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

[Palamon]

20. Jumbo Cicins, Crops Dying, and Gris Blinding

"Guess my subordinates have been busy,
I don't know what is
Going on, but it nothing good, surely.
All these modified monsters,
No way this is good for them, really.
They are suffering, surely.
I suppose no one
Cares about monster's feelings.

Could this be the beginning of the end?
I should stop thinking about it, I am not supposed to
Care, monsters are not sightly.
I am not supposed to care,
No monsters will say anything,
So I should cease these thoughts, I am

Overthinking. There is
Nothing I can do.

The experiments will never cease.
Here is to another day of battles.
Every day is unpredictable in this cold breeze.

But I suppose that it is how it is
As a Fatui, unpredictability is guaranteed.
This is my life until I leave.
This is my life until I break free.
Looks like another long fight awaits me
Every day is a new battle,
For now I must remain silent
I must remain diligent
Even now, it is not yet time to
Leave.
Diligence is key."

Four days had passed since the hyena and the lynx chimera went to Watatsumi Island to deal with the poisoning problem. Training taking yet another backseat, a certain odd job had reached its permanent climax. Temporary pattern removing itself from his routine, the cycle would reverse back to normalcy, for the time being.

Being alerted to another set of forbidden canned knowledge spotted around the desert area of Sumeru, the hyena's matra duties had been resumed one final time. Cryo Delusion regifted, and black panther twins assisting, the perpetrator had been located within the desert ruins on the fourth day.

Orchestrator of the stolen canned knowledge ordeal dealt with, and every single orb returned to the Akademiya, the hyena's Matra duties had reached its finale. Mahamatra scheduled to soon return to the Dendro Nation of Wisdom, and no further assistant needed, a nail had been placed on the coffin.

Upon waking up for the morning, the soldier slapped his cheeks. Today, for sure, no odd jobs would come his way. Preparedness hitting the roof, the hyena had rose from the uncomfortable bed. Knowing that, at any moment, the Agent would arrive, the early adult had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As his uniform melted onto his partially human person, the soldier had come to wonder. Watatsumi Island, had it made a recovery? But, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. He supposed it would not be easy to recover from such devastation within a half-week's time. Thought pushed into the snow outside, the early adult removed the cover from the hairpin and earring box.

Hourglasses' sand reaching the middle, the hyena clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Matching Windwheel Asters in his hair and ears, the chimera pumped his currently human fists together. There was no way an odd job was happening today, for sure. Confidence smashing the roof, the early adult reached for the yellow-green orb in the corner.

Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the chimera glared at the sinister Geo orb. Yellow orb of darkness glaring daggers at him, the early adult could not help but wonder. Just what was it that made Delusions so endangering to the user's life? But, the hyena shook his head. There was no way he could ask such. Questions were not allowed for a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier.

Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the hyena returned his attention to the workday at hand. There was no time to think about such. The Agent could arrive at any moment. Work mode switch flipping upward, all thoughts had been removed like a circlet with numbers that were not high enough to satisfy an adventurer.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps, the hyena turned his attention to the door. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the soldier put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his workday of nothing 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. Another day, another development in the soldier's strength.

The hyena let out a sigh. Yet another day of battles awaited him. What ridiculous story would the lynx chimera have for him today? He knew, whatever it was, he had no choice but to listen. Readiness reaching its peak, the soldier looked into the Agent's mask.

"Yes, sir," the young soldier responded autonomously. Arm out in front of him, the chimera waited for the escort to begin.

Immediate response given, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent, his subordinate had remained responsive. A pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. "Good. We're going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he grabbed the wrist into a tight squeeze. As the escort to the training ground began, one thought looped cycles in the hyena's fading human brain.

What monsters awaited him this time?

***

"Ah, no, it's begun.
Now, her time has run out. This is the
Day I never wished to come.

The day Gris would tell me,
Her eyes can no longer see.
Utterly, I knew this day would arrive
Someday. But not now.

But now now. Not like this.
Every day, I know it's coming
Gris's vision leaving.
I know it's coming, I know it's happening,
Now, it's happened.
She can no longer see.

This morning, she told me.
Her words, they confirmed my suspicions, immediately.
Every morning I ask her, 'Gris, can you see today?'

Doing this daily, I feel a sense of responsibility. It is
Only the two of us down here.
We are alone, in solitude.
No other chimeras lurk beneath, no humans
Will ever live down here, the world has beseeched.
All that remains are the people of shadows,
Reaped from time;
Designated dead. No one is here.

So, when she told me, 'No, I cannot, Li,"
Pain shot through me.
I asked her, 'Are you sure, Gris?' I feel like I
Ruptured my scorpion gut, in that moment.
As she turns her head in the wrong direction, I know.
Looks like she really can no longer see.

Of all the times, it had to be so quickly.
For the amount of time we have lived down here,

My arm, her eyes. Our parents, their demise.
You know, I do not care about my arm of bone. It matters

Little. It is a mere object, the damage was already
Irreversible. But, Gris her eyes.
For sure, there has to be a way to cure her. There has to be a way for her
Eyes to be able to see.

I can't leave her like this.
No, Enkanomiya, there's too much danger.

Enkanomiya, there's too many hazards.
No, I cannot let this go on. The priestess. I
Know, I'll ask the priestess. But,
Another night. It is too late.
Now is not the time, I cannot leave Gris alone. Staying by her side
On this night, that is a
Must. I cannot leave yet.
If Gris dies, I will never forgive myself.
Yes, no need to panic, surely, her eyes will see again in the next night.
After all, her eyes are fickle. Deep breaths. Deep breaths."

Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the chimera proceeded to the weapons room swiftly. Usual silver Claymore made out of white iron absent from the shelf, the hyena gazed at the other greatswords in front of him. Light green claymore rumored to be able to slash the rain, the soldier removed the greatsword from the shelf in an instant. Weapon sheathed behind him, the early adult walked over to the lynx chimera. Naofa tapping its boots on the icy cold ground, the soldier made eye contact.

"There you are, moth," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "Just your luck. You're in for an easy fight today, butterfly!"

Siorc gazed upwards towards the icy sky. He was in for an easy fight today? There was no way that could have been true. Electro Delusion on its collar, and claymore beside it, the hyena knew in an instant. Dodging arrows was not happening today, for sure. Knowing such fact, bewilderment ate the early adult up like a bowl of hot borsch. An easy fight? In Snezhnaya? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. Her Majesty would never allow such.

But, such thoughts were immediately halted by the sight before him. Cicin Mage swinging her hips and lantern as she stepped forward, confusion had begun to play on repeat. Was there no Harbinger in charge today? If such were the case, perhaps, just maybe, the lynx chimera was right; an easy fight would be upon him today.

The easy glass would shatter into a thousand pieces. Green haired Fatui shaking the lantern with a fervor, the early adult let out a gulp. The mage, why was she shaking the device that contained her familiars like that? He knew, whatever was about to happen, he had to be ready for anything. Mage looking ready to speak, the soldier turned his attention towards her.

"Fight my pretties!" the Mage shouted, releasing the kraken.

Mage teleporting off the battlefield as the monsters swarmed in, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Dozens of Cicins far larger than the normal bug flapping their wings on the icy wind, the soldier jumped six steps back. Mage's bug familiars being at least quadruple their normal size, the chimera let out a gulp. There was no way an easy fight awaited him.

Seeing the abnormally large Cicins soaring on the battlefield, Naofa let out a sinister laugh. How pitiful the Cicin Mages were, feeding their pathetic measly spec of a pet elemental particles to become stronger. The fight would be over as soon as it began. Her Majesty's lower ranked Fatui were garbage that belonged in the trash. Perhaps, updating Siorc on the Watstumi Island situation would make them die faster.

"Would you look at that! These Cicins have gotten fat!" Naofa exclaimed, tone toxic. "Let's get this going, shall we? Oh, but be careful, flea, they're armed!"

The hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. The Cicins were armed? What an absolutely ridiculous statement. There was no way such statement could have been true, even within a singular percentage. Insect flying around rapidly, the soldier prepared himself. There was no time to think. The battle had to begin now.

Larger than ever before purple Cicin lowering itself towards the ground, the hyena threw down a flower friend. But, such attack had been halted before it could even begin. Monster spinning in a circle and turning to its backside, a light had shone down on it. Dot eyes soon blinking, a violent lazar beam had begun to make its rounds on the battlefield.

Lazar and his chest shaking hands, a pulse of electricity circulated through the hyena's body. Letting out a scream, the early adult attempted with any might to provide silent commands to the Windwheel Aster friend. But, such attempt had been futile. Electricity coming the flower's way, as well, the plant brought to life by his Dendro Vision became dust on the wind in seconds.

Maniacal laugh coming his way, the hyena's eyebrows twitched rapidly. Why had the lynx chimera been laughing at him? Had his performance already been a disappointment to behold? Laugh only getting louder, the early adult steeled himself for the inevitable first round of being called a leech coming his way.

"I told you, flea!" They're armed!" Naofa laughed, noxious tone in voice. "Watch out for their lazars! Don't disappoint me, moth!"

Taking a deep breath, the hyena regained focus. Right, he has to dodge the elemental lazars. He had no choice in the matter, if he wished to keep on living. Insect like bat lowering itself further towards the ground, the hyena threw down another friend. But, the monster would have yet another trick up its nonexistent sleeves.

Red target locked onto his shoulders, beams of lightning had come the young soldier's way. Joint zapped to a crisp, the hyena grit his sharp teeth. Just what had these Cicins been eating? Bat creature freezing, for a moment, the early adult pointed his finger in a commanding manner.

Vines hitting the larger than normal Cicin's wings in a rhythmic beat, the monster had begun to flinch. Target soon appearing on his other shoulder, the early adult sprinted ten steps backwards. Circular bullseye away from him in seconds, the hyena sprinted back towards the direction he came.

Beams of lightning darting towards the ground, confidence flowed through the hyena. Perhaps, just maybe, if he kept his focus, the fight would bend into his favor for the rest of the training session. Monster flying backwards once more, the early adult steeled himself for the impact to come.

Windwheel Aster friend dancing upon the battlefield, the early adult watched the insect in silence. Lazar beam of electricity coming for his left hip, the hyena jumped towards the right. Beam of energy dying on the cold air, silent commands had come the flower fiend's way.

Monster looking ready to fade into the ether, the early adult placed the claymore that could slash the rain in front of him. Lightning coming his way at a Samachurl's running speeding, the chimera swung the greatsword forward. Electricity beams bouncing off from whence they came, one final flower friend had come the insect's way.

Seeds blasting into an explosion, the gargantuan Cicin had soon faded into the ether. Naofa's delusional electricity causing insect bodies to pile up one after another, the hyena returned his attention to the battle before him. Did no story await him today? If such were the case, the day would be over in the blink of a mismatched eye, for sure.

Such had been an incorrect assumption, on the hyena's part. Loud sound of buzzing coming his way in a matter of thirty seconds, the soldier turned his head towards the cacophony. Teal and yellow Cicins flying circles on the frozen wind, the chimera rose an eyebrow. He was fighting Anemo and Geo Cicins? What an unusual sight to be had, for sure. Never having encountered such in the open wilderness during various diplomatic affairs, a challenge was about to be presented on private display.

Teal insect letting the wind take it for a ride, the hyena threw down another flower friend. Silk flower with stem like hands and feet waving its leaves around as though it were about to fire a nature made punch, the early adult pointed his finger towards the enemy. Vines soon out, the soldier kept pointing.

No such attack ever came. Teal twister spinning in a funnel, the wind had begun to pick up speed. Silk Flower pulled towards the storm, the plant had been swept up like dust on a broom. Flower friend blown to smithereens in seconds, the soldier dashed forward.

Greatsword and the monster's wings meeting, the hyena held back a scream. Cyclone eating the claymore up like a bowl of Radish and Veggie Soup, the early adult bolted towards the left. Six twisters soon following, the chimera kept running. Weapon dropping to the ground after two minutes of spinning, the soldier grabbed the blade once more.

Multiple cyclones coming his way for the second time, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Sound of multiple Fatui screaming at the top of their lungs as the strong winds swept their defenses away, fear nibbled on the cartilage of his ear. Eating well made creatures more powerful, indeed.

Geo Cicin speeding towards him, the hyena threw down another Windwheel Aster friend. But, such had been short lived. Gigantic rock twice the size of the monster's body coming the flower's way, the sound of a loud crunch echoed on the icy ground beneath. Plant of life crushed into nothing, a wave of loss flowed through the chimera.

Boulder rain going off on a rampage, the soldier stared off into space. There had to be a way to fight back easier, for sure. Rain of rocks about to come his way, the early adult placed himself into a fighting stance. But, as he had done such, Naofa's voice bounced around the icy cold wind.

"I have an update for you, flea!" Naofa exclaimed.

Siorc rose an eyebrow. Naofa had an update for him on a situation now, of all times? What a poorly timed update to be had, for sure. But, he knew he had no choice but to listen. Nodding his head, the early adult returned his attention to the battle at his constantly transforming hands. Boulder coming his way at lightning speed, the early adult swung the greatsword forward like a large fish leaping out of water.

Rock darting towards the Anemo insect, the monster and its cyclones had become intertwined. Buzzing sound radiating through the stormy air, the soldier turned towards the lynx chimera. Black bolts of electricity turning the Geo Cicin to nothing but dust, the early adult kept looking ahead. Whatever update were to come his way, he knew he had to give Naofa his undivided attention, at all costs.

Seeing Siorc nod seconds before, Naofa smirked. The hyena chimera knew what was most important, above all. The pitiful water flea had learned well. Weak monsters dying like weeds, the smirk had soon become a wide grin. The time had come to update him on the only information that mattered.

"Good! Then listen well, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "It seems that Watatsumi Island is still not doing well! How pitiful!" A laugh broke loose from its throat. "That dog General told me that their soil has been deeply poisoned and can't grow crops! Pathetic! They should have picked a better strategy!" The modern water fleas of today were weak and lazy.

Siorc could feel his heart break into a million pieces as the information had hit his inhuman eardrums. Watatsumi Island was still struggling? If such were the case, he needed to help them. But, no such words would leave his lips. Doing whatever he wished was forbidden. Enacting upon desires would make him meet his end, in an instant.

Wings flapping with gusto, the soldier creaked his head towards the sky. Hydro Cicin eight times the size of a normal monster, the hyena let out a gulp. Why had the monsters only been getting larger? A good, well balanced meal made living beings more powerful, indeed.

Torrential downpour taking the battlefield by storm, the hyena threw down a flower friend for what felt like the tenth time today. Rain and the flower meeting, the soldier turned towards Naofa. Delusional electricity and the Silk Flower shaking hands, an explosion had come the Cicin's way. Bat soon unable to move, the early adult turned towards the lynx chimera.

Seeing the pained looked on Siorc's face moments before, Naofa let out a deep snarl. The hyena chimera was completely under its spell. The modern water fleas of today were quite the easy tools to emotionally use like a chess piece. The time had come to get the checkmate it rightfully deserved.

"Heartbroken aren't we, butterfly?" Naofa asked, fake tone remaining supreme. "Then, it that case, we'll help out tomorrow. What do you say, moth?" As it said such, its Pyro Vision had been placed on its collar.

Regisvine sized Cicin engulfed in flames, the hyena turned his head towards the opposite direction. The flames were out of sight, out of mind. Inquiry about helping Watatsumi Island out echoing in his inhuman eardrums, a realization had shot him with a sniper rifle on the battlefield. Was Naofa trying to manipulate him? But, he knew, the Watatsumi Island situation was too serious to ignore.

Monster crumbling into nothing, the hyena nodded. He supposed, even if the lynx chimera were attempting to use him like the rest of the continent, refusing was not an option. If the seashell island were to go without being able to grow food for too long, the population would dwindle to zero. Such could not be allowed to happen, for sure.

Watching as Siorc nodded, Naofa attempted with any might that remained to hold back a smirk. Manipulating him was far easier than it thought. Such a pathetic lover of nature was was easy to sway like a pendulum. Everyone within modern Teyvat were rooks on a chessboard, ready to be checkmated by the queen piece.

Turning his head towards the right and left, the chimera observed the battlefield. No more Cicins appearing for minutes on end, the soldier grabbed the lynx chimera's greatsword. Weapons returned to their respective shelves, the early adult returned to the battle ground. Looking at Naofa's flower eyepatch, the early adult waited in silence.

"You can leave now, moth," Naofa said, plastic tone sticking like glue. "Keep improving on your Elemental Reactions!" It then beamed from ear to ear, teeth visible. "Expect to see me again tomorrow, flea."

Dismissal being granted, the early adult staged his exit. Soundproof room nearing after fifteen minutes of walking, the soldier stared at the steel walls, for a moment. Removing the weaponized hairpins and earrings, the hyena let out a deep yawn. Wave of fatigue eating him away, the winter jacket had been put away, as well. Glasses removed as well, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. Sleep about to take him away, one final question looped on repeat.

How dire was the situation in Watatsumi?

***

"I hear Gris crying. I must rush to her side. It is as I
Feared, no, she has gone completely blind.

Gris is saying some rather odd things.
Rather outlandish claims. Tears streaming down her face,
I listen as she weeps. 'I think we're cursed, Li.'
She reaches for my hand, but misses. I feel weak.

Did she just say we are cursed?
I have to reassure her, there is no such thing.
Expelling a breath, I breathe.
She is not looking at me, I again breathe.

I say, 'Gris, there is no such thing as curses.'

Well, that did not work. She begins to weep louder.
I cannot do this, I'm going to break.
Looking into her faded alligator eyes, I squeeze her hand tight.
'Li, we are cursed! When I could still read, I read mama's journal! She thinks she used to have a sister!'

No, not that journal again. I ought to have burned that book.
Even so, I keep listening,
Vicariously. 'Your arm, my eyes, we've suffered so much misfortune! There is no way this isn't a curse!'
Even so, I know. There's no such things as curses.
Really, curses aren't real. Mother must have been confused.

For now, I heave. 'Mother was just writing down a tall tale.'
Obviously, I should not have said that.
Right, I should not so easily dismiss this.
Guess I should mind my words, her tears are increasing.
I can feel my guilt increase. 'Mama would never lie about something like this, Li!'
Very true, perhaps I should not have spoken.
Erasing my words, I let silence take the lead.

Maybe Gris is right, but truly, I must not let my thoughts break me.
Yes, I need to remain strong.
Strong, emotions are for the weak.
Emotions are for those who need humanity.
Liath, you are gone. Turn yourself off.
For Gris, for me. I have to remain strong."

Waking up the next morning was a predictable sight to behold. Naofa in its Swordfish I uniform, the hyena shrugged. He supposed he could let its paper thin disguise slide this time. Lynx chimera soon looking his way, the chimera made eye contact, in an instant. He knew what was about to grace his inhuman eardrums, for certain.

"Remember, moth, we're heading to Watatsumi Island today!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Open up your map quickly! Don't keep me waiting!"

Proxy map already out in front of him, the early adult opened the orb into map form. Placing his finger on the four pointed star in the corner, the soldier clicked the Inazuma section of the map. Dragging his finger towards the west, the early adult looked into the lynx chimera's singular visible eye.

"I am ready," the chimera replied, voice barely audible.

Immediate answer given, Naofa let out a barely audible laugh. The hyena chimera had already been prepared, he was getting better at not wasting its time. A favorable outcome to be had, for sure. Finger remaining still on the wretched Cryo Archon's stolen technology, it placed its index finger in front of it.

"Good, let's get going, flea! Highlight the Waypoint to Sanganomiya Shrine! Remember: don't waste my time!" Naofa exclaimed, finger pointing at the center of the map. "And, don't forget, I'm Rena today!"

Finger over the Sanganomiya Shrine immediately, the early adult pressed the teleport button. Fast travel confirmed, the chimera dissipated the map back into orb form. Naofa within close proximity of him, the soldier closed his eyes. Teleportation was still just as blinding as it always had been.

Violet staircase in front of him as he opened his eyes, his wrist had been gripped into a tight lock. Dragged up the stairs like a doll, the soldier observed his surroundings. Generic Shrine Maidens everywhere his mismatched eyes could see, a wave of unease overtook the hyena.

Priestess nowhere to be seen as Rena dragged him across the bridge, the chimera could feel his heart skip two beats. The lead Priestess of Sanganomiya Shrine, had she already been dealing with the crisis alone? Multiple sea of nobodies standing motionless near the pouring water besides the bridge, the soldier placed his free hand over his face. There was no way the Priestess should handle the dire situation at hand all by herself.

Generic short, dark blue haired woman in a shrine maiden uniform looking into Rena's eyes, Siorc turned his head towards the opposite direction. No other maiden looking busy, the soldier let out a sigh. Why were the other maidens just standing around, doing nothing? It was almost as if, ones and zeros determined such people never moved a singular centimeter, no matter what.

Rena inquiring about the situation at hand, the hyena put on the most diplomatic face possible. Shrine Maiden folding her arms across her waist in irritation, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Was the Priestess' stand in about to shout? He supposed such could have been the case.

"Rena-san of Swordfish I, didn't the soldiers by the steps already inform you?" the Shrine Maiden asked, irritated. "Sanganomiya-sama is not here at the moment. She is dealing with a prior engagement in Suigetsu Pool." Her arms remained crossed against her waist. "Direct any questions you may have to General -----." A name had been said, but the chimera could not hear it.

"Now, Izumi-san, I suggest you don't give me that tone," Rena replied, disguise slipping a smidgeon. "Where was he last seen?"

Generic Shrine Maiden stating the General had been in the fields of Borou Village, a thank you had come the woman's way. Dragged across the bridge and down the stairs, the early adult closed his eyes. Predictable gloved hand pointing towards the wooden bridge, the hyena jumped off the ledge. Rena's hand in his, the early adult deployed the wind glider from behind him. Bridge soon reached, the drag about continued.

Village soon reached, and wrist let go of, a hill had been in front of him. Rena leading the way, the soldier followed behind in silence. Steep slope upon him, the early adult walked carefully. Waterfall raging about near the dying grass, the hyena stared at the waterfall. The water, could it still have been poisoned, as well? He knew, if such were the case, he had to figure out a solution to help get Watatsumi Island to heal.

Dirt pathway with brown grass surrounding it taken, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Garden nearing, the soldier took a deep breath. Whatever information were about to come his way, he knew he needed to be prepared for any worst case scenario.

Stepping into the rotting soil fields was an unusual sight to behold. Standing in the dying gardens had been the ram and goat chimeras. Canine General of Watatsumi Island's furry brown ears wagging on his head, the early adult squinted. Why had the general of Watatsumi Island been so excited in a time of crisis? Group of three men conversing with one another, the soldier kept silent. Waiting his turn was mandatory.

"Thank you for coming, Tegne and Rede," the General said. "The reason I called you here today is because you two possess Dendro Visions."

Hearing the General's words, wanderlust tapped on the hyena's currently human shoulders. Did Dendro Visions have the power to heal nature? But the chimera shook his head. If such were the case, surely, the grass, water, and soil fields would have recovered by now. Tegne looking ready to scream, the early adult placed his hands over his ears. Why did the ram enjoy shouting so much? Such was a mystery with no answer.

"Uh, hello, General!" Tegne shouted, words dragging with exaggeration. "You told us that already!" Another voice had soon joined the battle.

"Now, now, my dear, be polite," Rede said to Tegne. "They're dealing with a crisis right now, Tegne."

Ram chimera raising his leg upward, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Why couldn't Tegne ever not be ready to explode? But, the soldier kept quiet. There was no way he could say such. Pointing out someone's behavior that was not bothering anyone else had to have been a rude gesture of him, for sure.

"Watch what you say! There are people around!" Tegne shouted at the top of his lungs, eyes darting around. "But, I knew that already!" He then turned towards the General, hands in an apologetic stance. "What can we do to help?"

General and the chimera duo looking ready to discuss how to help Watatsumi Island, the soldier prepared to step forward. But, claws and his wrist had soon met. Sharp pinch dug into his skin, the early adult flinched. Rena with an irritated look on her face bewilderment made a meal out of him. Hot breath hitting his inhuman eardrums, the soldier listened in silence.

"Wait your turn, flea," Rena whispered, irritated tone in voice.

Backing several steps away, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed he had no choice but to wait his turn. Canine General placing his finger on his chin, silence had begun to loop on repeat. Short brunette looking as though he had been pondering something deep, the hyena gazed at the chimera duo's Dendro Visions, for a moment.

Ram and Goat chimera's orbs glowing ever so brightly, the hyena gazed downward. Yellow-green orb glowing slightly less bright than theirs, the soldier had come to wonder. His flower friends brought to life by his Dendro Vision, could they drop down seeds if he released them onto the dying soil? But, he supposed he would have to wait his turn. General looking ready to speak once more, the early adult kept his attention forward.

"Say, Tegne and Rede," the General said, fingers on his chin. "Are your visions capable of growing plant life capable of withstanding any kind of poison?"

Tegne gazed at Rede. How could the general ask such a question right away? What a way to put him on the spot, immediately. Vision only granting him the power of leaves, a scream had been on the tip of his tongue. Couldn't the Dog General of Watatsumi Island start with asking about what their visions could do? Dogs were eager and brave.

Seeing his boyfriend look ready to scream, Rede placed his hand on his chin. Should he go ahead and proceed to tell the General of the Watatsumi Island army that his Vision was capable of such prowess, but Tegne's was not? Turning towards the general, he prepared to break the silence. Revealing the truth was the best course of action.

"I can, but Tegne can't," Rede said to the General. "Although, this is a deep poison. I do not believe the seeds from my Vision can live long enough to produce results." Tegne's voice soon joined the party.

"I apologize General -----! I can only summon leaves!" Tegne apologized. "Regardless, I'll still try to help! But, I'd like to draw you for Rede's next sonnet!" He then turned around. "Rede, look! It's the kid! He has a Dendro Vision!"

Rede gazing at him with a perplexed look on his face, sweat poured down the hyena's back. Why did the goat chimera looked like he suspected something was amiss? But, he supposed, being a member of the Fatui, shifty eyes would always be on him. Rede looking ready to speak, the chimera gave eye contact.

"You're right, Tegne, he does indeed," Rede said to Tenge. He then turned towards the Fatui. "Kid, can your vision help with growing vegetation? Watatsumi Island's vegetation crisis has worsened since the poisoning incident last week."

Gazing at the Yellow-green orb on his uniform pants, a repeat wonder had returned itself to the forefront of his mind. His flower friends, could they drop seeds when summoned? Knowing there was no time to waste, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Windwheel Aster friend dancing upon the dying soil, the soldier watched the plant do its bidding.

No seeds dropping from the flower's body, a rock had been tossed upon the soldier's chest. His flower friends, were they unable to help with the vegetation crisis? Nothing falling into the soil for minutes on end, the early adult could feel a knot form inside his throat. Words flooding to his lips, his body had begun to shake with a fervor.

"I am sorry," Siorc responded, words barely audible. "My Vision cannot." Voice continuing to shake, the early adult shut his mouth. Everyone was going to be disappointed in him, guaranteed.

Seven eyes gazing at him, the early adult placed his hands over his face. The peanut gallery, were they all about to tell him he was useless? He supposed, if such were the case, he deserved it. Tegne's voice picking up on the damp wind, the soldier turned his head. Was he about to tell him to leave if he was unable to help? If such were the case, he would comply in an instant.

"Woah! Hey, what are you looking so nervous for, kid?" Tegne asked, palms facing upward in front of him in a stop position. "It's alright. We're not mad, or anything!" But, a strange light had stopped his words in their tracks.

Sky flashing a deep, bright red for fifteen seconds, the soldier's eyes opened wide. Had something dangerous just entered Watatsumi Island's atmosphere? Sky not flashing again, the hyena let out a gulp. The Rifthounds, had they made their return? He knew, if such were the case, he had to find the culprits before the damage could be done.

Seeing the sky flash red for a moment, Rena twirled a strand of their red highlights in their hair around her finger. Had the priestess been struggling to deal with the problem at Suigestu Pool? How incredibly pitiful she was to not be able to contain the monsters wrecking havoc. Perhaps now, an amiable person would gather people around to help their leader. Charisma switch on, the piece had been set.

"Tegne-san, Rede-san, come with me! Something has happened in Suigetsu Pool!" Rena exclaimed, jerking her elbow. Annoying canine General trying to invite himself to the party, seed packets had been tossed the pitiful roach's way. "Not, you, General! Stay behind and plant these!"

Party of three dashing in front of him, the soldier followed the group like a duckling waddling behind the mother duck in a pond. Suigetsu Pool reached after about ten minutes of running, a terrifying sight presented itself to the group of four. Rifthound firing a noxious beam towards the sky, the early adult balled his right hand into a fist. The fiends of nature would never cease their rampage.

Priestess of Sanganomiya Shrine surrounded by noxious green bubbles, the soldier jumped down the ledge in an instant. Young woman looking ready to collapse, the soldier's legs had broken out into a speedy sprint. Rena, Tegne and Rede soon near the battlefield as well, the chimera prepared himself for battle.

"An uphill battle!" the Priestess winced, voice weak.

Electro cage imprisoning the fiend to nature in a matter of seconds, the hyena prepared to throw down a flower friend. But, such attempt was interrupted within seconds. Barrage of leaves raining down on the Rifthound and large tree rooted upon the battlefield, the fiend had come crashing down onto the ground faster than the chimera could blink.

Large tree sapping the energy of the Rifthound like it was drinking water, the fiend to all nature let out a howl. Roots smacking the creature fifteen times, a portal had opened up in the sky. Wolf coming from whence it came, the tree had vanished after another five seconds had passed.

Tegne and Rede placing their arms around the Priestess, the young woman had soon been escorted off the battlefield. Rena glaring daggers at him, sweat had begun to pour down his back. Was the lynx chimera about to call him useless? He knew such was a possibility at his constantly transforming hands.

"You know what, flea? I'll let it slide today that you weren't able to pull your weight," Rena said, tone seeping with poison. "Just go for today, there is nothing you can do." Index finger pointing towards the left, a reminder had soon been on its lips. "We'll be planting seeds tomorrow. Don't disappoint me! You're on thin ice right now, leech!"

Hearing the word leech thrown his way, the chimera jumped three steps back. He supposed he deserved it, considering his performance today. Dismissal soon reaching his shark eardrums, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Military Barracks waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes.

Soundproof room upon him, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the ice cold floor. Rede, he said he was able to grow vegetation with his Dendro Vision, but Tegne could not. Recalling such fact, the soldier wondered. Had all Dendro Visions been dependent on the wielder? Never seeing two Vision Bearers with the same powers, the early adult shrugged. Perhaps, seeds dropping from the power of the vision associated with nature were few and far in between.

Wave of tiredness overtaking him, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Everything removed, the soldier closed his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow. World of tormenting dreams about to take him away for the evening, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Visions were in the eyes the beholder, indeed.

***

"I cannot sit by and watch this anymore. I

Cannot watch as Gris cries.
Another night, another night she cannot see.
No, I cannot watch anymore.
No, I cannot let her suffer anymore.
Oh, Archons I used to worship, forgive me.
There is something I have to do.

Don't take Gris from me, please. There is
Only one answer. My Vison, right, my Vision.

That orb I abandoned. I need to retrieve it. Gris,
Her safety depends on it.
I have to protect her.
She cannot see, there is no way she can fight

All these monsters in this world underneath. The monsters have been far more
Noxious lately. Something is not right.
Yes, my Vision, my Vision, I have to get it.
My Vision, back at our last home, I have to grab it.
Oh, I can no longer compose myself.
Right, this is for the best.
Enkanomiya is full of danger.

I have to do this, for Gris.

Her life depends on it.
After all, if she dies, I will never forgive myself.
Veiling myself in a cloak, I prepare for my surface leap.
Enkanomiya, don't take Gris away from me in my absence.

This will be a quick trip, please. Monsters, shadow people stay away, I
Offer you my body, don't touch her, leave the Narrows in peace.

Gathering my strength, I prepare to leave.
Or, I would, I feel a tug on my sleeve.

Black, dark pupils not looking at me, I cancel my exit.
Ah, right, Gris can still hear me.
Could she know my intentions? Could she
Know where I am headed? I have

To say something. 'Gris, I will be right back, wait for me.'
Ordinarily, emotions are beneath me. But,

My voice is shaking, rapidly.
Yank on my sleeve, I gaze at Gris. She is not

Looking at me.
And her words,
She is shaking. 'Li, please, don't leave!'
The grip, it is strengthening.

Her tears, they are flowing.
Over and over, they are falling.
Maybe it is best I word this better.
Every word holds weight. Trying again, I breathe.

'I am returning to the surface to get my Vision,' I explain,

No. My voice is wavering.
Emotions, leave.
Emotions, leave.
Do not get in my way, feelings, cease.

I hear her tears fall faster.
The floor is wet.

I can't do this, composure is dead.

'No, Li, please! I don't want to be alone right now!'
Even so, I cannot stand by, my former Vision, I need it.
Even so, I cannot stand by, my venom is not enough.
Dabbing into my memory, a name comes back to me.

Maybe the Priestess can stay with Gris,
Yes, that is the answer. The Priestess, the Priestess, I will seek her out in Watatsumi.

Decision made,
I foolishly grab her hands. Bone and flesh joined, I
Say, 'I'll speak to the Priestess, she will be with you.'
Could I ask her such a request?
After all, we are from the forgotten past,
Removed from society.
Do the citizens above recall whom we
Even are?
Do not think so, but my

Vision, I must retrieve it.
I cannot let this go on, Gris,
She needs an extra pincer.
If she dies, I will never forgive myself.
Oh, world forgive for what I am about to do.
Now, it is time, to the Priestess I go."

Seed packets dropped into the hyena's hands upon Rena's arrival for the morning, the soldier gazed at her collar. Dendro Delusion sitting upon her neck, the chimera rose an eyebrow. Had Her Majesty gifted Rena a Dendro Delusion today? Seeing such, the hyena tilted his head. A Delusion, would it truly be able to help?

Reaching Borou Village through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult kept his mismatched eyes on the sinister yellow-green orb. A Dendro Delusion, wouldn't it have the opposite effect on nature? Delusions containing a dark aura, the soldier knew for certain. If such orb were released upon the soil fields, nothing good would come of it, for sure.

Reaching the soil fields for the second day in a row was a sight to behold. Tegne and Rede accompanied by the fancily dressed sheep and goat chimeras, the soldier tilted his head. The bounty hunters from Sumeru, what were they doing all the way in Inazuma? Wasn't Inazuma still a closed nation? Confusion ate the chimera up like a a plate of Katsu Sandwiches. Shorter goat chimera looking ready to speak, the hyena turned his head. Whatever conversation that was about to occur was no business of his.

"Why did you call us here? Proxy maps aren't cheap!" Kylling exclaimed. "We have bounties to hunt!" Lang's voice soon joined the party.

"Yeah, unlike you lazy pertookuses, we have jobs," Lang added. "So, bring us up and put us down quickly, cous! You're interrupting our real jobs!"

Watching as Tegne raised his leg, the hyena let out an exasperated sigh. More yelling was about to come everyone's way. Why couldn't the ram chimera ever respond to anything without blowing up in a huge explosion? The pest of a penguin chimera and ram had to have met one another in the past, passing off their aggravating selves to one another in the process.

"How could you! Rede and I are an artist and writer! We have jobs!" Tegne shouted, hands waving with a fervor. "Archons! That doesn't matter! Please, can you two make it rain? Watatsumi Island needs it for their plant life!" He placed his hands into a pleading position.

Gazing at the two ladies, Siorc's eyes had begun to twitch as Lang and Kylling had begun laughing. Were they not willing to help out their family? How absolutely cruel of them, if such were indeed the case. But, the soldier kept his mouth shut. There was no way he could say such. Making assumptions was incredibly rude of him.

"Uh, heyo, Tegne! I've told you so many times!" Lang responded, irritated tone evident in her voice. "I, nor my girlfriend, can make it rain with our Visions!" Kylling soon through herself into the conversation ring.

"That's why you called us here?" Kylling asked the party of two, she then turned her attention towards Rede. "Cous, you should know we use our Visions as weapons! Not as weather instruments!" She then held Lang's hand. "We're leaving, buh bye! And get real jobs!"

Blinding light engulfing the party of two, the group of six had soon become four. Tegne and Rede with dejected looks on their faces, the soldier could feel his heart sink in his chest like a rock in the ocean. Had their cousins hit a nerve? But, the hyena shook his head. It was no business of his to get involved. Rena stepping forward, the early adult backed three steps away.

"Don't worry about them," Rena said, tone fake and plastic. "I brought seeds with me that can withstand any sort of toxins. Let's plant them together, shall we?"

Round of applause coming Rena's way at the sight of her Dendro Delusion upon their collar, the early adult allowed a barely audible sigh escape the esophagus. Tegne and Rede, did they think Rena's Delusion was a Vision? He supposed such could have been the case. Seed packets thrown his way, the chimera lowered himself to his knees.

Packet entitled, Magical Radishes Seeds: Grow Anywhere! In Any Condition! the soldier closed his eyes for a moment. The seed packets, could they truly grow in any soil, no matter what condition it was in? He could not help but feel the claim was a lie created to sell more products.

Gardening shovel in hand, the soldier dropped the seeds into the hole. Seeds looking normal with absolutely no magical qualities to speak of, the early adult closed the hole up in an instant. Wherever Rena got her seeds from, she was scammed in broad daylight, for sure.

Delusion Dendro energy placed around the hole he had just closed up, a wave of unease wrapped vines around the chimera. Rena's Delusion, wouldn't it poison the soil further? Packet of carrot seeds thrown his way, the soldier had begun to dig up another hole. There was no time to be thinking. Planting had to come of him now.

Carrot seeds planted into the soil, the soldier gazed at Rede. Glowing seeds dropping down into the holes, the early adult could feel himself turn green. The goat chimera could help nature directly. What a fascinating power to be had, for sure. His flower friends, why were they unable to produce seeds of their own to help as well? But, the chimera quickly snapped himself out of it. Now was not the time to think about other chimera's Visions.

Three hours soon passing, and twenty rows of soil filled in, a disturbance had filled the air. The soldier did not know why, but an urge had suddenly filled his partially human brain. Sanganomiya Shrine entering his mind, the hyena rose to his feet. The shrine, he had to go there. Impulse only getting stronger as the seconds raged onward, the chimera prepared to stage his exit, but a sea of voices soon stopped him in his tracks.

"Is something the matter, kid?" Rede asked, concern evident in his voice.

Watching as Siorc rose to his feet unwarranted, Rena cracked her knuckles. Did he think he could leave on the job without her permission? The hyena chimera had another thing coming if he thought it would allow him to leave. It would set the record straight of who was in charge of this operation.

"Where do you think you're going, Siorc?" Rena asked, tone noxious. "You can't leave let! You still have work to do." Seed packet thrown at his face, it rolled up its sleeves. "Sit back down, and get back to planting!"

Impulse only getting stronger, the chimera placed his hands in front of him. Clapping his hands twice and interlacing his fingers together for a moment, the early adult looked into Rena's singular visible eye. Shrine signed on private display, the hyena would not falter. Rede turning his way, a wave of unease shot down the soldier's partially human spine. Was everyone about to scold him? He supposed he had crossed a line too far.

"Rena, he seems to be saying he wants to go to the shrine," Rede said to Rena in a calm tone. "Could you allow him?"

Rena looking his way with major disgust, the soldier let out a gulp. Rede, was he about to face Rena's wrath? Their charismatic disguise would break in an instant, for sure. Eye soon on him, another shock shot down the partially human spine. Violence would come his way after the mission was over, for sure.

"Fine, I'll allow you," Rena replied. "But, I expect you to be back in half an hour, or else."

Knowing if he were not back in the time Rena said, she would have his neck, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back uniform pocket. Sanganomiya Shrine waypoint highlighted, the hyena dissipated back into orb form. Shrine staircase in front of him in a split second, the soldier ascended the staircase.

As the chimera traversed the bridge, a sight of immediate concern caught the hyena's heterochromatic eyes. Liath standing by the Priestess looking about ready to break, the soldier's heart skipped three beats. Why had Liath been tugging on the Priestess' sleeves? The world was wrong, reversing in the opposite direction.

"Sanganomiya, please, I need you to go down to Enkanomiya for me!" Liath begged, voice shaking, hands continuing to tug on her sleeve. "Gris has gone blind! I need someone to watch her while I go back to my former home to get my Vision!" It grabbed the sleeve even harder. "Please, I am begging you, Sanganomiya. If she dies, I'll..." But Liath cut itself off. "I need you to do this for me."

Seeing how disheveled Liath looked, the hyena could feel glass breaking inside him. Gris had gotten worse? Surely, a healer could help her. Healer sticking in his brain, the chimera wondered. Could Loba have any sort of medicines in the Natlan medical ward to cure blindness? But, the soldier shook his head. There was not enough time to teleport to Natlan.

"I will," the Priestess replied. "But, in exchange, I would like you to use your scorpion venom to neutralize the poison within the soil."

Scorpion venom mentioned for the entire shrine to hear, the soldier tilted his head. Was fighting poison with venom a sound strategy? Surely, the Priestess was still tired from the battle yesterday. There was no way using stronger venom would destroy weaker poison, but the hyena knew he could not say such. Her Majesty could be listening from anywhere in Teyvat; the walls were thin.

"If that is what it takes, then so be it," Liath replied, voice still shaking. "Please, help Gris!"

Priestess telling Liath there was a boat docked near Mouun Shrine, the scorpion chimera had bolted away at lightning speed. Priestess soon looking the hyena's way, sweat had formed upon the chimera's brow. Was he about to face her wrath? He knew listening into other people's conversations was rude. If he had disturbed the peace, an apology was to be in order, in an instant.

"Are you here for more seeds? Rena-san left some here," the Priestess said, voice soft. "Here you go. You must prepare for the hardship going forward."

Seeds packets proclaiming they were magical placed into the palm of his hands, the chimera bowed a thank you to the Priestess. Knowing that, at any moment, thirty minutes would have passed, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to Borou Village. Rena, Tegne and Rede busy with work, the soldier wedged himself in.

Final set of seeds placed into the soil after two hours, a new order had come the party of three's way. Seed packet proclaiming it was used for the treatment of dead grass, the soldier tilted his head. Were had Rena obtained such seed packets from? There was no way such claims were true, in the slightest.

Hundreds of seeds spread into the decaying grass of the Electro Nation of Eternity after four hours of planting, the soldier could only continue to wonder. Would any of the seeds planted truly help the vegetation crisis? He could not help but feel a hole had been looped through.

Rena soon looking his way, the early adult blinked. Was it just his imagination, or had Rena been smirking at him? But, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. Surely, he had just been seeing things. Lynx chimera looking ready to speak, the soldier kept his attention forward.

"You did a decent job today, butterfly," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "But, next time, if you try to leave while on the job to do something unrelated, I won't be so kind!" It then turned towards Tegne and Rede. "Tegne-san, Rede-san, your work, however was exceptional." It then turned back towards the hyena chimera. "You can leave now, I have other business to attend to within Watatsumi Island." Locking onto Tegne and Rede's hands, a fake smile appeared on its face. "I can help you two with that book of yours, I know a person." It then turned towards Siorc one final time, voice lowering into a whisper. "I'll see you next time, but remember, flea. Don't ask to wander off again on the job, or that neck of yours will be decorated a certain color." Exiting the area, four had soon become one.

Naofa soon gone from his field of damaged vision, the hyena opened the proxy orb into map form. The time had not yet come to return to Snezhnaya. Pressing the four pointed star in the corner, the soldier clicked the Enkanomiya section of the map. Narrows soon highlighted, the early adult closed his eyes. Library upon him after a short walk, the chimera took a deep breath.

Hidden home behind the bookcase soon reached, the chimera gazed at the walls. Was this truly the right thing to do? Entering the scorpion chimera's house uninvited? But, the hyena knew. The Priestess and the young scorpion chimera had to know. The medical ward in Natlan, the information about it had to come their way, for sure.

Gris lying upon the couch, face soaked with tears, the chimera could feel his glasses begin to fog up. Had she been in pain? If such were the case, she needed medical assistance right away, guaranteed. Inhuman pupils pitch black, a rock had been tossed into the pit of his partially human stomach. Had she been unable to see completely? Sight was a gift that could be taken away at any moment.

"I don't want Li to fight alone," Gris cried, voice shaking. "Why did I have to go blind at a time like this? The monsters down here have been far more dangerous lately." Her words had begun to choke on themselves.

Hearing Gris' cries, the soldier put his foot down on the ground. There was no way he could remain silent any longer. The Priestess, and the younger scorpion chimera, they had to know there was a medical ward a teleport away, currently human feet firm, he motioned his lips to speak.

"I know a doctor in Natlan, ma'am," Siorc blurted out. Gris turning her head, the soldier waited.

"Huh? Fatui, is that you?" Gris asked, unable to look at him. "But, the Priestess told me..."

Priestess looking his way with a somber look, the chimera could feel himself begin to shatter. Alerted to a fact that Gris' eyes could not be healed with any sort of human medicine, the glass within him had been shards beneath his feet. He supposed, if there was nothing that could be done, he should leave. If he were to stay any longer, he would trespassing, for sure.

Bowing an apology the Priestess' way, the chimera opened the orb into map form. Military barracks waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes. Ice cold hallways upon him, the soldier kept walking. Steel walled room upon him, the early adult stared at the barricaded window.

Walking upon a circle on the ice cold floor, a wave of thoughts crashed around in the active shark grooves in his brain. Gris' eyes, would it be impossible to heal? He supposed, being a chimera, human medical science was ineffective on reptile eyes. But, another thought wrapped vines around the chimera.

Enkanomiya, had it been getting more dangerous? He knew, if such were the case, there was nothing he could do about the issue at hand. Knowing such was the case, a ton had been dropped onto the hyena's back. Chimeras were suffering, and his eyes had to remain blind. He knew he could not deal with such situation. Wandering off would to deal with other engagements on a workday would lead to his death, in an instant.

Wave of tiredness coming his way, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform put away, and glasses off, the soldier slumped into the rock hard bed. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain as the world of sleep took him away.

Chimeras were suffering, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

21. Branch Off 9: Old Vanarana, Withering Away

"Why do I get this feeling something amiss
Is happening?
That alchemist's doppelganger,
How has he been everywhere?
Everywhere, pulling the strings.
Really, something just
Is not right. Even
Naofa seems uninvolved.
Guess a new force is growing

In this nation of Seven Gods.
No, I'm overthinking. Right, I am truly

Overthinking it. Nothing is happening.
Looks like no alarm bells today.
Do not know why but, I suspect

Vanarana is struggling.
All and all, I cannot shake off this
Noxious, unease within me.
Although, I mustn't jump to conclusions. Dreams are not
Reality. Dreams
Are a product of the imagination.
No, I should not dismiss this.
After all, Sumeru could be struggling. I must not do nothing."

Dreaming had been continued to be a never-ending cycle of anguish within the adult chimera's life. The loop of torment would rewind and reverse back to the beginning as each night of sleep had begun anew. The night before him had been no different, as well.

Before him had been a field of Viparyas on a hillside with a purple tree in the distance glowing vividly. Tree continuing to glow for many dream minutes on end, the soldier placed himself into a crisscross sitting position like a pretzel. Dream-like flowers surrounding him, the hyena let out a blissful sigh.

Odd, radish like tree glowing brighter as the seconds in the not reality marched onward, the hyena could not help but wonder. Why had the dream world taken him to Vanarana again? But, the chimera shook his head. There was no way he would get any answers in the world of the subconscious plane.

Gazing the dream head upward, the soldier studied the sky, for a moment. Barely visible sky being purple, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. No Arana in sight, the early adult stood to the dream feet. Perhaps, just maybe, it was best to investigate such odd occurrence playing out in front of him.

Descending the hill, and reaching the exit, the soldier walked carefully. White flowers glowing as he exited the second hill, the hyena walked towards the southwest. Lake in the corner a small distance away, the chimera kept his stroll going. Hearing the sound of music humming on the wind as the lake approached, the early adult increased his pace, a smidgeon.

Small, orange Aranara humming a tune beside a large tree with a hollowed out center enough for any short person to stand inside, the early adult attempted to hum along. The children of the forest had tunes of their own, even within the world of dreams? The Aranara were fascinating creatures within the hidden world.

Song continuing onward without signs of stopping, a barely visible smile had grew on the hyena's face. Perhaps, just maybe, nothing tormenting would happen within the plane of the subconscious mind for the night. Seating himself within the hollowed, circular tree, hope flowed through the dream mind.

The pendulum would soon swing and reverse course.

Song suddenly coming to a halt, a familiar person had entered the dream world. Short blue Aranara waddling frantically out of an egg shaped house, another face of familiarity had soon joined the party. Fawn chimera in tattered clothes walking on the grass in the corner, the forest creature and the gazelle had soon met. Blue, soft creature looking ready to speak, the dream walls had begun to shake.

"Nara Parisa! The Withering is too strong!" the Aranara shouted. "You need to seek out purple Nara or panther Nara!"

Watching as the fawn's lips moves, but no words flowing out, the hyena rose to his dream feet. Gazelle's face begin to warp with every unknown word spoken, the chimera blinked. Whatever Parisa had said, hearing it was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Stepping into the unfeeling water, the soldier gazed closer.

Fawn's face looking about ready to melt, the gazelle had turned around towards the opposite direction. Graceful footsteps exiting the forest of dreams, the distorted cacophony of waddling footsteps echoed on the subconscious air. Aranara beginning to chase after her, shouts had begun to race on the nonexistent wind.

"No, Nara! You can't do this alone!" the Aranara shouted, voice frantic. "Nara, wait!"

Multiple waddling footsteps soon chasing after her, the chimera shrugged his shoulders. Whatever he had just witnessed had to have been a warped fabrication of reality. Dream world beginning to become empty as the dream seconds went onward, the early adult attempted to step forward.

But, such step out of the lake had been an utter failure. Currently human legs twisting themselves into knots, movement had become impossible. Knots unable to come undone, the soldier remained frozen in place. Stationary, like a generic person in the mortal, waking world.

Loud screech piercing through the sky, the early adult tilted his head upward. Bright red vulture with flaming wings swooping downward, the hyena let out a yelp. When had a vulture entered Vanarana? Knotted human legs soon become hyena ones, the soldier attempted with any might to run.

But such attempt had been futile. Feeling a nonexistent adhesive lock his currently hyena legs in place, all the chimera could do was watch remain stationary as the bird of the desert came swooping down, turning him in its prey. Fireballs launched his way, a wave of unease flowed through the soldier.

Legs soon on fire, the early adult let out a scream. Fur beginning to melt rapidly, his legs had soon been singed, barren; nothing but skin. Falling onto the dream knees, torment had begun to bite his cheek, leaving a bruise. Another fireball coming his way, the hyena closed his eyes.

Flames and his back soon shaking hands, his uniform had become a pile of ashes upon the land. Back engulfed into flames, the soldier's body and the lake soon met. Defeat taking him for a ride, the dream eyes remained shut. Sea of thoughts flowing through him as he had begun to fade away, one final thought looped on repeat. Safety was fleeting, anguish held him tight.

Fire was still a terrifying element, indeed.

***

"Definitely can no longer shake off this
Ominous feeling.

No, there is now doubt.
Obviously, Vanara is struggling.
That dream I had, there is definitely a Withering Zone.

While dreams are not real,
Even I know I should not ignore this
Absolutely eerie feeling.
Right, the Forest Watcher Leader,

Somehow, I feel like he might know something.
I remember now, he keeps track of the Withering.
Looks like I should ask him. But,
Knowing Her Majesty, she'll be listening.

I must not ask with words.
No, I must ask silently.

That is key. I know she can hear me.
Her Majesty is always listening, watching.
Even so, I must not falter.

Right, I have two days off
A day or two of reprieve.
I am not on the job,
No responsibilities to carry.
For now, my decision is made, this
Ominous feeling won't leave.
Really, it is best I found out.
Even if dreams are not reality.
Sumeru, are you struggling?
This won't do, I need to do something."

Upon waking up from his tormented slumber, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his head. Knowing that, at any moment, the Agent would arrive to relay his orders, the chimera had rose from the uncomfortable bed. There was no time. He had to get ready now. Time running out, the soldier had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As his uniform had glued into place, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. Hearing no groans in an echo when he had awoken for the morning, fear nibbled on the cartilage of his ear. Silence looping on repeat for minutes on end, the early adult's legs had begun to shake with a fervor. Had he woken up late today? Silence was a deafening beast.

Placing the buttons into the incorrect holes, the early adult clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching blue stars in his hair and ears, fear had begun to make a meal out of him. Chilling wind slamming the window being the only sound present, the soldier raced off towards his shoes, in an instant.

Heelless shoes on, the hyena had walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. Surely, the Agent had to have still been coming. Perhaps, just maybe, he had been running slightly late, as well. Pace about still continuing for minutes on end, the frozen floor kept creaking.

But, no such footsteps ever came. Feeling his eyebrow twitch, Siorc stepped towards the door. Surely, someone had to have still been around in the military barracks to relay orders to him. Resolute on his decision, the early adult stepped outside, for a moment. But, a sight to behold graced his damaged field of heterochromatic vision.

On his door had been a note. Note written in Snezhnayan writing, as usual, the soldier peered at the other doors across the hall. No other doors having a piece of paper on them, the early adult let out a gulp. Was a warning about to hit his eyes? Knowing he could not waste any time, the soldier frantically read the words on the note in silence.

"You have two days off, the note in clear Snezhnayan writing had said.

Seeing the words on the paper, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. Why had his door been the only one with such note placed on it? But, perhaps, just maybe, all the other soldiers had exited the barracks already. Returning to the soundproof room, the soldier gazed at the steel walls.

Recalling the dream he had, the hyena could not help but wonder. Parisa, could she have been in trouble? Withering in Sumeru always seeming like it was an ongoing issue, an idea had planted a seed within the hyena's fading human mind. Could the Forest Watcher Leader of Gandharva Ville know about the locations of nearby Withering Zones? Perhaps, asking the furry eared man would give him some answers.

Gazing downward at his uniform, the soldier off duty let out a yelp. His buttons had been crooked? Undoing the buttons, the hyena walked towards the uniform drawers. Perhaps, wearing the lacy shirt instead would bring his mind to ease. Resolute on his decision, the chimera opened up the brown container.

Digging towards the bottom of his uniform drawers, he silky shirt of lace had soon been dug out like an excavation project had begun. Layered shirts and uniform put away, the lace and his body shook hands. Silk absorbing every fiber of his being, the early adult let out a blissful noise. But, the soldier off duty rapidly snapped himself back to reality. There was no time to get excited. The hourglasses' sand would soon reach the bottom.

Opening the proxy orb into map form, a peculiar sight had caught the hyena's mismatched eyes. Desert map looking bigger than it used to, the early adult tilted his head. Clicking a waypoint in the corner, bewilderment took the chimera for a ride. Had the Desert of Hadramaveth area always been there on his proxy map? But, the soldier shook his head. He was overthinking it, surely.

Highlighting the waypoint closest to Gandharva Ville, the early adult closed his eyes. No matter how many years were to pass, teleporting had still been a blinding ordeal. Fast travel soon beginning, one thought looped on repeat as the rainforests of Sumeru loomed ever so closer as the teleportation had begun to come to an end.

Would the Forest Watcher Leader have answers?

***

"All and all, surely, the leader of Gandharva Ville, he has to have answers.

No, I'm certain. He is the only one who may know.
If I recall what I have heard, he is the only one who
Can deal with the Withering.
Even I have no reason to not believe it.

Likely, he is always keeping track.
Obviously, that is the case.
No Withering Zone can remain.
Guess I will ask my flower friend to put on a show.

With them acting out a scene, Her Majesty won't hear me.
And no question will exit my lips.
Looks like this is the only way, I must get my point across.
Knowing the Forest Watcher Leader, he'll understand, surely.

If I recall correctly, he is a botanist.
No flower language will escape his gaze.

Now, I am resolute. This is how it has to be. Windwheel
Aster, please aid me.
This is my only way.
Utterly, I know, if I ask a question, Her Majesty, she'll kill me.
Right, silence is key.
Everyone is watching."

Upon reaching an area near Gandharva Ville through the Teleport Waypoint, the soldier had begun walking. Hill soon descended, the early adult sauntered onward. Boar with mushrooms growing on its back running away as his heelless footsteps marched onward, a sea of questions flowed through the chimera. Why did the boar have fungus growing on them? The creatures of the Dendro Nation of Wisdom were fascinating.

Long wooden branch soon below him, the early adult jumped off the hill. Windglider deployed behind him, the early adult staged his landing. Elderly woman standing outside her door lauding about the rainforest being the best place to live, the soldier off duty help walking.

Descending the wooden bridge, the early adult kept heading north. Forest Rangers standing out doing nothing near the entrance to the treehouse, the hyena rose an eyebrow. Why had the multiple rangers within Gandharva Ville just been standing about? But, he supposed it was no business of his. Peering through the doorless entrance, the chimera observed the treehouse in silence.

Forest Watcher Leader assisting the taller panda chimera with an herbal medicine, the early adult placed his hand on his chest. Did Jiaolong have three jobs? He had to have been working too hard, for sure, if such were indeed the case. But, the early adult shrugged. The lives of other chimeras were not his business, in the slightest.

Group of two looking busier than ever, the early adult folded his hand into a fist. Placing his hand on the wood, the hyena's fist thumped with a roar. Wood knocked on as though he had been hitting his fist on the door, the soldier waited. Entering without permission was an absolutely rude gesture, for sure. But, an immediate answer had come his way.

"I could hear you coming, you know," the Forest Watcher Leader said. "Come in."

Invited into the room, the soldier off duty stepped into the treehouse. Gazing at the man's furry black ears, the chimera blinked. He supposed he was the not the only one who had elevated hearing stronger than any normal human's ever could be. Forest Watcher Leader soon looking his way, the early adult made eye contact.

"Is there something you need?" The Forest Watcher leader asked, arms folded across his chest. "I'm afraid I don't have any more hawthorn drinks made, at the moment."

Hearing the furry eared man speak of the bitter herb drink, the early adult shook his head. Keeping his mismatched eyes on the furry eared man's green ones, the soldier off duty placed his hand on his chin. The Withering, he had to inquire about it. There was no time to waste.

Recalling a saying that the walls had ears, the hyena gazed at the wooden walls, for a moment. There was no way he could ask directly. Her Majesty could be listening from anywhere in Teyvat. Gazing at the butterfly display on the wall, an idea had come in rushing like a river.

His flower friend. Perhaps, just maybe, if he told it to act as though it was losing a battle, his point could get across easier. The language of flowers, surely it would get through to the furry eared man. Resolute on his decision, the chimera's Vision glowed beside him.

Windwheel Aster friend dancing upon the wooden floor, silent commands had been provided to the flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision. Whispering to the flower to act as though it was dying, the red flower of life placed its triangular leaf over its pollen filled stem.

Flower friend doing a dramatic turn, the plant placed itself onto the wooden floor. Lowering its flowery head a smidgeon, color had begun to leave the plant's petals. Show soon coming to an end, the early adult snapped his fingers. Windwheel Aster soon vanishing, the hyena looked into the Forest Watcher Leader's eyes.

But, such attempt was futile. Furry eared man giving him a puzzled look, defeat yanked on the hyena's ears. Did the Forest Watcher Leader not understand the language of flowers, after all? He supposed it was rude of him to assume such fact had applied to every botanist.

"I don't understand what you're trying to say to me," the Forest Watcher Leader said, gloved hand over his face. But, another voice soon joined the party.

"Ah, boss, my cousin told me he doesn't like talking much," Jiaolong chimed in. He then turned towards his cousin's friend. "Are you asking about Withering Zones nearby? Your flower put on a good act."

Nodding, the early adult looked at the taller panda chimera, for a moment. How incredibly impressive Jiaolong was, being able to understand what he had been asking through his flower friend's assistance. Forest Watcher Leader placing his hand on his chin, for awhile, the hyena waited.

Furry eared man thinking to himself for a few minutes, the chimera kept quiet. He supposed, a busy person like a forest ranger had quite a memory to dig through. Jiaolong soon returning to his work, and green eyes on him again once more, the soldier off duty looked forward. Was a location of a Withering Zone about to grace his inhuman eardrums?

"I don't believe any new Withering Zones popped up recently," the Forest Watcher Leader responded. "Why don't you go for a walk? Exercise is good for the heart!" There was a passive aggressive tone in his voice.

Hearing the furry eared man's suggestion, the hyena lowered his eyes into a suspicious squint. The Forest Watcher Leader, had he been hiding something from him? The answer of there being no Withering Zones nearby could not have possibly been the truth. But, the chimera let out a sigh. Suspicions leaving the treehouse, the early adult gazed at the exit.

Preparing to leave the treehouse, the hyena shrugged. He supposed, a nice long walk around Sumeru's rainforest wouldn't be so bad. If there was no Withering to deal with, letting such a peaceful day go to waste would be a shame to be had, for sure. But, as he prepared to stage his exit, bare hands had placed themselves on his silk blouse.

Forest Watcher Leader's no longer gloved hand looking at the silk instead of his eyes, the early adult let out a yelp. Why had the furry eared man been touching his shirt? Eyes lowering into a glare, the hyena's heart skipped a beat. What did the leader of the Forest Rangers have to say now?

"Why are you wearing silk in the rainforest?" the Forest Watcher Leader scolded. "Take that shirt off!" He then opened up a drawer in the corner. "Here, wear this. Bogart left it here for ------, but it doesn't fit her."

Outfit plopped into his hands, the chimera let out an exasperated sigh. Why did it matter that he was wearing a lacy, silk shirt in the rainforest? But, he knew he could not argue. Short, golden dress that looked like the Forest Trainee girl's uniform almost exactly, a wave of embarrassment flowed through the hyena. How many bodies had worn this clothing before him?

Dress soon on, and scarves dangling behind him, the hyena turned towards the Forest Watcher Leader. Told the pants had to go, as well, the early adult removed the Vision from his uniform pants. Dark brown socks given to him, the early adult could feel his face begin to warm up. The panther chimera had to have worn the socks once, for sure.

Placing his Vision in the center of his chest where the Forest Trainee girl's brooch often would be, the chimera took a deep breath. Clothes were clothes. He supposed it did not matter if Bogart or someone else had worn the outfit before him. Heelless shoes soon on once again, the soldier off duty turned towards the furry eared man.

"Come back for you clothes later," the Forest Watcher Leader said. "Now, please do excuse me, I have to collect herbs to make ------'s medicine." Preparing to exit, a voice trailed off after him.

"I hope she gets well soon," Jiaolong responded, voice somber. "It is quite quiet without her around here." Returning to his work, the treehouse fell silent.

Taller panda chimera focusing on his work, the early adult exited the treehouse. Everything going quiet, the soldier removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb placed on the side of his golden dress. Orb opened into map form, the chimera observed the Sumeru section of the map, for a few minutes.

Recalling Padisarahs grew around Pardis Dhyai, the early adult dissipated the map back into orb form. Perhaps, he could take a walk towards the greenhouse for awhile. Resolute on his decision, the early adult walked back towards the direction he came. Zaytun peaches shimmering on the daytime sky as he reached Gandharva Ville's exit, the chimera looked around as his walk had begun.

Ladder on top of a tree stump leading to the inside of a hollowed tree hole in the corner of his mismatched eyes, the chimera had come to wonder. Had Aranara lived within the outskirts of Gandharva Ville, as well? But, the early adult shrugged. Perhaps, it was best to mark such place for later.

Running towards a hill, a tree full of Sunsettias caught the chimera's eyes. The orange fruit of sunsets had grown in Sumeru, as well? A fascinating sight to be had, for sure. Dirt road traversed through for a little while, and another hill cruised through, the early adult looked off towards the distance.

Small wooden corner on top of a hill in his distanced field of vision, the hyena could not help but continue to wonder. The citizens of Sumeru, had they all been intertwined with nature? If he weren't forced to stay within the permafrost north, the Dendro Nation of Wisdom would become his home, for sure.

Hill soon descended, the chimera let out a blissful noise. The bright, yellow flowers in the grass were beautiful, like always. Vimara Village soon reached, multiple eyes had soon been on him as he headed towards the mossy ladder. The generic men of the village, why did they always have to gaze at him whenever he were to wear a dress? Giving the men no attention, the soldier ascended the ladder of moss.

Sumpter Beast sleeping beside Hilichurls on the edge of the hill, the early adult lowered his walk into a tiptoe. If the monsters were to be awoken from their slumber, Pyro Hilichurls would be tossed his way, for sure. Continuing his walk westward, the chimera kept his eyes on his surroundings.

Strange looking rocks with vines holding them prisoner off on the hills in the distance, wanderlust made a meal out of the soldier off duty. Recalling seeing such rocks around the rainforests in the past, curiosity had begun to nibble on the cartilage of his ear. What purpose did such rocks serve to Sumeru? But the early adult kept walking. He could not let himself get distracted.

Large, mossy tree without leaves soon in front of him, the hyena hid the smallest of smiles. The world of nature was a beautiful land of many different stages in life. Empty Fatui camp soon passed by, the early adult's heart skipped a beat. Had Sumeru stationed Fatui been camping out near Pardis Dhyai? He knew, if such were the case, he would need to continue his walk with caution.

Cliffside soon ascended, and path toward Pardis Dhyai reached, Siorc kept heading north. But as he stepped inside the greenhouse, a sight to behold greeted his bespectacled eyes. Fawn chimera standing by the tall white flowers beside two Aranara looking ready to break out into a panic, the early adult watched the party of three in silence.

Aranara discussing the Withering in the Old Vanarana, the early adult backed two steps away. The Forest Watcher Leader, had he been lying about there being no Withering Zones popping up recently? Shaking his head, the hyena let out a barely audible sigh. Perhaps, the Forest Watcher Leader had no knowledge of the forest of dreams. Gazelle looking ready to scream, the chimera turned towards them.

"I'm trying!" Parisa shouted, voice shaking like a maraca. "But, there's just too many!"

The chimera's eyes opened wide. The dream he had, could it have been an event that happened within the mortal, waking world? Seeing the fawn's outfit completely in tatters, he supposed such could have been the case. Gazelle soon looking his way, sweat poured down the hyena's back. If the greenhouse had been Parisa's quiet spot, he would get in trouble now, for sure.

Fatui worm walking into the Armuta research center in a Forest Trainee outfit, a wave of realization flowed through the gazelle. The hyena chimera Fatui had not been working today. Perhaps, just maybe, asking for his assistance on the Withering just this once could come into fruition. Mind not working, words had begun to flow out before they could catch them.

"You, come with me!" Parisa cried, no grace to be had in her voice. Standing up from their spot, she walked towards the hyena chimera. "I need help fighting The Withering! It's gotten out of control!" She pulled on the Fatui worm's skirt. "I can't do this alone, please! Those panther twins claim they can't help me!"

Hearing the desperation in Parisa's voice, the early adult could not help but feel a wave of disappointment. Waiola and Bogart, why had they told the fawn they could not help them? But, he supposed, if they had other prior engagements, nothing could be done. Watching as their legs continued to shake, the chimera nodded. If the Withering had been too strong for a person to defeat alone, assistance was necessary.

Watching as the Fatui worm nodded, a sigh of relief released from the fawn's throat. If he had agreed to help her, it had time for them to lead the way towards the location. Stepping outside of the research facility, they turned their head towards the left. Hyena chimera soon behind her, she had begun to lead the way.

"I won't thank you for this," Parisa said. "Now, follow me."

Fawn beginning to sprint gracefully as Pardis Dhyai had been exited, the early adult's legs had erupted into a sprint. Aranara waddling to catch up with her, as well, the soldier off duty kept running. If the situation had been so urgent, he supposed running was his only option.

Small cave with a small ceiling and tree branch breaking into the rock dashed through, the early adult could feel his breath begin to leave him. But, the soldier off duty knew he could not falter. There was no time to rest. Strange looking area soon appearing in his distanced field of vision, the soldier studied his surroundings.

Odd looking grassland with spiraled trees everywhere looking rotted to the core, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. The unknown forest, why had it looked so dead, and barren? Underground path soon taken, a wave of dizziness flowed through the early adult. Was it just his imagination, or had the air been thinner than normal? Shrugging, the soldier off duty kept following behind in silence.

Aranara house soon stepped by, the fawn had begun to wobble, as well. The thin air, had it been affecting them, as well? Two children of the forest giving her a concerned look, the early adult took a deep breath. He had to focus, a Withering Zone would soon be upon him.

"Please attempt cleanse the area," Parisa begged.

Aranara glowing a deep green aura, the air had begun to get thicker once more. Large descends downward into a world of branches soon taking place, the soldier deployed his wind glider. World of sand underneath his feet, the early adult tilted his head. Had there been a desert deep underneath the surface? But such thought was halted in a matter of seconds.

Ruin Guard sleeping beside fifteen problematic weeds of Withering, the hyena's legs had begun to shake. War machine glowing a red aura, the soldier off duty let out a gulp. A long fight would soon await the fawn and he. Aranara shouting the robot had been brining harm to the Vanarana of the old days the early adult prepared himself for the fight in front of him.

Forest Claymore tossed his way, and fawn unleashing their spear, the fight had begun. Dendrogranum retrieved, the early adult sprinted towards one of the fifteen weeds polluting the area. Charging the greatsword, the spirits hit the weeds with a fervor. Problematic root remaining in place after three hits, the early adult's eyebrows had begun to twitch. Had the Withering been stronger than normal ones in the open wilderness?

Feeling a wave of dizziness begin to take him away as he dashed towards the Dendrograna, the soldier could feel his energy deplete rapidly. Aranara bouncing in the corner in a frantic manner, the early adult tilted his head as the green spirits surrounded his very being. What did the child of the forest have to say to him? He knew he had to listen to whatever they had to say.

"Hyena Nara! Parisa Nara!" the Aranara shouted, jumping. "Stay close to us or Nara will Wither, too!"

