess.

The soldier wielding Geo whispered something in her ear and she nodded, her lips tightly pressed together in a grimace.

"What are you two doing in Watatsumi Island?" she asked.

Furina's eyes dropped to the glowing Vision affixed to the bow on her chest.

Hydro... nice.

Lumine and Paimon turned to Furina to sweet-talk them out of this.

"We come in peace," Furina said smoothly. "We came from the Crux, at the recommendation of Kaedehara Kazuha and Captain Beidou."

Sangonomiya stood up and started to walk down her elevated desk towards them. "Are you, now? Do you have any papers proving this?"

Ah, fuck. Should've thought about that one.

"Though we do not, I would like to talk to you privately about something I am certain would pique your interest." Furina said with as much confidence as she could muster. "As I am sure you would not be one to pass up an opportunity to end this war?"

Sangonomiya was, indeed, quite interested by this.

"You two exhibit an abnormally strong level of elemental energy," she said finally. "Though I trust that Captain Beidou may have recommended you, I am afraid I will require some insurance during this conversation. Would you mind handing your Visions over for the duration of this... talk?"

Sangonomiya Kokomi, as she had introduced herself, was a bit perplexed.

"Madam Focalors...? Why would the Hydro Archon abandon Fontaine to come to Inazuma?"

"I did not abandon Fontaine," Furina snapped. "I need to talk to the Raiden Shogun, but if Fo- my memory serves me right, the only way I'm getting to her is through the fist."

"What she said," Lumine nodded. "We both want an audience with the Shogun, but we know better than to do so directly after talking with the crew of the Crux."

Kokomi turned to Lumine. "Though I understand that Madam Focal-"

"Please just call me Furina. I don't want anyone other than you knowing."

"...Though I understand that... Furina... would not have a Vision, how do you not?"

Lumine told her.

"That's... that's incredible! Able to manipulate multiple elements... without a Vision... You're an anomaly! This is monum-"

Kokomi coughed. "I apologize. It must be demeaning to be talked about as a tool. With no pressure, I would like to offer you- both of you- an offer of positions in leadership in the Resistance."

"Wow, that was simple!" Paimon clapped. "To think all you guys have to do is introduce yourselves, hehe!"

Furina laughed and turned to Kokomi. "That is indeed why we're here. Beidou told us about your brilliant strategies- I'm certain you can find a way to end this war, and way to get the Shogun to see reason."

Kokomi blushed a bit, but soon went back to seriousness. "Our battle against the Vision Hunt Decree is entirely without reason. The Decree comes from the support of the Tenryou Commission and the Shogun- the zealous support came out of nowhere, and the Shogun, previously a respectable leader, is now indifferent to the civil war that is occuring."

"That's concerning," Paimon floated to Lumine. "But we can do this! Like Furina said, we just have to make her see reason through force. What would you have us do, Divine Priestess?"

Kokomi smiled, her tired eyes brightening. "I have some ideas."

Chapter Text

Kokomi ended up doling out some pretty off-field duty.

"We defeated the Shogun's army at the battle of Nazuchi Beach," she explained. "I predict that Kujou Sara will rest and recuperate at their camp in Kannazuka."

Lumine was sent with the special operation unit Swordfish II to scout out Tatarasuna.

Furina was tasked with confirming supplies, due to her prior experience governing Fontaine.

...She neglected to mention the fact that she was mostly just a figurehead.

But whatever. Unimportant details!

Using the nourishing abilities of Hydro, she had converted half of Watatsumi into fertile land.

"Food is the absolute priority," Kokomi had said firmly. "Without food, we will suffer more loss- something we cannot afford."

While dousing the farmland with pure Hydro energy, she had overheard someone talking about a mystery sponsor. She would ask Kokomi about that later.

The water here feels really foreign. I'll send some to Neuvillette- he'd probably like to taste-test these.

She sent a glass bottle of it zooming across the ocean.

That night, Furina had finished almost all of the farmland.

"That was... a lot faster than I had planned for!" Kokomi said, delighted. "That's amazing! Since you said you wanted to be as anonymous as possible, we can cite a new fertilizer."

"Thank you," Furina said, relieved. "How's the war going everywhere else?"

"Everything is going well," Kokomi smiled. "Thanks to you and Lumine, our mystery sponsor has had a lot less work to do."

"Speaking of," Furina began. "Mystery sponsor. Right in the middle of the war. Convenient, eh? What did they give?"

Kokomi stopped and turned around to give Furina a puzzled look. "Rations... weapons... uniforms... et cetera. Why? Do you know who they are?"

Seems harmless enough. "No, don't worry about that. Just curious. Can I see the next shipment?"

"Y- yeah, of course. The next shipment should arrive in a few days, but I've sent a letter to them saying that due to some efforts, they can stop some of the rations. It's important to not be too reliant."

Smart.

"Alright. We're doing good, then, right?"

"Mhm! Overall, yes!"

"The fertile fields should last for the next couple of months. I should be able to join the Resistance Army, right?"

Kokomi thought about it. "You should be, yes. You mentioned having a lot of combat experience, but what we lack is support."

Furina was a bit surprised by that. "Hmm?"

Kokomi nodded. "We have quite a few Vision holders, such as Gorou- but we unfortunately lack those who have enough mastery over their power to use them as healing tools, and not just blasts of offensive energy. Currently, I am the only one who can heal."

"Oh." Furina shifted uncomfortably. "I... um... I don't have much experience healing either."'

And my resident god has a ninety percent chance of just not responding.

"No worries about that. I can teach you- my spies tell me that Kujou Sara has settled in for a few days at least."

"Summon!"

Furina lifted her arms again, summoning a slightly less amorphous blob of glowing water.

Through channeling the Pneuma energy unique to Fontaine, she could summon a water avatar resembling an Oceanid. Pronounced wings, sharp edges, and a dimmed glow creating closed eyes and a gentle smile.

It pulsed one time and the energy hit Furina, soothing the muscle pain from lifting her arms for so long.

"Hmm, almost there. It still has a bit of a blow though, and we want to minimize that as much as possible. When healing, we want to disturb wounds as little as possible."

Kokomi nodded to herself. "Let's try a few more times, then try and remove the avatar. It's easier to channel energy throuhgh this, and thus it has more potent healing, but for large-scale applications it doesn't reach far enough."

Furina nodded.

A few tries later, the avatar shattered.

"Ah," Kokomi walked over to the puddle. "Good progress. Healing takes a lot more effort than attacking, and you're doing brilliantly for your first try. Have some water and we'll try larger-scale applications."

Furina took her canteen and took a grateful sip. "Thank you."

"No problem!" Kokomi smiled. "Let's try the avatar a few more times, and then go from there."

Furina sighed and lifted her arms again.

"You got that much, much faster than I expected you to, Archon or not." Kokomi handed over a serving of shellfish stew. "That was wonderfully done! I think you can participate in special ops now!"

Furina's face brightened. "Really?"

"Mhm! Lumine's special unit, Swordfish II specializes in the more combat-y side of operations. Your unit, Gorgasia II, is a newly formed unit comprised of a few specialized recruits; you will be focused on intelligence gathering, and interrogation of captured soldiers. I thought you'd perhaps like this job- Gorou mentioned you seeming uncannily attuned to the acts of others."

Furina's eyes slid over to the window. "I see. When do I start?"

"Once you get all packed up, tomorrow," Kokomi flipped through her book. "You'll be traveling with Swordfish II- Lumine's unit- dressed in uniforms of the Shogunate. They'll ambush a patrolling group, you'll join that group, and 'fight' them off."

Kokomi considered Furina for a moment. "You'll have to hide your... eccentric features, though. I can have a wig prepared, but you'll have to find a way to hide your eyes."

Furina blinked a few times. "In Fontaine, we have contact lenses to help color the eyes. I can try using those- there's some I can summon from my water dimension. I brought them as disguises, but they serve just as well for this.

Kokomi beamed. "You're really good at this!"

"These waters are extremely Electro-charged," Furina peered over. "Wonder why."

"We are nearing Musoujin Gorge," the man driving the ship called. "Her Excellency warned us about the Balethunder phenomena. It's best if you head in- it's dangerous even for Vision holders."

"We'll live," Furina grumbled. "We're almost there, anyways."

A few minutes later, Furina felt the Balethunder recede, and they continued towards Kannazuka.

Nazuchi Beach was gratefully empty, but red flowers dotted the landscape. Furina knew this kind of flower- Dendrobium. A flower said to bloom most enchantingly where much blood was spilled.

They were very beautiful indeed.

A short ride later and they were at the base of Tatarasuna. Furina could see a massive furnace crackling with Electro, and a small group of Shogunate soldiers at the base.

Furina made one final motion to secure her wig, blinked a couple of times to focus on the contacts, motioned towards the rest of Gorgasia II, and they zipped under a group of trees.

Tsumuji, an Anemo wielder, was assigned to be on the team. His Vision was cleverly concealed in his left sandal- the bottom had been carved out, and replaced with his Vision, and covered with a layer of wood to create the illusion of a normal Shogunate samurai.

He blew a convenient gust of wind towards the trees on the other side, causing rustles that masked their footsteps.

Furina, while functioning as an Inazuman Shogunate soldier, had been assigned the name and identification of Suijin- "water diety."

Fitting.

Furina gave "Suijin" the personality of a stern and solemn soldier. Hailing from a far-off village, her parents had died young from a ronin raid. After being awarded with a couple thousand Mora a month for food, she had decided to train hard to never be weak enough to succumb to ronin like that.

Furina peered over the tree to see the Traveler running towards her comrades. With one slash, the Traveler knocked out the tallest guy there.

