[Other Fanfic] Silence is Purple Naofa, Jormungandr and Manipulation

[Palamon]

YOU HAVE REACHED THE FINALE

40. Khaenri'ah's People, Comeuppance Arriving, and Naofa Parting

"Now, I remember something,
Irpa. She said in a week,
Naofa will get its comeuppance.
Every day, it's getting closer.

The time is almost here.
Ah, let me see,
It is three days away, I believe. Although,
Looks like it is already starting.
Everything is breaking.
Disguises are no longer working.

Fading, breaking, losing potency.
Only time will tell, it's fast approaching.
Xena, I wonder how she's doing?

Of all its siblings,
Naofa was the rather the cruelest

To them. Saying it wanted to see
Her the least of
Everyone. I know this will be

The family reunion of a lifetime. A
Reunion of the ages.
Ah, what am I thinking?
It's not like I will witness anything.
Nothing will be seen by me.
I will not be in the audience.
Now, as for today, another day of training.
Guess I'll be fighting in the snow.

Going to have to try my best,
Really, Her Majesty could be watching.
Onward to the battlegrounds I go.
Ultimately, time is ticking.
Not much time left onto Naofa's
Demise, the punishment
Shall soon arrive."

The sound of chilling wind awaited the hyena as the morning raged onward. The howl of the bitter wind had only gotten stronger as the minutes paraded about in the permafrost north. As the beginning of the month long blizzard made its roar known, countless Fatui soldiers groaned in an echo as time kept marching forward.

The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Complaints going on for what felt like all of Inazuma's eternity, the soldier allowed a sigh to escape the esophagus. A month long blizzard awaited Snezhnaya. Knowing that time was running out, the hyena rose from the uncomfortable bed. The time had come to begin the morning routine of dressing the body.

As his uniform melted onto his partially human person, the chimera gazed at the paned glass. Irpa, she said that, in a week, she and her siblings would give Naofa the punishment it deserves. Thought rolling a pebble around inside his mind, the early adult tilted his head. What could this possibly mean? But, he supposed, whatever they had planned for it, the lynx chimera deserved it.

Windy roar only getting louder, the early adult removed the cover off his hairpin and earring box. Clicking the weaponized jewelry and accessory into place, matching black hearts adorned the hyena's hair and ears. What job awaited him today, he wondered? Blizzard overtaking the world around him, anything was possible in the frozen northern land.

Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the hyena turned his head towards the steel walls. Brushing his fingers through his hair, the soldier twirled around a strand beside his ear. Whatever comeuppance Naofa would receive, he would not side with it to help it get out of trouble, guaranteed.

Placing his heelless shoes over his currently human feet, the early adult devoured his flavorless rations. Glasses adjusted, and everything else in order, the soldier had finished the morning routine of dressing the body. Snow continuing to slam the barricaded window with a fervor, the chimera walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor.

Howls only continuing to worsen as the minutes marched onward inexorably, the early adult kept his pace about going. What orders could possibly await him today? There was no way he would be training today, for sure. The weather was a vicious beast; an odd job outside of the permafrost north would be relayed to him, guaranteed.

Ending his circle about, the hyena stepped towards the barricaded window. World of white greeting him, visibility was zero. There was absolutely no way he was training today, guaranteed. Knowing such was definitely out of the instant picture, the soldier knew he had to ready for anything.

An astronomically incorrect assumption, on his part.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march onward with a fervor, the hyena turned his attention towards the door. There was no time to think about such things, the hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Taking a long, deep breath, the soldier prepared himself. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the early adult put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his workday of anything to begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You have been assigned training on the Vision and Delusion Training Grounds today." The masked Agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate. No matter the weather, all soldiers should be at the peak of their strength for Her Majesty.

The chimera jumped two steps back upon hearing he would be heading for the battle grounds today. He was training, in this weather? But, he knew he had no choice in the matter. His orders were absolute. Letting out a sigh, he placed his arm out in front of him.

"Yes, sir," the chimera replied autonomously. Arm out in front of him, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away like it always had, but something else had been dropped into his palms instead.

Scarf handed to him, the early adult blinked. Why was he just handed such article of clothing out of the blue? Had a blue moon been on the horizon? Instructed to put it on, the soldier wrapped the felt snake around his neck. Feeling a cold, hard chip press down onto the nape, a realization had flowed through him. The tracking scarf, it had released its comeback song. He would need to produce results today, for sure, or Her Majesty would be disappointed, without a doubt. Turning his attention back towards the Agent, he placed his hand back out in front of him once more.

Elemental tracking device locked onto the soldier's neck, a smirk appeared underneath the Agent's mask. Excellent, everything had gone according to plan. "That scarf looks good on you, soldier," the Agent said. "Let's get going." Arm gripped into a tight lock, the escort of the training grounds soon began. But, as the early adult had been dragged through the hallways, one thought wrapped vines around the hyena.

What could possibly await him this time?

***

"As I get ready to work on herbs this morning,

Someone comes barging into boss's
Treehouse. A young man with blond hair, and brown streaks and a lynx tail.
Rather suspicious, if you asks me. Is this
Another one of that Millelith's elaborate schemes? I
Need to take note, in case that is what is happening.
Gazing at boss, this man says,
'Excuse me, has anyone that resembles me come here in the past few days?'

Pretty deep voice this guy has, hmm, he might be genuine.
Everything stops. I stop working on herbal
Remedies. Boss gazes at the man, and
Soon responds to him. 'If you mean that 'sage' Naofa, then yes, we have,' Boss responded.
Oh, my, now things are getting interesting. This stranger
Now says. 'I have been in contact with the Mahamatra. He

Is asking me to collect information on their crimes. Do either of you know of any?'
Nothing like a little bit of thinking to get my mind

Going this morning. I ponder, I think a little
Hard. Something is coming to me.
Ah, I remember now. What was that panther's
Name? Waiola, right. I believe she told me something.
Delaying no longer, I tell the man,
'Hmm, Waiola has told me Naofa has caused some major earthquakes in the desert.' I pause for a moment.
'Ah, would you like to know more? It has done other things outside Sumeru, as well.' Boss
Relaying some other unspeakable Sumeru crimes, the man once again
Vies for my side of the story. 'Excellent. Now, Panda man. What were trying to say?'
Ah, panda man, I see. 'Goodness, panda man. Just call me Jiaolong," I respond. Being referred to as what I am, how

Vapid. I clear my throat, and look his way.
'I was not a witness to this crime, but it has broken someone's ribs in half.' This man has a dark
Look on his face now. He takes out a
Loose notebook, and writes down. 'I see. How horrible of them. I will be informing the Matra shortly.'
Every crime retold into the notebook,

The man leaves. Room going quiet, I return to my medicinal making, but I cannot stop thinking. How
Odd, just who was that man?
Do not think I have ever seen him before. But,
Ah, he must be interested in crime. Nothing doing. But, I turn to my boss.
'You know, boss, we should keep an eye on him.' He agrees. And so our eyes remain open."

Upon reaching the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the early adult braved the howling wind. Snow slamming the metal fence outside, the soldier prepared himself. Today would be a long day, guaranteed. Reaching the weapons room after seven minutes, the hyena stepped towards the claymore shelf. Greatsword made out of white iron taken off the rack, the soldier headed towards the lynx chimera.

Naofa standing about shivering in its uniform, completely in its lynx form below its neck, the early adult shrugged his shoulders. If it was freezing that was not his problem, in the slightest. Flail ball chain weapon in its left hand and brass knuckles sitting in its furry palms, the soldier rose an eyebrow. How would it fight with such weapons? It would use the sink as a sword, if it wanted to. Pushing such thoughts away, he looked into their singular visible eye.

"There you are, moth, you kept me waiting!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic, but its sharp teeth chattered with every word spoken. "Forgive my unsightly appearance, I transformed due to the extreme cold! Forget you saw anything!"

Lynx almost making it sound like a demand, the early adult turned his head towards the opposite direction. Right, he saw nothing. But, as he gazed at the battlegrounds, the soldier could not help but wonder. Did other chimeras transform in extreme temperatures? Such thoughts, however, were interrupted as the sound of the Sixth Harbinger's voice increased in volume.

"Look at you, a bunch of shivering wimps!" the Sixth Harbinger shouted, laughing. "But this should warm you all up!" He laughed as he prepared to exit the battlefield. Mocking those under him was his favorite pastime.

Hearing the sound of something digging its claws from underground as the sixth harbinger left, the early adult backed seven steps away at the sight in front of him. Large, mechanical looking crabs that looked like something a blue hedgehog in another world would fight, another enemy staged its welcome, as well.

Huge golden fox with nine tails that looked like it had come straight out of a light novel from Inazuma jumping out from the snowy ground, the soldier's heart skipped two beats. He was fighting one of Inazuma's sacred beasts today? He would have to proceed with caution, for sure.

Large, pathetic crab machines walking sideways on the battlefield, Naofa let out a sinister chuckle. So, the doctor had handed off his work to that pitiful blond clone that aligned himself with the abyss. He was just as pitiful as the man who brought him back, seeking out godhood and creating artificial beings through stolen alchemy techniques. Perhaps, just maybe, it was time to tell the hyena chimera the truth about its people during this fight.

"Would you look at that! That doctor is delegating his work!" Naofa exclaimed, noxious tone seeping with poison. "He's given up, how pathetic!" Slipping the brass knuckles over its furry fingers, it put on a smile. "Let's get this going, shall we? You can focus on the Kyubi no Kitsune!"

The early adult let out a gulp. Was this really alright? Foxes in Inazuma were sacred. But, the hyena knew, the choice was not his. He had to fight the beast, no matter what, or the lynx would inform Her Majesty he had been shirking work. Such outcome could not happen. Steeling himself for the Electro Archon's judgement in the future, the soldier clutched the greatsword from behind him.

Fox turning their head towards him, their tails stretched out around them. Nine flames on the tips, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. The kyubi had the power of pyro at its disposal? What an absolutely terrifying element to wield. Fire looking ready to come his way, the soldier froze up like a popsicle. He could not dodge, the horrifying attack was about to douse him.

Nonet of wisps blind siding him like a concerto playing a swan song, the soldier's uniform was singed at the tips. Whiffing the scent as the attack swept him underneath the nonexistent rug, the hyena let out a scream. But, his shouts about soon caught the sacred beast's attention. Fire dancing around its tails once more, the chimera was a statue upon the battlegrounds.

Flames dancing around his short body, the early adult remained frozen in place. The heat, the burning scent; the fire. Everything was absolutely terrifying. Fox's tails bouncing around as it commanded its tiny balls of horror around him, the fiery spheres of terror fused into one like an alien dance of two people becoming a singular being.

Gigantic ball of flames drowning him into a sea of heat and torture, the hyena's heart had begun to race. He was toast, well done, a fox's dinner. Undoing the buttons on his uniform, the soldier tossed his winter coat onto the frozen ground. Heelless shoes stomping the flames into an ashy pulp, the early adult shivered with a fervor.