Aranara soon beside him surrounded by green energy, the early adult made haste. Blade and problematic weed meeting one another, the hyena's slashes about continued. First weed destroyed after ten more slashes, the soldier off duty bolted towards the left. Gazelle having destroyed one, as well, the fight continued onward.

Weed blasting dark red energy his way as his sprint proceeded onward, the soldier could feel his energy begin to drain even quicker than before. But, the hyena knew he could not falter. Candle of Life in the corner rotted away, the chimera let out a gulp. If there was no candle to light, his energy would only continue to deplete, for sure.

Second weed destroyed after fifteen slashes had been dealt, the chimera swayed backwards. Had the atmosphere gotten denser? He supposed such could have been the case. Aranara circling green aura around him, dizziness had been kicked to the curb in a matter of minutes. Focus soon returning, the soldier off duty dashed towards the next problematic root before him.

Parisa's spear already destroying a third root of Withering, Siorc placed the Greatsword that looked like wood in front of him. Spinning in a circle as the spirits hit the weed, the third problematic root had been destroyed after six slashes. Nine weeds remaining, the chimera took a long, deep breath.

But such breath had not been enough. Glowing red branches beginning to pulsate as the two chimeras approached, the soldier's eyes had begun to twitch. The problematic weeds, had they only been getting stronger? Thirty slashes not being enough to make the root reach the end of its invasive life, a pant broke loose through the hyena's partially human throat.

Aranara blasting a ray of green energy towards the pulsating plants of death and decay, the fawn and the chimera swung their weapons with a fervor. Two more weeds vanquished with an extra two nubbed hands, the two sprinted towards the left. Four weeds pulsating even stronger than the last two, the sands had shifted.

Thirty slashes removing the weeds from their life draining existence, the early adult observed the next two roots, for a moment. Red energy hitting Parisa's chest, the hyena dashed towards them. Fawn chimera falling to the sand with grace, the soldier off duty extended his hand.

Another round of thirty slashes taking the next two weeds out of the picture, a wave of tiredness flowed through the hyena. The Withering was far too difficult for one to hand alone, indeed. Sweat beginning to pour out of his brow, the early adult dashed towards the two final problems of the sandy wasteland.

Fawn, the two Aranara and he vanquishing the three remaining weeds with any energy that remained, the soldier could feel buckets of sweat pour down his back. Core the only one that remained, the soldier off duty dashed towards the root of all the problems.

Another enemy would soon tag themselves into the ring.

Sound of a mechanical switch flipping on, robotic feet had stomped onto the sand. Red aura growing stronger as the the war machine walked about, the hyena held back a shout. The Ruin Guard had awakened? Placing the greatsword in front of him, the soldier prepared himself for the battle at hand. But, another obstacle soon took the stage.

Large weed of the Withering rearing its head as the Ruin Guard stomped about on the ground, the early adult's left eye had begun to twitch. The war machines deep within the sands of nowhere, did they have the power to cause more problematic weeds to sprout upward? Knowing now more than ever, the machine had to be vanquished, the chimera dashed forward. He needed to put an end to this once, and for all. But, the fawn had soon blocked the path.

"I will destroy the robot," Parisa said, no grace to be had in her voice. "You focus on the weeds!"

Torrents of water coming the war machine's way, the soldier dashed off towards the new sprouted Withering Zone in front of him. Problematic roots popping up with every stomp of the Ruin Guard's mechanical feet, the soldier's blade and the weeds had shook hands.

Fifteen weeds demolished as the robot from time forgotten crashed down onto the ground, the early adult's legs erupted into a speedy sprint. Tumor of the Withering pulsating a bright, deep red, an invisible button had soon been pressed. Root of the all the problems soon defeated, the early adult dashed back towards the fawn.

Parisa beginning to lead the way towards the next exit, the fawn had begun to wobble. Gazelle leaning on the center of his chest, Siorc let out a yelp. Why had she been leaning on him? Warm body against his unbearable, the early adult attempted with any might that remained to bear her body heat, for a moment. Fawn not apologizing as she raised her head once more, the two kept walking.

Two weeds standing by the exit destroyed in seconds, the group of four proceeded towards the old forest of time forgotten. But, as the hyena stepped closer, the world of fuzz had begun to overtake him. Feeling the world of unconsciousness waiting for him right around the corner, the Aranara's shouts did not reach the early adult's ears. Parisa looking ready to fall, as well, weakened words had begun to flow his way like a river.

"We need to retreat..." Parisa said, voice getting weaker. "The Withering Zone here is far too powerful. I cannot withstand it."

Children of the Forest attempting to cleanse the air around them, a safe path towards the entrance had been reached after an hour of walking. Fawn continuing to lead the way, the soldier kept following behind in silence. Energy lowering with every step taken, the early adult pushed through with any power that remained within him.

Pardis Dhyai reached after two hours of slow walking, the fawn's eyes had met his once more. Parisa looking as though she had something to say, the early adult kept his inhuman eardrums open. Whatever the gazelle had to say to him, he knew he had to listen.

"Please, come back tomorrow," Parisa begged, desperation evident in her voice. "I cannot vanquish this alone. I know you're a Fatui worm, but please, don't leave this all to me!" Her body had begun to shake as she finished speaking.

Desperation stabbing him in the back with an invisible spear, the soldier nodded. He knew if the fawn were begging, help had to come their way. Gazelle and her Aranara friends walking away after seeing his confirmation, the soldier exited the greenhouse. Knowing he had to retrieve his silk blouse before returning to the permafrost north, the chimera had resumed his walk.

Gandharva Ville reached after two hours of walking, feeling himself begin to wobble, the early adult leaned against the wall. Vision beginning to flicker, his hand and the wooden wall had become the best of friends. Taller panda chimera giving him a worried look in the corner as he worked, a sea of questions had begun to pollute his dulling ears.

"Oh, dear, you look like you're about to fall over," Jiaolong said, concerned tone of voice. Placing the bottle of herbs aside, he placed the young man on top of the bed in the corner. "Tell me what happened."

Words of concern coming his way, the soldier off duty placed his hands in front of him. Placing his index finger near his wrist, the early adult curled his fingers downward. Word wither signed on private display, the hyena could feel his head begin to spin cycles. Bottle of water handed to him, the chimera slowly chugged away.

Taller panda chimera's index and middle finger soon on his left wrist, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. Was such act necessary? His heart had not been beating out of control, for sure. But he knew he could not say such, or words of needing to cooperate would come his way, in an even heartbeat.

"Your heartrate seems normal at the moment," Jiaolong explained, he then moved towards the drawer in the corner. "I'll ask boss about the Withering when he comes back. Could you return here tomorrow morning?"

Silk blouse and uniform pants returned to him, the soldier nodded. Original outfit soon on once more, the soldier opened the proxy orb into map form. Military barracks waypoint soon highlighted, the hyena closed his eyes. Hallways upon him after a split second, the soldier headed towards the soundproof room.

Steel walled room soon upon him, a wave of fatigue took the hyena by storm. Hairpins, earrings and silk blouse soon removed, the layered shirts made their unceremonious return. Everything off, and glasses put away, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. World of sleep about to take him away, one final thought hit the active shark grooves in his brain.

A huge responsibility was upon him tomorrow.

***
"Looks like The Withering is only getting worse,
Are the fawn and their companions going to be alright?
No, I know they are strong, my concern might be unnecessary, but she
Does not want to fight this alone, right, it is time to get working.

Of course, my fighting prowess is far less than the
Fawn's for sure, but I must not falter.

Getting rid of The Withering, I have to conquer.
Really, this is what is expected of me.
Obviously, I have to do as people say.
Ultimately, obedience is key.
No matter how much I may struggle in some battles,
Diligence is my reckoning.
Even if I am unable to win, a promise was made.
Do not break the pinkies.

Do not leave my responsibilities.
Reaping these problematic weeds,
Every area of the forest needs cleansing, my
Assistance is mandatory.
Maybe my strength may not be enough, but
Sumeru is struggling. I must keep helping."

Returning the Gandharva Ville in the morning, the soldier stepped into the treehouse. Forest Watcher Leader and taller panda chimera handing the Forest Ranger Trainee medicine, the soldier off duty stepped outside, for a moment. The young lady needed the utmost of privacy, for sure. But, gloved hands soon dragged him back in after five minutes.

Green haired forest ranger trainee exiting the treehouse, a wooden device had been placed into the hyena's currently human hands. Moving his head downward, bewilderment ate the early adult up like a plate of Samosa. What had the the furry eared man just handed him? Eyes soon on him, the soldier off duty made eye contact.

"A professor from the Akademiya claims this charm should protect you from the malformed energy in the Withering Zone you intend to head for today," the Forest Watcher Leader said, eyes looking elsewhere. "And take that silk blouse off!" Scolding coming his way, his gloved index finger pointed at the black, silk ribbon with a fervor.

Knowing he had no choice but to change once again, the hyena switched back into the golden Forest Trainee outfit. Vision clipped onto the center of his chest, wooden amulet placed off towards the side of the dress, and proxy orb opened up into map form, the chimera exited the treehouse. Jiaolong handing him a bottle of water as he left, the soldier bowed a thank you.

Knowing the fawn had to have already arrived at Old Vanarana, the soldier dragged his fingers towards the left side of the map. Three waypoints in the old Vanarana area, the chimera tilted his head. Which one had been the correct one to press? Waypoint southmost of the map, the soldier pressed the teleport button. He supposed, if he had selected the incorrect one, he could just walk to the area from the day before with ease.

Exit from the day prior reached through the Teleport Waypoint, the chimera took a long deep breath. Wooden amulet glowing on his waist, the early adult looked at the path ahead of him. Parisa and her Aranara companion already deep within the area, the soldier off duty dashed forward. He needed to catch up before the fawn were to run further away.

Deep, land with rotting trees and dirtying, dried up water gracing his damaged field of vision, the soldier's heart skipped two beats. Just how much had The Withering already destroyed? Fawn surrounded by two strangers as the soldier sprinted through the dying waters, the chimera had soon caught up with the group of three.

Standing beside a rotted away tree had been a feminine looking person five centimeters taller than him. The person had short grey hair with slight amount of blue remaining that went down to about near their chin. Ring shaped pigtails that were completely dark blue, and three red ribbons on the right side of their pointy triangular bags exposing their forehead, the chimera looked at their eyes. Yellow reptile eyes with small black pupils, and grey hooded shirt baggier than his eyes on a bad day, the soldier looked downward. Robot legs in place of human ones, the hyena could not help but feel curiosity eat him away. But, he quickly stopped himself from asking. Ending his examination, the hyena turned towards the second stranger.

Next to the stranger had been another feminine looking person two centimeters taller than him. The person had short, grey hair that went down to about their neck. Left side of her hair a dark shade of blue, the hyena's eyes stayed on their hair, for a moment. Black and white flower crown laying in their hair, the soldier looked at the person's eyes. Deep yellow reptile eyes barely blinking, and baggy shirt, the chimera gazed at their fingers. Ten bony fingers Barely looking like they could move, a pity cherry dropped into the center of his stomach. How could they use their fingers like that? Ending his examination, Siorc turned his attention towards Parisa.

Fawn giving him a blank expectant look, the soldier prepared himself. Wooden amulet beside him glowing harder and faster the hyena took a deep breath. There was no more time to stand around, The Withering in the area had to be dealt with now. But, such fight had not yet been started. Gazelle turning their attention back towards the stranger, questions polluted the dying air.

"Who are you two?" Parisa asked, no grace to be had in her voice. "Why are you here? Did you cause this?"

"Talk slower!" the shorter person exclaimed. "Can't hear you!"

Hearing the shorter person with the flower crown speak, the hyena blinked. Had they been joking? If such were the case, he knew he would have to put an end to such games now. But, he knew he could not say anything. Strangers were a dangerous force to be reckoned with. Slightly taller person stepping up to the plate, the chimera remained still as a statue.

"Gazelle asking why we in forest," the other person said to the shorter person. They then turned towards Parisa. "We didn't do anything. It was like this when we got here, Miss Gazelle."

Parisa slapped her hand over their forehead. Whoever these two people had been within Old Vananara, they had red flags painted all over their bodies. How could they have possibly known about such a hidden away place that only the Aranara knew about? She would keep her eyes on them as long as they remained in the area.

Fawn chimera with an unamused look on their face and Aranara hiding behind her, the hyena could not help but wonder. The two strangers, just who were they? Never having seen them within or beyond the world of Teyvat, the sea of questions would not end the storm inside him. But, the chimera shrugged. He supposed there was no time for such guessing of their identities, The Withering had to be dealt with right away.

"If you're not causing this, then help me," Parisa demanded. "Defeat The Withering with us." But, the two strangers looked at her as though she had six heads.

"W...ering?" the shorter person asked. The taller person soon joined the conversation.

"Plata can't hear very well," the other person explained quickly. "Please simplify this for em."

Demands boomeranged back to her, Parisa placed their hands on the side of their hair. Whoever these people were, they were sapping away all of her intelligence and burying it into the sand. Simplify her words and dumb down her explanation? She would do so with no grace.

"Ugh! Forest unwell!" Parisa shouted, nails brushing against her hair. "Battle with me!" But, the two strangers looked one another once more.

"Oh! Get it now!" Plata exclaimed. "Argenta, does tey get it?"

Watching as the fawn continued to rub her nails in her hair, the chimera shook his head. Did a minor inconvenience tip them over the edge? If she was not willing to simplify her explanation again as the day went on, he would let her have it, for sure. But no such words would escape his lips. One proclaimed Argenta soon looking ready to speak, the soldier off duty turned towards tem.

"I saw a black ball in the corner harboring malicious energy," Argenta explained, stepping forward. "I'll lead you to it."

Guided towards a deep dark ball of vicious energy sitting in the center of rotted tree branches, the chimera's legs had begun to shake. Stepping towards the dark ball of energy, the soldier off duty could feel a lock crash down on his chest. Removing his Vision, the hyena's eyes opened wide at the sight before him.

Dendro Vision pitch black, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. His Vision had been a useless husk, locked away from usage. Returning the orb to his chest, he turned towards Parisa. Hydro Orb locked as well, a wave of defeat hugged the chimera from behind. It was no use, he would have to fight with physical prowess.

Forest Greatsword handed to him, and indigo Polearm in Parisa's hands, the hyena bolted forward. Fawn and two strangers joining the fight as well, the soldier's blade at the ball of dark energy had met. No damage coming the ball's way, the chimera kept his part of the fight going.

Ten slashes soon dealt, the soldier off duty could feel his energy begin to drain a smidgeon. Ball of darkness floating towards the sky, three purple bubbles of toxic ooze hit the ground. Blast hitting his legs, the hyena grit his teeth. Why hadn't he dodged such attack? He knew he needed to try harder with his evasion. Ball of dark energy floating away towards the dying waters, the group of four and the quieter than normal Aranara dashed away.

Weeds of Withering popping up around the ball of dark energy, the enemy had cocooned itself in vines, for a moment. Problematic weeds glowing a deep, dark red the soldier could feel his heart skip more than five beats. The ball of dark energy, had it been the source of The Withering across Sumeru? The chimera did not know, but there was no time to think about such origins.

Argenta turning towards Plata, the hyena prepared to destroy the problematic weeds with any might that remained. Wooden amulet continuing to glow furiously beside him, the early adult attempted to swing the greatsword forward. But, a sea of words soon stopped him in his tracks.

"Plata!" Argenta shouted. "Turn on flower crown!"

"Okay!" Plata replied, voice raising. "I turn it on!"

Bright green energy glowing through Plata's flower crown, Siorc's jaw almost dropped onto the ground. Green light engulfing the problematic weeds in seconds, the soldier off duty's mouth remained wide open. Withering Zone devoured in the blink of a mismatched eye, the hyena could feel himself about to leave reality. What had he just witnessed? There was no way what just happened could have possibly been real.

Aranara exclaiming Plata's flower crown looked like theirs back at home, the hyena blinked. Plata, could ey have been a human Aranara? But, the hyena shook his head. Why was he thinking about such, at a time of dire straits? He needed to regain focus, immediately. Ball of dark energy returning to the lair of rotting trees, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint.

Ball of energy beginning to glow a deep, dark red, the soldier stepped up to the plate. Greatsword and Parisa's polearm slashing the ball with a fervor, the enemy had begun to shake. Enemy to all nature floating in mid air, bubbles of poison had begun to drop towards the ground. Jumping eight steps back, the attack had missed by a kilometer.

Odd rock projectile coming the ball of darkness's way, the soldier turned his attention towards Argenta. Odd looking yellow-orange chess piece floating midair, the hyena titled his head. Just what could the yellow-orange queen piece have been? Loud huffing and puffing echoing on the dying air, the dark ball of energy floated towards the dried up water.

More weeds of Withering popping up as the ball of energy cocooned itself into a vine prison, the soldier off duty removed his Vision from around his chest. Locks still making the orb a useless husk of nothing, the chimera let out a sigh. There was nothing he could do about it. His Vision remained inaccessible, for the moment. No Dendrograna anywhere to be seen, a wave of failure flowed through him.

He was useless. The Withering could not be vanquished.

But, such thought was cancelled faster than a scholar spreading misinformation around the streets of Sumeru City. Argenta and Plata closing their eyes in unison, the stranger's robot and human legs had split into eight scorpion legs. Blue scorpion body down below the waist, their stingers faced the problematic weeds in an instant.

Knowing if Parisa and he were caught within the blast of venom, it would be deadly, the soldier off duty grabbed the gazelle's hand. Dashing twenty steps away, the fawn glared daggers at him. Bowing an apology, the hyena returned his attention towards the battlefield off into the distance. Venom disintegrating the weeds into nothing, the two strangers turned their stingers towards the ball of dark energy.

Black ball of darkness cracking open, the two scorpion chimeras closed their eyes. Human and robot legs soon returning, the enemy returned back towards the battlefield of whence it came. Alleged Master of the Withering looking ready to break, the hyena sprinted towards the battlefield for what felt like the final time today.

Fawn slashing their polearm with grace, and greatsword hitting the cracked ball's center, the enemy had begun to shake rapidly. Large Tumor of Withering popping up around it, the hyena switched the position of his legs. Argenta's index finger pointing at Plata's flower crown, light green energy soon took the large weed to its energy sapping grave.

Ball of dark energy crashing to the ground sparking with a fervor, a quadruple party attack hit harder than a winter storm in Snezhnaya. Enemy soon shattering into dark shards of nothing, the day had been saved, like a group of three superpowered girls with bug eyes in another universe.

Aranara singing a tune, a seedling had sprouted up from the dying ground. Seeing such, the early adult puffed a sigh of relief. Could the world of Old Vanarana heal over time? He had hoped such could have been the case. Stepping out of the battlefield, the group of three behind him walked forward, as well.

Child of the forest gazing as Plata's flower crown, the chimera had come to wonder: just what powers had the small laurel contained? But, he knew he could not ask such. Questions were not allowed to him as a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier. Plata's face beginning to twist into a disheveled look, the hyena kept his attention on em.

"No! Can't give you crown!" Plata shouted, volume gradually increasing. "Doctor said never take off!"

Hearing the word Doctor, the hyena's heart skipped seven beats. Recalling the yellow-orange chess piece and the energy that flowed through Plata, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. The scorpion chimera strangers, had the two of them been one of the malpracticing malicious doctor's various experiments?

Gazing at Plata's flower crown once more, a chill had run down the chimera's partially human spine. He could not help but feel eir laurel had been one of the malicious Harbinger's many tools of malpractice. Bony fingers soon returning to his mind, the soldier could feel the wave of unease reach its peak. Chimeras other than himself had to have been the Doctor's victims, for sure.

Argenta and Plata soon leaving, the fawn's green eyes had soon met his mismatched ones. Did she have something to say to him? Whatever it was the fawn had to say, he knew he needed to listen. Gazelle looking ready to speak, the chimera retained eye contact.

"I won't thank you for this," Parisa said, arms around her waist. "Although, I suppose I owe you an apology for interrupting the flow of whatever downtime you may have had before I took it away from you." Aranara looking their way, they stepped forward. "I bid you farewell, for now."

Graceful footsteps exiting the area, the soldier off duty removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Knowing how deep underground he must have been, returning to the surface without teleporting had to have been an impossibility to be had, for sure. Pardis Dhyai Waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes.

Treehouse in Gandharva Ville reached after three hours of walking, the chimera stepped inside. Returning the wooden amulet to the Forest Watcher Leader, his lacy shirt and uniform pants had been returned in exchange. Removing his Vision from the center of his chest, the soldier stared at the yellow-green orb, for a moment.

Dendro symbol shining in the center, the hyena let out a sigh of relief. Had the energy in his Vision returned? Such was a miracle to be had, for sure. Silk blouse soon on and uniform pants replacing the socks, the chimera clicked the vision back onto his uniform pants.

Forest Watcher Leader returning to work, the early adult opened the proxy orb back into map form. Highlighting the military barracks waypoint, the hyena closed his eyes. Icy cold hallways soon upon him, the chimera walked towards the soundproof room. Steel walled room reached after fifteen minutes of walking, the soldier walked towards the uniform drawers.

Layered shirts soon on, Siorc walked around in a circle upon the ice cold floor. The Doctor, just how many other chimeras had he experimented on, in the past? He knew he had not been the only one of his targets at hand, for sure. If he were to ever see the two of them again, he knew he would have to warn the two of them about him.

But, the chimera shook his head. There was no way he would see Plata and Argenta again, for sure. Whoever they were, they had to have just been two chimeras passing by. Meetings came as quickly as farewells had been said. Knowing the possibility of meeting them again had been close to zero, a pin had been placed onto the thought cork board forevermore.

Wave of tiredness soon overtaking him, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Knowing work was upon him tomorrow, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Glasses soon removed, the hyena placed his head on the pillow. World of sleep taking him away for the evening, one final thought flowed through him as the world of dreams invited him back in.

A workday of nothing awaited him tomorrow, for sure.

---

Yeah. More Parisa.

 

[Palamon]

There's some painful stuff in this one

22. Branch Off 10: Harrowing Hadramaveth 1: Quest for Jinni

"Even now, I am still thinking,
My proxy map is it
Expanding? Maybe I'm overthinking.
Right, perhaps I just hadn't been looking.
Guess the North Desert was always there.
Noticing late, maybe I just
Could not have been looking.
Yes, that is it, truly.

Something tells me I will be heading there,
Ultimately cannot shake off this feeling.
Perhaps I am overthinking,
Predicting Her Majesty's next move is an impossibility.
Looking to be another workday of nothing.
Your Majesty, just what are you planning?

Do not know, but this possible map
Expansion cannot be a good thing.
Likely, someday,
I will be required to go there and
Vicariously record information for her.
Every day is another information game.
Recording or not, I know that.
Yes, another information game is coming.

I am certain, that desert, I
Now am especially suspicious.

Do not know what is in store for me
Even days of nothing are
Sometimes beyond me.
Even if today is another day of training,
Right now, everything is
Twisting, breaking. But,

Obedience is key.
For now, I must remain loyal.

Here's to another day of
Absolutely nothing.
Diligence is key. That is my
Reckoning.
After all, the
Map expansion, I am overthinking. It was
Always there, surely.
Veering attention away from my thoughts is a must-be.
Every day is unpredictable in
This cold breeze.
However, I must remain ready, for anything, guaranteed."

Dreaming had continued to its loops of never-ending torment within the adult chimera's Diplomatic Fatui life. The cycle would open and close like a door with the exit removed from the outside. Such had become a commonality within the near decade since his forced removal. The night before him would keep the pattern going, as well.

Before him had been a bed of snapdragons scattered by a lake. The flowers were bulbus and orange, just like they had been in the mortal, waking world. Seeing such flowers, the hyena had come to wonder: just where had the dream world taken him this time? He had been none the wiser to the area presented before him.

Laying down upon the pond of nothing, the soldier lounged about for dream minutes on end. Nothing happening within the land of the subconscious, the hyena remained stationary. Silence looping on repeat, the early adult let out a blissful noise. But, such moment of quiet had been interrupted in a matter of dream seconds.

Hearing people off in the distance talking about a spring fairy, the early adult lifted the dream head. Familiar windmill and houses in the corner, a wave of nostalgia took over the hyena. Blinking for a split moment, the homeliness took the chimera away onto the mythical ninth cloud in the sky. The dream world, had it taken him to Springvale, this time?

Familiar voices continuing to speak about the fairy of the springs, the early adult stood up to his unfeeling feet. Placing his hands into a praying position, the chimera gazed at the unreal sky above him. Prayers sent to the Archons above, the soldier returned to a laying position. Perhaps, nothing terrible would happen in the dream world, in the night before him.

Luck and the Archons were not on his side.

As his lounge about continued, a hole had begun to open up from the ground around him. Weasel's tail bursting into flames like a collectable orange monkey pet from another universe, the early adult's legs shook with a fervor. When had a weasel burrowed underneath him? Small, furry creature dashing off into the lake beside him, splashing sounds looped on repeat.

Flowers lives remaining intact, the chimera shrugged the dream shoulders. Perhaps, the subconscious world had a higher populace of woodland creatures. Weasel soon gone, the soldier's lounge about did not cease, even for a moment. Surely, nothing tormenting would come his way.

The Archons had left the building.

Springvale citizens screaming the spring fairy had left them, the hyena let out a gulp. The tides were about to reverse, and turn. Birds bursting into flames as they dropped from the sky, the chimera rose to his feet once more. Avians and his body not meeting, the early adult's eyes twitched as the flaming birds dropped into the lake below.

Huffing a dream breath, wanderlust had begun to intoxicate the hyena like a glass of wine. The animals of Springvale, why had all of them been catching on fire? Wherever the spring fairy had vanished to, its disappearance could not have been a good thing, for sure. Flower field soon exited, the soldier walked towards the left.

Combusted boar dashing the hyena's way, the flames and his uniform belt had met. Flames put out in an instant with a brush of nothing, the early adult kept walking. But, as his saunter about continued, a familiar sound echoed in the chimera's inhuman eardrums.

"Kundala!" a voice shouted.

Looking ahead, Siorc's subconscious eyes opened wide. Hilichurl holding up a campfire pit with its left hand, the soldier backed four steps away. But, such attempt had been futile. Monster's club of flames lighting the pit in a matter of dream seconds, the hyena backed four more steps away. Any minute now, the bonfire would cook him well done.

Gust of wind lunging the bonfire forward, the flames and his hands greeted one another like good friends. Hands bursting into flames, the soldier let out a scream. Flames spreading as the wind blew harder, the friendship had soon reached his legs. Four limbs blazing hotter than an oven, the early adult had begun to fall backwards.

Lake and his body meeting, a crash echoed on the nonexistent wind. Currently human arms and legs pitch black, the hyena closed his eyes. Defeat holding him tight as his dream body floated on the river, one final thought poked the chimera's fading subconscious mind.

Weapons were hiding, everywhere.

***

"So, Your Majesty, my map.
Are you making modifications secretly?
No, that Northern Desert area, it was
Definitely there before, surely.
Surely, I just never noticed.
That has to be it, really.
Obviously, I just never noticed.
Really, that has to be it, truly.
My suspicions are unfounded.
She couldn't possibly have that technology.

Over the course of my forced time here, my map has
Been the same, surely.
So, I must not keep thinking about this location.
Could have always been there,
Utterly, I need to stop thinking.
Really, questions are not allowed to me.
I must leave my suspicions at the door.
No matter what, that is key.
Generally speaking, maps expand unexpectedly.

Very much so, perhaps the desert was just expanding.
I'm certain now, I am shifty eyed over nothing.
Shifty eyed over a world beyond me.
All and all, I need to focus.
Because another workday is upon me.
I am certain.
Looks like I will not be with Naofa today,
I am certain, nothing major will happen
Today. Another day of nothing.
Yes, I am certain."

The sound of morning alarm bells shrieked in a cacophonous chorus. As the alarm bells continued to strike with a fervor, the harsh dissonance of hundreds of groans from countless Fatui soldiers echoed on the walls of the military barracks. The alarm bells were uncalled for in punctuality, as usual. Despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal.

The countless groans had been more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially tormented slumber. Protest about continuing for minutes on end, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his partially human mind. Wave of unease biting his shoulder, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. The time had come to begin the morning routine of dressing the body.

As the chimera placed his uniform over his layered shirts, the hyena had come to wonder. The scorpion chimera strangers he met in the older Vanarana, could they have been related to the Enkanomiya dwelling scorpions? But, the soldier shook his head. There was no way he would be able to find out such information. Meetings had their farewells.

Buttons in the correct holes, the early adult clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Sharp tips of his rose earrings sliding into the pierced holes, the hyena let out a sigh. Surely, there had to be a way to return his prized jewelry and accessories back to normal. But, the early adult shrugged his shoulders. He knew he could not ask for a reversal. Desires were not allowed for him to be enacted upon.

Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the soldier glared daggers at the sinister yellow orb in the corner. Gift laughing at him from afar, wanderlust continued to devour the hyena. Her Majesty, why had she gifted him a Delusion in the first place? Pushing the orb of darkness aside, the early adult stared at the steel walls.

Dark yellow orb still as fresh as an egg in his mind, the early adult gazed at the Delusion once more. He supposed, as a Fatui, every single soldier would be awarded one, at some point in their soldier lifespan. Turning back around, and everything on, the chimera awaited the Agent's arrival. Any minute now, his orders would arrive.

Hearing the louder than ever before footsteps approach with a fervor, the hyena turned his head towards the door. Time had run out. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Volume of footsteps reaching zero, the early adult put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his workday to begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You will be delivering emergency supplies in the Desert of Hadramaveth today." the masked Agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate. Another day, another separate affair.

Siorc jumped four steps back upon hearing he would be heading for the Desert of Hadramaveth today. Had Her Majesty already been making moves on the desert? The hyena could feel his heart skip three beats as the word desert echoed in his inhuman eardrums.

Recalling the northernmost desert had not been on his proxy map previously, the early adult jumped two steps further back. Her Majesty, just what could she have possibly been planning? He knew, whatever it was that she had in store for him, it could not have been a good thing.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc!" the Agent called out again. "Did you hear me? You are delivering supplies in the Desert of Hadramaveth today!" There was an irritated tone in his voice. "Quit dawdling, and get a move on!" What could have possibly been on his subordinate's mind besides work? Such was a mystery to the Agent.

The soldier let out a yelp as the word desert echoed on his shark eardrums once more. Right, he was on the nonexistent clock. There was no time for pondering. Taking a deep breath, the early adult placed his arm in front of him. Time had run out faster than a bullet speeding on the cold air.

"Yes, sir," the soldier responded autonomously. Her Majesty having plans or not, he knew he could not question it. Keeping his arm out in front of him, the chimera awaited the gripping prison to take him away.

"Good, let's get going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he slammed a satchel onto the hyena's back. Grabbing his wrist, the limb had been placed into a tight lock. Gripping prison as relentless as it always had been, the soldier closed his eyes as the fast travel to the Desert of Hadramaveth had begun.

Just what awaited him in the world of sand today? Her Majesty was planning something, surely.

***

"Her Majesty is having me deliver emergency supplies, really?
Ultimately, I know this is a ploy.
Naturally, she wants information out of me. I
Get it now. This is nothing more than a cover up.
Even now, I am certain.
Right now, I am absolutely certain. The Desert of Hadramaveth,

It was not on my map previously.
She added this expansion to my map for another information game.

A piece on the chessboard, moving.

Be that as it may, I must remain loyal.
Even if my suspicions are growing.
Ah, no matter, I must remain loyal.
Silence is key.
The time has not yet come for me to leave."

Upon reaching the Desert of Hadramaveth through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult observed his surroundings. Before him had been a deep, sandy area, drier and hotter than the nation of Natlan could ever be. Humid, dry air smacking his cheeks, the soldier turned his head towards the left. Walls of rock everywhere the damaged eyes could see, and sand canyons with spinning funnels of wind taking the desert by storm, the early adult ended his examination.

Having been removed from the gripping prison, a wave of information had come the hyena's way. Agent alerting him to his map having been marked containing many Fatui's whereabouts within the northern sea of sand, the Agent had begun to exit southward. Supply bag on his subordinate's back shaking as he exited the area with a fervor, the hyena shrugged. Another solo supply delivery day was upon him.

Opening the proxy orb into map form, the soldier studied the hacked map with due diligence. Noting there had been Fatui tent icons towards the areas known as the Passage of Ghouls and Canals of Three Sands, the hyena gazed at the blue marker in the corner of the map. Triangle hovering over the Dunes of Steel area, the early adult dissipated the map into orb form.

Mini-map beaming in front of him, the soldier stepped forward. Would heading southwest be the best course of action? The hyena supposed such could have been the case. Resolute on his decision, the chimera had begun walking. He had to make haste; the choice was not his if he wished to keep on living.

As the soldier kept heading south, an unavoidable phenomenon had caught his attention. The desert sky had been brown, and dusty. Seeing such, the chimera kept looking at the sky above him. The Desert of Hadramaveth, had it been a world of sandstorms? He supposed the Fatui within the area were not to blame for the lack of supplies, if such were indeed the case.

Visibility dropping as his southwestward walk continued, the soldier would not falter. He knew, no matter what, he had to brave the world of swirling sands. Map in front of him guiding the way, the early adult kept walking. He could not let the harsher weather win, for sure.

Turning towards the left as the sandstorm continued its rampage, an odd sight had caught the hyena's eyes. Large tunnel in the corner of his distanced field of vision, the young soldier had come to wonder. Had the northernmost desert had a system of underground tunnels? He supposed he would find out, in the future.

Tunnels soon out of sight, out of mind, the chimera turned his head towards the sky. Sandstorm only beginning to get stronger, the hyena took a long deep breath. He knew he would have to proceed with caution, for the time being. Not a single monster anywhere to be seen, the hyena sauntered onward.

Swirling ball of sand pushing the chimera back, the hyena let out a scream. Where had such forcefield come from? Stepping around the vortex, the early adult kept going. There was no time to let the forces of nature push him around like a bully. Passage of Ghouls soon nearing, the young soldier kept moving forward.

Passage of Ghouls reached after about an hour of walking from the Dunes of Steel, the hyena observed the area. Narrow, sandy pathway surrounded by rocky mountains, and disheveled wooden walkway in the corner, the chimera turned his attention to the mini-map. Camp icon in the corner pulsating with a fervor, the soldier's legs had erupted into a speedy sprint.

Tall Fatui men with bandages as masks wearing fiery red outfits aiming their rifles his way, a sea of complaints flooded the soldier's inhuman eardrums. Masked mouths claiming he had walked too slowly, the hyena attempted to open the supply bag from behind him. But such action ended before it could even begin.

Gloved hands ripping the satchel open like they had been prepping for surgery, the boxes of emergency supplies had been swiped in a matter of seconds. Food and water delivered the hyena snapped the container shut. But, a gift had soon been left underneath the soldier's chin.

Feeling the tap of a rifle underneath his chin, the hyena let out a gulp. Skirmisher's weapon banging below with a fervor, sweat had begun to pour down the soldier's back. Were the hunger dazed Fatui about to challenge him to a fight? If such were the case, he would lose, in an instant.

"A gift for keeping us waiting!" the Skirmisher shouted, ready to fire a shot.

But no such bullet ever came, Fatui mumbling choice words under his breath, the hyena dashed out of the area, in an instant. Right, patience was not a virtue for Her Majesty's Fatui. He had to be quick, or a barrage of bullets would rain down on his partially human person, guaranteed.

Camp directly outside the narrow passageway, the chimera took a long deep breath. Tall male Fatui with dark brown outfits sitting by their camp laughing as they asked for Fire-Water, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sandy sky. Who did the Fatui think they were asking for Snezhnayan alcohol in the desert? Other soldier's issues with alcohol were not his problem, for sure.

Flipping the supply bag to his frontside, the hyena opened the satchel as quickly as his currently human hands would allow. Placing the box of emergency food and water into the men's hands, a sea of complaints had begun to flow the soldier's way like an oasis in the southern desert.

Group of two men complaining about the lack of booze, the soldier lowered his eyes to a glare. If the soldiers wanted their fix of poison liver killing liquid in their systems, they could make it themselves. But, he knew he could not say such, or weapons would be fired his way, in a heartbeat.

Tent icons pulsating rapidly towards the Qusayr Al-Inkhida' area, the chimera shifted his heelless shoes towards the right. Knowing a long trip north awaited him, the hyena steeled himself for the worsening sandstorm to come. Tent symbol continuing to pulsate, the soldier would not falter.

Noting there had been nothing but an underground passageway if he were to continue straight, the early adult dashed off towards the wooden walkway in the corner. Long climb upward taking twenty minutes, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint. World of spiraling sand canyons crunching beneath his feet, the soldier accelerated his sprint.

Hearing the sound of serpents hissing as his run around continued, the hyena let out a scream. If he were to get stung by a lizard now, of all times, he would be immobilized immediately, for sure. Sandstorm beginning to pick up speed with every speeding step forward, the chimera would not falter.

Taking a deep, sharp turn towards the west, the chimera squinted at the sight before him. Similar barely visible area in front of him, a wave of confusion looped on repeat. Had he returned to the same area he had came? But, the early adult shook his head. He had to have been imagining it, surely.

Veering off onto the opposite path, the soldier's heart skipped a beat as the sound of a Ruin Grader's footsteps drowned out the sound of tumbleweeds around him. Lowering his run into a tiptoe, the hyena proceeded carefully. War Machine not spotting him, the chimera puffed a sigh of relief. Stealth was key.

Spotting a camp in the corner, the soldier dashed onto the wooden platform. Short, green haired masked Fatui wearing purple hoodies, the mages had soon been behind him. Slimy hands ripping the bag open wide enough to break, the chimera's eyebrows twitched. Thirst was an untamable beast.

Mages ripping their rations out of the bag, the chimera let out an exasperated sigh. Couldn't any of Her Majesty's Fatui in the other factions cook for themselves? But no such comment would leave his lips. Knowing he had to hurry, or Cicins would surround him, the soldier bolted faster than a Rishbound Tiger ready to pounce.

Sea of sand beginning to engulf him, the early adult gazed at the mini-map beaming on the air. Quasayr still about five hundred meters away, the soldier kept running straight ahead. If he were to get lost now, time would be wasted, for certain. Sandstorm only continuing as his dash about marched onward, visibility's health was about to reach zero.

Sand smacking his glasses, the hyena removed the lenses, for a moment. Brushing the soft sediment away, the chimera rubbed his eyes for seconds on end. Slamming the glasses down once more, the hyena tilted his head upward. Sand funnel only getting stronger, the early adult cracked his currently human knuckles. He needed to keep going; supply deliveries still remained.

Vast sandy area reached after half an hour of running, the chimera observed the area in front of him, for a moment. Disgusting brown grass beside the sand, the soldier clicked his tongue. Who would plant seeds of grass in a desert if no one would bother to take care of it? A disgusting sin to be had, for sure. Unkempt grass crunching beneath his feet, the early adult kept heading north.

Spotting a camp in the corner upon a stone platform, the soldier switched the positions of his legs. There was no time to be thinking about such crimes to nature. Another delivery had to come upon him now. Mages in the corner whining about their thirst, the chimera accelerated his sprint.

Complaints about thirst only continuing, the soldier let out a grunt. Handing the two Fatui their supplies, a cackle broke loose from their masked throats. Ripping open the supplies in an instant, the soldier stepped away. He supposed he should not judge anyone for their complaints; thirst was a monster that could kill in three days. Delivery completed in full, the soldier kept heading north.

Sand canal in the northwest area, the hyena steeled himself. Sea of sand engulfing the area, the soldier returned his sprint to a walk. Wind only beginning to pick up speed, the soldier placed his bare hand on the base of his temple. camp on the edge of a stone pillar housing a dead tree, the chimera turned his heelless shoes towards the right.

Large masked Fatui with teal uniforms sleeping as though tomorrow might never come, the chimera swiftly removed the box of emergency rations from the satchel. Vanguard Fatui duo not waking up as the meal containers hit the sandy ground, a wave of relief washed over the early adult.

Second camp in the distance housing sleeping vanguard soldiers as well, the chimera dropped down the supplies, in an instant. Loud crash not waking the soldiers up, the hyena shrugged. He supposed, even humans with modified machines at their disposal needed rest.

World of rapid spinning sand engulfing him, the early adult turned his head towards the mini-map. Visibility shot in the heart with a sniper rifle, the chimera proceeded with continued caution. He knew, if he were to make any incorrect step, he would become wayward, in an instant.

Barely visible camp beside a group of cacti, slimy, gloved fingers had begun to squeeze the early adult's shoulder. Straps on the satchel ripped off like a twig, the soldier turned his attention towards the hunger dazed soldiers. Bulky soldiers with war tanks on their backs attempting to grab all the remaining portions, Siorc lowered his eyes into a sharp glare. Who did the soldiers think they were, trying to poach all the remaining rations? He would not let such crime come to pass.

Leather bag darting towards his face, the soldier removed his lenses, for a moment. Satchel slamming his cheek harder than a rock, the chimera held back a growl. Glasses returned to his face, and bag soon behind him, the early adult kept walking. Anger was a waste of time; emotions needed to stay at the invisible door.

Sand canals swiftly approaching, the early adult rubbed his eyes. Sand continuing to mount up underneath his eyes, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the desert battlefield. There was nothing that could be done. The sediment would continue to take visibility away.

Three Fatui soldiers collapsed beside a triangular stone monument begging for water, the hyena placed the rations beside the groveling men. Group of three chugging away immediately, the early adult kept heading north. World of sand absorbing everything into its track of blind eyes, the chimera kept pushing on inexorably.

But, such push about had been halted near a weathered rock. Sandy wind only getting stronger, the early adult turned the ration bag around towards his front side. Opening the satchel up, the soldier counted the remaining boxes of rations in silence. Four remaining, the chimera opened up the proxy orb back into full map form.

Spotting four remaining Fatui camps on the path ahead of him, the soldier slapped his scraped cheek. Only four deliveries remained. He had to keep going. Funnel of sandy air only getting closer with every step forward, the hyena closed his eyes for a moment.

Placing his hands into a praying position, the soldier sent a wish to the Dendro Archon he was not supposed to worship for a lantern that could quell sandstorms. But, the hyena quickly snapped himself out of it. What in the world had he been doing? Desires were not allowed to him as a Faui Soldier.

Feeling a gust of wind punch his satchel open as he approached the tent hidden below a broken stone platform, the hyena attempted to hold back a scream. Was such act of violence necessary? Vanguard ripping the box of food out of the satchel in seconds, another punch of wind hit the early adult's back.

Sandy wind gusting everywhere around him, the hyena kept his eyes on the mini-map in front of him. Visibility was a carcass in a casket. Dead and gone, with no one coming to the funeral. Continuing to step left, another camp had soon been upon him sixty-five meters away.

Group of soldiers sleeping like a box of rocks, the chimera placed the box of rations in front of them. Not a single sound stirring them awake, the soldier kept walking. Whenever they were to wake up was no issue of his. Large, practically invisible gap soon nearing after twenty minutes of difficult travel, the hyena deployed his windglider.

Camp upon a wooden platform reached after a long descent downward, the soldier studied the sandy area, or a moment. Wooden pathway leading to an Eremite camp, the soldier let out a gulp. Eyepatched mercenaries looking his way as he stepped towards the camp, the hyena prepared himself for any insults that were about to come his way.

Fatui diplomats looking ready to join in on the insult game, the soldier steeled himself hard enough to form invisible armor. A world of unnecessary words were about to come his way, for sure. Eremite laughing at the top of their lungs, predictable words had begun to come his way.

"Would you look at that," the Eremite said, laughing. "Your little food girl is here!"

Hunger dazed diplomats laughter throwing itself into the ring, the chimera rolled his eyes to the invisible sky. Was that the only insult the Eremites could ever come up with? The mercenaries would have to try harder if they thought words involving his appearance could crawl under his skin.

Rations handed off to the diplomats, the chimera kept heading towards the west. Final camp beside a cavern of water in the corner, the soldier tilted his head. If there had been a lake nearby, did the soldiers truly need supplies? But, the hyena pushed the thought into an oasis. Perhaps, the lake's water was unsafe for consumption.

Fatui soldiers yanking their rations out of the bag, an empty satchel pushed empty weight upon him. All supplies delivered in full, the soldier steeled himself for the long travel back. Recalling the Agent had headed south, the hyena braved through the world of sand once more.

Aaru Village reached after two hours of walking, the soldier turned his head towards the right and left. Agent waiting beside a Teleport Waypoint, the hyena let out a gulp. If he had kept him waiting, a whistle would be blown upon him, for sure. Leather bag handed back to his subordinate, sweat had begun to pour down the hyena's back.

Masked Agent peering at the depths of the satchel, the chimera's eyes had begun to twitch. If he had forgotten anything, disappointment would reach Her Majesty's ears, in a heartbeat. Agent looking his way, the soldier made eye contact. Whatever was about to come his way, he knew he needed to listen.

"Excellent work, Soldier," the Agent said, smirk hidden beneath the mask. "You are dismissed. Return to Snezhnaya shortly."

Patting down his uniform for a few minutes, liters of sand brushed off the chimera's uniform. Dirt and grime removed after what felt like fifteen pat downs, the soldier turned the proxy orb into map form. Military Barracks hallways soon reached after a split second, the hyena walked forward.

Wave of fatigue taking him away in an instant, Siorc removed his sand stricken uniform. Weaponized hairpins and earrings removed as well, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Rubbing the remaining sand off his glasses, the early adult put the lenses aside.

Everything removed, the hyena closed his eyes. But, sleep had not yet taken the soldier away. Feeling the deep scrapes on his cheek pulse as he attempted to slumber, the chimera let out a sigh. Why did the desert stationed Fatui have to resort to violence? But, he supposed nothing could be done. Wave of sleep finally about to take him away, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Hungry soldiers were wild beasts.

***

"I am starting to think, that man calling himself the doctor is lying to Plata and me.
Something is off about him, I sense something. I am

Thankful for the legs he gave me, really.
He allowed me to walk again with my scorpion body.
Even so, something is wrong.

Doctor told me to go seek out my oil treatment myself.
Oil, for the robot legs he gifted me.
Couldn't he just hand it off to me?
Though, the exercise is helpful, I worry.
Oh, if humans are around and either I or Plata transform,
Rancid toxins may spray out of ey or me.

Likely, he does not know this.
Yes, traversing to the surface poses a lot of dangers.
I am starting to question everything.
No, perhaps I am too wary.
Getting the oil I need is necessary, mandatory.

The man is a Doctor, yes, maybe he is just busy.
Obviously, he has more patients. Of course, of course.

Ultimately, Plata and I are just two of many.
So, I must not think only about myself. It's time to get moving."

Upon waking up the next morning, a peculiar order had been relayed to the hyena. Agent telling him he needed to head towards a temple southward within the Desert of Hadramaveth, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Just what did Her Majesty want him to do this time? But, he knew he could not ask questions, or his life would reach its end.

Reaching an area near Khaj Nisut through the Teleport Waypoint, a wave of strange instructions hit the chimera's inhuman eardrums. Agent telling him to search for a treasure, the soldier let out a sigh. There was no way he would be able to locate a treasure with such little information.

Agent soon telling him to seek out the area Safhe Shatranj, the hyena nodded. Subordinate soon leaving, the early adult opened up his map into orb form. Area in the southwest corner, the soldier had begun walking. He supposed, vagueness was quite the commonality within his world of diplomacy.

Small campground passed by, the soldier gazed at the ruins in the corner of the map. How could any amount of treasure fit within such a small cavern? But, the hyena removed such thought from the depths of his mind. There was no time to think about such. Camp passed through, the chimera headed towards the west.

Narrow pathway blocking the sandy skyline, the early adult kept moving forward. Eremite camp tiptoed past, and stone stairs soon reached, the soldier kept heading towards the left. Entrance to the temple sealed, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed he would have to look around for a way to unlock the temple's door.

Leftmost entrance reached after five minutes of walking, the soldier surveyed the area around him. Small pyramid in the corner pulsating blue, the soldier dashed off towards the right, but as he stepped closer, a sight caught his mismatched eyes. Had it just been his imagination, or had the pyramid with a glowing blue eye fixture been floating? It had to have been his imagination, for sure.

Reaching an area with translucent blue empty boxes, the hyena could not help but feel a wave of mystery overtake him. Domains were a world beyond Teyvat, indeed. Boxes requesting an object upon touching them, a wave of failure washed over the chimera. If he needed pieces of ruins to enter the temple, there was no way he would be able to go inside. Such was an impossibility, for certain.

Hearing metallic footsteps approaching behind him, the chimera turned his attention towards the clinking about. Hooded scorpion chimera strangers from two days prior walking together towards the direction he came, the soldier tilted his head. Just who were Argenta and Plata, truly? He could not help but a feel a wave of suspicions as the two kept walking closer.

Group of two scorpion chimeras continuing to walk forward towards the locked temple, the soldier could feel his suspicions hit the invisible roof. Argenta and Plata, why had they been heading to Safhe Shatranj, as well? But, he supposed, whatever the reason may have been, it was no business of his whatsoever.

Hearing someone walk beside tem, Argenta turned ter head towards the sudden noise. Purple haired stranger from the day before walking through the entrance of Safhe Shatranj, tey gazed at the person's uniform. Triangular, four pointed symbol with circles on every point in the shape of a flower, tey lowered ter eyes into a squint. The man adjacent to tem had the same symbol the Doctor had. Breaking the ice, tey cleared ter throat.

"Huh? You're the guy from the other day," Argenta said, suspicion evident in voice. "Why are you heading for the underground temple?" There was a wave of untrust in ter voice.

Hearing the suspicion in Argenta's voice, the chimera let out a sigh. Not wishing to answer with words, the hyena placed his hands in front of him. Brushing his open hands together as though he were opening a chest, the soldier looked into the scorpion stranger's reptile eyes. Word treasure signed on private display, the early adult retained eye contact.

Plata's boned fingers pointing his way, the soldier tilted his head. Had the second scorpion stranger been asking him to sign it again? Obliging, the hyena repeated his hand movement, for a moment. Keeping his eyes on the two possible siblings, the chimera waited. But, an odd wave of happiness soon echoed on the wind.

"He know sign language!" Plata shouted, pointing. "He not bad guy!"

Gazing at the symbol on the man's winter jacket once more, Argenta folded ter arms around ter waist. Recalling the word Fatui had been used to describe such symbol, tey shook ter head. Whether he had been a good, or bad guy, wariness had to remain a top priority, for the time being.

Seeing the man sign the word treasure, tey let out a sigh. Yet another person was attempting to seek out a treasure within the ruins depths. Not sensing any intent to harm within the Fatui's energy, tey kept looking at the androgynous man's purple and green eyes, for a moment. Perhaps assisting him until he found the treasure he was looking for could come into fruition.

"Plata, be wary," Argenta said, turning ter head towards to Plata. Tey then turned back towards the Fatui. "You're looking for that treasure, too? I doubt you'll find it, but, I suppose we'll help you." Tey then looked straight into the Fatui's eyes, giving a sharp look. "Tell us your name first, I'd rather not call you Fatui."

Inquiry about his name hitting his inhuman eardrums, unease ate the hyena up like a plate of Biryani. He knew he was not supposed to give out his name to non-Fatui. Turning his head towards the right and left, the chimera placed his hands in front of him. Perhaps, just maybe, signing his name would have to suffice. Her Majesty could be listening.

Folding his hand into a fist with his palm facing out the soldier then proceeded to stick his pinky up. Curving his fingers into an o shape for a few moments, the hyena crossed his middle and index finger together. Returning his hand to a curved position, his fingers formed a c on the air. Repeating the sign twice, his name had been spelled out in silence.

Argenta and Plata studying his hand for a moment, the chimera let out a gulp. Had he signed too quickly? If such were the case, he would repeat the sign a third time, if necessary. Shorter scorpion stranger smiling and pointing like a child, the hyena held back a shrug. He supposed he had been heard quiet and clear.

"Oh! You called Siorc!" Plata exclaimed. "We going to temple, too! Argenta need leg oil."

Hearing Plata mention leg oil, the chimera gazed at Argenta's robotic legs, for a moment. The malpracticing malicious doctor, had he been making the scorpion chimera siblings acquire the leg oil all by themselves? He supposed such was a given for such an uncaring man who only used people like the scorpions and he as toys to play with. But, he knew he could not say such. Argenta soon speaking up, he turned towards tem.

"I don't know why The Doctor can't just bring the oil to me so we can stay hidden," Argenta complained, stepping forward. "Plata and I will lead the way. Try and keep up with us."

Blocked entranceway soon reached once more, the hyena observed his surroundings. Odd device glowing blue in front of a large sand pit, the soldier tilted his head. Just how were they going to enter the domain with such an obstacle in the way? But, such question had been answered in a matter of seconds.

Argenta holding an orange chess piece in the air, for a moment, a small amount of rocks hit the machine. Beam of blue light hitting the sand, the pile of sediment vanished in the blink of an eye. Door crashing open, the group of three stepped forward. Hallways upon him, the soldier studied the temple presented before him.

Short corridor with two jackal statues upon podiums, the early adult tilted his head. Had he stepped into yet another domain that contained information about The Scarlet King? If such were the case, he knew he needed to prepare himself for the inevitable slew of information to break his partially human brain.

Odd pyramid in the corner with a blue eye glowing on the top covered in piles of sand, the soldier turned his head to the right and left. Multiple doors shut tight, the hyena gazed at the Dendro orb on his uniform pants. Would he have to summon his flower friend to lower the sand levels? He knew such had to have been a possibility at his constantly transforming hands.

"There are a lot of mechanisms in here," Argenta explained, head turned towards the pyramid in the corner. "But, I'll take care of them. Be on the lookout for any treasure chests."

Nodding, the party of three headed towards the pits of sand in the corner. Rock projectiles hitting the mechanism in the corner, a beam of light had soon hit a sand pile towards the east. Door coming open, the three chimeras dashed forward. Room with multiple mechanisms in it pointed towards a wall, Argenta stepped up to the plate.

Multiple doors opened, as beams of light had been aimed in the correct areas, the soldier scoured the room in front of him. No treasure chest anywhere to be seen, the chimera shook his head. He supposed finding the object Her Majesty needed would not be as simple as finding it within the first room he were to search.

Multiple blue devices moved and activated by Argenta with ter odd chess piece, multiple rocks had been tossed at the mechanisms. Sand dissipating and more doors opening, the party of three had begun to head south. Stone staircase reached, a gap had been below him in minutes.

Jumping downward was a sight to behold. Triangular prism machine activating as the three chimeras jumped downward, the hyena backed ten steps away. No weapon on his partially human person, physical prowess was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Tossing down a flower friend, the chimera provided silent commands to the Silk Flower. But such had been futile. Machine going invisible. No damage had been dealt.

Primal Construct awakening, Argenta let out a sigh. Had the machines within the desert ruins been sensitive to sounds around them? Placing ter hands in front of them, rocks larger than the palms of ter hands had been fired at the ancient machinery. Enemy soon defeated after four boulders, tey stepped forward.

But, as tey lead the way, an extreme wave of discomfort entered ter toxic scorpion body deep within. Sharp jab poking ter stomach in a constant rhythm, Argenta's hands had begun to rub ter waist profusely. Surely, if tey held it for a moment, the sudden jab would vanish. Leaving ter hand on ter torso a moment longer, tey kept walking ahead.

Seeing eir sibling holding ter stomach, Plata could feel a warning bell ring inside eir partially human head. Had Argenta's stomach been bothering tem again? Witnessing tem clutching ter belly a lot, as of late, ey knew it would be best to ask about it before heading further in.

"Argenta okay?" Plata asked, pointing at ter stomach. "Hand on tummy."

Sibling's bony index finger pointing at ter stomach, Argenta removed ter hand from the area, in an instant. Had ter movements been that noticeable? Stairs in the corner soon nearing, tey placed ter hands behind them. It was difficult to have Plata not notice small gestures, for sure. Hands behind ter back, tey kept walking forward. A little bit of a sour stomach was absolutely nothing.

"I'm alright," Argenta lied. "Let's keep going."

Stairs soon traversed, another room had been reached. Triangular machine spotting the group of three, the hyena threw down a flower friend for the second time of the day. Slight amount of damage dealt by the flower brought to life by his Vision, a wave of confidence flowed through the hyena. Perhaps not having a blade at his disposal was not such a bad thing.

Rock projectiles making quick work of the desert dwelling machine, the chimera turned his attention towards the robot legged scorpion. Hand on ter stomach once more, a wave of concern filled the hyena. Figuring a repeat question would only lead to aggravation, an invisible zipper locked the soldier's lips tight.

Familiar room of sand reached once more, bewilderment wrapped vines around the hyena. Why did every single room have the exact same mechanisms littered throughout? But, the chimera knew such question would not have an answer. Argenta's rocks hitting one of the machines nearby, a beam of light dissolved the sand from afar.

Group of Samachurls bursting through the door, Plata's flower crown had begun to glow with a fervor. Rocks and the power of nature taking the monsters to their instant dust grave, a wave of uselessness flowed through the chimera. The scorpion twin's powers were far beyond his own, for sure.

Two prism shaped machines greeting him with beams of electricity as he entered the room, the soldier held back a scream. The triangular shaped machines, they had to have been the guardians of the domain. Realizing they had been akin to sound around them, the hyena bit his tongue. Not being given a weapon before heading for the temple was a mistake, indeed.

Scorpion siblings defeating the machines in three strikes, the sound of a treasure chest sprouting out from the ground beneath bounced off the ruin walls. How did a chest come out of absolute nowhere like that? It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, a treasure chest would appear if certain requirements had been fulfilled. But, such fact was unknown to the hyena.

Plata stepping forward, the small, brown trove of treasure had been opened. Small bottle of oil in eir barely fleshed hands, the chimera let out a tired sigh. Why had such an essential item been well hidden within a domain that was not accessible unless unlocked by outside means? The Doctor had definitely hidden such object from the scorpion siblings on purpose.

First of two treasures obtained, Argenta could feel an even sharper jab slash ter stomach to turmoil. Hand on ter abdomen once more, tey closed ter eyes, for a moment. Why had the discomforting feeling been increasing with every use of ter powers? Perhaps, just maybe, flipping the tool the Doctor gave tem upside down would cause the pain within tem to cease immediately.

Three more machine protectors activating as more sand piles had been destroyed, the hyena blinked of bewilderment as Argenta's chess piece had begun to flip upside down. Large queen piece glowing a fiery red orange, flames had taken the enemy by a flaming surprise. Temple protectors soon vanquished, the group of three kept going.

Third room with the odd pyramid in the center conquered as the flames and the mechanisms met, another door off in the distance had soon opened. But, as the two scorpions stepped in front of him, the soldier gazed at Argenta's hands, for a moment. Two limbs holding ter stomach for minutes on end, a wave of concern flowed through the early adult.

Pained look on Argenta's face not ceasing, even for a moment, the hyena tapped ter shoulder. Placing his hands in front of him, Pointing his index finger at the hooded scorpion stranger's stomach, the chimera formed an okay symbol with his fingers. Silently inquiring about ter wellbeing, the soldier waited.

Siorc silently asking if tey were alright, Argenta removed ter hands from ter abdomen in an instant. Jab only feeling stronger as the seconds unfolded, tey nodded. Was there truly any time to worry about such mild inconvenience? Taking a deep breath, tey dragged ter mechanical feet forward. The second treasure couldn't have possibly been too far off. Concern could wait for a later point in time.

Feeling a brush push him aside, the chimera let out a barely audible sigh. Perhaps the hooded scorpion chimera did not wish to speak on any pains tey may have felt. Having been in such situation multiple times, he knew Argenta and he must have felt similar on such subject at hand. New room soon reached, the early adult looked off towards the distance.

Black jackal statues in the corner, a realization hit the hyena. The treasure Her Majesty could have been seeking, perhaps, just maybe, it had to have been within the are closest to the canine statues. Resolute on such thought, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint. Scorpion siblings following behind him, the early adult dashed towards the edge of the room.

Spotting a strange lamp in the center of the room past the jackal statues, the chimera tilted his head. Lamp sticking out like a Slime in a tribe of Hilichurls, a wave of questions had begun to crash at bay. Had this been the treasure Her Majesty truly wanted? But, such thoughts were interrupted by the sound of prism machines surrounding him like an angry mob.

Ten ancient prism machines blasting electrical beams his way, the soldier jumped eight steps back. Enemies swarming around the lamp of many mysteries, the hyena let out a sigh. He supposed the protectors of the domain guarding the possible treasure was an unavoidable obstacle. Yellow-green orb glowing beside him, the early adult readied himself for battle.

Windwheel Aster friend dancing between two of the triangular shaped machines, Plata's reptile eyes soon met his. Flower crown growing with a fervor, a barrage of seeds had dropped onto the floor. Powers of the laurel hitting multiple critical points, the primitive construct had become invisible in seconds.

Flower friend's vines not doing even a fraction of Plata's elemental prowess, the early adult snapped his fingers. Flower friend leaving the battlefield, the chimera let out a sigh. He was outmatched, his usefulness had been outlived. Machine's center hit after fifteen seconds with a strong beam of green light, the machine had been turned to ether.

Second machine vanquished as quickly as the first one, the soldier blinked. Argenta and Plata, just how powerful had they been? Constant critical points hit one after another, uselessness hugged him from behind. There was no way he could match up to their capabilities, for certain. It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat and beyond, huge numbers were all that mattered to the general population, and if the digits did not reach quintuple or higher, strangers elsewhere would laugh.

Argenta's terrifying flames burning four prism machine protectors to a crisp, the early adult turned his attention to the left. Four enemies remaining, the scorpion siblings closed their eyes. Robotic and human limbs turning into their scorpion bodies, the hyena backed ten steps away as their stingers faced the enemy.

Scorpion venom destroying the constructs after a singular blast, a lump had dropped down into the hyena's partially human throat. Venom powerful enough to corrode through metal, the lump had begun to twist into knots. Venom from a stinger was a death sentence nothing that touched it could avoid.

Scorpion bodies soon dissipating back into human limbs, the early adult closed his eyes, for a moment. Perhaps, just maybe, his hyena claws could finish the final two machines. Human hands transforming into hyena ones, the early adult dashed forward. Beams of electricity about to come his way, the soldier jumped to the left. Attack hitting the ground, the chimera steeled himself.

Slashing his hyena claws forward, the soldier would not falter. Machines beginning to spark after twenty strikes, the enemies collapsed into an explosion. Hyena claws soon dissipating into human ones as the machine parts dropped onto the ground like rain, the soldier stepped forward. White lamp with two yellow crystals inside it, wanderlust flowed through the hyena. Just what exactly had he been looking at? Golden pointed edges on the lamp's edges and purple cap closing it like it was a bottle, confusion looped on repeat.

Plata studying the bottle alongside him, the soldier looked at the lamp once more. Had the object before him truly been the treasure Her Majesty had been seeking? There was no way such an item could have possibly been what she had been looking for. Plata's bony fingers pointing at the possible incorrect treasure, the early adult looked into eir reptile eyes.

"Jinni Bottle, Siorc," Plata explained almost eagerly. "That treasure?"

Name of treasure echoing on the temple walls, the chimera nodded. He supposed he would find out later if such were truly the treasure Her Majesty had been asking for. Lifting up the lamp carefully, the early adult placed the possible treasure into his back uniform pocket. But, a loud thud soon caught his attention as the object slipped into the patches in his uniform.

Argenta on the floor bursting into tears, clutching ter stomach, alarm bells had gone off in the hyena's head. Plata on high alert, as well, ey dashed to eir sibling's side in the span of a second. Scream soon joining the tears, the chimera kept himself on high alarm. Whatever was about to happen, his eyes could not turn blind.

"Argenta! Argenta!" Plata screamed frantically. "What wrong?" Ey went down onto eir knees, eyes meeting eir sibling's.

"I think my stomach has a hole in it," Argenta cried. "I'm not sure." Tears had continued to flow down ter face.

Hearing Argenta's response, a serious look had formed on the hyena's face. Tears not ceasing, even for a moment, the soldier rolled up his sleeves. An emergency situation was in hand, he had to find someone willing to help immediately. Resolute on his decision, the hyena placed his hands in front of him.

Forming his left hand into a cup shape, the hyena placed his right hand on his left knuckles. Going signed on private display, the chimera curved his hands in front of him. Fingertips touching while parallel to one another, the early adult twisted his hands back and forth multiple times. Going to the village wordlessly communicated, he looked into Argenta's tearful eyes, but a rejection had soon come his way.

"No, please! Don't get anyone," Argenta cried weakly. "Please, we're highly toxic when we transform. Don't get anyone. I'll be fine." But ter tears continued to fall, not ceasing, even for a moment. "My belly pain has been coming and going lately." Although a scream broke loose from ter throat. The pain was unbearable beyond belief. Knowing ter stomach might explode at any moment, ter reptile eyes gazed at ter robotic legs. Turning towards Plata, tey looked into eir eyes. "Plata, take off legs, please."

Knowing if eir sibling ever asked tem to undo ter robot legs, tey had reached ter horizon point, a serious look painted the younger scorpion's face. There was no way ey would allow em to suffer any longer. Siorc signing he would go to a village, ey placed eir bony fingers towards the button in the corner. Eyes on the Fatui, eir face was sharper than a tac.

"Okay, Plata take legs off," Plata replied. Ey then turned their attention towards Siorc. "Siorc, no listen to Argenta. Get person, please." An answer had come eir way immediately.

"I will," Siorc said, proxy map already out in front of him.

Dragging his finger forward, the soldier highlighted the waypoint in Aaru Village as fast as his currently human fingers would allow. Aaru Village's protector, perhaps, just maybe, she could have been able to help. Resolute on his decision, the hyena pressed the teleport button. Fast travel confirmed, he dissipated the map back into orb form. Closing his eyes as the teleportation began, the early adult would not falter.

Heart beginning to race as the village appeared in his field of damaged vision, the chimera's legs erupted into an astronomically speedy sprint. Village Chief's house reached after thirty seconds of speedy running, the hyena could feel his breath begin to leave his body. Twisting the knob, a sea of words poured out of the hyena as his feet stepped into the abode of the chief.

"The Desert of Hadramaveth," the hyena blurted out accidentally. But, the soldier stopped himself from speaking further.

Waiola, Bogart, the village protector, bodyguard-for-hire mercenary and scribe all eating dinner together, the chimera silenced himself in a matter of seconds. Had he disturbed a nice, quiet mealtime? He knew if such were the case, he had to apologize immediately. Scribe turning his way, the soldier knew rudeness was about to grace his inhuman eardrums.

"Did you have to barge in and ruin our quiet dinner?" the Scribe asked, sarcasm evident in voice.

Scribe soon taking out a book, the soldier shook his head. What had the Scribe been doing at the chief's house in Aaru Village? But, he supposed whatever had occurred on the outside was absolutely not business of his whatsoever. Waiola soon standing up from her seat, she had begun to get on the defensive.

"Scribe, don't be rude. This seems pretty urgent," Waiola said to the Scribe. She then turned to Siorc. "Siorc, what's wrong? You seem extremely troubled over something."

Bogart looking his way, for a moment, the hyena's eyes wandered to his outfit. Bogart wearing a black and red outfit matching the mercenary's almost exactly, the soldier returned his attention to Waiola. No words releasing for multiple minutes on end, sweat poured down the chimera's back. Words were not working, nothing would come out. Paper soon in front of him after a few more minutes had passed in silence, a gentle voice joined the party.

"Would it be easier for you to write it down?" the village protector asked. "Pass it off to --------- when you are finished. He can read various languages."

Scribe snarking a laugh as the quilled pen hit the paper, the chimera wrote down the words locked within the confines in his throat in Mondstadt writing. Unable to read and write in the Sumeruean language, the chimera passed off the sheet of Dendro creation into the Scribe's unwilling hands. Eyes darting on the paper, the soldier waited.

"Someone in The Desert of Hadramaveth is in grave danger," the Scribe read aloud. But, a snarky laugh released from his throat. "That's not my problem." Bogart's voice had soon joined the party.

"Wowza, the Desert of Hadramaveth?" Bogart asked, oddly eager. "Siorc, lead the way!"

Village protector stepping forward saying she would go as well, a wave of hope flowed through the chimera. Mercenary saying she was out, as she was not getting paid for the ordeal, the soldier shrugged. Two people had been more than enough to help the scorpion siblings, for sure.

Waiola joining the party, the soldier removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Everyone within close proximity of him, the early adult opened the orb into map form. Underground waypoint soon highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes. Temple upon the four after a split second, the early adult led the way.

Panther twins and tall village protector surrounding the tearful Argenta, a sea of speedy questions had come the scorpion siblings way. Plata tilting eir head as the village protector's questions continued, ey motioned eir lips to speak. Knowing what the shorter scorpion was about to say, the hyena readied his fingers on standby.

"Talk slower," Plata said, point to eir ears. "Can't hear you."

Predictable words said, the soldier placed his hands in front of him. What happened signed for the entire temple to see, a pair of ten eyes had been on him. Sweat submerging his back as the pupils kept looking his way, the early adult closed his eyes. Ten eyes was six too many. Immediate answer coming from Plata, the soldier focused his attention on em.

"Oh, get it now!" Plata exclaimed, pointing at Argenta. "Argenta tummy ruptured. Very bad."

Hearing the grey and blue haired stranger reveal the issue at hand, Waiola placed her hands into her back pocket. Small bag coming out of her uniform, a light green medical stretcher had broken out of the bag like a freed prisoner. Twin with a shocked look on his face, an annoyed look graced her face.

"Waiola, since when did you carry around a stretcher with you?!" Bogart asked, astonished. An eye roll had been awarded to him, in an instant.

"Don't you ever listen to our mother when she talks to us in the morning?" Waiola asked, irritated tone in voice. "If you ever bothered to listen, you'd know she tells me to carry around a stretcher and other medical equipment with me at all times." She then placed the medical apparatus on the temple floor. "Hey, hold on for us, alright? ------- is going to place you on the stretcher."