He should be thankful Lumine only used that dull blade. Doesn't come in handy often, but it sure is right now.

Furina motioned to the rest of Gorgasia II, and they looped around to seem like they had come from the Kujou Encampment, and jumped into action.

Furina leaped into battle against the Traveler herself, using her katana to clash. Sparks flew every which way, and she was knocked off balance by a ripple of Geo.

The Traveler leapt up and Furina ducked, knowing this move would cause three Electro darts to fly out. Furina turned around, raised her katana, and ran towards her again.

Unfortunately, she was the only one who dodged.

The poor soldier Lumine knocked out, who was still heaving on the ground, started into a seizure. The rain was not helping.

The Gorgasia II soldier wielding Electro- Junko- ran towards him and zapped herself.

This had been planned, down to the second, by her Excellency Sangonomiya Kokomi. Junko had the most Electro resistance, so she had that responsibility.

That extra shock she gave the guy having seizures would probably not kill, but his odds of survival were not good.

Next part of the act.

"Get them back to camp and out of the rain!" Furina shouted. "You, you, and you! Stay with me and hold the rebels off!"

Two Gorgasia II members and one Shogunate member.

The Shogunate members, relieved at having actual instruction, dropped everything and carted the two of them back. Just as her Excellency had predicted.

This was their signal to start a lightshow.

The Traveler sent her Geo meteors hurling down, crashing one by one into the ground around them. The four of them dodged and ran towards them, clashing with the rebels.

The old Acting Captain met with the actual Shogunate member, and the Shogunate member was suffering a beatdown and a half.

Lumine pushed Furina back, and she almost fell into the mud. She kicked up at the last moment and Lumine flew back a little- she left skid marks on the mud, but otherwise was unharmed.

The Shogunate member was starting to get the clobbering of his lifetime, and Furina could sense reinforcements coming.

Her eyes flashed once, and Swordfish II regrouped. Kujou Sara herself was leading this group- Kokomi's planned possibility number sixteen. Furina's eyes flashed one time slow, and thrice more fast.

She ran to the Shogunate member, kicking the Acting Captain away and slashing just to his left. He dodged swiftly and called out a retreating order.

Kujou Sara stood on the top of the nearby hill, arrow aimed at Lumine's back.

She let loose, but the wind was just a little bit too strong and it landed harmlessly on the ground.

Furina sent a telepathic message of thanks to Tsumuji, who responded in kind.

And she let the 'Suijin' personality wash over her again.

"Madam Kujou!" she saluted.

"What is going on here?" Kujou Sara demanded. "Your unit told me that a group of rebels attacked. Is everyone safe?"

"Yes sir!" Furina nodded her head. "The rebels were successfully driven away. How are the two wounded?"

"Better than before," Sara said dismissively. "Our medic is patching them up. One is expected to recover soon, the other is not expected to use his left arm ever again."

Furina felt a rush of morbid satisfaction. She, however, nodded, feigning relief.

"Good."

"Who are you?" Sara then asked. "I have not met you prior."

"We're the new samurai sent," Furina explained. "We previously did reconaissance on Seirai Island. I trust the letter from the Tenryou Commission has reached the Encampment?"

"Mm. Yes, the letter from the master of the Kujou Clan." Sara nodded. "Very well. Since you were personally recommended, I shall trust you to interrogate a spy when we return."

Kokomi did warn them about this. One of their spies had been discovered, and the others had been ordered to return.

No worries. I've been coached on this as well.

Kujou Sara entered the interrogation room with Furina.

She suspects I may not be who I seem. I'll need to be careful.

I guess it was because I seem to be the ringleader of the fresh transfers.

...she's not wrong.

The rest of Gorgasia II had been accepted readily, though under a bit of suspicion.

Once Furina had curbed these suspicions, though, they'd all be safe to continue.

The Watatsumi spy dressed in tattered Shogunate clothes was unaware of the new unit sent. Furina would use that to her advantage.

"How are you today?" Furina asked, sitting down. "Please ignore Madam Kujou in the corner. Right now, it's just you and me."

"..."

"Do you know what this interrogation is about?"

"..."

"Someone's quiet today."

"..."

"One last chance."

"The Shogunate will never succeed," he spat on the floor. "Your values are unjust and your leadership is corrupt. Once word of this gets out to the rest of Tey-"

Furina kneed him in the chest and he fell over, wheezing.

"Do not disrespect the Almighty Shogun in such a way. One last chance before you start losing body parts."

He tried to muffle his coughs to sound tough.

You suck at this. Cough louder or something, I don't want to knee you harder.

"So? Who were the rest of your accomplices?"

"..."

"Madam Kujou, can you pass me that spear?"

His resolve quickly crumbled. Violence always seemed to work.

"W- wait! I'll talk!"

Furina turned around. "Good. So?"

"I... um... the rest of my group is gone! Her Excelle- Sangonomiya recalled them back!"

"Awfully convenient. Madam Kujou?"

"He may be telling the truth," she concluded. "Five people recently disappeared, even though they hadn't been sent anywhere dangerous."

"S- see?!"

Furina nodded. "That wasn't so hard, was it? What information did you pass on to Sangonomiya?"

"Not a lot, really! She told us to just tell her when the army was on the march!"

Not completely disloyal. That wasn't all you told her.

"And how did you communicate?"

"Through a messenger... we talked through the fence."

"Hmm. I see."

He breathed out a sigh.

What was it Kujou Sara asked me to do?

Oh, yeah.

"Now, I have an offer to make you."

"H- huh?"

"Mhm. Double agent Sangonomiya. Say that you escaped, and that you'll return safe and sound. Then, report back with everything you hear."

"..."

"You can't deny it's a sound plan. You get to live, and we get what we want. I'll even throw in a generous salary and a full pardon."

"..."

"So?"

"No! I can't do that!"

"And why not? You were so eager to rat out your comrades earlier."

"I still mean what I said. I told you nothing you didn't already know. I'd rather die than help scum like you take away more Visions and more lives!"

Furina glanced back at Kujou Sara.

She nodded and walked out.

Furina picked up the spear by the door.

"W- wait-"

She took the spear and drove it into the right side of his torso.

Furina was careful not to hit any vital organs. She had studied anatomy both in Fontaine and coached by Kokomi, and so the only wounds he had were flesh wounds.

She splashed around in the blood a bit to make it look a lot gorier than it was, and quickly summoned Hydro to heal him back up.

Her healing was a lot more potent than even Kokomi's, simply from the sheer elemental power.

She was careful to keep the power controlled, and to keep it as a flow of healing power rather than a flow of destructive power.

He had screamed pretty loud, though. That plus the ripped uniform, the gory wounds, and the mess she had made were pretty convincing.

She poked her head out of the door, looking for a body bag.

Kujou Sara was waiting there, clutching a burlap body bag.

Her eyes slid over to the 'body' and the bloodied walls.

She winced slightly when looking at all that.

...she still has a heart, even after being in this line of work? Especially at her position, too.

Furina gave a polite nod and took the bag.

Kujou Sara watched who she believed to be 'Suijin' dump the body bag into the water.

The bottom was dripping definitely real blood, no need to fact check. Very bloody blood. Blood indeed.

Furina sensed Kujou Sara turn towards the shed, which still looked very much like the scene of a Fontainian horror film, and then back.

Furina groaned as the body bag was washed back to shore, so she waded back in and dumped it further out.

By now, he was starting to regain consciousness. Her healing was a bit too good- so she quickly submerged him as fast as possible and sent him speeding back to Watatsumi, where he would be briefed on the situation.

And hopefully not come back up to the beach.

But the purpose of the show was done.

Even if war-hardened general Kujou Sara was a bit... concerned... at the display, all doubts of 'Suijin's' loyalty to the Shogun were now curbed and put to rest.

Chapter Text

Not all of the work she did was sunshines and rainbows.

Furina had accepted that she would have to draw blood and get gory (which she was surprised to find didn't really affect her as much as it used to), but this was even worse.

The Inazuman Civil War really was tearing the nation apart.

All orders they had gotten in the past few months were from Kujou Takayuki- Kujou Sara's adoptive father- and not from the Raiden Shogun.

She had fed a lot of information to Kokomi, and in turn Kokomi had won a lot of skirmishes and a couple of major battles.

Kokomi had said their "mystery sponsor" was extremely angry about the cutoff of trade, and tried to sell a few more things that Kokomi had declined. Watatsumi was now completely self-reliant.

Fishing boats fished in the waters west of Watatsumi Island, where fish were more plentiful and less Electro-Charged.

Farmers now had fertile land to work with. Furina would have to head back soon to refertilize the land, though- it had, after all, been almost three months since she last did so.

But... despite only being reconaissance, Furina was feeling the pressure of war weighing down on her.

Her previous thought that violence could solve all was quickly crushed. Watching the statistics, the numbers, slowly fall down. Watching new cohorts on both sides being mowed down by the ruthless machine of war.

Furina couldn't sleep well at night.

How could the Shogun do this?

How could anyone do this?

She once thought gods to be infallible and unyielding, but...

But what reasoning could possibly make this worth it?

And what reasoning could possibly make the Vision Hunt Decree worth it?

During her weekly meetings with Kokomi, Kokomi had speculated that after a few more major battles, 'Suijin' might be permitted to visit the Grand Narukami Shrine for a Medal of Unyielding Thunder- a high award for military personnel.

And Furina had carried through.

She was now on Narukami Island.

Furina was carefully selected by Kokomi to be the only one to earn a medal. She had leapt into "harm" every time she could, protecting her "fellow" Shogunate samurai. She had protected Kujou Sara from an arrow that ended up burying itself in her shoulder.

It was extremely lucky that the arrow didn't hit anything major, of course.