Watching as Siorc froze up at the sight of flames, Naofa grit its teeth. How pathetic of him for getting scared over a tiny little fire. The hyena chimera was weak if he could let himself get so terrified over such an element. How such a weak minded person became a member of Her Majesty's army was beyond its realm of guessing. It was time to remind him to get over his stupid meek fears.

"Stop being so pathetic, leech!" Naofa shouted, tone toxic. As it said such, its brass knuckles removed a mechanical crab from this world. "Put your fears aside, and fight already!" Raising its flail above its furry shoulders, another pitiful crustacean had been defeated in seconds.

Word leech thrown his way, the soldier flinched. Right, he had to put his fears aside, or the lynx's brass knuckles will be used on him. Taking a long, deep breath as he rebuttoned his uniform, the early adult unsheathed the claymore from behind him. Attempting to swing forward, the hyena aimed for the enemy's sides.

Such attempt was a failure upon arrival. Fox turning around towards its backside, two of its tails came towards the soldier. Appendage around his torso, and another on his greatsword, the weapon had been ceased like contraband. Claymore riding the icy wind, a chill travelled down the early adult's spine.

Weapon dropping on the ground forty meters away, the soldier's legs broke out into an astronomically speedy sprint. Greatsword retrieved in a matter of moments, the early adult dashed back towards the enemy. Placing the blade in front of him once more, the early adult attempted to slash the enemy's sides for the second time of the day, but a new elemental challenger rose up to the frozen plate.

Yellow-green aura surrounding the kyubi, the creature's tails had been lowered beneath it, for a moment. Nine appendages risen above towards the sky once more, vines joined the party. Thorny spikes fusing into one as the seconds collided into one another, the enemy had returned to the offensive faster than the early adult could blink.

Thorny whip crunching into the soldier's knees, tears formed in the fabric beneath him. Prickly vines sinking deep, the early adult grit his sharp teeth. How did this fox have access to multiple elements? Kitsune were sacred beings, indeed. Vine stealing the blade right from underneath him once again, power had been in favor of the winning challenger.

Plinking punches firing in rapid succession in the corner, the soldier turned his attention towards the lynx chimera. Brass knuckles vanquishing the robotic crabs one after another, the early adult slapped his hands onto his cheeks. He needed to try harder, for sure. Blade dropping onto the ground as he turned back around, the hyena steeled himself.

Studying the enemy, for a moment, an epitome had thrown a pebble onto the battleground. The backside. Surely, just maybe, if he attacked from the fox's rear, they would not see him coming. Resolute on his decision, the early adult dashed towards the enemy's tails.

Failure was tail deep.

Caught purple handed, the enemy's tails wacked him about like a person attempting to swat away a Cicin in the open wilderness. Vines joining the mix, as well, the one sided battle kept going in the sacred beast's favor. Thorns sticking into him deep, the early adult's body shook. He was not worthy, the kitsune was superior.

Enemy tiring out, an idea popped off in the soldier's head. Could his flower friend be able to turn the tables? Knowing such had to be have been a solution, the hyena prepared himself to toss down the Windwheel Aster friend. But, as he readied to do so, Naofa's voice carried on the icy wind.

"Say, want to hear another story, moth?" Naofa asked, practically on cue.

Siorc allowed another sigh to escape his partially human throat. Why did it want to tell a story now, of all times? Its timing was poor, as always. Knowing he had no choice but to act like he was interested, the early adult nodded. Turning his attention back towards the enemy, the soldier tossed down a flower friend.

Fox looking as though a puzzle piece fell out of its brain as the Windwheel Aster danced beside it, vines had come the flower's way. Silent commands instructing the plant to jump back, it did as instructed. Distance closing in, vines responded to the fox's thorns in kind.

Double element brawl flipping the losing coin onto the heads side, the kyubi's eyes swirled. Creature locked into place, the early adult unleashed the blade upon the enemy. Greatsword and the kitsune's sides shaking hands with one another, the sacred beast had begun to see the stars.

Enemy frozen into place as it stumbled about, the hyena turned his attention towards the lynx chimera. What ridiculous story awaited him this time? He knew, no matter what tall tales it was about to spew, he had to listen, no matter what. Laugh soon pointed his way, the early adult looked into the lynx's eye.

Seeing Siorc nod minutes before, Naofa grinned from ear to ear. The time had finally come to tell the hyena chimera what happened to its people. Mechanical crab flailed into scrap metal, it dropped the weapon into the deep pitted pockets from behind it. Nothing else mattered, the world should bend backwards for its story right here, and now.

"Good! Then listen well, butterfly!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "I'm feeling generous today, so I'll finally tell you what happened to my people! Prepare yourself!"

The early adult blinked as the lynx told him to prepare himself. Naofa seemed quite eager today. But, he would not allow for its fake generosity to get the better of him. Giving it yet another nod, the early adult returned his attention to the battle in front of him. Enemy shaking off its moment of weakness, the fight was on.

Kyubi glowing a bright yellow light, nine balls of electricity infused themselves at the tip of the kitsune's tails. Seeing such attack ready to zap him a new one, the soldier switched the position of his legs. Was he fighting the Guji at the Narukami Shrine now? If such were the case, he would not falter.

Electrified tails smacking him around the icy floor like an Anemo Slime beside a tree in Mondstadt, the early adult jumped five steps back. Free from the appendages clutches, the early adult threw down another flower friend. Dendro and Electro shaking hands, seeds exploded with an electrocuted passion.

Kyubi shocked into a statue, the hyena's ears perked. Was Naofa truly about to tell him what happened to its nation? He could not help but feel a mix of half truths were about to be sprinkled with lies. But, the soldier kept such thought to himself. There was no way he could say such, or the lynx would have his neck. Laugh coming his way, he turned his attention back towards it.

"You're interested, even though I didn't ask you, good!" Naofa shouted, tone toxic. "Almost all of the people of Khaenri'ah became monsters after the Cataclysm! But, most of them, I don't know what kind they became!" Such last part was a lie, but the lie was white. "Apparently, we're a bunch of sinners! I'm not, though, I'm sacred! So, I got to survive, go figure!"

The hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. There was no way Naofa had no idea what type of monsters its people became. Its lie was baring its fangs, readying to bite. Kitsune snapping out of its stupor moments before, the early adult threw down a flower friend once more.

Silk flower gaining the advantage as the weakened fox stumbled with every step, a burst of energy flowed through the hyena as his friend left the battlefield. What was this overwhelming feeling of power inside him? Six swipes of his blade aimed at the enemy's tail, the sacred beast let out a yelp.

Lynx taking out two more mechanical crabs with its steeled up furry knuckles, the early adult slashed about with a fervor. Kyubi's tails brought into the mix, the sacred beast curled up into a fluffy ball. Enemy looking ready to fade into the snow, the early adult cracked his knuckles. But, the lynx's voice soon interrupted the battle.

"You seem to think I'm lying! Well, fine! That's not the whole truth," Naofa said, words seeping with poison. "To be honest, I don't know why I was spared. But, the Twilight Sword might have something to do with it!"

The hyena shook his head as the lynx brought another name into the conversation. The lynx was definitely exaggerating. Whoever spared it would wish it never did so, for sure, if it saw how much it had stretched the truth. Pushing such thoughts aside, the early adult gazed at the weakened fox in front of him.

Overwhelming amount of energy bubbling into overdrive, the early adult let out a battle cry. Cocoon of vines wrapping around the soldier's arms and legs, the early adult whipped the thorny vines with a fervor. Enemy wacked for twenty seconds, the burst of Dendro damage kept its rampage going. Attack soon coming to an end, the hyena jumped three steps back.

Fox almost down, the chimera placed the greatsword in front of him once more. Lynx breaking out into a deep throated laugh, the soldier sheathed the blade from behind him. Raising an eyebrow, the hyena held back a sigh. What else did it have to tell him? Surely, its story had to have been finished by now.

"By the way, not all of Khaenri'ah's people are gone! There's some of us left!" Naofa shouted, tone leaking with venom. "But, the remaining survivors? They're just worms! And, I'll get my revenge, just you wait!"

Naofa looking ready to bust a gut from laughing, the early adult dashed towards the enemy. Swiping his blade onto the kyubi's center tails, the creature let out a whimper. Creature curling up into a ball as it became one with the snow, the hyena gazed at the scarf on his neck.

Not hearing the chip beep even once, the hyena had come to wonder. Had the tracking scarf been broken? But, the early adult shrugged his shoulders. Perhaps, Her Majesty had made the chip silent. No more crabs on the battlefield, the soldier headed towards the weapons room.

Freezing wind kicking up in speed as he placed the claymore back onto the rack, the soldier broke out into a furious shiver. The blizzard was about to absorb him into its clutches, guaranteed. Knowing that, if he didn't want to freeze to death, he had to keep moving, the soldier returned to the battlefield.

Lynx with the crudest smile on its face, the soldier rolled his eyes to the icy ground. Why did it look so proud of itself? Did it enjoy lying for a living? But, he supposed manipulative people relished in their bed of dishonesty. Eye soon on him, he turned his attention towards them for the final time of the day.

"I must admit, you turned this fight around! Very impressive of you, butterfly!" Naofa exclaimed, plastic tone returning. "You can go now." It then bent its knees, lowering its voice into a whisper. "Expect to see me again tomorrow." Stepping back, it did a strange dance.

Dismissal granted, the hyena exited the battlefield. Soundproof room soon upon him, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena. Hairpins, earrings and uniform soon removed, the soldier slumped into the rock hard bed. But, as his head hit the pillow, a sea of questions swallowed him whole.

Had Khaenri'ah's people truly become monsters? He could not help but feel such information had been true. But, another question pushed the first one off a cliff. If the people of the royal kingdom were all monsters, had he been defeating beings that used to be humans? Popping the thoughts off a cliff, the early adult closed his eyes. World of sleep about to take him away, one final thought crashed at bay.

He was overthinking it, for sure.

***

"Ah, it's just as I suspected,
Naofa, my lovely, dear criminal cousin, goes around Mondstadt after
Dark. This new body of mine, I can finally see

Without a mask! The world is clear now!
I, Faxi, am ready. You shall get your comeuppance, dear 'sibling'!
Though, why should I call you that? You
Hurt Irpa, countless people have been caught into your manipulation, lies.

There's something funny a bard told me! You broke
His lyre? How could you do something so cruel?
A lyre is a bard's life! Yet another list added onto your
Terrible crimes! You, a Knight? Don't make me laugh. After

I'm done, you won't have anything! You'll be

Knocked off your pedestal of charisma, in due time!
Now, it's after dark. I watch as it parades around the temple.
Off its eyepatch goes! Manipulating the ley lines, are we?
Wow! It never ends! It is time for the first little warning,

Every night, it carries around a bag with its belongings! It dropped it.
Very well, then, it's time for lesson one!
Eyeing it as it wanders off, I wait for it to be out of sight!
Reaching for the bag, the eyepatch is also mine!
Yes, look at you now! Nothing
To cover up that snake eye!
However, if I don't act now,
It will find me. Run, run, run!
Nice. These new legs of mine, they may be mechanical, but they are fast, sleek,
Gracious and enough to give me an advantageous leap!