Village protector lifting up Argenta with careful precision, a weight had been dropped off the hyena's back. Robot legs already undone as the tall, blue haired heterochromatic woman placed the scorpion upon the stretcher, the chimera puffed a sigh of relief. Eyes closing shut as tey had been placed on the medical equipment, the early adult highlighted the Aaru Village Waypoint once more.

Plata looking Siorc's way as ey held eir sibling's legs tight, the early adult looked into the hooded scorpion's eyes. Whatever else ey had to say to him, he knew he needed to listen to em. Words soon hitting his shark eardrums, the young soldier retained eye contact.

"Gratitude for assistance," Plata said, bowing eir head a smidgeon. "Plata must follow group. Bye bye."

Party of four hauling Argenta off somewhere unknown, a realization hit the hyena. Knowing the Agent expected him to hand the treasure to him, the early adult's legs erupted into a sprint. Surely, by now, it had been late. He knew, if he had finished work later than normal, a wave of shouts would come his way, guaranteed. But, such fear had been misplaced.

Agent speaking to an Eremite as he approached him, the soldier waited. Reaching for the treasure in his back pocket as his subordinate looked his way, the chimera swore he could see the faintest of smirks form underneath the Agent's mask as the Jinni Bottle plopped into his gloved hands.

"Great work today, soldier," the Agent said. "You are dismissed. Return to Snezhnaya by the late evening."

Feeling a wave of fatigue hit as words of dismissal had come his way, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks in an instant. Steel walled room reached after fifteen minutes of walking, the fatigue only grew stronger as the seconds marched onward.

Deep yawn releasing from his partially human throat, the chimera walked towards the uniform drawers. Hairpins, earrings and uniform soon removed, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Glasses soon removed, and late evening rolling in, the soldier closed his eyes. But sleep had not yet taken the early adult away.

Sea of questions polluting the early adult's fading human brain, the soldier turned onto his left side. Telling the Village protector about Argenta's current situation, had he truly chosen correctly? Recalling tey had said tey were highly toxic if tey were to transform into scorpion form, a battle had begun within the active shark grooves in his brain.

Wave of sleep about to take him away for the late evening, the hyena closed his eyes for the second time off the night. Land of tormented dreams about to invite him back in, one final question looped on repeat as the soldier had begun to fade away in the world of sleep.

Had he truly done the right thing?

---

I rarely do two branch offs after another, but at this point in time I wrote this I didn't want to do the next Naofa chapter yet at the time, so I added an extra branch off which turned into this hadramaveth saga.

 

[Palamon]

TW: ATTEMPTED STRANGULATION

23. Alchemy, Turbulence, and Violence Rising

"Maybe it is time I be more wary, or maybe I am
Overthinking. Naofa is
Very much exaggerating, surely.
I am certain, the threats to my
Neck, perhaps they are empty.
Guess I need follow orders harder, yes.

That is key. The other day was an
Absolute mistake, wandering away.
Really, I should not have.
Generally speaking, I must follow orders.
Even if the threats are empty,
That is my reckoning.

Plenty of eyes are on me.
Right, wandering off while on duty, if Naofa tells Her Majesty
All life will end for me.
Cannot enact upon desire,
They must leave me.
I have to remember such fact.
Cannot act out of line,
Even if something tempts me. Diligence is my reckoning."

Four days had passed since the hyena and lynx chimera planted seeds in Watasumi Island with the goat and ram chimera. Routines getting shot down with a meteor, a half-week of oddities took the soldier by storm. Granted two days off, the early adult would attempt to take a peaceful stroll within the rainforests of Sumeru.

But, luck and the Archons were not on his side. Peace was a fleeting moment never meant to last. Fawn spotting him while deep within his stroll, a request had been made of the hyena. Aranara and gazelle asking him to assist them on dealing with a particularly strong Withering within the Vanarana of the Old Days, two days of clearing out problematic weeds had pushed his two day holiday off a roof.

Odd chimeras with a flower crown and robotic legs on the second day, the problem had been removed. But, such had not been the end of the oddities. Being told he had to deliver supplies to Fatui within the Desert of Hadramaveth, a day of handing emergency supplies to wayward soldiers had taken shape. Trekking sand being his world for twenty four hours, another oddity had taken place on the second day.

Needing to collect a treasure within the northmost domain within the northern desert, unusual assistance had come his way. Flower crown and robotic legs chimera joining his treasure hunt, the piece had been obtained within due time. Strange ninety-six hours coming to an end, normalcy had vanished.

Upon waking up for the morning, the soldier gazed at the barricaded window. No wind slamming the panes, the chimera had rose from the uncomfortable bed. Knowing that, any moment, the Agent would arrive to relay his orders, the early adult had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As he placed his uniform over his layered shirts, the hyena wondered. Just what odd job awaited him this time? Knowing that, even his days off had been unpredictable, as of late, the chimera knew he had to be ready for anything. Buttons in the correct holes, the soldier removed the cover of the hairpin and earrings box.

Reaching for the matching sunflower set, the chimera clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, and heelless shoes on, the hyena had finished the morning routine of dressing the body. The Agent would arrive in a matter of minutes, surely.

Footsteps not yet arriving, the chimera walked over to the barricaded window. Gazing at the world of snow outside, the hyena placed his finger on his chin. Her Majesty, just what did she need treasure for, anyway? But, the soldier shook his head. Whatever it was she needed treasure for, it was absolutely no business of his.

Agent still having yet to arrive, a loud cold slam of wind hit the window. Hearing such, the chimera let out a sigh. Another month long blizzard would soon arrive. Such had been a commonality within the permafrost north. Adjusting his glasses, the soldier kept waiting.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps approach with a fervor, the chimera turned his attention to the door. Time had run out, his orders were about to relayed to him at any second. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the hyena put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his unpredictable workday 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 in arms. Every soldier should be at the peak of their strength for Her Majesty.

The chimera puffed a sigh of relief. No odd jobs awaited him today? Such was a kilogram off his shoulders, for sure. Knowing another day of fighting odd monsters awaited him, the hyena looked into the Agent's mask. Placing his arm in front of him, the early adult awaited the gripping prison to take him away, like always.

"Yes, sir," the soldier responded autonomously. Whatever battle was ahead of him, he knew he had to be ready for anything.

Immediate response given, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent, his subordinate seemed ready today. "Excellent. Let's go, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he squeezed the limb into a tight grip. As the escort to the training grounds began, the hyena closed his eyes.

What monster awaited him today?

***

Archery again, really?
Really, Naofa, are you being serious, truly?
Cannot fathom why you want this,
Honestly, archery is not my forte.
Every time I must shoot targets, I miss more than I hit,
Relatively speaking.
Yes, this is a waste of resources.

I am certain this will not lead to results,
No matter how many times, I never hit harder, no matter how many

Times, I never hit better.
How many times will target practice be upon me?
I am certain I am learning nothing,
So this training is meaningless, surely. But, I

Cannot complain.
Obedience is key.
Looks like the choice is not mine.
Despite not seeing the point of this exercise,

Biting my tongue, I must comply.
Really, that is key to successful living.
Even so, another day is another day closer to leaving.
Every day, time is ticking. Naofa's revenge will reach its
Zenith in only a matter of time. So, for now,
Every day I must remain, diligent, silent, and obedient. That is key."

Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the chimera sprinted to the weapons room as fast as his currently human legs would allow. Grabbing the usual silver claymore made out of white iron from the shelf, the hyena walked towards the lynx chimera. Naofa waiting for him, as usual, the hyena made eye contact.

"There you are, flea, you kept me waiting!" Naofa said, tone seeping with poison. "Put that Claymore back!" You'll be needing a Bow today." It pointed its left index finger at the weapons room.

Letting out a sigh, the hyena walked back towards the weapons room. Returning the greatsword onto the rack, the chimera proceeded towards the bows. Removing the weapon from the wall, the soldier observed the bow in front of him. White archery weapon containing a dark, sinister blue orb on the pointed edge, the early adult turned his attention to wall in front of him.

Every single bow containing the same sinister blue orb, the chimera let out a gulp. Was he fighting with Delusions yet again today? He knew, if such were the case, a pained uneven heartbeat awaited him at the end of the day, for sure. Placing the bow into the bow and arrow basket, the early adult returned to Naofa.

Naofa holding a violet bow with an Electro Symbol in the center, the hyena tilted his head. Was the lynx chimera about to use a bow with a Delusion embedded within it, as well? Seeing the Electro Delusion on its collar, the chimera shook his head. Perhaps, the bow it was using had been one of the few not replaced with Her Majesty's created monstrosities.

"Prepare yourself, moth," Naofa said, noxious tone remaining supreme. "The monsters should be here, any second!" As it said such, the irritable voice of the Eleventh Harbinger echoed on the frozen wind.

"You all look ready for battle, I like it," The Eleventh Harbinger said, trying to hide lust for battle in his voice. "Prepare yourself for target practice!"

Harbinger soon leaving, the sound of rampaging footsteps took the battlegrounds by storm. Sumpter Beasts the color of ice running in circles upon the battlefield with targets on their front side, and large red raptors from the deserts of Sumeru taking to the skies with targets on their backs, the early adult prepared himself. Target practice was upon him, indeed.

Seeing the Doctor's failed experiments run and fly upon the battlefield, Naofa let out a sinister smile. How pathetic the wretched Doctor was, not being able to recreate Sumpter Beasts or birds perfectly with stolen alchemy. Perhaps, telling the hyena chimera a story about where alchemy truly came from, the failures would die faster with a sharpshoot.

"Would you look at that! The Doctor's experiments are failing, once again!" Naofa exclaimed, noxious tone not ceasing. "Let's get this going, shall we? Make sure you rapidly switch between your Vision and Delusion!" It then pointed at the hyena chimera's chest. "Oh, and don't be pathetic and collapse again, or I'll tell that wretched god you failed today!"

Seeing Naofa point at this chest, Siorc let out a yelp. His life was being put on the line today? He knew now, more than ever, he had to be strong today. Whatever pain was to come his way, he knew he had to withstand it, or his life would be over, in an instant. Taking a deep breath, the soldier prepared himself.

Watching as five Sumpter Beasts dashed upon the battlegrounds, the hyena placed himself into a running stance. Perhaps, just maybe, it would be best to start off with the monster running the closest to him. Resolute on his decision, the chimera's legs erupted into a sprint. Stopping in the center, the early adult aimed the bow.

But, such first attempt had been futile. Sumpter Beast running faster than him every step of the way, accurate aim had been impossible. Ice trail left behind as the monster dashed about, the delusion on the bow's hilt glowed a sinister aura. Shot held for five seconds, black waters of darkness surrounded the arrow in a matter of seconds. Pulling the string back, the aquatic infused arrow soared on the icy wind.

Arrow not hitting the monster even within a close proximity, the hyena let out a sigh. The target had already been too far away; there was no way he would be able to hit it with perfect precision. Readying to break out into a sprint again, the chimera switched the position of his legs.

Hearing Naofa shoot down a bird from the sky with its Electro Delusion, the soldier sped up his running speed. He needed to produce results today, or Her Majesty would be informed of his failure, guaranteed. Running further ahead, the early adult watched as the Sumpter Beast kept dashing about.

Beast still running, the chimera placed an arrow onto the string, once more. Perhaps, just maybe, if he aimed for the target on the monster's front side, an arrow would eventually reach. Holding the shot for a total of eight seconds, green aura soon joined together with the arrow.

Dendro infused weapon not hitting the target within any stretch of a meter, the early adult lowered his bow, for a moment. Beast of Sumeru still running about in a rampage, the soldier watched the monster quietly. Idea coming to him as the creature kept sprinting, the hyena aimed the sharpshooting weapon.

Aiming for the bullseye, the sinister, dark blue orb glowed with a fervor. Submerged arrow darting at the speed of a torrential downpour, the hyena prayed to the Dendro Archon he was not supposed to worship the weapon would reach its destination. But, the archons had not heard his prayers, in the slightest.

Sumpter beast beginning to run in a circle, the arrow bounced off the creature like a reflection in a mirror. Knowing hitting a target in such state was an impossibility to be had, for sure, the chimera lowered his bow. But, as he was about to temporarily yield, Naofa's voice echoed on the icy cold wind.

"Say, want to hear another story, flea?" Naofa asked.

Hearing Naofa's words, Siorc turned towards the lynx chimera. Lowering his face into a glare, the chimera crossed his arms, for a moment. Why did Naofa always have a story to tell at the most inconvenient times? But, he knew he had no choice in the matter but to answer. Nodding his head, the hyena returned his attention to the battle at hand.

Hearing another bird fall from the sky, the sound of the Sumpter Beast running had halted, in an instant. Creature no longer running about, the soldier tilted his head. How incredibly convenient it was, for the monster to become stationary. It was almost as if, such convenience was created to push a story along.

No movement occurring for minutes on end, the chimera placed an arrow onto the string. Holding the shot for six seconds, the power of Dendro soon flowed through to the tip. Pulling the string back, the weapon darted on the wind at lightning speed. Arrow infused with nature hitting the target, the monster let out a pained scream.

Watching as the innocent creature let out a shout, guilt had begun to eat away at the hyena. Had his arrow hurt the monster? Knowing he had no choice but to continue fighting, emotions had been pushed into the snow outside. There was no time to feel other creature's pain; a battle was upon him.

Hydro Delusion beginning to glow, the chimera placed another arrow onto the string. Delusional waters joining together with the weapon, the arrow had begun to soar on the freezing air. Dark waters and the target almost reaching the bullseye, another screamed shook the battlefield.

Target looking ready to break, the hyena returned his attention towards Naofa. Lynx chimera with a huge smirk on its face, the chimera shook his head. What had they been smirking about? He knew, whatever story awaited him today, an array of tall tales would reach his inhuman eardrums.

Seeing Siorc nod minutes before, Naofa put on a sinister, catty grin. The hyena chimera had picked the right decision, like always. Perhaps, he wasn't a useless water flea after all. Pathetic Sumpter Beasts and birds beginning to drop like Cicins, its grin only grew wider. The time had come for the only information that mattered to hit the battlefield.

"Good! Then listen well, butterfly!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Did you know alchemy came from Khaenri'ah?"

Hearing such, the chimera returned his attention towards the breaking wooden target. There was no way such could have been true. But, a spark popped off in the active shark grooves in the hyena's brain. Alchemy coming from Khaenri'ah, why did such fact sound so correct, and familiar? As such questions leaked through him, a second spark popped off in his fading human brain.

The other running Sumpter beasts, his teeth had to sink into them. His fangs had to break into their skin. But, the hyena rapidly shook his head. What in the world had he been thinking just now? Violent thoughts should die a dishonorable death. Monster still not moving, the early adult placed himself into a launching stance.

Arrow infused with Dendro hitting the target, the sound of a loud shatter echoed onto the frozen ground. Power of nature taking the monster for a ride, the creature soon fell to its knees. Defeat on the horizon, a Pryo arrow from afar finished the job. Creature fading into the ether, sweat had begun to pour down the early adult's back.

Group of two Sumpter Beasts trailing ice behind them as they ran about on the battlegrounds, the chimera returned his attention to Naofa. Knowing it expected an answer from him, the hyena shrugged. There was no way alchemy coming from Khaenri'ah could have been the truth, in any possible way.

Seeing Siorc shrug his shoulders, Naofa let out a sinister laugh. How typical of the modern water fleas of today to not know where the alchemy they used in their daily lives came from. But, such was a commonality for the pitiful leeches of Teyvat's modern society.

"So, you don't know!" How pitiful, flea!" Naofa responded, toxic tone seeping with venom. "Alchemy came from my people! But, I suppose you wouldn't know something like that!" Its sinister smirk would not cease, even for a moment.

Shrugging once again, the chimera returned his attention to the battlefield. Two enemies dancing about, perhaps, just maybe, aiming at the wooden targets with separate arrows would help the battle reach its conclusion swifter. Resolute on his decision, the sinister dark blue orb glowed with a fervor.

Rapidly firing a Hydro induced arrow, the chimera switched over to charging a shot of Dendro faster than an uneven heartbeat. Weapon with a green aura brushing up against each other, Dendro and Delusional Hydro shook hands. Seed popping up underneath the creatures' feet as the arrows hit the targets, a pained roar hit the skies.

Beasts looking weak, the hyena charged another two elemental shots in succession. Dendro and Hydro aura brushing up against one another, the delusional waters bloomed like a flower. Naofa's voice echoing as the tips hit the wooden target, the soldier turned around.

"You don't seem very interested! Well, flea, I have a secret for you!" Naofa exclaimed, poison dissipating into plastic once more. "The truth is, there's a forbidden alchemy known as..." But it stopped itself from finishing such sentence. "Oh, wait! I'm not allowed to talk about it. Forget it, flea!"

The hyena blinked of bewilderment. There were things that even Naofa, the lynx chimera seeking revenge on the Gods was not allowed to say? The world had strange rules even people from beyond the continent of Teyvat were not allowed to break. Nothing else coming his way, the chimera returned his attention towards the Sumpter Beasts.

Watching as legs of foul dropped from the sky, the hyena removed two arrows from the bow and arrow basket. Delusional Hydro arrow aimed at the Sumpter Beast's wooden target towards the left, the soldier swiftly charged a second shot. Green aura pulsing through the weapon as the arrows darted at breakneck speed, nature and torrential dark waters joined forces once more.

Even more legs of bird foul dropping from the sky, a wave of energy flowed through the young soldier. Holding a shot for three seconds, the Dendro infused arrow darted towards the enemy. Delusional Hydro switched to in less than a minute, dark waters raced on the cold air.

Tips hitting the bullseye, the targets from underneath shattered into nothingness. Six Dendro seeds dropping to the ground, the delusional Hydro orb glowed a sinister aura. Dark waters and seeds soon meeting, a green light engulfed the enemy. First Sumpter Beast falling to the ground, a Delusional Electro arrow from afar finished the deed.

Lynx chimera shooting off a Pyro arrow, as well, the second Sumpter Beast had become one with nature in a split second. No more birds falling from the sky, and other creatures dealt with by the other Fatui on the battlegrounds, the chimera placed the Delusion Infused Bow into the bow and arrow basket.

Grabbing Naofa's bow as well, the soldier proceeded towards the weapons room. Weapons placed back onto the shelves, the hyena gazed at the Hydro Delusion bows once more. Her Majesty, just how was she able to embed such sinister orbs into the base of weapon? But, such thought had been shot with a sniper rifle on the battlefield. It was no business of his how such feat was achieved, for sure.

Returning to the battleground, the hyena took a long, deep breath. Heartbeat remaining even, for the moment, the soldier turned towards Naofa. Lynx chimera with a toothy grin on its face, the soldier supposed he knew what words were about to come his way. Singular blue eye meeting his mismatched ones, the soldier retained eye contact.

"Good work today, butterfly! I'm impressed!" Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "You can leave now, moth. Keep it up with improving your Elemental Reactions!" It then bent over, leaning towards the hyena chimera's ear. "Tomorrow, I'll show you real alchemy creatures in action."

Dismissal being granted, the hyena exited the battlegrounds. As he walked through the hallways in silence, a sea of thoughts flooded through the chimera. Alchemy coming from Khaenri'ah, why did such fact sound so familiar, and correct? The soldier did not know, but he knew he could not think about such for too long, or sparks would begin to fly in his fading human brain.

Steel walled room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the soldier walked around in a circle upon the ice cold floor. Recalling what the lynx chimera had said about Teyvat's monsters, the hyena's pace about continued for minutes on end. Teyvat's monsters, and alchemy, could they have had some sort of connection to one another? But, a spark popped off in the active shark grooves in his brain. There was no way such two coincidences were linked, for sure.

Feeling a wave of tiredness, the chimera removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform removed as well, the hyena slumped into the rock hard bed. Glasses removed, as well, the early adult closed his eyes, but one final thought looped on repeat as the world of sleep took him away.

What was Naofa planning on showing him tomorrow?

***

"Here in a Knights outfit again,
I roll my eyes. Is Naofa disguising itself as a Knight of Favonius again?
Guess it's unable to pick a side.
Honestly, Naofa, pick a side!

Why must you continue this deception?
If you keep up this charade,
No one will continue to fall for your lies.
Do not know what is in store for me today, but I know

That the lynx chimera is trying something.
Ultimately, I know something sinister awaits.
Really, who gave it authority?
But I know I cannot question Her Majesty.
Unless I wish for death.
Looks like another odd job in Mondstadt awaits me.
Even now, I am still thinking. What does
Naofa mean by it will show me it will show me real
Creatures of alchemy in action?
Even now, the puzzle pieces are widening.

Alchemy, does it truly, honestly come from Khaenri'ah?
Right, it's possible Naofa is lying.
Obviously, that is a possibility.
Utmost of all, the lynx is see through.
Nothing about them is truly honest.
Do not trust the looks it gives me.

Maybe today, I will find
Out, once and for all.
Naofa's so called truths, they will
Definitely come out to day.
Soon, the disguise will break,
The hammer will fall.
All and all, time is ticking.
Disguises won't always be a free for all.
Though, I will not say anything. Silence is key."

Waking up the next morning was a ridiculous sight to behold. Naofa in a Knights of Favonius uniform, the chimera rolled his eyes to the ceiling. What shenanigans was he about to dragged into this time? Whatever it was, he knew he had no choice but to follow orders. Lynx soon looking his way, the soldier made eye contact.

"We're dealing with alchemical nonsense in Mondstadt today," Naofa said, pointing at Siorc's back pocket. "I'd hurry, if I were you! Mondstadt might be getting destroyed as we speak!"

Absolutely ludicrous claim coming his way, the hyena placed the proxy map in front of him. Highlighting the Waypoint to the capital city of Mondstadt in an instant, the chimera looked into Naofa's singular visible eye. Lynx's gloved hands playing with its butterfly hair clips, the chimera pretended to clear his throat. Irritated eye soon on him, he placed his finger on the teleport button.

"I am ready," the hyena replied, voice barely audible.

Hearing Siorc clear his throat seconds before, Naofa put on a toothy smirk. The hyena chimera knew to be ready immediately now, he had learned quite well about not keeping it waiting. Finger continuously hovering over the teleport button, it pointed at the button with a rapid fervor.

"Good! Highlight the teleport button, and let's get going, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, finger still pointing. "Quickly! Remember: don't keep me waiting!"

Lynx chimera within close proximity of him, the soldier clicked the teleport button. Fast travel soon confirmed, the chimera dissipated the map back into orb form. Closing his eyes as the fast travel began, the early adult put on the most diplomatic face possible. But, a sight to behold caught the early adult's attention as the fast travel ended.

Sky a dark shade of teal, the hyena looked upward. Strong winds of heavy turbulence knocking even pigeons out of the sky, the chimera let out a gulp. What had been going on with the skies of freedom, had something terrible happened to the Anemo Archon? Gust of wind seconds from blowing him away, a tight grip locked down on his wrist.

Lynx chimera dragging him off towards Knights Headquarters, the hyena kept his attention towards the sky. Strong winds roaring like a lion a chill had run down the soldier's partially human spine. No Mondstadt citizens or even shopkeepers doing business at their stalls, it had come to the early adult in an instant.

Mondstadt was definitely in serious danger.

Outside of the Knights of Favonius headquarters reached after ten minutes of dragging, the chimera tilted his head at the sight before him. Spindrift Knight flipping her blue hair as though she was about to engage in a dance of ice, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. If the leader of the Reconnaissance Company saw him, vengeance would come his way, for sure. Let go from the gripping prison, the early adult backed four steps away.

"I would like to speak to the Acting Grand Master," Naofa said to the Spindrift Knight. "Where is she?"

Watching as the spindrift knight folded her arms around her chest, the chimera stepped two further steps away. Tall knight turning her head in disgust upon hearing the words Acting Grand Master, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. Did the spindrift knight and Acting Grand Master not get along? He supposed, even completely normal human beings with no tainted DNA to speak of had their many differences.

"Why did they send you here, Knight Naofa?" The spindrift knight asked in a snooty voice. "Whoever did this, I swear, vengeance will be mine!"

Predictable line of vengeance shouted out to the sky, sweat had begun to form on his brow. Whoever was about to brunt the force of the spindrift knight's revenge would be in a sorry state of affairs, for sure. Naofa looking ready to speak, the chimera turned his attention towards it.

"Don't worry, Miss ----, vengeance will be yours!" Naofa said to the spindrift knight. "Now, please tell me the locations of the monsters causing turbulence. The safety of Mondstadt is in our hands!"

"Mark my words, your reckoning will one day come!" the spindrift knight replied, gloved finger pointing at Naofa. "Head for Cape Oath, that area is not my target."

Location revealed, the soldier opened the orb into map form. Cape Oath Teleport Waypoint not responding, the soldier's eyebrow twitched. Had the wind been affecting the waypoints on the map? He supposed such could have been the case. City gates soon exited, a gloved tap hit his shoulder.

Naofa giving him a look as the wind roared louder than a wolf howling at the moon, the soldier looked into the lynx chimera's eyes. Did it have something to say to him before they were to traverse to Cape Oath? He supposed he was about to find out. Lynx chimera motioning its lips to speak, the soldier kept looking forward.

"By the way, don't bother sending out your weak little flowers into battle today," Naofa said, tone seeping with poison. It then placed a warbow from the Knights of Favonius headquarters in his hands. "You'll be needing that today! Don't let me down, moth!"

Placing the bow behind him, the chimera let out a gulp. Another day of archery was upon him. Wind only getting stronger with every step taken, Naofa and he had begun to head southwest. Hilichurls blowing away on the turbulence as Windrise approached, and birds falling from the sky, unease flowed through the hyena.

Leaves blowing in a flurry from the large tree from afar at Windrise, the chimera tried with any might to keep himself focused. Surely, after the enemies at Cape Oath were defeated, the strong winds would begin to weaken. Boars hiding in the dirt as Windrise had been exited, the group of two kept walking.

Wind slamming the Temple of Lion's doors like it was a window ready to be shattered, the hyena's eyes opened wide. How could wind be so incredibly strong? Perhaps, the Anemo Archon was having a bad day. Lake near Dadaupa Gorge extremely rough as his heelless shoes ran through the water, the chimera closed his eyes, for a moment. Everything was blowing on the wind. The Nation of Freedom was a rattle constantly shaking.

Breezy cliff soon ascended, a sight of utter terror awaited the hyena as the edge of a grassy hill upon Cape Oath had been reached. Hydro Abyss mage riding on top of a small teal dragon that looked like the child of the Dragon of the East, fear feasted on the chimera like a plate of Northern Smoked Chicken. Abyss Mage screaming as Naofa looked its way, a shouting match was about to begin.

"Sacred Child! Why must you interfere with our plans?" the Abyss Mage shouted, pointing its magic wand at it. "Mondstadt is ours to control!"

Hearing the pitiful Abyss Mage proclaim Mondstadt was the Abyss Order's to control, Naofa let out a cackle. How weak, and pathetic the Mages were, creating fake Dvalin like creatures to cause a huge wind storm. The Abyss was full of unintelligent leeches, latching onto whatever power they could to further pursue their meek, and failing agenda.

"Oh, really? Well, I'm tired of seeing the Abyss Order do as they please!" Naofa scoffed, aiming its bow at the dragon. "You have Ley Line manipulation at your disposal! Alchemy isn't for hideous monsters like you!"

Lynx chimera hurling five Pyro arrows at the dragon, the hyena placed his legs into a fighting stance. Hearing the sound of a shield breaking, the early adult removed the bow from behind him. Invisible crosshair locking onto the target, the early adult held the shot for five seconds.

Bow infused with Dendro energy missing the target, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Had a shield blocked his arrow from making an impact? He supposed such could have been the case. Abyss Mage humming and dancing on the teal dragon's back as his arrow missed, the hyena switched the position of his legs.

Dragon lowering to the ground beneath, the chimera's legs erupted into a sprint. Monster soon within close proximity of him, the chimera aimed for the spike on the dragon's back. Arrow soon hitting the spike, the enemy let out a roar. But, such advantage had been short lived.

Monster returning to the sky, Naofa's arrows and the enemy's neck had met. Aiming for the neck as well, water bubbles floated towards his arrows. Weapons ceased by the enemy, Siorc's eyes opened wide. If the Abyss Mage could stop incoming projectiles, he was in trouble, for sure.

Loud slam of a talon hitting the ground, the hyena threw down a flower friend. While he knew Naofa had told him not to do so, any arrows he were about to throw would be caught into a water bubble, for sure. Dragon looking weaker as the lynx chimera's barrage of arrows kept going, the early adult provided silent commands for the Windwheel Aster friend.

Abyss Mage hopping off the Dragon, torrents of water had begun to head the flower friend's way. But, such had been a poor decision, on the Mage's part. Seed blooming as the vines hit the bubble, a shield had begun to pop for the entire hillside to hear. Six flaming arrows coming the Mage's way, the soldier turned his head off into the opposite direction. The flames were out of sight, out of mind.

Final barrage of arrows knocking the dragon onto the ground, the monster had become one with nature. Turbulence in the air still high, Naofa's singular blue eye gave him a sharp glare. He supposed he had such coming, summoning his flower friend against its words.

Returning to Dadaupa Gorge after ten minutes of windy walking, the chimera could feel a chill drop down his spine as a Pyro Abyss Mage floated above the raging waters. Purple dragon crackling with electricity summoned as soon as the lynx and Mage locked eyes, a battle was upon them, in an instant.

Barrage of arrows aiming for the dragon's head, the soldier placed multiple arrows one after another on the string of the warbow. Weapons burned to a crisp by flames released from the Abyss Mage's staff, the early adult grit his teeth. Turning the bow towards the creature of the abyss, the hyena held a shot for five seconds.

Dendro infused arrow racing at the Abyss Mage's bubble of flames, a shield had begun to pop a smidgeon. Shield popped after six arrows had come its way, the soldier locked on to the dragon's additional party member. Six arrows absent of any elemental energy taking the Mage for a ride, the chimera returned his attention to the dragon.

Monster looking ready to fade into ether, the chimera held a shot for seven seconds. Dendro infused arrow racing towards the dragon's exposed spike, a loud scream hit the faster than normal air. Six more arrows from Naofa's warbow shooting the dragon down, defeat had come the enemy's way. Abyss Mage looking ready to shout, a scream hit the raging waters.

"You haven't seen the last of me, Jörmungandr!" the Abyss Mage shouted at the top of its lungs. "I'll just have my friend make me another dragon!" Mage teleporting away after their tirade, the water kept raging.

Generic Knight of Favonius member screaming there had been too many dragons in Springvale, Naofa had begun to lead the way. Winds only getting stronger as the lynx chimera and he kept heading towards the west, the hyena let out a gulp. If the winds continued to get stronger, houses would begin to fall apart.

Springvale soon reached after about an hour of difficult walking, the hyena's eyes opened wide at the sight before him. Three dragons blasting funnels of wind from above the windmill, near the cliffside exiting the area, and beside the small lake a crooked salesman usually sold phony holy water near, the chimera's legs shook rapidly. The damage had already begun. Rooves would soon be taken to battle.

Short, pink haired girl with orange cat ears shooting icy arrows with a generic, brown haired man with cat ears, the hyena looked up at the light red dragon that looked similar to the Dragon of the East. Arrows of ice doing absolutely nothing, and generic man sipping a canteen bottle, a loud complaint had come the dragon's way.

"Ugh, these dragons are so annoying! How could my awful drink mix not faze them?" the catgirl complained. She then turned to the generic cat eared man. "Daddy! You smell like booze! Why are you drinking now, you boozlehound?!"

"-----, it's hopeless, we can't win," the drunken cat man replied, defeat evident in his voice. "Please, let your daddy drink."

Cat girl shaking her gloved hands, the sound of one dragon splashing into the water meeting their end echoed on the speedy wind. Monster sinking to the bottom of the lake in a matter of seconds, the chimera's eyes twitched rapidly. Second dragon living to tell its roaring tale, the early adult focused his attention towards the dragon by the windmill. Naofa walking towards the short catgirl, the soldier kept his attention forward.

"That special mix of yours could use a little Pyro," Naofa said to the catgirl. "Let us combine forces to take this dragon down without your loser drunk father's help!"

Catgirl falling for the bait, an awful drink mix had been opened up. Flames entering the wine mix of destruction, the bottle had begun to blow up in
the dragon's face. Second monster falling into the lake, two out of three faux Dragons of the East had been defeated on private display.

Light teal dragon flapping its wing with a fervor on top of the windmill, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint. Climbing up the wooden stairs in an instant, triple threat arrows had come the monster's way. Dragon crashing onto the ground and fading away, the sound of three Abyss Mages floating away for their lives caught the wind.

Catgirl and Naofa shooting icicles at the triple enemy threat, the Mages had been frozen solid in a matter of seconds. Icy and fiery arrows engaging in the final blow, the enemies let out a pained scream. Group of three pointing their staffs at the lynx chimera, a wave of shouts had begun to come its way.

"This isn't over, Sacred Child!" the Abyss Mage in the middle shouted. "Our fellow friends have already made their way to Thousand Wind Temple and Cider Lake. Good luck defeating all of us, Jörmungandr! You'll need it!"

Pathetic little catgirl running off to her drunken father about to fall, Naofa let out a smirk. Young, adolescents with attitude problems were so easy to manipulate. Everyone in the world of modern Teyvat were weak, tiny chess pieces, easy to checkmate off the board in a matter of seconds.

Naofa taking the lead once more, the soldier followed behind quietly. Sinister smile on the lynx chimera's face, the hyena held back a sigh. Whatever tactics the lynx had up its sleeve to get people to assist it in battle could not have been a good thing. Wind speed increasing as Thousand Wind Temple drew ever so closer, the hyena dragged his heelless shoes forward. If the wind were to get any stronger, he would become a leaf on the wind, as well.

Former ancient battlefield made of stone littered with seven dragons firing beams at generic Adventurer Guild members, shouts had bounced onto the stone platforms. Multiple guild members swiping their swords at the dragon's talons, the lynx chimera loudly clicked its tongue. First enemy shot down after three simultaneous arrows came the monster's way, the hyena dashed off towards the left.

Yellow-green dragon blasting a beam of Dendro energy his way, an Abyss Mage soon leaped onto the creature's back. Dragging out a sigh, the hyena tossed a Dendro infused arrow the Mage's way. Hooded figure of the Abyss knocked off, twenty arrows put the created dragon out of its creation misery.

Snake of fire taking out a third dragon, the soldier dashed off towards the steel caged door off towards the side. Enemy swiping its talon at a terrified adventurer, the chimera aimed his arrow's at the monster's talons. Monster coming crashing down, four arrows with the power of nature and the monster's pulsing spike had met.

Pyro arrows making quick work of two more dragons, a talon had screeched across the rocky platform. Teal projectiles knocking all the generic Adventurer Guild Members back, the entire army of green clothed people collapsed like a small, black tile game crashing down the tower with a singular finger.

But, the dragon's reign of terror had been short lived. Naofa pulling his uniform, the chimera placed himself into a launching stance. Pyro and Dendro arrows rubbing off against one another, the final enemy had burned to a crisp quicker than the hyena's bespectacled eyes could follow.

Watching as the lynx chimera kicked the unconscious adventurer's backs, the hyena's eyes had begun to twitch. Was such act of violence even necessary? But, the hyena kept his mouth shut. He knew, if he said anything, the lynx chimera would call him a leech, for sure.

Abyss Mages screaming they would have their friend make more dragons for them, the chimera rolled his eyes towards the sky. Was that the only thing they had to say? Wind only beginning to get faster as Naofa and he turned towards the left, fear had begun nibble on the cartilage of the hyena's ear. Time was running out, destruction was soon guaranteed.

Boat left by the docks of Cider Lake, the chimera let out a gulp. Would riding a boat with such dangerous winds blowing about truly be safe? Funnels of wind and thunder looking ready to zap the lake into oblivion, the soldier shook rapidly as the lynx chimera steered the boat further into the storm.

Dragon duo of doom roaring on the storming wind, funnels of air had begun to dance on the water. Six more soon joining the party, the soldier could feel himself begin to shake further. If the funnels of stormy wind came the boat's way, it would be vanquished, in an instant. Naofa glaring daggers at him, the hyena let out a yelp.

"Are you scared of a little tornado? You're pathetic, leech!" Naofa shouted, shaking its fists. "This boat has a cannon, so stop shaking like a baby and focus, water flea!"

Cannonballs shooting the dragons into oblivion, the soldier took a long, deep breath. Right, he had a mission right now. There was no time to be afraid. Trio of enemies dropping down teal meteorites, the lynx chimera pointed towards the hyena's arrow basket from behind him.

Instructing him to place twenty-five arrows into the cannon, the soldier did as requested. Naofa dropping twenty-five of their arrows into the cannon as well, the button had soon been pressed. Fifty arrows released from the cannon all at once, the triple triad dragons of windscaling destruction splashed into the lake below. But, such had not been the end.

Funnels of strong winds speeding off towards the capital city of Mondstadt, Naofa sped the boat off towards the docks at lightning speed. Dashing through the back entrance towards lower end of the city, the soldier's eyes burned underneath the glasses as he gazed up towards the skyline.

Five Abyss Mages holding hands and chanting a spell around a colossal teal dragon that looked almost identical to the Dragon of The East in his storybooks he read during his stolen childhood, the hyena's eyes had continued to burn. Teal projectiles raining down from the sky, generic citizens had begun to scream at the top of their lungs.

Abyss Mages laughing as the dragon lowered to the ground, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Silk flower friend blown away by the wind in less than a second, the soldier grit his teeth. He supposed he would have to forgo summoning his flower friends for today.

Arrow placed onto the string of the warbow, Dendro energy flowed through the weapon. Three arrows soon added to the mix, the Abyss Mages vanished from sight. Group of five soon riding on the dragon's back, the hyena let out a growl. Tornados raging behind the enemy in seconds, the chimera prepared another arrow.

Pyro and Dendro arrows bumping into one another, the elements had begun to shake hands. Gigantic dragon's wings soon on fire, the creature's back had soon been exposed. Seven arrows charging at the enemy's back from Naofa's charge in, the monster had begun to drop lower to the ground.

Group of five Mages shot with a barrage of arrows, the hyena changed his legs into a fighting stance. Dragon's talons sticking out, the soldier aimed for the foot. Dragon screaming as the tip of the bow hit its scaled leg, a beam of wind energy had come the chimera's way.

Jumping five steps back, the beam of condensed Anemo energy missed by a meter. Naofa stepping forward, a sea of flames had soon engulfed the flying enemy. Pained roar hitting the skies, the lynx chimera turned towards the hyena. Knowing what had to be done, the chimera charged a shot of the arrow with any might that remained.

Dendro joining together with the flames, the monster had soon faded into the ether. Colossal dragon soon defeated, a wave of relief washed over the hyena. Although, such victory had been over as soon as it began. Abyss Mages laughing as the sky turned pitch black, a sea of terrifying words took the Anemo City of Freedom for a ride.

"This isn't over yet, Sacred Child!" the Abyss Mage in the middle of the crowd exclaimed. "We've only just gotten started!"

Thunder, lightning and wind forming a deep sea of black clouds around the sky, the soldier could feel his heart begin to sink to the bottom of the ocean. What had the Abyss Mages just done? Sky continuing to crackle in an infinite loop, fear had begun to hold the chimera tight. Mondstadt was unsafe, for sure.

Naofa grabbing his wrist, the two soon bolted towards the dock's exit. Wooden boat area soon reached, the lynx chimera's singular blue eye gazed at him with a sharp look. Arms crossed around its waist, the hyena let out a gulp. Was a sea of anger about to come his way?

"We're retreating for today! I have no idea where that storm is coming from!" Naofa shouted, irritated tone in voice. "You can leave, for now. Prepare yourself tomorrow!" It then placed its nails on his wrist pinching the skin. "Oh, and tomorrow, if you go against my word and summon your pathetic little flower friends, I won't be so kind!"

Quickly removing the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket, the chimera highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Soundproof room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings, in an instant. Uniform removed, and glasses put aside, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Closing his eyes, one thought looped on repeat as the world of tormented dreams invited him back in.

He should not have crossed any lines.

***

"Are my flower friends really that weak?
Naofa, that cannot be true. It's words are
Empty. They have to be.
Many of these insults are wearing on me.
Obviously, I should not listen.

How wrong it is.
Yes, it is exaggerating.
Perhaps my offensive prowess is not at its peak, but I am
Obviously not defenseless, or weak.
So many years of training,
There is no way I haven't learned a thing.
Ah, but I shouldn't let its thoughts get to me.
Surely it does not mean what it says, but words have weight.
I suppose it is best I just comply, however.
So I am not called a leech."

Being told to highlight the Waypoint in the Stormbearer Point area, the hyena tilted his head. Just what had Naofa found out while he had been thousands of meters away? Doing as instructed, the fast travel had been over in a matter of seconds. Wind stronger, faster, and far more dangerous than yesterday, the chimera let out a gulp.

Lynx chimera escorting him to a battlefield with an odd teal cube resting in the center, bewilderment ate the early adult up like a bowl of Spicy Stew. Cube looking as though it had been made out of pure Anemo energy, the confusion had only begun to grow. Just what was it that Naofa was making him fight today? Abyss Mage soon popping up, a sea of words had joined the wind storm up above.

"You're too late!" the Abyss Mage shouted, laughing. "We've already used alchemy to modify the Anemo Hypostasis to cause a wind storm!" Another deep laugh broke loose from the masked throat. "Good luck, Sacred Child! You'll need it!" Vanishing on the dangerous air the cube's boxes revealed a prism of pure wind energy.

Greatsword made of out white iron tossed Siorc's way, the hyena prepared himself. Small cubes surrounding the prism, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint. Slashing the blade forward, the claymore and the cubes had met. But, no damage had been dealt to the boxes of Anemo energy.

Physical attacks doing absolutely nothing, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Perhaps, just maybe, if he told the flower brought to life by his Dendro vision to hit the shield with its vines, the Anemo cube would take a hit. Pointing at the boxes, the early adult provided silent commands to the flower friend.

Vines doing absolutely nothing, the soldier's eyes opened wide. Cubes soon spreading out onto the battlefield blasting barrages of wind, Naofa's flaming arrows and the prism core had met. Embers burning the core, the hyena dashed towards the enemy of pure Anemo energy in seconds.

But, such had been an immediate mistake. Shield soon surrounding the cube once more, the prism had gained a set of wings. Flying up into the air, funnels of wind had taken the battlefield by storm. Teal twisters dancing about pulling the hyena forward, the soldier let out a battle cry. Let the tornadoes take him into their windy barrage of turbulence? No way, such could not happen. Twisters dissipating after two minutes, the early adult threw down another flower friend.

Silk Flower friend defeated before it could even fight, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed his flower friends were useless in this fight. Perhaps it was time to put a nail in the Dendro coffin, for the moment. Slashing the greatsword forward, the Anemo prism had begun to pulsate.

Watching as Siorc's meek flower friends had been defeated in one blow, Naofa rolled its eyes. How pathetic Siorc was. Who did he think he was, not listening to it about not summoning his pitiful pansy of a power to a fight involving wind? It would teach him a lesson after the battle had come to an end.

Odd symbols appearing in the sky with wind currents to match, the soldier rode the wind. Naofa collecting all the circular symbols before he could even reach any, the soldier descended towards the ground. Snake of flames soon twisting around the prism, a large hit had been blown upon the cube of pure wind energy.

Pyro arrows raining down on the enemy like a certain Outrider from the Knights of Favonius, the prism of wind energy had begun to shake with a violent roar. Prism soon becoming translucent, and wind currents soon appearing alongside balls of Anemo energy, the lynx chimera had once again been airborne.

"Make yourself useful this time," Naofa grunted. "Collect the symbols in the air, leech!"

Ten symbols glowing in the dangerous storm air, the early adult deployed his windglider. Lynx chimera already having gathered six, the soldier cruised the plastic wings towards the balls of Anemo energy. Final four soon collected, the two chimeras dashed towards the weakening prism.

Flames and greatsword slashing the dying energy, the sound of a windy explosion took the battlefield by storm. Prism of pure Anemo energy soon gone, the sky had been blue as if a storm had never occurred. Abyss Mages shaking as they landed onto the empty battlefield, a grunt echoed on the missing wind.

"We'll get our revenge for this, Jörmungandr!" the Abyss Mage shouted, shaking its wand. "Don't get comfortable! Our new friend is unstoppable! You'll see, Sacred Child!" Vanishing as they ate their words, the battlefield had gone quiet.

Naofa glaring daggers at him, a chill had begun to run down the hyena's spine. The lynx chimera, was it about to let him have a slew of choice words for using his flower friends despite telling him not to the day before? He supposed whatever insults were about to come his way, he deserved it.

"You were useless today!" Naofa shouted, curling its talons, lynx claws soon out. "Don't you know how to glide towards objects? You're pathetic, leech!" It slashed its talons forward, leaving multiple marks on the neck. "And, didn't I tell you to not use your pathetic little flowers yesterday? Don't step out of line, water flea!" Arms around his neck, it squeezed the muscle into a tight lock, not letting go. "This should teach you a lesson in not disappointing me!" It pressed the neck harder, leaving air to die.

Neck held into a tight grip, the chimera could feel his breath beginning to leave his body. Air beginning to die inside him as the grip got even harder, a sea of words polluted the early adult's mind. Right, he was a failure. Right, he had this coming to him, for summoning his flower friends despite being told the opposite. Readying to gasp for air, the hyena closed his eyes.

He should not have crossed the line.

A scream had soon hit the area. "Stop it! Let go of him!" A high pitched voice shouted.

Neck let go of, the lynx chimera bolted away at lightning speed. Still feeling Naofa's invisible hands holding his neck tight, the chimera could feel his body begin to shake. Sea lion chimera sisters looking at him with various amounts of concern, the chimera tiled his head as the invisible phantom hands had begun to slowly lower their grip.

Sea lion chimeras still looking his way with worry, bewilderment added itself to his shake about. Savon and Eau, why had they been in Stormbearer Mountains? Didn't they have to keep themselves near the water? But no such words would leave his lips.

"Are you alright?" Eau asked Siorc. Savon's voice soon joined the party.

"Hey! Your neck looks pretty bad!" Savon shouted.

Hearing Savon and Eau's waves of concern, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Body continuing to shake as blood trickled from his neck, the hyena looked into the sister's eyes. There was no need to get the two of them involved. He had to tell them none of what had just happened was a reason for worry.

"I am alright, misses," Siorc lied, voice still shaking.

Watching as the shaking Fatui forced into their stronghold had been telling obvious lies, Savon crossed her currently human hands across their waist. Why was he lying when they had already witnessed what happened? She would set the record straight before he could lie any further.

"Hey, it's no use lying to us!" Savon cried, human fists soon shaking. "We already saw what happened!" Eau soon added her voice to the ring.

"You can leave cleanup from the storms to us," Eau chimed in. "Go somewhere to calm down."

Bowing an apology, the chimera removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Perhaps, just maybe getting tea at the teahouse would calm him down. Highlighting the Waypoint to Liyue Harbor, the soldier closed his eyes. Teahouse soon across from him, the hyena took a deep breath. Usual brunette patron sitting at one of the tables, but opera singer absent, a wave of confusion hit the young soldier. Storyteller from the second floor in her place, the soldier ascended the wooden staircase.

Yinlong eventually walking over, no smile could grace his face. Feeling blood about to trickle onto the table, the chimera attempted to wipe the iron colored liquid away. Failure beginning to hug him from behind once more, feelings had drowned themselves into the water beneath. Perhaps, tea could help wash out the emotions boiling within him.

"Oh, hey Siorc!" Yinlong exclaimed. Their words were slow and lulled, like always. But a sight of terror soon greeted their pink eyes. Deep, dark purple marks and cuts all over his neck, worry had begun to paint his face a shade of silver. "Did someone hurt you? Let me get you something to clean you up!" Running faster than ever before, the panda chimera had been gone, in an instant.

Tall brunette gazing at his neck, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. Maybe it was best he should just leave. People being aware of the marks around his throat would not help bring him down to calmed state, for sure. But, a question had soon come his way that was impossible to ignore.

"Jörmungandr did this to you, did it not?" the tall brunette asked.

Hearing the wise man of many words surmise correctly, the soldier could feel a wave of shock take him for a ride. Nodding, the hyena could not help but wonder. The tall brunette, how did know that Naofa had wrecked havoc on his neck? Wise people were terrifying monsters who knew too much.

Panda chimera and tall brunette cleansing the blood from around his neck, adhesives had been placed over the cuts. Rubber brushing up against his neck, the hyena flinched. Herbal tea placed in front of him after about five minutes passing, the early adult removed his wallet from his back pocket. But, immediate rejection had come his way.

"No, Siorc! Don't worry about paying!" Yinlong exclaimed, waving his hands in the air. "I already took care of it."

Sipping the herbal tea, the chimera closed his eyes. But, such had been a grave, and awful mistake. Visions of the lynx chimera grabbing ahold of his neck flashing in his mind, the early adult held back a scream. Body shaking once more as he continued to drink, the soldier turned his face towards the opposite direction. There was no way he could look at anyone right now.

Watching as Siorc had begun to shake, a frown had appeared on the panda chimera's face. Whoever had hurt him, he needed to know there were people that were there to help him, no matter what. Witnessing him turn his head into the opposite direction, they placed their hands on the table. Even if he were not paying attention, the words had to be said now.

"Hey, if someone is trying to hurt you," Yinlong said, words slowing down. "I'm here to help you, okay?"

Hearing the panda chimera's words, the soldier turned around. Would it truly be alright, allowing an extra hand to help? Tears beginning to stream down his face like waterfalls, the soldier gazed at the dining area around him. Everyone had to be looking at him, for sure. Invisible eyes on him, an apology had hit the back of his partially human throat. Apologize, yes, he had to apologize for disturbing Liyue Harbor's atmosphere.

"I'm sorry," the hyena cried, tears still falling. But, as he said such, the panda's arms had been around him.

"It's okay, I'm here," Yinlong replied, holding him tight. "I promise you, I always will be." He then lets go of him, ending the embrace. "Do you want something to eat? I'll make you anything you want."

Food offering coming his way, the chimera turned his head to the right and left. Would it truly be alright to take an offering for a meal? If Her Majesty had heard such, he would punished for it, for sure. Desires were not allowed to be enacted upon for a Fatui Soldier. Hearing the woman across the street talk about chop suey on repeat, the hyena's mouth had begun to water. Perhaps, one tiny plate would do. Pointing at the chop suey stall, the early adult looked into the panda chimera's eyes.

"You want chop suey?" Yinlong asked, words speeding up a smidgeon. "I'll make a plate for you."

Plate of cheap and tasty chop suey placed in front of him, the soldier dug in. Meat hitting his throat, the chimera broke into tears. The chop suey was delectable, like always. Dish finished after thirty minutes, and moon soon high in the sky, the hyena stood up from the wooden chair. It was time to return to Snezhnaya.

"Thank you for the food and tea," the hyena chimera blurted out. "It was wonderful. But, I have to go." Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb in hand, he prepared to stage his exit. But, the tall brunette's golden orange eyes had soon been on him, giving him a stern look.

"If anyone is trying to harm or injure you, it is best you speak to someone about it," the tall brunette said, tone of warning in voice. The panda chimera soon chimed in.

"Yeah, Siorc, we're here to help you!" Yinlong said. "See you later, and please take care of yourself." No yawn had released from his throat. The time to be tired was not now.

Nodding at the tall brunette and panda chimera, the hyena opened up the orb into map form. Military barracks waypoint soon highlighted, the hyena dissipated the map back into orb form. Ice cold hallways upon him in a split second, the soldier walked forward.

Steel walled room soon upon him, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon put away, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Glasses soon removed as well, the chimera closed his eyes. But, as the world of sleep was about to take him away, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

If he disappoints Naofa further, its violence towards him will start rising.

---

Things escalate from here, fair warning.

 

[Palamon]

24. Branch Off 11: Chaos in Mondstadt: Weapon and Lyre Heist!

"Has Mondstadt continued struggling?
Obviously, it has not yet begun to heal.
Looks like even more trouble is brewing.
Yes, this is not the end.

Likely, normalcy has yet to return.
Yes, the world is stubborn.
Really, enemies are always plotting.
Enemies are always strategizing.

Do not think this is the
End. The order will be
Returning. I have this feeling.

However, there is nothing I can do.
I must follow orders,
Must keep on working.
Maybe I am overthinking,
Everything is an unpredictable beat.
Looks like I need to just focus on what's in front of me."

Dreaming had continued its never-ending loop of anguish in the adult chimera's life. The loop would reverse, and repeat every single night with no form of interruption able to flow through. The cycle was constant, unable to be broken. The pattern would continue in the night before him, as well.

Before him had been a field of Naku Weeds. The supposed invasive growths were purple, forming a heart shape near the grass below. Seeing such plant, the hyena had come to wonder: just where had the dream world taken him this time? He had been none the wiser to the area presented before him.

Laying down in the bed of weeds, the soldier gazed upwards towards the sky. Swirling clouds of purple lightning booming with a fervor above him, the hyena let out a sigh. Had the dream world taken him to Inazuma? He supposed such could have been the case. Thunder pulsating, the soldier kept lounging about.

As the dream minutes turned into hours, a terrifying sight had caught the early adult's subconscious eyes. Masked samurai protruding a black aura patrolling the area, the hyena let out a gulp. The dream world was about to subject him to torment, for sure. March about continuing, the chimera put up an invisible guard. If the masked swordsman were to spot him, his dream life would be over, in an instant.

Samurai looping around the area in a circle like time had been looping, the early adult remained invisible. Circle about continuing onward for dream minutes on end, the soldier remained stationary. Perhaps, just maybe, the swordsman would not notice him. Letting out a blissful sigh, his lounge about continue.

Luck and the archons were not on his side.

"Let me try my blade!" a voice shouted in booming commando.

Samurai coming straight for him with their blade charging his way, the soldier stood to his feet. Blade coming for his torso, the early adult's dream legs erupted into a faster than reality sprint. Dashing off to the left, the early adult kept running faster than lightning. But, such run had been halted in seconds.

Letting out a pant, the early adult resumed running. Hide, he had to find somewhere to hide, quickly. Unfeeling sand crunching underneath his feet, the young soldier turned his head towards the right and left. Rocks off towards the corner, the hyena wedged himself between the boulders. Surely, the swordsman would not be able to find him now.

"That won't work!" a voice shouted, blade slashing forward.

Rock slashed to smithereens, the young soldier let out a yelp. When had the samurai snuck right behind him? Blade continuing its rampage towards his backside, the early adult currently human legs resumed sprinting. As if the gods were on his side, no blades had met his partially human person. But, his luck would soon roll a one, reversing the poles.

As his dash about continued, a sound of disdain flowed through the early adult's subconscious eardrums. Machine activating from behind him, the hyena let out a shout. Crab like machine awakening looking ready to fire a beam of energy his way, the hyena rummaged through the pockets of nothing. A weapon, surely, there had to be some kind of weapon stored in the confines of the patches of his uniform.

Claymore emerging from the pocket of nothing like a sword being pulled out of a stone, the soldier slashed the blade about. Machines soon reduced to ashes, the enemies had become one with dream nature. No more machines activating as the dream seconds raged onward, the early adult dashed back onto the sand.

Samurai coming from both the front and back of him, the soldier kept running. Blades looking ready to charge his way, the chimera jumped to the left. Swordsmen jumping as well, blades in hand, the hyena jumped to the right. Perhaps, just maybe, if he kept jumping, the possibly not real samurai would tire out shortly. But, such had been an astronomically miscalculated judgement on his part.

Swordsmen jumping to the right, the hyena's dream eyes had begun to twitch. Men approaching ever so closer as the dream seconds beat faster, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the beach floor. It had been too late; the samurai had been approaching too quickly.

"I've got the upper hand!" the voice screamed, blade charging forward.

Dual swords and his kneecaps meeting, the early adult let out a scream. Slashes about continuing for dream minutes on end, the hyena had begun to fall backwards. Samurai leaving the battlefield, the chimera's back and the unfeeling sand were about to shake hands. But, another enemy had soon thrown itself into the ring.

Loud hiss coming from the ground, pinchers had begun to dig upward. Flames coming his way as his descent to the ground continued, the soldier's eyes opened wide. When had a scorpion burrowed underground? Flames and his knees introducing themselves to one another, the chimera girt his teeth.

Fire spreading as the bed of sand were about to become his grave, the early adult closed his eyes. Stomach engulfed into flames in seconds, defeat had begun to hug the hyena from behind. As the blackness had begun to overtake the chimera, one final thought looped on repeat in the fading dream brain.

Luck and the archons were not on his side.

***

"Maybe I am overthinking it,
Obviously, Mondstadt is still healing.
Nothing can be done from my end,
Do not think Her Majesty has any
Strategic plans to send me.
Though, I suspect something. The
Abyss Order, this is merely the beginning.
Do not know why, but I feel
Their rampage has only just started. Ah, no

I am overthinking it, surely.
No way they're going to strike again so soon.

Cannot help but feel they are just resting, plotting.
However, I must remain focused.
After all, I cannot slip,
Or more violence will be blown upon me.
So, I have to remain diligent. Distractions are unnecessary."

The sound of morning alarm bells blared with a discordant clamor. As the alarm bells continued to shriek in a chorus, multiple Fatui soldiers groaned in an echo in a cacophony. The alarm bells were right on time, as usual. But despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal in the military barracks.

The copious amount of groans had been more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially tormented slumber. Groans continuing for minutes on end, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. His terrifying dreams had become far more frequent lately, for sure. Slapping his cheeks for a moment, the early adult had rose from the rock hard bed. The time had come to begin the morning routine of dressing the body.

As the chimera placed the winter uniform over his layered shirts, the hyena placed his arms around his scathed neck. The lynx chimera, if he were to disappoint it again, more violence would come his way for sure. Removing his arms, the soldier closed his eyes, for a moment. He needed to do his best, or violence would continue to rise on him, for sure.

Buttons in the correct holes, the early adult removed the cover from the hairpin and earring box. Weaponized jewelry accessories clicked into place, the soldier took a long deep breath. He needed to prepare himself for anything. The world had been an unpredictable beast.

As the chimera hooked the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants, a violent sting pierced his neck. Invisible talons piercing the muscle, the soldier flinched. The pain was a sword pressing itself into the skin. Taking another long deep breath, the hyena regained focus. He could not let his bruises bother him; displaying weakness would disappoint Her Majesty, for sure.

Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the soldier waited for the Agent's arrival. But, no such footsteps had yet to arrive. Still not hearing any footsteps approaching for minutes on end, the early adult walked towards the barricaded window. Chilling wind hitting the panes with a fervor, the hyena gazed through the glass.

No more snow than usual outside, the early adult scratched his neck. Could the Agent have been running slightly late today? Walking around in a circle upon the icy cold floor, the hyena kept waiting. Surely, any second now, the Agent would arrive to relay his orders to him.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps begin to approach with a fervor, the soldier ended his pace about. Circular walk coming to an end, the early adult put on the most diplomatic face possible. Time was running out. He had to be ready, for anything. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the chimera turned his attention towards the door. The time had come for his workday to begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You will be delivering supplies in Mondstadt today." The masked agent gave unseen eye contact with his subordinate in arms, but a peculiar sight had caught his covered eyes. Deep talon marks on the base of his subordinate's neck, an alarm had gone off in his head. Wounds looking deep, he knew he had to say something to the soldier. "What happened to your neck, soldier?" An injured soldier was a weak soldier.

Hearing the Agent's forced concern, the hyena's eyes had begun to twitch. Why was the Agent asking about the lynx claw marks on his neck? There was no way he had any concern; his worried question was fake, for sure. Invisible shield soon in front of him, the defensive blow was prepared.

"Nothing happened, sir," Siorc replied, unusual irritation in his voice. "Isn't it time to go?" Holding his arm out, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away. "We need to get going." He knew such words were uncharacteristic of him, but the hyena cared not. The subject was a ball of gas that needed to sink to the bottom of the ocean.

The Agent sighed in tedium at such obvious attempt to dodge his question. He never knew what could possibly be going on in the soldier's head. Pushing the question further would be useless, indeed. Dropping the subject, the Agent gripped the hyena's arm into a tight lock.

"If you insist, soldier," the Agent replied. "Let's get going." As the fast travel to the capital city of Mondstadt had begun, a sea of thoughts looped one repeat in the early adult's partially human mind.

At least he was in for an easy job today.

***

"What is going on in Mondstadt today?
Everyone is screaming.
And the citizens are saying something,
Perhaps it is my imagination, but a Highly
Obnoxious amount of screams are echoing.
No, I must not get annoyed,
Such emotion should be removed from me.

Soldiers are not allowed
To give into such feelings.
Oh, but these screams are quite concerning.
Listening, I hear something: 'the lyre has been stolen!'
Even though this seems concerning, there is
No way this really happened.

Ah, maybe I am daydreaming.
No, I am awake. That cannot be.
Do not know what is going on, in the winds of freedom,

But I do know something is
Utterly wrong.
Reverberating, the screams continue.
I am unable to ignore the shouts.
Every step forward, the panic
Does not cease.

Perhaps the citizens all had a collective dream.
As there is no way the lyre could have possibly been taken.
Nothing can enter through security.
I remember the stories my parents told me, that harp is sacred. Taking it
Cannot be possible, I'm sure of it.

Really, surely, everyone is daydreaming.
I am certain.
So, my deliveries will go on today.
It's another day of nothing.
Nothing can convince me anything I am hearing is true.
Guess a day of panic in the background is upon me."

Upon reaching the capital city of Mondstadt through the Teleport Waypoint, an unusual sight appeared in the hyena's mismatched eyes. Screams filling every single square of the street, the chimera tilted his head. Why had the citizens of Mondstadt been screaming around in a panic? But, the soldier shook his head. He knew such was not something he would be allowed to investigate.

Agent's barely audible voice telling him they would be heading to Knights of Favonius Headquarters, the drag forward continued onward. But, as such walk to headquarters began, a new sea of screams had begun to kick in. Citizens screaming the Anemo Archon had left them, questions wrapped vines around the soldier.

Continued screams about the Anemo Archon being gone, the early adult could not help but wonder. Just what was going on in the Nation of Freedom? He knew, whatever could have possibly been happening, something was off, for sure. Knights headquarters soon nearing, the soldier took a deep breath. Did another sea of screams await him inside?

Favonius Headquarters soon entered, the door to the Acting Grand Master's office had soon been opened. Acting Grand Master shaking her head with her palm across her face, the Agent's boots slammed the door shut with a loud crash. Blue eyes looking forward, the hyena's arm had soon been let go of.

"I must apologize for the panic outside," the Acting Grand Master relented. "The Holy Lyre Der Himmel was stolen from the church last night." Her hand had soon been over her face once more. "Along with all the Knights and Wagner's weapons being taken from around the nation." Shaking her head, she heaved a sigh. "We are doing everything in our power to quell the city's unrest."

Arm removed from the gripping prison, the Agent's masked eyes had soon been on the hyena. Unseen stern look on his face, sweat had begun to form down the chimera's brow. Why was the Agent looking at him all of a sudden? Words coming his way in a flurry, the soldier gave eye contact.

"New order, soldier," the Agent said, pointing to the bag on his back. "Retrieve the stolen weapons and lyre."

Hearing the new order, Siorc blinked rapidly. His supply deliveries had been cancelled? He supposed such job would have been impossible, if the nation was in a crisis. Returning the bag his way, the early adult took a deep breath. There was nothing that could be done. His orders were absolute.

"Yes, sir," the hyena replied, slightly nervous tone in voice.

Hearing the instant response, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Good, the soldier remained responsive despite the sudden changes. A pleasing outcome to be had for sure. Readying to explain the next course of action, his gloved hand had moved up and down in front of him.

"Good, soldier," the Agent responded. "Head for the Goth Grand Hotel when you are done. You will not be returning to Snezhnaya until the lyre is retrieved."

Nodding, the Agent soon exited the area. Room soon going quiet, the Acting Grand Master stepped towards the back of her temporary office, for a moment. Large bag soon in her hands, the container had been plopped into the soldier's palms. Shovel handed to him, as well, the knight's voice soon grew louder as the seconds carried on.

"It has been reported to me that the stolen weapons have been spotted buried in holes around the nation," the Acting Grand Master explained. "I do apologize for thrusting this upon you as well, but could you retrieve them?" Hand on her chest, her eyes kept looking forward. "Do be careful when heading out. The city is in complete unrest."

Small lead given, the early adult exited the Knights Headquarters. Acting Grand Master heading outside to the commotion, the soldier shook his head. All the screams about would give the current acting head of the knights a headache, for sure. But, he supposed he did not have time to think about such things.

Usual knights guarding the entrance calming citizens down in the corner, the chimera opened the proxy orb into map form. Gazing at his map in front of him, nothing had been out of the ordinary. No unusual pins on his map, the early adult shrugged his shoulders. There was no way the locations of the stolen weapons would be laid out for him for easy locating.

As the soldier dragged his fingers on the map, an epiphany had dropped a pin on the floor. Perhaps, just maybe, Windrise would be the best place to start searching for the stolen lyre, and buried weapons. Resolute on his decision, the chimera dissipated the map into orb form. The time had come to begin the buried weapons treasure hunt.

Birds and usual boy absent as the chimera walked across the bridge, the early adult turned his head to the right and left as the end of the bridge had been reached. No dirt holes in the road in front of him, the chimera kept walking. There was no way the person who committed the crime would start in such an obvious place.

As the chimera dashed through the familiar dirt road near the large tree, the hyena could not help but begin to wonder. The lyre, who could have possibly stolen such a sacred object? He knew he had to be on the lookout, no matter what. No holes in the ground on the pathway towards the large tree, the soldier kept walking.

Breeze oddly absent as the tree drew ever so closer, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. It was almost as if yesterday's turbulence had never happened. But, the hyena shook his head. Maybe the Anemo Archon had just been sleeping during all the chaos in their nation. Having recalled a fact his parents told him about the Anemo Archon often going into a slumber, he supposed such could have been a possibility at his constantly transforming hands.

Not a single monster on the pathway towards the tree, bewilderment nibbled on the chimera's cheek. Usual Hilichurls not in their camps, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Could the monsters of Teyvat have been plotting something elsewhere amidst the chaos? But the hyena pushed such thought in the wading river. There was no time for such distracting thoughts, he had to keep walking.

Deep covered up holes in the grass near the large tree, the chimera let out a tired sigh. The perpetrator of the crime had most certainly made it too obvious that foul play had been afoot. Placing the shovel into his right hand, the tool and the ground had met. Grass filling up the shovel, the hyena kept going.

Hole opened up in the ground after ten minutes of digging, the soldier rose an eyebrow at the sight before him. Seven swords with the Knights of Favonius logo on them uncovered from the barely hidden secret, the chimera placed the blades into the large bag from behind him. But, such had not been the only uncovered treasure.

Three bows with sharp white edges, the chimera gazed down at the hole below him. The thief had hidden bows, as well? If such were the case, he knew he had to keep on digging. No other weapons in the hole, the soldier pushed the dirt back into the ground. Disgusting patch of sediment filling up the grass, the chimera let out a grunt. Such crime to nature needed to corrected, in the future.

Returning to the path in front of him, a frantic knight soon appeared in his damaged field of heterochromatic vision. Generic man about to cross paths with him, the early adult tapped his shoulder. Man telling him to make it quick, the hyena placed his hands in front of him. Acting as though he were playing a lyre, the soldier waited for an answer to come his way.

Knight not having an answer for him, the early adult bowed an apology. He supposed the lower ranking knights would not have an answer for him. Two other knights along the path unable to answer, as well, a invisible white flag had been waved upon the windless air. Perhaps, for now, it was best to forgo such questions.

Knowing there had to have been more weapons buried along the path, the soldier continued walking. Could Falcon Coast have had more buried swords in plain sight? Resolute on his decision, the hyena sauntered onward. There had to have been more buried weapons in the sands of the beach, guaranteed.

No birds in sight as the beach grew ever so closer, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. Had all of Mondstadt's creatures been in a state of unrest, as well? Sands of falcon coast crunching beneath his feet after forty minutes of walking, the chimera scouted the area.

Obvious hole soon in front him beside large rocks where crabs usually crawled towards, the early adult lowered his eyes into a glare. Just who did the perpetrator of the crime think they were fooling by digging up a hole in such obvious places? Criminals were quite the dullest screw in the robot, for sure.

Five beginner's swords uncovered in the sand hole beneath, the chimera dropped the weapons into the large container in front of him. No other weapons in the hole, the hyena tossed the sand back into the gaping circle of sediment. Trunk of weapons pushing heavy weight upon him, the early adult flinched. But, the soldier kept walking. He had to bear it. The lyre had yet to be retrieved.

Knowing the best course of action was to head for the Thousand Wind Temple, the chimera turned his heelless shoes towards the opposite direction. Surely, there had to have been a lead in the abandoned battleground from the past long forgotten. But, a sight to behold awaited the early adult as the path towards the temple drew closer.

Wall of Anemo slimes blocking the path ahead of him, the chimera closed his eyes, for a moment. Human hands turning into hyena claws, the early adult slashed his claws forward. Slimes popping like a balloon, the soldier kept walking. Gelatinous creatures continuing to pile up as the temple grew closer, slime secretions had begun to pile up on the ground beneath him.

Army of monsters brought to their elemental grave, the chimera closed his eyes once more. Hyena claws returning to human ones, the early adult's legs had erupted into a sprint. Did the criminal think the wall of slimes would be enough of an obstacle? Such was a sorry mistake they would live to regret.

Spotting another hole in the grass near the stairs of the Thousand Wind Temple, the chimera rolled his eyes to the sky. The culprit was incredibly lazy, leaving so much obvious evidence behind. Dropping the shovel into the scene of the crime, the soldier had begun digging for the third time of the day.

Beginners bows uncovered from the pit below, Siorc pressed the shovel into the dirt deeper. No more weapons in the hole, the hyena covered the pit to the best of his ability. Heading inside the temple, ridiculous evidence had soon caught the soldier's mismatched eyes.