These events were not scripted at all. All of it was extremely convincing because it was entirely real. Yes. Mhm.

Whatever the case, all other accomplishments were utterly dwarfed. No one cared about that guy's rescue of a lieutenant. No one cared about the confirmed kills that guy got in battle.

Kujou Sara herself recommended Furina for a decoration.

Furina had three goals to hopefully help end the war once and for all.

One- talk to the other commissioners, and try to convince them through neutral means.

Two- visit the Grand Narukami Shrine and talk to Guuji Yae Miko. Ask her why the Raiden Shogun is doing what she does.

Three- maybe meet the Raiden Shogun.

She was being awarded her medal at the Grand Narukami Shrine by some random Tenryou official in a grand ceremony.

If she was forced to sing the praises of the Shogun who should've forfeit all of her rights as an Archon, though, she might have to fight her way out.

Not all Archons are infallible.

Not in the way she thought, anyways.

Because no one, Archon or not, deserves to oppress the people they swore to protect.

Furina had little time to admire the medal pinned to her chest.

She had smothered her Hydro aura to the point where not even another Archon would be able to tell, and it took a surprising amount of energy.

But Guuji Yae did not seem to be very suspicious. So it was worth it.

So at the end of it all, the official had definitely left and the shrine maidens had cleared out.

"Guuji Yae."

"...mm?"

Yae Miko turned around and noticed Furina.

"Ahhh. Suijin, was it? Congratulations on your honor."

"Thank you, but-"

She sighed, turning around and sitting down on a chair. "That's a tone I've heard far too much of. What have you got to ask me?"

"What is the Raiden Shogun doing?"

...

"My, I wasn't expecting that question," she laughed. "And I'm quite good at expecting. But I see you've noticed something amiss as well. Come- sit down. I expect we have much to talk about~"

"So... you've fought the Watatsumi Rebellion. Have you met a blonde-haired traveler and her flying companion?"

Furina nodded stiffly. "I have."

"She's a traveler from afar," Yae Miko said. "Quite the anomaly, you know. The Shogun may not know of her yet, but you and I know very well what goes on in those battlefields."

"And how," Furina began. "Would you know what goes on there?"

"I have eyes and ears everywhere, just as I'm sure Sangonomiya does," Yae Miko stated simply. "Sangonomiya is surely noticing that not everything is as it should be."

"This war should not even be happening," Furina shook her head and looked down at her lap. "The Vision Hunt Decree should not be happening."

"On that, we certainly agree," Yae Miko nodded. "I'm surprised; with thoughts like yours, most people would have long since defected."

Furina looked away. "If you don't agree with it, why don't you talk to her? You're the familiar of the Archon, right?"

Yae Miko shrugged elegantly. "The Shogun's heart remains closed to all. Not even I could hope to get past the walls she's built up."

"But Ei," Furina pressed on. "Why is she doing what she is? What prompts her to go in pursuit of this wretched 'eternity'?"

Shit

 Furina messed up.

And Yae Miko noticed.

Her ears stiffened immediately and her posture quickly shifted from lax and casual to stiff and suspicious.

"What... did you call the Shogun?"

"Th- wha- uh- erm-"

Yae Miko stood up, her eyes calculating.

"I should've noticed," she said finally. "Your aura is far too smothered for someone who's just been decorated with the highest military honor in Inazuma. Tell me. Who are you really?"

"Focalors."

Furina looked away.

"Perhaps I should've expected this. Though the Sakoku Decree stops most, it cannot stop all. What was it- a year and a half ago? The Steambird covered your temporary absence from Fontaine."

"Yes..." Furina brought her eyes back to meet Yae Miko's. "I came here to talk to Ei. I thought she'd still be the same sweets-loving kagemusha from those days when I was still the Oceanid familiar of the previous Hydro Archon."

The same one Focalors remembered anyways.

"But you were wrong."

"I was."

"But why join the Shogunate?"

"I didn't. I'm a... double-agent of Watatsumi. I thought I could get to her through force- she always respected strength, after all."

Yae Miko sighed. "That does complicate things a little. But in essence, you are correct- for Ei to get the point, you must hammer it in with a blade."

Furina kicked back her legs and sighed as well. "It's not working. Kujou Sara hasn't even gotten any messages from the Shogun since I kind of barged my way into the army with a forged letter. What is Ei doing...?"

"Ei is not the Shogun," Yae Miko said simply. "You have never even seen Ei's influence in modern Inazuma. To reach Eternity, Ei had to find Eternity for herself.

"Since the body would eventually turn to dust, she created a puppet. Since the spirit would eventually crumble from erosion, she would place her consciousness in her sword.

"She remains there today. In a meditative state. Free from all disturbances.

"Do you get it, little one? She has left all worldly affairs to a remarkably fallible puppet with only a single pursuit- Eternity."

"I'm older than you," Furina grumbled.

"Ahaha, my apologies."

"You don't sound very sorry."

But Furina's mind was elsewhere.

This changes everything.

I now know nothing about the iron-fisted ruler of Inazuma.

Before, I could go off of Focalors's memories.

I have nothing now.

"How can I contact Ei?"

Yae Miko shrugged here. "I've tried many times. I've not seen Ei in many, many years. Perhaps she will only show herself when something... piques her interest."

But in their pondering, neither Yae Miko nor Furina de Fontaine noticed the pale, blue-clad woman entering her mirror.

Furina tiptoed over to the manufactured crack in the fence with the stolen battle plans and a confiscated Electro Vision taken from the recent Battle of Kannazuka.

She had contacted Kokomi to send an operative over, because for some reason, the Vision was not agreeing with her whatsoever. Every time she tried to bubble it up, it would violently crackle and explode.

Sure had fun explaining the explosions to Kujou Sara, Furina grumbled.

All members of Gorgasia II were on the watch and positioned around the area to keep possible prying eyes away.

Progress report, battle plans, Vision.

Furina pried away the loose board and slipped the battle plans and the Vision through. They fell with a clunk, and she waited for the operative.

"Suijin, what are you doing here?"

Furina felt her stomach drop and she turned around.

"Kujou... Sara...?"

"That'll be Madam Kujou to you. I think you'd better talk."

"I..."

WHY DID NO ONE ALERT ME?

Furina was careful to keep her Hydro as diminished as possible to never trigger anything that might cause suspicion. Her only extra senses came from Gorgasia II- where where they??

Carefully, she stretched her senses out.

...they were all in the outhouse. Puking their guts out...

Nathan walked alongside Kujou Sara, a smug look on his face.

He was the only non-Vision wielder among the ranks of Gorgasia II. He had been put there because of his unnerving capability to snatch documents, and because Kokomi thought Furina might feel better if someone else from the continent were here.

Though he hadn't done very well at his job. He was neither a brilliant soldier, nor did he snatch as many useful documents as Furina herself did.

"Madam Kujou, check the outside of the fence. I'm sure there are leaked plans there."

Kujou Sara motioned to a few soldiers.

"Excuse- what?"

HUH

Furina whipped around and glared heaven's fury at him. "What did you say?"

Nathan tolk an involuntary step back, a bead of sweat beginnning to form on his forehead. "I- Madam Kujou, it's just like I said! Fontainian accent, stealing documents! She's a spy from Fontaine!"

"What the FUCK did you just say?" Furina felt her heart threaten to explode from the pressure.

I thought this guy was a member of Watatsumi??

I- What- HUH???

Furina was flabbergasted.

At least during The Trial, she knew now that the people there were acting on what they thought to be best for Fontaine.

She could forgive them for that. They were trying to save Fontaine, just like she was.

So, then, what was this guy...

The soldiers did indeed retrieve the documents. 

Though there were a few more than Furina had dropped. Did... did Nathan plant them there?

Too afraid to fight me and too cowardly to try and kill me in my sleep.

This mission was far bigger than this sniveling, cowardly fool. How dare to try and ruin it all?

He had a confident smirk on his face. He did not know the true extent of her identity- only that she was Fontainian, and he would try to get her killed.

"I say we tie her in a sack and throw her into the ocean. Serves her right for trying to spy on her Excellency for Fontaine."

Furina sighed, throwing down her sword and raising her hands, ditching her 'Suijin' persona altogether. "Well, then, you caught me. How foolish. Can I go back to Watatsumi, now?"

Kujou Sara raised an eyebrow. "That is not the brightest thing I've heard you say. As for the punishment... Nathan has a point."

And that is how Furina wound up tied up in a sack.

Thrown into the ocean.

Perhaps, where she truly belonged.

She sat in the ocean and felt herself slowly bump down to the floor, at which point she caused the sack to dissolve into water and stretched out there for a little bit.

All of the fish swimming by were foreign to her. Completely different from the fish she had seen in Fontaine.

Just like the circumstances she was in.

A few hours later, when it was nightfall, she swam back up.

All the water droplets rolled off her at once. Her wig had been long since discarded, and those stupid contacts were finally out of her eyes.

Her hair was still intact! Furina had almost cried in joy when she found out.

She walked back to the camp, and into the barracks area.

The rest of Gorgasia II was here. They could continue their mission without the interference of that empty-brained traitor.

Furina used to hesitate when striking fellow people, but times of war really do harden the soul.

She wouldn't wish this on Lumine, Paimon, or anyone in Fontaine. Her true responsibilities were to lead and protect, not to control.

Not what the Raiden Shogun did.

I'll give Clorinde an extra month of paid leave and a box of the finest cakes when I get back.

When she got back. That concept seemed foreign now.

She pushed open the door to the barracks and walked up to the bunk Nathan was in.

For the first time in a while, she summoned the Splendor of Tranquil Waters. The Inazuman katana she used had been tossed out to sea.