Now, its belongings are mine! I'll bury them!
Over and over and over, I'll hide them! This is a
Wake up call, dear 'sibling!' Your punishment will be served shortly! This is one of many!"

Waking up the next morning, the world deterred off kilter. Naofa at his door covering its right eye with its left hand, a sea of unease flowed through the soldier. Lynx oddly looking ready to panic, the hyena's heart skipped three beats. What had happened between the time he left the battlefield? He could not help but feel something terrible had occurred.

"My belongings were stolen right from under me while I was in Mondstadt last night!" Naofa shouted, words coming at the hyena chimera fast. "You need to teleport us there right away!"

Hearing the lynx's belongings had been stolen, the hyena shook his head. Why was any of this his problem? If it had gotten its things taken from it, that wasn't his problem. It could go look for its belongings by itself if it had could teleport there without him. But, such defiance was not taken in kind.

Look of defiance on Siorc's face, Naofa lunged its hands forward. Who did this water flea think he was? He would not get away with his attitude. Did he really think he had a choice in the matter? If he thought he did, he would be sorry. Wrapping its hands around his neck, a shout had gained maximum power from within its throat.

"Who do you think you are, leech?!" Naofa shouted, pressing its fingers deeper into the hyena chimera's neck. "Don't play games with me right now, or else!" Squeezing tighter, its fingers left a mark.

Neck gripped into a tight grasp, the early adult squirmed. Right, he had no choice in the matter. He had to help the lynx chimera, no matter what, even if it wasn't his problem. Feeling his breath get taken away, the young soldier gasped for air. Fingers soon removed from around the muscle tears strolled down the chimera's face. Apologize, he had to apologize. Yes, he had to show his remorse right way.

"I'm sorry," the hyena choked out. Regaining air, the soldier removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Right, he had to tag along. Choice had been removed from his life altogether.

Lynx pointing at the waypoint in the capital city, the soldier obliged. Fast travel soon confirmed, the hyena closed his eyes. Fatui Diplomats gossiping out in the open about recent happenings in Fontaine, the early adult tuned out their conversation. Whatever the two were talking about was no business of his.

Wrist grabbed into a tight lock, the lynx dashed forward with the hyena in tow. Frantic sprint kicking into full speed, the soldier's feet blistered into a swift run. Lynx yanking his map from out of his left pocket, a location had been called out into the open. Naofa proclaiming they would be heading to Windrise, the race of property soon began.

Pigeons flying away as Naofa ran at the speed of the animal it was fused with, the early adult was dragged along the dirt road path. Young boy shouting that it scared the birds away, not a care in the world was delivered to the Mondstadt child. Dashing off towards the left, speed was the only world the soldier knew.

Domain in the corner getting further away as the lynx kept running, the chimera kept his feet dragging along. Wrist burning as it kept clamping down harder, the early adult could not help but wonder. Was its eyepatch so important to it that it had to chase around the country just to find it? Surely, it could get another one that was far less fancy to cover its snake eye with. But, the early adult knew he could not say such, or his neck would become a sacrifice again.

Windrise tree approaching ever so closer, the early adult's ears perked. Was he hearing things, or was there an orchestra playing somewhere nearby? Path zoomed through quicker than the hyena could breathe, the soldier was in for a musical surprise as the lynx dragged him towards the huge tree.

Abyss Mages playing cellos, violas and violins looking to be enjoying themselves aplenty, the hyena turned towards Naofa. Wrist soon let go of, its hands had been over its ears. Seeing such, the early adult could not help but wonder. Were lynx's ears more sensitive to sound? He supposed such could have been the case.

Stupid Abyss Mages playing their annoying tune on the wind, Naofa balled up a fist. Were the pathetic mages playing a concerto for it just to annoy it? Orchestras were an annoying sound of awful tunes no one in their right might would enjoy. Closing its eyes, for a moment, its human hand became a lynx claw. Slashing about, the weak and pitiful monsters bounced back with their instruments in tow.

"Tell me where you hid my belongings, roaches!" Naofa shouted, claws ready. "Let's play a game! It's called, fiddler on the tree!"

Watching as Naofa slammed a Pyro Abyss Mage into the Windrise Tree, the hyena's eyes pulsated. Was such act of violence necessary? This was a bit much, even for the lynx chimera. It did not need to resort to using force, for sure. Mage letting out a laugh as it removed itself from the bark, the tables soon turned.

"You want your belongings back that badly, Jörmungandr? Head for Dadaupa Gorge and Cape Oath, then!" the Abyss Mage, laughed, unfazed by the lynx's attack. "We hope you enjoyed our concerto! You deserved it!"

Wrist gripped into a tight lock as the mages resumed playing their instruments, the race had been on. Tree soon left behind, the lynx dashed off towards the east. Eventually reaching a cliffside, the party of two ascended upward. Continuing to veer off towards the right, the chase was on.

Dashing through the hills for minutes on end, a small waterfall rushed off in the distance. Speedy run about only continuing onward, the early adult tried with all his might to catch his breath. Why couldn't the lynx slow down, just a little? Its speed was blistering.

Rocky path near the gorge soon within sight, the lynx jumped off the ledge with the hyena in tow. Lake with the totems a mere twenty meters, Naofa kicked up its speed. Feeling his legs begin to scream at him from every angle as the sword graveyard was all but ignored, the eastward dash kept going.

Heart of the gorge soon upon the lynx and he, the chimera's wrist was soon let go of. Naofa demanding he search the area for its stolen belongings, the early adult split ways. He knew he had no choice in the matter, he had to search, no matter what.

Knowing his best bet was to search the tall Hilichurl beds, the early adult ascended upward. Strange looking object sitting in the bed as if it were left there deliberately, the hyena scooped it up into his arms. Not batting a singular eyelash at the odd thing, he dashed off towards another monster bed.

Second strange looking object obtained in one of the monster's sleeping quarters, the early adult hissed as his legs stung. Fast, rapid movements in the heat of pressure were not good for his muscles, for sure. Naofa running around through every nook and cranny of the area, the soldier resumed searching.

Finding one final object in the area, the lynx snatched up its belongings as though its life depended on it. Dropping them into its pockets, the hyena's wrist had been ceased for what felt like the third time of the day. Dashing through the Gorge, the dirt road awaited the duo once more.

Entrance to Cape Oath reached after about five minutes of inhumanly swift running, the early adult's heart was on fire. Domain passed by, and cliffside scaled, a sight awaited the party of two as the upper side of Cape Oath zeroed in on the soldier's damaged field of vision.

Holes everywhere the eye could see, the early adult could feel a shock shoot down his spine. Just how dedicated were the abyss mages to hiding and burying Naofa's belongings? Lynx dashing off ahead, the young soldier jumped into the hole in front of him. He supposed he would have to deep dive, going forward.

Nothing discovered in the first hole, the hyena leaped out from the dirt. Brushing himself off briefly, the soldier jumped down into another one. Nothing doing in the second one, as well, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. Had the Mages purposely dug out holes with nothing in them to throw the lynx off? Clever of them, if such were the case.

Multiple empty leads upon him as he crawled down to the bottom of the grassy holes, the soldier let out a huff. The Abyss Mages had went to quite the effort, indeed. Edge of the area ready to be upon him, the hyena prepared himself for any violence to come his way. He was empty handed, his neck would be grabbed at any moment.

Lynx holding multiple intricate looking objects in its gloves as the edge of the hill neared, the sound of the Mages laughter took the cliffside by a windstorm. Monsters jeers continuing as the lynx pocketed its various belongings, the early adult resisted the urge to join their laughter. Concerto soon playing once more, Naofa's ear shut themselves tight.

"Our performance has only just begun, Jörmungandr!" the cello playing Abyss Mage shouted. "Head for Stormterror's lair next! Your prized possession awaits you!"

Wrist once again gripped into a a tight lock, the lynx made a run for it. Currently human legs blistering into speeds far swifter than ever before, Cape Oath and the gorge were blistered through at the speed of lightning striking a tree. Westward path continuing onward, everything burned as the dash about continued on inexorably.

Windrise completely quiet as the lynx kept on running, the early adult could not help but wonder. Were the Abyss Mages following them? He supposed such had been the case. Naofa Curving southward, the soldier's wrist throbbed. Path around Springvale stepped around, the race towards the lair marched onward.

Pathway around Dawn Winery dashed around, the party of two pressed on towards the North. Gate through Brightcrown Canyon reached, the lair was soon upon the lynx and he. Outer layer's entrance reached, the lynx belongings split back up into singular parties of one.

Jumping off the bridge and onto the ground, the hyena dashed off towards a small island beside beautiful black fish that glittered on the early evening sky. Bushes off to the side looking rather suspicious, the early adult closed his eyes, for a moment. Human hand transformed into a hyena paw, the breakable plant had been pruned.

Odd object he had never seen before placed into his hands as it fell from the removed bush, the chimera pocketed his findings. Lynx already out of his line of sight, the soldier kept heading towards the northwest path. Currents of wind popping up everywhere, the hyena kept the search going.

Coming across a cracked mask beside a cliffside, the early adult titled his head. Why did Naofa need such a thing? Didn't it already have an eyepatch? But, the soldier pushed such thoughts away. None of its belongings were any of his business.

Barren area with stone covered to the brim with moss, the soldier searched through the area with all his might. Peculiar looking compass that only pointed south instead of north, a sea of questions flowed through the early adult. Were Khaenri'ahn compasses all backwards? Perhaps, it was broken. Pocketing the object, the soldier kept heading east.

Nothing of note beside the lake and outer edge, the early adult kept his eyes open. Surely, there had to have been some other odd things that were around that stuck out like a Slime in a tribe of Hilichurls. Naofa within his line of sight once more, the search was on.

Lynx yanking the compass out of the soldier's hands, Naofa's pockets were loaded. Pits of cloth looking stuffed to the brim, the early adult shook his head. If there were any more of its belongings lying around in Stormterror's Lair, there was no way it would be able to hold onto them. Wrist gripped into a tight lock for what felt like the fifth time of the day, the party of two reversed back towards the path they came.

Lair searched through for two more hours, everything had been accounted for. But, as the lynx grabbed the soldier's map again without asking, a peculiar sight caught their two currently visible eyes. Strange looking blue door teleport waypoint appearing in Wolvendom, a shout broke loose from its throat.

"Let's go, flea! We need to hurry to Wolvendom!" Naofa shouted, squeezing the hyena chimera's wrist tighter. "Quickly! That concerto caught the attention of him."

Hearing a high amount of bloodshed in Naofa's voice as Stormterror's lair was left behind, the early adult could feel his body shake rapidly. Whoever it was that they were about to meet, he knew it would not be a battle that would end without any blood spilled.

Edge of Dawn Winery dashed through, and cliffside soon reached, the lynx leaped up the mountain. Grip loosened as it swiftly jumped, the soldier's rear hit the ground. Rubbing his sides for a moment, the early adult ascended upward. But, as Wolvendom was upon him, a wave of unease flowed through him.