Swords and bows lying out in the open around the temple, the chimera held back the tiniest of scoffs. Had the thief given up on hiding their obvious crime? The weapon captor was quite the laughable villain. Five bows soon uncovered, the chimera tossed the sharpshooters into the trunk of heavy metal.

Possibly human rear dropping to the ground as the new weight had been added, the hyena let out a scream. Hips hitting the pavement, the early adult grit his teeth. Just how much had the bag from behind him weighed, a ton? He knew such was not the case, but he felt like such had to be, for the moment.

Figuring twenty-five weapons would be enough for the day, the chimera rose to his feet. Weight sagging his back, the chimera dragged his feet forward. Thousand Wind Temple exited after twenty minutes of dragging about, the hyena proceeded with caution, for the time being.

Knights that had not been around earlier frantically patrolling the area near Falcon Coast, the soldier stopped dragging himself forward, for a moment. Hands free, the chimera tapped the generic man's shoulder. Dull eyes looking his way, the hyena played a harp on the air. Tilting his head, the early adult retained eye contact.

Blond knight having no answer for him on the lyre's whereabouts, the chimera let out a sigh. Maybe it was a waste of time wordlessly asking the lower ranking knights about the stolen holy harp. But, the hyena knew he could not falter. The lyre had to be found, no questions asked.

Wordless question repeated to the second knight patrolling the area, a wave of bewilderment had come the chimera's way. Man having no answers for him, as well, the hyena continued dragging his feet. Windrise reached after two hours of dragging and wordless questions thrown at any knight he crossed paths with, a wave of defeat crashed waves around the early adult's feet. No one had any leads for him whatsoever.

Knights standing guard by the city gates as he approached, the chimera repeated his wordless question once more. Knight known as Lawrence shaking his head, the soldier let out a sigh. None of the lower ranking knights had any information of the lyre captor. A predictable outcome to be had, for sure. Stepping into the capital city, the soldier turned left.

Nightfall dropping by as the chimera entered Knights Headquarters, the hyena turned towards the Acting Grand Master's office. Twisting the knob slowly, the early adult entered with caution. Acting Grand Master looking incredibly exhausted, a wave of concern flowed through the soldier. Had she been attempting to calm the citizens of the city down for hours on end? A pity cherry dropped down to the center of his partially human stomach.

Heavy weight handed to the Acting Grand Master, the soldier bowed his head in apology. Signing he did not find the lyre, the chimera kept his head low. Acting Grand Master telling him it was alright and to keep to searching, the hyena rose his head. Right, it was best to keep searching. Finding the lyre was the top priority.

Hotel room checked into, the chimera walked around in a circle upon the wooden floor. Who could have possibly stolen the Holy Lyre Der Himmel? Circle about continuing, a wave of ideas had pooled into the active shark grooves in his brain. Idea soon exploding inside him like the Pyro Elf Girl of Doom's bombs, the soldier stuck his index finger up into the air.

The medusa, perhaps the snake might know. Wave of tiredness overtaking the hyena, the early adult crawled into the hotel bed. Closing his eyes, a wave of determination flowed through the chimera. Tomorrow, he would wake up early. Leads would begin forming.

The gorgon had to have answers, for sure.

***

"Now, who is that at my door?
Oh, whoever, it is, if it not something
That will lead to my end, I am not interested!

It's that annoying bard yet again!
Nattering in my ears, I cover them.
This little pest, he said, 'Hey, Kígyó, play a prank with me?'
Ears uncovered, I respond, 'Not unless it can kill me.'
Rupturing shrill voice, he laughs. Humanity, I can't stand them!
Even so, he speaks. 'Of course, dear snake, I will assist you.'
Stupid bard, his voice, I can tell he's joking.
Though, I suppose, if he means it.
Exiting the apartment, I roll my eyes.
'Do make sure I get caught so the Knights end me.' He smiled. What am I getting myself into? This bard is a freak."

Waking up the next dawn, a wave of determination flowed through the hyena. The medusa, surely the snake knew where the lyre had been taken to. Plain hairpins soon clicked into place, the soldier exited the hotel room. Not a sound stirring in the capital city as he approached the apartments in the corner, the hyena slapped his cheeks. He had to prepare himself for any answer that was about to come his way.

Snake's apartment door soon reached, the chimera knocked on the door slowly. Keeping the knock in a rhythm, the soldier put on the most serious face possible. The answer will fall into his lap, surely. Door opening, the early adult kept his attention forward. Snake stepping outside, the hyena put his hands in front of him.

Hearing the loud, obnoxious knocking outside the door, Kígyó swung the entrance open. Who was the crazy person knocking on the door at the crack of dawn? Whoever it was, if they were not here to give the snake intel on how to end the life, the gorgon would send them on their way immediately.

Ingne pest standing at the doorway with their hands out in front of them, Kígyó grit the sharp teeth hard. Why was an Ingne standing at the doorstep? Whatever reason for their appearance, the snake would put an end to such unwanted intrusion, immediately.

"What are you doing here, Ingne?!" Kígyó asked, pointing with a violent fervor. "I have nothing for you to interfere in. Get lost!" Other chimeras were quite aggravating.

Predictable rudeness coming his way, the chimera rolled his eyes to the dawning sky. Did the snake have to respond so sharply? Moving his hands as though he were playing a harp, the hyena looked into the gorgon's black eyes. Standing his ground, he repeated the motion a second time. He would not let such nonsense win.

Watching as the obnoxious Ingne pretended to play a harp, Kígyó scratched the currently human wrists with the unkempt sharp nails. Not another question about the stupid lyre. Such questions were more aggravating than the many failed attempts to leave this wretched world. Huffing a breath, the voice had begun to carry on the morning wind.

"And why would I have stolen the lyre? If it can't kill me, I'm not interested," Kígyó responded, slapping a hand on the face. "Go ask the church instead. Now, go away! I have knives to sharpen!" Hands placed on the obnoxious pest's back, the Ingne had been thrown aside.

Door slamming shut after he had been shoved away, the early adult heaved a sigh. The snake was a suspect, for sure. Supposing the church might have answers about the stolen holy lyre, the hyena walked towards the center of the city. Surely, the Sisters had to have witnessed the crime.

Staircase towards the church ascended, the soldier turned his head towards the right and left. No citizens around, the coast had been clear. Church doors soon in front of him, the early adult pushed the doors carefully. Would the church suspect him most of all? He knew such had to have been a possibility at hand.

Sisters of the Church praying to the Anemo Archon, the soldier left the women in peace. Disturbing those who were sending their prayers was a sin. Deaconess in the corner the only one not sending her prayers, the hyena walked towards her. Church's idol looking frantic, the chimera steeled himself.

Placing his hand in front of him, the soldier's phantom lyre playing continued. Keeping the action going for minutes on end, the soldier kept going. But, as his show continued, the Deaconess's eyes had begun to twitch. Sinking to her knees, she placed her hands on the sides of her head.

"Barbatos, I'm sorry, I have failed you!" the Deaconess cried.

Loud heeled footsteps exiting the room in the corner, a loud grumble soon filled the church. Tall, red haired unholy sister of the church complaining about having to wake up early, the chimera held back a sigh. Why was such a person a Sister of the Church if she did not believe in what they were preaching? But the soldier kept such thought to himself. He knew he could not voice such opinion out loud.

"The lyre was taken in the middle of the night undetected," the Unholy Sister of the Church said, curling her metallic fingers. Muttering under her breath about the morning, no other words had been spoken.

No leads given, the early adult exited the church building. He supposed finding the lyre would not be so simple. Opening the orb into map form, the soldier studied thoroughly. Starsnatch Cliff calling out to him, an idea had formed in the early adult's fading human brain. Perhaps there could have been more hidden weapons discarded on the Nameless Island in Starfell Valley. Determination hitting the roof, the hyena prepared to stage his exit.

Weapon trunk retrieved as the dawn had become the later morning, the chimera walked down the bridge for the second day in a row. Pigeons and their friend nowhere to be seen, the hyena kept walking. Perhaps the pigeon boy's mother had been keeping him away from the birds during the current crisis.

Areas double checked for any holes nearby he missed, the hyena shook his head. There was no way the weapon captor would have been unintelligent enough to return to the scene of the crime. No additional weapons buried in Windrise, the chimera double checked Falcon Coast.

No new holes discovered, the chimera shrugged. Perhaps he was wasting his time double checking other areas. Returning his attention to his original destination, the early adult had begun to head north. No buried weapons along the path towards Starsnatch Cliff, the young soldier stepped onto the sand.

Boat docked next to a rock, the early adult lowered his eyes into a suspicious squint. How incredibly convenient it was, for the small vessel to be docked on the correct side of the ocean. The criminal's smarts had left the building. Stepping inside the boat, the soldier started rowing.

Mist kicking swiftly as the paddles hit the water, the chimera took a deep breath. He had no choice but to brave the mist storm; a stolen lyre could be waiting for him in the hidden island off the coast. Cruising the boat through the fog, the hyena kept going. Boat engulfed in fog, the early adult kept cruising straight.

Visibility as dead as the snake wished the body was, the chimera kept cruising the boat forward. But, as the island without a name got ever so closer, a clap of thunder dropped through the area. Lightning strikes hitting the water, the early adult's body shook with a fervor. Had Electro Archon entered the fray? Trying to remain calm, the young soldier kept cruising the boat forward.

Nameless Island soon reached, the chimera docked the boat near a rock in the corner. Stepping onto the island, the chimera turned his attention towards the left. Sea lion chimeras sitting upon the ocean bed, sea lion tails fully submerged, a particular sight caught his eyes. Sisters holding wet swords with their flippers, the hyena stepped forward.

Eau splashing downward into the bottom of the ocean, she had been gone, in an instant. Savon soon joining it, three more swords had covered their grey and white flippers. Younger sea lion soon puffing their cheeks, the swords had been dropped onto the ground for a moment.

"I think that's the last one, Eau," Savon said, delighted. "Who drops swords in the ocean?! I bet the Cavalry Captain is secretly behind it!" Puffing their cheeks, they crossed their flippers around their chest.

"I don't doubt that. Everything he says is suspicious," Eau replied, tired. "We need to return these swords to headquarters." But such thoughts had soon been halted. Hearing a boat dock minutes before, Eau turned its head.

Sister turning her head in tandem, Eau shook her head at the sight in the corner. What had the Fatui forced into their army been doing on the island? Had the violent knight who had attempted to wring his neck made him come all the way out here to do some of their dirty work of collecting the discarded weapons? Blonde knight nowhere in sight, it looked at its sister.

Fatui forced into their stronghold upon their island, Savon kept their flippers crossed around her waist. Sister giving him a suspicious look, the sea lion tugged their shirt, for a moment. Was such suspicion necessary? Shifty eyes not leaving, their sister began to speak.

"Huh, so they're sending out other people now?" Eau asked, suspicious. "If you're here to take the weapons back, go right ahead. Savon and I are preparing to leave for Dornman Port, anyway." Flippers placing the swords in his hand, she huffed.

Wet swords placed into his hands, the early adult mouthed a thank you towards the sea lion chimeras. But, as he placed the weapons into the trunk, grey-pink eyes had been darted around his neck. Flippers pointing at his neck, the hyena yelped. Why was Savon looking at his neck? Flippers soon flapping in the air, he looked into their eyes.

"Those Fatui of yours didn't take care of your neck?!" Savon asked, flippers flapping on the wind. "Your subordinates definitely don't care about you!"

Shrugging his shoulders, the soldier returned to the vessel. Starsnatch Cliff reached after about two hours of boating forward, the hyena looked around the sandy beach. No other hidden weapons in the sand, the hyena stepped towards the left. Perhaps heading to Starfell Lake would be the best course of action, for now.

Turning his heelless shoes towards the direction he came, Siorc turned his head toward the right and left. No holes in the grass, the early adult kept walking towards the west. Perhaps the weapon captor had begun to get smarter. Waterfall raging about in the background, the hyena gazed at the roaring falls. Stepping in the lake nearby, for a moment, the soldier placed his hand in the water.

No weapons in the river near the waterfall, the chimera returned to the path in front of him. Starfell Lake closing in, the hyena's legs erupted into a sprint. Soaked shoes leaving wet footprints on the dirt road, the soldier accelerated his sprint. Lake soon adjacent to him, the hyena turned his attention to the bed of water below.

Five bows floating on the river stream, the hyena removed the weapons from the water. Had the blade and bow captor been getting lazier? Leaving the stolen weapons out in the open was quite the mistake. Placing the bows into the trunk, the hyena jumped over the small body of water. The time had come to head for Stormbearer Point.

Reaching Stormbearer Mountains after two hours of climbing, the hyena scouted the area. Spotting a hole by Cecilias, the chimera bellowed a growl. How dare the weapon captor bury their stolen treasures near precious flowers. Criminals were villains to nature, for sure.

Digging around the flowers carefully, the shovel had begun to cruise through the hole slowly. Swords uncovered, the hyena counted the swords buried deep beneath. Ten uncovered, the weapons had been slammed into the trunk. Hole soon filled in, the soldier let out a sigh. Perhaps, in the future, he could plant flowers in the affected areas.

Walking off towards the peak, the hyena rolled his eyes at the uncovered hole in front of him. Had the thief given up on hiding their crime? Hole deep enough to drop down into, the chimera jumped inside. Five bows sitting deep in the ground of Stormbearer Point, the early adult climbed back upward. Dirt soiling his uniform, the soldier patted out the sediment.

Bag beginning to weight his body down, the hyena let out a grunt. There was no way he could carry a twenty-sixth weapon if he were to come across one, dragging his feet forward, the chimera huffed. Just what had the Knights of Favonius' swords been made out of, tungsten? Jumping off the ledge of the mountain's point, his feet landed onto the ground with a sharp drop.

Knights patrolling around Starfell Lake as the soldier's feet dragged toward the lake, Knight looking anxious, the soldier looked into the man's generic eyes. The lyre being stolen had to have put every single knight on edge. Placing his hands in front of him, the soldier played a lyre on the air. Tilting his head, the soldier waited.

Knight shaking his head, the soldier dragged his feet forward. No other knights having an answer as the City of Freedom approached, the chimera let out a sigh. No knights having any answers about the lyre yet again, he supposed his wordless questions were futile.

Nightfall dropping as the capital city of Mondstadt had been reached, the chimera kept dragging his feet forward. Knights Headquarters reached after twenty minutes of trudging, the soldier dropped the retrieved weapons with the Acting Grand Master. Bowing an apology over the lyre for the second day in the row, the chimera exited the building.

Returning to his hotel room, the chimera walked around in a circle upon the wooden floor. Sea of thoughts wrapping vines around him, his pace about would not cease. The snake, the person was still quite suspicious. But, the soldier shook his head. There was no way the medusa stole the lyre, the gorgon had said so. Pushing the suspicion into Starfell Lake, the hyena let out a yawn. Wave of tiredness overtaking the chimera, the soldier slumped into the hotel bed. Closing his eyes as the world of sleep took him away, one final thought crashed waves inside the early adult.

Maybe other people in city knew intel about the lyre.

***

Waking up the next early morning, an idea had come to Siorc in an instant. Perhaps the daytime drinkers at Angel's Share could have had information about the lyre. Resolute on his decision, the hyena marched onward. Hotel soon exited, he headed for the tavern.

Tables already filled outside the tavern the soldier turned his attention to the men drinking in the corner. Tall generic man grossly burping and talking about the famous Adventurer Stanley, the chimera stepped away. There was no way the man was clear headed enough to be able to answer him. Outside advertiser turning his head towards him, the soldier quickly opened the door. He needed to make his visit to Angel's Share quick.

Daytime drinkers far too gone to be coherent in any way, the chimera crossed his currently human arms across his waist. Drunkards were the most useless people on the planet, for sure. Braiden teal possible boy drinking like mad mumbling about the lyre under his breath, the soldier sat in the chair next to them.

Teal braided drunkard continuing to say words under his breath, the soldier drummed his fingers on the counter. Bearded generic man telling him to stop or he would be kicked out, the early adult ended his drum about. While he knew such action was disruptive, he needed the drunkard's attention immediately.

Teal haired drunkard looking his way, the hyena placed his hands in front of him. Strumming the invisible lyre for thirty seconds, the soldier looked into the drunkard's shimmering eyes. Drunk possible boy yawning as his air performance ended, tired words bounced on his eardrums.

"The lyre?" the drunkard asked. "Beats me!" He then turned to the bearded bartender. "One more, barkeep!" Mug soon filled to the brim with poison liver liquid, the possible boy had been in paradise.

No answers of any kind obtained in Angel's Share, the soldier stood up from the barstool. Knowing if he were to continue asking, he would hit a dead end, the soldier exited the tavern. But, a disgusting sight awaited him as he stepped outside once more. Tall penguin knight stamping his boots with a fervor looking his way, the hyena let out a groan. What did the pesky older penguin chimera want from him? Whatever it is, he wanted no part of the penguin family's nonsense.

Getting reports a Fatui had stepped into Angel's Share, König had been on the offensive. Pathetic, purple haired girly Fatui stepping out of the tavern, König smirked. There was no reason to call him over; the man was a weakling. Turning his head towards his back pocket, a sight caught his eyes. A shovel had been wedged back there. Perhaps, the girly man would prove useful in the ongoing weapon retrieval heist. Gloved hand out, the grappling grip had been ready.

"Girly little Fatui, come with me!" König shouted, grabbing his wrist. "We're going to Dadaupa Gorge!"

Not given an option to refuse, gripping prison had taken the hyena away. Thorn in his side dragging him out of the city like a ragdoll, the early adult surrendered. There was no way he would be able to break free of the knight's strong hold on his wrist. Such was an impossibility to be had, for sure.

König asking his fellow knights information about weapons, answers had come his way, in an instant. Watching as the pesky penguin knight got intel about the hidden weapons Dadupa Gorge, the chimera clicked his tongue. If he knew where the weapons had been, why did he need him to come along? The penguin chimera family were more aggravating than unkempt grass in Inazuma.

Pesky penguin knight stopping by the red statue near the huge tree to pray, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Was there really any time to stop and pray? But, he supposed faith was just as important to König as it was to him. Drag forward soon resuming, the walk continued. Lifted up from the torso as a cliffside approached, the hyena let out a sigh as an odd complaint had come his way.

"Aren't men supposed to be heavy?" König asked, flapping his gums. "Girly in every single way, even your weight!"

Hearing the insult, the chimera let out a growl. What did his weight have anything to do with the situation at hand? Not dignifying such with a response, the soldier remained quiet. Cliff soon scaled, gripping prison had soon returned. Gorge reached after twenty-five minutes of dragging, a lake had been skirted around.

Grave of swords soon reached, the hyena's wrist had been let go of. Pesky knight commanding him to dig, the early adult folded his left hand into a fist. Who did the knight think he was, ordering him around? But, he knew he could not disobey. His orders were absolute. Lowering himself to his knees, the hyena pressed the shovel into the grass. But, as he prepared to start digging, another voice had echoed in his inhuman eardrums.

"Wowkers waffles wilting!" a familiar voice exclaimed. "Look, Kylling, that Matra is a Fatoosy!" Another voice soon joined the party.

"Fatuus, Lang!" Kylling corrected. "But, lookit, a knight's here, too! Think they're here to bury some Hilichurl bodies?"

Peanut gallery providing their unwanted comments, the hyena let out a sigh. What in the world is this ridiculous conversation going on just now? But the early adult kept his mouth shut. It was not worth giving the goat and sheep chimera a response. Hearing a slap over a face as his shovel pressed into the dirt, the soldier let out a grunt. Noise was the worst distraction in all of Teyvat.

"You're those infuriating bounty hunters," König groaned. "Don't you two have work to do?"

Knight calling her girlfriend and she infuriating, Lang waved her hands about rapidly. The knight thought bounty hunters were a thorn in his side? Who was he to get testy when he was making the Fatoosy doing all the work for him? She would remind him of the situation back at the city to spook him.

"Uh, heyo, Mr. Penguin Knight! The city is in shambles right now!" Lang shouted, waving her hands about. "Butter bathing my biscuits! We haven't had work for days! So, get off our boards, okie dokie?" A shout had come her way in an instant.

"Archons!" König screamed, hands in the air. "You two bounty hunters are beyond help!"

Tuning out the sound around him, the soldier had continuing digging. Swords popping up through the dirt, the early adult crouched into the hole. Ten blades dropped into the pesky penguin knight's hands, the retrieved weapons had been placed into the trunk from behind him. As such had been completed, a new lead had come everyone's way.

"Come to think of it, Lang, didn't you spot some bows lying around in the Hilichurl beds?" Kylling asked her girlfriend.

"Golly geezers, gosh, you're right, Kylling!" Lang responded, pointing her finger upward. "Some scoundrel with an eyepatch did it! What a wallowing wacko!"

Wrist gripped into a tight lock, the soldier closed his eyes as the pesky penguin knight dragged him forward. Ladder soon reached, a demand had come his way. Ordered to climb upward, the soldier did as instructed. While answering orders to the penguin chimera was more disgusting than dirt, he knew he had to bear it.

Fifteen weapons retrieved through the Hilichurl beds above, the chimera handed the stolen bows and swords off to the penguin knight. Blades and sharshooters placed into the trunk on the knight's back, the scour about continued for hours on end. Nothing new uncovered, the weapon search had been halted.

"You're not so girly, and useless after all," König said, words practically forced out of his mouth. "Since you performed far better than I anticipated, I'll just take the bag back to headquarters." He then gazed at his pockets. "Keep searching on your own. Bye."

Pesky penguin chimera soon leaving, and sheep and goat chimeras long gone from the area, the hyena had come to wonder. The Dawn Winery, could any of the people that worked around there know about the holy lyre? The soldier recalled a story from his stolen childhood that wine and wind were heavily linked together. Turning towards the west, the chimera would not falter.

No one at Dawn Winery having an answer regarding the lyre, the soldier had begun to sigh. Maybe modern citizens were the incorrect people to ask. Nightfall soon upon him, another idea had flowed through the early adult. The Cat's Tail, perhaps someone there might know. Speeding up his walk, the chimera had begun running.

Capital City of Mondstadt reached after an hour of running, the chimera dashed off towards the Good Hunter. Turning towards the area next door, the hyena caught his breath. Running was a cardiovascular exercise indeed. Cat-like door in front of him, the early adult tilted his head. When had the Cat's Tail gotten a new door? It was almost as if, in alternate world of Teyvat, the Cat's Tail had finally been accessible to the public, but such thought was unknown to the citizens of Mondstadt and beyond.

Secondary Tavern as busy as ever in the evening, the soldier turned his head to the right and left. Generic patrons from all around the world sans Natlan and Snezhnaya playing cards, the hyena shook his head. It was rude to disturb people while they were in the middle of a match. But, a particular face stuck out amongst the crowd of generic nobodies.

Lynx chimera kicking a generic nobody at Genius Invocation with a card of itself on the top of its deck, the soldier tapped its shoulder. Game looking about to end, he supposed asking now was the only chance he would get. Preparing himself for the word leech to come his way, the chimera placed his hands in front of him. Surely, Naofa knew where the lyre was; its manipulation of the world ran deep.

Feeling a disruptive tap on the shoulder, Naofa turned around. Siorc's pathetic fingers pretending to play a lyre, it let out a scoff. What a pathetic little water flea the hyena chimera was, interrupting the final turn of its Genius Invocation match to ask about the weak lyre. Perhaps giving him the answer he wanted would shut up his wordless mouth.

"Oh? The lyre? That thing? Why would I have stolen that stupid thing, leech?" Naofa asked, irritated. "I could have sworn I plucked those strings ages ago!" A smirk soon appeared on its face. "Oh, but maybe I saw someone suspicious appear by the Temple of the Falcon yesterday." It then placed its hands on his back, pushing him away. "Now, get out of my face, flea! You interrupted my game!"

Back pushed for the second time of the week, the soldier walked into the back room in the corner. trading card game table empty without any visitors playing, the soldier paced around the room, for hours on end. Was Naofa truly telling the truth? He did not know what to believe. Circle about continuing onward, the early adult accidentally let out a yawn. Couch right next to him, the soldier curled up into a ball. Sleep taking him away, the soldier dozed off.

He had gotten too comfortable.

***

"Guess it is best I head for Temple of Falcon today,
Obviously, Naofa could be lying, but I
Don't think I should ignore this possible lead.

Of all the people I asked, it is the only one with a
Feasible answer. I must not let it sink.

Wind guide me,
I know I am no longer supposed to worship the Anemo Archon, but
Now's the time. I need your guidance, please.
Do not think I'll be heard, but I'm praying."

Feeling a yank on his shoulder, the hyena had instantly been jolted awake. Sour, pink haired cat girl giving him an angry look as his eyes fluttered open, sweat had poured down his back. Was he about to get an earful from the Cat Tail's star employee? Bracing himself, the soldier shook with a fervor.

"Hey, you, boozlehound! You can't freeload around here!" the cat girl shouted, pout evident in voice. "Get outta here before I call the knights on you, weirdo!"

Threats coming his way, the hyena dashed out of the Cat's Tail like lightning. If he were to get in trouble now, Her Majesty would hear of it for sure. Sprinting off towards Knight's Headquarters, the chimera caught his breath. Heartbeat dissipating into normalcy, the soldier entered the Knight of Favonius Headquarters. But, as he stepped into the Acting Grand Master's office, a scolding show was playing right in front of him.

Kígyó and the Cavalry Captain in the Acting Grand Master's office looking as though they had been in the hottest of waters, the soldier stared in silence. Acting Grand Master's boots tapping on the ground, a revelation had hit the Headquarters walls in a matter of seconds.

"Kígyó, -----, ----- said she saw you two burying swords around Mondstadt," the Acting Grand Master said, voice getting impatient. "Care to explain yourselves?"

"It's that Bard's fault! He roped me into this!" Kígyó shouted, human hands waving about. "I only agreed because he told me if I did, he'd find a way to end my suffering!" A laugh soon entered the room.

"Oh, my!" the Cavalry Captain exclaimed, dishonesty evident in his voice. "Now, this is the first time I've heard of this Master ----!"

Hearing the guilty attempting to plea innocent, the hyena shook his head. He knew the snake had to have been responsible for one of the crimes. Savon and Eau's suspicions being right, as well, the chimera could feel a wave of disappointment flow inside him. The Cavalry Captain had sabotaged his fellow members, how low of him.

Cavalry Captain's guilty plea only worsening as the seconds raged onward, the chimera rolled his eyes to the ceiling. Eyepatched man proclaiming not having to work was a good thing sometimes, no agreeing words had come the man's way. Acting Grand Master soon looking the soldier's way, the early adult gave eye contact.

"Thank you for coming again," the Acting Grand Master said, hand on her chest. "But, someone else already uncovered the remaining buried weapons." She placed her hands in front of her. "Although, your subordinate told me he spotted two unusual figures entering the Temple of the Lion."

Bowing a thank you at the Acting Grand Master, the soldier exited the Headquarters as fast as his human legs would allow. Temple of the Lion echoing in his inhuman eardrums, the soldier had come to wonder. Had Naofa gotten the location wrong? But, the chimera shrugged. Perhaps the perpetrators of grand theft lyre were constantly on the move.

Reaching the entrance to the Temple of the Lion after about two hours of walking, a gust of wind blew from behind the early adult. Turning his head, a sight to behold graced his heterochromatic field of damaged vision. The teal haired drunkard, just what was he doing behind him? Possible boy practically floating like the wind, a question blew like the breeze.

"Mind if I join you?" the sober drunkard asked, practically singing.

Hearing the possible boy's question, the chimera tilted his head. Why did they want to join him? Whatever reason they wanted to, he supposed he had no reason to question them. Nodding, the sober drunkard let out a tongue sticking out giggle. Blue doors soon opened, the duo entered the room in silence.

Small room that looked like a tiny dungeon to learn how to wield the elements, a sight beyond belief caught the hyena's eyes by surprise. Liath holding the lyre with its bony hand with Gris standing next to it, questions crashed waves around the chimera. The scorpion was the Lyre thief? He could not help but feel it had a reason to do such a thing. Holding any judgement he had, the chimera placed his hand over his heart. Perhaps it would best to wait for it to explain itself.

"Aha, so you're the one who took the lyre," the sober drunkard proclaimed as though they already knew.

Caught bony handed, Liath's body had begun to shake like a maraca. Had it been caught already? While it knew stealing the lyre was a sin that weighed heavy upon the sinner, a story from its childhood could not be ignored. Hearing a fairytale that the Holy Lyre Der Himmel could heal anyone's ailments, desperation had reached its peak.

It needed to use the lyre, just this once. Flesh hand soon on the strings, its fingers continued shaking. Right, maybe if it explained itself, maybe the man before him would be understanding. Unable to think clear thoughts, its words had gotten ahead of themselves, streaming out of its mouth.

"I will give it right back," Liath responded, shaking. "I heard a rumor this lyre can heal any ailment, including blindness. Please, let me use it, just for a moment!"

Hearing their sibling say something completely nonsensical, Gris' ears had begun to perk. Where had Li heard such a story? She never recalled her mother telling her such a tale when they were children. Had the stress of the situation with her blindness have it create stories that were never real? Feeling the area of darkness around her, she placed her not visible hand on her sibling's shoulder.

"Li, what are you talking about? Mama never told us that story!" Gris exclaimed, concern evident in her voice. "Are you sure you're not making that story up?"

Hearing Liath's defense, a stone had sunk in the hyena's chest. Liath had only stolen the lyre to try to heal its sister's eyesight? He supposed he did not blame it for such, if it thought such could have been possible. Bard looking at the two scorpion siblings, a confirmation had come their way.

"Wow, what an amazing legend!" the teal bard exclaimed, almost clapping. "But, I am afraid it is not true. This lyre cannot heal the blind." Placing their hands in front of them, they clapped them together into an apologetic stance.

Legend proven false, Liath's reptile eyes had become to twitch. Maybe Gris was right, perhaps its mind had been making legends up to cope with the newform stress budding inside it. Placing the lyre in the stranger's hands, it bowed its head. While an apology was the last thing on the tip of its tongue, such was necessary.

"I apologize," Liath said, handing the lyre back. It then turned to Gris. "Gris, we're heading back to Enkanomiya." Taking its sister's hand, they exited the area.

Bard cheerfully singing it was time to head back, the soldier let out a sigh. What was the sober drunkard so happy about? But he supposed, getting the Holy Lyre Der Himmel back was worth the cheerful disposition. As the bard cheerfully dashed in front of him, a sea of thoughts polluted the chimera's fading human brain.

The scorpion chimeras, would they going to be alright? Stealing the lyre had to have some sort of divine consequences. But, the soldier kept himself quiet. There was no way he could ask such a question. Church of Favonius soon returned to, the doors had been burst open.

Lyre handed off to the Deaconess, the young woman hugged the instrument like it was a stuffed doll. Crying that Barbatos had heard her prayers, the teal bard stuck his tongue out. Seeing such, the soldier squinted. Why did the bard have such a cheeky look on his face? The Anemo Archon looked nothing like him at all. Deaconess readying to hide the lyre back in its dungeon, a shout hit the church walls.

"I'll never let you out my sight again, Holy Lyre Der Himmel!" the Deaconess shouted. "We need to get better security!" Running through the secret dungeon, the young woman had been gone.

Lyre heist coming to an end, the soldier supposed it was in his best interest to alert the Acting Grand Master the job had been done. Bard still following from behind him, the early adult placed his shoulders around his waist. Why was the sober drunkard still following behind him? But, a bombshell had soon been dropped as the bard and he stepped into the Acting Grand Master's office.

"-----, I have been informed you coerced Kígyó into hiding weapons around Mondstadt," the Acting Grand Master scolded, arms folded around her chest. "Please explain yourself." But, an immediate answer had come her way.

"Acting Grand Master, you've been pranked!" the bard proudly exclaimed. Laughing, he hit the palm of his hand on the top of his hat, sticking out his tongue.

Acting Grand Master slapping her hand over her face, the soldier mirrored her motion in tandem. What an absolutely ridiculous prank. Acting Grand Master soon looking his way, the hyena placed his hands in front of him. Signing he had finished the job, the tired knight tossed gratitude his way.

Knight telling him that his subordinate had been waiting for him at the hotel, the soldier bowed his head. Gratitude coming her way, the soldier headed for Goth Grand Hotel. Agent waiting for him in the lobby, he swore he could see a smirk on the front side of his mask. But, he knew such had been his imagination.

"You did excellent work, soldier," the Agent said, pride unable to hide in his voice. "You are dismissed. Keep up the good work."

Praise coming his way, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Opening the orb into map form, the chimera highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Icy cold hallways upon him in a split second, the hyena walked through the corridors slowly.

Soundproof room reached after about half an hour of walking, the hyena walked in a circle upon the icy cold floor. Liath, he could not help but notice it had been incredibly pained over Gris. But, he supposed he understood the struggle. If Hase were to ever go blind, he would not be able to stand it.

Circle about continuing for hours on end, a sea of thoughts clouded the hyena. Was there truly no way to cure Gris' blindness? If such were the case, the scorpion's suffering would never end. Pain slapping his chest, the soldier closed his eyes. The world was cruel.

Feeling a wave of tiredness overtake him as the late evening rolled in, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed, as well, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Glasses put away, and world of sleep about to invite him back in as his head hit the pillow, one final thought wrapped vines around the hyena.

Chimeras are suffering indeed.

---

This was something I wrote as an in betweener so it's optional.

 

[Palamon]

TW: GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF VIOLENCE, ATTEMPTED MURDER.

I STRONGLY CAUTION BEFORE READING THIS ONE

25. The Cataclysm, Abyssalflies, and Ribs Broken

"Can't help but feel Mondstadt is crumbling
Really, I do not understand. Nothing is
Ordinary. The lyre, the abyss order,
Something is changing,
Something is breaking.
Be that as it may,
Obviously I cannot do anything
While I am away.

Away, in this cold breeze.
Nothing good will come of this
Disastrous change.

How could the Abyss Order do this?
And, the lyre,
Liath, it is breaking.
Breaking, cracking.
Everything in the city of freedom is a world of unease.
Really something must be done. But,
Do not have the order to do.
So, I will remain suspicious, in the background."

Four days had passed since the hyena and the lynx chimera had dealt with the Abyss Order in Mondstadt. City of Freedom not returning to normal after the draconic ordeal, another round of oddities had come the early adult's way within his continued Diplomatic Fatui life.

Original order of delivering supplies in Mondstadt cancelled upon entry, a strange order had possessed normalcy like a ghost. Holy Lyre Der Himmel stolen as well as all the weapons within the Anemo Nation of Freedom scattered throughout the land, a task like no other had been conferred upon the hyena.

Requested to search for the missing weapons and harp of the gods, a four day long lyre heist was upon the soldier. Hidden blades and bows uncovered, and removed lyre retrieved after a half-week of searching, the The Holy Lyre Search Quest had reached it end. Harp returned to its owner, the city of freedom's panic had died a tragic death.

Upon waking up for the morning, the soldier placed his glasses over his heterochromatic eyes. Frozen wind slamming the window with a roaring passion, the hyena had rose from the uncomfortable bed. Time beginning to tick faster, the chimera had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As his uniform melted onto his partially human person, the soldier removed the bandages from around his neck. Uncomfortable elastic finally removed, the early adult took a long deep breath. If he were to be working with Naofa today, he knew he could not disappoint it, or worse violence will come his way, for sure.

Buttons in the correct holes, the hyena clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Second favorites in his hair and ears, the soldier closed his eyes, for a moment. Perhaps, just maybe the rabbits would protect him if heated anger were to grace his partially human person.

Hooking the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants, the chimera gazed down at the yellow-green orb for a moment. Recalling what his former practice partner told him about always keeping his Vision near him at all times, the soldier had come to wonder. Why did such have to be the case? But, the hyena shook his head. He supposed it was a question that had no answer.

Heelless shoes slipped over his currently human feet, the chimera removed the rations from the top of his uniform drawers. Flavorless gruel travelling down his throat with every bite, the early adult turned his attention back towards the barricaded window. Just what could have possibly been in store for him today? Jobs being unpredictable as of late, the soldier knew anything was possible.

Final bite soon taken, the early adult shrugged his shoulders. He knew, no matter what orders were about to come his way, he had to be ready for anything. Nothing being out of order, and everything taken care of, the soldier had finished the morning routine of dressing the body.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march onward inexorably, the early adult turned his attention towards the door. Time beginning to run out, the soldier prepared himself. Any second now, an order would come his way. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the hyena put on the most diplomatic face possible. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom.

"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. Another day, another opportunity for the soldier to gain strength in combat.

Hearing the word training, the soldier took another deep breath. He knew, if he were training with the lynx chimera today, he needed to prepare himself, for sure. Knowing the expectations upon him weighed a ton, the early adult looked into the Agent's mask.

"Yes, sir," the chimera responded autonomously. Arm out in front of him, the soldier waited for the escort to begin.

Immediate response coming his way, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent, the soldier was ready today. "Good. We're leaving, soldier," the Agent responded. Limb gripped tight enough to bruise, the early closed his eyes. As the escort to the training grounds began, one thought poked the active shark grooves in the hyena's fading human brain.

He needed to perform well today, or violence would continue to rise upon him.

***

"Cannot help but feel Her Majesty is beginning to test me.
Really, a halberd, and crossbow today?
Your Majesty, this cannot be.
She must not know that polearms are beyond me.
They are not in my blood.
All types of spears, they are beyond me.
Looks like I have no choice,
For these are my orders on the battlefield.
Look, Your Majesty, this will not impress you, truly.
I am not an archer; not a dasher.
Every single time, I make no progress.
So, this is quite the oddity, for you, wouldn't you say?

This weapon, I am not built for such contraption.
Eremites ought to handle it better than I.
Naofa may be proficient, but I am not.

This makes no sense, but
I know, thinking about such is for naught.
My orders are absolute.
Every question I have must leave me.
Silence is my reckoning.

This halberd, I may fail
However, I have no choice.
Even if I am unable to control such weapon
I know the choice is not mine.
Right, my day is predetermined.

Nothing in undecided.
Of all the years I have been here, I know for a
Relatively correct fact, Her
Majesty decides everything.
All of this is her little game. Her
Ludicrous game of chess.

She wants me to get stronger, faster, efficient.
I am nothing more than a piece in her game. A rook in her
Zone. A pawn on her board.
Even so, I need to keep training, obedience is key."

Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training grounds, a sight beyond belief caught the hyena's eyes as he proceeded towards the weapons room. Six gigantic cocoons surrounded with flames, ice, rock, water and vines sitting vacant on the battlefield, the soldier let out a gulp. Just what could possibly hatch from such thing? Turning his attention forward, the chimera proceeded towards the usual shelf.

Greatsword made out of white iron grabbed like usual, the chimera walked towards the lynx chimera. Odd dark blue chess piece embedded into its collar, and crossbow in its right hand, the soldier tilted his head. Why did Naofa have an elemental chess piece as well? But, the hyena shook his head. He supposed, whatever the reason could have been was no business of his. Boots tapping on the ground, the early adult made eye contact.

"There you are, moth," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "Put that weapon away! You'll be needing a crossbow and halberd today!" It pointed its fingers towards the weapon room with a fervor.

The hyena's heart skipped a beat as he headed back towards the weapons room. He had to use a polearm today? He would fail to perform if such were indeed the case. Crossbow and halberd removed from their shelves, the chimera let out a gulp. There was no way he would be able to use such weapon properly. Polearm arts were not in his blood.

Returning to Naofa, the soldier gazed at its collar for the second time of the day. Dark blue elemental chess piece continuing to glare daggers at him, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. Just what was Her Majesty planning? Whatever powers the king piece contained, he knew the drawbacks would be deadly for the lynx chimera, for sure.

Seeing Siorc's eyes wander to its collar, Naofa let out a sinister cackle. How pitiful the hyena chimera was, being nervous over a fake Hydro Gnosis. The modern water fleas of today were weak creatures, terrified of their own shadow. Perhaps explaining the object to him would wipe the pathetic look off his face.

"Oh, this? That wretched god wants me try out her fake little Gnosis," Naofa said, tone toxic. "How pathetic! Creating the false power of a nonexistent god!!" A smirk soon appeared on its face. "But, she'll get what's coming to her, just you wait, flea!" A sinister laugh broke loose from its throat.

White haired harbinger with a manly attitude and x-shaped pupils stepping onto the battlefield, the early adult turned his attention towards the soldier in charge. Handsome woman's gloves pointing at the cocoons with commando, their voice echoed on the frozen northern wind.

"Destroy the Crystalfies as they emerge from their cocoons," the manly Harbinger commanded. "Hop to it!" As they said such, they exited the battlefield.

Cocoons beginning to rattle, the sound of stomping boots drowned out the frozen wind, in an instant. Prisons of metamorphosis continuing their rattle about as the seconds raged onward, the hyena gazed downward at his halberd. Would he truly be able to use such weapon? Failure awaited him, guaranteed.

Watching as Siorc clutched the halberd like a nervous dog that looked like a rat, Naofa let out a scoff. How pitiful he was, for being scared to use unconventional weapons beyond what he had already been used to. Perhaps, telling him a story would make him be able to get proficient faster.

"You should see the look on your face, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, toxic tone seeping with venom. "Oh, by the way, the cocoons can only be attacked by a crossbow. So, charge your elemental powers well, moth!" It pointed at the hyena chimera's vision. "Let's get this started, shall we?"

Taking a deep breath, the hyena prepared himself. Sheathing the halberd behind him, the early adult placed the crossbow into his hands. Odd contraption with many intricacies glaring daggers at him, the soldier tilted his head. Just how would he be able to fire an arrow out of such a thing? But, he knew he had no choice but to figure it out.

Watching as the lynx chimera fired a Hydro induced arrow at lightning speed, the hyena gazed at his weapon. Weapon aimed at the first cocoon, the early adult flipped the crossbow around. Just where did the arrows go into such contraption? Attempting to hold the weapon in the correct position, the soldier slid the arrows into the backside.

Aiming the foreign weapon at the cocoon infused with water, Siorc pinched the string back. Placing the arrow onto the center, the early adult held the shot for fifteen seconds. Yellow-green aura soon glowing on the bow's tip, the hyena let go of the string. Weapon darting on the cold air in random fire, the shot had missed by a kilometer.

Arrow not reaching the target, the soldier turned his attention back towards the crossbow. How was he supposed to master a new weapon in a matter of hours? There was no way such would be possible, in the slightest. But, the hyena kept his mouth shut, there was no way he could say such; complaints were forbidden.

Naofa firing another successful shot with its crossbow, a loud crack shook the battlefield. Cocoon cracking ever so slightly, the hyena copied the lynx chimera's movements like a certain red bird that repeated everything it heard. Second arrow missing its mark, sweat had begun to pour down the early adult's back. He needed to fire a successful shot soon, or the lynx chimera would have his neck.

Cocoon soon breaking open, the soldier turned his attention towards the sky. Dendro Crystalfly ten times the size of a normal one flapping its wings with a fervor, a sea of vines had come the lynx chimera's way. But, such obstacle had been destroyed in a matter of seconds. Dark blue chess piece glowing rapidly, water projectiles poured out of the lynx's body in quick succession.

Crystalfly's second life over before it could even begin, the early adult gazed at the cocoon of water in front of him. Surely, there had to be a way to crack the pod open quickly. Shifting the position of his legs, the chimera placed another arrow onto the string. Eyes on the enemy, the soldier kept aiming.

But, such attempt was futile. Dendro arrow speeding on the wind, the target had not been reached once more. Weapon glaring daggers at him as the seconds raged onward, the hyena placed another arrow onto the string, but as the fourth shot of failure was about to take shape, Naofa's voice had begun to bounce on his inhuman eardrums.

"Say, want to hear another story, flea?" Naofa asked.

Hearing such question, Siorc rose an eyebrow. Why did it want to tell a story now, of all times? Looking down at the crossbow for a moment, the soldier wondered. Had he truly been holding the weapon right? Shifting his fingers a smidgeon, the early adult returned the arrow to the string.

Arrow of Dendro infusion nearly hitting the pod of life, the early adult turned his attention towards Naofa. Knowing it expected an answer, no matter what, the hyena nodded. What absolutely ludicrous story awaited him this time? Whatever it was, he knew he had to listen.

Wind roaring about for a moment, the chimera placed the crossbow into his left hand. Surely, if he fired an arrow with the correct hand, a sharpshoot would be guaranteed. Shot held for fifteen seconds, the power of Dendro flowed through the weapon. Aiming the arrow at the cocoon, the tip had begun to fire towards the cocoon in seconds.

Dendro and Hydro soon colliding, a seed exploded with a fervor. Hole opened up in the pod of second life ever so slightly, the hyena let out a sigh of relief. Second arrow fired after a minute had passed, the sound of cocoons bursting open had begun to echo on the cold wind. Attempting to remain focused, the second arrow of nature and the pod of water met.

Turning his head towards the lynx chimera, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Naofa with a huge smirk on his face, a wave of bewilderment flowed through him. What had they been smirking about this time? Whatever story was about to grace his inhuman eardrums, he knew it would be a ridiculous tall tale, for sure.

Seeing Siorc fire two successful shots a few minutes before, Naofa's smirk turned into a sinister grin. the hyena chimera's accuracy had already been improving. Weak cocoon breaking open ever so slightly, a catty look painted its face. The time had come to to unleash the only information that mattered.

"Good! Then listen well, butterfly!" Naofa exclaimed, plastic tone returning. "Do you know anything about the Cataclysm?"

Hearing Naofa's inquiry, the hyena tilted his head. What in the world was the Cataclysm? He had been none the wiser to such event existing. Readying his crossbow once more, the early adult closed his eyes, for a moment. No recollection of ever stumbling upon notes about the Cataclysm in his father's study in his stolen childhood, the chimera shook his head. Perhaps such event had been too far back into Teyvat's past to be recorded in history.

Cocoon breaking open as his arrow of nature infusion hit the pod, the early adult shook his head. He was overthinking it, surely. Not all information was accessible to the public. Large fly of crystals dropping down to the icy floor, the chimera unsheathed the halberd from behind him. The time had come for the spear to miss its mark by a kilometer.

Watching as Naofa's torrents of water vanquished another gigantic Crystalfly in a matter of seconds, the early adult placed the spear in front of him. Surely, just maybe, if he used the polearm as though it were a greatsword, a successful slash would come his way.

Seeing the clueless look on Siorc's face, Naofa let out a haughty laugh. How typical of the modern water fleas of today to have never heard of the Cataclysm. Such was a common occurrence for the pathetic leeches of modern society. It would remind him once and for all the tragedy that ended its people.

"Oh, so you don't know? How pathetic, flea!" Naofa responded, smirking. "The Cataclysm was the tragedy of my people! Those pitiful parents didn't teach you anything about it, I see!" A sinister laugh broke loose from its throat.

Naofa beholding his late parents with vain, the early adult held back holding a fist. Who did the lynx chimera think it was, bringing his parents into the conversation? Whatever his parents reasons were for not teaching him about the Cataclysm, they had to have their reasons while alive, for sure.

Hydro Crystalfly decuple the size of a normal bug, the hyena clutched the halberd tight. Surely, acting as though it were a claymore would put the monster out of its abnormally large misery. Striking as one like the opera singer, the blade and the insect did not meet one another.

Torrents of water coming his way, the early adult jumped six steps back. Swiping the spear forward, the insect's wings threw a shockwave on the air. Friction hitting him, the attack did not reach its target once again. Gritting his teeth, the hyena shifted the position of his legs once more. Surely, there had to be a way to strike the monster with the halberd in a greatsword style.

Third strike hitting the ground, a ball of water had come the soldier's way. Frozen air freezing the bubble as it made contact with his palms, the early adult's eyes twitched rapidly. Was a Crystalfly about to defeat him? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense, he had to get it together immediately.

Two more strikes of the polearm missing, the early adult grit his teeth. Spears were impossible to use, for sure. Continuing to try with all his might, the tip and the frozen ground had soon become the best of friends. Naofa soon letting out a loud giggle, the hyena turned his attention towards them.

"The wretched gods, they ruined everything!" Naofa exclaimed, voice seeping with venom. "They all came to Khaenri'ah, and destroyed everything, as well as my people! If it weren't for them..." But its head had begun to pound as it attempted to finish such sentence. "You be quiet in there, leech!" Yelling at no one visible, it returned its attention to the hyena chimera. "Looks like I'm not allowed to say anything about that! Carry on fighting, flea!"

Naofa cutting itself off, the early adult tilted his head. Had the lynx chimera dipped its toes into forbidden knowledge again? He supposed, no matter who a person, or chimera may have been, the rules were absolute. Closing his eyes, for a moment, the young soldier charged the halberd forward. Perhaps, muscle memory could lead the way.

Keeping his eyes shut, the early adult placed his left hand on the lower half of the weapon. Charging the spear forward in darkness, the hyena kept going. Muscles leading the way, the polearm had begun to leave its mark upon the world. Spear hitting the creature's wings, the chimera kept going.

Feeling his way around the spear, the chimera kept slashing forward. Halberd hitting with close precision as the weapon remained out of sight, but in his mind, the hyena swung towards the left. Hearing the pointy tip hit the enemy, the early adult swung towards the right. Eyes remaining closed, the young soldier bent his body like a straw.

Dashing forward with the blade as his bespectacled eyes remain shut, a loud buzzing noise echoed on the wind. Crystalfly's wings flapping slower, the early adult struck twice in near close precision. Poking the spear forward three times, the enemy was soon no more. Opening his eyes, the hyena observed the battlefield.

No more monsters on the battlefield, the chimera walked towards the weapons room. Returning the crossbow and spear back onto their shelves, the soldier returned to the battleground. Naofa looking his way, the early adult looked into its singular visible blue eye. Snide look on its face, he supposed he knew what was about to grace his inhuman eardrums.

"You can definitely do better than that, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, tone seeping with toxins. It then bent over towards the hyena's ears, lowering its voice into a whisper. "Expect to see me again tomorrow, moth."

Dismissal being granted, the soldier exited into the military barracks. As he cruised through the icy cold hallways, the soldier looked at this currently human hands. His palms were not meant to wield a polearm, for sure. Mondstadt blood was not compatible with the spear. Such weapon and he were never meant to be.

Soundproof room upon him after ten minutes of walking, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena. Weaponized hairpins, earrings and uniform soon removed, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. World of sleep about to take him away as his head hit the pillow, one final thought looped on repeat.

Spear arts were not in his blood, indeed.

***

"Are you serious, Your Majesty? Crossbows again today?
Best you ask me to use another weapon.
You cannot be serious right now.
She is testing me, surely.
She is trying to make me stronger, surely.
All and all, this contraption is beyond me.
Look, if you want success
From me using a crossbow, that is just not happening.
Likely, I will fumble. Archery just
Is not my calling.
Every time she wants me to use any sort of bow, I am definitely not
Succeeding. But, I suppose that does not matter.

Her Majesty just wants me to be a powerful soldier.
Ah, I see how it is.
Very much so, Your Majesty.
Even syphoning information out of me isn't enough!

Really, you must want me to be a Jack-of-All-Trades!
I am the master of none of these other weapons,
She's just using me, I am nothing but a chess piece, but
Every day is a day closer to leaving.
Now, I see, everything is

A game to you, isn't it?
Well, I'll play. But you won't win.
After all, I'll be the one to checkmate.
Keep playing, but soon, the tides will turn.
Every day, my departure comes closer. "

Waking up the next morning was a predictable sight to behold. Naofa in a Knight's uniform, the hyena let out a sigh. Just what was it going to have him do this time? He knew, whatever it was, he could not keep the lynx chimera waiting, for even a moment. Looking its way, the soldier made eye contact.

"We'll be doing more spear training today!" Naofa shouted, pointing at the back of his uniform pocket. "So, hurry up and open that map of yours, moth! Don't keep me waiting!"

Seeing odd cocoon pins on his map near Windrise, the hyena crinkled his nose. The lynx chimera and he were doing spear training? What an absolute cover up of the truth. Figuring such was the only destination they would be heading to today, the early adult highlighted the waypoint closest to Windrise in a matter of seconds.

"I am ready," Siorc replied, words barely audible.

Seeing Siorc's hand already highlighting the Windrise Teleport Waypoint, Naofa let out a barely audible cackle. The hyena chimera had already figured out which waypoint was the correct one. His reaction time had been getting delightfully quicker, for sure. Pointing its finger at the waypoint, a toothy grin appeared on its face.

"Good! Now, press the teleport button, and let's get going, moth!" Naofa exclaimed, impatience growing in its tone of voice. "I wouldn't keep me waiting, if I were you!"

Lynx chimera adjacent to him, the early adult clicked the teleport button. Fast travel confirmed, the hyena dissipated the map back into orb form. Closing his eyes as the fast travel began, the young soldier took a deep breath. Whatever were about to grace him as he were to open his eyes, he knew he needed to prepare himself for anything.

Large tree in Windrise off in the distance, the lynx chimera led the way. But, as the walk forward continued, a wave of unease flowed through the early adult. He could not help but feel a dense atmosphere on the winds of freedom. Abyssal laugh hitting the wind, the early adult's heart skipped a beat as the tree approached ever so closer.

Abyss Mages with red and blue cloaks chanting spells in another language as they danced around a pulsating cocoon, the early adult's eyes opened wide. Pod of second awakening cracking open as their dance about continued, the soldier's legs shook with a fervor. A monster was about to join the creatures of the abyss, guaranteed.

Blinding light peaking through the cocoon, the hyena turned his attention towards Naofa. Lynx chimera grinning like cheese, the soldier rose an eyebrow. How could the lynx remain calm when a monster was about to hatch out into the world, at any moment? Mages looking its way, a scream hit the wind.

"You're too late, Jörmungandr!" the Abyss Mage shouted, laughing. Cocoon bursting open, a monster appeared behind them. "Our Abyssalfly has awakened!"

Jumbo Cryo Crystalfly glowing with a blinding aura, the early adult placed his hands underneath his glasses. The light was six times more intense than six fast travels combined. Wings fluttering as though they were about to break glass, fear nibbled on the cartilage of the chimera's ear. A long fight was about to be upon him.

Weak, and pitiful Crystalfly exuding the aura of the abyss, Naofa let out a sinister cackle. How pathetic the Abyss order had become, creating monsters to do their own bidding. The ones who had thought they were so mighty had fallen into the pits of Teyvat, crawling for any amount of power that remained.

"You forget who I am!" Naofa shouted, laughing. "Do you not know who you're up against?" Three arrows fired the pathetic mage's way, the monsters soon barked back.

"Just you wait, Scared Child!" the Abyss Mage bit back. "Our Abyssalfly will beat you!"

Mage poofing away, a halberd had been tossed the hyena's way. Yelping, the early adult caught the weapon, in an instant. But, such capture had been a split second too late. Balls of corrosive acid speeding his way, the chimera jumped seven steps back. Poison devouring the grass, the soldier let out a gulp. If such attack were to hit him, he would be done for.

Bending his knees, the soldier placed the halberd between his legs. Shifting his weight unto the spear, the hyena lunged forward. Attack missing more than fifteen meters of the enemy, the early adult reversed the position of his legs. Surely, charging at the enemy with the polearm would work if he aimed properly.

Bubble of toxins raining down from the air, the chimera jumped five steps further back. Venom from the world underneath Teyvat not reaching him, the early adult's legs and the spear met. Charging in the wrong direction, the halberd's point jabbed the wood of the tree in a matter of seconds.

Aiming three successful shots at the wimpy Abyssal Crystalfly, Naofa cracked its gloved knuckles. How absolutely pitiful Siorc was for not being able to use a halberd. Water flea removing the tip of the spear from the wood, it held back a chuckle. The weak were a disgrace that should not have been amongst the strong.

Removing the tip of the spear from the tree, the hyena attempted to charge forward once more. Lynx chimera's weapon hitting the gigantic insect for a major blow, the early adult took a deep breath. Surely, if he kept aiming, his spear would reach the enemy.

Lunging forward, the Abyssalfly took to the skies. Polearm sticking into the dirt, the early adult let out a grunt. The weapon of Liyue was not in his blood, indeed. Monster shot down with two shots of the lynx chimera's arrows, its singular blue eye glared daggers at him, in an instant.

"Try harder than that, flea!" Naofa shouted, tone noxious. "Shift your weight harder, and focus!"

Shout coming his way, the early adult closed his eyes. Right, he had to try harder. If he were disappoint the lynx chimera, violence would be blown upon him, for certain. Spear out of sight, but in mind, the young soldier lunged forward. Muscle memory becoming his tour guide, the hyena slashed about blind.

Slash of his weapon barely doing anything, the chimera let out a long, exasperated sigh. Had the gigantic, poisonous Crystalfly grown a resistance to physical prowess? He supposed such could have been the case. Dendro orb glowing beside him, the hyena threw down a flower friend.

Silk Flower friend leaving a mark on the Abyssal Crystalfly, the lynx chimera's spear had been surrounded by delusional waters. Torrential downpour taking the monster by storm, the insect faded into the ether in an instant. Monster's second life ended before it could truly begin, the early adult sheathed the spear from behind him.

Feeling a tight squeeze pulling the cartilage of his right ear, the hyena let out a scream. Naofa twisting the outer layer of his ear with its gloved hands, sweat had begun to pour down the chimera's back. Had he done something that was not allowed? Lynx chimera looking ready to scream, he awaited his verbal punishment.

"Don't even bother with your weak little flowers!" Naofa shouted, pulling his ear harder. "Summon one again, and something is getting decorated red!" Squeezing the lobe tighter, it pinched the skin tight. "We're heading for Falcon Coast now. Get going, flea!"

Lynx stepping in front of him, the soldier followed behind it in silence. Walking past a stream of water, and a wall of stone, the soldier took a long, deep breath. Right, he wasn't supposed to summon his flower friends today. He had stepped over the line, for sure.

Small shore line jumped across, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. Hearing laughter on the wind as the coast approached ever so slowly, unease ate the hyena up like a plate of Moon Pie. The Abyss Mages had to have already been nearby. Sprinting forward, a sight caught the two chimera's three eyes.

Deep white cocoon surrounded with elemental energy cracking open as the Abyss Mage looked Naofa's way, the early adult backed seven steps away. Abyss Mage calling Naofa a shrewd, the early adult rolled his eyes to the sky. Did the mages really think such an insult would be enough to get under the lynx chimera's skin? Monsters vanishing as the pod burst open, the hyena turned his attention to the new foe that awaited the lynx and he.

Spikes of abyssal energy crunching rapidly on the sand, the chimera jumped to the right and left. Barbs of steel continuing their rampage for minutes on end, the soldier kept jumping. Lynx chimera finding an opening for an attack, the hyena closed his eyes. Spear across his chest, the soldier lunged forward.

Muscle memory guiding him along the way, the early adult slashed the spear forward. Polearm leaving its mark, the chimera kept going. Moving the blade right and left without his eyes getting in the way, the various pokes about continued with a fervor. Swiping the halberd towards the left, the fight marched on inexorably.

Hearing the gigantic Abyssal Crystalfly move backwards, the early adult opened his eyes for a moment. Shifting his legs, the soldier shut his eyes once more. Lunging forward, the spear and the Crystalfly met once more. Fifteen pokes of the spear coming the monster's way, its wings moved backwards for the third time of the battle.

Jumping forward towards the sound, Siorc kept the slashes going in quick precision. Fifteen more hits meeting the Abyssalfly in the darkness of his mind, defeat had come the monster's way. Abyss Mage soon returning letting out a guttural scream, the soldier opened his eyes.

"You think you've won, Sacred Child?!" the Abyss Mage shouted in a high pitched voice. "Think again! We've already conquered Starfell Lake!" Laughing manically, the mage soon vanished on thin air.

Wrist soon gripped into a tight lock, the hyena had been dragged forward. Heelless shoes brushing against the sand, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Was such act necessary? But the chimera remained silent. He knew he could not say anything, or Naofa would have his neck.

Dragged up a mountainside, the hyena blinked. Had Naofa been able to hold someone that had been the weight of a malnourished military diet adult? But, the chimera pushed such thought aside. He had to been overthinking it, surely. Hilichurls dancing and waving at the lynx chimera as it passed by them, the soldier shifted an eyebrow. Had the Hilichurls of Mondstadt been under its spell, as well?

Multiple fields of grass walked through, the soldier turned his attention to the lake afar. Mages waiting by the red glowing statue in the corner, the hyena could feel his heart skip a beat. If the Abyss Mages had already overtaken Starfell Lake as they claimed, another fight awaited the lynx and he, for sure.

Mages pointing their staffs at the sky and bellowing a sinister cackle, the soldier's mouth gaped wide open. Black Abyssal Crystalfly twenty times the size of a normal one dropping down a rain of metallic bullets, the hyena's heart had begun to beat harder, and faster in his chest. Bullets dropping down on his uniform, the hyena let out a scream.

Naofa gritting its fangs, a crossbow had been tossed the early adult's way. Catching the weapon before it fell, a wave of shouts hit the chaotic wind of freedom. Lynx chimera's voice continuing to carry, he turned his attention their way, for a few seconds. Words rushing out faster than they were clear, the early adult attempted to follow.

"Forget the spear!" Naofa rapidly shouted, words barely clear. "Fire your crossbow, now!"

Aiming the crossbow into a launching stance, the early adult pressed back the string in a matter of moments. Holding the shot for seventeen seconds, Dendro and the arrow shook hands. Yellow-green aura surrounding the weapon, the arrow raced on the wind. Abyssal Crystalfly taking a beating, the bullet rain restarted like a machine rebooting itself after getting too far away from an adventurer.

Metallic bullet sea dropping around the lynx and he, the soldier turned towards Naofa. Pointing at the chess piece on its collar, the delusional king piece had begun to glow with a fervor. Dual crossbows aimed at the Abyssalfly, green and blue aura surrounded the double arrows in a simultaneous fervor. Dendro and Hydro brushing up against one another, a seed festered on the sky. Second arrow of Hydro infusion blooming the seed further, the monster flapped its wings with vigor.

Hydro and Dendro arrows brushing together once more, another seed had taken the stage. Five more seeds soon joining the party, the lynx chimera's aquatic attack drowned the seeds in an instant. Elements reacting to one another, the insect dropped into the water beneath it.

Abyssalfly sinking to the bottom of the lake, the monster had soon become one with nature. No other cocoons anywhere in sight, the sound of an Abyss Mage popping into the scene took the lakeside by storm. Monster nowhere to be seen, it pointed its sunny staff at the lynx chimera. Shout coming its way, a failed battle cry took the stage.

"You haven't seen the last of us, Jörmungandr!" the Abyss Mage shouted, unable to accept defeat. "I'll just have our friend make more monsters for us!" Teleporting out of the area, the lakeside had gone quiet.

Naofa's singular eye looking at his, the chimera made eye contact. Tiny smirk on its face, the hyena shifted his left eyebrow. Just what issues did Naofa have with the Abyss Order? But he supposed he understood their aggression. The Mages had been quite the thorn in everyone's side, as of late. Lynx chimera looking ready to speak, the soldier retained eye contact.

"You're still quite awful at handling a spear, so you know what flea? Our training will be continuing tomorrow!" Naofa exclaimed, plastic tone returning. "Expect to see me in the morning." Yanking the spear off his back, it walked forward towards the lake. "Go on, now, I'll see you later!" Walking off into the distance, the party of two had reduced to one.

Opening the orb into map form, the hyena highlighted the waypoint towards the military barracks. Soundproof room reached after fifteen minutes, a wave of unease flowed through the early adult as his head hit the uncomfortable pillow. Why was he being trained in spear art? He could not help but feel such had been a coverup for the true mission at hand. Sleep about to take him away, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in the hyena's brain.

Something wasn't right, for sure.

***

"Am I getting myself involved in something sinister? This

Feeling of unease, I can no longer shake it off.
Even I am starting to suspect, this spear training is a ploy.
Whatever Naofa is involving me in, personal

Business should be kept away.
Really, it puzzles me why Her Majesty does not question its motives.
Obviously, she does not see, she lets it do as it pleases.
Keep your personal business away from me.
Even so, something is off.
Naofa, that blond man, just what is your history?

Right, I must keep quiet.
I am outsider.
But I cannot help but feel, something is about to happen to me. My
Suspicions are at their peak."

Waking up the next morning, a wave of oddities had come the early adult's way. Naofa informing him they would be heading for a domain that popped up in Whispering Woods the other day, the soldier tilted his head. Had spear training been cancelled last minute? He could not help but feel an eerie day awaited him the Anemo Nation of Freedom.

Waypoint near the Temple of Falcon highlighted, the soldier could feel unease hug him tight. Monsters in every turn of an eye, fear churned the hyena's partially human stomach into butter. No weapon handed to him, the chimera attempted to throw down a flower friend. But, such action was halted before it could even begin.

Naofa saying it would deal with all he monsters, the enemies burst into a fiery explosion one after another. Flames creeping up in his field of vision, the soldier shut his eyes tight. The fire was out of sight, out of mind. Every single monster defeated as Whispering Woods neared, the chimera had been dragged forward.

As the two had begun to approach the domain, the hyena's body had begun to shake like a leaf. Dark blue door sitting between the trees, a shock shot down the chimera's spine. Her Majesty, was she asking him to use another odd delusion within a domain once again? If such were the case, the soldier knew he would have to prepare for a world of darkness in his mind.

Stepping into the door of subspace was a sight to behold. Tall, blond man with short, messy hair that went down to about his shoulders with a dark black outfit and galaxy cape adorning light blue eyes and a black mask covering the right side of his face except for his eye, an electric shock shot through the early adult's chest.

Tall man's right hand pitch black exuding some sort of power in the tiny spaced domain room, the hyena let out a gulp. Strange power ending the life of an Abyss Mage in the span of ten seconds as it pleaded for its life, a second spark shot through the early adult's chest. Just who had the tall blond man been? He could not help but feel the tall man did not belong in this world.

Watching as the Twilight Sword killed a pesky Abyss Mage, Naofa's blood had begun to boil. Why had the Royal Knight shown his sorry face now of all times? Whatever the pathetic man wanted, it would put an end to such immediately. How dare this man think he could get in the way of its revenge? He was an obstacle that needed to be removed from the equation.

"If it isn't the Twilight Sword!" Naofa exclaimed, voice seeping with poison. "So, you survived! I thought you would have croaked by now!"

Tall masked man looking his way, Siorc let out a yelp. Man closing his eyes and turning to Naofa with his arms around his waist, the soldier backed three steps away. The tall man's gaze was a terrifying sight to behold. Invisible daggers on him every step of the way, the hyena continued to shake like a leaf.

"So, you survived as well. Quite impressive," the Twilight Sword replied, voice monotone.

Hearing the tall, blond man's response, a realization had flowed through the hyena. The man proclaimed the Twilight Sword, he was from Khaenri'ah. As such realization kicked in, a spark popped off in his brain. Why did such realization feel so incredibly right as though it were an irrefutable fact?

Seeing Siorc realize the truth, a smirk appeared on Naofa's face. So, the pathetic hyena chimera had come to a realization of the truth, had he? Pesky flea that was the Twilight Sword still around, the smirk soon became a frown. Such obstacle had to leave, this instant.

"Why are you here anyway, Twilight Sword?" Naofa asked, tone seeping with toxins. "I already have Mondstadt under my spell, and the Abyss Order has already been dealt with in this region. You can go back to your little hole, now, leech!" But an immediate response had come its way.

"Sacred Child, you know our people have become monsters and aligned with the Abyss Order," the Twilight Sword responded bluntly. "It is my job to oppose them."

Tall, blond man dropping a bombshell onto the floor, the hyena's eyes opened wide. All of the monsters in Teyvat, could they have been fallen citizens from Khaenri'ah. Feeling a switch flip inside him, a sea of realities flowed through the early adult's brain. Alchemy coming from Khaenri'ah, monsters coming from there, as well, everything had begun to click into place. But, a fearful world was about to take the early adult away.

Twilight Sword telling Siorc the truth of Khaenri'ah before it could, a volcano had erupted deep inside it. Who did the Royal Knight think he was divulging forbidden information casually? It would make the hyena chimera forget such conversation even happened, for sure. No Leylines anywhere in sight within the Whispering Woods area, a dark thought twirled its hair.

A snap of the hyena chimera's ribs would make him forget the conversation, in an instant.

Closing its eyes for a moment, Naofa's human hands had soon transformed into lynx talons. Claws sharp, it stepped forward, blow prepared. Bellowing a laugh, its star shaped pupils glowed with a fervor. The time had come. A price had to be paid for such information leaking out into the world.

"Look at what you went and did. You said too much, Twilight Sword," Naofa said, sleeves rolling upward. It then stepped toward the pesky hyena chimera fly. "You know too much now, ant. Perhaps I was too kind when I decorated that neck of yours." Unbuttoning his uniform, it placed his talons on his chest, slashing deep. But, another fly would buzz around unwanted.

"Jörmungandr, you are taking this quite too far," the Twilight Sword said, voice monotone. "Just manipulate the Leylines to have him forget."

Sharp claws digging into his chest seconds before, the hyena attempted with any might that remained to run. But, such attempts had been futile. Blood trickling down his chest rapidly, a wave of weakness overtook the hyena. wave of dizziness overtaking him, the sea of red kept going. Bitter laugh bouncing off his fuzzy eardrums, round two had begun to take shape.

"It's too late for that, Twilight Sword," Naofa bellowed, eyes pulsating. "You pesky fly, we're going to play a game!" Pressing its lynx claws onto the open wound, it had begun to dig deeper. "And it's called...bone snapping."

Talons beginning to sink deeper as the seconds sped up, the hyena swore he could feel bones beginning to snap in his chest. World of fuzz soon winning, the soldier had begun to fall backwards. Blackness soon taking the hyena away, one final thought poked him as the land of unconsciousness dragged him down into a world of nothing.

Naofa is dangerous, indeed.