She lifted her sword up, scrutinized his face for the most stabbable area, and drove the blade right between his eyes.

Blood spurted out, his body melting into water, seeping into the bed until his nightclothes were the only things left.

The blood had stained the cotton bedsheets, but she didn't really care.

...

Furina glanced over at his personal possessions box and kicked it open, taking care to stomp on the lid and shattering the clasp.

His pictures of Mondstadt...

...my military decoration...

Furina promptly snatched the medal.

Her hand brushed something cold as she did.

...?

It was a small glass orb.

A Vision?

Furina lifted it up and tilted it in the moonlight.

Hmm... not quite.

It really did resemble a Vision. But he couldn't have had one, because this one hadn't turned cloudy and Masterless.

And he was most definitely dead. Furina wasn't sure how many people survive being permanently liquefied, but she guessed it was close to zero.

It had a framing different from the typical Mondstadt design.

Furina squinted.

...Snezhnaya.

Furina's thought process shuttered to a halt as she tilted it again and found the Fatui insignia inside it.

She could feel faint Pyro power coming out of it if she focused.

There were two more Vision-esque orbs inside of the box. Furina snatched them both, scanned the box for anything else, and left.

Kujou Sara was only a little surprised when she found a puddle of water and a lot of blood on that bunk the next day.

Kokomi was quite shocked when Furina turned up.

"Furina? Back already?"

"Bad news, I got found out," Furina sighed. "Whatever the case, my job there has been done. I talked to the Guuji- where might Lumine be?"

Kokomi shook her head. "Lumine is currently out on a mission."

"Aww," Furina sighed again. "I'll have to congratulate her on her promotion to Captain of Swordfish II later, then. Oh- reminds me. Kokomi, there's something you have to see."

Kokomi motioned to the other soldiers to stand back for a moment.

Furina dropped the two Vision-things on the table.

Kokomi scrutinized them closely for a little bit and looked up.

"I'm afraid I've never seen these before," Kokomi said finally, picking one up and inspecting it under the light. "These... are these Fatui-made?"

"I found them on Nathan," Furina shrugged. "He was probably Fatui scum, now that I think about it."

Kokomi winced. "What?"

Furina briefed her on the events that led to her early return.

The other soldiers gasped and started murmuring amongst themselves.

"But... this feels..." Kokomi peered inside. "This feels like a Vision."

Furina nodded. "I thought so too, but they haven't turned Masterless. So who knows?"

Kokomi decided not to question that.

"Hmmm..."

She turned around. "Have any of you seen something like this? Anything at all?"

The soldiers came forward one by one to see the 'Vision.'

They all shook their heads, but the last one- a middle aged man- hesitated just a moment too long.

Kokomi, disappointed, sent them back to their spot near the wall, but Furina stopped them.

"You. With the herring badge."

He slowly turned around, his hands shaking.

"Me?"

"Yes. What's your name?"

He glanced to Kokomi for directions.

And hacked his lungs out, coughing violently into his fist.

Kokomi nodded, but her brows furrowed at his cough.

"I'm... I'm the Captain of Herring I. Teppei."

Chapter Text

Teppei, it seemed, was a whole lot younger than he looked.

He had helped Lumine through her first days at Watatsumi, despite his young age, and had apparently aged rapidly since he had last been seen.

He cracked quickly under pressure; Furina just narrowed her eyes a bit and he spilled everything he knew.

The person who gave him it said that it would give him power that rivaled Vision holders. He had gotten really ill, though he had just attributed that to him exerting himself far harder and far more often.

Power rivaling allogene Vision holders?

This... is a Delusion... then.

Furina knew of the weapons the Tsaritsa handed out to her followers. After all, all those hordes of Mirror Maidens and Fatui Agents couldn't all have Visions.

Delusions...

Now that she thought about it, she had no idea where the power was coming from. The Akademiya had published a paper on the Laws of Elemental Energy around four hundred years ago.

It stated that elemental energy wielded by humans were all either derived from the Heavens, typically through Visions, or transformed energy from other areas.

This was, at the time, taken to mean things such as an electric shock being theoretically harnessed to wield artificial Electro.

Elemental beings such as slimes had their elemental energy routinely extracted for use in practices such as alchemy, so that was considred too.

She knew the first one was out- Delusions were absolutely not derived from Heavenly power, as she didn't hand over her Hydro dominion to the Tsaritsa, and no way Celestia would've agreed to this- and even she had nowhere near enough power to generate enough energy to mimic Visions of elements not under her control.

Furina shared this bit of information with Kokomi, who was adequately concerned as well.

"So... you've been feeling unwell after using this?"

"No, no! You've got it all wrong! I've just been on the field a lot more. Some rest and I'll be right up and running."

Furina squinted at the Delusion in her hand. "Can I see your Delusion?"

"M- my what?"

"These things are Fatui-made. They're called Delusions- and they generate power, but we don't know where from." Furina told him.

"That doesn't sound... very good..." Teppei worried at his armor plating.

"Neither is you slowly dying from the use of this thing. May I see it?"

Teppei handed it over slowly.

Kokomi and Furina both inspected it, turning it over slowly.

"Looks exactly like what was in Nathan's stash." Kokomi nodded. "It... might actually be good now that he's gone. It seems he was a Fatui spy against Inazuma, not just either faction."

"I'll be having a couple words with that Tartaglia Harbinger," Furina scoffed. "I feel like an attempt on my life falls under 'harm.'"

Teppei shifted uncomfortably, breaking into another coughing fit.

"Where did you even get these?" Kokomi went over to whack his back.

Teppei coughed a bit more. "The... the mystery sponsor gave these to me. They said this would... help drive away the Shogunate."

"The Fatui is the mystery sponsor?" Furina asked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Kokomi's brow furrowed. "I wasn't aware of this myself. Why would..."

She smiled, albeit wearily, and nodded to Teppei. "If you see anyone else wielding these Delusions, please ask for them to stop and tell a higher ranked officer immediately. Until we find out why the Fatui gave you these, and why they gave us weapons and rations, it's best to not accept anything."

Teppei nodded. "While I'm here... are there any assignments fo-"

He broke off into another coughing fit.

Kokomi shook her head vigorously. "No. Your unit will temporarily serve under General Gorou until you've recovered. Please take the next few months for mandatory time off, or at least until you feel better."

Teppei somehow took this worse than any of the bombs Kokomi dropped on him. "W- what? No. No way! There must be some way I can help!"

He looked like he was starting to panic.

Kokomi, alarmed, turned to Furina. "I-"

"Calm down," Furina said calmly. "You will still be helping. All of us have a part to play, remember?"

"What?" Kokomi's eyes widened. "Furina, you ca-"

Teppei's eyes, though, were shining. "Can I help fight, then?"

"Absolutely not. You'll be helping in the kitchens a couple hours a day."

He immediately deflated, coughing a bit more. "The... kitchens? But..."

"I know you want to have an active role to bring about the end of the war," Furina said smoothly. "But you can't discount any of the jobs that must be done to do so. When you were on the field, how important were the rations that kept you and your team going? Were the medical supplies and the healing potions supplied by the alchemists and the healers not vital to survival?"

He looked away, his face reddening.

"Exactly."

Kokomi looked a bit concerned nonetheless, but nodded along. "Right. Your health comes first, always remember that."

Kokomi set the Delusions in a box and waved Teppei to his new quarters. Kokomi led Furina into a building south of the shrine and put her into a lavish room decorated exactly like the shrine itself.

Furina nodded approvingly, thanked Kokomi for the room, and planned to retire for the night.

Before doing that, though...

Furina set down her bag and rummaged through it for a pen and some wax

She flopped down on the plush armchair, setting her hat down and stretching out.

Lumine was estimated to return two days from now, with one of the fastest messengers - an Electro user from the unit Oarfish I, the messenger unit - getting to the Nazuchi Beach outpost in around twelve hours, and returning with Swordfish II in another day by beelining for Watatsumi.

She lit the candle under the wax burner, turned the lamp on the desk on, and picked up her pen.

Bonjour Monsieur Neuvillette...

A few days later, after refertilizing the fields and collapsing in exhaustion a couple of times, Lumine was confirmed to have stepped foot on Watatsumi soil.

Furina forced herself to get up and greet her friend, despite the aching pain in both her body and soul from the exertion. She brought along some unagi dishes for Paimon.

"Wahhh!" Paimon's eyes widened like saucers. "Thank you, Furina!"

Lumine laughed. "Nice to see you again! How've you been?"

"Pretty good!" Furina beamed. "I found out a new way to kill someone!"

Lumine faltered a bit but shook her head and smiled. "Good to see you're alive, at least. How has everyone been doing?"

Furina felt her smile get forced. "Kokomi is fine. She wanted to talk to you about someone, so if you have time, meet her in her office later."

Lumine nodded. "Will do. I have to hand her the report of the mission, anyways."

Furina crouched down and inspected the crates that had been lugged back. "What are in these?"

"Captured supplies," Lumine flipped the cover back. "See? Non-perishable food."

"Mm." Furina flipped open the next crate. "Oh, nice. We won't have to worry about fabric for a bit."

Lumine peeked over. "Ah, yeah. The Shogunate had some silk as well. We can get one of our merchants in Inazuma City to sell that for some more funds."

"I'm impressed," Furina said. "All that on an outpost mission?"

"It helps when you ambush a decent-sized encampment," Lumine laughed.

Furina watched Lumine wave to a soldier and shout something, and then they started heading for the shrine.

"Paimon, be careful," Lumine scolded. "If you fly face-first into a tree again, that's on you."

Paimon huffed. "Why, you-! That was only one time! Paimon is more than capable of floating in a straight line, thank you very much!"