Atmosphere as dense as steel, the soldier eyes twitched. Was it just his imagination, or was there a looming threat in Wolvendom? But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. There was no time to think about such things. Woods cut through a smidgeon, a dark blue door awaited beside a Hilichurl camp.

Dragged in through the door of wonders, a blinding light overtook the entrance. Closing his eyes for a moment, the early adult gazed at the world around him. Deep, grey labyrinth with only a straight path, the young soldier took a long deep breath. A domain was now upon him. He had to prepare himself for anything.

Wrist soon let go of, the lynx resumed its dash forward. Mages dancing from every corner of the labyrinth beside barricades, Naofa unveiled its bow in a matter of moments. Yellow-green robed Mages sitting in their shielded bubbles, flames demolished their paradise, in an instant.

Dendro Mages taken out quicker than the hyena could blink, the chase continued. Lynx saying it would take care of all the monsters, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed this was not his fight. Mage bodies piling up one after another as the straight path through the dungeon kept going, a roadblock was soon reached.

Totem with a teal wing symbol on it standing beside a large gap leading to a castle path up above, the soldier let out a sigh. If the object needed Anemo, there was no way to continue, for sure. But, such thought was an incorrect assumption. Naofa grabbing a hold of a wind blowing Samachurl, a demand had been made of the creature.

Small tornado lighting the totem up, a wind current burst from the ground. Lynx's archaic wind glider thrusting it upward, the soldier road the wind, as well. Small bridge towards a tiny castle entrance reached, the party of two ran ahead. End of the area soon reached, a surprise awaited Naofa.

Tall, blond man with half a mask covering his face and blue cape, the soldier's knees buckled. Had he met this man before? He could not help but feel this was not his first encounter with him. Flower eyepatch in his left hand, and odd looking golden locket in his right, the hyena's body kept shaking. He could not help but feel a sense of doom looming around him as the masked man looked forward.

"Twilight Sword, give me back my eyepatch and pocket watch this instant!" Naofa shouted, but a sea of defiance had come its way, in an instant.

"I will only return it to you if you answer my question," the Twilight Sword responded, pointing at the pocket watch. "I took the liberty to look inside your pocket watch. Why is there a rotted branch of Irminsul in there?" He closed his eyes for a moment as he said such. "Your right snake eyes is plenty for Ley line Manipulation."

Putrid royal guard filth proclaiming he looked through its pocket watch, Naofa's eyes turned red. How dare the Twilight Sword open up its precious belongings and snoop through them? It would exact revenge on this man, once and for all. Eyepatch within arm's reach, it bore its fangs.

"How dare you look through my belongings, ant!" Naofa shouted at the top of its lungs. "Give me back my eyepatch and my pocket watch, or I'll erase your precious memories from the ley lines, as well!" Right eye covered with its left hand, its right fist shook with a fervor. "I'll get my revenge on you for this, just you wait, Twilight Sword!"

The early adult jumped three steps back as the lynx kept shouting. Words of violence continuing to come the man's way, the soldier's eyes opened wide. So, this was the true Naofa, the snake, Jörmungandr. What a petty chimera it was, threatening to erase someone's memories over stolen belongings.

Man proclaimed Twilight Sword letting out a sigh, the hyena blinked. Was he done with this entire situation? He supposed he did not blame him if such were the case. Continuing to hold the lynx's eyepatch hostage, Naofa's face had been as red as a tomato. Turning his face towards the opposite direction, the soldier stared at a wall. Things were about to get violent, guaranteed.

"I knew I should have kept an eye on you after you emerged from your cryogenic slumber," the Twilight Sword said, sighing. But, such point was contested in a split second.

"Who cares about that now? It's too late already!" Naofa shouted. "Give me back my eyepatch and pocket watch already, or you'll be sorry!"

Twilight Sword eventually returning Naofa's belongings, his masked face soon turned to face the hyena. Eyes sizing him up from afar, the early adult jumped five steps back. Why was he looking at him, all of a sudden? Surely, there was nothing of interest for him to look at.

Man continuing to study him for minutes on end, the soldier could feel his tail pop out from behind him. Tail twitching about as the observations continued, fear nibbled on the cartilage of his ear. The blond man's eyes, they were terrifying. Hand soon on his chin, words had been put to his observation.

"Hold on a moment, you're an Ingne," the Twilight Sword said, pondering. "Your ancestors attempted to achieve immortality, but were unsuccessful in their quest." He closed his eyes, and shook his head. "I bare you a word of caution. Do not seek out immorality like those before you."

A wave of bewilderment overtook the hyena as words of caution had been thrown the soldier's way. His ancestors wanted to live forever? That made no sense. Why would they want to live on for all of eternity? Living forever was certainly not a good thing. Words sinking through him, the soldier paced around, for a moment.

His family, had it held onto traditions so strongly because of the failed attempt at immortality? He could not help but feel everything in his life from his stolen childhood had been a product of such failure. But, he supposed such wasn't an issue. Perhaps, it was best, if things within his family stayed the same forever.

Naofa let out a laugh. Why did the Twilight Sword feel the need to flap his gums and speak absolute nonsense? Why would Siorc care about his pathetic ancestors who failed at living forever? His ancestors were dead. What a waste of air, he was. He should have croaked years ago.

"Why even bother telling him something so useless, Twilight Sword?" Naofa asked, laughing. "His ancestors are already dead!"

Portal opening up from behind the Twilight Sword, the masked man had soon been gone like the Mondstadt wind. Strange glowing blue exit light popping up at the edge of the labyrinth, Naofa pressed an invisible button. Wolvendom soon returned to, eyes had soon been on the soldier.

Deep look of rage on the lynx's face, fear ate the hyena up like a plate of Northern Smoked Chicken. Was the lynx about to unleash its anger upon him? If such were the case, he knew he had to prepare himself. Lynx stepping four paces ahead, it soon turned its head towards the opposite direction.

"Just go, water flea. I want to be alone right now!" Naofa exclaimed, stepping forward. "We'll do proper work tomorrow, so don't think we're done here just yet!" Running off, the woods grew quiet.

Knowing that was his cue to leave, the early adult removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Opening the orb into map form, the hyena highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Steel walled room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the soldier let out a deep yawn.

Everything soon removed, the early adult crawled into the uncomfortable bed. But, as his head hit the pillow, a wave of questions threw stones around in the hyena's partially human brain. Everything the Twilight Sword said looping on repeat, one final thought joined him in the world of tormenting dreams.

Why did his ancestors want to live forever?

***

"As Bogart and I headed towards the Adventurer's Guild,

Someone tapped my shoulder.
Turning around, I take a look. Do my eyes deceive me?
Right in front of me is a young woman with blonde hair
And purple streaks. She looks like
Naofa, I do not trust her. Not in the least.
Giving me a long stare with her indigo
Eyes, she gives this strange, toothy smile.

Looks are deceiving. Why is she being so friendly?
Opening her mouth, she asks me a question.
'Oh, are you this Waiola lady my brother told me about?' My
Knees buckle. Is someone watching Bogart and me?
If that Sage has siblings, I would rather walk away. Say
No. But, Bogart nudges me.
Guess I have to tell the truth. 'Yes, that's me,' I respond.

Looking at Bogart, I cross my arms. 'Bogart, don't nudge me!'
'Ah, jeepers, Waiola! If I hadn't, you'd have lied!' he responded. Yes, I would have.
Don't you get it, Bogart? I'm thinking about our safety. But, I stay quiet.
Yikes, this lady, is smiling. Why is she so happy?

If she wants something from Bogart or me, I will
Not hesitate but to tell someone in the Akademiya.

Firmly planted smile still sitting on her face, words as
Ripe as Zaytun Peaches come at me.
'Oh, awesome. Got the right person, then!' the lady said. She continued.
'Now, I have a question for you about
That Sage with blond hair. Have you seen them doing anything suspicious?' Her grin grew two sizes.

Oh, I see. This woman is seeking information,
For what it's worth, it's

Best we share our knowledge.
Our God, she would like this. But, as I prepare to
Give my evidence, Bogart speaks over me. 'You mean Naofa? 'Course we have
A lot of dirt on them!' Bogart interrupted. 'We often catch it causing countless
Rounds of earthquakes in the Sumeru's deserts! What a brute!'
Took the words right out of my mouth, like always.

And now, the young woman's smile faded.
Now, she's looking at us with contempt, pain, rage.
Don't know why, but I feel like it's justified.

'Maybe I should have acted faster,' the young woman said. 'Thank you for the info. Appreciated. I'll punish them.'
Eagerly running off, I gaze at the grass. Who was that lady? I suddenly feel empty."

Waking up the next morning was a sight to behold. Naofa in a Sage uniform, the hyena crinkled his nose. Did the lynx seriously think any of its disguises would work anymore? Its disguises were breaking, cracking, full of holes. Told there was a problem within Sumeru, the soldier removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket.

Told to highlight the waypoint closest to Gandharva Ville, the soldier did as instructed. Familiar rainforest soon upon him, the lynx dragged the soldier forward. Wooden walkway passed through faster than his mismatched eyes could keep up, the hyena's legs were forced into a sprint as Naofa kicked up speed.

Stepping into the treehouse uninvited, the lynx stamped its boot upon the wooden ground. Forest watcher leader's furry ears perking as he messed around with various mushrooms, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. The lynx disturbed the furry eared man while he was working, a sea of sarcasm was about to come its way in a matter of moments.

"--------!" Naofa shouted. A name had been said, but the hyena could not hear it. "Have you seen anyone that looked like me?" A wave of desperation flowed through its voice.

"Yes, I have," the furry eared man replied, sarcasm evident in his voice. "Why don't you go play with the robot friends they left behind?"

Naofa dashing out of the treehouse, the soldier attempted to step outside, as well. But, a gloved hand grabbed ahold of his wrist. Furry eared man giving him a stern look with a pocket full of mushrooms, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. Was he about to be scolded for disturbing him while he was working? He supposed he deserved it, if such were the case.

"Be careful when heading out there. Those Ruin Guards are oddly more aggressive than normal," the forest watcher leader said. "I want you to come back here immediately if you get injured."

Nodding, the hyena exited the treehouse. Lynx informing him an elderly citizen within the rainforest village she had spotted robots prancing around in Chinvat Ravine, the party of two headed southwest. Wise woman of many years words confirmed to be the truth, a brown forest Claymore had been tossed the soldier's way.

Group of five Ruin Guards spinning around faster than any other, the early adult prepared himself for battle. But, such fight was turned sour in seconds. Robotic arms ramming themselves into him, the soldier was airborne. Body rammed into a tree, he felt like he was about to sealed into the bark like a white haired dog demon in another world.

Naofa blasted by a set of lazar beams, from multiple Ruin Guard's eyes, a loud shout released itself from the chambers of its throat. Watching as the lynx got kicked around, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. Naofa, losing a fight? Natlan would freeze over tomorrow, for sure.

Ruin Guards ending their spin about, the enemies leaped in the air. Jumping back down onto the ground, a shockwave overtook the area. Ground shaking for minutes on end, the soldier gripped the tree bark as if his life depended on it. Enemies tiring themselves out after ten minutes, a polearm had been tossed at one of the robot's cores.