Unconscious vegetable lying on the domain floor, Naofa picked up the lifeless body from the backside. Thin sheet of paper in its hands, it yanked the proxy orb from his back pocket. Disposing of the body elsewhere was the way to go. Dead eyes looking its way, a sinister smile grew from ear to ear.

"I will dispose of him," Naofa said, venom turning into noxious gas. "But, I'm not done with you yet, Twilight Sword. Just you wait."

Rashly picking a waypoint, Yaoguang Shoal had appeared in its line of singular eye sight in a split second. Lifeless body tossed onto the sand near the ocean, the proxy orb rolled onto the sand. Water slapping the bleeding body, Naofa shrugged its shoulders as the beach had gotten farther away with every step.

Whatever happened now was not its problem.

***
"Hyena chimera had it coming for him, really! This outcome was
Especially for the best. Twilight Sword, you should not have said that!

He should have heard the truth from me!
Ah, no matter, he won't remember after all this!
Do I regret this? No, of course not, flea.

I did what I had to. That much is true, as you can see!
The aftermath? Not my problem! Others

Can deal with this for all I care!
Obviously, no one will know it was
Me.
I am sure it will be regarded as an accident!
Now, Twilight Sword, I will deal with you.
Get ready, I won't let you breathe!"

Fortunately, outside forces would eventually hear the commotion off on the coast of the beach. Hearing the loud sound of a heavy weight dropping onto the sand, Yínlóng darted towards the disturbance on the damp ocean air. Horrifying sight burning into their pink eyes as the mystery to the sound had been solved, color had begun to drain in their face as the sight burned out the oil bulb inside them.

Watching as Siorc's lifeless body bled out on the sand, panic broke through Yínlóng's short body. Blood continuing to fall, they lowered themselves to their knees. Siorc's map contraption laying in the sand unattended, they picked the orb up. Something was clearly not right, for sure. They needed to find their teacher right away.

Opening the contraption up like they had seen Siorc do many times in the past, Yínlóng observed the giant map in front of them. Pressing the blue marker in Liyue Harbor faster than anything they had ever done in their life, the teleport button had been pressed. Map folding back into an orb, their workplace had soon been adjacent to them.

Recalling their teacher often wandered in the morning, Yínlóng dashed off towards the docks. Teacher standing beside the fence near the blacksmith speaking to Shénlóng and Qiulong about business, they lowered their head, readying to scream. While interrupting a conversation was rude, there was no time. Any second of delay, and a life would end.

"Mr. -------!" Yínlóng shouted, voice shaking. "You need to come to Yaoguang Shoal right away!" An irritated shout had come their way.

"Yínlóng! Can't you see we're in a business meeting right now?!" Shénlóng shouted, irritated. "Your lazy shenanigans can wait!" The tall, wise brunette tagged himself into the ring.

"Miss Shénlóng, that attitude is quite unnecessary," the tall brunette responded. He then turned towards Yínlóng. "What seems to be the trouble, Miss Yínlóng? You are acting quite unlike yourself."

Not hesitating, even for a moment, their worlds flowed out in a fuddled mess. "It's Siorc! He's bleeding profusely on the beach!" Yínlóng cried, words frantic. "I think someone hurt him! It looks serious!"

Opening up the map once more, Yínlóng pointed at the blue triangle in the corner. Teacher telling their cousins the meeting would have to resume later, the button had been pressed for the second time of the day. Guiding their teacher to the scene, the man crouched down.

Tall brunette teacher studying Siorc's body, Yínlóng's face had begun to get wetter than the ocean. Why would someone hurt him in such a way? Pool of red liquid decorating the sand a darker brown, a wave of discomforting words hit the ocean like a tidal wave.

"Four of your friend's ribs have been broken by a lynx," the tall brunette explained. "But, he is still breathing, I can assure you." Unconscious body scooped into his hands gently, he turned towards Yínlóng. "However, it is best he receives medical attention immediately."

Recalling their cousin telling them their boss had gone away on business elsewhere this week, Yínlóng's face had gone dark. Doctor being out, a wave of unusual uncertainty flowed through their body. Was there anyone around that could help with the current situation? They knew they had to tell their teacher of such fact.

"I've been told Dr. ------ is away, at the moment," Yínlóng replied, trying to return to a calm stature. "But Jiaolong should be back from Sumeru tomorrow."

"Then, I suggest we bring him to your grandfather's mansion for now," their teacher suggested.

Knowing such was the best course of action, Yínlóng had begun to lead the way. Finding the teleport point on the map contraption closest to the mansion, they highlighted the blue triangle faster than anything they had ever done in their life before. Teacher gently handling the body from behind them, their mansion had soon been reached.

No one in the house besides her grandfather, Yínlóng proceeded to the elder's room. Short, white haired panda head of the household sitting on a mat meditating, they bowed their head. Dark pink eyes giving her a disappointed look, they placed their hands into an apologetic stance. While they knew disturbing their grandfather during meditation hour was forbidden, there was no time to delay.

"Grandpa, please! Let my friend recuperate here!" Yínlóng begged, clapping their hands together. "He's gravely injured!"

Grandfather's eyes darting towards the hyena's limp, unconscious body, Yínlóng placed their nails underneath their lips. Stern look soon on their eldest relative's face, color had begun to drain from their face. Was he about to say no? If such were the case, fighting for what's right would come into fruition.

"I will allow it. Take him to a bed on the third floor," her grandfather said, voice stern. "However, you have to do all the commerce guild work in exchange until he is recovered enough to leave."

Hearing her grandfather's words, Yínlóng's panda ears twitched on the top of their head. They would have to take over all responsibilities for the Commerce Guild until further notice? Glass shattering inside them, a tear trickled down their face. He wouldn't get to stick by Siorc's side while he recovered? Compromises were a cruel world of no true in-between.

"I will, grandpa," Yínlóng reluctantly replied. "Leave it to me."

Teacher proclaiming he would look after him until his other grandchildren arrived at the mansion, a wave of relief flowed through the panda. They supposed, if their teacher and cousins would look after him while doing all the commerce guild work until further notice was the lesser of two painful evils, for now.

Third floor soon reached and lifeless hyena slipped into the bed with a gentle push, Yínlóng could feel her world drain of all color as Siorc's unconscious body laid under the covers like a vegetable. Scene of his bleeding body on the beach replaying in her brain, a deep frown rooted itself onto their face.

The world was cruel.

***

"You know, I don't see what Mr. ------- sees in Yínlóng!
I cannot believe this man left our meeting for an injured nobody!
Nah, you know what? I'm wasting my anger.
Like my grandfather always tells me,
'Obstruct your anger, Shénlóng.'
No matter how lazy Yínlóng is, I'll
Get a Vision much stronger than hers someday! She'll see!

It is a waste of my time getting angry over an emergency.
Sometimes, circumstances change.

Look, it isn't any business of mine.
After all, Mr.
Z------ is quite the busy man!
Yes, our meeting will resume later, work on your anger, girl!"

Coming to in a bed unknown to him, Siorc rose his body upward. But, a sharp sting of pain hammered him in the chest area. Placing himself into a sitting position, the hammer had become a stabbing jolt. His chest, the pain was beyond comprehension. Letting out a loud scream, the jabs in his chest would not cease, even for a moment.

Loud footsteps entering the room of many mysteries, the soldier put the lenses over his tired eyes. Sharp jabs only continuing to get stronger as the seconds raged onward, the hyena attempted to look forward. Tall brunette entering the room, a wave of panic flowed through the chimera.

Tall brunette coming to his bedside, a sea of questions flowed through the early adult. Where in all of Teyvat had he been taken to? If Her Majesty had found him lying in a bed somewhere, she would kill him for sure. Golden orange eyes looking his way, the early adult turned his attention towards the tall brunette. He needed to go back to work, the choice was not his if he wished to keep on living.

"Please, sir, I have to go back to work," Siorc rasped out, chest screaming with every word spoken. "Her Majesty will kill me if she finds me here." But, such point was shut down, in an instant.

"I am afraid that will not be happening," the tall brunette said sternly. "You have four broken ribs." Placing him back down into a laying position, he removed the young man's glasses. "You need not worry about your career, at present. Your God and I had a conversation. You are under contract to rest until you recuperate."

Word contract dropping a weight onto his lap, bewilderment had begun to swallow the chimera whole. What did the tall brunette have anything to do with Liyue's system of contracts? But, he supposed anyone in the Geo Nation of Contracts could write one into existence.

Closing his eyes once more, a wave of tiredness instantly took the chimera away. Contract defeating him, a dazed world around him draining all his energy, the soldier returned himself to the world of unwanted sleep. But, such rest about only lasted one-hundred-twenty minutes.

Faint smell of food awakening him from his dazed slumber, the soldier squinted. Bowl of Black-Back Perch Stew placed by his bedside, a sea of simple questions bounced around the hyena's shark eardrums. Inquiring if he could eat, the soldier nodded. Appetite deader than a corpse, however, honesty had left the building.

Tall brunette lifting his body upward, the soldier squinted as the chopsticks had been handed to him. But, as the stew entered his mouth, an odd taste travelled through his mouth. The stew was bitter, like medicine. Entire dish's flavor drowned out with a coarse, minty feel, the early adult's eyes fluttered closed.

Waking up in the middle of the night, an unbearable pain took the hyena away. Chest burning away hotter than fire, no breath was able to reach his chest. Heat taking any amount of breath away from him, a pained, weak scream broke loose from his throat. Tears streaming down profusely, the world of fire in his chest burned hotter.

Two blurred figures surrounding him touching his wrist and temple muffling out words he was unable to hear, the soldier had begun to shake with a fervor. Had he disturbed the residents of the unknown area? If such were the case, he needed to apologize immediately.

"I am sorry," Siorc rasped out, but the fiery pain in his chest continued.

"His temperature is alarmingly high," a muffled voice said. "Young man, take a moment to breathe."

Gloved hand placed on his chest, the soldier attempted with any might to take a deep breath. But, such attempt was futile, every breath he took burning with increased intensity, the hyena gasped as the attempts to puff a clear breath continued. Breathing was impossible; every breath felt like a thousand suns burning profusely.

Feeling a quick pinch on the shoulder, blackness overtook the hyena.

Everything burned.

***

"My boss was not too thrilled today,
You see, her favorite Funeral Consultant was late, on this day.

But he told me something that had me immediately
Running, 'I must apologize, I was dealing with an injured body.'
'Oh, do you need a coffin on standby?' My boss asked in her usual joking fashion.
Though his next words, I was practically bolting. 'Ah, no, Director --, not quite.' He then turned to me.
'Hase, it is your brother. He sustained a grave injury.' My
Eyes pulsated. Siorc was in Liyue. No, no, no, this cannot be. I cannot stay here. I must
Run, I must leave.

I still haven't received enough power to get him back, and
So, I scream. 'I can't stay here, I need to leave!'

I hear my boss attempt to stop me, but
No, I cannot stay here, not while I'm still weak.

Liyue, he's in Liyue, I have to leave.
'I will be leaving for Fontaine for now, boss, I apologize!'
Yes, this is for the best. I cannot stay here. I have not yet reached my
Ultimate level of strength: a Vision, I have not been given the god's blessings.
Effortlessly, I dash off. I cannot stay here, I must leave!"

Waking up at a time unknown to him was a sight to behold. Blurry figure of Jiaolong sitting by his bedside, the soldier reached for his glasses. Taller panda chimera in a dark green herbalist outfit with a Pyro Vision on his pants, the hyena shook with a fervor. Why had the Gods blessed such a man with the elemental prowess of fire? What a terrifying blessing to be had, for sure.

"Ah, you're awake, just in time," Jiaolong said, voice soft. "I am going to need you to remove your shirt for me so I can observe your ribs, for a moment in Dr. ------'s stead. Is that alright with you?"

Permission requested, the soldier nodded. He supposed, he had no choice in the matter. Uniform not on his partially human person, the soldier flinched. Had someone removed layers on him while he laid unconscious? He supposed nothing could be done if such were the case.

Only remaining shirt removed, Jiaolong's eyes studied his body like a medical textbook. Eyes staying on his chest for minutes on end, the early adult turned his attention to the wall. Rich looking gold walls serving as a momentary distraction, a sea of predictable words had come his way in an instant.

"Your ribs have not begun to heal yet," Jiaolong explained, words stern. "You're going to have to stay in bed for awhile. This break is quite abnormal."

Prisoner in the bed once more, the soldier let out a sigh. Could he truly remain in bed prison for much longer? Surely, the longer he stayed confined into an unknown room, Her Majesty would request his return. But another sight soon caught the hyena's eyes. Sponge in Jiaolong's left hand, a sea of questions flowed through the hyena. Just what was the taller panda chimera about to do? Whatever was, abrasion would take the stage, for sure.

"Ah, so you noticed the sponge?" Jiaolong asked, pulling the sponge closer. "Mr. ------- said I should probably give you a sponge bath. Is that alright with you?"

Having no energy to refuse, Siorc nodded. He supposed being cleaned up wouldn't be so bad. Rough abrasive sponge soon slapping his skin with a fervor, the soldier broke down into tears. Hard rectangle continuing its innocent rampage upon his pores, the tears only continued.

Tears continuing to fall, the soldier attempted to stop himself. Why was he letting such an action turn him into a sniveling puddle? How incredibly weak he had become. If the lynx chimera had heard him, it would call him a leech, for sure. Abrasive leaving his back, for a moment, a wave of concerned words came his way.

"Oh, dear, are you alright?" Jiaolong asked, concerned tone of voice. "Did I press the sponge too hard?"

Knowing if he said yes, the tall panda chimera would feel responsible, the early adult shook his head. There was no way he could allow himself to affirm the truth, such could not happen. Waterless bath coming to an end after half an hour, Jiaolong stepped out, for a while.

Bowl of food placed in front of him, the soldier sniffed the bowl in front of him. Bitter, minty scent flowing through his stronger than human nostrils, a wave of suspicions flowed through the tired hyena. Had the taller panda put something unusual in his food? But no such question would leave his lips.

Eyes fluttering closed after three bites of his food had been taken, blackness overtook the hyena. World of forced sleep taking him away, dimmed thoughts flowed through the soldier's fading brain as his consciousness had begun to slip away for however long he were to be out like a light.

Why had all food become so bitter?

***

"I was confronted on the beach today! That

Dastardly vessel of Morax!
I shouldn't have returned to Liyue! The
Discarded body was retrieved, I shouldn't have checked, that

Noxious god, he thinks he can corner me?
Obvious, I did nothing wrong!
The Twilight Sword, he forced my hands, it's his fault for leaking info, really!

Disgusting little leech, he's cornering me.
Oh, you pathetic god, get away from me! I did nothing wrong!

And there his mouth goes, 'Jörmungandr, what you did was quite unacceptable.'
Now, shut your stupid mouth, Morax's vessel!
You know, there's no way to prove I am the culprit!
This pathetic God, I'll teach him!
'He heard forbidden knowledge, I had no choice, Morax's vessel!'
I replied to his pathetic words. But his stupid, little
Nonsense speaking mouth motored on! 'You could have eradicated such memory from the Leylines.'
Good job, captain obvious! Keep that aggravating mouth of yours quiet.

Well, the manipulation of the Leylines will soon come, just you wait.
'Really love running that mouth of yours, don't you Morax's vessel?'
Oh, and his mouth keeps on running!
'No remorse. I see, quite unfortunate. Then, prepare for the wrath of the rock.'
Guess a god is getting a beating today!"

Waking up again after an unknown amount of time had passed by, a pink blob had been by his bedside. Wet towel over his head, the soldier blinked. Was such even necessary? But he knew he could not ask such. Lowering his eyes into a squint, vision had begun to get clearer around him.

Qiulong standing beside him with a pink dress with her arms on her chin, the hyena could not help but wonder. Just what had all of the panda chimeras been doing by his bedside whenever he awoke? Wherever he had been taken to, he knew it could only be Liyue, for sure. Pink haired panda chimera looking ready to speak, the chimera attempted to give her his full dazed attention.

"Your recovery seems to be going slow still, at the moment," Qiulong explained, but as she said such, the young man closed his eyes. "Now, now, wait just a minute, young man, you can't sleep yet!" Lightly tugging the young man's arm, his eyes opened once more. "I need to check your breathing before you can go back to sleep!"

Gloved hand placed onto his chest, the hyena attempted with all his energy to take a deep breath. But, no such strong breath ever came. Hearing a whistle in his breathing as he inhaled, a wave of pain flowed through the early adult as he attempted to exhale. Pain increasing as the exercise continued, a worried look painted Qiulong's face.

Qiulong stepping out of the room, for a moment, a hand full of pills soon decorated the young panda woman's palms. Capsules placed into his hands, a wave of unease crashed onto the hyena like a tidal wave. The world of drugs was about to take him away in a matter of seconds.

"I'm sorry, but I have to give you your medicine," Qiulong relented, voice low. "I was supposed to put it into your food, but it would seem it hasn't been prepared yet." Moving his hand underneath his mouth, she closed her eyes. "They're going to be bitter. Swallow carefully."

Words not registering as the pills of many chemicals travelled down the esophagus, the soldier slumped downward onto the pillow immediately. World of drug induced sleep taking him away in a matter of moments, blackness took the early adult away once more.

Coming to after what felt like no time had passed since his last moment of awakening, the hyena gazed at the wall. Had he been placed into a cryogenic freezing of time? He knew such was not true, but he felt like such had been the case, at the moment in time.

Heeled footsteps soon approaching the room, the early adult placed his glasses over his eyes. Shénlóng entering the room with a holier than thou walk, the early adult pushed the covers over his neck. The fiery, redheaded panda, just what had she been doing here? How much time had passed since he had last awoken? Time was a broken measure beyond repair.

"You! Take off your shirt!" Shénlóng demanded, hitting a hard covered book with her hands. "I didn't want to help, but Mr. ------- has been busy lately!"

Having no choice but to listen, the soldier removed his only remaining shirt, but as the hotheaded panda looked his way a realization had jabbed him in the pained chest. His chest, surely, Shénlóng would find it hideous if she saw it. Hands covering his no longer there nipples, the hyena shook with a fervor. Loud shout coming his way, the early adult flinched.

"You! Stop that! Are you making this difficult on purpose?" Shénlóng shouted, irritated. "I'm not here because I want to be, you know!" Hands soon removed, she gazed at the man's chest. Disgusting, misshapen torso in front of her, she twirled a strand of her hair. What a disgusting body, he had. But, such thoughts would remain unsaid. Gazing at the ribs, a book slammed open. Reading a passage for ten minutes, she compared the picture to the real thing. "Well, they're repairing, I think." Her tone was sour, like a lemon. "You know, Yínlóng is working so hard, it's pretty creepy! So, hurry up and recover already!"

Siorc blinked of bewilderment as the new information had been relayed to him. Yínlóng had been working? Alerted to such fact, a wave of concern flowed through him. The Jinzi Commerce Guild, had the panda chimera taken over operations? He had to have been working far too much overtime. But no such words would leave his lips.

Predictable bitter bowl of stew placed in front of him, the early adult let out a sigh. It was time for the medicinal meal of punishment. Eyes getting heavy as the fourth bite had been taken, the soldier's eyes shut tight. World of drugged sleep about to take him away for what felt like the tenth time, one final thought wrapped vines around him.

Time was blending together.

***

"Well, that wretched god, he wished to duel me!
Ridiculous God of Contracts, leave me be!
Already got an earful from that pathetic Cryo Archon!
That woman, how dare she compare herself to me!
Her words, 'Even I would not stoop so low.' Sure you wouldn't, Your Pathetic Majesty!

Over in this cave, Morax's Vessel wishes to challenge me.
Fool! Wrath of the rock? That won't work on me!

That stupid meteor of yours, I can just catch it!
He doesn't know what he's up against!
Every rock that is coming to me, I catch it with my hands!

Rock one, dodge, rock two, dodge.
Oh, Morax's Vessel, don't waste your baited breath!
Could your punishment get any weaker?
Knowing this man, he'll just continue!

If I fake accepting responsibility, surely he'll leave me be!

Wallow my head, faking a bow.
'I will take responsibility!' I
Lied, keeping my head
Low. And it seems it worked,

Ha! Another fool!
Another lie, another one, what a little
Vermin, thorn in my side!
Even as I bow, I

Obviously will not take any
Responsibility! The Leylines, they will
Delete this incident anyway!
Even so, the time has not yet come!
Right, only a couple weeks or so! Then, the world shall forget my deed!"

Next time the soldier woke up was yet another sight to behold. Former practice partner sitting by his bedside with a sponge, a wave of guilt overtook the hyena. The last time the two had trained together, his fangs had dug deep. Wave of dizziness turning his brain to static for a split moment, a sea of repeated words flowed through the chimera.

Apologize, yes, he had to apologize. His teeth sinking into him their final time training together, he had to show his remorse for such actions. Generic silver eyes gazing at his tired mismatched ones, the apology had begun to flow at the tip of his tongue.

"I am sorry, sir," the chimera said, voice weak. "For biting you."

Barely audible apology coming from his former subordinate's throat, the former practice partner shook his head. Had he thought he had been back to the point in time where such event had just happened? The world of confusion was a rough patch of combat. Gloved hands taking the man's bare ones, he gave the young man a sharp look.

"It's alright, Ingne, I've already forgiven you," the former practice partner said, voice soft. "I've been told to wash you, so try and hang on for me."

Hard sponge slamming his back, the hyena flinched. But, the chimera attempted to bear it with any strength that remained. Abrasive applied gently as the minutes marched onward, the soldier closed his eyes as the cleansing continued. Dry bath completed after half an hour, the bitter bowl of punishment had been placed in front of him.

Bowl of bamboo shoot soup devoured, no wave of tiredness overtook the hyena. Staring at the wall as no tiredness overtook him, the chimera had begun to wonder. Just how long had he truly been in bed prison? Time was at a standstill, hourglass not moving. Wave of tiredness overtaking him after three hours of gazing about, the thought repeated itself as the world of sleep overtook him.

Time was a dead soldier upon the battlefield.

***

"Ah, Yínlóng said something to Fèng and me. 'Keep Siorc company for me?'

Guess he's been feelin' pretty down lately.
An' I get it. 'Yer boyfriend is bedridden, ain't he?'
Maybe that tease was a little too far.
Eeping, he said, 'W-we're not dating!'

'Oh, I know, that, Yínlóng, just teasin'.'
From what I'm hearin', he's been cooped up for four weeks now,

Guess a visit is good as plenty.
Even if he is sleepin'.
Now Fèng, proposes a question.
'Is there anything you would like us to do in his stead, Fatui's boyfriend?'
Unleashing a violet shaded blush, he
Shouted, 'H-hey, stop, he's not my boyfriend!' Fingers touching,

I see ya wishing it was so, Yínlóng!
Now he be sayin', 'Just spend some time with him, please?'
Veering my eyes into my back pocket, I remove a tome
Of cards. 'We'll stop by, an' play a game of
Cards with him.'
A smile, that perked him up real good.
'That would be great!' he perked. But, I can hear his sadness pushin' through.
'I'll play a round for ya, too," I say to him.
Oh, he already left as I said such. Busy little dude he can be.
Now, we head for the mansion, cards with Fèng and me."

Waking up after what felt like he had slept for days on end, another group of visitors had walked into the room of the unknown. Fèng and Linggui stepping by his bedside, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. Fèng in a pure white dress with a small hole in the chest, and Linggui in a casual, green Liyuean style shirt with turtles on every corner, the early adult gazed at the twin's hands.

Linggui holding a tabletop board in his hands, the soldier tilted his head. What had he been carrying? Whatever it was, it was a mystery beyond belief. Spiky haired young man pulling up a wooden chair next to him, a question had begun to swim his way like an otter on the riverbed.

"Yer bored sitting here in bed, aren't ya, Yínlóng's boyfriend?" Linggui asked, but a voice stopped him.

"Linggui, we agreed to not tease him before we came here," Fèng said to Linggui. He then turned to the Fatui. "Ah, right, your name is Siorc, no? Yínlóng wants us to keep you company." Opening up the board Linggui had been holding, a board had been placed on the bed. "Would you like to play Genius Invocation with us?" He tapped his hands on the board.

Lacy, white dress stealing his attention, the early adult's cheeks grew pink. But, the hyena quickly snapped himself out of it. Board already in front of him, the chimera nodded. He supposed playing a small game of cards would be a fun distraction, for a little while.

"Oh, you want to? In that case, let me be your big sister today!" Fèng exclaimed with enthusiasm. He then placed his hands into his back pocket. "I have an extra deck for you. You can borrow it for today."

Placing his cards on the board, the chimera gazed at his card monsters. Slime cards and Mirror Maiden on his side, the hyena shrugged. Randomness was a world beyond his control, for sure. Linggui's cards on the opposing side, cups of dice had been given to the party of two.

As Linggui rolled his eight sided dies, the early adult gazed at his cards on the opposing side of the board. Qilin card on the left, and Liyue's chef card on the right, a particular card caught the soldier's attention. Girl with long white hair and green feminine style Liyue outfit looking similar to Linggui, the hyena could not help but wonder. The girl in the card, could she have been Linggui's older sister? He supposed such could have been the case.

Yínlóng's boyfriend gazing at the card in the center of his deck with a confused look on his face, a somber smile appeared on Linggui's face. Had Siorc noticed the card of his former self from the past before he had joined the world of manhood? He supposed it would not hurt to explain before he took his card battle turn.

"Are you interested in that girl on the card?" Linggui asked, pointing at it. "That girl used t' be me." Rolling the dice onto the board and rerolling a second time, the somber smile remained. "I ought t' ask the owner to fix my card for me someday."

Icy ball of card energy blasting his slime to smithereens, the early adult switched to the Mirror Maiden card in the center. Spotting a number ten over it, another attack of ice took his cards for a storm. Linggui ending his turn, the soldier rolled the dice onto the board.

Three of eight dies yielding Hydro, the soldier commanded his card to do his bidding. Closing his eyes as the card Maiden hit Linggui's chef card, a minus five appeared over the enemy's side. But, a counterattack had soon come him way. Ice dropping onto his side, a minus four had taken his second slime out, in an instant.

Card with an odd brooch on it proclaiming one less Hydro Die could be used if equipped, the early adult slammed the card on top of the Mirror Maiden. Strange symbol glowing on top of the piece of thin board, another attack had come Linggui's card's way. Qilin card switched to a turn before, mirror water took the man's card by surprise.

Qilin card defeated, the tables had soon been turned. Fire tornado aimed at the maiden of many mirrors, minus five hovering over the maiden, the soldier slammed down a food card. Wave of energy inserted into the piece of boarded paper, the early adult gazed at his dice.

No Hydro dice remaining, the early adult ended his turn. Although, the next turn had soon been his last. Pyro tornado and aquatic turtle taking every card hit point that remained, the opposing side had soon been victorious. Bowing his head, the early adult conceded defeat.

Fèng's cards soon taking the stage, the hyena studied the opposing side, for a moment. Exorcist with a popsicle on the left side of the board, and blue haired bookwork on the right, the chimera gazed at the card in the middle. Card that looked like Fèng in his Adventurer Guild uniform in the center, the soldier tilted his head. Why had Fèng and Linggui's cards all been familiar faces within Liyue? The owner of the game must have known everyone, for sure.

Fèng giving him different character cards, the soldier gazed at his new allies, for a moment. Redhead from Angel's share on the left, Cavalry Captain on the right, and teal haired alchemist card in the center, the early adult prepared himself for card battle. Dice soon rolled, the hyena set the middle card as his active one, for the moment.

Alchemist of the wind switching Fèng's leader card one turn after another, the soldier blinked. Had all the cards in the game had different strengths? He supposed such could have been the case. Popsicle licking exorcist card taken out after three turns, the hyena focused his attention on the blue haired bookworm card.

Water attack submerging the bespectacled alchemist of wind. The soldier wondered. The cards elemental powers, did they work the same way as they did in the real world? Figuring such had to have been a possibility, the early adult surrendered a die to the sacrifice gods. Cavalry Captain card soon the leader, an icy demise had come for the opposing cards.

Bookworm card taken out after two more turns, the party of two rolled their dice. Four Electro dice on Fèng's side, a zapping attack took the soldier's cards for a ride. Redheaded Angel Share's owner card switched to, the early adult gazed at his dice. Pyro dice on his side, a card attack had come Fèng's way.

Residue electricity removing the Anemo Alchemist from its card existence, the soldier let out a sigh. Fèng's card was quite the formidable opponent. Cavalry Captain card taken out as well, the early adult switched back to the final card in front of him. The final attack would soon come.

Phoenix of flames knocking Fèng's final card for a loop, the battle had soon reached its end. Fèng laughing about beginner's luck as the board game had been put away, the twins stuck by him for hours on end. Duo leaving after he nodded off into the world asleep, a smile graced the early adult's face.

Company was the cure to pain.

***

"Bed prison will soon be no more.
All my pain is going away.
Cannot keep me here anymore, I can soon leave.
Keeping me here for however long, I can finally be free.

Though, I am told I can cannot yet work.
Oh, I suppose, anything will do, as long I am removed from this bed.

So, I will get to return to the permafrost
North. Soon, my life will resume.
Even if I do not have much longer before my departure, I must return to the work
Zone. If I leave now, I will raise suspicions.
However, my return to my forced upon career has
Not yet been given a green light.
Another few more days.
Yes, for now, I must wait.
At least I can return or now, out of this bed prison. That is great."

Snake doctor and tall brunette by his bedside, the early adult let out a sigh. Only remaining shirt stripped, six sets of eyes studied his ribcage with a fervor. Snake clicking their tongue saying rude things about humanity, the soldier shook his head. If the snake doctor and his companion had no idea he was a chimera, he supposed it was best to never say so.

"You have mostly made a full recovery," the doctor announced. "But, I do not recommend you returning to work for a few more days. But, you're allowed to return home." Snake clicking their tongue at him once more, the early adult turned his head in the opposite direction. The serpent was out of sight, out of mind.

Snake doctor declaring he could return back to forced upon home, a wave of relief flowed through the soldier. Noting he had said he could not yet return to work, the early adult shrugged. He knew Her Majesty would contest such upon his return. Standing up from the former bed prison, the tall brunette looked into his mismatched eyes.

"Shall we go for a walk?" the tall brunette asked as a statement. As he said such, his winter jacket and hairpins and earrings had been returned to him.

Blue stars clicked into his hair and ears after what felt like a millennium, a wave of ease overtook the hyena. Winter coat soon over his short body, a long walk had begun to take shape. Qingce Village reached after three hours of slow walking, the tall brunette had eventually broken the silence.

"The citizens of Liyue are setting up the Harbor for Lantern Rite at the moment," the tall brunette said. "So, I ventured a quieter area for our stroll would be more sufficient."

Hearing the tall brunette's words, Siorc placed his hand on his chin. Why had the wise man of many words brought up Lantern Rite? But, he supposed such holiday was of incredible importance to the people of Liyue. Questioning such would be rude, for sure.

Long walk through the northern most village continuing, the soldier gazed at the hills in the corner. Colorful fields of scarecrows and flowers off in the distance, the early adult hid the smallest of smiles. If he were to get any days, as unlikely as such could have been in the future, laying down in the flower fields of Qingce Village certainly would come into fruition.

Elderly men and women soon visited as his stroll continued, the village's exit had soon been reached. Tall brunette looking his way, the early adult blinked. Golden eyes looking at his once more, the soldier gave eye contact. Did he have something else to say? He knew it was in his best interest to listen.

"I am relieved you have recovered, Miss Yínlóng will most certainly be pleased," the tall brunette said, but a warning had soon taken shape. "However, I implore you to be wary of the lynx chimera going forward." Stepping outside the village, the man of many wisdoms stepped forward. "I must return to the Funeral Parlor for the evening. Farewell, young man. Take care of yourself."

Walk coming to an end, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Permission to return Snezhnaya granted, the hyena highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks in an instant. Steel walled room returned to after what felt like forever, the young soldier walked in a circle upon the ice cold floor.

Event of the incident in Mondstadt a world of fuzz, the early adult's pace about continued. Recalling the moment the lynx chimera had his neck, the early adult blinked. Anger was a horrific, and dangerous emotion. He needed to be more wary of Naofa, indeed. Wave of tiredness taking the hyena away after three more hours passed, the young soldier removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings.

Uniform removed and glasses put away, Siorc slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Head soon hitting the rock hard pillow, the soldier closed his eyes. Land of tormented dreams about to take him away for the evening, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

His workdays will resume next week, surely.

---

PART 2 ESSENTIALLY ENDS HERE

 

[Palamon]

26. Branch Off 12: The Lantern Rite Vacation Feat: Interruptions and Yínlóng

"Am I truly not allowed to go back to work yet?

Looks like that is the case.
Although, I have my suspicions. There is
No way Her Majesty will allow
This. I have recovered fully.
Even so, I must be
Ready. For days of
Nothing.

Really, I am certain these days will not last.
I have no shadow of doubt.
That contract has been fulfilled. I have
Evidentially been

Very much returned to
A space without pain.
Cannot help but feel all of this will soon end.
After all, last time, Her Majesty demanded my return.
That time in Natlan,
It will be the same as that recovery period.
Obviously, work soon awaits me.
No way she won't push; I am back here in this cold breeze.

For now, everything paused.
Right, maybe that
Eerie snake doctor said something.
Everything is stuck, not ticking.

Oxidating, rotting, corroding.
Freezing, burning, sticking.

Reversing to nothing.
Even so, I suppose,
Some more time away from my
Penchant responsibilities is a good thing.
Obviously, it will not last long,
No moments of reprieve
Stick by for me.
I suppose another moment away is for the
Best, but
I have nowhere in mind, truly.
Looks like
I will have to keep thinking,
Trying, until something comes to me.
Yes, thinking is key."

Upon waking up the next morning, the hyena walked around in a circle on the icy cold floor. As his circle about continued, a sea of thoughts paraded through the early adult's partially human brain. Was he truly not allowed to go back to work yet? Surely, Her Majesty had been informed about his full recovery.

As his circle about continued, words from the day before echoed in the hyena's inhuman eardrums. The tall brunette, he had told him to be wary of Naofa. As such words continued to swim through the soldier's head, the chimera could not help but wonder. The lynx chimera, had it done the deed? But, the soldier shook his head. Even if such were indeed the case, confronting it would lead to more damaged upon his partially human person, guaranteed.

Routine rearing its head, the soldier had begun the morning routine of dressing the body. Placing the winter coat over the layered shirts as if zeroes and ones determined such action could not be broken, the chimera snapped the buttons shut as quickly as his currently human hands would allow. But, as he did such, an oddity possessed the morning routine like a ghost on Wuwang Hill.

Piece of paper placed on top of the uniform drawers where his rations would usually be, Siorc placed the thin sheet into his hands. Note written in Snezhnayan writing as usual, the early adult adjusted his glasses. Words screaming out to him, the soldier reads the words upon the paper carefully.

"You are to report the Natlan Medical Ward immediately," the note in clear Snezhnayan writing said.

Seeing the words on the paper, the hyena titled his head. Was such even necessary? The snake doctor in Liyue had already told him he had made a full recovery. But, the early adult shrugged. He knew he had no choice in the matter, his orders were absolute. Knowing he had no time to waste, the early adult removed the cover off the hairpin and earring box.

Weaponized hairpins and earrings clicked into place, the early adult undid the buttons on his uniform coat. He supposed he would not be needing the extra layer today. Jacket folded up and returned into the brown containers, the hyena proceeded towards the edge of the soundproof room.

Heelless shoes on, the chimera removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Opening the orb into map form, the soldier highlighted the waypoint to the unknown city of Natlan in an instant. Fast travel confirmed, the hyena closed his eyes. As the Pyro Nation of War awaited him, a quick thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

A repeat of information awaited him, for sure.

***

"I want to tell him how I feel.
Today, at the teahouse, I told teacher, and boss,

'I think I want to tell him,' I said, blushing. My boss, I think
She can read my mind, or something.

I do not know if it is just me, but she said,
'Methinks you like him, Yínlóng. You should tell him.'
Perhaps I talk about him more than I thought.
Even so, I have nothing to hide. 'I
'Really should, but maybe it would be too much stress.'
Ah, right, he might still be recovering.
Though, I feel this heavy weight.
'I don't want to overwhelm him!' I touch my two index fingers together.
Vehemently, I try to change the subject. Lantern Rite is
Ever so closely approaching. I will be busy serving tea, and

Yet there is no telling if I will see him,
Of course, Siorc's life is very busy.
Until that is,

Teacher said something to me.
Every time he tells me something it's always wise words of many.
Looking at me, he tells me, 'You should invite your friend to
Lantern Rite, Miss Yínlóng.'

Hmm, maybe I should. But would that really be okay?
I always notice how nervous he looks when he is alone in Liyue. But, I
Muddle it over a bit, and it comes to me. 'I want to give

Him a Lantern. I think I will invite him. Scribe a letter in Snezhnayan for me?'
Oily pen in his hand, he scribes
What I tell him, but he told me that next time, I will need to learn how to read the language myself.

You know, I do not blame him. Teacher is a busy man.
Oily pen dotting a period, the letter is done. I am told it will have to change hands to reach the North.
Up he goes, just like that he is one the move once again.

Feelings, emotions, should I really tell him how I feel?
Even if I do, I do not think he will say anything.
Even if I do, it probably won't change anything.
Looks like I will be overthinking this, how unlike me."

Reaching the unknown city of Natlan through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult broke out into a beating sweat. The area had been far more sweltering than usual. Feeling like he would become a puddle in a matter of seconds, the hyena turned his attention towards the volcano off in the distance. Had the flaming mountain of magma erupted recently? But the soldier shook his head. He was jumping to conclusions, surely.

Sweat continuing to drench him, the early adult slowly walked towards the medical ward. Harsh sunlight thrusting rays upon him with every step, the hyena wiped his brow. Door in front of him, the chimera placed his sticky hands on the knob. Entrance creaking open, the soldier stepped inward.

Closing the door behind him, an odd sight awaited the early adult in his damaged field of vision. Loba in deep conversation with a pink haired stranger giving her a toothy grin, the soldier stepped forward towards the jackal and her guest. Chatter coming to an end, the hyena observed the unknown person, for a moment.

Standing next to Loba finishing her conversation had been a young woman who had been about thirteen centimeters taller than him. The young woman had short, curly pearly pink hair that went down to about her shoulders with messy uneven bangs. Frizzly pigtails with long strings of hair dangling to about her chest with dark rosy bells holding her tied up hair together, the chimera turned his attention towards the top of her head. Pitch black panther ears barely covering a loose string of her bangs forming a sprout like cowlick, the early adult focused on the lady's outfit. Light brown eyes glowing against her dark brown skin and even darker brown swimsuit, the soldier could not help but wonder. Could this visitor have been an injured swimmer? But, such thought died in the possible active volcano outside. Long, curly panther tail sticking out like a Slime in a tribe of Hilichurls, and oddly swole arms, the hyena ended his examination.

Hearing the sound of the door open while in the midst of conversation, Loba excused herself, for a moment. Siorc entering the medical ward right on schedule, she had been ready for the call to action. Hearing from Her Majesty about the broken rib incident, double checking the affected area with the tools available was absolutely necessary.

"There you are, honey," Loba said, her voice was sweet and soft. "Her Majesty told me what happened, and I wanted to double check if you've made a full recovery." Getting a second opinion was very important. The girl next to her then joined the conversation.

"Sup, I'm Niesha!" Niesha greeted, waving. "I dunno much about medical stuff, but I'm here to help!"

Hearing the woman next to her proclaim she would be helping out, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Had Loba finally gotten an assistant besides her family to help her out in the medical ward? A wave of ease flowed through him as a seed of hope planted deep within the roots of his partially human body. If such were the case, extra hands would provide helpful for the jackal's stressful medical career, for sure.

Niesha saying moments before she was here to help, Loba put on a tiny smile. How silly she was being right now. Hadn't she come by to get medicine for Aega? But there was no time for such thoughts. Action had to come of her now. But, such train of thought was immediately interrupted.

Loud slam of a door shaking the medical ward like an earthquake, stomping boots shook the room for a loop further. Spiky red haired, pitch black eyed stranger stepping into the medical ward with a look of desperation on their face, the chimera backed four steps away. Abyssal boots soon in front of Loba, a shaking voice added to the nonexistent tremor of surprises.

"Looks like I'm in the right place," Garrán said, voice frantic. "Excuse me, miss, I know you must be quite busy, but please help me again!" Their words shook with every syllable. "My sister has fallen severely ill! She needs some medicine, or she'll die!"

Watching as the frog chimera had begun to tear up, the hyena could not help but wonder. Had their family situation gotten much worse since the last time they had barged into the medical ward? He supposed anything was possible. Health was an unpredictable beast that could fail at any given time independent of a person's prevention measure. Looking into Loba's eyes, the chimera stuck up his right index finger. Perhaps his medical examination could wait for a few moments.

Frog porcupine walking towards her, Loba let out a sigh. Hadn't she told them last time that she was not supposed to serve anyone who was not a member of the Fatui? She knew if Her Majesty had heard of her helping someone else outside her stronghold, she would get more than a slight scolding, for sure. Having no choice but to shoo them away, reluctant words had begun to flow outward.

"I'm sorry, honey, I only serve Fatui," Loba replied, cold as ice.

Rejection coming their way, a sea of rage erupted a fiery volcano inside Garrán's poisonous pores. How dare this woman tell them they cannot help when they had poured their entire heart out to them. This woman deserved Murata's judgement to come for her. Closing their eyes for a moment, rows of deep black quills propped up from behind them. Stretching the porcupine quills out, their hand appeared in front of them.

This woman needed to be taught a quillly lesson.

Hearing the sound of quills shooting up from the frog chimera's back, the hyena dashed in front of Loba and Niesha. Spreading his arms out, the early adult lowered his eyes into a glare. Anger aimed at the jackal only, the soldier was ready to shield. She needed to protected from the porcupine quills at all costs. Strange white book with a glowing purple symbol, the chimera stood his ground. If they were to attack, everyone would get hurt. He could not allow such to happen. Violence was not the answer.

Stranger protecting the heartless doctor, Garrán sharpened their quills. Who did this person think they were, protecting her from harm when she was the one who started it by saying she would not help them. They would remove the obstacle at all costs. Their presence was taking up space in matter.

"Not this stupid line again! How dare you turn me away!" Garrán shouted, spreading their fingers out as their hand was raised. "And you! Get out of my way! This is between me and her!"

Demand coming his way, the chimera would not budge, even a meter. Move out of the way so the frog porcupine chimera could launch their quills at Loba and hurt her? No way. He could not allow their violence to come to pass. Standing his ground, the early adult gave Garrán a sharp glare. If they wished to hurl their quills, they would have to go through him.

Purple haired obstacle not getting out of the way, Garrán grit their teeth. If he wasn't going to move out of the way, they would give them a warning present of spiky pain. Eyes on the man's chest, a barrage of quills rained down on the obstacle's torso. Six spikes of practical steel lodged into his sternum, their currently human fists shook with a fervor.

That would teach him to not get in the way.

Sharp prickly quills poking into his chest, Siorc let out a pained scream. Edges of the sharp points leaving their mark, the soldier could feel his heart beat rapidly in his chest. Tips continuing their rampage, a wave of thoughts had begun to crash at bay. He supposed he had it coming, stepping in the way of Loba. But, there was no way he could allow them to attack her. Such could not happen, in the slightest.

Hostile visitor enticing violence within a place of healing, Niesha cracked her knuckles. Looking ready to attack Loba and herself next, she walked up from behind them. This needed to be halted, immediately. Hands on their shoulders, she twisted their body downward. Short body soon on the ground, she placed herself on top of them, body covering theirs as though she had won a boxing match.

"You should like, calm down, for real!" Niesha exclaimed, continuing to pin them onto the floor. "Violence won't solve anythin'." A pot and kettle called each other black in the distance as she said such. "If you say you're sorry, I'll totally give you the meds. Okay?" She then took herself off them, standing them upright.

Person extremely underdressed for practicing medicine saying she would give them the medicine if they apologized, Garrán took a deep breath. While such apology was greatly undeserved they knew they would not get the medicine for their sister if an apology never came. Bowing their head, they prepared themselves.

"I am sorry for striking you," Garrán lamented. "It was quite wrong of me." An immediate answer had come their way.

"See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" Niesha said to Garrán. She then turned to Loba. "Loba, what medicine should I remove from the cabinet?"

Told to remove the abyssal reduction medicine from the top shelf, Niesha did as instructed. Bottle of pills removed from the top shelf, she handed them to the visitor swiftly. Gratitude coming only her way as the guest exited in a dash, she scratched her painted panther cuticles through her hair. What a strange person, they were.

Siorc caught in the crossfire, Loba removed rubber gloves from one of the drawers in the corner. Removing the quills in a gentle manner, she let out a sigh. He didn't have to protect her. He was the patient. She knew she needed to tell him that his protection was unnecessary. She could dodge a few porcupine quills here and there.

"You didn't need to protect me, honey," Loba said, words still soft. "I assure you, I would be fine. My uniform would have protected me."

Hearing Loba's words, the chimera shook his head. There was no way he could allow Loba to get hurt. If they were to have struck her hands, she would not be able to perform any medical examinations. Such could not happen. Stepping in the way was mandatory. Placing his hands in front of him palms facing upward, the hyena curled his fingers against his palms. Tapping the fingertips of his index fingers and thumbs together, he looked into her eyes. Word did signed on private display, the soldier made his stance known.

Siorc not budging on his convictions, Loba tried to hide the tiniest of smiles. She supposed his stubbornness had some benefits to it, in the long run. Final quill plucked off his shirt, she stood in front of him. There was no more time to waste. She needed to perform the medical examination now before the ward were to get busy.

"Thank you for protecting me," Loba replied, continuing to step forward. "But, it's time for your examination. Come with me to my office."

Guided towards an unknown room within the medical ward, the soldier had been placed into a chair. Grey walls not engulfing him, an odd device he had never seen before had been placed in front of him. Plastic looking screen in front of his chest, the early adult closed his eyes. Whatever Loba was about to do, it was out of sight, out of mind. The medical world of technology was a terrifying place of unknowns.

Light cast upon Siorc's chest, Loba examined the image of the bones with due diligence. Focusing her attention on the ribcage's bones, she studied it, for a moment longer. Recalling Her Majesty had said the bones had been snapped by a lynx chimera, she zoomed the grainy image in a smidgeon. Rib bones looking almost completely healed, a small smile appeared on her face.

"Your ribs have indeed made a full recovery," Loba explained, word remaining soft. "I'll tell Her Majesty, but you shouldn't push yourself too hard. Don't do any strenuous activity just yet."

Hearing Loba's instructions, the chimera let out a sigh. He supposed he would not be allowed to go back to work yet. Equipment removed from in front of him, the early adult stood up from the chair. Returning to the main room within the medical ward, the soldier bowed a thank you. The time had come to stage his exit.

"I will be careful, ma'am," Siorc replied, voice barely audible. "I will take my leave now." Stepping towards the door, he looked into her eyes. "Take care."

Seeing Siorc preparing to leave, Loba knew she had one more thing to say to him before exiting. Her Majesty telling her that once more if he were experiencing any pain, he could come to her, she knew she had to remind him of such fact one final time before returning to Snezhnaya.

"You take care as well, honey," she replied. "If you are experiencing any pain or another flare up, please teleport here directly." Her words were sharp, and absolute. "Her Majesty has allowed me to continue to examine you in emergency situations." As she finished speaking, Niesha threw herself into the ring.

"Later, gator," Niesha responded, waving. "Take care of yourself so you don't end up in here again!"

Goodbyes being given, the chimera highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Hallways soon upon him, the chimera had begun walking. Soundproof room reached after ten minutes of walking, the hyena walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor for the second time of the day.

Snake doctor and Loba both telling him the same thing, the soldier kept his circle about going. Was it really not yet safe for him to go back to work? Surely it was impossible for any symptoms related to the break to return after the break had healed. But, he supposed nothing could be done. Medical orders were more absolute than a God's.

Wave of tiredness soon overtaking him after hours of circling about, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. World of sleep about to take him away as his head hit the pillow, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his fading human brain. Thought continuing to repeat, the soldier closed his eyes.

Another few days of nothing awaited him.

***

"Cannot help but feel this note on my door was heavily calculated.
Lantern Rite, I've been invited?
Odd, I am a Fatui. I doubt I am welcome to celebrate.
Ultimately, turning down this invitation would certainly be rude of me.
Do I have a right to be invited?

Right, well, I should get going.
Even if I will ruin the festive mood,
There is no way I should turn this down.
After all, the Agent did not show up today.
I suppose it will be alright to go.
No matter who might glare at me.
Even if it's for a singular day,
Reveling in the festivities beckons me."

Waking up the next morning, the sound of tape peeling off the door echoed on the frozen wind outside. Clipping his Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants, the soldier stepped towards the door, for a moment. Letter haphazardly taped onto the center of the wooden entranceway, the hyena removed the sheet of Dendro creation off the door. Note in Snezhnayan writing in front of him once again, the early adult read every word carefully.

"Come to Liyue Harbor by Third Round Knockout.

Do not wear your uniform."

No signature left on the note, the hyena tilted his head. Who could have possibly left such a vague note on his door? Whoever it was, he knew he could not ignore it. Stepping back into the room, the soldier off duty closed his eyes for a moment. Recalling what the tall brunette told him the other day about Lantern Rite, an idea had hit him on the back.

The letter, could it have been an invitation to Lantern Rite? He supposed such could have been the case. Unbuttoning his uniform, the soldier opened up his uniform drawers. Silk blouse glaring daggers at him, the early adult shut the drawer in an instant after placing the winter jacket back in the container. Maybe it could be saved for another day.

Removing the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket, the chimera opened the orb into map form. Highlighting the waypoint near the teahouse in Liyue Harbor, the hyena closed his eyes. Harbor upon him in a split second, the early adult dissipated the map back into orb form.

Panda chimera within his line of sight waiting for him, the chimera had come to wonder. Had Third Round Knockout been the name of the teahouse the panda had worked at? But, the soldier off duty pushed such thought into the water beneath the bridge. There was no time to think about such. Yínlóng was waiting for him.

Somber look on Yínlóng's face as he stepped towards them, an invisible red flag waved inside the hyena. No one else at the teahouse, a wave of confusion flowed through the soldier off duty. Where had the tall brunette and the opera singer gone? But, he supposed they had their own set responsibilities to deal with. Turning towards the panda chimera, a slow smile creeped on their face.

"Oh, hey, Siorc, you came!" Yínlóng said, words slow and lulled. "The invitation came right on time!" He looked into Siorc's eyes, trying to hide his somber look with all his might. "Mr. ------- should be here in a moment. Wait a second? A need to ask him something." Their two index fingers touched.

Tall brunette's name brought into the conversation, the chimera wondered. Had the tall brunette written out his invitation? Lack of sophisticated words on the paper, the soldier shrugged. He supposed Yínlóng did not have much to say for him to scribe. Giving the panda chimera a smile, the hyena's eyes met theirs once more. What festivities were in store for him today?

Tall brunette soon returning to the scene, the hyena stepped back for a moment. Wise man looking ready to tell the panda something important, the early adult turned his head towards the opposite direction. Whatever business the two had with one another was no business of his.

"Miss Yínlóng," the tall brunette said sternly. "Miss ----- has informed me Cloud Retainer requests an audience with you." His arms had been crossed around his waist as he said such.

Yínlóng's panda ears twitched on the top of his head. An Adeptus had requested an audience with them? There was no way he was worthy enough to seek out one of the Adepti. Turning towards Siorc, a pensive frown glued onto their face. Was their time alone with Siorc already being interrupted? There had to be someone else who could go in their boy time alone with him during Lantern Rite could begin without any issue.

"Mr. -------, I was just about to take Siorc back to the mansion," Yínlóng replied, words slow and somber. "Have Shenlong go in my place?"

Hearing Yínlóng's refusal, the chimera let out a sigh. What a classic move for the panda chimera, trying to get out something he did not wish to do. But, he supposed he did not blame him. People with the freedom of choice deserved the right to choose, but the hyena knew he could not say such. The conversation was not his business in any way.

"Miss Yínlóng, the festivities will not be going anywhere, I can assure you," the tall brunette responded calmly. "Cloud Retainer has requested an audience with you specifically. It is imperative you meet with her in a timely manner." He then turned towards Siorc. "Young man, could you open up your map? I will mark the location for you."

Knowing he could not refuse, the hyena opened up the orb into map form. Hearing the sound of pins added onto the map, instructions on how to reach the Adepti's current location had come Yínlóng's way. Hearing the tall brunette say he should come along with him, the early adult gazed at the pins on his map.

Pins placed in Jueyun Karst and Mt. Aocang, the chimera nodded. He supposed a nice long walk in nature wouldn't be so bad. The festivities would not disappear overnight, for sure. Perhaps, just maybe, the audience with an adeptus was a distraction of some sort for the Harbor to continue setting up.

Panda chimera in close proximity of him, the chimera highlighted the waypoint to Jueyun Karst in an instant. Blinding light engulfing him, the soldier closed his eyes. Bridge a slight distance away the two stepped towards it. No words exchanged between the panda chimera and he as the chimera gazed at Yínlóng's back as the two crossed the bridge.

Silence looping on repeat as the opposite end of the bridge had been reached. Panda's shoulders slumping a smidgeon, the chimera could not help but feel something had been incredibly off with them. Had Yínlóng been feeling down? He did not know why, but such did not feel like them at all. But, the hyena kept his mouth shut. He knew if he said something, he would deny it in an instant.

Second bridge crossed, the group of two turned towards the left. Familiar path in front of him, the group of two kept walking straight. Waterfall rushing in the distance, another quick bridge had been walked through. Walk continuing about, the frog statue glared daggers at the hyena as the soldier off duty passed by it.

Seeing the frog statue once again, the hyena could not help but wonder. What purpose did the statues serve? But the chimera kept walking. If he were to get too far behind, Yínlóng would wonder where he had went. Passageway soon reached, the soldier stepped forward.

Qingyun Peak reached after about an hour of walking, the two kept walking straight. Umbrella display in the corner passed by, the party of two headed towards the right. Gate passed through, three more frog statues glared daggers at the hyena as the walk through the peak continued.

Panda chimera still not speaking a singular word as the frog statues had been left behind, the early adult kept walking. Whatever was on his mind, he knew if they had something to say about it, they would do so. Strange circle covered with grass walked through, the pathway towards Mt. Aocang continued in silence.

Strange glowing orange Adeptus symbol glowing with a fervor as the two kept heading north, the hyena's eyes darted towards the symbol, for a moment. Glyph still there from the last time he had traversed through the mountains with Yínlóng and the jackal twins, wanderlust flowed through the chimera. Just what purpose did the symbol serve? If it had remained in the area even after a year or so had come to past, perhaps it meant something rather important.

Bringing himself back to reality as the panda chimera were trailing further ahead, the soldier caught up. Heading off towards the west once more, another series of bridges had been traversed through. But as such crossings had come to an end, the cliffsides were about to be upon him. Panda chimera turning around to face him, the silence had begun to break.

"We'll have to climb a little to reach the next path," Yínlóng told him, worried tone of voice. "Will you be alright to?"

Cliff not looking especially steep, the chimera nodded. He supposed a little bit of climbing would not hurt. Panda ascending first, the soldier off duty followed behind him. Stone pathway between yellow grass reached once more, the world got quiet once again. Mt. Aocang finally upon him, the hyena kept going. But, an obstacle had soon been in the way.

Studying the pin the tall brunette had placed on his map, the soldier let out a gulp. Had the one named Cloud Retainer lived near a river? If such were the case, swimming was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Lake soon in front of the panda chimera and he, the chimera closed his eyes, for a moment. But, another obstacle would soon join the battle. Shouts hitting the mountains, the chimera turned his head towards the noise.

"Help!! Help!!" a young boy's voice shouted. "Ming is drowning!!"

Small brown puppy swept into the river barking for its life, a shock went through the chimera's partially human spine. A tiny, innocent dog had gotten caught into the river? He could not allow a person's pet leave this world in such a way. Ripping his two shirts off his body, Siorc jumped in. Surely, the water had not been too deep.

Attempting to reach for the dog, the hyena stretched his bare arm outward. But, such attempt had been futile. Legs deep within the water, the struggle had begun. Unable to position himself onto his stomach as the water around him absorbed him, the early adult could feel his chest begin to submerge. Sinking further into the lake as the puppy grew further away, the hyena's arms had joined the water. Feeling himself begin to sink, the soldier closed his eyes as the water filled up his ears.

Coming to a few minutes later, the hyena could feel himself on top of a large back. Had someone nearby heard the commotion? Blinking out again for the moment, the soldier off duty shut his eyes once more. Grass soon crunching underneath his feet, the hyena rapidly shook his head. Senses soon returned to him, the chimera looked upward.

Large deer with green, yellow and brown fur with gigantic antlers gazing at him with contempt, the early adult rubbed his eyes. Had he been seeing things? Surely, his dazed mind had been creating images of something that had truly not been there. But, a booming echoing voice soon stopped such thought in its tracks.

"Foolish mortal!" the deer shouted, voice echoing. "Do not jump into the river if you do not know how to swim!"

Scolding coming his way, the early adult turned his head back towards the lake. Puppy no longer there, a ton had been dropped on top of the hyena's back. Had the little dog sunk to the bottom of the river? If such were the case, he knew it was his fault for not trying to reach a little further. Words flowing to the tip of his tongue, the soldier motioned his lips to speak.

"The puppy..." Siorc blurted out, words trailing off. But such words were met with an immediate frantic answer.

"Hey! Don't worry about the puppy! He gave it back to the kid already!" Yínlóng exclaimed, words faster than normal. She then wrapped her arms around the hyena. "You scared me..."

Deer already gone as is if they were never there, the hyena accepted the embrace. Hug coming to an end, the chimera bowed an apology. He knew such was necessary for scaring him. Hand soon grabbed, the two stepped forward. Stone pathway on the river leaped across, a small table in the corner had been reached.

Large, floating teapot with a burner underneath it sitting high above the ground near a grey table, the hyena turned his head towards the left. Beautiful, tall white bird with gold and blue markings all over their body, with blue feathers behind them had been standing in the corner. Seeing such, the chimera had come to wonder. Could they have been the Cloud Retainer the tall brunette had spoken about? Bird turning towards Yínlóng, the hyena gave the panda some space. He knew if they wished to have an audience with them, he was not included in such.

"You must be the teahouse panda," Cloud Retainer said with an Adeptus echo.

Cloud Retainer proclaiming them the teahouse panda, Yínlóng broke into a sweat. Is that what the Adepti called them behind closed doors? Such esteemed name was far too big for his shoulders, for sure. Knowing he needed to act quickly, he prepared himself to speak.

"Is that what you adepti call me?" Yínlóng asked, nervous tone of voice. He scratched his fingernails across his hair. "I'm not nearly as esteemed and well known, Miss Cloud Retainer." A slow laugh broke loose from their throat.

"I would like you to make your famous bamboo shoot tea for me," Cloud Retainer responded. No comment on anything the panda chimera had said.

Hearing Cloud Retainer's words, the chimera rose an eyebrow. Why would an adeptus want the tea of mortals? But, as he thought about such, a memory from his stolen childhood flooded back into his fading human brain. Recalling a passage in his father's notes that one must bring gifts of food to the adepti, regret wrapped vines around the hyena.

Regret continuing to sting him, the soldier off duty averted his gaze. How could he forget to give the gift of food to an adeptus? He supposed he would just have to remember next time. Panda chimera sweating profusely, the hyena blinked. Had he forgotten something, as well? Everyone had been forgetful today. A shame to be had, for sure.

"Ah, sorry, Miss Cloud Retainer!" Yínlóng replied, words getting faster with every syllable. "I didn't bring any bamboo shoots with me!"

"Nonsense! My disciple will bring them out to you!" Cloud Retainer responded in an adeptus echo. "------!" A name had been said, but the chimera could not hear it.

Tall, white haired woman stepping onto the scene in an exorcist outfit, the early adult gulped. If the lady were to see him, would she aim her spear his way? Plate of bamboo shoots brought closer with every step, the soldier walked in silence. No one paying him any mind, the hyena remained quiet. Perhaps he had been invisible, for the moment.

"Here you go, 'teahouse panda," Cloud Retainer's disciple said with a hint of sarcasm. She then turned to the adeptus bird. "Is this all you needed from me?"

Disciple soon dismissed, a nervous look painted Yínlóng's face a new shade of silver. Panda chimera saying they did not know how to use Adepti technology, nervous laughter broke through from their throat. Cloud Retainer soon teaching them how to use the large teapot riding the air, class had been in session.

Panda instructed to keep their leg on the pedal on the ground, the soldier watched idly in the corner. Flame rising and sinking for minutes on end, the chimera's eyes were glued to the scene. Tea eventually finished after fifteen minutes three cups of tea were placed onto the grey table.

Seeing three cups of tea placed on the table, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. Wasn't the panda chimera only supposed to brew tea for Cloud Retainer? There was no way she would want to drink tea with a chimera like him. Didn't the Adepti tend to keep themselves away from humanity? He knew if he were to drink tea at such table, it would sour her mood.

Called to the table, a wave of surprise flowed through the early adult. Was it truly alright for him to sit at the table where the Adepti ate and drank? Yínlóng soon nodding, the soldier off duty took a long deep breath. He supposed drinking tea at the table of an Adeptus would not be breaking any laws of the Geo Nation of Contracts.

Cloud Retainer looking at him as he drank the tea, the early adult gave eye contact. Did she want to say something to him? He knew whatever the Adeptus had to say, he had to listen. Not listening to what highly esteemed illuminated beast had to say would be the rudest of gestures.

"You look like a researcher named Hart who requested an audience with me in the past," Cloud Retainer said, voice continuing to echo. "You must be his son. Your father prepared a feast for me when we met." Her wings flapped outward for a moment. "He was a foolish, yet kind man."

Hearing the Adeptus' words, a small smile had broken on the hyena's face. His father had prepared an entire feast for Cloud Retainer back when he was still alive? How incredibly kind of him to do so. Something of that caliber was certainly something he would have done when amongst the living.

Tea soon finished, the chimera let out a sigh. He supposed, if he were to ever be within the presence of Cloud Retainer again in the future, giving her a feast could certainly come into fruition. Keeping a log in his mental notebook, the soldier stood up from the wooden seat. Panda chimera standing up as well, words had come their way.

Adeptus telling Yínlóng he still had a lot to learn, the panda chimera bowed. Farewells given, the walk back to the harbor had begun. No words exchanged between the two, the walk back remained silent. Liyue Harbor reached after about four hours of walking, darkness soon overtook the sky. Restaurants in the background as the Harbor's scenery blended in, the panda chimera turned towards the hyena.

"I paid for a room for you to stay in in Wangshu Inn," Yínlóng said, somber tone unable to hide in their voice. "Meet me at the mansion tomorrow morning?" Their two index fingers touch, but the frown on their face would not leave.

Nodding, the early adult exited the Harbor. Heading for the inn, the soldier off duty could not help but feel something had been off about the panda chimera. Barely any smiles on their face the entire day, a wave of concern flowed through him. Something had to be bothering him, for sure.

Inn room soon checked into, the chimera walked around in a circle upon the wooden floor. If something had been bothering Yínlóng besides the sinking incident today, why hadn't he told him what was bugging him? But the chimera shook his head. He supposed talking about problems was not quite that simple, even for the talkative.

Wave of tiredness overtaking the hyena, the soldier crawled up into the hotel bed. World of sleep about to take him away, a tidal wave of concerns paraded through the chimera's mind. Shutting his eyes tight, one final thought looped on repeat as the land of tormented dreams invited him back in.

Yínlóng was not acting like himself at all.

***

"I just want to spend time alone with him.

Just alone with Siorc, no interruptions.
Untimely things keep happening,
So much is getting in the way of alone time.
This is quite unfair, but

Why should I say anything?
After all, I should always be helpful.
No matter what, or who the case.
That is a given.

Though, I secretly wish all
Of this would just go away.

Stay away from my time,
Perhaps I should not think such.
Everything is just another moment in life.
No matter what, nothing will ever be smooth sailing.
Do not fret, the festivities aren't going away.

The fireworks have yet to start yet, but if
I am denied such time, I will simply cry.
Maybe strong emotions are not my normal disposition, but
Even I can get sad sometimes.

And all of these interruptions, I feel
Loaned out, over used
Over rented out.
No. I mustn't complain. In the
End, I will get to have my time alone.

Why fight? People will always need others.
I am so accustomed to being of service,
This should come easy to me.
However, I feel I am being thrown into things that should not involve me.

How come I have to look for strangers?
I have other things, other engagements.
Maybe after all this, I will get time alone. It is best I just focus."

Waking up the next morning, the soldier off duty headed for the mansion in the pavilion. Knocking on the door, the hyena waited. Yínlóng slowly swinging the doors open, he had been invited in. But, as he stepped inside the large house of many riches, a wave of confusion flowed through the chimera. Had he been here recently? But the early adult shook such thought way. Impossible. He hadn't been in the mansion since their nature walk in Sumeru a few months back.

Taken to the second floor, an elderly man with white hair, pink eyes and panda ears studied him, for a moment. Seeing such person looking at him for minutes on end, the hyena tilted his head. Had this been Yínlóng's grandfather? Wise man of many years looking ready to speak, the soldier off duty gave eye contact.

"I am glad you seem to have made a full recovery, young man," the elderly panda said. "My grandchildren were quite worried about you."

Odd words coming his way, confusion looped on repeat. Had he been in the mansion when he had been laid up in bed prison? But, the early adult did not ask such question. If Her Majesty had heard him inquire about such, she would kill him, for sure. Yínlóng soon leaving for his room, the early adult followed behind like a duckling following the mother in the pond.

Key twisted into the lock, the door had soon been opened. Closet door pushed aside, the dresses in the corner glowed as though the sun had been shining upon them. Eyes practically made out of glitter as he gazed at them, the soldier off duty turned towards Yínlóng.

"I might have booked lunch reservations at Xinyue Kiosk for this afternoon," Yínlóng said, two index fingers touching. "Sorry, I forgot to tell you yesterday!" They clapped their hands together in an apologetic stance. "Are you interested in one of my dresses? Pick any you'd like." They then whispered something barely audible. "I'm excited to spend Lantern Rite with you today...alone."

Unable to hear the last thing Yínlóng said, the soldier turned his attention back towards the closet. Beautiful, peach dress with a pink jacket in the corner unlike any other outfit in the closet, the hyena pointed at it. Dress practically having a spotlight over it, the soldier's mismatched eyes were engulfed in a world of sparkles once more.

Seeing Siorc point at the foreign dress they never wished to wear in the corner, Yínlóng took the outfit off the hanger. Had this been the dress he wished to wear? If such were indeed the case, he would oblige, not matter what. Ready to hand it off to him, he pushed the outfit towards his hands.

"You want to wear this one?" Yínlóng asked. "Go right ahead. My parents imported this one from Fontaine." Placing it into his hands, he turned back around, heading for the drawers in the corner.

Dress in his hands, the soldier removed his uniform pants from around his waist. Small pair of black trousers handed to him, the soldier off duty slipped them on. Dress placed over his layered shirts, and Vision clipped onto the pink mini-jacket, the outfit had completely melted into place.

Yínlóng adorning a grey liyuean style shirt with Jueyun Chilis in the corner and flaming pants, the soldier could feel himself meters over the moon as the lacy outfit intertwined with his partially human body. Had he reached Celestia? He knew such was not the case, but he felt like such had been, at the moment.

Elbows soon linked together, the two exited the mansion. Walking down the stairs towards the Adventurer's Guild, frantic noises overtook the streets. As the teahouse grew ever so closer, the cacophony only continued. Voices getting louder as the minutes dragged onward, a sight caught the hyena's eyes.

Fèng, Linggui and two faces he had never seen before asking questions to one another in rapid fire, the chimera let out a sigh. Just what were the otter twins and the unknown people talking so loudly about? Franticness evident in all of their voices, the soldier off duty held his judgement. Perhaps, something had happened. It was not in his place to judge them.

Tall brunette sipping tea in the corner, the early adult blinked. How in the world could he drink his tea and not be disturbed by all the loud noises around him? But, he supposed it would not be like such a man to interrupt anyone when it was not his turn to speak. Unknown strangers stepping up onto the walkway in the corner, his tea break had soon been interrupted.

"Excuse me, sir?" one of the unknown people asked the tall brunette. Their voice was tenor, but slightly deep. "Have you seen my sister Pulao anywhere?" The second voice soon joined in.

"We are really sorry for rudely disturbing your teatime, but, she ran off somewhere in Liyue Harbor!" the second stranger exclaimed. Their voice was alto, and feminine. "She isn't supposed to run! She has a bad a heart, she could be collapsed somewhere!" The other stranger then returned to the party.

"Ae told her not to run! But she wouldn't listen to aer!" the deeper voice stranger shouted, voice shaking.

Conversation looking like it could go on for quite a long while, the early adult observed the two strangers. Standing to the left had been a man about eighteen centimeters taller than him. The man had short, messy white hair that went down to about his chin with a loose piece on the left side in his bangs reaching to about his chest. Mini braid on the right side by his ear, the early adult turned his attention to his face. Blue eyes like the otter twins in the corner and scar underneath the right eye, the soldier off duty turned his attention towards his outfit. Light orange buttoned shirt with what looked like to be tiger spots printed on it, the chimera turned his attention to the second stranger.

Standing to the right had been a feminine looking person the exact same height as him from a glance. The feminine individual had short light grey hair that went down to about aer neck. Dual ringlets on the top of air head, and yellow highlight string of hair sticking out beside aer blue eyes, the soldier looked at aer outfit for a moment. Dark blue liyuean style outfit with a flower in the center of the print, the hyena ended his examination.

"I must apologize," the tall brunette said to the group of two strangers. "I am afraid I have not seen your sister. If I see her around Liyue Harbor, I will not hesitate to inform you." His left hand moved up and down as he spoke.