Furina and Lumine both shared a glance and dissolved into laughter.

It was good to have her back.

Chapter Text

"This does get a little complicated," Kokomi admitted. "Now that I've had some time to mull your intelligence mission over, there are some things that may escalate."

Lumine turned to Furina, worried.

"Considering your method of executing Nathan involved precise usage of Hydro, it's safe to assume that Kujou Sara knows you aren't exactly human. She may report to the Shogun about these findings, and if not handled correctly by both sides, a full-on war between Fontaine and Inazuma may occur."

Kokomi paused, thinking.

"Without Archon interference, it's safe to assume that Fontaine's superior technology and funding, as well as her many allies on the continent, will lead to a strategic Fontainian victory. However, the Shogunate's forces are hard to fight, and great in number."

"Why are you talking about it like the war's already started?" Furina demanded.

Also, without Archon interference?

...yeah. It's safe to assume I wouldn't beat the Shogun in a fight...

Kokomi's eyes closed for a moment, going over the possibilities. "This may be an inevitable path, Furina. If the Watatsumi-Shogunate conflict isn't resolved before the news reaches the Shogun, we might not have a chance to talk things out and clear up misinformation."

Furina felt her hands start to shake.

That massive gash through the island and the Electro-charged waters...

Will that be Fontaine, one day?

No. No, it can't be.

Furina had never felt so small.

I can't beat the Shogun in single combat. I can't stop her from cutting a gorge straight into Fontaine.

I... I have to fix this. I have to do it the only way I know how.

By acting my way out of it.

Lumine was a bit shocked when Kokomi told her about Teppei.

"I guess I noticed too... but it's good that you found out in time. Teppei's a little brash... but his heart is in the right place."

Kokomi eyed Lumine. "You're taking this a lot better than I thought you would."

"He's fine, isn't he?" Lumine asked. "He should return to normal, right?"

"We're not sure yet. He's the first one we found out about; remember to keep an eye out for these, too."

"Right. The... Delusions." Lumine scoffed. "Another score to settle with the Fatui. We'll have to get that done too when we go to Narukami Island."

"The Guuji of the Shrine helped you, right?" Kokomi turned to Furina. "You said she told you quite a bit."

"I think... I think she'd help us bring the Shogun back to her senses," Furina tapped her foot against the ground. "With all of us combined, we should be able to reach a peaceful negotiation or at least force one."

I feel... kind of bad for Ei.

She reminds me of you.

A bunch of powerful people ganging up on an Archon in a desperate bid to save their friends.

...maybe she has her reasons too.

Nothing can excuse the atrocities she didn't even try to stop.

I guess so. I'll demand an explanation after.

"I see. You'll need a couple of days to rest, but then the three of you can go to Narukami. I'll ask General Gorou to prepare the fastest skiff."

Furina pulled herself out of her thoughts and nodded gratefully. "Thank you."

Kokomi turned away awkwardly. "Don't worry too much about it. This benefits us, too; if you can turn the tide of the war, or bring about peace, Watatsumi will be greatly in debt to you."

Lumine beamed. "We got this, exactly as we always have. We'll find a way out of it together!"

Together.

And to think she had spent five hundred years all alone, believing she'd never be able to confide in anyone.

A warm feeling took root and bloomed in Furina's chest.

Did her eyes feel a bit ticklish?

"F- Furina?" Paimon panicked, snatching a handkerchief from Lumine's pocket and dashing forwards. "Oh my Archons! What happened? Aahh, are you okay??"

Furina wiped her tears away, hiccuping out a weak laugh.

"I'm- no worries. I'm fine. I'm just... glad to have you guys around."

A week later, after all the preparations had been completed, Furina packed the chest of Mora into the skiff Kokomi had given them and went to call Lumine and Paimon.

"Back to Narukami Island, then," Paimon worried at her cape. "Arrgh, you guys! Remember to stay on alert!"

Lumine ruffled her hair, and Paimon ducked behind Furina. "Don't worry about it too much, Paimon. This is just a negotiation, and fighting is backup."

The three of them stared at the group of soldiers near the glittering seashell shrine. The outcome of these negotiations might be worse than straight up fighting.

They were all silent for a moment.

Then Paimon sneezed.

"Well then." Kokomi clapped a bit. "I believe in you three. At the very least, the Guuji will help. You must talk to her before attempting contact with the commissions."

Furina started to lift her arms and move the boat through Hydro.

"Ah, right, I nearly forgot!" Kokomi stopped the boat and flung open the crate containing boxes upon boxes of Tricolor Dango (for Furina thought that they might come in handy). "Here- I've prepared two handbooks. This one details all the situations I can think of with the Guuji- this one details all situations I can think of with the Tri-Commissions. I've never talked with the Shogun, so I'm going to have to leave that to you."

"That'll sure come in handy," Lumine observed, picking a notebook up and flipping through scenarios. "Thank you, Kokomi."

Paimon took the books and hugged Kokomi. "Thank you so much!! We'll bring back lots of tasty snacks!"

"You'd eat half of the snacks on the boat ride back."

"Shush! Paimon needs her sweets!"

Furina and Lumine decided against disguising themselves. Concealing themselves would, ultimately, just lead to more misunderstandings. Better to present themselves as-is, and at least enter with their heads held high.

Paimon ruffled through the handbook. "You guys remember what to do, right? Rrrgh, Paimon's so nervous!"

Lumine peeked over. "Mhm. If we're careful with what we say, we should be able to get everything done without a hitch."

Furina chewed at her lip.

Can I even beat Guuji Yae in a fight?

...hopefully I never get to that point.

Furina stopped the skiff behind a hill close to the port of Ritou. She helped Lumine off the skiff and swept it to shore, concealing it under a couple of bushes.

"Can you see that?" Furina asked, walking to the other side. "I feel like it's doing pretty well~!"

Lumine nodded. "There isn't enough foliage, though. One second."

Furina got tugged back by Paimon.

"Huh?"

Furina's jaw dropped as Lumine kicked a section of rock in, creating a makeshift cave.

"You- since when have you been able to do that??"

"I took inspiration from you, actually," Lumine smiled sheepishly. "I may have changed the landscape of northern Tatarasuna in my discovery."

"I-" Furina wrinked her nose. "I'll not press then. I don't think this is knowledge for mere mortals such as I."

Lumine and Paimon both laughed, but Furina sweatdropped at the not-very-joke joke.

The two of them stuffed the skiff into the hole while Paimon cheered them on. Afterwards, Furina transported the three of them via water into an alleyway in Ritou.

I feel a bit uneasy. Did something bad happen here before?

Hmm.

Not that I can remember.

"Keep an eye out," Furina warned. "Something's not quite right."

"You sensed it too?" Lumine's posture was stiff.

"Let's just get in and out," Paimon jittered. "Grand Narukami Shrine."

"Climbing that is going to be so tedious," Furina lamented. "It's a shame we'd get electrocuted if we didn't."

"Truly a temple to the Electro Archon," Lumine deadpanned.

"Let's head out, then." Paimon pointed towards the path leading to the shrine. "Don't waste time~!"

They found a roadblock in the shape the bridge to the mainland.

Not quite a bridge, and not quite that roadblock.

Apparently, they needed some sort of visa to get through, and some Shogunate soldiers kept the bridge sealed.

They were patrolling the outskirts of the island, too. It was quite lucky Furina had water-transported them in.

Though if it came down to it, I could kill them.

No. Furina, no. Are you the Shogun or Signora, now? Killing people who didn't agree with you?

"Not a problem at all," Furina assured. "Keep going forwards in the line."

Furina pushed the tides up enough to completely submerge the bridge and kept the water level to around her waist. Most people, seeing this dilemma, turned away.

"You guys still want to cross?" one soldier looked warily at the waves. "The Shogun must be angry. It might be best to come when the tides have receeded."

"I am quite certain the Shogun is not angry," Furina snapped. "Is your warmongering god the only Archon in Teyvat?"

...

"Sorry for our friend here," Lumine pushed Furina behind her. "She ate a bad... sunsettia. Some, uh, hilichurls had poisoned it with a drug of some sort."

The soldier looked mollified. "I see. Get her to inhale the smoke of the Naku Weed. It'll help her feel better until it wears off."

"No, no," Furina beamed. "I'm perfectly fine!"

The soldier once again looked wary. "That's quite some drug. Travel permits?"

"How much are you paid?" Furina asked.

"...what?"

"You heard me. How much are you paid?"

The soldier was a bit taken aback. "I... what grounds do you have to ask this?"

"Just give me a number, why don't you?" Furina snapped.

"Uh. Five hundred thousand Mora per payment cycle."

That's quite a bit. The Shogun sure saves no cost on military spending...

"Though I am paid a bit more than the average samurai," he scratched his head. "The Kanjou Commission also gives me a share of their taxes."

...

"Sounds good. How does that sound?"

"Huh?"

"Five hundred thousand Mora, duh. To let us pass without a permit."

"H- huh? No! You can't ask me to betray the Shogun and her Commissions!"

"We're guests of the Guuji," Furina rolled her eyes. "My attire is clearly not that of the average Inazuman, nor the average... anyone else. I'm here to discuss intercontinental relations with the Guuji. We're simply asking you to take this small tip as a token of thanks."

Turmoil between his orders, money, what Furina said, and money warred on his face. He fidgeted nervously.

"Look. No one will ever know. And if anyone complains, tell them that they can take it right with the Court of Fontaine."

He shook his head stoutly. "You cannot do this. I am honor-bound to obey the Shogun and her Commissions. You must be a liar; no one informed me about this beforehand. I will not hold your words against you, because you are clearly on some drugs, but I suggest you leave."