One enemy locked onto with the lynx's spear, the hyena tossed down a flower friend. Flames soon surrounding it, the seeds burgeoned into a quick explosion. First robot bursting into flames, one of the problems had soon been taken care of. But, the tides soon reversed.

Enemies spinning their arms about once more, the party of two had been knocked around like a tiny ball. Hips soon added to the equation, the soldier bit his tongue. Why were these Ruin Guards so feisty? Had someone modified them to be such a way? War machines crashing into one another, a bed of flames overtook them.

Knowing that was his opportunity to strike, the soldier tossed down a flower friend. Dendro and Pyro shaking hands with one another, the enemies burned themselves out one after another. Lynx finishing the deed, the Ravine had been cleared out. But, such had not been the end of the robot versus chimeras battles.

Elderly woman informing the lynx chimera other robots were spotted headed towards Vimara Village nearby, the hyena's wrist had been locked into gripping prison once more. Dragged towards the south, a bunch of hills had been dashed through. Gandharva Ville passed through and ignored, the southward run continued.

Vimara Village overtaken by Ruin Guards along the water and bridges nearby, the lynx dashed onto the water. Spear in its left hand as the war machine continued its feisty rampage, the lake around it was littered with bullets. Seeing such, the hyena let out a growl. Whoever reprogrammed these war machines would pay for allowing them to dirty the water.

Enemy locking its core on him, the soldier slashed the greatsword forward. Bullets coming his way, the soldier jumped seven steps back. Bouncing the projectiles back towards the machine, its core lit up like a candle in a cake. Weak spot created, the early adult slashed about with a fervor.

Two Ruin Guards removed from the equation, two more entered the lake. Bullets looking ready to litter the world underneath it, the hyena dashed towards the shallow end of the water. Lynx's spear joining the party, flames combined with its polearm vaporized the world around the war machines.

Every single robot taken out of the picture, a villager man near the house in the corner awarded the lynx with a sea of new information. Told by the some of the robots stomped off towards Port Ormos, Naofa leaped ahead. Hearing such, the soldier could not help but wonder. Just how much did the citizens of Sumeru witness? It was almost as if, such convenience was created to push a story along.

Speeding off straight towards the riverside, the lynx swam faster than the hyena's eyes could follow. Spotting a log in between after some time, the soldier jumped onto the tree bark walkway. Other side of the river crossed without needing to swim, the dash about continued.

Dirt path ahead towards the port city crawling with war machines, the lynx had gotten on the offensive. Ruin Hunters on the path, as well, an aerial one sided battle was soon about to overtake the area. Monsters many meters off the ground, fighting was impossible for minutes on end.

Lynx throwing its spear at the airborne enemies, the war machine had been expelled from celestia. Flames swallowing the enemy whole in a matter of moments, the dash towards Port Ormos continued. Multiple Ruin Guards jumping on the road, the soldier had gotten on the offensive.

Multiple Eremites near the boats in the corner running away as the Ruin Guards spun their arms around, the early adult dashed towards the opposite direction. Surely, if he tried to attack the monsters from behind, it would take them by surprise. Aiming for the core on the back, the tides were turning.

Weak spots exposed after multiple slashes about, one final Ruin Hunter joined the scene. Robot from up above raining down seas of bullets, the hyena waited for the storm to pass. Enemy dropping down towards the ground, Dendro and Pyro shook hands with one another as the war machine met its match.

But, the battle was only just getting started. Sound of metallic feet stomping within the city from afar, the hyena's legs broke out into a speedy sprint. Ruin Guards attempting to break the port town into a million pieces, shouts overtook the streets. Eremites nearby offering the lynx multiple weapons, it snatched one of the offerings immediately.

Katars soon mounted onto the lynx's wrists, it slashed forward. Ruin Guard's legs slashed, the enemy had gotten down onto its knees in a matter of moments. Eremites with axes joining the battle, Siorc backed six steps away. He supposed the mercenaries had this one taken care of.

Ruin Guard turned into piles of scrap metal from the effort of the lynx and three eremites combined, a new round of information had been provided to the sea of people. Leader of the Port Ormos Eremites telling Naofa the rest of the machine enemies were spotted in Devantaka Mountain, the rest of the city had been raced through in less than fifteen minutes. Borrowed weapons returned to their owners, the area was exited faster than any other.

Lynx already far ahead of him, the soldier's legs erupted into a speedy sprint. If he straddled too far behind, Naofa would have his neck again, for sure. Ruin Drakes joining the battle as the party of two approached them, the fight was on. Enemies quickly taken care of, a barrage soon awaited the duo.

Ruin Drakes raining down bullets as the lynx headed towards the large robot off into the distance, flames soon surrounded it. Fiery projectiles tossed the drake's way, the enemy was tossed down onto the ground below it. Robot becoming broken pieces, more were caught into the fray.

Flower friend finishing off the rest of the war machines, the huge robot sitting upon the hill awaited Naofa and he. But, as the lynx approached, the rusted Ruin Guard's arms had been brought forward. Limb smacking the lynx into smithereens, the soldier covered his mouth to hide a smile. It deserved that brute force attack for all its done since it met him. Knocked back, a scream overtook the mountain range.

"Sylvi, you're a coward for attacking me from inside the robot!" Naofa shouted. "Face me like you mean it, for a change!"

Robot slapping Naofa again, the soldier's eyes opened wide as a person came through the robot's rusted core in the center. Young woman with long blonde hair and purple braided streaks jetted upwards into the air with Ruin Hunter parts and handles, the hyena blinked. Had the lynx's sister been hiding in the mountains all this time?

Xena looking like she was ready to pop, the soldier could feel sweat pour down his back. Had Naofa said something to set her off? He knew, if such were the case, a brawl was about to come down. If such were the case, he would not fight alongside it. This was Naofa's problem, and Naofa's problem alone.

"Don't you dare call me Sylvi!" Xena shouted, fist quivering. "I'll punch you in the robot again if you repeat that!"

Hearing Xena's shouts, the puzzle in his mind had come together. He understood now. The Ruin Guards, the stolen belongings the day prior, all of this was Naofa's punishment. Its comeuppance had been served upon a silver platter. The time had come to get what it deserved. Xena looking ready to continue, the soldier observed in silence.

"Oh, and just so you know, Faxi and I did some digging on you around Sumeru and found out all the lovely things you did in the rainforest and desert!" Xena exclaimed, twisted smiled appearing on her face. "We've both let the mahamatra know what you did, and he'll be taking you into custody for questioning soon!" But, a laugh had come her way.

"You think your little threat scares me, Xena?" Naofa asked, laughing. "I'm good at lying!" The battle of refutes soon continued.

"Of course you, Jörmungandr. You're a snake, after all!" Xena retorted, laughing. "Now, fight me!" She then turned towards Jörmungandr's little lackey. "Greetings, audience member. Here to watch me kick Naofa's tushie? Don't worry! I'll kick its tush back to the underground where it belongs!"

Battle underway, the hyena broke out into a sweat as Naofa glared daggers at him. Right, he had to root for it to win. Pretending to cheer the lynx on in silence, Xena's small robot ride revved up its bullet steam engine. Rain of bullets coming from its jets, they rained towards the ground.

Lynx bringing its polearm out, the bullets had been bounced back. Seeing such, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Had it just done the dodge and deflect battle style he had been taught to do? He supposed such defensive approach was not unique to him, in any way.

Balls of electricity joining the party as the fight continued onward, the soldier backed three steps away. Xena, did she wield the power of Electro? Not seeing a Vision on her partially human person, a sea of questions flowed through him. How was that possible? But, perhaps, just maybe, her robot jets were doing all the work.

Naofa's singular visible eye almost looking like it was glowing, its spear had been tossed towards the sky. Jets smashed in after a sea of flames had been tossed towards the robotic air ride seven times, Xena's body fell downward onto the ground. Back slamming onto the ground, a white flag was waved upon the sibling brawl.

"You might have beaten me, but don't rest just yet!" Xena exclaimed, huffing and puffing. "Your next stop is all of Liyue's beaches! Uxi awaits you!" She then turned towards the stranger watching. "Hey, hey, audience member watching, my brother told me you have one of those map things. Open it and press the one south of Guili Plains!"

Removing the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket, the chimera let out a sigh. He supposed he was going to have to do as instructed. Pressing the teleport button on the southmost waypoint in Guili Plains, the soldier closed his eyes. Grassy plains of Liyue upon the lynx and he as the early adult opened his eyes, the hyena studied the map, for a moment.

Sandy areas off towards the east of the plains, west towards Cuijue Slope, south towards the stone forest, and north towards Sal Terrae, the soldier dashed off towards the east. As the beach awaited, however, a mechanical surprise took the waves away. Tiny rodents holding swords in their paws, the creatures came dashing as Naofa stepped onto the sand.

Robotic weasels looking ready to get on the offensive, the early adult prepared himself for battle. Who could have possibly made these small, inorganic rodents? There was no way Uxi could have done such. The man did not give off the aura of an inventor. Mechanical enemies looking ready to bite their metallic teeth, the soldier steeled himself.

However, the battle was over before it could even begin. Robotic weasels falling apart after two swings of his greatsword, sweat poured down the soldier's brow. Whoever made these mechanical weasels did not build them very well. A couple of enemies taking themselves out as they ran to the water, the metal robot weasel population lessened by two.

Six more weasels taken out of the picture shortly, a wave of pity flowed through the hyena. The creator of these robots needed to learn how to make their machine monsters sturdier if they wished from them to ever stand a chance at being able to do anything at all.

Fork in the road towards a bridge reached after fifteen minutes of fighting, the lynx dragged the soldier off towards the west. Grass plains cruised through, the sandy area near Luhua Pool had been upon the chimera. Weak robotic weasels attempting to burrow into the ground, their tiny metallic bodies had begun to spark.

Weasel taking itself out, more rodents dashed off towards the waters in the corner. Multiple enemies sparking up like a storm, the lynx finished the deed in a matter of moments. Many other mechanical rodents not standing a single chance against any of the elements thrown at it, the one sided battles kept going.

Mechanical robots cleared out along the entirety of the pool area, Cuijue Slope awaited the soldier. Every single metallic weasel taking themselves out as they threw themselves into water, the hyena backed two steps away. Were the weasels programmed wrong, or were they doing this on purpose? He could not help but feel it had to have been the second option.

Multiple enemies along the beach of Cuijue doing themselves a favor and seeing themselves out, Naofa dashed back off towards the crossroads. Taking the eastward path, Yoaguang Shoal soon awaited. Realizing the main beach area of Liyue was nearing, the hyena let out a gulp. If the panda were doing their exercises here, he would be in danger, for sure.

Turning his head towards the right and left as the foolish rodent enemies tossed themselves into the ocean, the early adult puffed a sigh of relief. Yínlóng had been nowhere to be seen. They were safe from getting hurt. What a miracle to be had, for sure.

Lynx's spear pushing the remainder of the metallic rodents into the ocean, the enemies sparked up in seconds. Rest of the beach cleared out after an hour, the duo had begun to head north. Beach getting further behind, the party of two sped forward. Abandoned village within his line of sight, the chimera picked up the pace.