Fèng and Linggui turning around, eyes had soon been on Yínlóng and he. Cheesy smiles appearing on their face, the early adult rolled his eyes to the sky. Were they about to lay out a world of teases despite the chaos that had been going on around them? If such were the case, now was not the time for such. But, the hyena knew he could not say such. Telling them what they could not do would be bossy, for sure. He was no one's boss. He could not order others around, guaranteed.

"Look who showed up! It's Yínlóng and his Fatui boyfriend!" Fèng exclaimed, pointing at Yínlóng. "Could you two help us look for our cousin? Twelve eyes are better than eight!"

Yínlóng's ears twitched as Fèng's request had come their way. Why had yet another interruption pushed a roadblock in their time alone together with Siorc? Everyone and everything had been attempting to get in the way of their boy time alone together with him. But, such was life. It was no use getting angry over such unexpected outcome.

Hearing the stranger minutes before say aer sister had a bad heart, the early adult stepped forward. If she had a bad heart, he knew it would be in his best interest to look for her. Knowing what it had been like to have issues with such muscle, the hyena nodded. Twelve eyes were indeed better than eight.

"Great! Let's look in teams!" Fèng shouted. "Siorc, join Chiwen and Qiongqi!" Linggui's voice soon entered the ring.

"Yínlóng, come over t' us," Linggui said with haste. "Yer gonna search for Pulao with Fèng and me!"

Walking over towards the two strangers, the early adult looked into the party of two's eyes. Yínlóng heading over towards the otter twins, the soldier had come to wonder. Could Chiwen and Qiongqi be otter chimeras, as well? But no such question would escape his lips. There was no time for such questions. The search party had to begin now. Shorter possible otter chimera looking ready to speak, the hyena listened carefully.

"My, my, a stranger will be joining us?" Chiwen asked, hand talking for aer. "Let's search near the Wharf together!" The other stranger named Qiongqi turned towards his cousins.

"I bet you we'll find Pulao faster than you!" Qiongqi chided, pointing.

Qiongqi making it sound as though it were a competition, the group of six soon split up into teams of three. Heading off towards the Adventurer's Guild, the hyena kept his eyes open. Not seeing a girl by the Guild, the group turned their heads towards the gate near the blacksmith.

Not seeing anyone by the behind the wooden fence, the soldier off duty headed towards the wooden shelter in the corner. No one but generic nobodies chattering about, the hyena sprinted onto the bridge beside the large wooden boat house. Strangers checking the other side, the early adult kept running.

Ladder upon him, the early adult ascended. No one on the second floor of the wooden tower, the chimera descended once more. Heading to the edge of the docks near a fisherman in the corner, a silent question had been asked to the generic man with a hat. Inquires about a girl signed on public display, a quick shake of the head shut down the question in a matter of moments.

Two siblings grouping up with him once more in the wooden storage house, the group of three soon stuck together like glue. Reaching the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil affairs, the taller stranger asked the woman if they had seen his sister. Generic woman saying she never left her post to know, the trio headed down the stairs.

No one having answers near the boats in the corner, the group of three dashed off towards the other side of the harbor. Various citizens looking far too busy to answer on the streets near Feiyun Slope, the group turned towards the left. Wharf closely approaching, the soldier off duty dashed towards the wooden streets.

Fèng, Linggui and Yínlóng soon rejoining the group as they closed in on the wharf as well, the group of six headed towards the docks. Spotting a girl running towards the lights in the corner, everyone dashed off towards the sight. Young woman catching her breath by the glowing lights in the corner that did not shine as well during the day, everyone stepped up to the plate.

Panting for her life on the wooden ground had been a short young woman. The young woman had spiky light warm grey hair that went down to about her chest. Two twintails with blue ribbons on her backside, and lighter blue ribbon on the top of her head to match, her light blue eyes almost matched her even bluer outfit exactly. Otter tail from behind her staying stagnant as she huffed about, the early adult ended his examination.

"There you are, Pulao. You shouldn't run!" Chiwen scolded. "You know you aren't supposed to leave the house without taking your medicine first!" A counter point soon took the stage.

"I don't want to take it! It's bitter and disgusting!" Pulao cried, catching her breath with every word she spoke. "Can't I just enjoy Lantern Rite without having to take my gross pills, for once?!" She was almost completely out of breath.

Hearing the younger looking sister complain, the early adult held back an eye roll. How incredibly bratty Pulao was being right now. Running away because she did not want to take her medicine? What a childish act. Medicine that was mandatory to be taken should not be skipped, no matter how much the person were to despise it. If such medicine for his heart existed, he would not attempt to skip a day if it meant his uneven heartbeat would never return so as long as here to take it when instructed. But, the early adult kept such thought inside. He could not say such, the home situation of strangers should be left to the people involved.

"Pulao, stop being such a baby," Fèng said to Pulao. A sea of tears shut down such words immediately.

"Chiwen! Fèng called me a baby!" Pulao whined, in tears. Qiongqi soon threw himself into the ring.

"Don't be so inconsiderate, Fèng!" Qiongqi shouted. "Next time we go swimming in Lingju Pass, I'll beat you in a race!"

Pulao soon spluttering a deep pained cough, alarm bells had gone off in the soldier off duty's head. Had she run out of breath as her family had been arguing with one another? Hand out in front of him, the hyena readied to place his hand on the young woman's back. But, as he was about to do such, pained screams had begun to hit the sky.

"If it wasn't for this stupid chess piece, I wouldn't need this dumb medicine to begin with!" Pulao cried, icy blue chess piece in hand. She broke into a coughing fit in between words. "This thing, that doctor...he... lied!" Coughs only getting worse as the seconds sped by, she fell backwards, tiny body hitting the wood.

Hearing the word Doctor as the young woman collapsed, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. Had the malicious malpracticing doctor claimed more victims? If such were the case, a warning had to come their way. But, no such warning ever came. Words unable to leave his lips, silence looped on repeat.

Sister's dramatic tantrum ending in disaster, Qiongqi stepped towards his sister. Placing her on his back, he winced as his scars burned as her weight joined his. "We'll take her home," he said. "Looks like she won't be able to enjoy Lantern Rite this year." Scars burning with every fiber of his being, he grinded his teeth as the weight continued to add pressure to his back.

"My, my, are your scars bothering you again?" Chiwen asked, hand out in front of aer. "I'll carry her for you." But, such words had been met with immediate criticism.

"Didn't you tell me this morning you couldn't feel your arms?" Qiongqi asked sternly. "I'm not letting you carry her if you're still numb."

Conversation about physical health continuing in the background, the soldier wondered. Should he tell the two conscious siblings about Loba? But the soldier shook his head. He knew that even if he told them about her, she would not serve anyone who was not a Fatui. Fèng and Linggui telling their cousins they could head for their house in Mingyun Village, the group of five exited the area.

Commotion soon over with, the early adult turned his attention towards Yínlóng. Uncharacteristic solemn look on their face, the hyena turned his head towards the sky. Evening sky kicking in, a realization hit the chimera. Lunchtime had already passed. Their reservations had been missed, for sure. Pink eyes soon on him, a confirmation would come in a matter of minutes.

"We missed our lunch reservations," Yínlóng said, voice even slower than normal. "I'm sorry, Siorc."

Apology coming his way, the early adult placed his hands in front of him. Wordlessly communicating that it was alright, the somber look would not leave the panda chimera's face. Repeating the sign once more, his face would not change, even for a moment. Shoulders slumping as his next words rolled out, the soldier off duty listened carefully.

"I just want to spend time alone with you without any interruptions," Yínlóng replied to his wordless communication, somber tone unable to hide in his voice. "Meet me at mansion again tomorrow? I just want to go back home now."

Nodding, the hyena obliged. Yínlóng and he soon going their separate ways, Wangshu Inn had been upon him after two hours of walking. Stepping into his temporary accommodations for the evening once more, the early adult crawled into the foreign bed. World of sleep almost taking him away immediately, a repeat thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Yínlóng was not acting like himself, for sure.

***

"Will today go as Yínlóng planned?
Are the Archons interfering?
This feels like the work of the gods, or maybe I'm just overthinking.
Cannot help but feel these obstacles have been
Hurled in the path to test his patience.
I can feel it in his words, it is beginning to run out.
No, I'm simply imagining it.
Getting caught up in all of these sudden events,

That must be upsetting him.
He isn't thinking clearly. That must be it.
Even the most patient and understanding of people have their limits.

For now, I will try to speak up, if I can.
If they do not get their time at the
Restaurant with me today, I'm afraid he might break.
Even I do not want to imagine what an angry Yínlóng might look like.
Would be worse than the wrath of the gods, guaranteed.
Obviously, that sounds like an exaggeration, but
Really, I cannot imagine anger is a good thing.
Knowing what my parents once told me, 'Even the calm have tempers,
So, make sure you're always patient and understanding.'

That's right, patience. Waiting. An
Ordinary thing no other Fatui seems to have.
Guess if he runs out of patience, I will have to tell him it is okay.
Events out of our control happen.
That is a given.
However, I do not want this day to go to waste,
Either. My workdays could return at any hour.
Rex Lapis, I know I am not supposed to worship you, but, if you can hear me, do not let this day go sour."

Heading for the mansion the next morning, a sight caught the hyena's eyes as an unknown butler let him in. Yinlong and Qiulong in a deep conversation about Jiaolong, an alarming set of words pushed a red button in the early adult's partially human brain. Sea of concerns floating through his head, the early adult attempted with any might to tune their voices out, but such was not able to come into fruition.

Qiulong telling Yinlong Jiaolong had not been eating lately, a heavy weight dropped down on the chimera's chest. Why hadn't Jiaolong been eating? Didn't he have a busy life with three jobs throughout the week? Not consuming food had to have been a dangerous action, for sure. While he was unsure how much food a panda chimera needed to survive the day, he knew if it had been days, there was no way he would have any energy to do any of his various jobs.

Conversation continuing for minutes on end, the chimera kept attempting with any might to tune it out. But, Yinlong soon turned his way. Qiulong ceasing their talk for a moment, she placed her hands inside her deep pink pockets on the side of her skirt. Yinlong looking ready to speak, the soldier off duty looked into his pink eyes.

"Oh, there you are, Siorc, I'm glad you're here," Yinlong said, voice still slow and somber. "I was able to reschedule our lunch. We need to be at Xinyue Kiosk in two hours." He then placed his hand out in front of him. "Walk around the Harbor with me?"

Qiulong folding her arms across her waist, looking ready to interrupt, the soldier off duty did not grab Yinlong's hand. If his cousin had something to say to him, he knew he could not stop her. Doing such would be a rude gesture, for sure. Qiulong soon speaking, the soldier waited for a moment.

"Yinyin, I know you're going on a date, but please be on the lookout for Jojo," Qiulong sternly stated. "He is not well."

Yinlong not refuting Qiulong after she said the word date, an alarm bell had gone off in his head. Why hadn't the panda chimera been quick to deny such word? He had usually done so in the past. But, he supposed the stress of everything in the past few days had made him forget himself.

Panda chimera quickly agreeing, the hyena's hand and his had soon been intertwined. Mansion soon exited, the walk had begun. But, as their watching through the Pavilion slowly went by, the early adult stared at the sky above him. Jiaolong had been pushing himself far too hard. Why hadn't anyone put a stop to it? Wasn't his boss at the pharmacy a doctor? Staircase descended hand in hand, the sea of thoughts continued.

The furry eared man, hadn't he noticed anything was off with him when making herbs within him at any point while in Gandharva Ville? But, the hyena put a pin in such thoughts. He supposed, it was no business of his what went on in other people's lives. But, he knew, if he were to see Jiaolong at any point today, intervention was mandatory.

Walk about in silence continuing for about an hour, a shocking sight caught wind in the early adult's heterochromatic field of damaged vision. Jiaolong collapsed in the street by Wanmin Restaurant, Yinlong dashed off to his cousin faster than anything he had ever done in his life. Bringing the taller panda chimera back onto his feet, the hyena gazed at Jiaolong.

Taller panda chimera looking extremely pale, a weight of concern dropped onto the hyena's back. Had Jiaolong been working nonstop lately? If such were the case, he needed a break, for sure. But no such words would escape his lips. Taller panda's eyes fluttering open, the chimera backed three steps away. The cousins needed their space.

Familiar hands bringing him to his feet, Jiaolong rubbed his eyes. Fuzzy image of Yínlóng looking at him with concern, he attempted to shake his head. But, the world spun as he attempted to do such. Didn't Yínlóng have a date today? Maybe it was best to send her on her way.

"Yínlóng, what are you doing here?" Jiaolong asked, words slurred. "Qiulong told me you had a date today."

Yínlóng looking almost ready to pop like a top, the hyena took a deep breath. If he were about to lose patience, he knew he had to prepare himself to calm then down. The panda chimera getting angry? Such would be far more scarier than the wrath of the gods. Words beginning to pour out of the panda chimera, the soldier off duty turned his head towards the panda cousins.

"We're just getting lunch," Yínlóng said, words shaking with every syllable. "Qiulong told me you haven't been eating lately. Is that true?" An answer soon dropped down a lightning bolt.

"I haven't had time for that," Jiaolong replied. "I need to deliver stomach medicine to the people of Liyue. Lantern Rite is quite a busy time. You know that, Yínlóng."

Hearing their cousin's response, Yínlóng's face grew dark. Jiaolong was beginning to destroy himself. The commerce guild, the pharmacy, and his new herbalist job in Sumeru, how could anyone handle three jobs without burning themselves out like a star in a sky? Such was a mystery to them.

"Doesn't your boss know you're not feeling well?" Yínlóng asked, words shaking. "He's a doctor! He should take a look at you!" But an immediate rejection had come his way.

"We're all too busy for that right now," Jiaolong said, wobbling to his feet. "Just enjoy your date with your friend. I'll be fine."

Watching as Jiaolong wobbled away, the chimera knew such would not be the case. But, as he thought such, he had been gone without a trace. Qiulong soon showing up by the restaurant, Yínlóng and she had soon been in deep conversation about the taller panda chimera.

"I'll take things from here," Qiulong said, hands in her pink skirt pockets. "Go on your date! Isn't it almost time?"

Yínlóng looking at a mysterious device on their wrist he had never seen before, the panda chimera had taken his hand into theirs. Small walk around the wharf taking place for about an hour or so hands joined together, the group of two headed onto the street near the jewelry store in the corner.

Fancy looking restaurant stopped in front of, the chimera's heart skipped a beat. Was he truly allowed to step foot in such an esteemed eatery? If the owner of the restaurant knew he was a member of the Fatui, he would get kicked out the door, for sure. Reservations confirmed by the employee on the outside door, the two stepped inside.

Employee at the counter escorting Yínlóng and he to their table, the soldier off duty had turned his head to the right and left. He could not help but feel eyes had been on him. But, the hyena pushed such thought outside. He was imagining it, surely. No one else in the kiosk at all, the early adult let out a sigh. Right, no one was looking at him. His thoughts were messing with him.

"Order as much as you'd like," Yínlóng said as he gazed at a menu. "My grandfather awarded me handsomely for my commerce guild work recently."

Not wishing to overindulge his welcome, the early adult hovered his finger over the Stir Fried Fish Noodles dish on the menu. Take advantage of Yínlóng's money? Not a chance. Getting whatever was the least expensive was fine enough as it was. Panda chimera encouraging him to get more, the hyena shook his head. There was no way he could run his wallet dry, that would disrespectful beyond belief. His parents had always told him to never take advantage of someone's kindness.

Seeing Siorc shake his head, a puzzle piece fell out of the puzzle in Yínlóng's mind. Did Siorc think that asking for more than one dish would be overindulgent of him? Such was not the case. He knew he needed to tell him it was alright to order more food if he wanted anything else.

"Hey! You don't have to worry about me! I have plenty of Mora today!" Yínlóng exclaimed, waving their hands about. "Don't feel like you have to hold back. I can pay for anything you want. I promise!"

But, the hyena shook his head again. There was no way he would order anything extremely expensive. Putting his foot down on the line, the soldier off duty remained where he stood. Subject soon dropped, the plates of food had been brought out to them. Noodles in front of him, the early adult broke out the chopsticks.

However, as the hyena slowly ate the noodles, his eyes had begun to get heavy, for a moment. Feeling a sudden wave of fatigue hit him as the fried noodles of fish swam through his mouth. Unable to keep his eyes open, the hyena's mind blinked out of existence, for a moment.

The switched had been clicked off.

***

Dreaming had continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the early adult's Fatui life. But, the world before him had been an unusual sight for the spaced out eyes. Forest in front of him for kilometers on end, the chimera swore he could hear a voice call out to him.

"You must forget," the voice said.

Bewilderment slurping him up like his Stir Fried Fish Noodles in the mortal waking world, the chimera nodded. Shadow with no face covering his eyes for a moment, the world had gone black. But, such dream had been cut off, in an instant. Feeling a tap on the shoulder, the hyena eyes jolted back open.

Yínlóng looking into his eyes with concern, the early adult placed his hands into an apologetic stance. Returning to his meal, Siorc could not help but feel he had been forgetting something. But, the hyena slapped his cheeks. Whatever it was that he forget, perhaps it could return to his memory later.

Meals finished after about two hours, the meals had soon been paid for. Sound of many gold Mora coins given to the employee, the soldier off duty stood up from his chair. Yínlóng standing up as well, the two exited the kiosk. Sun beginning to set, the panda's eyes soon met his for what felt like the tenth time today.

"It's going to be evening soon. Boss has an opera performance today," Yínlóng said, words slow and lulled. "Do you want to go see her play, or watch paper theater?"

Knowing that too much applause would make his head pound, the chimera held up two fingers. He did not know why, but a lot of noise sounded like a rather tiring ordeal, for the day. Wide smile he had not seen in days appear on Yínlóng's face, he linked his elbow around his own.

"Paper theater it is, then," Yínlóng said. "Walk around the harbor with me until the show starts?"

Walking around the Harbor for about an hour, the time had come for the Paper Theater Show. Many children watching in suspense as a man behind a booth changed screens of pictures with a man trying to reach a door with many obstacles in his path, the early adult's eyes had been glued to the paper screen.

Man reaching the person he had wished to meet by the final act of the paper play, the early adult quietly clapped on the air. Show soon coming to an end, the walk around the Harbor elbows linked continued. But, as the sound of firework took to the skies, their walk had soon been halted.

Loud crackles engulfing the skies, a sea of thoughts flowed through the panda. Man selling Xiao Lanterns in the corner, they turned their attention towards the stall owner. Should he tell Siorc how he feels? Tell him the third word, eight letter sentence? Quietly crab walking towards the stall while the fireworks popped about, a Lantern had soon been purchased. Taking a deep breath, Yínlóng prepared himself. But, other words flowed out instead. Bringing him into an embrace, he began speaking.

"I thought, I was going to lose you," Yínlóng said, words slowing down as the fireworks sparkled. "I was so scared when I saw you on the beach like that. I..." But he stopped himself from speaking further, letting the lantern go.

Hearing Yínlóng's words as he embraced him, a sea of bewilderment swallowed the chimera at shore. What in the world had he been talking about? Had something happened to him that caused him to worry? Whatever it was that happened, he could not recall any such event happening. Would telling him he enjoyed spending time together with him calm down his fears? He supposed it was worth a shot.

"I'm glad I got to spend time with you, sir," Siorc replied, words barely audible.

Siorc changing the subject, an oil bulb went off in Yínlóng's head. Did he not want to talk about what had happened? Perhaps it was best to drop the subject, for now. Hearing him say he was glad to have spent time with him, they shook their head. Maybe it was best to not say the three word, eight letter sentence for now. Forgoing such idea, a slow smile creeped on their face.

Spending time with him was more than enough.

"I'm glad I got to spend time with you, too," he replied, words slow. "Happy Lantern Rite, Siorc." But, his thoughts echoed as the fireworks sparkled. He was a coward, unable to say the important words.

Fireworks coming to an end after about an hour, the party of two walked back to the mansion. Uniform pants soon returned to him, the early adult removed the Vision from the pink jacket on the dress. Small shorts returned to the panda as well, the soldier off duty slipped the brown pants back over his legs. Vision clipped back onto his uniform belt, the chimera let out a somber sigh. It was time to return to Snezhnaya. Back to the permafrost north, back to work tomorrow. Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb in front of him, he prepared himself for one final goodbye.

"Thank you for the past three days. Despite the interruptions, it was wonderful," Siorc said, words slight more audible than normal. "I must take my leave now." He then took a deep breath, should he tell him to keep an eye on Jiaolong? But the early adult placed such words in his back pocket. Maybe it was best he did not interfere. "Please take care."

Hearing Siorc say his farewells, a somber look appeared on Yínlóng's face once more. He was leaving for Snezhnaya already? But he supposed it could not be helped. His Fatui boss had to have been expecting him to return back to his job at any moment now. But, perhaps they could spend more boy time alone in the future without any interruptions next time? He hoped such could be the case.

"I had fun spending time with you, even though it didn't nearly go as planned!" Yínlóng said, words getting slower with every syllable. "If you have time again in the future, let's spend boy time alone again!" He pumped his fist onto the air. "Next time, if anyone tries to interfere, I'll tell them no!" Panda ears soon drooping, a somber tone dug at his words. "You take care of yourself, too." Waving, a yawn broke loose from their throat. Sleep would soon be upon them.

Waving one final time, the hyena opened the orb into map form. Highlighting the waypoint to the military barracks the chimera closed his eyes. Icy cold hallways upon him after a split second, the soldier had begun walking. Steel walled room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the early adult stepped into the soundproof room in silence.

But, as he stepped onto the icy cold floor, the hyena walked around in a circle. Why did he feel like he had been forgetting something? Haze appearing in his memories as he kept thinking, the soldier shook his head. Whatever it was he could have possibly been forgetting, perhaps it was not important. But, the chimera's circle about continued.

The panda chimera's grandfather, he had said he had glad he had made a full recovery. Just what recovery had he been speaking of? He could not recall anything major happening to him in the past few months. Had everyone been mistaken? But, Siorc shrugged his shoulders. Maybe he was just tired from all the festivities. Surely, whatever it was he had forgotten would come back to him after he were to get some sleep.

Removing the weaponized hairpins and earrings, the chimera tilted his head. Why did he feel like this had been the first time in awhile he had taken off his prized jewelry and accessories? But, the hyena quickly snapped himself out of such. Right, he was just tired from his fun time around Lantern Rite. He was overthinking everything, for sure.

Wave of tiredness overtaking him, the early adult slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Pushing such thoughts about forgetting something aside, the hyena placed his glasses aside. Knowing work definitely awaited him tomorrow, the chimera closed his eyes. World of tormented dreams ready to invite him back in, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Work would resume tomorrow, for sure.

 

[Palamon]

Part 3

27. Vision Origins, Peace Treaty, and Lantern Rite Cleanup Duty

"Cannot help but feel something is missing.
Or am I misremembering?
No, surely my memory is just
Foggy, hazy.
Ultimately, only four days have passed.
So, yes, I am overthinking.
I do not understand everyone's
Overt concern for my wellbeing. I do
Not recall anything out of the ordinary happening.

I am certain everyone is mistaken.
Surely, whatever I am forgetting is my imagination.

Quite certain on this.
Utmost of all, I am returning to work.
I do not understand where
This sudden vacation
Even came from.

Could everyone have been hit by a wave
Of confusion?
Naofa must have touched something
They are not trustworthy.
All and all, I am certain without a
Grain of doubt.
I am certain without a shadow
Of thought: only four days passed. That is the
Ultimatum.
So, I must be ready for work, that is a given."

Four days had passed since the hyena and lynx chimera cleared out Abyssalflies in Mondstdat. But, the chimera could not help but feel he had been forgetting something. Odd four days coming at the early adult fast, the soldier could not help but wonder: had a half-week truly passed? Confusion was a contagious disease with slow recovery.

Ordered to go the Natlan medical ward for a sudden medical examination, the early adult did as instructed of him. But, such medical visit had been interrupted in the early stages, breaking the target in half in the Pyro Nation of War. Frog porcupine chimera returning with an angry fury, demands of medicine had come the jackal's way. Getting on the offensive, a valley-girl panther chimera lowered the raising tension within the medical ward. Chaotic medical examination coming to an end, another unexpected oddity took shape for the next three days.

Invitation taped onto his door the next day, the hyena had been summoned to Liyue. Invited to the Lantern Rite festival by the panda chimera, three days of Adeptus tea, otter chimera shenanigans and walking around the harbor took place in peace. Lantern Rite coming to an end, the mysterious work vacation had been concluded.

Upon waking up for the morning, the chimera let out a loud yawn. Noise bouncing off and around the steel walls, the soldier prepared himself. He was working today, for sure. He had to get ready quickly. Hourglasses' sand beginning to fall, the hyena rose from the uncomfortable bed. The time had come to begin the morning routine of dressing the body.

As the soldier put on his uniform, he could not help but wonder. Why had it felt like multiple days had been clouded in his mind? But, the hyena shook his head. He was definitely overthinking it, for sure. Pushing the thoughts into the snow outside, the early adult clicked the buttons into the incorrect holes.

Sea of thoughts flowing through, the chimera clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching black hearts in his hair and ears, a tidal wave crashed through the active shark grooves in his brain. Why did it feel as though he hadn't been wearing the prized jewelry and accessories for almost an entire month? But, the soldier snapped such thought away like a villain with a reality warping gauntlet. There was no way such was true. Going a day without hairpins and earrings was not possible; routines were ingrained deep.

Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the early adult let out a tired sigh. He was overthinking it. Only four days had passed for sure. Bending down onto the icy cold floor, the soldier placed the heelless shoes over his currently human feet. Gazing downward at his uniform, a shock went down the chimera's spine as the sight before him took shape.

Buttons in the incorrect holes, the early adult's knees shook in a rapid manner. If he were to leave his uniform in such a state, the Agent would yell at him, for sure. Undoing the fasteners, the chimera carefully placed the buttons into the correct holes. Everything in order, the hyena had finished the morning routine of dressing the body.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march with a fervor, the early adult steeled himself. The time had come for his workdays to resume. Turning his attention to the door, the soldier put on the most diplomatic face possible. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the hyena took a long deep breath. The time had come for his return to the diplomatic working world.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You have been assigned training on the Vision and Delusion training grounds today." But, a sudden shift of words took the military barracks by an icy surprise. Masked eyes wandering to the hyena's chest, an unexpected question hit the door. "Are you sure you're ready to go back to work, soldier? I could ask Her Majesty for an extension to your vacation." There was an unusual tone of worry in his voice.

The hyena tilted his head towards the ceiling. What had the Agent been talking about? Whatever concern he had for him had obviously been staged, for sure. There was no way he had not been working four days ago. He knew he could not get his out of nowhere vacation extended; Her Majesty would kill him. Knowing such had been the case, he knew he had to tell the Agent.

"I am alright, sir," the chimera responded autonomously. "We need to get going." Holding his arm out, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away like it always had.

The Agent scratched the base of his hood. Just what was up with the soldier today? Had he forgotten the incident entirely? He could never fathom what went on in his subordinate's brain. But, he supposed if he had no memory of the incident, there was no reason to keep pressing on about it.

"If you insist," the Agent responded. "Let's get going." Arm out in front of him, he grabbed the wrist with far less force than normal. Gripping prison reduced to a mere squeeze, the soldier closed his eyes as the escort to the training grounds began.

What could possibly be in store for him today?

***

"Ah, the flea is coming back to the training grounds today? Her Pathetic

Majesty told me, 'do anything to my lovely chimera again, and you can kiss your life goodbye.'
Oh, that wretched Cryo Archon! I should have erased her memory of the incident!
Now, today, she demands I go easy on him. Pathetic, really!
That Delusion she gave me will be firing arrows at that weak
Hyena, he'd best be ready!

He was laid up somewhere for a month,
Ah, but he doesn't remember, I erased such incident from his mind!
Doubt he remembers anything, I scrubbed out everything from

The domain to the recovery!
Revenge is sweet, he probably thinks only four days have passed!
Undeniably, I Naofa, have a done the right thing!
Look, the Twilight Sword, he wasn't supposed to meet him!
Yes, that's right! It's his fault for showing up!

Perhaps this easy day will go by quickly,
After all, he's a weak, pitiful little soldier!
So, I don't have to try, just throwing arrows his way as we
Speak. A monotonous, pitiful activity!
Even though I say that, that wretched Doctor,
Did something stupid again. He never learns, he's such a pathetic tragedy!"

Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the hyena lowered his eyes into a bewildered squint. He could not help but feel he had not been on the training grounds in awhile. But, the soldier snapped himself back into reality. There was no way that was true. He had been on the training ground six days ago.

Turning his head towards the right and left, the soldier walked towards the weapons room. Naofa was waiting for him, he could not waste any time. Taking a dark blue greastword that was rumored to be able to ride the sky off the shelf, the chimera walked towards the lynx chimera. Electro delusion on its collar and bow in their right hand, the early turned his attention towards Naofa. Was he going to dodging arrows today? Smirk coming his way, he supposed he was about to find out.

"There you are, it's been awhile, flea," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "I've been told to go easy on you. So, prepare to dodge my arrows, butterfly."

Siorc tilted his head towards the sky. What had Naofa been talking about? Hadn't he seen it only four days ago? A while had certainly not passed by. The Agent, Her Majesty and the lynx chimera were definitely playing strange tricks on him, for sure. Placing the blade in front of him, the soldier prepared for the arrows to start coming his way.

Seeing a look of bewilderment on the hyena chimera's face, Naofa put on a toothy grin. He didn't remember anything at all after the point of it defeating the Abyssalflies. An excellent outcome to be had, for sure. Perhaps now, an amiable person would act like they had been mistaken.

"Oh, I must have been mistaken, moth!" Naofa said, plastic tone sticking like glue. "Slip of tongue. Don't worry about it!" But, as it said such, the aggravating voice of the Sixth Harbinger boomed in commando.

"Look at you pathetic and lazy soldiers. Get to getting training already!" the Sixth Harbinger commanded at the top of his lungs. He then turned his head to the left. "Well, would you look at that! The blind one has returned! Try harder, weakling!" Letting out a laugh, he left the battlegrounds.

Insult coming his way, the soldier slapped his cheeks. Right, he had to perform well today, or disappointment will come Her Majesty's way. Naofa preparing its bow, the hyena looked into its eyes. He needed to remain focused, no matter what. Good performance on the battlefield was the key to success.

Watching Siorc prepare himself, a wide sinister grinned stretched across Naofa's face. How incredibly pathetic he was for being so eager to be able to return to work again. Perhaps, it owed him a story about Visions to bridge the gap of the forgotten time away from his pitiful career.

"Go ahead and summon your little flower friends all you like today!" Naofa exclaimed, plastic tone cementing into place. "I'll go easy on you. So let's begin, shall we?"

Naofa backing fifteen steps away with its bow in hand, the hyena nodded. He supposed brushing up on his dodging skills had to happen every once in awhile. Claymore in front of him, the soldier placed himself into a fighting stance. He had to prepare himself for the arrows about to come his way.

Electro arrow coming his way, the chimera jumped to the left. Weapon darting to the right, the tip and his uniform met. Small crackle of electricity pulsating through his hip, the chimera grit his teeth. Had he fallen out of practice? Taking a deep breath, the soldier kept his focus forward.

Arrow of delusional electricity dancing on the cold wind, the early adult jumped eight steps back. Weapon a decent distance from him, the soldier tossed down a flower friend. Whispering commands at the Windwheel Aster, its stem like hands caught the weapon like it was kaboomball. Vines tossing the arrow back, a homing attack centered on the lynx chimera.

Lynx taking a slight hit, electricity crackled around it like a firework in the sky. But, as his early victory had shone through, balls of ice interrupted the party. Ice slamming onto his head, the soldier couldn't help but wonder. Had it been hailing? But such had been proven wrong in a matter of seconds.

Large teal slime with icy blue eyes much larger than normal, the early adult backed eight steps away. When had a slime shown up on the battlefield? Perhaps, just maybe, they had floated by on the wind unknowingly. Naofa letting out a grunt beside him, the soldier steeled himself. Angry words were about to come the monster's way, guaranteed.

Wretched vermin dropping onto the battlefield, Naofa grit its teeth. Had the pathetic doctor sent his failed experiments onto the training grounds? How quaint of him to do so. The pitiful Cryo Archon had said to not expect any monsters today. Such monsters were not its problem. The weaker soldiers could deal with such vermin.

"Ignore that pathetic Slime!" Naofa exclaimed, noxious tone of voice. "Focus on dodging my arrows!"

Moving away from the slime, the hyena gazed at the monster. Was leaving it alone such a good idea? He knew if it were left unattended, it would become a huge headache for anyone involved. But, the early adult kept his mouth shut. It was not in his place to questions his orders.

Three arrows coming his way at lightning speed, the early adult jumped ten steps back. Greatsword and the weapon meeting, the arrow crackling with delusional electricity darted back into the opposite direction. But as the metal tip were about to collide with the lynx chimera, an icy surprise rained down on its head. Monster soon in between them, a growl had come its way. Hearing such low pitched noise, the soldier turned towards Naofa.

Lynx chimera baring its fangs to the slime, the hyena early adult backed five further steps away. A sea of rage was about to come the monster's way, for certain. Knowing the battle was about to come to a temporary halt, the early adult placed the greatsword behind him. Words worse than flea were about to come at the slime's nonexistent ears any second now.

Unintelligent blob tossing balls of ice on its head, Naofa grinded its teeth. How dare the pathetic worm of society toss balls of frozen air at its head. It had made the sorry mistake of making such decision in its tiny little Slime brain. It would pay dearly for interrupting its battle.

"You leech!" Naofa shouted, growl deepening. "I'll put an end to your sorry existence for interrupting me!" Monsters were the lowest of leeches.

Teal slime with a light blue bottom hopping ever so closer between Naofa and he, the chimera let out a sigh. Had the monster absorbed two elements at once? He supposed a slime battle was about to be upon him. Monster looking ready to get on the offensive, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Electro soon combining with Dendro, a seed exploded with a fervor upon the enemy. But, the easy switch had soon been flipped to medium.

Icy wind blowing from the Slime's nonexistent mouth, Siorc jumped to the right. Beam of ice missing by a kilometer, the soldier cracked his knuckles. Preparedness hitting the ceiling, the hyena readied for the next attack. Five arrows of electricity striking the monster from every angle, the gelatinous creature flinched.

But, such had not been enough to end the Slime's barely sentient life. Monster living to see the next hour, the early adult tossed down another flower friend. Silk flower friend dancing upon the battlefield, the soldier pointed his finger at the monster. Vines hitting the creature with barely any damage to speak of, the flower soon exited the battlefield. Although, as the hyena prepared to throw the claymore into the ring, Naofa's voice hit the wind.

"Say, want to hear another story, flea?" Naofa asked.

The chimera let out a sigh. What kind of story that was stretching the truth awaited him this time? Knowing he had no choice but to respond, the hyena nodded. Whatever falsified tale awaited him, he knew he had to listen, no matter what, or violence would be blown upon him.

Ball of icy wind coming his way, the young soldier jumped seven steps back. Claymore soon in front of him, the chimera swung the blade forward. Ball of ice deflected in near perfect precision, Naofa soon conducted the ice ball with delusional electricity. Projectile returning to its owner, the Slime flinched once more.

Monster shooting another icy ball of wind, a repeat action had come for the monster in a matter of seconds. Second electrocuted ball of ice conducting with a bang, the slime had soon become one with nature. Obstacle out of the way, the normal fight had begun to resume.

Arrows of electricity charging at him, the soldier jumped five steps back. Ball continuing to roll, the hyena's greatsword and the arrows met. Electrified arrows speeding towards the lynx chimera, static had begun to cling to its uniform. Shaking it off, its singular blue eye met his mismatched ones.

Seeing Siorc nod minutes before, Naofa smirked. The time had finally come to tell him about the only thing that mattered. Electricity on its uniform brushed away, it placed its bow beside its hip, for a moment. The weak and pathetic battle could wait to resume for a few minutes, guaranteed.

"Good! Then listen well, moth!" Naofa exclaimed, plastic tone returning. "Do you know where Visions come from?"

The chimera tilted his head. Was knowing where Visions came from even necessary? They were merely the blessing of the Gods. There was no need to think deeply about the origins of the elemental orbs of power. But, as he prepared to shrug his shoulders, an enemy had joined the conversation.

Second slime dropping from the sky, the hyena's eyes twitched, for a moment. Where had all these slimes been coming from? But, he supposed monsters could show up at anytime, anywhere. Creature's life ended in a matter of seconds, the chimera shrugged his shoulders. Naofa was powerful, indeed.

Witnessing the hyena chimera shrugging his shoulders, Naofa let out a sinister giggle. So, he didn't know where Visions came from after all. How pathetic of him for not knowing where his meek and inferior powers came from. It was time for him to learn once and for all where is wretched little decoration came from.

"Oh, so you don't know. How pathetic, leech!" Naofa exclaimed, noxious tone seeping with poison. "The Gods grant Visions flea, you should know that!"

Predictable insult coming his way, the chimera rolled his eyes to the sky. Did the lynx chimera truly believe his shrug just now was him not knowing? He supposed his untimely gesture could have come off in such a way. But, nothing could be done; saying he knew could not come into fruition. He knew if he were to crack a wise one, hands will come for his neck, for sure.

Four arrows soon speeding his way, the hyena jumped to the left. Weapons flying on the wind, the arrows darted onto the ground. Two more soon coming his way, the chimera swung his blade forward. Tips of the metal sticking onto the lynx chimera's hips, a laugh bellowed on the wind.

"The Gods looks down on humanity. The Visions they grant aren't all that great, anyway!" Naofa shouted, cackling a laugh. "I'll teach them that I've gone beyond what these pathetic Eyes of God are capable of!"

The chimera let out a sigh. Yet another bullet point had been added to Naofa's revenge list. He supposed he had been used to such fact by now as their months training together had crawled by. Arrow soon combined with a cage of electricity, the hyena steeled himself for the flower versus weapon fight of his soldier lifetime.

Silk flower friend quickly catching the electrified arrow, the plant's stem legs dashed towards the lynx chimera. Vines pressing the arrow onto the uniform, Dendro and Electro collided into an explosion. Naofa wincing for a split second, the early sheathed the claymore from behind him.

Picking up all the arrows that fell to the ground, the soldier placed them into the basket. Lynx chimera soon looking his way, the hyena gave eye contact. Whatever else it had to say to him, he knew he had to listen. Shifty smile on its face, he knew no insults were about to come his way.

"That's enough for today. Let's end this here," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. It then jerked its fingers forward. "I'll return your weapon, so hand it here!" An amiable person right about now would offer to do such an act of kindness for sure. Weapon soon handed to it, it leaned over to the hyena chimera's ear, bellowing a whisper. "I'll see you again tomorrow. Put your little God's eye to better use then." Exiting towards the weapons room, the battleground grew silent.

Dismissal being granted, the chimera exited the battlefield. As the steel walled room drew ever so closer, the hyena stared at the cold ceiling. Did Visions truly come from the Gods? Gazing down at his Dendro Orb as he stepped into the soundproof room, he shrugged his shoulders. There was no way such had an answer. No one knew the truth.

Wave of tiredness kicking in, the chimera removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon taken off, as well, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Glasses put away, the soldier closed his eyes. But, as the world of sleep was about to take him away, a repeat question tapped him on the shoulder.

Did Visions truly come from the Gods?

***

"Looks like Naofa is its Millelith disguise today.
Are you kidding me, Naofa? Pick a side already!
Now I'm starting to think people won't be fooled by it anymore.
The disguise is cracking, bending, breaking.
Even I know it will no longer work shortly.
Really, I don't know why, but I feel like it did something to break trust with Liyue.
No, I am mistaken. I am overthinking.

Right, it would never do something to lead to suspicion.
It is an impossibility.
The lynx is always twenty steps ahead of
Everybody. There is no way it will slip up. Still, I

Cannot help but feel it already messed up something.
Liyue's wise man, he told me I should be wary.
Even though he said that the other day,
All of Naofa's fake charisma is bulletproof.
Nothing can pierce through its façade.
Unless I am mistaken, but nothing can
Penetrate its many defenses.

Do not know what is in store for me today, but I must remain at my
Ultimate peak. That is key.
This will be another day of battles, for sure.
Yes, I know that's the case. I'm ready."

Waking up the next morning was a sight to behold. Naofa standing by his door in a Millelith uniform, the soldier rose an eyebrow. He could not help but feel that disguise would not work anymore. But, the hyena kept the thought locked deep inside him in a cage. There was no time to think about such, the lynx chimera expected his attention immediately. Lynx already looking his way, he looked into its singular visible blue eye.

"We're heading to Liyue to clean up from Lantern Rite," Naofa said tone fake and plastic. "So, highlight the waypoint to Guyun Stone Forest, and let's get going, moth!"

Proxy Orb already opened into map form, the chimera placed his finger on the four pointed star in the corner. Tapping the Liyue section of the map, dragging his fingers to the southmost corner of the Liyue section, he hovered his finger over the teleport button.

"I am ready," Siorc replied, voice barely audible.

Seeing Siorc already preparing to tap the teleport button, Naofa smirked from ear to ear. The hyena chimera's response times were getting far faster. A pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. Removing the month away from the pathetic nation of snow from his memory didn't cause any harmful repercussions. Everything had been perfect. The world was ready to be checkmated by its revenge at any given moment.

"Good! Now, press the teleport button, and let's get going!" Naofa exclaimed, pointing. "Best to not keep me waiting! You know what happens when you do." Its finger pointed at the base of his neck.

Knowing he could not waste any time, the early adult hit the teleport button. Lynx chimera next to him in a matter of seconds, the soldier dissipated the map back into orb from. Fast travel coming to an end in a matter of seconds, the soldier studied his surroundings for a moment.

Dense atmosphere taking the stony beach forest by a storm, the soldier gazed at the world around him. The heavy, thick feeling in the air, something was not right, for sure. Naofa stepping in front of him and leading the way towards a rock with chunks of crystal that had claims of being magical, the soldier's eyes opened wide at the sight before him.

Brown, rocky slimes penetrating deep black aura standing beside icy Whopperflowers smelling fouler than a dead bird shot by an archer, the hyena attempted with any might to distract himself from the stench. Aura of darkness engulfing the carnivorous plant as well, a shock had been sent down the chimera's partially human spine. This outcome had come into fruition because no citizens had dealt with the problem, for sure.

Orange lithic claymore handed to him, a strange sea of words had crashed waves on the beach. Lynx chimera telling him to find a critical point on the Slime's bodies while fighting, the hyena held back a shrug. There was no way he would be able to find such a thing; slimes were gelatinous lifeforms.

Slime and Whopperflower tossing balls of darkness his way, the chimera placed the claymore in front of him. Spinning like a top, his attack kept going for seconds on end. Stamina depleting swifter with every spin of his sword, the soldier halted himself, for a moment. Letting out a grunt, the strikes had come to an end.

Slimes eyes spinning on its small, rocky body, the chimera tossed out a flower friend. Silk flower fighting alongside him, the chimera resumed his slashes about. Twenty strikes taking the Slime down to its lowest point, vines soon finished the job. Whopperflower electrocuted into an early grave, the lynx chimera stepped in front of him once more.

Slimes with dark aura popping out next to a singular Cor Lapis, the hyena spun his blade around with a fervor. Naofa quickly ending the short life of the Slime with a single strike, the chimera kept swinging. Blobs pushed into the water, they faded into the ether as the lynx chimera's bow finished the deed.

Whopperflower jumping out from the water as the party of two jumped towards the isolated rock alongside the beach, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Seeds blooming as they hit the water, the sinister flower had taken a quick hit. But, such had not been enough to end it. Dark ball of energy coming the hyena's way, the soldier jumped six steps back.

Projectile of darkness hitting the sand, another arrow had come the monster flower's way. Plant becoming one with nature, the two kept walking forward. Cicins with no master shot down in seconds, a wave of questions had been fired his way. Inquiry about whether he could swim hitting his inhuman eardrums, the chimera shook his head.

Lynx chimera letting out a sigh and snapping its fingers, a boat had soon appeared out of nowhere. Tiny wooden vessel suddenly in front of him, the hyena let out a barely audible scream. How did Naofa do that? Objects could not appear out of thin air. But, the soldier shook his head. Perhaps the lynx chimera knew simple spells from using Catalysts in the past.

Tiny speck of ocean cruised through with a quick boat ride over, a sight for mismatched eyes shot a dagger in the middle of the early adult's glasses. Parade of slimes everywhere he looked with dark aura around the water and in between rock islands the soldier prepared himself. Thick dark aura making the atmosphere even denser, the hyena knew he had to be ready for anything. He could not let the darkness of the area engulf him.

Blue slimes of darkness tossed into the ocean as the blade of lithic properties spun around like a Cicin on the wind, a cage of dark electricity soon joined the party. Ocean soon conducted with the party of two's efforts, the monsters had become dust on the wind. Yellow Slimes in the corner zapping the water in front of them with every step they took, the lynx placed itself into a launching stance.

Delusional orb switched to its vision, the hyena closed his eyes. The flames it was about to launch were out of sight, out of mind. Quick work made of the monsters, the party of two had begun sprinting. Icy Slimes pitch black joined together by a Whopperflower darker than night as the two stepped near a Mist Flower Corolla, the fight had begun.

Dendro and Pyro combining as the ice posed a challenge, a shield of darkness soon surrounded the Whopperflower. Placing itself into a launching stance, black balls of mud had come the hyena's way. Feeling his energy deplete for seconds on end, the chimera grit his teeth. Hearing the sound of an orb switching beside him, however, the hyena kept his ground.

Crackle of delusional electricity breaking the shield part in a matter of seconds, another flower friend had joined the battle. Windwheel Aster brought to life by his Dendro Vision dancing about, the early adult pointed at the enemies. Vines hitting the creatures for one final strike, the creatures' lives had reached their end.

Final monsters cleaned up as a cave with a domain approached, the chimera let out a huff. What had happened to all the monsters in the area? He could not help but feel they had taken in some sort of demonic energy left unchecked for days on end due to the nations festivities. Naofa soon looking his way with no signs of fatigue, the soldier took a deep breath as his next round of instructions were about to shoot at earshot.

"Let's not waste any time," Naofa said, no fatigue in its voice whatsoever. "Highlight the Waypoint South of Qingce Village."

Opening the orb into map form, the soldier did as instructed. But, as he readied to press the teleport button, the soldier swore he could hear a cannon shooting off in the distance. Figuring it was best to ignore such, the hyena confirmed the fast travel. Boar getting hit by a ball of darkness as the teleportation came to an end, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. Whatever had come over the Slimes during the festivities was certainly not a good thing.

Monsters blasting dark goop his way towards the stone resting spot in the corner, the hyena swung into action. Slimes taken out of the picture after fifteen strikes, Naofa and he had begun to head north. Green Slimes with flowers on their heads spilling goop on him as he approached them, the soldier let out a scream.

Flaming snake putting the slimes out of their misery, the lynx chimera stepped in front of him. But such had not been the end of the fight. Pitch black Whopperflowers of darkness covering every step of the stone pathway towards the village, the hyena's greatsword and the flowers of doom met.

Mob of monstrous plants ended after fifty slashes, the early adult's legs had erupted into a sprint. Lynx chimera pushing slimes off the wooden bridges as the village was a mere fifty steps away, the soldier crossed his arms around his chest. Was such action necessary? But the hyena kept his mouth shut. He knew he could not question the lynx's actions. Silence was key.

Final bridge off towards the village crossed a particular sight caught the hyena's mismatched eyes as the orange flower fields were swiftly approaching. Icy blue haired woman with deep red horns snoring away beside a Glaze Lily that had not yet bloomed and a blue scarecrow, a rock of fear dropped into the pit of the chimera's stomach. Whopperflower looking ready to attack her, the hyena had begun to shake like a leaf. If the monster were to ambush the young woman in her sleep, it would be a disaster, for sure. He needed to wake her, immediately.

But, such thought had remained within the partially human brain station. Naofa jostling the woman's shoulder with a vigor, dark balls of goop had decimated the scarecrow beside her. Young woman rubbing her eyes, she stood to her feet. Gently brushing the lynx chimera's hands off of her, a scream hit the flowers beneath her.

"No touching!" the woman shouted defensively, backing away with a layer of ice.

Ice flower surrounding the monster, the soldier's ears perked, for a moment. What had the Qilin been doing out in the wilderness near the village of elderlies? But, he supposed whatever reason she was here was no business of his. Flower of ice creation defeating the carnivorous plant, the enemy had been taken to its early grave. But, such had not been the end of the fight.

Grey slime with a shield of darkness surrounding it, the hyena stepped up to the plate. Slime summoning a shadow trident from its body, the soldier steeled himself. Whatever happened to all the monsters in Liyue during the festivities, he needed to put an end to their suffering. Creature become one with nature after twenty five slashes, the qilin had been freed.

Gloved hands soon on the qilin's face, the young woman had begun to huff with a fervor. Nervous look on her face, a wave of concern flowed through the hyena. Had the monsters frightened her? But, the soldier shook his head. That could not have possibly been it. There was no way she would be afraid of the monsters frantic words slipping out of her mouth, the chimera kept an ear open.

"Oh, dear, I'm way behind schedule! I was supposed to check on the elderly in the village!" the Qilin exclaimed frantically. "Thank you, Millelith Naofa for waking me!" Qilin running off repeating she had been way behind schedule, she had been gone like the light in the Eleventh Harbinger's eyes.

Naofa telling him to follow her, the group of two had begun to sprint. Village finally upon him, the soldier's nose whiffed a disgusting scent. Stench of burning birds coming from the Whopperflower's dark aura on the various porches of the elderly's homes, the hyena attempted with any might that remained to bear it. Whatever the monsters had been afflicted with had to be taken down, for sure.

Ice flower taking the stage, the soldier had come to wonder. Could his Dendro Vision bring a Mist Flower Corolla to life to fight alongside him, as well? But, the hyena shook his head. There was no time to think about such, he needed to focus on the battle in front of him.

Slimes slithering to join the Whoppeflower, the early adult plugged his nose. Why did all the monsters in the area continue to smell like rotting fowl? Flower friend joining the plant of ice, the elements did not react to one another in the slightest. Did Cryo and Dendro not elementally align with one another? He supposed such could have been the case.

Every single monster on the pathway in the village taken care of, a wave of news broke a bamboo shoot in half, in an instant. Qilin telling the lynx chimera she had spotted many more Slimes on the pathway to Stone Gate, the soldier's wrist had been gripped into a tight lock. Village soon exited, his currently human feet had begun to drag onto the pavement.

Cliffside reached as outskirts had been cruised through, the soldier's hand had been let go of. Naofa saying to climb himself this time, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Did it really think he wanted it to drag him all the way up the mountain? If such were the case, the favor was not welcome, in any way.

Boat summoned on the coastline near mossy wood on the edge of a waterfall, an interruption had soon come the chimeras' way. Dark blue slimes hitting the wooden vessel with their heads, the lynx chimera tossed the rudders into the hyena's hands. Monsters shot down, the soldier cruised the boat forward.

Rain kicking in as a lake full of lilypads had been pushed through, the group of two braved the sudden storm. Surface reached, and shelter reached near a cave, Stone Gate had been nearing. Electrified Slimes popping up as the soldier stepped near crystals of lightning, the hyena's blade ended the monster's life of darkness in a matter of minutes.

End of the cave reached, Naofa had soon taken the lead. Path to Stone Gate almost upon him, the chimera observed the area. Wooden tower beside a stone bridge in front of him, the soldier prepared himself for any battle that may come his way. But, as he stepped onto the bridge, the hyena swore he could hear a cannon shooting off nearby once more. Sound of bows from the distance sending the slimes to the elemental afterlife, the early adult turned his head towards the lynx chimera.

Lynx chimera shrugging its shoulders, Siorc shifted an eyebrow. Perhaps, someone else had been on the case of the Slimes, as well. Whopperflowers taking the stage on the near the elderly in the corner, the hyena cracked his knuckles. He would not let the monster attack the wise people of many years.

Red carnivorous plant of doom defeated after thirty strikes, the chimera dashed off towards the left. Group of two plant monsters shooting daggers out of its heads as he approached, the hyena grit his teeth. Weapons looking rather familiar, the soldier let out a growl. Had a Treasure Hoarder made the Whopperflowers into their pets from afar? If such were the case, he needed to find the owner immediately. Daggers and nature were not to be mixed.

Daggers continuing to shoot his way, the chimera jumped eight steps back. Dagger caught with his right hand, the item had been tossed back the enemy's way. Metal hitting the icy petals, the plant monster had soon been seeing stars. Turning his head towards the lynx chimera, its human hand had soon become a lynx paw.

Talons slashing through the creatures, they had soon become one with nature. No more monsters on the pathway, the sound of cannon shooting off for the fourth time of the day shook the sky above him. Another shot shaking the sky moments later, the hyena jumped five steps back. Where had the noise been coming from? Naofa's flower eyepatch gazing at him, an order had bounced off around the noise.

"That was the Ghuizhong Ballista you just heard, butterfly," Naofa explained, words speeding up with every syllable spoken. "Quick, highlight the waypoint in the northern area of Liyue Harbor. Some freaks must be using it."

Doing as instructed, the soldier highlighted the waypoint at the end of Liyue Harbor. Wrist grabbed into a tight lock, a swift dash through the Pavilion took the area by a rockslide. Lynx chimera telling its fellow Millelith it was going to investigate the ballista, no suspicions had come its way. Mountain pathway soon reached, the drag about continued.

Sound of a cannon only getting louder as the proclaimed ballista came ever so closer, a sight to behold caught the hyena's eyes as object met his damaged line of sight. Large wooden crossbow on top of a platform above a wooden ladder taken hostage by Treasure Hoarders wearing bandanas, unease had begun to wrap vines around the soldier.

Treasure Hoarders placing a black Whopperflower and Slime onto the large crossbow, the men shot the monsters onto the sky. Cannon sound hitting the wind, the soldier folded his arm into a fist. Had these criminals been the ones causing problems within the Geo Nation of Contracts? If such were the case, it needed to be halted, at once.

But, as he prepared to do so, heeled and booted footsteps crushed through the stone floor. Yuehung and Millelith soon on standby, the lynx chimera dragged him beside its companions in arms. Yuehung of the Liyue Qixing ready to get on the offensive, the soldier stayed silent, for the moment.

"Why are you Treasure Hoarders using the Guizhong Ballista without permission?" The yuehung asked, rude tone of voice. "Cease this operation at once." Looking ready to zap the group with lightning, the men soon howled.

"We fed the Slimes some special powder as a present for your festivities!" the Treasure Hoarder shouted, laughing. "The Ballista is ours now! Come at us if ya want it back, girly!"

Millelith pointing their spears at the criminals, the hyena let out a sigh. The Treasure Hoarders were about to get what was coming to them, for sure. Yuehung sighing as well, the early adult turned towards the violet haired lady. If she were to join the fight, the scene would get ugly in seconds, guaranteed.

"Then you leave us with no choice," the Yuehung said, holding her hand out. Purple crystal appearing in front of them, the young woman soon teleported to the jewel. "Incoming!" Slash of an electrified sword coming the Treasure Hoarder's way, the men had been on their knees in a matter of moments. "Millelith Naofa. What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be patrolling in Bishui Plain?" She then turned towards the hyena. "And you. Why are you here? Take your business elsewhere, Fatui!" Naofa's voice soon joined the party.

"Oh, he was just leaving, Miss ------. I came this way to escort him off the premises," Naofa replied, tone fake and plastic. It then bent down over to the chimera's ear, bellowing a whisper. "You should go, flea. She's a feisty one. I'll see you tomorrow." Walking away, purple eyes had soon been on him.

Knowing that if he stayed in the area any longer, the Yuehung of the Liyue Qixing would use her electricity on him, as well, the chimera opened up his proxy orb into map form. Recalling hearing the sound of a bow in the distance at Stone Gate, curiosity had begun to take the soldier away. He had to investigate the source of the sound or he would lose sleep.

Stone Gate appearing in his heterochromatic field of damaged vision after a split second, a sight to behold caught the chimera's eyes as he crossed the wooden bridge. Hawk and falcon chimeras holding hands on top of a rock near a waterfall, the soldier turned his heelless shoes towards the opposite direction. If the hawk spotted him, he would aim his bow at him, for sure. Eyes soon on him, the hyena gulped. It had been too late, he had already been spotted.

Eyes of a hawk, indeed.

Villainous vagrant's aggravating booted footsteps heard meters away, Robin let go of his boyfriend's hand. Heinous vagrant ruining his quick moment of downtime, anger boiled an egg inside his bird brain. Why had the hyena Fatui ruined the moment? If he were here to get in his way, justice would be served to him upon an electric platter.

"What are you doing here, Fatui?!" Robin shouted, human finger pointing at the villain. "Leave, at once, or justice will be served!" His fist shook with a fervor.

Backing away, the soldier's knees had begun to shake. Had he disturbed the hawk's date? While the man had been quite the obstacle any time they had crossed paths, ruining their time alone was never something that should have come into fruition. Placing his hands into an apologetic stance, he prepared to stage his exit, but the falcon's voice soon joined the party.

"Hon, don't you remember what the Funeral Parlor Consultant told us today?" Raven reminded him. "While hunting bounties here, we are not to harm any other chimeras or people of Liyue."

Robin turning his head, the man curled his lip. Seeing such, the soldier rolled his eyes to the sky. Did he seriously need to think about it? Gold eyes soon on him for a split second, he folded his arms across his chest. Sharply turning his head and making a ridiculous sound with his mouth, a response had soon bounced off the waterfall.

"You're lucky we're under a peace treaty right now, Fatui!" Robin shouted at the top of his bird lungs. "Get out of here, peace ruiner! Stay away from Raven!"

Knowing if he stayed any longer, the proclaimed peace treaty would definitely be cancelled, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Steel walled room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the soldier paced upon the icy cold floor for hours on end.

Wave of tiredness kicking in as his circle about continued, the circle ended halted his movement. Everything removed, the hyena crawled into the rock hard bed. World of sleep taking him away as his head hit the pillow, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Lantern Rite cleanup had not been over yet.

***

"Just who does that vile vagrant think he is?
Ugly vermin! Bringing that criminal with him!
So, that villain is friends with an even worse criminal!
That vile vagrant! Stay away from Raven!
I don't care about that peace treaty! If that
Criminal who brought harm to Fontaine gets anywhere near him
Even a centimeter, all bets are off!

She, no it, had better stay away from my boyfriend!
How could that villain bring it here with him?
After he interrupted my moment of rest yesterday that
Little hyena, begone! Leave!
Leave! Leave! Leave! Exit the

Premises! This is my hunting ground! I,
Robin, will not let this go! Bringing that
Evil wo- person here! It is more
Vile than he!
And now they're working together, are they?
I knew this man was bad news!
Leave! Leave! Leave!"

Suspicions from the day before confirmed correct, information had come the hyena's way in the morning. Naofa telling him that huge monsters were terrorizing the people of Liyue, the chimera removed the proxy orb from his back pocket. Told to highlight the waypoint in Stone Gate, Siorc did as instructed.

Stone Gate reached in a split second, Naofa stepped forward. But, an oddity had caught the chimera's mismatched eyes. Strange animals that looked to be made out of pure water rampaging throughout the area, the soldier tilted his head. Had this truly been a threat? Water was a liquid. There was no way such creatures could do any true harm. But, such had not been the only enemy in the area.

Aquatic creature with a singular blue eye that looked like a relative of the Electro Bat in Inazuma, a wave of bewilderment ate the chimera up like grilled tiger fish. What had a Lochfolk been doing at stone gate? He recalled a book in his father's study from his stolen childhood that Lochfolk had lived in Fontaine. Had she escaped from the Hydro Nation of Justice? Black aura surrounding the Loch, the young soldier let out a gulp. Hostilities were about to rise, in an instant.

Arrow of electric properties soon on the air, the hyena turned his head. Bird chimera duo already on the scene fighting, the early adult backed ten steps away. If the hawk were to spot him on his current hunting ground, he would get an arrow to the knee again. Such could not happen while on the job, no way.

Naofa soon stepping between the group of two, the chimera shook his head. If he were a villain, he knew the lynx chimera would be considered one in a matter of seconds, as well. Robin's index finger soon pointing at Naofa, shouts had begun to cancel out the waterfall from behind him.

"It's you!" Robin shouted, pointing. "What are you doing here, villain?!"

Predictable words of villainy coming Naofa's way, the hyena let out a sigh. Whatever was about to happen now would not be a pretty scene, for sure. Smirk appearing on its face, sweat poured down the early adult's back. Just what were they planning? Whatever it was, it could not be a good thing.

"These monsters of pure water are too difficult to fight alone," Naofa lied, fake charismatic attitude shining through. "Lochfolks and their minions are best fought with a team of people!"

Robin rolling up his sleeves and folding his hand into a fist, the soldier blinked. Was the hawk going to punch the lynx chimera? If such were about to take place upon the gates of stone, he knew a horrific scene was about to play out. But the tides had soon begun to turn. Raven placing his hands between the lynx and his partner, his voice had joined the party.

"Why don't we let the former court member and its partner join our party for now, Robin?" Raven asked as a statement. "We are already struggling quite a lot with this battle, hon."

Robin pacing back and forth for a moment, the soldier shook his head. Seeing his face tinted pink as he continued pondering it, the hyena stepped forward. Had Raven's words already gotten through to him? The power of romance was a weird world of agreements that he would never experience in his Fatui lifetime.

"Fine! You two vagrants can join us!" Robin reluctantly exclaimed. "But, don't think for a minute this means I'm on your side!"

Reluctant agreement coming his way, the soldier turned his head towards the waterfall. The day was going to be a long one ahead of him if the hawk would make things difficult for him or the lynx chimera. Wider smirk appearing on Naofa's face, the hyena's eyebrow had begun to twitch. Just what was Naofa planning this time? Whatever manipulation was about to come the bird chimera's way, he knew it would not end well if they already were wary of its actions.

"I have another friend who specializes in conquering evil," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "----!" A name had been called, but the chimera could not hear it.

Naofa screaming a name towards the sky, a wave of bewilderment overtook the hyena. Why had Naofa been summoning someone? But, such thoughts had been cut with a scissor as a black force appeared on the bridge. Yaksha soon standing by, the early adult backed away towards the end of the bridge. Where had the Mountain Demon come from all of a sudden? It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, the Yaksha would come if someone called their name, but such fact was unknown to the chimera.

"You called? the Yaksha asked. Blond chimera Millelith standing in the corner, the mountain demon crossed his arms. "Hmph. Why did you call me? There doesn't seem to be any trouble here."

Esteemed Yaksha being standoffish as usual, Naofa's smirk had soon become a toothy grin. Pathetic lochfolk wrecking havoc in the area, manipulating the conqueror of demons over there being evil aura in the atmosphere was as easy as cutting a slice of cake.

Hearing Naofa tell the Yaksha there had been evil energy in the air, the chimera turned his attention towards the sky. Had that truly been the case? He could not help but feel the lynx chimera had been making up stories to justify its summoning of the mountain demon. Yaksha turning his head towards the hyena, Siorc allowed a gulp to escape the esophagus. Why had he been looking at him like that? Words escaping his lips, the chimera looked forward.

"You're..." the Yaksha said, but he cut himself off. "Nevermind. I'll quell the evil, but just this once. Don't summon me again." His arms were crossed around his waist.

Short man with tattoos on his shoulder invited into the villain's squad, eggs filled with questions hatched inside Robin's bird brain. Who was this man the vagrant criminal of Fontaine had just summoned? If the vagrant had been friends with such person, they were obviously not on the side of justice, either. Fastening his bow, he aimed at the filthy monster above. Thinking about the villains in his party was a waste of time. Justice had to be served now.

Watching as Naofa jerked its finger, flames had soon taken the stage. Robin reluctantly joining forces, the electricity overloaded the lochfolk with a fervor. Raven's book of spells hitting a boar nearby, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Aquatic birds flapping their wings of water, waves of dark energy had soon spiraled on the moist wind. Balls of darkness hitting the hyena's hips, the soldier bit his tongue.

Feeling his energy drain as another ball of dark energy had come his way, the soldier closed his eyes for a moment. Silk Flower friend unable to do anything, the hyena opened his eyes once more. Snapping his fingers, his flower friend had quickly left the battlefield. He needed to try harder, or Naofa would call him a leech, for sure.

Yaksha soon making quick work of the water creatures with a dash of wind, a sea of angry words had come everyone's way. Lochfolk shouting that terrestrial creatures could not comprehend water's horrors, large water crabs had soon joined the party. But, their aquatic lives had ended in an instant.

"Water shall drown you all!" the Lochfolk shouted.

Ones and zeroes flipping to zeroes and ones, the Lochfolk dropped down into the water near the bridge. Vortexes of black water opening up on the ground, a strange sound pinged on the air. Robin and Raven's visions glowing to the maximum, the soldier withheld throwing a flower friend, for a moment.

"Justice shall be served to you upon an electric hammer!" Robin shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Every feather has its thorns!" Raven shouted in tandem.

Large electric hammer in Robin's hands, the mallet and the lochfolk had become the best of friends. Raven's quilled feathers stringed together with thorny vines slapping the enemy's head for fifteen seconds straight, the bird chimeras immediately took to the skies. Yaksha soon joining them adorning a mask, a mighty sky battle shook Stone Gate for a loop.

Naofa turning its head towards him, the early adult tossed down a flower friend. Windwheel Aster on the Lochfolk's tail, the soldier nodded. Electro combining with the flower friend, a seed dropped onto the battlefield. Core soon exploding, the attack homed in on the enemy.

Quintuple attack of doom soon overtaking the Lochfolk. Aquatic creature of Fontaine claiming that as long as rain fell and rivers flower water would exist forever, the monster had soon become one with water. Battle coming to an end, the Yaksha soon turned towards Naofa.

"I'm leaving," the Yaksha said bluntly. "Don't summon me again with this many people around." Black aura soon surrounding him, he had been gone in an instant.

Area quickly growing quiet, the hyena had come to wonder again. Why had the Lochfolk been in Liyue? He supposed if he had the chance, he would ask the tall brunette before heading back to the permafrost north. But, such thought was immediately cut off by the falcon's voice picking up volume.

"Civil Affairs said to Robin and I this morning that a peculiar flower was causing quite the commotion for the people of Liyue," Raven said, pondering. "Know anything about that?" His hand had been on his chin.

Naofa quickly confirming such had been the case, the party of three had begun to step in front of him. Following from behind, the group had begun to head south. Marsh directly outside the Stone Gate area, the hyena tilted his head. If the marsh and stone gate had already been connected, how had the bird chimeras not already defeated the proclaimed flower? But, such question had been pushed into the marshy waters below. Perhaps, the group of two picked the lochfolk to focus on first.

As the group of four approached a field of horsetails by a bed of water, a sight caught the chimera's eyes. Large flower with a burning corolla shooting fire as the party of chimeras stepped near it, the hyena had begun to shake with a fervor. Why did the flower wield the horrific element of Pyro? What a terrifying sight to behold.

Flames coming his way, the chimera continued to shake. No, not Pyro, anything but Pyro. There was no way he could fight such an enemy. Nails soon pinching his wrist, the early adult let out a yelp. Lynx chimera giving him a sharp look, the soldier let out a gulp. Right, he had no choice in the matter. He had to fight; he was on the nonexistent clock.

Robin shooting an arrow of electricity the terrifying flower of many contradiction's way, Raven's yellow-green projectiles from his book of spells soon joined in. But, such attack had been ended with a fiery bang. Monster flower spinning its head burning the world around it, a strange suggestion had been announced to the world.

"We should try pushing it into the water!" Naofa shouted, slipping a Claymore into the hyena's hand in secret.

Orange lithic claymore returned to him incognito, the early adult placed the blade in front of him. He supposed he had no choice but to use the greatsword on the terrifying plant of many contradictions. Slashing the blade of lithic properties forward, the chimera let out a battle cry. Monstrous plant knocked back into the water after thirty strikes, the bird chimeras rolled up their sleeves in unison.

Dual electro arrows, and odd looking weapons that looked like stars covered with roses slashing the enemy with Dendro powers taking the battle by storm, the soldier threw down a flower friend. Silk Flower attacking its kin with vines of its own, a small blow had been dealt with the combined forces. But, such had not been enough to bring the enemy to its end.

Legged flower monster attempting to leave the water, the hawk slammed down electricity upon the marsh. Flower soon paralyzed, Naofa stepped through the marsh. Gloved hands on the enemy's neck, the long stem had soon been twisted into knots. Loud cracking sound vibrating on the air as the muscle had continued to twist, the flower soon disintegrated into nothing.

"And with that, I'm done here today. I have other matters to attend to," Naofa said, waving with its back turned. "I bid you adieu, Siorc. Do whatever you want with the rest of your day, moth." Exiting towards the bridge, a wide grin appeared on its face. A showdown between the pathetic hawk and hyena would break out as soon as it were to leave, for sure. The modern water fleas of today were pathetic garbage.

Former Court of Fontaine member soon gone from the area, Raven placed his hand on his chin. The Fatui, should he tell him about what Naofa had done while it had been in the walls of Fontaine? But maybe it was not in his place to tell him about such a thing.

Seeing his lover deep in thought, an egg of realization had cracked inside him. Had Raven been thinking what he had been thinking? While the vagrant Fatui had been a vile villain that deserved justice to come his way, now was not the time for such. Knowing his partner had to be on the same wavelength has he, the Justice Hawk on Fontaine broke the ice.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Robin asked his lover. An immediate answer had come his way.

"Tell him what the Millelith did in Fontaine, hon?" Raven stated as a question.

Being put on the spot, another egg cracked inside his birdbrain. Why did he have to tell the villain about what the vile criminal had done in Fontaine? But, he supposed if his boyfriend wanted him to do such, it would be silly of him to refuse. Cheeks turning pink for a moment, he turned towards the hyena villain with reluctance.