"You can't be serious," Furina scoffed. "I really don't want to kill you, you know. One, because of Fontaine-Inazuma relations, and two, because I really don't want to stoop that low."

He leveled his spear.

"Or that," Furina sighed. "Disappointing, but not unexpected. You're welcome for the money, anyways."

He ran forwards, but Furina ducked to one side and whacked him on the head with the butt of her sword. He immediately crumpled.

Lumine wrinkled her nose as he splashed into the water. Paimon took the Mora bag they had prepared for bribes and pushed it into his pocket.

The water levels dropped as Furina set down a healing catalyst for him.

Paimon floated overhead, checking out the scenery they had missed out on, and kept spouting random Inazuman trivia as they made their way to the shrine.

"Oh my Archons... so out of shape," Paimon wheezed. "Paimon needs to exercise more."

"Welcome to the Grand Narukami Shrine." two shrine maidens chorused.

"Ah. Thank you! Do you know where Guuji Yae is?" Paimon asked.

They shared a look concealing deep annoyance. "You may not meet the Guuji. She is very busy, and cannot meet every visitor that co-"

"Now, now," Yae Miko chided. "These are my guests. You two, don't be so hasty."

Furina felt a part of her relax at someone who finally understood the assignment, and someone who could finally tell her everything about Ei. Questions from her entire journey through Inazuma flooded into her mind.

"You three look quite tired. Are you perhaps partial to slightly electrified tea?"

Chapter Text

"The tea is not to your liking?"

Furina wrinkled her nose at the sakura tea she was handed. "Not particularly. The electric tingle reminds me a bit too much of the sparkling qualities of Fonta."

Yae Miko scoffed lightly. "That beverage is indeed an affront to all who sought to drink it."

Paimon was on her third cup of tea. To be expected.

"About the Shogun," Lumine began. "Furina caught me up. How could she be so single-mindedly focused on a miserable eternity?"

Yae Miko shrugged, setting her cup down. "Ei has experienced much loss in the past. I'd think this to be a bit of a... warped coping mechanism. By shutting her eyes to all loss, she may pretend that it doesn't exist."

"Is this the same Ei we're thinking about?" Furina asked. "The same one who would react to all sorts of little jumpscares with a swing of her naginata?"

Yae Miko laughed. "I was not yet alive to see her like that, but I can indeed imagine it. No, Ei is still the same as I remember she always was. A bit childish at heart."

"She wants to protect herself, then," Lumine said. "From... what? Erosion? Zhongli mentioned something about that... Rex Lapis, that is."

I just realized I forgot to ask Lumine about her talk with Zhongli while I... er... cursed Signora. That seems pretty interesting.

Erosion, huh. 

"Rex Lapis?" Yae Miko thought for a moment. "Mmm… he's right... again. Ei cites seeking to avoid erosion as one of her reasons to enter into the Plane of Euthymia. However, locking oneself away to slowly go insane seems like it does the opposite."

I would know, wouldn't I.

An old bitterness flared up in Furina, but she felt a stab of pity for Ei. To voluntarily force that fate on herself... the alternative she imagined must've been too horrific to bear. 

"Whatever the case," Yae Miko sighed. "The Plane of Euthymia must be an integral part of our plan to bring this war to a close. This will not work for me, nor will it work for Furina... so my apologies, Traveler. This responsibility must fall on you."

"Sorry, the Plane of Euthymia?" Paimon shook her head. "What does that have to do with Lumine?"

"Unless Ei allows someone in, they're never finding the Plane of Euthymia," Yae Miko said sadly. "But Lumine is an exception. She's an outlander- an anomaly, shall we say. If nothing else, Ei will not risk such a threat to Eternity."

Yae Miko gave them some time to mull that over. Furina took that chance to talk to Yae Miko about the Delusions.

"Well." Yae Miko tapped the table, deep in thought. "The Delusions you speak of sound quite concerning. They work through methods unfamiliar to even me. I do know, however, that there is a place of manufacture here in Inazuma. Should you have the time, you may want to inspect it in the coming days."

"More pressing matters, though," Lumine reminded. "Kokomi said we must prevent a war between Fontaine and Inazuma."

"Watatsumi's Head Priestess," Yae Miko sighed. "Truly a brilliant mind. She is mostly correct, and has done extremely well with what knowledge she was given."

Furina watched Yae Miko drop another sugar cube into her tea. 

"But from what I know... and I know quite a bit... Kujou Sara has yet to report to Kujou Takayuki. There is also a great chance that Kujou Takayuki would not allow such news to reach the ears of the Shogun."

"...what?" Paimon shook her head. "But for centuries, the Tri-Commission has loyally carried out the Shogun's will! Kujou Taiyaki wouldn't do that... unless... unless..."

...someone's hungry today. Taiyaki is a new one.

"He's in cahoots with the Fatui," Lumine realized. "They're both trying to stoke the civil war, but an international war would be too much for them to control."

"Indeed," Yae Miko said, tactfully ignoring Paimon's blunder. "Coincidentally, Kujou Sara is due to give her next report to Kujou Takayuki right this afternoon."

"What?!" Paimon shrieked, sitting up from her chair. "Oh no oh no! Kokomi warned us about this! LUMINE!"

Lumine handed the notebook of possibilities over. Paimon frantically flipped over to the page she was looking for.

"Here! Ehem!" Paimon cleared her throat. "Possibility branch two, scenario twenty-six, 'Regain Trust!' In the event of Madam Kujou has not yet reported the events done by Furina, any reasonable action must be taken to achieve understanding before Kujou Takayuki discovers and manipulates such findings to the Shogun to either stoke a war between Fontaine and Inazuma, or further escalate the Civil War."

"Her possibilities have branches?" Yae Miko mused. "My, I didn't expect this much. Such detail."

"Would you be more worried here?" Paimon snapped. "Urrrggh... Paimon can't do this anymore! Even if an international war is unlikely, there's no chance the Fatui won't use this information maliciously!"

"No worries about that," Furina observed. "Our dear Guuji has a solution for you."

"Ah," Yae Miko smiled serenely. "How astute of you. You see, little one, every month and right before every report to her father, someone comes into the shrine to pray for guidance from the Shogun."

And here, a wry glance at Furina. "Prayers that I am sure never reach Ei's ears, but if it is reassuring... who am I to stop her?"

Furina felt another presence approaching the shrine.

"And, it appears, we timed these talks just right. She is also... four paces behind you."

"Freeze!" Kujou Sara ordered. "Wanted Watatsumi criminals, hiding within the sacred shrine to the Shogun? And how did you survive being tied in a sack and tossed to sea? Seize them!"

Furina felt Lumine twitch towards her sword.

"Nah ah ah," Yae Miko warned. "Violence in a sacred shrine to the great Narukami, hmm? Which one of you wants to face criminal charges for that?"

Kujou Sara's eyes flit to Furina's very obviously Fontainian fashion and her very obvious blue hair and eyes. "Guuji Yae, with all due respect, you are harboring Watatsumi rebels- one of whom may be inhuman, and attempting to incite international war. If violence is unpermissible, step aside and allow us to arrest them peacefully."

Furina bristled. "Incite international war? How does that benefit anyone? For all your experience in battle, Madam Kujou, you seem to not understand that war benefits neither side."

"I..." Kujou Sara shook her head. "I- ugh. Whatever the case, there must be a strategic reason to join Watasumi against Her Excellency, the Shogun. I will take no chances with the safety, and the honor, of Inazuma."

"How noble," Yae Miko applauded. "But you misunderstand. We all fight against a common enemy here."

And here, she glanced at the two soldiers accompanying Kujou Sara, lances still lifted and prepared to strike if Lumine tried to jump them.

"...you two. Outside."

They saluted and went back down the steps.

"Guuji Yae, I must ask. Does harboring Watatsumi criminals not also dishonor Her Excellency, who you are sworn to serve?"

Yae Miko chuckled, leading them to a secluded building of the shrine. "Ahh... you're the same as ever, Kujou Sara. Unmatched loyalty to the Shogun seems to be your middle name."

Furina, who had been watching Kujou Sara closely, saw a faint pink dust her cheeks.

"I- well. Loyalty to the Shogun is my duty. And as a warrior of the Shogunate," her eyes slid to Lumine and Furina. "I must dedicate my life to the protection of Inazuma through any means necessary."

Furina recalled that the Kujou Clan had fallen into some unrest after the events of Lumine's travels through Inazuma. Some inner conflict seemed to have occured between Lumine's arrival in Sumeru and the lifting of the Sakoku Decree.

"Paimon thinks that this loyalty is a little misguided," Paimon flew in front and turned around to look at Kujou Sara. "She'll take your Vision, too! Paimon remembers all the Vision holders in Watatsumi who were victims of this Decree... they didn't remember anything about themselves!"

Kujou Sara stilled for a moment, but kept pace not long after. "That is... the Shogun's chosen course. I believe in her motives... and thus shall not question it."

"But gods aren't perfect," Furina interjected. "Guuji Yae, Lumine, Paimon, and I have determined that the Shogun may have been tricked. From someone who witnessed trickery like this take place far too many a time, the current situation shows too many holes to be considered a product of... the Almighty Narukami of Inazuma."

Kujou Sara took a seat across from Furina and to the left of Guuji Yae. Lumine and Paimon sat on Furina's side of the table.

"So you dare attempt to convince me that the Shogun has become a puppet to outside powers?" Kujou Sara narrowed her eyes. "Bold words for someone I am sure did not come to Inazuma through legitimate means."

"Hey, hey," Paimon tried to mediate. "What Furina means is... uhm...!"