Mingyun Village dashed through, the silence kicked up as the soldier kept dashing north. Fields passed through, Sal Terrae was nearing. Lynx sprinting swifter with every given second, the chimera attempted with all his energy to catch up. Pool of salt upon him, he placed his hands into a praying position as the God of Salt's remains laid in front of him. The gods deserved respects paid to them.

Mechanical weasel turned into scrap metal as he was praying, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. Naofa had begun fighting already? He knew, if he did not join in, his wrist would be added to the lynx's opponent's list. But, as he prepared to join the battle, flames kicked into overdrive.

Group of artificial rodents already taken care of before he could even blink, Siorc's mouth dropped wide open. Just how fast was it able to vanquish enemies? He supposed it had gotten impatient enough to let everything around it burn, polearm already cutting through the rest of the monsters from the world of technology, the chimera backed four steps away.

Final set of programmed rodents becoming one with nature, Naofa closed its eyes for a moment. Human legs transformed into lynx ones, it had already been one-hundred meters away in almost two minutes. Not having the energy to transform his limbs in tandem, the chimera ran as fast as his currently human legs could carry him.

Swift dash south continuing its rampage for minutes on end, Guhyun Stone Forest closed in on the party of two. Forest as quiet as ever, Naofa's lynx legs retracted back into human form. Sandy paths crossed in a zigzag, silence looped on repeat.

Spotting a battlefield in the corner, the lynx kept heading north. Following behind like a duckling in a pond, a sight caught the soldier's eyes as the grey circular dome was adjacent to him. Brown cube sitting dormant next to a tall blond man with a forest green braided streak underneath his right ear, the soldier blinked. Was this Uxi, in the flesh? Dejected look on his face, his eyes were soon on Naofa.

"I don't want to do this." Uxi admitted.

Hearing Uxi's reluctance, the early adult placed his hand on his chin. If he did not want to join in on Naofa's punishment, why did he do so, in the first place? But, he supposed he was pushed around by his siblings because he did not talk a lot. Realizing such, the hyena did not know why, but perhaps, just maybe, Naofa's brother would relate to him. But, he tucked such thought away into his jacket pockets.

Pathetic cousin standing beside a Geo Hypostasis, Naofa let out a laugh. Uxi was the weakest amongst all of its cousins. It would snap him in half like a twig. But, perhaps, if it feigned kindness, he would surrender the fight. Words at the tip of its tongue, it prepared its verbal victory.

"Then, forget this stupid battle, Uxi!" Naofa exclaimed, hands out in front of it. "Go on, and surrender!"

Demand of surrender coming his way, Uxi placed his hand on his chin. Maybe Naofa still had some good left in them. Everyone, no matter who they were had a conscience inside them. Perhaps it would come out at some point. But, it had already been too late to surrender. Geo Hypostasis already responding to his synthetic being, the battle was about to begin.

"Sorry," Uxi replied. "It's too late. It's awake."

Brown cube dispersing itself and combining with Uxi, the early adult held back the urge to gasp. How was this possible? Rocky armor surrounding Naofa's brother, the fight had already begun. Cubes tossed Naofa's way, the lynx swiped its finger across its nose. Seeing such, the soldier shook his head. It was getting cocky already, wasn't it? Things would reverse back towards its brother any minute now.

But such reversal never came. Spear sending the cubes back towards Uxi, everything boomeranged back onto him. Attempting with all his strength to try and get an advantage, a barrage of rocky shields dropped onto the battlefield. Although, such was not enough to serve as an obstacle.

Shields broken apart after three slashes to each, the lynx turned its heel back towards its brother. Spear cracking through the rhombical armor, a crack echoed on the stony forest wind. Uxi beginning to pant louder than the ocean from afar, he grit his teeth upon the battle dome.

Lynx brother raising his hand in surrender, he hugged his knees on the ground. Hypostasis armor freeing itself from him, the man sulked on the ground for minutes on end. Seeing such, a pity cherry dropped into the center of the hyena's stomach. But, as the minutes of bitterness marched onward, an unusual set of words threw themselves into the ring.

"I like the beach," Uxi said randomly. "I didn't want to fight." Such had been awarded with a laugh in the corner.

Uxi talking about the beach out of nowhere, Naofa let out a laugh. How weak and pathetic he was, barely able to hold his own even after combining himself with the Geo Hypostasis. What a pitiful fool its cousin was. He should have just surrendered from the very beginning.

"You should just surrendered, then!" Naofa exclaimed. "You're pathetic, and weak!"

Feeling a switch of anger dial up inside him, the hyena balled up a fist. How dare Naofa call its brother pathetic and weak. If it did not stop with its insults, he would invite himself into the sibling brawl, as well. But, the soldier stopped himself. What was he doing? There was no way he could attack it. He would lose in seconds. Uxi giving its sibling a somber look, he kept the response cart going.

"Sorry," Uxi said again. "Faxi told me to." He took a deep synthetic breath. "Irpa might come tomorrow."

Watching as Naofa rolled its sleeves up, the lynx ran away faster than his eyes could follow. Gone without a trace, the hyena blinked. What just happened, and why did it run away? Had the name Irpa instilled fear upon them? How ridiculous. Its next line of punishment was still coming, no matter what.

Uxi lowering his head onto his ball jointed knees, the hyena had come to wonder. Would telling him he understood how he felt bring him out of his slump? He supposed it was worth a try. Tapping on the man's shoulder, the soldier placed his hands in front of him as he looked up. Singing he understood, he looked into his eyes.

Young man who was with Naofa twiddling his thumbs, Uxi squinted. What was he trying to say? We he communicating with gestures? He envied the ones able to speak without talking. If only he understood how to do so, as well, he would give up speaking entirely. Whatever he said, he supposed a short answer would do.

"Words are hard," Uxi said, shaking his head. Turning his head towards the other side, he pointed towards the exit. "Sorry, please go. I want to be alone."

Nodding, the soldier removed the proxy orb from his back pocket. Knowing Naofa would not be coming back for today, the hyena highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Soundproof room upon him after ten minutes of walking, the soldier yawned. Closing his eyes as his head hit the pillow, one final thought looped on repeat.

The ultimate punishment is coming.

***

"This is it. Judgement day!
Here's to putting dear old Jörmungandr away!
Everything it's done, it will questioned for days!

This time, it is my turn!
I, Irpa, will be the next to deliver its little prize!
My fun little zombie turtles should keep it busy!
Even if they bring their little loyal lackey with them, I

Have made sure this prize will lead it
All the way to Wuwang Hill!
Sister I am no longer, I am your enemy!

Can't believe all the people you have hurt!
Oh, your reign of terror upon Teyvat is now over!
Mahamatra ---- has agreed to detain you! And
Even after that, a certain woman rolling

The dice will be after you next!
Her name, let's see, I think it was -----, and
Even though she's always in the shadows, dear, sweet,

Malicious cousin of mine, just like Faxi in his hilichurl form,
Another pair of eyes was on you!
Heh. Didn't see that coming, did you?
Ah, did you really think we weren't two steps ahead?
Maybe this will be the lesson you need!
After all, the Temple of Silence, is
The punishment you
Rightfully deserve!
All of your manipulation you did? How does it feel to know that was all a

Waste? You've met your match, my lovely little cousin!
If you think I remained a crybaby, you're the one who's going to
Leak those tears! You're the one who's going to
Leak like a river!

But rest assured, Jörmungandr,
Even while you're locked away, if you tell the

Heartful truth, maybe the Matra will play nice with you! But, you're a little liar!
Everyone knows you stretch the truth!
Really hope you're ready,
Everything is coming to you!

Soon the boomerang will bounce back!
Oh, and just you wait until what Faxi has in store for you.
Oh, and just you wait for what I have in store for you, too!
Now, Naofa, come on and find me! Let's duel!"

Naofa telling him the next morning northern Liyue had a sudden turtle problem, the soldier sighed as he highlighted the waypoint towards the northern area of Guili Plains, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Why was he even here? Couldn't Naofa do this by itself? But, the soldier kept such thoughts to himself.

Reaching the bridge towards the inn after thirty minutes of walking, a sight to behold caught the chimera's eyes. Ghastly looking turtles with rotted shells snapping their decomposing teeth at generic nobodies heading for the inn, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. Had the undead reptiles come from Wuwang Hill? They needed to be taken care of right away.

Guests looking terrified as another group of zombified shelled reptiles joined their friend, the hyena took a long deep breath. He knew he had no choice but to fight. Greatsword handed to him, the early adult swiped the blade forward, but such was a failure upon arrival. Turtle binding itself into its rotting shell, defense had been a layer of steel.

Generic nobodies dashing off towards the inn, their safety was guaranteed in a matter of moments. Returning his attention towards the battle, the early adult threw down a flower friend. But, such attack was a failure, as well. Rest of the reptiles receding into their shells, armor had been tougher than nails.

Lynx suggesting they aim for the center of the turtle's armor, the early adult sighed. He supposed such was for the best. Aiming his blade towards the center, the shell had begun to rot away like it was nothing. Naofa soon removing a polearm from a sack on its back, one enemy had been removed from the equation.

Using the suggestion to his advantage, the center of all the reptile's rotting armor had been done and dealt with. Zombie turtles returning back to the afterlife of which they came, the lynx headed towards the inn. Hotel guests look uneasy as the indoor area was nearing, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left.

Generic boss of the Wansghu Inn standing behind a counter trying to calm multiple guests at once, a sea of complaints hit the area. Multiple people screaming there had been scary turtles on the roof, the party of two ascended the staircase. Another round to go, the soldier took a deep breath.

Roof reached after five minutes, a scream about lamenting overtook the area. Yaksha dashing about many meters off the ground with a mask over his face, the soldier backed up towards the wall. Mountain demon plunging down with dark energy, one undead turtle was downed with two more strikes.

Yaksha jumping into the air once again, he let out a grunt as his plunges about continued. Screaming out useless and boring as his entire body dashed about, more reptiles were vanquished one after another. Bright green spear rumored to be able to cut jade continuing to fight, his short body kept the momentum going.

Mountain demon looking like he was in a lot of pain as his barrages slowly came to an end, the soldier ran to the yaksha's side. Was he hurting himself fighting the turtles? Naofa letting out a laugh as he had begun to breathe heavy, the early adult placed his hand out in front of him. Attempting to support him, the yaksha shook him off, in an instant.

"Don't worry about me, mortal," the yaksha said, grunting in pain. "If there is evil, I shall conquer it." Vanishing as he said such, he stumbled somewhere unseen.

Peering over the edge of the railing, the soldier lowered his eyes into a squint. Had there been more turtles in Dihua Marsh? He could not help but feel more awaited within this area. Climbing on the rooftop nearby, the soldier deployed his wind glider. Lynx's archaic one deployed as well, the party of two headed north.

Marsh riddled with zombified turtles beside a bed of horsetails, the soldier prepared himself. If Linggui were watching him fight at any point, he knew he needed to apologize for fighting his possible kin. First reptile's shell struck down the middle, one enemy was cleared out with no contest.