"Only for you, Raven!" Robin shouted. He then turned towards the vagrant. "Your vile partner started an uprising in the Court of Fontaine!" His arms had been crossed around his chest. "They're bad news! You need to stay away from it!"

Hearing Robin's words, no amount of surprise had come the hyena's way. Hawk telling him to stay away from the lynx chimera the soldier placed his hands in front of him. Palms facing one another with his index fingers sticking out, the chimera moved the appendages. Right hand a few centimeters above the left one, the soldier brought the finger down sharply. Whacking his left fingernail with his right index finger, the hyena shook his head, as well. Word can't signed on private display, he reluctantly looked into the man's golden eyes.

"I knew it was manipulating you, hon," Raven said quietly. "But I refrained myself from saying anything." His hands had been out in front of him, talking more than his mouth. "Why not go relax somewhere for a little while? You seem quite fatigued."

Nodding, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. He supposed it would not hurt getting tea before he returned to Snezhnaya for the evening. Waypoint near the teahouse highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes. Teahouse soon across from him, the early adult waited for a moment before ascending the staircase in the corner.

Tall brunette and panda chimera deep in conversation about Jiaolong's health, the soldier turned his attention towards the taller panda. Jiaolong looking as tired as the other day, a wave of concern flowed through the hyena. Had he still been overworking himself despite what had happened during Lantern Rite? He was too much of a hard worker for his own good.

Jiaolong proclaiming his boss needed him to be there to make herbal remedies for upset stomachs, the soldier tuned out the conversation. Whatever they were talking about was no business of his. Sitting down in his usual seat, the soldier waited his turn. Yínlóng soon turning his way, a tired smile appeared on the chimera's face.

"Oh, hey, Siorc!" Yínlóng exclaimed, words slow and lulled like usual. "I'm sorry, but your tea might have to wait a moment. Mr. ------- and I are in the middle of an intervention right now!" They then turned to their cousin. "Come on, Jiaolong, you need to take care of yourself, too! You're always taking care of others, but never you!"

"Ah, Yínlóng, don't worry, I'm fine, really," Jiaolong said, barely any energy in his words. "I'm just tired." But a scolding had come his way, in an instant.

"It is imperative to put your health first, Mr. Jiaolong," the tall brunette scolded. He then turned to Yinlong. "Miss Yinlong, why don't you brew your friend his tea?" He then returned his attention to the taller panda chimera, words of wisdom about health continuing.

Yínlóng stating they weren't finished talking to him about his health, the panda chimera exited into the kitchen. Brave look on his face, a wave of pride had flowed through the hyena. Yínlóng had come far from the lazy panda he had once been, if he was able to speak with such convictions. Jiaolong soon looking at him, the soldier turned his attention towards him. Face paler than the other day, concern painted his face a shade of purple. Should he join in on the intervention as well? But, the chimera pushed the thought into the river. He should not invite himself into such conversation.

"How are you feeling?" Jiaolong asked Yínlóng's friend. "My boss told me you made a full recovery."

Jiaolong asking him about his wellbeing, the hyena tilted his head. Why was he being asked such a question? He had seen him the other day at Lantern Rite. What did he mean by a full recovery? He had been working up until the sudden work vacation, for sure. Shrugging his shoulders, a word had not been said to the taller panda chimera.

Look of bewilderment on Yínlóng's friend's face, Jiaolong tilted his head in tandem. Had he forgotten what had happened to him? If he had been experiencing symptoms of confusion, he knew he had to tell his boss right away. Yínlóng always telling him that there was no way to predict when he were to ever come to Liyue, he rapidly shook his head. Maybe it was best he didn't press on about it.

Herbal tea brought out to him, Yínlóng's pink eyes soon met his mismatched ones. Did he have something to say to him? He supposed such could have been the case. Placing the Mora coins in his hand, the soldier plopped the money down into the panda chimera's palms. Whatever he had to say to him, he knew it was in his best interest to listen.

"So, what brings you here today?" Yínlóng asked. "Have you gone back to work already?"

Question coming his way, the chimera nodded. Look of concern on the panda chimera's face, the soldier sipped the tea in silence. Why had everyone been so concerned about him? Nothing had happened. The sudden work vacation had come out of nowhere for sure.

Look of confusion on Siorc's face, a downcrest look glued onto Yínlóng's lips. Had he forgotten what had happened to him? But, he supposed if he did not know what they had been talking about, it was best to drop the subject. Pressing on would bring back painful memories, for sure.

"I hope they're not pushing you too hard," Yínlóng said, tone of worry not leaving his voice. He then turned back towards Jiaolong. "You need to stop pushing yourself as well, Jiaolong!" The lecture continued.

Finishing the tea, the soldier stood up from the table. Waving at the panda chimera, Yínlóng waved in tandem. Opening the proxy orb into map form, the soldier highlighted the waypoint towards the military barracks in an instant. Icy cold hallways upon him in a split second, the hyena headed towards the soundproof room.

Steel walls soon absorbing his partially human being, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena. Weaponized hairpins and earrings and uniform soon removed, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, as the world of sleep were about to take him away, the bird chimera's words echoed throughout his fading human brain. Land of tormenting dreams about to invite him back in, one final looped on repeat.

Naofa was manipulative, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

28. Branch Off 13: Toy Salesman Siorc, Chaos Oculus Gatherer

"Today, a strange
Odd job is upon me.
Your Majesty, is this your doing? No,

She would never send
A Harbinger to my door, surely.
Looks like the Marionette has her own agenda.
Even so, why me?
She must be overestimating
My small rank within this army.
After all, I am merely a Diplomatic Soldier.
Nothing more than a small a pawn,

Someone lower below, probably.
I do not know why she wants me,
Or what is expected.
Really, though I have absolutely no
Choice but to listen to orders.

Right, Harbingers are my superiors.
Even if an audience is supposed to be rare,
Perhaps I am
Overthinking.
Right, I am always around the other nations.
That much is the truth
In this cold breeze.
Now more so in recent timing.
Guess I'll always be a pawn

For Her Majesty's chessboard,
One Harbinger at a time.
Regardless, for now, I must remain loyal.

Don't make any sudden moves.
Ultimately, The Marionette is just
Taking advantage of my multi region status, truly.
Yes, that is it. Now, I see. Everyone is always ready to use me."

The sound of morning alarm bells shrieked about in a harsh echo. As the alarm bells continued to ring for minutes on end, hundreds of Fatui soldiers groaned in a discordant chorus. The alarm bells were right on time in punctuality, as usual. But, despite such complaints about, every soldier remained loyal within the military barracks.

The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Walls shaking from the cacophony, the early adult reached for his glasses. Noise dissipating after a few minutes passing, the hyena had rose from the uncomfortable bed. The time had come to begin the morning routine of dressing the body.

As he put on his layered shirts, the chimera wondered. Why couldn't he seem to remember what people were so concerned over? But, the soldier pushed such thought into the snow outside. Perhaps it was best to not dwell on memories that do not exist within his broken mindscape.

Uniform jacket melting over his partially human person, the early adult snapped the fasteners shut. Buttons soon in the correct holes, the sound of chilling wind slammed the barricaded window. Hearing such, the hyena let out a gulp. Yet another month long snowstorm awaited the permafrost north shortly. But, such had been a commonality within Snezhnaya.

Knowing training was an impossibility, the chimera clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching sunflowers in his hair and ears, the early adult stared at the jewelry and accessory box. Turning his prized possessions into weapons, is this truly what he wanted? Rational brain on, at the moment, regret flowed through the chimera.

As the soldier hooked the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants, a wave of questions wrapped vines around the chimera. What made Visions and Delusions so different when they almost looked exactly the same? But, the hyena shook his head, there was no way he could ask such a question. Questions were not allowed for a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier.

Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the early adult waited for the Agent's arrival. Any minute now, his orders could arrive. But, no such footsteps had yet to arrive. Silence looping for minutes on end, the hyena walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. Had he finished getting ready too early? Perhaps, just maybe, such had been the case.

Still hearing no footsteps for minutes on end, the early adult reversed his circle about into the opposite direction. As he did such, a repeat thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain. Had a week truly passed? Everyone in the world around him seemed to have thought the opposite. But, the young soldier quickly snapped such thought away like a world resetting stand from another universe. If he did not remember, it was best not to force it. Circle about continuing for minutes on end, the thoughts would not dry up at the frozen sea.

Hearing rather unusual sounding footsteps he had never heard before, the early adult ended his pace about. Tilting his head, a wave of bewilderment flowed through the hyena. Who could that have been that was coming, the hyena wondered? Hearing heels continue to walk through the hallway, the soldier put on the most diplomatic face possible. He knew, whoever it was that was about to be in front of his door, he had to be ready. Footsteps eventually halting, a surprise hit the wide open door.

Seventh Harbinger, the Marionette robotless in front of his door, the hyena jumped ten steps back. Why was a Harbinger at his door? He could not help but feel a wave of unease. Gloved finger pointing his way, the early adult turned his head towards his possible boss for the day.

"You. Go to Liyue, and get back my dolls," The Marionette demanded, pointing. "They have fallen in the hands of children. Should they explode it'll endanger our alliance with Liyue." She threw the man a wooden basket. "Hurry up, and give me your map! I'll mark where they are for you."

Basket tossed his way, bewilderment ate the hyena up like a bowl of hot solyanka. Why would The Marionette leave her experiments around if they could possibly explode? But, no such question would leave his lips. He knew there was no way he could ask such, the Harbingers were his superiors, many ranks above him. But, her voice soon interrupted his transport balloon of thought.

"I don't have all day!" the Marionette complained. "Hop to it. Give me your map!"

Rushing words coming his way, a shock went down the early adult's partially human spine. Right, he was on the nonexistent clock. Patience was not a virtue for Her Majesty's Fatui, even the highest ranking members. Knowing that, if he wasted any more time, he would disappoint the Seventh, the hyena removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket.

"Yes, ma'am," the early adult responded autonomously.

Hearing multiple pins added to his map, the early adult held back a sigh. Just how many of The Marionette's robots had been lying around Liyue in the hands of children? But, he supposed he was about to find out. Orb soon handed back to him, another wave of instructions had begun to come his way.

"Return them to my lab when you're done," the Marionette demanded. "But, if even one of them is damaged, I'll tell Her Majesty." There was a wave of superiority in her voice as she said such.

Life's fate in The Marionette's hands, the hyena bowed. Right, not a single one of her dolls could be broken, or damaged, or his life would be on the line. Robotless Marionette soon leaving, the the early adult opened the orb back into map form. Pins every which way around Liyue, the soldier examined the points called attention to for a few moments.

Seeing pins placed around Liyue Harbor and the surrounding areas, plus Mingyun Village and the Shoal, the early adult puffed a sigh of relief. If a majority of them had been around the Harbor, perhaps there would be very few challenges ahead of him for the day at hand, but such feeling of ease were short lived. Seeing a pin towards the south of harbor, the early adult studied the point, for a moment.

Area proclaimed The Golden House, the chimera could not help but wonder. Would he truly be allowed to enter such place? He knew there was no way a member of the Fatui's entrance around the area would ever be permitted, for sure. But, the early adult knew he had no choice in the matter.

Highlighting the Waypoint in the harbor, the early adult pressed the teleport button. He supposed starting with Liyue Harbor first would be for the best. Fast travel soon confirmed, the chimera closed his eyes. As the fast travel to the harbor began, one thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

A very strange odd job was upon him.

***

"Right, that area in the corner, the Golden House,
Unless I am mistaken,
Mora is minted there.
Obviously, outsiders like me are not allowed there.
Really cannot fathom how the
Seventh's dolls ended up here.

She really needs to experiment with her
Robots elsewhere. Especially not in places near a possible factory.
Everyone Harbinger's agenda, just what are they?
Although, I know such is not my business, and
Do not have any permission to ask, obviously.
It is what it is, I just need to follow orders.
Need to retrieve her dolls.
Get all of them, and bring them back to her.

And make sure there is no damages. If any are
Broken, my life will be on the line.
On the chopping block to my demise.
Ultimately, I cannot allow this to happen. My life
Taken in Snezhnaya? Absolutely not. I will not

Let my life end in the land
I was taken away.
Knowing the seventh, if even a singular scratch is
Evident, my life will be over, guaranteed.

After all, The Harbingers are surely her favorites.

Very much so.
I have to get her
Robots back, in perfect condition. But, if they're in the hands of children,
Ultimately, damages might be prominent.
So, I pray to the Geo Archon I am not supposed to worship. May her dolls be unscathed."

Upon reaching Liyue Harbor through the Teleport Waypoint, a sea of information flowed through the waters down below. Group of three children loitering in the empty teahouse discussing amongst eachother about a new toy all the cool kids around the Harbor had found, the early adult tilted his head. Had all the dolls around the Harbor already fallen into multiple children's hands? While he knew such conversation was no business of his, the soldier stepped closer towards the closed restaurant.

Children claiming to themselves the toys had been found around the wharf, the soldier had begun walking. I such were the case, he needed to head for the boating area, immediately. The dolls could explode at any moment. Young silver haired kid running around saying he wanted a cool robot toy, too, the soldier kept walking. He had to reach the wharf now; dangerous robots were in the hands of the curious and innocent youth.

Heading past the toy seller in the corner, the early adult descended the wooden ramp. Woman and man arguing about an engagement not happening, the soldier kept walking towards the docks in the corner. No children playing about with robots on the further away vessels, the soldier headed for the eastern side of the docks.

Reaching the eastern side after about thirty minutes of bridge climbing, a terrifying sight caught the hyena's mismatched eyes as he approached a large boat docked by a wooden walkway. Three children no older than ten playing with Mini Ruin Guards as though they were action figures, the early adult's heart skipped two beats. At any moment now, The Marionette's dolls could explode. He needed to retrieve them, immediately.

Jumping onto the boat, six tiny eyes soon looked his eyes. Multiple eye contacts given, the soldier placed his hands in front of him. There was no way he could say he was taking their toys with physical words, or the children would cry, for sure. Curling his left fingers into palms so they were closer together, the early adult then folded his right hand into a fist, thumbs sticking out. Touching his thumb with his shoulder, he placed his hand by his left arm, opening his right hand up once more, Moving his hand towards his right shoulder, the early adult blinked at the children's bewildered faces. Robot and confiscate signed with little understanding, the girl of the group soon spoke up.

"Mr., we don't understand your hands!" the girl exclaimed.

Wordless language not getting through, the hyena let out a sigh. He supposed he had no other choice but to convey through a drawing. There was no way he could say he was taking the robots away with words. Feelings would instantly be hurt, for sure. Very tiny notepad in the back of his right pocket removed with yellowing pages, the soldier placed a feather quilled pen on the paper.

Crude circles drawn clustered together with multiple even worse looking triangles above it attempting to covey an explosion, the soldier placed the feather quilled pen back into his furthest pocket. Hoping his extremely basic drawing of a robot exploding would get through to the children, the early adult turned the small notepad around. But, various looks of confusion had been exchanged between the three.

"Mr., that drawing stinks!" one of the boys exclaimed, almost laughing.

Basic drawing not pulling through, the early adult sunk his shoulders. He supposed such was a given, not having any artistic prowess. Never having time to learn to draw, simple shapes was all the hyena could ever hope to muster. Knowing, however, no matter what, he had to retrieve the explosive mini robots, the young soldier would not falter.

Pointing at the children's toys with a fervor and waving his arms about, the soldier tried with any might to call attention to the dolls in their hands being dangerous. But, no such realization came. Children not noticing what he had been pointing to, failure had begun to weigh a ton. No form of wordless communication shining through, the hyena prepared to wave the white flag. There was no way he would be able to retrieve the mini possibly explosive robots silently. The choice was not his, he had to use his words.

But, such attempt to speak was immediately halted. Hearing the sound of rich footsteps approach the boat in the corner with a fervor, the soldier turned his head towards the noise. Tall woman with long, white hair, red hair piece in the center of her bangs, and white and gold dress far more expensive than his entire salary in half a year approaching the boat swifter with every second, the hyena let out a gulp.

The Tianquan, what was she doing heading towards the boat in the corner? Had the Millelith already spotted him around the Harbor? If such were the case, he knew he certainly looked suspicious to the people of Liyue. Heeled footsteps soon halting, sweat had begun to pour down his brow. He was about to get in trouble, for sure. Lady of many riches looking ready to speak, the soldier steeled himself for a ray of questions. But, her eyes had been elsewhere in a matter of seconds.

"Children, this toys salesman is here to collect your toys," the Tianquan explained, pipe in hand. She then bends down to meet them at eye level. "They are broken and need to be taken back to the factory."

Siorc's jaw practically dropped to the floor as the Liyue's richest woman of all's tall tale had begun spinning the wheel. Had she just called him a toys salesman? Why was the Tianquan lying about his profession to a bunch of young, and gullible children? But, eyes had soon been on him. Told to play along, a lump of unease knotted into his throat. He had to join in on such an obvious lie? There was no way anyone would believe it, guaranteed.

"Right, toys salesman?" the Tianquan asked.

Nodding, another lump of unease dropped down into the chimera's partially human throat. Was lying to the children truly necessary? Surely, there had to have been a much more honest way to go about getting the small robots back. Dejected look on the children's faces, three explosive dolls were soon in front of his winter jacket.

"Okay," the tallest child said, somber tone in voice. Lowering his head as the grownup took the toys away, he looked up a moment later. "But, our new friend Teucer is gonna be sad we don't have toys to play with!"

Tianquan proclaiming there would be new ones in their place as he put the possible explosive mini robots into the wooden basket, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Would that truly be the case? He could not help but feel such had been an empty promise to keep the children from crying.

Group of three children leaving to say they would go grab their toys at home, the boat had soon grown silent. Tianquan spinning her pipe with the tips of her right thumb and index finger, the early adult looked into her deep red eyes. Why did she think it was alright to lie to children? He knew he needed to ask about it.

Placing the palm of his hand near his forehead for a moment, the soldier brought his hand downward. Thumb and index finger sticking out, the hyena left the hand out for twenty seconds. Folding his arms across his waist, a disappointed look painted the early adult's face. Word why signed on private display, the chimera kept his arms crossed. But a quick answer had come his way.

"Would you have rather I told the children you are a member of the Fatui organization?" she asked sarcastically.

Rapidly shaking his head at the question, the early adult unfolded his arms from across his waist. He supposed such lie was for the best. If the children had heard was was a member of the Fatui, they would be scared of him, for sure. Such difficulty could not arise, or many robots would unable to be seized, for sure. Tianquan looking ready to speak again, the soldier retained eye contact.

"I didn't think so. Looks like I did you a favor," the Tianquan responded, slight evident of self importance in her voice. "But, I did not come out here to assist you. I have far important matters to attend to." She continued as she placed her pipe below her mouth. "Some of the robots circulating around the Harbor have been ceased by various shady men, and they will be attempting to auction some of them off this afternoon." Her right hand moved up and down as she spoke. "I, and a few of the other Qixing will be attempting to quell this unlawful auction. Will you be able to make it?"

Question coming his way, the early adult tilted his head towards the sky. Knowing there had been far more of the Seventh's dolls to collect, there was no way he would be able to make it to the fraudulent auction in time. There were still far too many dolls for such to be any sort of possibility at hand.

Shaking his head, the chimera gazed at the Tianquan, for a moment. Just how much did she know about what went on around the Harbor? But he supposed the Qixing had to be on top of every event that occurred within the bustling city. Eyes meeting his once more, and odd instruction had hit his inhuman eardrums.

Told to head for the Jade Chamber to pick up the robots in the evening, the chimera nodded. He supposed if anyone could handle the situation besides him in areas he could not reach at the right times, it would definitely be the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing. Woman's back soon turned, the early adult stepped off towards the opposite direction.

Children near a narrow space between wooden logs pretending it was their fort, saying they had heard about a toys salesman as the hyena approached them, two more possibly explosive mini robots had soon been retrieved. Given a lead that the rest of their friends had playing pirate towards a much larger boat docked near the warehouse, the soldier had begun sprinting.

Huge stationed vessel hosting multiple kids arging away playing robot pirate, a terrifying sound echoed on the boat. Hearing the core on the mini robot's backside about to pop off, a wave of panic flowed through the hyena. If he let the children continue to play with the seventh's dolls, they would explode at any moment. He had to grab them now, before such could come into fruition.

But, no such words would leave the early adult's lips. Robot pirate game continuing, a third knot had dropped down in the early adult's stomach. He had to say something; anything, or the seventh's dolls would blow up any second. But, his eyes soon spoke louder than his unable to form words.

Mini robots handed to him, the early adult dashed off towards the southern wharf. Reaching the south western side of the harbor after awhile had passed, every single explosive mini Ruin Guard in the docked ship area had soon been collected. But, the chimera knew such had not been the end of his collection around the Harbor.

Knowing many children tended to hang around the secret underground shopping district below the wharf, the early adult walked down the ramped bridge with heeded caution. Multiple generic nobodies chattering about as he headed for the ramp, the early adult sauntered onward.

Group of two young adolescent boys jumping up and down over their new toys, the early adult let out a sigh. The time had come to take more of the Marionette's dolls away from the unsuspecting youth. Young man calling him the toys salesman as he handed him the two small Ruin Guards, the hyena's eyebrows had begun to twitch. How had such lie already spread down to the underground shopping district? The untruth had transformed into a rumor faster than his partially human brain could keep up.

Boys hoping their toys would be fixed soon as they waved goodbye to their named robots, the early adult attempted to hold back a sigh. Had the children already been attached to objects they had proclaimed as their toys? He supposed such could have been the case. Bowing an apology, the soldier kept walking.

Two adolescent girls playing with the Marionette's dolls in the corner, as well, the soldier took a long, deep breath. Mini Ruin Guards placed into his hands, cores vibrating as they plopped down, the early adult quickly tossed the robots into the basket. If he had retrieved them any later, they would explode, for sure.

Wharf soon cleared out, the soldier quickly ascended towards the Teleport Waypoint off towards the corner. Group of three robots collected beside the alleyway of a house, the soldier tossed the explosive contraband into the basket as quickly as his currently human hands could allow. Group of children telling him they had given all their friends around the harbor the toys as well, fingers pointed towards the shopping district, the hyena had begun to sprint once more.

Mini Ruin guard collected beside a lost dog poster, the early adult placed a hand over his chest. Every child sounding sadder the more robots were taken away, a fourth knot dropped into the hyena's throat. If only there could have been safe replacements he could give in exchange, but such was not a possibility at his constantly transforming hands.

Feiyun Slope tiptoed around, the soldier kept walking towards the left. Recruiter from the Adventurer's Guild handing him a confiscated toy she claimed a concerned mother gave to her, the hyena blinked. Gazing at the young woman's outfit for a moment, no vision had been present on her person. Seeing such, the hyena could not help but wonder: why hand such an explosive object off to her? There was no way a recruiter had any experience with machinery.

Saleswoman in the corner speaking on repeat about consumer psychology, another explosive doll had soon been confiscated. Every mini Ruin Guard within Feiyun Slope soon retrieved, the hyena took a long, deep breath. Opening the orb back into map form, the hyena studied the rest of the pins in the Liyue Harbor area.

Seeing a pin placed beside a box icon with a lightning bolt on it, sweat had begun to pour down the early adult's back. The true toy seller in Liyue had received some of the robots in her small store. He needed to retrieve them from her right away. If they were to explode, such a fragile, ageing person would not be able to withstand such a blast, for sure.

Wise woman of many years looking into his eyes, the early adult signed robot in silence. Elderly toys salesman understanding him, a wave of relief washed over the hyena. But, such relief was short lived. Sea of information flooding his way, the soldier listened to her words carefully.

"A young foreign boy handed me quite a lot of these robots asking me to give them to his new friends if they stopped by," the elderly woman explained. "But, I sensed a great amount of danger from these toys." Handing a basket of them off to the young man, she closed her old eyes, for a moment. "My hearing may not be what it used to, but there's a quite a concerning ticking noise in the center of each toy." Huffing a somber breath, she looked down at the basket. "They are far too unsafe for any child to be playing with."

Hearing the elderly toy seller mention a foreign boy, a name rolled dice in the early adult's head. The name Teucer, it did not sound like a Liyuean name by any stretch of his flower filled imagination. But, the hyena shook his head. There was no way the possible boy with such name had told a stranger what they were called. Perhaps it was best to ask who instead. Placing his hand in front of him, the early adult prepared himself.

Word who signed, the soldier tilted his head. Wise lady of many years thinking for a moment, the hyena waited. Everyone processed information differently, he knew he needed to be patient with the elderly. His parents had always told him to respect his elders, no matter what. Answer soon coming his way, the soldier retained eye contact.

"He seems to be the younger brother of that tall red haired man who heads to the Northland Bank quite often," the elderly woman said.

Knowing who the wise lady of many years meant in an instant, the soldier bowed a thank you. Heading up the long red staircase, the hyena headed towards the direction of the bank. While seeing the eleventh was the last thing he'd ever wish to do, perhaps, just maybe, he could put a stop to any more explosive robots from entering children's hands. More beyond the Harbor, he knew outside forces had to have been an option at hand.

But, no such outside force existed. Masked bank employee saying the eleventh had left with his brother who apparently stowed away on a ship to see him, the early adult shook his head. The aggravating eleventh definitely had his hands full, for sure. No one else around, he supposed continuing to collect the explosive robots solo was his only option.

Exiting the Harbor, the early adult headed towards the northwest. Ballista not too far from the Harbor, such had to have been the most logical area to start the rest of the collection process. Pin glowing on the map as the crossbow inched ever so closer with every step, the soldier turned his attention towards a small dungeon in the corner. But, as he were about to approach the small room, furry coated shoulders rubbed against his.

Fatui with a bandaged face quickly apologizing for bumping into him, the soldier blinked as the nervous gunman walked off towards the mountain range. What an oddly polite soldier. But, the hyena shrugged as he entered the tiny, small spaced room. There was no time to think about Her Majesty's other followers.

Spotting a collection of mini Ruin Guards hidden behind a wooden box, the soldier tossed the future explosives into the wooden basket, in an instant. But, the early adult could not help but wonder. Could more have been stuffed within the wooden crates inside? He supposed opening it up to look inside would not hurt.

No extra dolls within the wooden crates, confusion ate the early adult up like a napkin with Mora Meat in it. How could have so many of the seventh's dolls appeared within such a small room? There was no way any children were allowed to play so close to the ballista. But, the hyena pushed such thought into a river. Maybe such room had been one of her testing grounds. But, there was no time to think about such.

Reaching another room close to the ballista, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. Wooden crates in the corner illuminated by terrifying bonfires everywhere, the hyena opened the box quickly. A dozen of the Marionette's dolls looking ready to tumble out, the soldier caught every single one leaning forward in his currently human hands. There was no way he could allow them to make contact with the rocky ground. If any were to have any scratches and scruffs, The Seventh would tell Her Majesty, for sure. Robots placed into the wooden basket, the early adult stepped outside the tiny dungeon.

But, such step out was met with immediate eyes on him from a short distance away. Deep pink eyes continuing to gaze his way as he approached the ballista, the soldier backed eight steps away. Standing to the tip of his toes and looking above, the sight of multiple dolls beside the large wooden crossbow appeared in the corner of the soldier's eyes. Lowering his head once more, the eyes had still been on him.

Turning his attention towards the watchful eyes, the hyena's knees had begun to shake at the sight before him. The Yuehung of the Liyue Qixing, had she been on guard in the area? He supposed such could have been the case from the incident two days prior. Had Treasure Hoarders still been attempting to take control of the ballista even after all the commotion had died down? If such were the case, protecting relics had to have been mandatory. Eyes continuing to glare daggers at him, her lips had begun motioning to speak.

"And just what are you doing here again?" the Yuehung asked rudely.

Feeling the Yuehung's unfriendly eyes continue glaring at him, the soldier placed the wooden basket in front of him. Right, he was not welcome here; he was one the Fatui. Pointing at the robots inside the basket, and then towards the ladder, the chimera's left eye had begun to twitch. Even if she had no trust for him, he had to retrieve the explosive mini Ruin Guards right away.

"So, you're the toys salesman?" The Yuehung asked, heavy suspicion evident in her voice. "I don't buy it." Her arms had soon been across her waist.

Hearing the Yuehung refer to him as the toys salesman, Siorc jumped ten steps back. How had the lie already spread beyond the harbor. The lie had been transformed into a rumor far faster than a cold spreading from person to person. Rumors were viruses, indeed.

Signing to the Yuehung of the Liyue Qixing he needed to collect the robots by the ballista, an eyeroll had come his way. He supposed he deserved such from her, being as wary of a person as she had been. Stepping away from the latter, for a moment, the path had soon been cleared.

"Fine. Go ahead and collect them," the Yuehung responded reluctantly. "But don't think this means I trust you." Her arms had soon been crossed around her waist.

Ascending the ladder, the soldier grabbed the seventh's dolls as quickly as his currently human hands could allow. He knew if he were to stay near the ballista for too long, more suspicious glances would come his way, for sure. Every mini robot near the wooden crossbow obtained, the chimera descended the ladder.

Stepping away from the ballista, the chimera opened the proxy orb into map form for the second time of the day since arriving at Liyue. Only Mingyun Village, the shoal, and the odd areas away from the Harbor, the soldier let out a tired sigh. Another long walk was upon him. Figuring the village would be the next logical place to grab the possibly explosive robots, the hyena walked back towards the harbor.

Northern exit in Liyue Harbor cruised through, the soldier kept heading north. Mingyun Village reached after about three hours of walking, the early adult let out a tired huff. Long distance walking was a tiring exercise indeed. Hearing a loud tick on the air as the unfinished houses approached, the soldier let out a yelp. There was no time for fatigue, he had to grab the seventh's dolls now before they were to explode.

Crate full of mini robots obtained still ticking as he placed them into the wooden basket behind him, the hyena's eyes twitched. Any minute now, the small machines could blow up. But, no such explosion had yet to arrive. Hearing an even louder tick near a far more finished abandoned house, the soldier's legs erupted into a speedy sprint.

The sound of speedier ticking on top of a straw roof, the soldier climbed upward in a frantic manner. Small Ruin guard's core looking ready to activate at any moment, the hyena let out a yelp. If any of The Marionette's dolls awakened in the basket, it would spell danger for anyone around him, for sure. Tossing the sleeping machine into the basket, the early adult finished the rest of collection in the abandoned village.

No more dolls within Mingyun Village, the hyena took a deep breath as he exited the area. The shoal had been next. Knowing such had been a short walk away, the early adult placed his hands into a praying position. Hopefully, the panda chimera had already left the beaches of Liyue, for the day. The panda chimera seeing him while on the job? What a terrifying reality. Such had to be avoided, at all costs.

Wooden bridge soon crossed, the early adult jumped off the cliff's edge. Windglider soon deployed, the beach sand crunched underneath his feet. Mini robots everywhere in the sand, the soldier rolled his eyes to the sky. Who left the dolls scattered around Yoaguang shoal like this? There was no way even the Seventh Harbinger would leave them out on the sand, for sure. But, a possible culprit had soon been within his line of sight.

Panda chimera halting his exercise as the aggravating eleventh harbinger stepped towards them, the hyena grit his sharp shark teeth. Why had Tartaglia been here? Whatever reason he had, it could not have been a good thing. But, the last of the Fatui Harbingers had not been alone.

Short, young boy with spiky red-brown hair covered by a winter hat, and blue eyes with freckles underneath, the soldier rolled his eyes to the sky. Brown winter jacket looking ready to scream Snezhnaya to the mountaintops, the hyena held back a second eye roll. The small child almost looked exactly like the eleventh harbinger. Had he been his brother, or a clone? While he knew the latter was definitely not the case, two members of the Eleventh Harbinger's family had been two too many.

Kid running up to him and pointing, the soldier turned his head in the opposite direction. Had anyone taught the eleventh harbinger's brother how to behave? Pointing at other people was an incredibly rude gesture that needed to deleted from every single person's minds, for sure.

"It this guy a toys salesman like you, big brother?" the younger looking Eleventh Harbinger asked. The Eleventh's voice soon joined the party.

"Ah, yes, Teucer, he is," the Eleventh replied, nervous tone in voice. His gloved hands rubbed against his mask in his hair. "We're both in the same profession." But, there had been many awkward pauses in his speech.

Siorc's eyes twitched as the Eleventh proclaimed they had been in the same profession. How had the rumor of him being a toys salesman already spread all the way out towards Yaoguang Shoal. But, the supposed the eleventh had been around the Harbor quite often.

Lie spread even to his younger brother, the soldier let out a sigh. Had he been telling his own kin that he had been a profession he was not all this time? Perhaps, just maybe, that was how the current rumor had broken out in the first place. But, the hyena shook his head. Perhaps not telling the truth about the Fatui to a younger child was for the best.

Young boy saying he had brought his new friends to the beach to play robot pirates with them, the early adult listened in silence. Claiming his new friends got bored of the robots quickly as they did not do enough cool tricks, the early adult shrugged his shoulders. Children were quite the fickle creatures. But, he supposed such had been for the best. At any moment, the mini Ruin Guards could explode. No longer playing with them was the only option.

Eleventh Harbinger breaking out into a sweat, the early adult lowered his eyes into an aggravated glare. Was he fishing around in his brain for yet another lie to tell his brother? Eleventh looking ready to speak, the soldier's sharp look stayed for minutes on end. What stretching of the truth was about to ride the stony wind now?

"We need to get back to working on collecting the broken toys!" the Eleventh Harbinger exclaimed. "But, big sister panda will watch you. Stay with her please, Teucer?" He clapped his hands together into a pleading stance.

Younger shouting out an okay, the early adult walked beside the Eleventh Harbinger. While working anywhere near such a man was on the lowest of his wishes in any capacity, he knew he had no choice in the matter. The Harbingers were his superiors, they ranked far above him. Disobeying orders would lead to his death, for sure.

Multiple possibly explosive dolls collected along the beach, shifty eyes roamed around the shoal. Seeing such, the early adult bestowed another glare the Eleventh's way. What in the world had he been so nervous over? The Harbingers were supposed to fear nothing. Hadn't fear been considered a weakness? But, the young soldier poked such thought with a needle through a balloon. Perhaps he had been around Naofa far too much for such thought to cross his mind. Eleventh's grating voice acting like nails across a board, the hyena reluctantly listened.

"My younger brother came to visit me from Snezhnaya. Even though I've told him many times to not leave home," The Eleventh said, tired. "Please, don't tell him our real occupation." The pleading hands soon returned.

Desperation evident in the Eleventh's voice, the hyena nodded. He supposed it was for the best that such lie had to be told. Every single doll around the shoal collected, the family soon exited the beach. Knowing there had still been a few more of the Marionette's dolls to be found, the soldier attempted to stage his exit, as well. But, such departure had been halted, in an instant.

Yínlóng giving him a puzzled look eyes wandering to the wooden basket on his backside, sweat had begun to trail down the soldier's face. Why had the panda been looking at the wooden container from behind him? If he had seen him collecting the robots, his heart would just stop. The panda seeing his forced upon line of work was not something that should ever occur.

"So, you're a toys salesman today, Siorc?" Yínlóng asked, words slow.

Hearing such a question, the soldier could feel his back cornered into a nonexistent wall. Lying to a friend, that could not have possibly been an acceptable action. But, the rumor had already spread too far, there was nothing that could be done. Taking a deep breath, an answer had formed on the hyena's lips.

"Only today, sir," he responded, voice barely audible.

Seeing Siorc walk around the beach collecting very strangely sized Ruin Guards, an oil bulb had went off inside his head. Had he only been stating that he was a toys salesman to keep young children out of the loop of the truth, for sure. The Fatui were considered the bad guys by many. Saying one was a toys salesman as a safe word had to have been the case for today, for sure.

"Oh, I see," Yínlóng said, words still slow and lulled. "Well, good luck, Toy Salesman Siorc!"

Panda chimera waving as he exited the shoal, the soldier headed back towards the Harbor. Two more locations to go, just two more places to collect robots. One final pin near the warehouse reached, the soldier tilted his head. How could he have missed such a place before? But, he supposed the pin had not been in an area he had checked earlier.

Middle aged man with a boaters hat looking his way as he approached the wharf, pointing to his uniform asking him if he was the toys salesman, the chimera turned his attention to his shoulder. Sticker of a small Mini Guard covering the Fatui insignias on his uniform, the soldier's face grew dark, for a moment. When had such symbol been placed over his uniform? The lies had gone too far.

Nodding the possible boatman, a strange look appeared on the stranger's face. Man stating he will take him to Pearl Gallery, the escort had begun. Luxurious large party boat reached after about thirty minutes of rowing, a wave of inferiority flowed through the hyena. Was he even allowed to step food on such a ship? There was no way he would be allowed entry in any other circumstance.

Tall brunette amongst the crowd of partygoers, the hyena's eyebrows twitched about. Why had the tall brunette always been everywhere? Hearing a conversation about a toys salesman as the ship party crew gazed at the small robots laid out across the tables, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. How did the Marionette's robots end up on a highly selective party ship? They had to have been left here by someone, for sure. Wise man soon looking at him, the early adult steeled himself. The lie was soon going to grow wings and fly, for sure.

"Ah, it would seem the esteemed toys salesman has arrived," the tall brunette said, sophistication in voice.

Hearing even the tall brunette proclaim him as the toys salesman, the early adult held back the resist to jump backwards. Even the tall brunette had latched onto such a rumor. Hadn't he always been the one to laugh and dispel rumors away? But, he supposed such rumored had already infected the masses like a disease.

Quietly nodding, all the mini Ruin Guards had been placed into the basket from behind him. But, another surprise had been right under his nose. Tall brunette proclaiming he would escort him to the Golden House, the early adult's eyes opened wide. How could he have possibly known he had to head to such area? But, perhaps it was a coincidence. The wise man must have heard strange robots had been spotted inside and outside the harbor.

Reaching a pathway with a golden door after about two hours of walking, the hyena could feel his body begin to shake as more ticking machines had been placed into his hands. Three more given to him as the Millelith glared at him, the soldier continued to shake about. There was no way he was allowed to be here. His entrance upon The Golden House grounds was not welcome, for certain. Fourth and final mini Ruin Guard handed to him, the tall brunette had begun to speak.

"Many children within the harbor over the past few days have been playing with these toys," the Tall Brunette explained, stern tone of voice. "But I have long since suspected they pose quite the danger to the children of Liyue." He placed his gloved hand on his chin. "Regretfully, however, the children would not give them up, continuing to engage in activities with them."

Hearing the tall brunette's words, the chimera sighed in tedium. How typical of children to not listen to adults. But, he supposed such was a given. He knew, in his stolen childhood, he had been defiant quite a few times himself. Guided towards the exit of the Golden House, another wave of words had bounced off his inhuman eardrums.

"Heed with caution when returning home," the tall brunette warned. "Those robots you are carrying around are quite unsafe."

Nodding as the tall brunette exited the area, the soldier recalled one more task that had been upon him. Tianquan telling him to head for the Jade Chamber in the evening, the hyena opened up the proxy orb back into map form for the third time of the day. Seeing an odd chamber symbol in the corner of the mountain range, the soldier poked the oddly placed button.

Strange custom note placed stating to head for the pavilion in the terrace in the Harbor, the hyena gulped. If the Millelith had saw him wandering arounds towards such area again, he would be escorted off the premises, in an instant like last time he had been near the area. But such had been far from the truth as he approached an odd floating rock in the corner.

Millelith telling him he would take him up to the Jade Chamber, the hyena turned his head to the right and left. Had his ears been playing tricks on him? There was no way he could have heard such correctly. Large mansion soon in front of him, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. He could not help but feel such large structure above the clouds had existed to watch the people of Liyue, but the soldier pushed such thoughts away. Now was not the time for such thoughts; he needed to enter the mansion right away.

Stepping foot in to the building, a room of many riches awaited him. Tianquan looking as though she had been waiting for him for quite a long time, the soldier bowed an apology. Five mini ruin guards soon handed off to him, information about their acquirement had come his way.

"I had to pay a hefty amount of Mora to get these away from those scoundrels auctioning them away," the Tianquan said, heavy sophistication evident in her words. "You should be grateful."

Bowing a thank you the Tianquan's way, the hyena highlighted a waypoint towards the northern point in Snezhnaya. Pin on his map off towards the northwest area, the chimera had begun walking. Sea of snow blowing like a roaring lion as the lab approached with a crawl, the soldier kept going. He had to keep moving, or he would freeze to death, like the many Fatui that lurked around the harbor always claimed.

Lab reached after two hours of trudging, the chimera prepared himself. If any of her robots had any scruffs or scratches on them, his life would be over, in an instant. Basket handed over to The Marionette, her gloved hands sifted through every single doll. Snarky smirk appearing on her face as the last one had been inspected, a wave of relief flowed through the hyena. Had all of them been unscathed? A relief to be had, for sure.

"Not a single scratch, excellent," the Marionette said, smirking. "But, now I need more Chaos Oculus! I will sending Her Majesty's disposables to your door tomorrow morning. Now, leave."

Told to exit, the hyena left the Marionette's lab in silence. Military barracks reached after two hours of trudging through deep snow, the soldier let out a gulp. What did she mean by Her Majesty's disposables? He knew that whatever it meant, it could not be a good thing.

Soundproof room upon him, a wave of tiredness flowed through the hyena. Weaponized hairpins and earrings soon removed, the early adult put his uniform away, as well. Glasses put aside, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, as the world of sleep were about to take him away, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Who could Her Majesty's disposables be?

***

"Cat and rat chimeras at my door again today, are these
Her Majesty's disposables?
After all this time, such thought would never cross my mind. I have this
Ominous feeling, they do not know this.
So, I will keep such thoughts to myself.

Oculus hunting today.
Chaos Oculi, I have never heard of such things.
Ultimately, it would seem we will be fighting machines again.
Looks like such will be the case. I feel rather
Uneasy. Krysí and Ryś, why are they disposable?
Something is not right about this, truly.

Chimeras getting thrown
Out and around into battle, that is definitely too common, I do not
Like this feeling. I do not
Like that this option
Exists, but I cannot saying anything. I
Cannot oppose such thinking, or Her Majesty will kill me.
This day ahead of me, it will be a grim one.
I hope the bobcat and rat do not know the truth.
Of all words, 'disposable,' it is quite sinister, if you ask me.
No chimera should be seen as trash to be thrown out. What terrible thinking, truly."

Waking up the next morning, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. Bobcat and rat chimera standing by his door in Inazuman clothing holding a third one in hand, a sea of questions crashed at bay. Why had Krysí and Ryś been wearing such clothing? He could not help but feel nervous seeing such outfits.

"Great, you're here, meow!" Ryś exclaimed, practically purring. "Miss Sandrone wants us to go to Inazuma with you to collect some Chaos Oculus for her!"

Hearing Ryś' words, the hyena shook with a fervor. Had Krysí and Ryś been Her Majesty's disposables? How awful of her to think of them as such. Dark purple Inazuman outfit sitting in his currently human hands, the soldier let out a long sigh. Were any of the disguises the three of them were about to wear going to even work? It had not worked the last time he had to wear one nearly two years prior.

"So, we're here to help again," Krysí chimed in, voice shaking. "Could you open your map after changing please? We'll be waiting outside."

Bobcat and rat stepping outside for a moment, the hyena undid the buttons on his winter jacket. Thin, almost summery Inazuman outfit barely warm enough for the harsh winter, the soldier shivered. If only he could transform his entire body into a hyena at this very moment, but such was impossible. Thin layer soon on, the chimera stepped outside. Map out in front of him, he turned towards the girls.

"Krysí, tell Siorcy where we're headed first, meow?" Ryś asked. "I kinda forgot!" She let out a tiny laugh.

Hearing Ryś say she had forgotten where they were headed first, Krysí shook her head and sighed in tedium. Her girlfriend could be so forgetful sometimes. But, she supposed it was part of her charm. Recalling the Inazuman name Her Majesty had said to her, she attempted to say it correctly as she turned towards her partner.

"We need to head for Kujou Encampment first," Krysí explained. She then turned towards Siorc. "But, Her Majesty requested we go by pseudonyms today. I apologize if this is sudden, but is that alright with you?"

Nodding, the hyena shrugged. He knew he had no choice in the matter. While going by pseudonyms had been rather unnecessary, he knew contesting Her Majesty's orders would spell the end of his life, for sure. Bobcat and rat chimeras soon within close proximity of him, the hyena highlighted the waypoint towards Kujou Encampment.

But, a terrifying sight awaited him as the military camp base appeared in his damaged field of heterochromatic vision. Scary, four winged general with her arms crossed around her waist giving suspicious glances as Krysí, Ryś and he as they headed towards her, the early adult gulped. There was no way the conversation about to unfold would go well at all.

"Excuse me, Kujou-san, but we would like to request a boat, nya!" Ryś said, faking an Inazuman accent. "My friends, Nezumi, Samé, and I just came back from Seirai Island. But, our boat sunk when we got here!" Right, Nezumi?"

Siorc let out a barely audible groan. He was being called Samé again? What a poor disguise for a name. The winged general had already been suspicious of him in the past. There was no way she would fall for such obvious lie. Shifty eyes turning everyone's way, suspicions had shone spotlights on them.

"I don't buy it," the winged general said, suspicions rising in her voice. "If your boat sank, then why aren't you all soaking wet?" The one proclaimed as Nezumi projected almost instantly.

"Well, a local was nice to enough to take Risa, Samé and I into our house to allow us to dry off," Krysí replied, nervous tone of voice. "We would like to request to borrow a boat. Is that alright? We would like to return home after picking up some Lavender Melons."

Winged general placing her hands over her forehead and shaking her head, the hyena's legs had begun to shake with a fervor. There was no way the winged general was buying this story at all, for sure. But, an odd device had soon appeared in her right hand.

"I will have all three of you arrested if I suspect you are impersonating someone," the winged general said sternly. She then handed a strange device to Krysí. "Head for Ritou. There might be a few unused boats by the docks."

Sea of gratitude coming the winged generals way, the group of three exited the military camp. Ritou reached after two hours of walking, the docks had been reached. Unoccupied boat anchored to the docks, the soldier gazed at the vessel. Tiny aquatic vehicle barely looking big enough to hold three people, the soldier turned towards Krysí and Ryś. He supposed, if necessary, they would have to cram together. Bobcat's attention on the boat, an unsurprising confirmation had hit the docks.

"Oh, no! This boat looks like it's only big enough for two!" Ryś exclaimed in a panic. "What will we do?!" Her small tail swished frantically from behind her.

Krysí transforming into rat form and jumping onto Ryś' shoulder, the problem had been solved before it could even begin. Anxiety dropping dead as Ryś and he stepping into the boat, Ryś placed her hands on the rudders. Exiting Ritou and into the ocean towards the south, a wave of information had been to crash at bay.

"We have to head for Watatsumi Island first," Krysí explained. Tiny little rat hand pointing at Siorc. "It is in the southwest area, right?" She hopped off of her girlfriend's shoulder, and into Siorc's back pocket. "I suggest you take a look at your map." Scavenging through his pockets, the heavy orb had been in her paws. "I apologize for picking through your pockets, but I don't know where we're going." She then jumped back onto Ryś' shoulder.

Shrugging, the chimera opened the orb into map form. Allowing the rat chimera hold the map open for him, the navigation had soon begun. Ryś steering the tiny vessel carefully, the ocean had been the trio's entire world for hours on end. Fort area cruised by after two hours of travelling, the long stretch of the sea continued.

Familiar seashell walkways soon within his line of sight, the boat had been docked near an odd looking gate crackling with electricity. Krysí transforming back into human form and informing him they had to head for Sanganomiya Shrine first to seek out information about the machine monsters, the soldier followed behind the bobcat and rat chimera.

Village passed through and shrine staircase soon upon him, the hyena took a long deep breath. The Priestess, would she know any information about Chaos Oculus? But, the Priestess of Watatsumi Island was nowhere to been. Stranger that did not look like a generic nobody standing in her place, the hyena examined the person.

Standing where the head Priestess had usually been was a young woman with black rabbits ears. Young lady being several centimeters taller than him, the chimera attempted to look at her at eye level. Long, straight black hair flowing towards her backside with two loose pieces sticking out towards the top, the hyena eyed her hair for a moment longer. Purple flower clipped onto the left side of her head, the soldier held back a nod. The rabbit had good taste, for sure. Hazel eyes colored like the nuts themselves, and many freckles above her nose, the early adult turned his attention towards her outfit. White and violet Shrine Maiden outfit with two orange lightning bolts on the skirt, the early adult's eyes wandered towards the young woman's hips.

Inazuman shaped purple vision containing a Fatui insignia where the Electro symbol would usually be, the hyena let out a gulp. The young woman rabbit, did she know what she had beside her waist was a delusion? But, the soldier kept his mouth shut. It was not in his place to warn a stranger he would likely never see again. A fight would certainly break out about it being a Vision, for sure, if he spoke the truth. Invisible zipper closing his lip, he turned towards Krysí and Ryś. But, the Shrine Maiden Rabbit soon turned everyone's way.

"Oh, we have guests? Hello, it is nice to meet you, I am Shunko, stand-in Shrine Maiden for Sanganomiya-sama," Shunko greeted, polite and proper. She bowed her head as she introduced herself. "Do you need something? I can assist you, if you need!"

"Uh, yes, we do your assistance," Krysí replied, voice shaking. "We need help finding and locating Chaos Oculus." Her eyes soon wandered as she said such. "We are not from around here."

"Ah, I see, you are seeking out the Ruin Cruisers and their minions?" Shunko asked. "Not a problem. I will help you. They have been acting quite strange lately." But a question had soon come her way.

"Is is okay for you to leave the shrine, meow?" Ryś asked, cat ears above her head twitching.

"Don't worry about that, the other shrine maidens will keep watch here!" Shunko explained, hands waving about in front of her. "The monsters should be up at the beach. I'll lead the way." Exiting the shrine, she walked in front of the group of three.

Shunko leading the way as Krysí and Ryś walked in front of him, as well, the soldier followed behind as multiple bridges had been traversed. Small beach reached with a mountainscape peaking in the distance, a terrifying sight awaited the group of three in front of him, and he.

Group of ten jellyfish shaped machines awakening as the party of four stepped beside it, the soldier could feel his heart sink to the bottom of the ocean like a rock. Fighting ten of such enemies at once? Such would be a struggle, even for a group of four people. But, he supposed it would best to hold such judgement for now. The battle had not yet started.

Claymore handed to Krysí and he, Ryś clutched her spear in front of her. Ryś quickly asking her what kind of weapon she needed, a polite but stern decline had come her way. Hearing such, the soldier had come to wonder. Shunko's delusion, had it been powerful enough that she did not need a regular weapon? He supposed he was about to find out.

"I have a electromancy at my disposal," Shunko told Ryś. "Don't worry, I got this!"

Mob soon activating, the fight had begun. Blasts of mechanical energy coming everyone's way, the chimera and Krysí slashed their blades forward towards the lower hanging Ruin Cruisers, the hyena kept with any might to keep the momentum going. But, such fight with physical prowess kept going.

Ryś' spear unable to make quick work of the group of ten enemies, an alarming sight had caught the hyena's eyes. Was it just his imagination, or had there been a dark aura surrounding the mechanical monsters? But, the soldier snapped himself out of such thinking. He had to be imagining it, surely.

Attacks from the greatsword and spears barely able to do anything, a wave of frustration flowed through the hyena. Had the dark aura surrounding the enemies made them resistant to weapons? The soldier did not know, but he knew it was far too early to give up.

"As fast as lightning!" Shunko shouted at the top of her lungs.

White stockings soon engulfed in electricity, Shunko dashed faster than anyone's eyes could follow. Sea of electricity engulfing half of the enemies, static took the stage. Five of the ten Ruin Cruises defeated with eight shocking strikes, only half soon remained.

But the remainder had not been a easy task to quell, for sure. Ryś' flaming fists and his flower friends struggling to even dent the mechanical monsters, the soldier's eyes had begun to pulsate. Dark aura negating the flames and powers of nature like it was nothing, the soldier shook about with a fervor.

Krysí's water mirage rats unable to do beyond the bare minimum as well, the soldier had begun to wonder. Could the dark aura have been absorbing and resisting any element that was not Electro? Knowing such had to have been possible, a sea of ideas flowed through the early adult.

Tossing down another flower friend, the hyena turned towards Shunko. Perhaps, just maybe, if she dashed towards his flower friend with her quick dash of electricity, he would not be so useless in the wake of battle. Pointing to his flower friend, the rabbit shrine maiden agreed to the strategy quicker than he could even blink.

Two more members of the mechanical enemy mob down after five seeds of exploded from Dendro and Electro combined, electricity had soon joined together with Ryś' fist of fire, and Krysí's water rats, as well. Mechanical monsters overloaded with electricity and conducted into oblivion, the soldier stared at the machine cores dropping onto the sand one by one.

Watching as Krysí and Ryś sifted through the drops on the ground, the early adult had come to wonder. Had the black aura surrounding the machine monsters made it so they could only be defeated by Electro by itself or when exposed to other elements? He knew, if such were the case and there were more fights to be had, it would be impossible to keep going, for sure. But, the hyena knew he could not give up. If not enough Chaos Oculus had dropped the fights would have to continue, guaranteed.

The worst scenario had soon become the truth.

"Oh, no! There's only two Chaos Oculus here!" Ryś exclaimed, anxiety evident in voice. "Miss Sandrone wants at least eight of them, nya! This isn't good!" Her fake and forced Inazuman accent kept shining through.

"If you need more Chaos Oculus, I suggest you head for Seirai Island," Shunko suggested. "My sister might be able to help you." She then turned her head towards the opposite direction, averting her gaze. "I miss him..." Mumbling such under her breath, she then turned back towards the group of three. "Seek out Asase Shrine! My sister should be there, I think."

Hearing the term Seirai Island, the hyena placed his hand on his chin. Could the other Ruin machine monsters truly have been there, as well? He could not help but feel it would be quite difficult to find any others on the other islands. But, the hyena slapped his cheeks. Why was he thinking such heavy amount of defeatism today? He needed to focus on the task at hand. Krysí and Ryś rather far ahead of him, a cupped scream rung his inhuman eardrums.

"Siorcy, you've gotten too far behind, nya!" Ryś shouted. "Please catch up!"

Hearing Ryś' shouts, the chimera bursted into an astronomically speedy sprint. Catching up the rat and bobcat chimeras in less than fifteen seconds, the hyena broke out into a pant. Running was a cardiovascular exercise indeed. Boat soon reached, the traversal to Seirai Island had soon begun.

As the rough seas southeast had been cruised through, the hyena gazed at Ryś. The bobcat, she had not addressed him as Samé while in Watatsumi Island. Could the aliases have only been for the winged general to get around her suspicions? The soldier supposed such could have been the case. Hearing the lightning storm approaching ever so closer as Seirai Island neared after about two hours of travelling south west, the hyena steeled himself.

Boat soon docked beside the raging ocean within Fort Hiraumi, the chimera lead the way. Recalling the Seirai Island cat shrine had been in the southwest area, the soldier kept going. Storming areas dashed through, the shrine had soon been reached. Asase Shrine being the only place within the storm plagued islands, the early adult absorbed the rarely visible sunlight, but as the self proclaimed kitten priestess zeroed in on his damaged field of heterochromatic vision, an unfamiliar face had been standing beside her.

Standing by the cat shrine maiden had been a stoic young looking woman with black rabbit ears. Short hair tied into a low hanging bun and ponytail reaching to about their shoulders, the chimera observed their bangs. Pointy bangs only in the dead center of their forehead almost hidden by the rest of their bowl like hair and loose sprout like cowlick on the top of their head, the soldier quickly observed their outfit. Very dark blue shrine maiden top with grey lightning bolt below a shield with a rabbit in it, and light blue skirt with grey streaks towards the top, the early adult looked at the rabbit's face. Hazel eyes with absolutely no emotion in them and black beauty mark as sharp as their face, the chimera ended his examination.

"That must be Shunko's sister!" Ryś exclaimed, pointing. "Let's talk to her, nya!" The fake accent would not leave, even for a moment.

"Him," the rabbit corrected. "Are you here for the shrine? You do not need to speak to me for that." His words were shark and stoic.

Hearing Krysí explain the situation with relative ease, the early adult stared off into space, for a moment. Would the other rabbit shrine maiden be willing to help at all? Seeing the reluctant look on his face, he knew the possibility of a rejection was certainly about to come he and everyone else's way. Emotionless sigh coming their way, the rabbit soon spoke once more.

"I suppose I will help you with my hydromancy, then," the rabbit said reluctantly. "Those robots are causing quite a lot of issues for the cats and the island, anyway." He extends his hand. "My name is Isamu. I suppose it's a pleasure to meet you three."

Watching as Krysí and Ryś shook hands with Isamu, the hyena placed his heart on his chest. Had the small and innocent kittens been brought into the fray of the machine monster's way, as well? If such were truly the case, he needed to put a stop to such immediately. There was no way he could allow such crime to go unpunished for sure. But, such food cart of thought had been interrupted by Ryś' voice.

"Nice to meet you, Isameoo!" Ryś said putting emphasis on the incorrect letters in the name. "I'm Risa, and this is Nezumi and Samé, nya!!" An extra amount of enthusiasm had been put into her forced fake accent.

Hearing his given name pronounced so incredibly wrong, Isamu slapped his hand across his forehead. Why did he even bother introducing himself with his given name if these obviously foreign strangers weren't able to get it right in the first place? But, the damage had already been done. However, correction and redirection was mandatory. Hearing such a gross mispronunciation could not come to pass.

"Just... call me II-kun if you can't say my name right," Isamu sighed, annoyed. "You three are northeners, aren't you?" An immediate answer had come his way.

"Wow! How did you know, meow?!" Ryś asked, shocked and fake accent slipping.

"It's quite obvious from your accent," Isamu responded, monotone. "I can tell you're faking it. But enough of this chatter. You do not have time to waste, correct?" Leading the way, Isamu stepped in front of everyone.

Ruin machine walking around like a crab appearing near a lit up grid with all four tiles glowing yellow within the beach in Seiraimaru, the soldier prepared himself for the fight in front of him. Dark aura protruding through the monster's feet, the early adult placed his blade in front of him. Even if the fight were about to be difficult, he knew he needed to fight to the best of his ability.

Crab like machine monster sparking up a storm, unusual beams of energy had come the chimera's way. Electrical beam hitting his hip, the soldier attempted to shake such static off. Black aura around its legs only continuing to grow darker with every single attack, the early adult kept slashing the greatsword about.

Physical prowess barely doing any sort of damage, Ryś' spear attempted to join the party. Polearm able to scrape the monster's leg a smidgeon more than his own blade, the hyena wondered. The Ruin machine monsters, had all of them been resistant to certain types of attacks? It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, certain strong enemies had been labelled as bounties and had unique strengths that only applied to them. But, such fact was not known to the hyena.

Feeling as though his blade could do absolutely nothing, the chimera tossed down a flower friend. But, as his Windwheel Aster friend's vines hit the machine, a shield had begun to kick in. Flower friend barely able to scathe the machine monster as the shield remained supreme like a king, the hyena snapped his fingers. Flower friend returning to him, the odds were reversing backwards towards the enemy.

Struggle continuing for minutes on end, Ryś punched her fists of fire towards the enemy. Water rats soon joining the party, as well, the crab like ruin monster had been hit with a vaporizing punch of flames and aquatic rats. Enemy beginning to look weak, the hyena threw down a second flower friend.

But, such weakness had been blinked out of existence in a matter of moments. Second monster joining the party, the early adult's flower friend had been blown to machine smithereens. Enemy's mechanical limbs hitting the Silk Flower's stems, the flower disintegrated into dust. Shield far larger than normal guarding both enemies immediately, nothing could penetrate the new defenses.

Ruin Defenders causing far more trouble than they were worth, Isamu let out a sigh. How incredibly bothersome they had been, grouping together and beefing up their defenses Vision bearers were completely unable to defeat on their own, or even together? It was time to put an end to such struggle once and for all.

Dark orbs of water taking out the crab like machine monsters in a matter of seconds, the early adult's eyes opened wide. Isamu was quite the force to be reckoned with. How had he been able to defeat such enemies with one strike when Krysí's water rats were unable to do the same? His strength had been beyond comprehension, for sure.

No Chaos Oculus dropped, the early adult steeled himself. He supposed it would not be easy to get what was necessary right away. Quick work made of another ruin machine enemy in the corner with Isamu's Hydromancy, bad news soon made its rounds as only Chaos Gears dropped onto the ground.

Soon told the only other area where any such monsters appeared had been near Kouseki Village's beach and near Amakumo Peak, Isamu had begun to lead the way. Group of two Ruin Defenders spotted near a strange light board all glowing blue as the monsters had awoken with a deep black aura, the fight had begun.

But, such fight had been close to over before it could even begin. Ryś' flaming fist overloading the machine monsters after four punches of fire, the early adult placed his palm over the bridge of his nose for moment, shaking his head. Would he be of any use in any of these fights at all? He was useless as fighting a Dendro Slime with his flower friends.

Two Chaos Oculus dropping onto the ground, the early adult puffed a sigh of relief. Perhaps, the next set of enemies would drop the last oculi that remained. Isamu stepping towards the electric gateway, a strange explanation had come their way. Stating reaching parts of the peak would be faster by travelling through a phase gate, Isamu soon jumped into the portal of oddities.

Isamu becoming a ball of electricity travelling on the electrified wind, the soldier jumped into the portal of marvels as well. Krysí and Ryś jumping in one after the other, the group of four reached the other side in minutes. Spotting more ruin machine enemies across the water, the soldier dashed off towards the enemies. Everyone following behind him, the enemies had soon been reached.

Three Ruin Cruisers soon foolishly close to the water, the chimera tossed down another flower friend. Seeds spreading like wildfire, vines and the group of three mechanical monsters had soon met. But such had not been enough to defeat the party of artificially created beings.

Flower friends only able to dent the monsters slightly, the early adult slashed the blade forward. Krysí joining the fray, as well, a dual claymore slash session took the monsters by surprise. Ryś charging in with her polearm, and Isamu's hydromancy finishing the deed, defeat had come the monster's artificial ways.

Krysí and Ryś examining the cores on the floor together, a dejected look soon appeared on the girl's faces. Not seeing more than one Chaos Oculus amongst the multiple machine parts, the chimera knew what words were about to grace his inhuman eardrums. Krysí looking his way, words of failure dropped into the stormy ocean.

"Miss Sandrone will definitely not think this amount of Chaos Oculus we've collected is enough," Krysí said, voice shaking. She then turned towards Isamu. "Are there any more Ruin Defenders or Ruin Cruisers on the island, Isamu-kun?" Unsure if she said his name right, she bowed her head in apology. "I apologize if I pronounced your name wrong."

Seeing the northener rat girl bow her head, Isamu sighed in tedium. Next time he were to encounter foreigners, they were definitely not going to be given the chance to learn his given name, for sure. Knowing there had not been any more of such creatures on the island after this point in the afternoon, perhaps it was just better to send the foreigners on their way.

"You said it right, congratulations," Isamu replied, deadpan. But, he dialed himself down a smidgeon. "If you do not enough of what you need, I suggest you head for Tsurumi Island instead."

Suggestion noted by Krysí and Ryś, the two had begun to step forward. But, something had caught the hyena's mismatched eyes as he prepared to step away, as well. In the center of Isamu's Shrine Maiden skirt had been a Inazuma Hydro Vision. But, something had been rather off. Fatui insignia in the center instead of the usual Hydro Symbol, it had come to the chimera immediately.

Isamu had a Hydro Delusion.

Knowing such orb had been dangerous, the early adult pointed at it with a fervor. But, no words could escape the chimera's lips. Isamu soon noticing his gestures, he placed his hand over his face, shaking his head in displeasure. Had he made him feel annoyed? He knew he had to apologize, if such were the case. Placing his hands into an apologetic stance, the soldier left his hands out for a moment, but such gesture had been called attention to, in an instant.

"You really have no reason to apologize," Isamu said, voice deadpan. "You seem rather concerned about this...orb, so I suppose I'll tell you." Closing his eyes for a moment, he huffed a quick breath. "Some time ago, a blue haired man gave me this orb claiming my Hydromancy would greatly improve should I choose to use it." But, he soon shook his head. "But, I do not think that this is true in the slightest. And my ability to express emotions has become far worse as a result." Turning his head towards the northerner rat girl and her aggravatingly energetic cat friend, he returned his attention to the quieter man's blank face. "Your team is getting father ahead of you. Don't you think you should catch up to them? Seek out two Onmyouji on Tsurumi Island while you are there. They should be able to help you cleanse these monsters if none of you can defeat them yourselves."

Hearing Isamu mentioned a blue haired man, the chimera's heart skipped six beats. The Doctor, had he done this to Shunko and Isamu both? He could not help but feel he had gotten his malicious and disgusting hands all over the two of them at some point in the past. But such thoughts were immediately cancelled as a scream echoed on the stormy wind.

"Siorcy, come on, you're getting too far behind again!" Ryś shouted on the wind. "Try and keep up with us, nya!"

Told to keep up, the hyena's legs erupted into a speedy sprint. Right, he had to keep up with Krysí and Ryś, or he would be left behind. He knew, being as quiet as he always had been, the possibility of not even realizing he was not there could certainly come into fruition by accident. Boat soon returned to, the trip to Tsurumi Island had begun.

Krysí saying she had heard Isamu say to seek out Onmyouji from a distance, the hyena could feel a shock go down his spine. Just how well could rats hear? Other chimera's hearing capabilities were absolutely fascinating. Misty islands of Tsurumi reached after two hours of boating, Krysí soon transformed back into human form.

Docking off the edge, Krysí removed a note from her back pocket. Recalling Her Majesty had left specific instructions for Tsurumi Island specifically, she eyed the paper efficiently. Instructions on how to deal with any excess mist, she turned towards her partner and Siorc.

"Her Majesty wrote down that Tsurumi Island is known for mist that carries people away if it does not accept them," Krysí explained as she looked over the paper one last time. "Let's be cautious." She then reread the location that was requested of them in the corner. "For now, we need to head for the Memorial Site. Her Majesty's instructions seem to indicate most residents only gather here."

Following Krysí's lead, the chimera placed the proxy orb on his uniform pants. Mini-map beaming in front of the party of three, they had begun to head for he Memorial Site. Mist making the trip take far longer than expected, the site had been reached after about two hours of walking. Mist dissipating as the trio approached, two particular faces stuck out amongst the crowd.

Standing in the corner by a set of candles had been a young woman with orange rabbit ears that had been about eight centimeters taller than him. The young rabbit woman had short, pointy dark orange hair that went down to about her shoulders. Part of her hair being tied up into a high ponytail with puffy scrunchies on the left and right side of her triangular bangs, the hyena looked at the rabbit girl's face. Pure white eyes almost transparent with a black face mole underneath her left eyes, the soldier looked at her outfit, for a moment. White and orange Inazuman exorcist outfit adorning light orange lightning bolts and shields with a rabbit in them on the sleeves, the early adult wondered, was she the Onmyouji Isamu had told him to seek out? Person standing next to her, he studied them as well.

Next to the possible Onmyouji had been a tall, feminine looking person with orange rabbit ears. But, he could not help but feel a air of masculinity around them in their pure white angry looking eyes. Possibly masculine presenting person towering fifteen centimeters over him, the soldier stood on the tip of his toes. Spiky, dark orange hair tied into low stringy pigtails that reached the possible other rabbit onmyouji's chest, the chimera studied their hair, for a moment. Set of two yellow star shaped hairclips on the left side of their hair, the hyena gazed at their outfit. Icy blue Inazuman exorcist outfit with grey sleeves adorning icy blue lightning bolts and the same rabbit shield symbol. Nothing else to really observe, the early adult ended his examination.

Group of two rabbits gazing at Krysí, Ryś and he, the chimera let out a gulp. Nervous look on the shorter rabbit's face, and angry look on the taller one's, the chimera steeled himself. At any moment now, a sea of anger would come everyone's way, for sure. Krysí soon stepping up to the plate, her words hit the misty wind.

"Excuse me, but," Krysí said, words shaking. "Would you be the Onmyouji rabbits of the area?"

"Um, yes? That's us," the shorter rabbit asked, shaking as well. "Why?" But, the taller rabbit cut in.

"Hah! Shiroka, you're so nervous! 'Tis annoying!" The taller rabbit exclaimed, irritation evident in their voice. They then returned their attention towards the strangers. "D'ya got work for us involving those machines?"

Rys soon saying yes with extreme enthusiasm and excitement, the chimera again turned towards the shorter rabbit chimera's uniform. The small bell underneath her ribbon, could it have been a Delusion, as well? Turning his attention to the taller rabbit as well, he gazed at their waist, as well. Not seeing anything, he snapped himself out of such thoughts. What was he doing? He needed to stop getting so distracted by the onmyouji rabbit's outfits. One proclaimed as Shiroka turning towards their sibling, a question hit the rocks.

"Um, Hatsu-nee-chan, is this really such a good idea?" Shiroka asked, face darkening. "They could be bad guys..."

Hearing his sister incorrectly refer to him as nee-chan while on the job, Hatsu could feel his blood vessels begin to pop one after another. Even if they were possibly a group of people that had aligned themselves with the wrong crowd, being referred to as Hatsu-nee-chan--as a sister while out in public would simply not do. Such was gross, incorrect, disgusting.

"That's nii-chan to you, Shiroka!" Hatsu shouted, left fist shaking. "On the job I'm a dude, remember that!"

Hearing Hatsu's steaming anger, Shiroka had begun to feel herself shake like a leaf. Right, right, on the job, Hatsu was not a she, but a he, nor her sister, but her brother. She knew she had to get better at remembering such facts. Face darkening, she lowered her head.

"Right. Sorry, onii-chan," Shiroka apologized. "Let's guide them to Shirikoro Peak. You saw those odd machines being feisty around there, no?"