"I mean that the Shogun, in her pursuit of a better Inazuma, and a true Eternity, may have been lied to," Furina said (gagging mentally as she did so). "We have reason to believe the Fatui may have attempted to capitalize on Inazuma's growing distance from the rest of Teyvat, and fed the Shogun misinformation while promising her a better future."

Bleargh. I feel like I'm one of the lawyers desperately trying to defend a criminal who has already been linked to smoking-gun evidence.

"Such devotion to the Shogun at this point in time only serves as devotion to those attempt to pull strings from the dark," Yae Miko scoffed lightly. "You are, perhaps, the most loyal to the Shogun in the entire Tri-Commission."

Kujou Sata stood up, bringing both hands down on the table. Paimon jolted a little.

"Guuji Yae. Retract those words! I've seen nothing but loyalty from the Kujou Clan to the Shogun. Kujou Takayuki himself reveres the Musou no Hitotachi more than perhaps the rest of Inazuma combined. If what... Furina... says is true, then this is the result of the Fatui. Leave the Kujou clan out of this."

"And that is where the issue lies," Furina tacked onto her words. "Kujou Takayuki reveres the Musou no Hitotachi... perhaps so much that he believes a little manipulation won't hurt, if the Musou no Hitotachi is a looming threat over Fatui... collaborators."

"Your accusation cannot- this is ridiculous," Kujou Sara shook her head. "He... I..."

"As Guuji, I've learned that the truth is often invisible to those who wish not to see it," Yae Miko motioned for Kujou Sara to sit again. "Alas, it appears that the truth must indeed be placed right before you, in all it's ugliness."

Kujou Sara seemed to be struggling with something within herself. "There isn't any proof. There can't be. The Kujou Clan... wouldn't betray the Shogun."

"My informants in the Kanjou Commission show that there are already greed-driven factors involved," Yae Miko lamented. "That is two out of three... and for their sake, the Kamisato Clan should not consider following in their footsteps."

Furina studied Lumine, who seemed to be prepared to gear up for another mission. She'd been quiet all this time.

"Lumine? Any thoughts?"

"Not really," Lumine folded her arms and watched Kujou Sara experience an existential crisis. "I have faith in you guys. I'm just here to pay back the Fatui's debt, since they seem to be so interested in meddling in affairs that don't concern them."

She's worried about Teppei. They seem to be pretty good friends.

That's worrying. Knowing him, he won't like being confined to the kitchens for long.

Ah, I guess there's Venti too. And that bit where everyone almost died because Childe was in denial.

Wow, the Fatui seem to be the root of all my problems.

The prophecy appeared in her mind.

Well. Almost all my problems.

Kujou Sara stood up, resolute. "Guuji Yae, outlanders."

Everyone looked at her.

"I want proof. Proof within three days."

"And I want an audience with Kujou Takayuki so I can get the evidence, but we don't all get what we want," Furina folded her arms and leaned back in her chair.

Kujou Sara thought for a moment, and stared Furina in the eyes.

"Very well. When I meet with him today, I shall let him know about an urgent audience. In two days, at the end of the week, I know he has a spot in the afternoon for last-minute urgent business. By the end of that meeting, I want proof. Undeniable proof of the Kujou Clan's... treason... and only then will I accept these developments."

And here, she glanced at Yae Miko. "I expect they'll be under your care during this time. If the Kujou Clan is proven innocent, I want a formal apology... and these three in my custody."

She gave them all another once over, adjusted the mask on her head, and started to leave.

"Wait~!" Furina called.

Kujou Sara stopped and turned around, miffed at the sudden change of personality.

"When booking a meeting with Kujou Takayuki, it may be helpful to mention my identity~!"

Kujou Sara's left eye made an infinitesimal twitch. "...and what might that be?"

Furina gave her signature stage laugh. "Why, of course, Furina de Fontaine; Archon of Hydro, and Regina of all Waters, Kindreds, Peoples and Laws of Fontaine."

Chapter Text

"Paimon sees Kujou Sara training with the soldiers outside the estate," Paimon flew a bit higher. "Looks like we need a good outcome, or she'll jump us as soon as we get out."

"I'm mildly skeptical of the ability of those soldiers," Lumine peered over. "After fighting with the Resistance, I mean. Most of these recruits seem to be inexperienced."

"Ahhh, no worries," Furina chirped. "Let's avoid fighting at all this time! Wouldn't want to make a bad impression on the Shogun."

"That is our final goal," Paimon came back down. "Furina's right. Paimon thinks we should be careful anyways..."

Paimon shivered a bit. Furina pulled her cape over her.

"Remember your lucky omamori," Furina reminded Lumine. "I saw Yae Miko give one to you."

"Oh, yeah." Lumine summoned the omamori and stuffed it into a pocket. The bow and the bell jingled as she pat it.

Lumine gestured to Paimon, who flew over to one of the higher windows. She perched herself on the ledge and covered herself with some leaves from a nearby tree.

Furina squinted. "Good enough. Let's head in."

Kujou Sara turned around and met Furina's gaze as she and Lumine strode in.

Beneath her stern front, her eyebrows were slightly narrowed and her eyes were softer than usual. Upon further inspection, she wasn't looking Furina in the eye either, instead choosing to look at a spot directly over her left shoulder.

Aha- she's sorry.

Wait. Sorry for what?

"My, my, Kujou Sara!" Furina trilled. "Why so apologetic? You didn't schedule us into a trap, did you?"

Kujou Sara shifted her weight. "Sangon- my apologies. Madam Focalors, the head of the clan... er... invited another guest today."

Furina felt Lumine tense.

She turned to the house and saw Paimon squinting inside.

Furina closed her eyes and felt around for strong elemental energy.

She found it.

Kujou Sara looked genuinely apologetic as she promised Furina that she would have her back.

"I do not think I can stop a Harbinger of Snezhnaya, but should it come to it, I will assist you in your fight against her."

That meant a lot.

"Thank you," Furina bowed. "I'm sorry to trouble you like that."

Kujou Sara looked away, embarassed. "It is my duty to stop unnecessary bloodshed in the lands of Her Excellency."

"I mean helping a wanted Sangonomiya criminal to do that, though," Furina said. "Thank you. Really."

Lumine's right hand was already twitching in preparation for a potential fight. One wrong move and she'd summon her weapon into her hand.

"Should we go in?" Lumine started towards the door.

"Wait," Furina stopped. "Paimon?"

Paimon peeked over from her ledge. "Yeah?"

Furina closed her eyes and summoned the Gnosis into physical form. Glowing radiant blue, exuding pure Hydro power, it appeared floating above the palm of her hand.

Lumine sucked in a breath. "I've forgotten how unsettling it is to see that."

Furina clasped her hands open and pulled them apart, leaving a shiny bubble of Hydro energy between them. She encased the Gnosis inside, and send it bobbing gently up to Paimon.

"If anything happens," Furina said. "Take the Gnosis and fly straight to Tenshukaku. The Shogun might consider me an enemy of Inazuma, but she can't have the death of an Archon blasting half her island open."

Paimon nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Paimon will do her best. Stay safe, you two...!"

Furina waved goodbye to the recruits and Kujou Sara, signalled to Paimon they were going in, and pushed the doors open.

She felt that old fear rise up again, but breathed deeply and steeled her nerves.

I am an Archon.

...a slightly incompetent one, but nonetheless.

Paimon has the Gnosis and can either request help... or coerce the Raiden Shogun into it, anyways.

Lumine is... Lumine. She has her Waypoints.

Worst comes to worst, another Hydro Archon comes up after... after...

Another Hydro Archon...?

If at the end of the Flood, the Hydro Archon would be left alone, weeping on her throne...

What would happen if there were no Hydro Archon at all?

Furina made sure to put out as much pressure as possible when walking into the room. Her gaze swept over the two discussing matters in urgent tones.

Her heart dropped when she saw the Knave, but she forced her smile back on and tipped her hat to both of them.

"Well, well! I wasn't aware there would be another, but alas. The more the merrier, am I right~?"

Both of them turned around.

Furina summoned two posh Hydro bubble armchairs and motioned for Lumine to sit down in one.

She took her place in the other, and after a cursory glance at Paimon, continued on.

"I am ever so sorry for being... two minutes early. But it seems that it wasn't a problem! Care to catch Lumine and I up to speed?"

Lumine laughed into her fist, pretending to have a coughing fit.

The Knave gestured to some of the tea and cakes on the coffee table. "...Lady Furina. It is good to see you."

Furina's eye gave the briefest of twitches. "Well! I must thank you for these, if nothing else. Inazuma's gyokuro tea is truly delectable."

The Knave looked pleased at that. "It is the least I can do after you've taken such good care of those in the House of the Hearth. The situation seems to grow better every day."

"Ahh, well," Furina shrugged, her eyes darting to the window again. "The prosperity of the House of the Hearth is representative of better Fontaine-Snezhnaya relations... and the, ah, general economic situation in Fontaine."

"However so, there are many in other nations who actively attempt the opposite. But enough dawdling. I assume you are here for a purpose, no?"

"I am indeed," Furina turned to Lumine. "Lumine?"

Lumine cleared her throat. "Kujou Takayuki."

His gaze never left Furina. He seemed to be trembling.

"I guess you being here is also a bonus," Lumine turned to the Knave. "Miss, uh...?"

"Arlecchino."

"Miss Arlecchino." Lumine coughed. "We have reasons to believe that the Fatui and the Tenryou Commission, and the Kanjou Commission, have been in cahoots with the Fatui to keep the Civil War going."

"N- not the Kamisatos? Not the, uh, uhm, Yashiro Commission? What right do you have to put such accusations?!"

That's not enough proof of guilt, but I know a guilty liar when I see one.

Obvious, too. You'd think a political power would be able to lie better... especially one who was known to be fanatical.