Multiple undead enemies eating the waterside plants, the hyena shook his head. Was it really necessary to attack these poor, innocent creatures? They were just trying to eat with their rotten teeth. But, as he thought such, Naofa's spear had already cracked the center of the reptile's armor.

Broken bridge above the murky waters littered with many enemies, the lynx ascended a loose spot upon the disheveled walkway. Leg raised upward, the army of semi aquatic undead creatures were tossed into the swampy waters below it. Enemies unable to swim, the early adult closed his eyes. Did he really have to do this? But, he knew, if he didn't keep fighting, he would be pushed into the water, as well.

Enemies from the bridge fading into the ether, the party of two headed towards the east. Turtles along the pathway for meters on end, every single one was taken out of their misery. Stone Gate upon the lynx and he, the fights soon continued. But, as more reptiles were returning to the afterlife, a ton had been dropped onto the soldier's back.

Every single undead turtle defeated within the eastern Stone Gate area, the early adult stared down at their rotting shells as they disappeared. Was this truly the right thing to do? He could not help but feel a wave of guilt stack dominoes around him as more had been removed from the world of the living.

Returning towards the west, Bishui Plains awaited the soldier. Confused decomposing reptiles duking it out with the boars in the forest, the creatures fought for territory. Pig squealing an oink as it won the territorial battle, the early adult's eyes fluttered rapidly. Had he just witnessed a boar declaring dominance? Nature was king, indeed.

Southwest path of the plains littered with undead creatures everywhere the eye could see, Naofa had soon gotten on the offensive. Watching as it removed its enemies one after another with no input from the hyena, the early adult backed five steps away. Was his presence even necessary anymore? He was weight deader than the turtles themselves.

Fields of Qingce Village upon the lynx and he after an hour of fighting, the early adult rolled up his sleeves. This time, he had to join the battle. Center point in the shells claimed by his blade, one undead enemy had been removed from the world. Spotting an elderly man going about his stroll, the soldier dashed towards him.

Doing a short dance with his body to spell out the word danger, the elderly man left the colorful grass fields. Turtles snapping their decomposed teeth at the scarecrows in the area, the lynx called to action. Spear removing the reptiles from near the objects that never did their job, the hyena dashed off towards the opposite end.

Final set of zombified turtles becoming one with nature, the lynx dashed through the elderly village. Ascending a cliffside, the hyena followed behind in silence. Watching as Naofa swam about rapidly, a sea of rotted, bony reptiles slid upside down a waterfall. Everything cleared out, it soon snapped its fingers.

Boat appearing on the water, the soldier jumped in. But, the soldier's eyes were on its waist. The golden locket beside its uniform, had it always been there? The hyena shook his head. It was far too late to notice such now. Small river cruised through, Wuwang Hill was nearing.

Lynx dragging him through the ghostly forest, the chimera could not help but wonder. Had Naofa's siblings all been dolls now? Noticing Uxi had ball joints for knees, the thought cemented into place. Submerged area next to the domain almost three meters away, a familiar face stood on the water.

Irpa with a cheeky grin on her face now sitting on top of a zombified turtle, it had come to the soldier in an instant. The reptiles were her creation. Realizing such, the early adult looked at the young woman's glasses. Did she have some sort of fascination with the space between life and death through alchemy? But, he knew it was not his business. Naofa's sister looking ready for battle, the soldier backed up towards the corner.

"There you are 'Naofa'," Irpa said, wiggling its index and middle fingers upon the air. "It's time for us to fight!" She a laughed a little as she said such, but soon continued. "Oh, and, just so you know, I'm fully aware of all the awful things you've done! After your sentence in the Temple of Silence is over, the Ministry of Civil Affairs in Liyue will deal with you next!" But, a laugh had soon come her way.

"Do you really think that's going to stop me, Irpa?" Naofa asked, tone seeping with poison. "I have the entire continent under my thumb!" A laugh had soon been returned to it in kind.

"Oh, you'll see! Just you wait, dear sibling!" Irpa retorted, sarcasm evident in her voice. She then turned towards their cousin's lackey in the corner. "Heh. You brought your little lackey along with you, huh? Watch me beat up your boss, loyal worm!"

A wave of disgust flowed through the soldier as Irpa's comment hit his inhuman eardrums. Did she just say he was Naofa's loyal worm? Disgusting. He was not its lackey. He would never submit himself to them. If he had a choice in the matter, he would have stopped working with it. But, such was not an option available to him. Lynx wounding up a punch, the early adult spectated the sibling brawl in silence.

Irpa spinning on the her turtle creation upon the water, a condition had been thrown into the mix. Told it will win if it manages to break her armor and knock her off her pet, the hyena gazed at the lynx sister's body, for a moment. Coat of steel covering its possible doll chest, the early adult shrugged. There was no way any spear would be able to pierce through such defenses.

Naofa breaking out its polearm, its weapon aimed for the center of Irpa's armor. Steel point clanging onto the armor like it was nothing, its sister laughed. Tongue stuck out as every strike missed the critical point, ice took the stage as the struggle continued. Frozen beams surrounding its legs, the tides were in her favor.

Spear pokes only continuing to do nothing, the soldier shook his head. Did Naofa seriously think if it kept attacking head on, something would break? Brute force was definitely not going to do anything. Aiming for the legs, Irpa dodged as if she was dancing, placing her finger over her eyelid as another raspberry was blown, the fight marched onward.

Hearing a loud aha take the stage, the lynx's snake of flames soon joined its side. Breath of fire aimed for the center of the armor, an opening was almost upon it. Serpent burning the metal after twenty seconds on the battlefield, it pressed its spear onto the scorched plate.

Armor no more, the lynx aimed for Irpa's feet. Turtle underneath her sticking its head out from its shell, the creature moved forward. Legs slipping as her pet stomped about, her rear splashed upon the water. Clicking her tongue and snapping her fingers, she turned towards her sibling, face tinted crimson.

"Congratulations Naofa, you won. Bravo, bravo. Kudos to you!" Irpa shouted sarcastically. As she said such, she faked a celebratory clap. "But, don't think you're done! Faxi has a little gift for you, as well! This one is a big one!" Letting out a laugh, she pointed off to nowhere. "Go on! Off to the desert with you, dear sibling! Here's your first clue: a hospital! Vamonos!"

Lynx dashing off towards the soldier, it sunk its filthy palms through the back of his pockets. Teleport Waypoint proxy orb snatched, it opened up the orb into map form. Dar-Al Shifa Waypoint highlighted in a matter of moments, the early adult closed his eyes. Desert upon him as he opened them, the proxy orb was tossed his way.

Orb rudely thrown at him, the early adult held back a growl. Was such action necessary? But, he knew, at this point, the lynx had run out of its thin layered patience. Entrance to the hospital approaching, the early adult took a deep breath. What awaited him in the scary world of abandoned medical facilities?

Hilichurl sitting on one of the sandy beds waiting, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Had a monster made itself at home here? Spotting a piece of paper in its hands, the soldier stepped forward. How peculiar of the creature to be holding a sheet of Dendro creation. Gazing at the words on the paper, the hyena read carefully.

"I'm in a pit, find me," the note said.

Naofa reading the note, as well, the abandoned medical facility had been uninhabited once more. Veering off towards the west, Abdju Pit was reached after about half an hour of running. Primal Construct floating around the area with a note attached to it, the lynx's spear made quick work of the possibly employed machine. Paper dropping onto the sand, the hyena gazed at the words written on the sheet.

"Pick an Archon and pray! That's were I am!" the note said.

Party of two dashing off towards the southwest, sand ate the area up for minutes on end. No enemies with papers attached to them as the pit had been left behind, a temple zeroed in on the soldier's damaged field of vision as the sprint kept itself going. Stepping into the entrance, ruins awaited.

Multiple Hilichurls dancing with notes in runic languages, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. What was Faxi thinking? Had he thrown in bonuses to throw the lynx off? Third monster holding the key that was necessary for completion, the leaflet was handed off to it, gazing at the hint, the hyena read it to himself.

"I'm camping! Look for me!" the note exclaimed.

Knowing the note meant the Tanit Camps in the Desert of Hadramaveth, the soldier took the lead. Edges of the Great Red Sands vanishing before his eyes, the entrance towards the first part of the northern desert came closing in after an hour of travelling. Eremite giving Naofa a sinister smile, the early adult shook his head. Shady people were birds of a feather.

Next note stating the valley was hurt, an oil bulb went off in the soldier's head. The Wounded Shin Valley, was that the next stop? Knowing there was no other area on the map that contained such words, the desert chase towards the robot soon began.

Heading towards the west, Safhe Shatranj had been stormed through like an area with the number fifty-one next to it. Running onto the northward path, Mt. Damavand's edges were skipped over and ignored. Cruising off towards the west once more, Wounded Shin Valley was now upon the party of two. Note sitting on the and beside the cliff, the soldier read the note.

"I'm in the mountains."

Realizing the only mountain in the area had been the Temir Mountains, the hyena dashed towards the northeast. Three Sand Canals conquered, the entrance to the Girdle of Sands was upon him. Continuing to head north, the domain had been passed by. Mountainscape ready to come along, a barely visible smirk appeared on Siorc's face.

Any minute now, Naofa's comeuppance would come for it. Well deserved comeuppance, indeed. Coming this far along into its chase, soon, it would all be over. But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. What was he thinking? It was far too early to celebrate. Entrance to Temir Mountains stepped through, the walk crept forward.

Nothing found for minutes on end, a predicable sight caught the soldier's attention as the end of the mountains was nearing. Reaper gazelle standing near Tunigi Hollow giggling like a schoolgirl, the hyena attempted to sidestep. If he were to step towards ver, he would be in vis territory. Such could not happen. But a peculiarity stuck out amongst the usual.

Onur with a note in vis hands, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Had Faxi caught up the reaper gazelle into his apparent gift? Perhaps, just maybe, it had been an agreed upon term for stepping into vis territory. Onur stepping towards Naofa, the early adult backed three steps away.

"Hehe youuuu foooound meeee," Onur said, dancing. "Taaaake your note and goooo. Enjoy your little gift, weeeh!" Leaving as the paper had been handed off, Naofa read the words upon the paper.

"Jump to home," the note said.

Naofa grabbing his Teleport Waypoint Proxy orb once again, the soldier grit his teeth. Did it have to take his map without asking again? The lynx chimera was a snake indeed. Waypoint underneath Tunigi Hollow highlighted, his map was dissipated back into orb form. Tossed back to him like it was swinging a pitch, the early adult caught the machine as quick as possible. Fast travel soon taking him away, a familiar sight awaited him.

Dropping down towards the bottom of the energy plant, the lynx and he stepped through the pathway. Spotting the door he had seen last time getting closer, the early adult's head pounded. No. He was not welcome here. He had to leave, he had to turn around. He had to go. But, such exit was closed off before he could make it. Naofa grabbing his wrists, his legs were dragged forward.

Faxi standing by the door's entrance, the early adult's head only continued to pound harder. Why was he here? He should not be here. No way, he had to leave, he had to go now. Naofa's brother stretching his arm out, the show was ready to begin. Hearing a door slam from the outside, the exit was gone, removed, sealed.

"Welcome home, Naofa. Oh, right, you're not it. You're Jörmungandr!" Faxi exclaimed, laughing. "I knew you'd find the door to our home, but I won't let you come back!"

Watching as their pathetic cousin stood by the door to their former home, Naofa let out a chuckle. How quaint of him, thinking it wanted to go back to a home that was completely demolished by the gods. He had truly been pitiful, thinking it would go back to it in such a state it was in.

"You're pathetic for standing by the door of our former home!" Naofa exclaimed, arms stretched out from side to side.

Hearing his cousin calling him pathetic, Faxi let out a laugh. Really now? Naofa, Jörmungandr, rather, was resorting to such petty and weak insults? The only one pathetic here was Jörmungandr. Maybe it was time to send its words flying right back at it. The bitter pill it deserved was a taste of its own medicine.

"Actually, Jörmungandr, you know what's truly pathetic? You," Faxi responded, laughing. "Say, is it true you broke someone's ribs? Now, why would you do something that horrible? The only pitiful one here is you!" His index finger had been fired off towards Naofa's direction.

Hearing Faxi's words, a shock shot down the chimera's spine. Naofa had broken someone's ribs? Why would it do something like that to someone? What incredibly cruel behavior. No one deserved that, no matter what kind of person they were. Lynx cracking its knuckles, it raced off towards the door.

Whirling a punch upon Faxi's face, a deep, dark smile graced his face. Grabbing Naofa's wrists, its body had been rammed into the ground, twisted into a pretzel. Picked up from its feet once more, another toss had taken shape. Deep mechanical throated laugh echoing on the walls, Faxi let out a shout.

"Punch me all you'd like! I'm synthetic now. You can't hurt me. Or Irpa, or Xena, or Uxi. We're all dolls," Faxi laughed, dark smile on his face. He then lowered his voice, bellowing a sharp whisper. "I know what you did. I know all the people you hurt." He then rose his voice into a squeaky tone. "But, fear not, dear cousin, the Mahamatra will be here shortly." He let out another laugh. "Enjoy your moth long imprisonment in the temple of silence, Jörmungandr."

Ramming his cousin against the wall, they soon struggled. Removing itself from the situation, it soon flipped its heels, punch ready. Fists doing nothing, a smirk appeared on his face. That's right, keep on punching, it would never win. It was just as pathetic as it thought he was for trying.

"Go on! Keep it up!" Faxi encouraged with sarcasm. "You'll never win against me!"

Watching as all of Naofa's punches did absolutely nothing, the hyena placed his arms around his waist. The lynx had finally met its match. Nothing was more powerful than a family member who was leagues above their other siblings. Faxi soon looking at him, a sea of words had come his way, as well.

"Mr. Tagalong, since you were so kind enough to join us, I'll let you in on a little secret!" Faxi said, doll arms stretched out. "You know those Hilichurls you've seen occasionally following my dear sibling over here around? One of them was me." He let out another chuckle. "I commend you for putting up with my little monster of a cousin, but fret not! You're free from it now." His dark smile soon returned. "Perfect, the Mahamatra has arrived! Go on now, scat, tagalong!"

Tall, brown skinned man practically shirtless with anubis headwear surrounding Naofa, the soldier blinked. The teacher Bogart always mentioned, was he the one? While he knew he was told to leave, his legs remained frozen in place. Spear slamming onto the ground, a cold, emotionless voice silenced everything.

"Let's go," the mahamatra said, no emotion in his words. Grabbed into a lock, the lynx turned the hyena's way.

"It would seem I'll be busy for the next month or so, flea!" Naofa shouted haphazardly. "But, don't you worry. I'll be back, and you'll see me again soon!" Mahamatra escorting it out of the area, silence returned.

Wave of information swimming around in the solder's head as a door creaked open, the hyena dashed off towards the energy plant once more. Everything dancing around in his head, the hyena held back a scream. His ancestors wanted immortality, Khaenri'ah's people had become monsters, Faxi was one of the Hilichurls following him in the past, Naofa would be back. Khaenri'ah, Khaenri'ah, Khaenri'ah.

Khaenri'ah.

He could take no more.

Letting out a pained scream, the early adult removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Tea, yes, he could use some tea. He needed something, anything to drown out the thoughts inside him. Something, anything to escape this sea of information. Waypoint near the teahouse highlighted, he let out another wail.

Third Round Knockout adjacent to him, the soldier stepped towards his usual chair in a daze. Yínlóng hard at work as usual, and opera singer putting on a show, one-third of the panda chimera's family around, as well as generic strangers, everything was loud. The world was booming. Tall brunette sipping tea in the corner, the early adult laid his head upon the table.

Breaking into unheard tears as the opera singer broke out into song, the sea of thoughts cracked once more. Khaenri'ah was terrifying. Their world was monsters, masked, hidden villains. Ley line manipulation was horrifying. A tool of memories stealing from those unaware and unknowing.

Everything was terrifying.

The world was bending twisting, turning.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder as the cacophony died down, concerned eyes gave him various looks. Seeing such, the hyena's heart leaped. Why was everyone looking at him? Couldn't they go back to the show and admire it? They had no reason to concern themselves over him. Tall brunette turning towards Yínlóng, attention had been called to him.

"His eyes are are quite red," the tall brunette pointed out. More words had been said, but the soldier's hearing was a tunnel.

Yínlóng stepping forward, the early adult blinked. Words around him drowning out, the panda's hand had soon been in his own. Barely hearing the word pavilion said, the soldier surrendered. Where were they taking him? Path towards the pharmacy taken, the hyena shook with a fervor. The pavilion. No, he could not go there. The Millelith would send him away at any moment.

Pavilion soon reached, Yínlóng guided him towards the outside of the mansion. Shénlóng and Jiaolong looking deep and heavy into a business conversation, the hyena attempted to break free from the panda's grip. But, concerned eyes were soon on him. Tallest panda chimera gazing at his eyes, a sea of worries flooded his way.

"Oh, dear, your eyes are quite red," Jiaolong said, concerned. "What's troubling you?"

Inquiry coming his way, the early adult's entire body shook. Tears falling down from his face, the word Khaenri'ah ran circles around in his head. Khaenri'ah, its people. Monsters, everything. No longer able to hold back any words inside him, silence pushed itself aside for a brief moment.

"Khaenri'ah," Siorc wept out, almost choking.

Feeling an immediate headache come on as Siorc said the word Khaenri'ah, Yínlóng held the sides of their head. Why did he just say that word? But, he pushed such though away. He was under an immense amount of stress right now. They had to help him calm down in any way they can. But, as they readied themselves to do so, shouts made the pounding in their head strengthen.

"You! How dare you say that word!" Shénlóng shouted, pointing. "Thanks a lot, I have a headache now!"

"Hey, Shénlóng, don't say that!" Yinlong replied, words oddly angry. "He's really stressed out right now!"

Seeing Yínlóng's friend break down into tears as he slipped out the forbidden word, Jiaolong placed his finger onto the root of his chin. Something was definitely off with him. He couldn't let this go on any longer. The young man needed comforting now. Stretching his arms out, he prepared himself.

"Now, Shénlóng, mind your temper," Jiaolong said to his sister. He then pulled Yínlóng's friend into an embrace. "That Millelith has been hurting you now for a quite awhile, have they not? I'm here now, okay? Yínlóng and I will protect you."

Watching as Jiaolong beat him to the punch, Yínlóng could feel their face turn as green as their jade moon hairpins. He was one step ahead of them already. Face growing dark, envy held them from behind. Spot taken, their lip quivered into a sour face.

"No fair, Jiaolong," Yínlóng pouted, words slow. "I was going to say that!"

Pulled into an embrace, the hyena's tears kept forming a pool around him. Taller pander chimera still holding him close for minutes on end, a sea of words wrapped vines around the chimera. Apologize. Yes, he had to apologize. He had to show his remorse for saying the word Khaenri'ah.

"I'm sorry," Siorc choked out. But, such apology was shut down quicker than it could be heard.

"Now, why are you apologizing?" Jiaolong asked, eyes wandering. "Cry as much as you need to."

Leaning onto the man's chest, the tears kept flowing. Told to it was alright, let it all out, the early adult could feel his tear supply run dry after awhile. Jiaolong not enlisting a single complaint, the young soldier gazed at him. Surely, he had to have been bothered by his loud wails.

Yínlóng soon proclaiming they would be taking him back to the teahouse, his hand had been squeezed once more. Third Round Knockout soon returned to, the opera singer gone and pink panda sitting sipping tea that matched her perfectly, a discussion fired off between the taller panda and she.

"I'll go make you some tea," Yínlóng said, stepping backwards. "Wait a moment for me, okay, Siorc?"

Herbal tea and meal placed on the table, the soldier placed the chopsticks into his right hand. Fluffy mashed potatoes hitting his tongue, the early adult closed his eyes, for a moment. Taste dulled, the soldier sighed. He supposed his emotions had turned off everything. Tea slowly sipped as well, sharp eyes were soon on him.

Tall brunette looking his way, a sheet of paper had been slid onto the table. Quilled pen handed to him, as well, encouragement had come the early adult's way. Told to try and write down what had caused him such levels of distress, the soldier wrote down everything upon the piece of paper.

Wise many of many wisdoms looking over the paper in a careful manner, the early adult gulped. Was he about to get in trouble for writing about the world of Khaenri'ah on the leaflet of Dendro creation? If such were the case, he would take full responsibility for his wrongful actions.

"It would seem you have been through quite the conundrum recently, young man," the tall brunette replied. His hand had been on his chin. "But, do not worry. I assure you, Millelith Naofa will no longer be able to cause further harm to you."

Finishing the final sip of his tea, the early adult bowed a thank you towards the tall brunette. Words unable to roll out, he turned towards Jiaolong and Yínlóng. Bowing gratitude their way as well, four eyes had soon been on him. Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb in his hand, farewells bled out around him.

"You're going back to Snezhnaya now?" Yínlóng asked, words slow. "Please, take care of yourself. And, if that Millelith goes anywhere near you, we'll push them away, promise!" Jiaolong's voice soon joined the party.

"Ah, and off you go now, no?" Jiaolong asked as well. "Farewell. Try not to get yourself into too much trouble. And please, do try to take care of yourself, alright?"

Nodding, the soldier waved to the panda chimeras. Opening the orb up into map form, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Icy cold hallways upon him, the soldier kept walking. Soundproof room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the hyena stepped inward.

Feeling a strong wave of fatigue overtake him, the soldier removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform removed as well, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Glasses set aside as well, the hyena closed his eyes as his head hit the pillow. As the land of tormented dreams awaited him, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Goodbye, Naofa, for now.

Good riddance.

---

I will say this, I AM POSTING THE COMPANION BOOK THAT COMES AFTER THIS ONE & at some point, a lore poem about Naofa's true demise. So, when that's written, I'll come back and add the post script in the next reply.

Ps: if anyone hates Naofa, thank you for hating it, please do this freak i s2g made me livid when writing it.