Furina bristled slightly. "You have, then. Miss Arlecchino?"

The Knave looked both surprised and pleased to be referred to by a title. "In favor of a blooming relationship, and for all you've done for my children, I shan't lie. But I suppose you knew already?"

"I did." Furina leaned forward and flashed her eyes a couple of times.

He seemed to be both parts mesmerized and terrified. His lips moved through the same motions, over and over and over.

What a loon.

"Oh!" Furina shook her head. "I apologize. It must be me. Please, Kujou Takayuki, take the stage. Tell us allll about your exploits."

His gaze darted from Furina to Lumine, and then to Arlecchino.

"I... I..."

"No, no. Go on," Furina pressed. "Come on now. I know you must've had some motivation."

Lumine shared a glance with Arlecchino. That serene smile Furina wore seemed to be more unnerving the longer they looked.

"I...!"

Furina felt the ends of her jellyfish haircut float upwards. Kujou Takayuki's pupils grew more, and more, until they seemed to swallow everyone whole.

Lumine later recounted that the only thing she could look at seemed to be Furina's eyes. Otherworldly blue- a light that was so vibrant she couldn't look at it straight on, and yet she had to.

Justice.

Magnificent yet terrible... but once the layers of lies were peeled back, the truth could not be covered any longer.

And so it was revealed for all to see.

Kujou Takayuki's willpower broke, and his remaining posture crumpled.

"There we go~ Let's get Kujou Sara in here, hmm?"

Furina lifted her hand up and the front door was blasted open. A bubble of water came in, and once the door slammed shut, the bubble turned back into Kujou Sara.

She looked bewildered, but her eyes focused on the three hovering around Kujou Takayuki.

"Master? I- what?"

"Talk," Furina ordered.

"The diplomats of Snezhnaya promised great rewards if I just listened to them," he said breathlessly. "Her colleague. The Fair Lady. She said that if I just kept the Vision Hunt Decree going, she would get rid of all the other clans vying to be Commissioner."

His eyes were glowing the same blue as Furina's.

"Master Takayuki... wha... what?"

Kujou Sara shook her head. She stalked forwards to the gathering.

Furina made her an armchair, too. It was sadly ignored.

"You... you..." Kujou Sara's hands balled into fists. "So you sent thousands of men into war? You betrayed Her Excellency, the Raiden Shogun? You sent comrades I ate and trained with into a war that was both pointless and unwinnable?"

"Shut up, Sara!" He screamed, twitching uncontrollably. "You don't understand! You've never understood! The Fatui weren't using me! The backing of a powerful nation, and the might of the Raiden Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi...! You're too naive, too foolish, to think that those sacrifices were worth it!"

Kujou Sara backed up disbelievingly. "Worth... it?"

Furina watched her bottom lip quiver.

"Since you took me in, you taught me the importance of loyalty. How could you ever betray..."

She looked down, her lip quivering even more. "You... you hypocrite! Preaching virtue and loyalty when all you were is a selfish traitor! I, too, have doubted the Vision Hunt Decree and the war, but I, unlike you, chose to follow and obey the Shogun!

"I thought that with Her Excellency leading us, we would reach her desired Eternity. How could I have expected my own clan... taint this heavenly path with greed and betrayal!"

"You know nothing!" Kujou Takayuki screeched again. "The Fatui cannot hope to contend with the Musou no Hitotachi! I did not betray the Shogun... I'm sure she would even be sympathetic with what I did! Solidifying the Kujou Clan's place in her Eternity, is that not what she would want?"

"Way too overconfident in the martial prowess of the Shogun," Lumine whispered. "I guess that's why he was so scared of you. If you're an Archon like the Shogun, he probably thought along those lines too."

"Probably," Furina nodded. "He forgot that the Tsaritsa is an Archon, too. He's a lot... stupider than I thought."

Arlecchino refilled their cups of tea.

"Thank you," Furina smiled.

She nodded back.

Furina found new respect for her.

"You are a wretched husk of a man," Kujou Sara snapped. "Daring to keep up your egotistial ways even when confronted. I will tell the Shogun everything, and pray that she takes heed to what I say. If the war does not end... if nothing else... at least my conscience will be clear!"

"Stubborn and futile," Kujou Takayuki hissed. "The Kujou Clan is unshakeable, now. The Harbinger Signora has confirmed our place. Report whatever you wish; nothing will come of it."

"Kujou Sara," Furina gestured to the armchair. "Please sit. Lumine and I will accompany you to Tenshukaku once this is done."

"I must go right now," Kujou Sara shook her head. "The Shogun... Her Excellency..."

"Can wait," Lumine supplied. "Furina's right. You won't be able to take down a Harbinger who is actively trying to stop you from telling the Shogun everything."

Kujou Sara tensed for a moment, but slumped down into the armchair. To her right, Kujou Takayuki had crumpled like a ragdoll.

No one moved to help him.

Furina closed her eyes. She felt her hair go back to normal, and her eyes dimmed to their usual color.

"Miss Arlecchino?"

She turned around and set her teacup down. "Hmmm?"

"I feel like you have something to tell me."

Lumine's eyes went back to locking in on Arlecchino.

"Oh? Quite perceptive," Arlecchino said. "Yes, I do. As a... Fontainian... I have my concerns about the prophecy. Many of those in the House of the Hearth are Fontaine-born as well. We're3 quite concerned about why you've exited Fontaine in these crucial months."

"Oh..." Furina turned away. "That's what I'm here for. I'm hoping to meet the rest of the Seven, or at least a few, for their wisdom as well. The Raiden Shogun, Rex Lapis, and Barbatos were all I knew from before my ascension to Archonhood, so I'd assume they know more about the Heavens than I."

Arlecchino judged Furina, her face unreadable.

Unnerving as ever... she's one of few people I can't read.

"I see," she said finally. "Then I shall leave this in your capable hands. May you find the answers to what you need."

"Thank you," Furina smiled genuinely for the first time since meeting her. "Really."

She looked pretty happy at that. "No, thank you. I also owe you an apology... for the longest time, I believed you incompetent."

Furina averted her gaze, her stomach sinking again. "No worries about that, haha... I also hated the person I was."

Lumine wasn't smiling when Furina turned back. "There's still the matter of both Childe and Signora."

"Oh, right," Furina nodded. "Right. Thank you. Miss Arlecchino, are you aware of the deal I made with your colleague, Childe?"

"I am," she said simply. "You may be pleased to hear that Tartaglia personally decimated the troop that Nathan was a part of."

"Sheesh, every tenth soldier dead?" Lumine shivered. "Wow..."

"A better fate than leaving them to one of the more sadistic among the Harbingers," Arlecchino said. "For one, the Second Harbinger."

"He's a nutjob," Furina scoffed. "One of these days, he'll end up crossing the Tsaritsa."

"Though that may be true, he has contributed much to the Fatui," Arlecchino's eyes flicked over to Kujou Takayuki. "We do, however, agree on the control he has over his mental faculties."

Furina snorted. "Never thought I'd be getting along with y- ah, a Harbinger."

Lumine turned to Kujou Sara. "Kujou Sara?"

She snapped up, determined. "Is it time?"

Lumine nodded solemnly.

Furina made to stand up.

"Ah, and about Signora," Arlecchino boxed a cake and handed it over to Furina. "I do not believe she will triumph, but do take pity on her. She has not... had an easy life."

Furina took the cake. "Thank you. I don't doubt that, but it's not an excuse for what she has done."

"I suppose so," Arlecchino said. "But justice should take everything into account, no?"

Kujou Sara stomped up the steps to Tenshukaku cursing the Fatui under her breath.

Though Furina certainly felt inclined to agree, newfound respect for the Knave was beginning to rise.

"M- madam Kujou?"

Two Shogunate members crossed their spears over the doorway. "Her Excellency is currently meeting a diplomat. You should help with the battle while you wait for them to finish."

"This is important and I refuse to wait for that-" Kujou Sara stilled. "What battle?"

"Sangonomiya launched a surprise attack near the hills of Inazuma City," one explained breathlessly. "Most forces have been deployed already. We hav-"

"I'm sorry?" Furina snapped. "Surprise attack?"

"Led by the Geo-wielder general," he said. "A small battalion, almost eight hundred people."

Kujou Sara whipped around to face Furina, but she had already turned on her heel and had begun to descend the stairs.

"Furina?" Paimon worried. "Are you okay?"

"Lumine, you have to go fight Signora alone," Furina ordered. "Use the laws of the land. Make sure she pays."

Lumine turned to Kujou Sara. "Huh?"

"Madam Kujou, stay to one side and try to sway the Shogun in your favor. We'll have to confront Ei another time- I refuse to let this war escalate because General Gorou fucked something up."

The two soldiers looked confused as ever. "Uhh, miss-"

"Madam Focalors, what?" Kujou Sara shook her head. "The Traveler cannot attack a Snezhnayan diplomat. The Shogun is sworn to protect her until... oh."

Lumine's head swiveled between Kujou Sara and Furina. "Can you guys stop being mysterious? What do I do??"

Furina walked back up the stairs and put one hand each of Lumine's shoulders. "Challenge Signora to a duel before the throne. I trust that you'll win."

"I am, in case you didn't notice, a wanted Sangonomiya criminal," Lumine objected. "What's stopping her from, I dunno, decapitating me immediately?"

"A duel before the throne comes with both great responsibility and great honor," Kujou Sara said. "If you win, you'll be spared. The loser, however, pays with their life."

"Remember everyone who suffered because of the Fatui," Furina said. "And remember the future we fight for. Once we get through to Ei, once Signora is dead... there's nothing stopping you from demanding details about your brother."