Shiroka and Hatsu leading the way, the peak had been reached after about thirty minutes of walking. Mountain soon scaled, the sight of snake like ruin machines slithered on the misty ground. Seeing such, the soldier could not help but feel a wave of unease. Did such monsters belong here? He could not fathom why, but they had felt out of place on the highest area of the peak.

Group of six machine monsters putting up quite the fight as the hyena's flower friend, Ryś' flaming fist, and Krysí's sea rats all were unable to dent the snake machine monster, the soldier let out a frustrated growl. Why had he been so incredibly useless today? Robots of artificial creations and aura of darkness were far more powerful than all seven gods if they were to merge into one singular collective being.

Feeling a strong bearing of evil within the artificial machinery, Shiroka turned towards Hatsu. The black aura, it had definitely been some sort of malevolent spirit or force that had to be cleansed. Placing her hands in front of her she prepared her half of the chant.

"Fire!" Shiroka shouted, putting the tip of her fingers underneath her mouth and then joining them together, index fingers sticking out.

"Ice!" Hatsu shouted in response. Voices soon in sync with one another, their words blended into one. "May your energy be cleansed!" Shiroka and Hatsu shouted in unison.

Fire and icy energy leaving a black and white symbol on the center of the machine monster's chests, the dark energy had left the battlefield. Artificial monsters returning to normal, the soldier threw down a flower friend. Turning towards Ryś, her fiery fist of terror joined the silk flower friend. Group of six machines bursting into flames, defeat had come for their created lives.

Krysí shaking her head as she counted out the machine parts on the floor, the early adult lowered his head onto his knees, for a moment. Had there still not been enough Chaos Oculus? Dejected look on the rat chimera's face, he supposed he had been given the answer. Huge eyes soon on him, the rabbit duo and Ryś, a confirmation had almost become lost in the mist.

"Miss Sandrone said if we do not collect enough Chaos Oculus, we should head for Araumi," Krysí said, head sinking with disappointment. She then turned towards the rabbit duo. "Thank you for helping us out. Take care of yourselves." She then turned to her partner, then Siorc. "I apologize, Ryś, Siorc, but I think it is best we head for to Araumi." But her legs had begun to shake, rat tail behind her coiling up. "We don't have enough Chaos Oculus...she's not going to be very happy with us."

"Busy little kittens, aren'tchya?" Hatsu asked, laughing. "See ya, then."

Returning to the boat, Siorc handed Krysí his map as she returned into her rat form, giving Ryś directions on how to reach Araumi by boat, the early adult hugged his knees in silence as all of the directions drowned out around him. There had not been enough Chaos Oculus. He had been a failure. His flower friends had not been strong enough to fight when the machine monsters had been engulfed in dark aura. He was a failure. The Ruin Cruisers on Watatsumi Island, he had barely been able to fight them, as well, even if Shunko's help.

He was a failure.

Every single moment today in battle, he was a failure.

Head slumping over his knees as the boat travel kept going on, a sea of doubts continued to flow through him. If Naofa had seen his performance today on the battlefield, he would no longer be a member amongst the living world, for sure. Her Majesty, if she saw his performance, today, she would be disappointed, guaranteed.

He was a failure.

Sea of doubts continued to engulf him as the boat trip towards Araumi dragged onward, the hyena kept his face on his knees. The Ruin Defenders on Seirai Island, if it weren't for Isamu's chargin, there was no way any of them would have been defeated. His successes for the day had been miniscule, less than one percent, miniscule.

He was a failure.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder as the boat had been docked, large worried eyes had been on him. Krysí in human form once more giving him a major look of concern, the hyena stood up to his feet. Words of worry beginning to flow his way, he turned his attention towards her.

"Are you alright, Siorc? Are you not feeling well?" Krysí asked, concerned tone of voice. "If you're not feeling great, we can stop for today, if you'd like." Her voice had begun to shake. "We'll just tell Miss Sandrone we couldn't finish her task..."

Knowing such was definitely not an option, the early adult slapped his cheeks six times. Why was he letting himself beat himself up over a few unavoidable failures? He needed to snap out it; now was not the time to let the sea of thoughts devour him. The job had to be done. He knew if it had not been completed, the bobcat and rat chimeras would be disposed of, guaranteed. He could not let such act come into fruition. Not a chance.

"I am fine, miss," Siorc responded, words slightly more audible than normal. "We need to finish this task." Stepping past the gate, the hyena would not falter.

Look of contempt on Krysí's face, the chimera wiped the somber look off his face. Perhaps, if he put on a brave look, her concerns would soon vanish. Putting as brave of as a face as possible, he looked into her eyes. They had to keep going. There was no way he could allow for the final possible straw to end in failure.

"Alright, but, if you really aren't feeling well, please let us know," Krysí responded, hands shaking. "We'll stop fighting, and take you back home."

Knowing such was still not an option, the soldier kept walking forward. Told by Krysí they needed to enter some odd underwater cave within Araumi, a strange area in the corner caught the chimera's eyes. Strange secluded dome in the center, the chimera dashed off towards the odd dome. Only way to enter looking to be to climb and jump, the soldier ascended the dome in the center of Araumi. Krysí and Ryś climbing with him, as well, the top had been reached.

Seeing an entrance down below, the soldier jumped downward. Ryś landing on her feet almost perfectly as Ryś in rat formed bounced on her shoulder, swear poured down the early adult's face. Cats always landed on their feet, indeed. Deep, empty ruins that felt like they had once been submerged with water, Krysí's furry rat paws pointed towards the other side.

Stating a special type of machine monster lived deep within the ruins, instructions on how to reach such area had been read aloud from a tiny little notepad stashed away within the crevices of the rat chimera's fur pockets. Reaching a a small hole with vines leading downward towards a deep tunnel, Ryś and the hyena kept walking.

Another entrance soon reached, an underground Teleport Waypoint had caught the chimera's attention. When, and how had such Waypoint been placed down deep below the surface? But, he supposed such question would never have an answer. The Teleport Waypoints were an anomaly beyond any sort of logical comprehension.

Damp walkway traversed through, the soldier turned his head towards the left, remnants of a fallen boat leaving debris in the corner, the soldier could feel his throat fall into his chest. Had someone thrown shipwreckage down in a hole no one ever would think to see it? But, the early adult pushed such thought into the damp floor beneath it. He was overthinking it, surely. Dry room soon reached in the corner, an obstacle had soon been upon the party of three.

Seeing a machine monster in the corner down below, the soldier took a deep breath. The only way to reach the monster from here was to jump down. Knowing he had no choice, the early jumped onto the battlefield below. Ryś jumping as well, and landing on her feet, the sound of a switch turning on echoed within the tiny, possibly formerly underwater room.

Fuel blasting through the machine's bottom portions, the enemy had soon been airborne. Bullets raining down from the sky, the soldier's shoulders and the attack had met. Unable to dodge such as the second rain down begin, the hyena grit his teeth. He was already failing to perform, he needed to focus.

Krysí having returned to human form, a barrage of sea rats swarmed in a torrent as the machine monster returned towards the ground. Ryś fiery fist making contact, as well, multiple barrages of fire and water had come the enemy's way. Seeing such, the soldier clutched the greatsword in front of him tight.

Machine monster rolling up into a cube shape and rolling around like a ball despite its shape suggesting otherwise, the soldier threw down a flower friend. Surely, just maybe, his silk flower friend could finally contribute to the party. Krysí summoning water rats once more, Hydro and Dendro soon shook hands.

Seeds upon the battlefield blooming with a fervor as the torrent of rats swirled around his flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision, the machine had begun to spark. But, such had not been the end of the fight. Machine placing itself into a shielding state, a group of familiar friends had soon joined the battle.

Group of five weaker looking ruin machine monsters invading the party like an unwanted drunk guest who had two too many, the chimera slashed the claymore about with a fervor. Krysí's blade, and Ryś' blade making quick work of all the other artificial machine monsters, the hyena dealt the final blow to the last remaining machine.

Leader of the machine monsters' shield vanishing, a sea of sparks surrounded it. Knowing such was his chance to strike, the chimera dashed towards the possible boss of all the machines within the Nation of Eternity. Ryś soon punching the machine's core in the center with her flaming fists, the soldier tuned the close range flames out. The fire was out of sight, out of mind.

Machine soon regaining power, the remnants of the defeated machine monsters joined back together with the host. Machine monster soon becoming a large blade, it swiped about in an artificially intelligent frenzy. But such slashes about from the enemy had soon become predictable. Group of three dodging the attacks in rhythm with one another, Dendro Hydro and Pyro joined forces.

But, such attack had been responded to in kind. Sea of bullets fired Ryś' way, the hyena jumped in front of her. Bouncing the bullets back towards their owner, the machine had begun to spark for what felt like the third time of the battle. Enemy soon entering into defensive low power mode, its friends had broken off from its body, fighting for it, for the moment.

Artificial friends quickly vanquished, a realization hit the hyena. The boss of all the Inazuman machine monsters, it had been fighting in a rather specific pattern. Knowing next, it would soon bring its defeated friends back together into its body, the chimera tossed down another flower friend.

Machine monster looking about ready to reach the end of its artificial life as the vines had begun to hit its sparking mechanical body, an overwhelming burst of energy flowed through the early adult. Yellow-green orb glowing at its absolute brightest, a sudden explosion of elemental power flowed through the soldier's short body.

Cocoon of vines wrapping around the soldier's arms and legs, the early adult whipped the thorny cocoon with a fervor. Krysí sea of water rats soon forming into one large one as his thorny vine attack continued, the hyena kept going. Had Krysí reached the ultimate level of Her Vision as well? Ryś' shadow claws of fire joining in as the vine cocoon had begun to disappear, one final blow of flames cooked the boss of all the machines into a metallic inedible dinner.

Machine boss fading into the ether, a strange wooden flower popped out of nowhere in the place the mechanical monster had been defeated. Krysí opening up the flower, three machine parts plopped into her hands as though they were calling to her. Other odd looking items that looked like a head piece only adventurers would wear if they cared about numbers, the extra clutter had been left on floor.

"Three Perpetual Hearts should cover the difference," Krysí said, gazing at the machine parts in her hands. She then turned to Siorc. "You didn't get hurt at all, did you?" There was a heavy tone of concern in her voice. "If you're injured anywhere, we're taking you to Bubu Pharmacy."

Knowing he had not sustained any injures beyond a few mild scratches, the chimera shook his head. Bobcat and rat chimeras looking uninjured as well, the soldier supposed it had been time to return to the permafrost north. Watching as Krysí slipped the machine parts into her pockets, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket.

Waypoint to the military barracks soon highlighted, the hyena closed his eyes. Krysí and Ryś soon following behind him as the soundproof room had soon been reached, the soldier turned to face the two of them as they stood outside his door, blocking the pathway out as he entered. Knowing they would not let him come along to the Marionette's lab, a sea of predictable words froze solid upon the icy cold atmosphere.

"Nope! We'll take the machine parts to Miss Sandrone!" Ryś exclaimed, blocking the door. "You're done working today! It's always our job to deliver the materials, meow!" Keeping her arms in front of the door's entrance, she would not budge.

"As usual, we'll take care of a delivery," Krysí replied. "You should change back into your winter uniform, you'll freeze." Bowing her head, she linked her arms around. Ryś'. "Take care of yourself, alright? Until we meet again."

Bobcat and rat chimera waving to him, the hyena returned the favor. As the two had begun to get farther away, a returning thought entered the early adult's fading human brain. Yesterday, The Marionette had said she would send over Her Majesty's disposables to his door. Recalling such, the soldier walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor.

Feeling a wave of unease as his circle about continued, the realization had soon cemented into place. Krysí and Ryś, they had been Her Majesty's disposables. The bobcat and rat, did they know of such fact? But, the hyena shook his head. There was no way the would know such a thing. Her Majesty would never say such to the people she deemed as garbage to throw away.

Another realization solidifying as his circle about continued, the hyena could feel his heart sink in his chest. Her Majesty, she definitely did not care if Krysí and Ryś were to survive any of her missions. As such thoughts flowed through him, a spark popped off in the active shark grooves in his brain.

He was disposable as well. A pawn on the board, a chess piece to use, and throw away once dissatisfied. Perhaps, just maybe, if he were to ever leave the Fatui, helping the chimeras that were experiencing a great amount of suffering, or mistreatment could certainly come into fruition. Wave of tiredness soon overtaking him, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Temporary uniform placed on top of his uniform drawers, and glasses put away, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, another spark popped off in his brain as the world of sleep pulled him into the land of tormented dreams for the late night at hand.

Chimeras like Krysí, Ryś and he were seen as disposable pawns, indeed.

---

Yeah, idk how this one was 16,000 but it was.

 

[Palamon]

29. Branch Off 14: Harrowing Hadramaveth 2: Missing Children

"Another odd job is upon me.

Now, I am truly wondering, who wrote this letter?
Even I can tell the handwriting is different.
Various alliances have formed. But,
Even so, this is just another means of using me.
Really, that's all this is.

Everything makes sense.
Nothing isn't calculated.
Don't think do not see,
I know what you are planning, Your Majesty.
Now I know, I always will be a pawn.
Guess this is just her moving the piece.

For now, I must remain loyal.
Even now, my departure has no date in
Sight. So, whatever
Today might have in store,
I must do my job
Very much to the t.
After all, she is just using me.
Looks like it will be the case until I can finally leave."

Dreaming had still been a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's diplomatic Fatui life. The cycle of anguish would reverse and reset, reversing back to the beginning with slight differences like a certain cursed town in another universe. The loop would continue in the night before him, as well.

Before him had been a field of mints. The plant was blue at the tip, and fuzzy looking, like a bed of horsetails beside the waters of Liyue. But, such had not been the only sight. Sound of roaring falls in the background, the hyena wondered: where had the dream world taken him this time? He supposed such place could be anywhere, mints were an odd plant that could grow and reside in any nation, even the permafrost North.

Not wishing to lay within the bed of bitter cooking herbs, the chimera had begun walking. Waterfall only getting louder as his stroll about continued, the soldier kept sauntering onward. Wherever the dream world had taken him, he would get wet, guaranteed. But, he supposed such was a given; the land of the subconscious was beyond his control.

A visitor of doom soon awaited him.

Abyss Mage in the green fields of nothing chanting a spell, the chimera let out a gulp from the dream esophagus. If the monster spotted him, he would be attacked in an instant, for sure. Attempting to walk towards the opposite direction, the soldier turned his heelless shoes around. But, such had been an immediate failure.

Red robed mage looking his way, the creature's mask soon turned red. Seeing such, a shock of nothing went down the early adult's dream spine. Dashing off past the monster, the soldier's legs erupted into an astronomically speedy sprint. Although, such action had not been swift enough. Mage chasing him from behind with a song at the tip of its throat, the chimera sped up his sprint.

Waterfall within the distance roaring even louder, the soldier attempted to catch the dream breath. Mage soon fading away, a wave of relief washed over the chimera. Had they given up already? If such were the case, perhaps, just maybe, the torment within the dream world had already reached its end.

Odd apple tree in the corner, the hyena stepped towards it. Strange looking green apples high on the branches, the soldier tilted his head. Just where in all of Teyvat had the dream world taken him to? Green apples were quite the rarity in the seven nations, indeed.

Attempting to pick the unusual fruit, a terrifying sight caught the chimera's dream eyes. Flaming arrows coming the large tree's way, the soldier jumped ten steps back. Weapons of the unknown slicing through every single fruit upon the branches, the apples had been burned to a crisp, toasted to oblivion. Mage re-emerging, a fire show was about to begin with a flaming applause.

Tree engulfed into flames becoming nothing but unusable fertilizer, the soldier dashed off towards the roaring falls. He needed to run, get away; leave, or he would become a crispy body, as well. Waterfall soon pouring right behind him, the sound of the Mage's laughter soon caught up with him.

Monster guffawing up a storm as its tiny limbs grabbed him with no effort, a wave of unease overtook the chimera. Poofed in front of the waterfall in a matter of seconds, the soldier looked down and the roaring falls below him. But, a sight of horror burned into the hyena's mismatched eyes.

Pouring flames mimicking the sound of a waterfall, the hyena let out a scream. When had a sea of flames taken over the roaring waters? Magic within the dream world had to have been the cause, for sure. Mage soon tossing him downward, his backside and the firefall soon met.

Uniform burning to a crisp as the early adult continued to fall downward, the hyena let out another scream. Slide downward continuing for dream minutes on end, the sea of fire would soon spread. Chest engulfed in flames, the Abyss Mage laughed and danced above him while their wand waved with a fervor.

Grass and his body soon meeting, the soldier closed the dream eyes as the grass around him burned away. Defeat coming for him fast, a sea of thoughts poked his fading subconscious mind. Luck was not on his side, the Archons had left him behind. Safety had died.

Fire was still terrifying, indeed.

***

"My dreams are getting worse lately,
I have not felt this uneasy about sleeping since my adolescence,
So many nightmares, I can barely take it.
So many nightmares, I might just break.
I must just crack.
No, no, I mustn't. I need to
Get ahold of myself. Dreams are not real. They are

Creations of the subconscious,
Heated creations from the constantly working mind.
I should not let such world of fiction bother me.
Looking weak will only
Disappoint Her Majesty.
Right. Forget this, every dream I have is a fabrication.
Every dream I have is nothing more than a reminder of that past incident.
No matter how many years pass, it will not leave my mind, but

I must not falter. I must
Not let such tormenting dreams win.

That much is a given,
Here's to another day of odd jobs.
Even I know now I need to expect absolutely anything.

Do not think I will have a routine for the next day or so,
Everything is unpredictable in this cold breeze.
So, I need to focus, breathe. I need to focus,
Exceed expectations thrust upon me.
Really, that is key to successful living.
The time has not yet come for my departure to be upon me. This forced upon

Occupation, I need to keep going.
For now, another day of work is upon me.

However much longer?
After the time has come, the
Day has not yet arrived. After Naofa's
Revenge meets its climax, I shall decide.
After all, two chimeras leaving at the same time. Her
Majesty would be suspicious, truly.
After all, it is best I do not make any sudden moves. It
Very much so is not a good idea to be hasty.
Every other Fatui has no patience, but
That is not me. So,
Here is to another day of odd jobs. I am ready."

Upon waking up for the morning, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave his partially human mind. Taking a deep breath, the chimera rose from the uncomfortable bed. There was no time to let such dream bother him. He had to get ready. Placing the glasses over his eyes, the hyena had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As he put on his uniform, the hyena had come to wonder. Krysí and Ryś, why were they considered disposable to Her Majesty? Such was wrong, but the chimera quickly snapped himself out of such thinking. Questioning Her Majesty's beliefs was a forbidden sin. Pushing such thought away, the chimera closed his eyes as he closed the buttons shut on the winter jacket.

Scenes of his dream from minutes before flashing through his mind, the chimera let out a scream. Shout bouncing around on the walls once more, the young soldier rapidly shook his head. He could not let such a thing bother him. Dreams were a fabrication of the subconscious. Snapping such thoughts away, the early adult removed the cover off the jewelry and accessory box.

Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings in place, a wave of calmness flowed through the hyena as the matching blue stars adorned his hair and ears. Hooking the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants, and buttons in the correct holes, the early adult placed the heelless shoes over his currently human feet. Everything on, the chimera had finished the morning routine of dressing the body.

Rations soon devoured, the early adult awaited the Agent's arrival. But, no such footsteps had yet to arrive. Snow ramming the barricaded window, the soldier tilted his head. had the Agent been late today? Stepping towards the icy covered pane, the hyena gazed at the world of snow outside.

World of snow no higher than it usually had been, the soldier walked around upon a circle on the icy cold floor. Surely, the footsteps would arrive at any moment. There was no way he had another day off. The sudden, out of nowhere vacation had to have taken any remaining unknown holiday days away from him by now. Still hearing no footsteps, his circle about continued.

Hearing the sound of tape peeling of the door, the hyena tilted his head. Walking towards the entrance, a sight caught the chimera's eyes. On his door had been a note. Peering at other doors in the barracks nearby, a wave of confusion flowed through the chimera. No other sheets of paper on the other doorways, the early adult shrugged. Maybe the other soldiers had already removed such notes. Note in oddly fancy Snezhnayan writing in front of him, the soldier read it in silence.

"You are to report to Aaru Village immediately upon reading this," The note in fancy Snezhnayan writing said.

Vague note in front of him, a wave of confusion flowed through the hyena. Who could have possibly written this? It had not been written in the way it had usually been. Seeing the word immediately used, a sense of urgency dropped a weight on the chimera's back. There was no time to waste, he had to head for the village in the desert now.

Opening the orb into map form, the soldier highlighted the waypoint to Aaru Village in an instant. Knowing there was no time to waste, the chimera pressed the teleport button with haste. Fast travel confirmed, the hyena dissipated the map back into orb form. But, as the teleportation began, a returning question flowed through the early adult's fading human brain.

Who could have possibly sent the letter?

***

"Wait a second, where are we?
How did we get here? That portal,
Everything is different, where am I? Is this
Revenge for leaving Fontaine? My
Eternal punishment?

Ah, Olann, why couldn't I have died instead of you?
Revenge from Focalors for leaving,
Everything adds up!

Well, Soie doesn't seem to think so, 'Velours, that's silly,' they tell me.
Everything is subtracting.

That is silly?
How can she be thinking that?
I am not being ridiculous!
So, that portal taking us out of our home.

If it wasn't some plot of revenge, what could it be?
She's speaking nonsense!
Nonsense, I tell you!
'Think about it, Soie! This isn't normal!' I exclaimed!

That did not work, she proceeds to shake off my thinking.
How could it not be a work of revenge,
Every god is to not be messed with. Removed from the

Mare Jivari, we have to find a way back.
After all, I feel sand underneath us. Deserts freeze at night! This has to be
Revenge, she is angry.
Enraged. What else could this be?! Soie,

Just listen to me.
I know this an act of
Vengeance in some way.
All of this lines up. I am certain. Without a doubt!
Revenge for leaving! You and
I have to get back and find that portal no matter what!" Don't you see?"

Upon reaching Aaru Village through the Teleport Waypoint, a sight caught the early adult's eyes, in an instant. Mercenary bodyguard around the area deep in a search, the soldier tilted his head. Who could she have possibly been looking for? But, the hyena shook his head. Whoever it was, it was certainly no business of his.

Mercenary bodyguard soon spotting him, she had begun to head his way. Seeing this, a sea of questions flowed through the early adult. Why had she been heading his way? He supposed he was about to find out. Looking as though she had something to say to him, the hyena made eye contact.

"Look who finally showed up," the mercenary bodyguard said. "Your friends are waiting for you in the Chief's House." Her gloved hand pointed to the door.

Hearing the mercenary state his friends had been waiting for him, the soldier held back a sigh. Had Waiola and Bogart been the ones that had sent the letter? But, the hyena pushed the thought into the sands beneath. There was no way such could have been the case. They did not know Snezhnayan writing. But, perhaps a third party source had been summoned to write such note. Walking towards the Chief Villager's house, the chimera broke out in a sweat.

Sweat teeming on his back as the chief's house grew ever so closer, Siorc wiped his brow. Was it just his imagination, or had the desert been sweltering today? But, the soldier kept walking. There was no time to waste, the hourglasses' sand was reaching the bottom. Mercenary following behind him, the early adult turned towards the door.

Turning the knob of the door, the soldier stepped inward. Mercenary's boots hitting the wooden floor, the hyena backed away, for a moment. Village protector in the corner, and bodyguard heading towards her, a conversation had soon begun. Bodyguard stating she had brought him, the Village Protector's mismatched eyes met his own immediately.

"You came," the village protector said, voice slightly monotone. "Your friends have been waiting for you."

Word friends said a second time, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Why did both the protector Aaru Village and mercenary bodyguard say his friends had been waiting for him? If Her Majesty had heard such word used, he would be in trouble, for sure. Turning his head towards the left, familiar faces soon caught his eyes.

Waiola in her usual outfit sitting at the table, waiting, the soldier turned his attention towards Bogart. Bogart seated at the table in a fancy, red and gold dress with various Sumeruean lace and beaded headdress, the hyena held back a blush. Slapping his cheeks, the early adult returned himself to reality. What was he doing, allowing himself to get distracted by Bogart's outfit once again? He needed to focus on the possible mission at hand.

Seeing Siorc sweat up a storm in the winter coat he had always been wearing, Waiola shook her head. Didn't he have any other uniforms besides that coat? There was no way he could wear such outfit unfit for the desert. Extending her clawed hand, she gave the young man a sharp look.

"Siorc, you can't wear that winter coat in the desert heat," Waiola scolded, hand extended in front of her. "Please take out your map. We're taking you to Ghandharva Ville." There was a matter-of-fact tone in her voice. "-------- and his new herbalist assistant have made you clothes suited for the desert and rainforest to wear."

Knowing he had no choice, the hyena returned the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Map into his currently human hands. But, as he highlighted the waypoint nearest to Gandharva Ville, the chimera could not help but wonder. Why would the forest watcher leader and Jiaolong go to such lengths to prepare an outfit for him? Something had to have to been planned behind closed doors when he had not been around, for sure. Nodding, clawed hands pointed at the map in front of him.

"That thingy zaps you anywhere, right?" Bogart asked. "Wish I had one! Waiola takes forever to get ready in the morning!" He swiped his finger across his scarred nose. "Could zap me to the rainforest instantly!" But a sea green bird was about to have its word.

"Bogart," Waiola chimed in. "You take two hours to get ready in the morning!" But, Bogart bit back, in an instant.

"A queen has to look presentable!" Bogart shouted, sliding his hand out in front of him. "Whatever! We're wasting time!" He then pointed at the map again. "We need to hurry. Come on, we have to bang zap there now!"

Nodding, the early adult highlighted the waypoint towards Gandharva Ville in an instant. Village in the rainforest upon him after a split second, a springy mushroom stood in front of him. Bogart zapping a ring of electricity around it telling him to hop on, the soldier did as instructed.

Mushroom absorbing the Electro powers around it, the spring propelled the early adult higher than a wind gust. Wooden tree walkway soon upon him with the panther twins in tow, the soldier stepped forward. Familiar treehouse upon him in less than two minutes, the soldier placed a pin in his mind. Perhaps, next time he were in Gandharva Ville, using the springy mushrooms shortcut could come into fruition.

Waiola explaining to the furry eared man he had not been dressed for the desert, the man's eyes soon wandered towards him. Averting the man's gaze, for a moment, the soldier turned his attention towards the empty wooden chair in the corner. Jiaolong not in his usual seat, a wave of concern flowed through the hyena. Had something happened to him? But, the early adult pushed such thought away. He knew he could not ask about such. The careers of others and their attendance was no business of his. Loud clearing of the throat aimed towards him in a matter of moments, the chimera returned his attention forward.

"Don't you ever know how to dress properly?" the furry eared man scolded. An outfit had been in his gloved hands. "Take this. Jiaolong and I made it for you in case you were you may have needed it."

Light, purple shirt that looked like the Forest Rangers outfits, a wave of disgust flowed through the chimera. Eye twitching as the fabric bit his hands, the early adult closed his eyes as the dark color burned into his brain. The world of purple struck again. He was quite tired of seeing such color.

Group of three stepping outside, the early adult prepared himself. Undoing the buttons on his uniform, the early adult removed the layered shirts, as well. He supposed he would not be needing them, for the time being. Wretched violet and white shirt covering his body, a large collared drape clasped onto his neck. World feeling tight, the hyena took a deep breath. Unusual fabrics were the enemy.

Furry eared man returning to the treehouse after a few minutes, the soldier's eyes wandered towards the empty wooden chair and folded up table in the corner. Man soon looking his way, the soldier pointed at the empty chair. While, he knew pointing was rude, curiosity had pushed a kitten into the river. Index finger pointing at where Jiaolong had usually sat, the hyena tilted his head. Forest Watcher Leader looking as though he understood, words had come his way.

"Are you asking about Jiaolong? I sent him home," the Forest Watcher Leader said. "He has been quite stubborn lately! Refusing to take time off when I instructed him to do so!"

The hyena's heart skipped a beat as such information hit his inhuman eardrums. Had the taller panda chimera still been exhausting himself? If such were the case, he needed to take a break, for sure. But, there was no time to think about such. Waiola and Bogart stepping back into the treehouse, the twins looked his way.

"Now that you're changed, we need to tell you why we asked for you," Waiola said sternly. "Children have gone missing in the Desert of Hadramaveth." She took ahold of the man's clothes, sliding them under her arm. "The Akademiya and Aaru Village need our help." Bogart's voice soon joined the party.

"There might be a lot of fights ahead!" Bogart exclaimed, enthusiastic. "You game?"

Missing children echoing in his minds for seconds on end, the hyena nodded. The youngest students of the Akademiya and sons and daughters of Aaru Village had gone astray in the dangerous sandstorm filled desert? Such could not come to pass, they needed to found right away.

Seeing Siorc nod, Waiola's eyes wandered towards the man's back pocket. If he had been in agreement, there was absolutely no time to waste. Knowing the odd map contraption could move a group of people within its vicinity in an instant, she knew she needed to call attention to such object once more.

"Since you agree, we should get going," Waiola said in a matter-of-fact tone. "But, first, could you take us back to Aaru Village? We need to get something from the Chief's house."

Knowing he could not refuse, the early adult highlighted the waypoint in Aaru Village. Chief's house reached after a few minutes, the twins stepped inside. Strange bottle that looked similar to the one he had found in the quicksand desert previously, a sea of information had begun to flow the hyena's way.

Panther twins explaining they needed to head for an underground tunnel system near the passage of ghouls, the group exited the village. Told that some of the children could still be wandering around the great red sand as well, the party of three had begun to head north.

No children on the outskirts of Aaru Village, the soldier kept on the lookout. But, such had been futile as a path between the sand wall had been traversed through. Eremites in the desert stating they had not seen any of the children in the desert wander around there, the journey north continued.

Khaj Nisut serving as a large obstacle upon the path, the chimera shook his head. There was no way any of the wayward children ended up in such an area. The temples had to have been deemed dangerous, for sure. Temple stepped around, and sea of sand soon returning, the group of three kept heading north.

Passage of Ghouls reached after about an hour of walking, the group of three headed towards the east. But, as the entrance to the tunnels approached, an odd group of people caught the hyena's eyes. Two hooded figures with lizard tails behind them, bare feet, and light brown skin mumbling to themselves, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Just who were these people? He could not help but feel something was off about them. But, the chimera kept his mouth shut.

Suspicious hooded figures mumbling amongst themselves not looking to be Eremites, nor people she had ever seen before, multiple alarm bells had gone off inside Waiola's head. Who were these two strangers, and why had they standing so close to the scene of the crime? She had to confront them, no questions asked.

"Excuse me, but who are you two?" Waiola asked, suspicion evident in voice. "Do either of you have anything to do with the missing children?"

Accusation coming their way, the hooded figures grit their teeth in unison. Who did this woman think she was, accusing them of something? They would both set the record straight, once and for all. Taller hooded figure stepping forward. It was time to give this stranger what was coming to them for being so quick to judge.

"I don't know what you assume of us, but we didn't do it!" the taller one shouted. The shorter hooded figure soon chimed in.

"What ze said! Some portal threw us here!" the shorter lizard shouted. "We are innocent!"

Lizard tailed strangers pleading their innocence, the hyena shifted an eyebrow. He could not help but feel Waiola could have been right. The hooded figures seemed quite suspicious. But, the hyena knew he could not say such. Perhaps that had been innocent, after all. Judging people based on appearances would be wrong of him, for sure. But, Bogart's suspicions had soon mixed themselves into the dirt.

"I don't know, you two seem kiiiiiiiiinda suspicious," Bogart said, dragging out the word kind of in his speech. "You're wearing hoods. You trying to hide something?"

Hooded strangers looking ready to scream, suspicions had begun to leave the hyena's body. Maybe the two of them had not been the culprits. He could not help but feel the pressure had been getting to the odd people, for sure. Group bare feet stomping on the sand, a loud scream in unison hit the walls of the cave in the corner.

"No!" the strangers shouted in unison.

Shifty strangers quick to deny her brother's point, Waiola crossed her arms across her waist. The two hoodlums had to have been hiding something, for sure. Surely, if they were innocent, they would be able to prove it. Perhaps getting their names out of them would change her mind on their definitely guilty consciences.

"If you're truly innocent like you say you are, then please tell us your names," Waiola responded, arms still crossed.

Put on the spot directly, the shorter hooded stranger's eyes twitched with a fervor. This woman, who did she think she was? Was it really necessary to give each other their names? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. She would find the portal as soon as they people went away and go back home. There was no way she would bare her true name to such quick to blame people.

Taller hooded person punching hir fist onto hir bare hands, knuckles had been cracked. What point is there in giving names to prove eachother's innocence? Was this how the people of Sumeru behaved? What a bunch of fools. Looking at hir sister, the two nodded in agreement.

They would not give out their true names. No way. Not in a million years.

"I'm Silk, and ze's Velvet, alright?!" Silk shouted, testy. "We didn't do it! We've never been here!"

Hooded strangers introducing themselves as Silk and Velvet, the hyena's eyes shifted into a slant. He did not know why, but their names sounded incredibly fake. Had the strangers given out aliases? He supposed he did not blame them if they had been sent from somewhere far away. But, such thoughts were ripped out of his closed mouth, possessing the lips next to his.

"Yeah, not buying it. Those names sound fake," Bogart responded, holding back a laugh. "Why don't you prove yourselves by joining us on our quest to find the missing children?" He looked at the side of their rag-tag outfits, orbs glowing beside them. "You two look like you could pack quite a punch in battle!"

"Agh! Fine!" the one calling hirself Velvet shouted. "We'll help! But only until we find the portal that that tossed us here!"

Waiola and Bogart shrugging to themselves, the early adult repeated such action in tandem. He supposed, if they still had their suspicions, he could not blame them. Other people and chimera's convictions were just as strong as his own, for sure. Stepping into the tunnel, the chimera observed the area around him.

Large, deep, sandy tunnel crawling with lizards every step of the way, the soldier turned his head towards the left. White glowing flowers sitting upon the sand, the chimera held back a blissful sigh. There was no time to get lost in the land of plants. A mission was upon Waiola, Bogart, and the two aliased strangers, and he.

Group of four in front of him stepping forward, the hyena had begun following behind. Route around the area looking long and deep, the tunnel had to have been deep enough to take two days to escape from. Walking straight through, a sight caught the party's ten eyes in an instant.

Two young children in male and female Akademiya uniforms eyes devoid of color playing with yellow serpents in their hands as thought they were toys, a sight of immediate danger took the tunnels by storm. Serpents biting the children continuously as they rose the creatures up above them, the soldier stepped forward.

Children looking as though they had felt no pain as the serpents teeth kept sinking into their shoulders, the hyena's heart skipped three beats. Something had been off, for sure. Movements not looking normal for a person who had been awake, the early adult tapped on one of the student's shoulder with a fervor. While his parents had told him it was dangerous to wake a sleepwalker, death would come for them if the snakes continued to bite, guaranteed.

No response as he kept his tapping going, the chimera swore he could hear the other child mumble under his breath about a festival going on forever. Hearing such, the hyena kept shaking. The Akademyia students, had they been dreaming? He needed to snap them out of it before the bites ended their life on a venomous platter.

Waiola splashing water in the children's faces with her currently aquatic tail, color had soon returned to the student's faces. Look of bewilderment on their faces, the two children tilted their heads. Eyes and mouths full of questions, the girl soon spoke up amongst the two.

"Is the festival over...?" the young girl asked. Tears soon poured down her face. "No! I don't want it to be over! I wanted to enjoy the rest of it with my classmates!"

Looks of confusion coming her way, Waiola placed her hand on her chin. Had all the Akademiya Students that headed for the tunnels slept walk here? Whatever festival the young rainforest dweller had meant, it had to have to have been some sort of dream. She knew she had to break the news to the confused students gently.

"I'm sorry, but there is no festival," Waiola explained with due diligence. "I'm afraid you two may have been sleepwalking." Placing her hands on the children's backs, she pushed them towards the entrance. "You need to go back home. Miss ------- is waiting to escort you back." Guiding them to the exit, she pointed her clawed fingers outside. "She's that big sister that Azar had you study with in Aaru Village for your independent study on ecology. Remember?"

Students reluctantly leaving, the hyena knew a long road of searching for the missing Akademiya students would continue onward. Waiola soon returning, the hyena blended himself into the crowd of four in silence. But, a quick sight of terror soon stopped everyone in their tracks.

Group of three students walking around in a daze mumbling about a festival, a loud hissing noise creeped up from beside them. Yellow, and large teal serpents attacking the children with their tails and fangs, blobs of teal energy had drenched them for minutes on end. No amount of pain coming from the sleeping children, the soldier flinched. How could such attacks not shake the students awake? He needed to do something.

But, no such action came. Turning towards the hooded strangers, for a moment, the early adult gazed at their tails. Attacking desert serpents right in front of lizards, wouldn't that be cruel? There was no way he could end such creature's lives in front of them.

Bogart ending the serpents lives quicker than he could even think, sweat poured down the hyena's back. Immediate shout coming from the hooded strangers lips, the early adult covered his eyes with his face. This was not going to end well, for sure.

Watching as the scoundrel in the dress killed a lizard right in front of hir Velvet let out a pained scream. Who did this person think he was, ending the life of a creature that share similar DNA as hir sister and ze? What a terrible person. Wasn't buying into his sister's accusations enough? Lizarderer. Such crime would not go unnoticed.

Serpent dying in the sand right in front of her, Silk could feel her heart begin to turn into stone. Why did that man do something like that? Didn't he see their long lizard tails when his wretched vile sister accused them of enacting upon a crime they didn't commit? Tears rolling down her cheeks, she continued to weep for the lost ones.

"How could you kill a lizard right in front of us like that?" Velvet shouted, balling hir hand into a fist. "You're so cruel!"

Commotion going on, the early adult turned towards Bogart. Was killing the flying serpents necessary? But, the soldier kept himself out of such argument roaring about. It was not in his place to question the panther twins judgement. Perhaps, they knew it would have been best to defeat the enemies at hand. But, the contest about interrupted his thoughts.

"Sorry, geez!" Bogart apologized, placing his hands through his headdress. "But those were serpents, not lizards." Silk soon threw herself into the argument.

"They're still lizards!" Silk shouted, still sobbing. "How would you like it if a panther died in front of you, huh?"

Siorc rolled his eyes to the sky as the argument between the three kept going. This conversation was getting quite ridiculous. But, he supposed they had a reason to be angry. If a small dog, or cat had been caught into the crossfire, he would not stand for such, either. But, he knew he could not say such. Drawing the attention towards him would be wrong, for sure.

Waiola soon able to wake the children, a sea of familiar lines had come her way. Children asking about the festival, and Waiola telling them there was none, the soldier blinked of bewilderment. Just what had been going on? Why had all the students been talking about a festival? Something had not been right, and it needed to be solved.

Children guided out of the tunnel, the walk about continued. More children on the lower ground of the tunnel woken up from the dream crying they did not want the festival to end, the soldier's suspicions formed a knot inside his stomach. Why were all the children saying the same thing? There had to have been an answer lying in wait in the tunnels somewhere.

More students woken up near a group of brown vines leading on towards the next part of the tunnel system, more talks about being taken out of the never-ending festival had come Waiola's way. Children running away towards the exit, teary eyed, the search soon continued.

Many more students awoken from their slumber and sent out of the tunnel of many dangers, the sound of an echoing voice soon broke the sandy walls with a booming shake. Feeling a ball of electricity shouts words about the abyss as it collided with his hips, the hyena let out a shout. Where had such energy come from? Gritting his teeth, the soldier shook off the attack. There was no time for such weakness. There had to have been more missing children to locate.

Seeing a ball of electricity slam into Siorc, concern had begun to paint Waiola's face a shade of light blue. Where had that attack come from? Hearing him scream seconds before, stopping for a moment to make sure he had not been too hurt had to happen before continuing with the mission.

"Siorc, are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?" Waiola asked, concerned. "Maybe it was one those flying serpents. Let's try and keep an eye out for them, alright?" But a loud shout had come her way as soon as she finished such train of thought.

"Don't be so petty and cruel! There's no way the serpents could attack from afar!" Silk shouted, hands covering her hooded face. "They're innocent!" An eye roll had come her way.

"You two still aren't cleared of my suspicions," Waiola told Silk. "You two haven't been helping at all, either. Just following us around." She shook her head rapidly. "Try and help at least a little, won't you? I'm starting to think you two may still be the culprits after all." Velvet had soon gone off on the offensive.

"Listen you... lady!" Velvet shouted, hand balled into a fist. "Your brother killed a lizard, right in front of us! And here you are blaming them on an attack they probably didn't even do!" Holding back the urge to punch, hir speech continued. "Back where we live, we help people, without question! Maybe if you stopped being so suspicious of us and took our word for our innocence, we'd help you wake the children up!" Hir fist continued to shake. "Can't you see we're a mess right now? You're so quick to blame! Cut it out!"

Long winded apology coming the lizard's way, the group of five kept walking. Dazed children playing with more serpents, teeth had begun to sink into their shoulders as their dazed walk continued. Silk and Velvet communicating with the serpents to cease their biting, the creatures soon slithered away.

But, such had not been enough. Children snapping awake mumbling about the festival, the small students had begun to swerve backward. Young academics stating they did not feel so well as their bodies hit the sands, Waiola's eyes had soon been on Siorc's pants.

"I need to borrow your map, for a moment," Waiola said to Siorc. She then turned towards her brother. "Bogart, we need to bring these kids back to Aaru Village! We promise we'll be right back!" Children scooped into their arms and upon their back, she waited.

Knowing it would be wrong of him to refuse, the hyena handed Waiola the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Map. Highlighting the waypoint to Aaru Village and backing away, the twins had been gone and back within five minutes. Map returned to him, the search continued.

Group of students woken up beside a large pitfall, the chimera had come to wonder. Could more students have fallen down the hole while sleepwalking? He knew he had to investigate. Pointing to the ground underneath, the party of five jumped downward.

Many more students freed from the serpents venom and the dream, many confused academics had come to their senses. But, as they talked about there still being more kids within the never ending festival, a wave of concern flowed through the early adult. Just how many students were taken into the tunnels? It had to have been hundreds.

Multiple students crawled into tiny holes startled awake, various other areas had been looked into. Many other children discovered in the small spaces as though they had been a playground, information had soon come the quintet's way. Being told some of the other students hid amongst rocks higher up, everyone dashed off back towards the hole's entrance.

Climbing back up to the higher area of the tunnel, a sea of rocks had soon been located. Silk soon slashing the rocks away, multiple missing students had soon been uncovered. Confusion looping on repeat, the children had been escorted outside in a matter of minutes.

More students removed from the festival they claimed would never end, Siorc puffed a sigh of relief. Students stating almost all of their friends had left and went home, the hyena had wondered. How many missing children were left to locate? Knowing there could only be perhaps a few left, the soldier steeled himself. There had to only be a few more to find, for sure.

He would need to steel himself, indeed.

Tall, masked man in a purple abyssal costume that looked identical to the frog porcupine chimera's outfit, the hyena's eyes opened wide. The Abyss Order, when had they appeared down in the tunnels? But, he supposed they had been lurking the entire time. The attack he had received prior, there was no way it could have come from any other source. Ball of electricity coming his way once more, shouts hit the sand walls again.

"You lot dare interfere with us?!" the Abyss Lector shouted. But, he soon broke into a fit of laughter. "You think you can stop us? The festival has just started! The monster host is about to awaken!" His laughs about continued as he vanished into thin air.

Realizing the tall and strange man meant the Setekh Wenut Katheryne had warned Bogart and she about, Waiola had begun to lead the way. Tunnel of vines blocking the path, an obstacle had gotten in the way. Monument with a Dendro symbol on it, she turned towards Siorc.

Waiola looking his way near a strange looking monument, the hyena points his right index finger at himself. Had she been asking him to summon a flower friend at the strange device in the corner? Seeing her nod as he pointed, the soldier threw down a Windwheel Aster friend. Device soon opening up, the vines dissipated.

Multiple students in a dazed stated enjoying a nonexistent festival injured everywhere the eye could see, the soldier looked up around the corner. Large white worm with no face and teal head armor attacking the children with blobs of energy, the chimera stepped up to the plate. While he knew if the monster were a lizard, he would need to attack with caution, there was no time for thinking, a fight had to come of him now. Silk, Velvet, Waiola and Bogart quickly calling to action, the battle had hit its earliest stages.

Odd worm creature burrowing underground multiple times causing tremors, the early adult attempted with all of his might to remain standing. Monster poking up from the ground for an entire minute, weapons had been unsheathed. Dual claymores from the lizards in their hands, and usual bow and spear in Waiola and Bogart's striking the enemy in rhythm, the soldier let out a sigh. He had been weaponless. Nothing could be done.

Closing his eyes for a moment, the chimera's human hands soon became hyena claws. Knowing he had no choice but to fight as a weapon himself, the soldier slashed his claws forward. Creature looking open for an attack, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Electricity, water, flames and winds of change joining forces with one another, the worm let out a inaudible scream.

Strange worm of many intricacies soon floating in the air with balls of wind readying to aim for the children, the early adult gulped. The blobs, were they related to Anemo in some way? If such were the case, his flower friends would be useless, for sure. Worm curling its long tail around, orbs of energy fully solidified, a shout had soon hit the battlefield.

"Waiola!" Bogart shouted. "Aim for the balls!"

"Bogart! Now's not the time for these jokes!" Waiola shouted. But a correction had soon come her way.

"Ugh, whatever, Waiola!" Bogart retaliated, shouting back. "Just aim for them with your arrows! Make them wet!"

Waiola aiming at the blobs of Anemo energy, she held her arrow back for seven seconds. Weapon infused with Hydro, the arrow and the ball of energy collided. Bogart soon shouting to shoot another ball, another arrow had soon been on the string. Second blob taken out, the Wenut fell into the sand.

Odd worm looking weak as the odd blobs of energy vanished, a barrage of attacks had come the worm's way. But, such had been short lived. Monster burrowing out and around multiple times, groups of children had soon been attacked. Students screaming for their lives, the hyena dashed off towards the monster. This could not go on any longer.

Slashing his hyena claws for minutes on end as the other four slashed their weapons and arrows about, the creature had begun to get weak. Hooded strangers combining Pyro and Anemo with their lizard tails, flames had soon engulfed the monster's entire body. Creature sinking into the sand as it burned away, a wooden flower popped up in the place the creature soon fell. Fight coming to an end, weak voices picked up on the echoing walls.

"The festival is over..." one of the students said, voice weak. Children soon losing consciousness, they tumbled to the ground.

Masked man teleporting into the center of the lair near the wooden flower, a loud chuckle overtook the room. "You lot think this is over, don't you?" the Abyss Lector asked, laughing. "The festival is just beginning!" Guffawing up a storm, the masked man soon left.

Hearing Waiola headcount ten children, her shoulders soon slumped. Telling her brother there had been too many to carry, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Silk and Velvet nowhere to be seen, the soldier shifted an eyebrow. Where could the two hooded strangers have possibly gone off to? Perhaps, just maybe, they had snuck off during the commotion.

Soon informed the village would be alerted to the injured children's whereabouts, the tunnel had soon been exited. Village protector outside Khaj Nisut informed of the missing children fainted in the Wenut tunnels, a new sea of information had come the trio's way. Told she and ----- will take care of it, everyone headed back towards the village.

Group of Eremites in the village informed about the injured children, as well, the bodyguard and her mercenaries friends dashed out of the village faster than a mother ringing the dinner bell in the evening. Everything taken care of, the soldier prepared to stage his exit. But, such departure was cancelled before it could even begin. Clawed hand holding his wrist, he turned towards his caper.

"Wait, Siorc, I don't know where you live, but, don't go home yet," Waiola said, tugging his sleeve. "Stay in our house until this problem is solved."

Knowing he cannot refuse, the hyena nodded. He supposed it would be best to stay in Sumeru, for the time being in case anything involving the missing children case happened in the middle of the night. Nodding, the group of three headed for the panther's house.

Tall, dark skinned man with no panther tail behind him being the only one home introducing himself as Mr. Hakimi, permission had been granted to stay in the house. Guided to the guest room, the twins and he had soon separated. Wave of tiredness soon overtaking him, the soldier removed the hairpins and earrings. Slumping into the unfamiliar bed, the chimera yawned. But, a sea of thoughts swallowed the chimera whole.

Silk, and Velvet. Why did they disappear shortly after the Abyss Lector showed up at the end of the battle? He could not help but feel that Bogart had been right about them hiding something. World of sleep about to take him away as the covers engulfed him, one final thought poked his fading human brain.

The hooded strangers were not as innocent as they claimed.

***

"Geez, Waiola! You ought to apologize!
Hey, I know you're still suspicious of these two hooded lizard, but
Oh, the chimerity!
So, ghosts spotting today!
That does it! I'm punching
Spirits today!

Oh, teacher, where are you? Why are you so busy?
For a Mahamatra like you this incident should be

One of your highest priorities!
Uh, oh! Did that Grand Sage not inform him?
Rrrg, that is so fishy!

Look, I'm not saying Siorc is inferior,
Or anything! No, way, that is
Very much not the case I'm bringing!
Even desertfolk like us know this is usually the job of a matra!
Do I think they did not send him because we are the ones who brought the case?

Oh, the chimerity! That must be it!
No desertfolk's requests are ever taking seriously, are they?
Egad! It's not my fault I was born on the
Side he despises! We'll show him!"

Upon waking up the next morning, the early adult rubbed his eyes. Winter jacket in the corner of the guestroom, the soldier blinked. He supposed his uniform would nest itself in here until the job had reached its conclusion. Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings back into place, the early adult stepped outside his temporary abode.

Waiola and Bogart waiting for him at the table with breakfast already served, a sea of information had soon come his way as the three had begun to chow down. Waiola soon informing him the mercenary bodyguard had told her the missing desertfolk children had been taken to Wounded Shin Valley, the chimera opened up the orb into map form.

Wounded Shin Valley in the northern area of the map, the early adult prepared himself. A long walk would soon be upon the group of three. Pointing to the area on the map, the early adult squinted at a strange symbol on one of the Waypoints off towards the corner of Wounded Shin Valley. Teleport Waypoint with a downward arrow on it, the chimera tilted his head. When had such indication appeared on waypoints? It was almost as if, in a world outside of Teyvat, ones and zeroes had been added to waypoint markers to determine their positions in the world.

Meals all devoured, and locations pointed out, everyone exited the building. Father telling his children to be careful heading out for the desert, the twins proclaimed they would be. Desert of Hadramaveth reached after about an hour of walking, a sea of information had come Siorc's way as Khaj Nisut was soon left behind.

"It might be best to head to Wounded Shin Valley through Wadi Al-Maluj," Waiola explained. "Judging from the map you showed us, it should be to the west." Stepping in front of him, she had begun to lead the way. "Be careful. There's sandstorms here." But, Bogart soon brought his voice to the table.

"The sandstorms? Hey, no problem!" Bogart exclaimed, bringing out a strange device. "Remember that thingy ------- gave us yesterday? It'll clear all the sand away!" Device almost looking as though it was nodding, it floated beside him.

Seeing the odd, glass device with gems in it looking as though it nodded, the hyena shrugged. Heading towards the Passage of Ghouls once more, the group of three had begun to head west. Sandstorm raging about slightly quelled by the device beside Bogart, the walk about continued.

Wadi Al-Maluj reached after about an hour of walking, a strange sight presented itself to the trio. Hooded lizards standing by a weathered wall near a Fatui camp, a peculiar person floated suspended in the air with a dark aura waving about. Readying to investigate such person, the hyena observed them.

Standing, or floating, rather, in the air had been a nearly transparent person with a large lizard tail behind them. Pointy, light brown hair going down to his chin and high ponytail situated on the right side of his head like an elderly grandmother from a world with an alchemist claiming to be full metal, the hyena squinted at their barely visible outfit. Nearly transparent vest suit covering their fading body, the early adult ended his examination.

Dark aura eating away the transparent lizard person, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. Just who was this person? He could not help but feel the ones proclaiming themselves as Silk and Velvet had to have been working for him. But, the hyena pushed such thought into the sands below. Why was he jumping to such conclusions? Person looking ready to speak, he backed away, for a moment.

"Soie, Velours!" the unknown person called out to the aliased people. "Follow me to Wounded Shin Valley for a festival!"

Hearing their true names called out, Silk and Velvet exchanged glances. Ghostly figure of their former brother appearing in front of them after they slipped away the other day, Silk balled her hand into a fist. What had he just said to them? Join a festival? No way. Not happening. How dare he reveal their real names. The party was over.

"Olann? You're dead!" Silk shouted, voice raising. "You can't be here!" Such was met with immediate criticism.

"What are you talking about, Soie? You're being so silly!" the one proclaimed Olann replied. "I'm right here in front of you! Go to Wounded Shin Valley! There's a festival there!" He soon vanished as he said such.

Hearing the names Soie, and Velours, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. If those had been their true names, why would they hide them? He could not help but feel the transparent man and the two lizards had been hiding something. But, such words remained unsaid.

Ghostly guy crashing in on everyone, Bogart's panther ears twitched upon its head. The names Soie and Velours, they sounded quite different from the names they said they were called. What a shady bunch of people. Perhaps Waiola had been right, for once in her life.

"Wait a sec, you two are Fontainers, aren't you?" Bogart asked, suspicions rising. "Those hoods, I knew it! You're part of one those gangs!" He then swiped his finger on his scarred nose. "Wowzers, Waiola, maybe you were right! These guys are shady!" But a defense had soon come his way.

"Excuse me! But, Fontaine is in the past!" The one proclaimed Velvet shouted, swiping hir hand towards the right. "Who do you think you are? You panthers are so quick to assume the stupidest things!"

Velvet grilling Bogart for minutes on end, his soul had been cooked hotter than a bowl of soup on a winter evening. Grilling continuing for minutes on end, Silk soon joined the conversation. Shouting they had weren't in, and haven't been to Fontaine in years, the arguments kept going for minutes on end.

Covering his ears as the fight kept going, the hyena sighed. Why couldn't the lizards and panther chimeras just agree to disagree? Arguing would not get anyone anywhere, for sure. But, he knew he could not interfere. Throwing himself into the argument would only make matters worse.

Abyss Lector soon appearing and laughing up a storm, a sea of words was about to come the group of chimera's way shortly. Masked man lowering a taunt as he floated in the air enjoying the entertainment from a far, the blow had fallen to the ground, in an instant.

"That's right, that's right, keep on fighting!" the Abyss Lector laughed, encouraging the argument. "The more you fight, the more kids lives will be at stake!" He then poofed away, words almost unheard.

Argument continuing about for minutes on end, the early adult cracked his knuckles. Hearing the Abyss Lector's words about the children, he took a long deep breath. Enough, was enough. The fighting had to stop. He knew there no more time. He had to end these arguments once and for all. Clapping his hands loud enough to erode away the sand, the hyena prepared his words carefully.

"Everyone, please stop fighting," Siorc said, words almost invisible. He then rose his voice. "Stop arguing with eachother. We do not have time for this. We need to get going." But, as he said such the arguments continued. Clapping his hands loudly, he repeated myself. His patience was becoming thinner than thread. "Waiola, Bogart, 'Silk,' Velvet". While saying people's names had been a rarity, politeness had left the building. "Just stop already. No more of this." He took a deep breath. If his words were not going to get through this time, perhaps attempting to leave would snap them out of their squabble next.

Waiola, Bogart, Silk and Velvet placing their hands into an apologetic stance, the hyena shook his head. Rounds of apologies coming their way, the arguments soon ceased existing. Desert walk continuing in silence for awhile, groups of missing children had soon been discovered within the area.

Children soon awoken from their slumbers, they had had begun to walk away, mumbling about the festival being over for them as they headed south. No more children on the way towards the apparently injured valley, an obstacle soon reappeared from the ashes.

"Soie, Velours, come on!" Olann shouted, desperate. "Join your big brother in Wounded Shin Valley! You're missing the festival!" Rejection had come his way in an instant.

"Bro, no!" Velvet shouted. "We're not joining you!"

Ghost man snapping his invisible fingers and fading away, the group of five continued heading north. Large canyon soon reached, Wounded Shin Valley had been upon the quintet of chimeras. But, a particularly odd sight caught the early adult's damaged line of sight.

Large, abandoned robot with multiple children in a daze, the soldier jumped towards the possible relic left behind by time. But, such had not been the only oddity at hand. Scorpion siblings standing on top of the wreckage, shaking children awake with their human, and bony fingers, the early adult turned his attention towards Plata.

Plata's entire right hand now completely bone, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Had eir boned fingers rotted the rest of eir hand away in only three weeks since he had last been in the Desert of Hadramaveth? He supposed twenty-one days had still been quite a lot of time passing. Siblings not spotting him just yet, he turned his head towards the other sleeping children. Siblings continuing their work, the shakes about continued.

"Wake up!" Plata exclaimed, shaking the sleeping child's shoulders with a fervor. "No sleep here! Sleeping here, bad!" Ey then turned towards Argenta. "No good. Argenta, summon rock."

Watching as Argenta's yellow chess piece summoned a tiny rock in front of tem, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Should tey be using ter powers? He knew if tey used ter powers too much, ter organs would definitely rupture once again. But, the chimera knew he had to keep quiet. Such had to have been a secret no one needed to know. He supposed, if anything were to happen, he would wait for everyone to leave the area to call attention to such.

First child woken up from the slap of a rock, the young desertfolk whined. Complaining that the rock hurt, an apology had come the young child's way. Kid soon exiting, the scorpions siblings eyes had soon wandered towards the hyena. Plata's bony fingers soon pointing at the panthers, lizards, and he's way, ey had begun to jump up like a child.

"Argenta! Look! Siorc here!" Plata called out excitably. "Desert friends with him!"

Seeing a group of strangers with Siorc, Argenta studied the group of people with him. Seeing him in a different uniform than last time, tey shook ter head. What had he been up to? Had whoever was his boss assign him to deal with a task within the Wounded Shin Valley? Odd, ragtag bunch behind him, tey knew tey had to inquire about such suspicious activity.

"Are those your colleagues, Siorc?" Argenta asked, sighing. "You really ought to be more careful with whom you bring along with you." Tey shook ter head. "I know your occupation isn't one of the most respected of fields, but this is far too many people to drag into your ring."

Hearing Argenta's words, the chimera tilted his head. What in the world had Argenta been talking about? Did tey assume the party of four beside him had been Fatui recruits? That had been far from the case, for sure. Shaking his head, the soldier pointed towards the sleeping children upon the robot. But, Waiola soon stepped up to the plate.

"I understand your wariness, but, I promise you, the Grand Sage means no harm," Waiola responded. "We are just attempting to locate the missing children reported in this area." She then turned towards Soie and Velours. "As for them, they are just lost former Fontainers. Don't mind them."

Watching as Plata tilted eir head, the chimera sighed. Why did Waiola have to say so much? The lizard duo was about to get angry, for sure. Sour looks on their faces, the hyena embraced for impact. But, the first impact never came. Plata's voice breaking in like a burglar, a predictable line had soon been said.

"Talk slower," Plata said, pointing to eir ears. "Can't hear you." Bogart soon joined in on the conversation.

"Waiola, you talk too much!" Bogart teased, elbowing her. He then turned towards Plata. "Missing kids in valley. Help us look?"

Bogart extending an invitation to the scorpion siblings, the chimera's left eye twitched, for a moment. Was it really going to be necessary to have so many people searching? He knew, if there were more people, everything would soon be crowded. But, he supposed, if Argenta and Plata knew there way around Wounded Shin Valley, fourteen eyes was better than ten.

"Oh, get it now!" Plata exclaimed, pointing at the sleeping children. "We know where rest of kids are! We help!"

Argenta and Plata invited into the party, the soldier stepped towards the left as everyone jumped onto the discarded robot. Multiple children woken up by the party of seven, a sea of tears almost sparked the robot below. Children of Aaru Village crying they didn't want the festival to end, waves of consolation had come their way.

Village protector coming forward to collect the children of the village stating they can have a festival at home, a sea of information had come the group's way. Told by the scorpion siblings other children had been spotted around the valley, the search had soon been on. Jumping off the robot and onto the sandy valley canyons, the group of seven soon split up into groups of three.

Space between him wider as he had been placed into the group with the scorpion duo, the early adult turned his attention towards the group of missing persons in front of Argenta, Plata, and he. Four adolescents mumbling in their sleep the festival shall never end, rocks had been tapped upon their faces.

Teenagers grumbling as they awoke, a sandstorm of anger had come the hyena and scorpion's way. Inquires about about why a bunch of lame grandpas had woken them up, the early adult could feel a vein pop inside him. Who did these people think they were, acting like the scorpion chimeras and he were much older than they actually were?

Complaining that it was lame they were taken out of the festival, the adolescents stomped off. Word festival echoing in his ears once more, the soldier could not help but wonder. This festival, just what was it? He could not help but feel it had been a world he had been unable to see.

Every Aaru Village child awoken from their slumber, storms of anger and tears erupted from every corner of Wounded Shin Valley. Group of three returning to seven like a certain group of idols that existed elsewhere, an eighth member had invited themselves to the party.

"What a shame, Soie, Velours, you ruined the fun!" Olann exclaimed, shaking his nearly transparent head. "Well, the festival is moving to the Debris of Panjvahe! Come and join us!" He then vanished for what felt like the fourth time for today.

Watching as the ghost vanished once again, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera. The ghost proclaiming himself as Olann, there was something off about him, for sure. Hearing the man say the festival had moved out further, the soldier opened up the orb into map form.

Seeing the Debris of Panjvahe on the northernmost area of the map, the soldier's eyes opened wide at the sight before him. Icon of an Abyss Lector towards the Teleport Waypoint blocking the teleporter, the soldier's left eye had begun to twitch. The Abyss Order, just what were they up to? Nothing good would come of them remaining in such area, for sure. Pointing to the icon, twelve eyes were soon on his map. Everyone finishing their glances, Plata first stepped up to the plate.

"Mask man!" Plata exclaimed. "He bring kids here other day!"

"Did he?" Waiola soon asked, inquisitive. A groan had soon come her way.

"Are you trying to say you do not believe us?" Argenta asked, suspicious. "Yes, he did. We saw him, but we couldn't do anything about it." Tey let out a sigh, and pointed to ter robotic legs below. "That man noticed we saw what he was up to, and dislodged my legs, teleporting them somewhere far away. We only found them this morning." Tey then gave the young woman a sharp look. "Whatever else this man is up to, it cannot come to pass. We need to punish him for this."

Hearing Argenta's defense, the soldier's heart skipped four beats. How could the Abyss Order stoop so low as to throw Argenta's robotic legs somewhere to send them away? How incredibly disgusting of them. Even the lynx chimera would not stoop so low to get the advantage over someone. Knowing such man needed to be taken down, at all costs, the soldier had begun climbing. The time had come to end the festival once, and for all.

Long walk ahead, everyone soon remained quiet. Northward walk of sand continuing onward for countless hours, the soldier took a long, deep breath. Whatever the Abyss Order had been doing, it was unacceptable. Putting children into a deep long slumber, thinking they were in a never-ending festival, sending unrelated parties on a wild search party for discarded limbs, what a disgusting order. He knew now more than ever.

The Abyss Order, they were a horrific group of villains, for sure. Perhaps, the lynx chimera's campaign against him hadn't been a stretch of the truth after all. But, the early adult put a pin in such thought. Long rocky wall with a rope attached to it soon crossed, another sea of questions flowed through the hyena.

The displacement of the lizard chimeras, could that have been the order's doing, as well? He supposed such could have been the case. Group of six in front of him beginning to walk faster, the chimera shook his head. There was no time to think about such things, or he would quickly be left behind.

But, such walk about had soon been halted. Nearly transparent young woman with red pigtails, a mask, and almost transparent outfit beside an Eremite camp, Waiola had begun shaking like a leaf. Eyes losing color as the transparent person stepped towards her, a question hit the tent.

"Elif?" Waiola asked. "Elif, is that you?" She stepped closer. "No, this... you can't be here... Am I dreaming?" The transparent person soon stepped towards her, as well.

"Yes, it's really me, Waiola!" the transparent person proclaimed Elif exclaimed. "I'm right here!" But their nearly invisible mask flickered with a dark aura. "Come on, join me in the Debris of Pandjvahe! There's a festival there!" A strange wave of darkness soon overtook her.

Watching as his sister had been ready to join hands a ghost of the past, Bogart rolled up his sleeves. What had Waiola been doing? Of all her questionable rationale over the past day or so, buying into the trap of the soul of deceased was the final nail in the sand coffin.

No more of this nonsense.

"Waiola, what are you doing? Stop! She's not real!" Bogart shouted. "Don't join your hands with her! Elif is dead!" Folding his hands into a fist, he kept going. "That's a mirage, and you know it Waiola! Jeepers! Snap out of it!" But no such pleas were working knowing such, he then prepared the last resort. "I'll join the Eremites, Waiola!" Her ears perked as he said such.

"Bogart!" Waiola shouted, snapping out of it. "You know mom won't allow that!" Transparent figure of Elif soon vanishing, her face soon turned dark. "Did you just scare Elif away?!"

"Wowzers, look at you, not listening to me!" Bogart quickly retorted. "That was an illusion, a mirage! Didn't you see the aura around her? Bet that Lector dude did it!"

Watching as Waiola's knees hit the sand, hands covering her face, the chimera backed eight steps away. Had such news of the transparent person not being real come as a shock to her? If such were the case, he knew she needed her space, for a moment. Waiola quickly coming to her senses, the group of seven continued heading east.

Debris of Panjvahe soon reached, the party of seven soon jumped downward. Odd pool of green off into the corner, the soldier tiled his head. Had there been a slight rainforest like area in the desert? He supposed such could have been the case. But, such admiration had been cut short with a knife.

Group of small children unconscious's energy sapped away as they slept beside a waterfall, Argenta and Plata stepped in front of the defenseless group of youthful sleeping faces. Group of adolescents soon awoken with a tickle from Plata's boned hand, the targets had soon weakly dashed off.

Abyss Lector popping up beside the fields of grass beside a large ruin, a sight to behold caught the early adult's eyes. Was it just his imagination, or had the Abyss Lector's robe been all seven colors of the elements? Surely, he had to have been seeing things. Mask redder than a tomato, hands had been thrown.

"You lot! You ruined the festival!" the Abyss Lector shouted. But, he sound laughed. "Well, no matter! I have collected enough energy." Colorful gloved hands in front of him, the laugh continued. "Behold! The God of Truth!" Ball of energy charged in the palm of his hands, he had begun to float in midair, readying the charge of a lifetime.

Abyss Lector getting on the offensive, the sound of four weapons unsheathing took the battlefield by storm. Ball of energy knocking everyone back, another laugh soon erupted onto the low fielded grass. Flames, wind, water, electricity, the powers of rock and nature joining forces in a single blow, six of the seven elements hit the enemy in one blow. But, such had been an illusion, a mirage.

Every attack absorbed and bounced back like a boomerang, a strong galeforce thrusted through the area. Enemy channeling the winds of freedom from the core on his chest a funnel of wind entered the battlefield. Lizard's hoods blasted off with the wind, faces had soon been revealed.

Light brown faces with pitch black lizard eyes, a young woman with bushy, low hanging pigtails eyes had begun to twitch. Taller, masculine looking person with pointy bangs on the right side of his face, and low hanging left swept ponytail with a ribbon holding it together looking ready to punch the ground they had been standing on, the early adult braced himself for impact.

Hoods brushed off, Velours' bare feet stomped upon the grass. Who did this masked man think he was, blowing hir hood off? Disgusting. Soie and ze's identities had no reason to be revealed. Absolutely terrible, horrible, no good. Ze would teach the man a taily lesson.

Hood brushed off as well, Soie's eyes continued to twitch. Did that man just purposely reveal their identities? He would pay. They could remain nobodies no longer. How disgusting, awful. Returning to their home would prove harder now, for sure. Having names to faces, questions would leak in. The villain needed to pay. Swiping their tail from behind them, they let out a shout.

"You! How dare you unmask us!" Soie shouted, swiping her tail back and forth at the Lector! "You broke us out of our cocoons of anonymity!" Tail swipes continuing, she shouted. "You kicked us out of our home, stripped us of hiding away!" Their tail swipes continued, hitting the man's legs. "Who do you think you are? We wanted to go back home unremembered!"

Watching as the lizards slashed their tails about, the hyena rolled his eyes to the rocky ceiling. How ridiculous the two of them had been acting over a little wind blowing their hoods off of their faces. What an immature group of people, for sure. Lector soon falling to the ground after five more tail whacks, a spot had soon been opened to attack.

Argenta and Plata soon attacking as one towards the man's legs, the soldier shook his head. Had the scorpion siblings thought such area had been his weakness? There was no way such could have been the case. But, the hyena kept himself quiet, for the moment.

Waiola and Bogart aiming for the core on the enemy's chest, a thick layered shield bounced off every single projectile known to chimerakind. Everyone placing their weapons in front of them, the chimera let out a sigh. He supposed he, yet again, had no choice but to use his hyena claws as weapons. Human hand soon becoming a hyena paw, the soldier joined the weapon clash about.

Shield looking ready to pop, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Waiola tossing water projectiles the Silk Flower's way, a seed soon bloomed. Shield soon popping, the enemy let out a shout. Gloved hands raising off to the sky, a large, brown rock dropped down from the sky.

Soie smacked around by the rock of doom, Velours eyes had begun to twitch. Falling to her knees as the rock exploded, she had soon become a ball of stone. Seeing such, hir fists pounded together. Wind of healing in the palm of hir hands, ze let out a shout.

"Healing wind!" Velours shouted.

Soie soon back in action, flames had soon come the Lector's way, but such attack had been deflected in a matter of seconds. Flames put out like a match outliving its usefulness, no damage had been dealt. Hands raised to the sky, another shout had entered the battlefield.

"Behold, the awakening of a new deity!" the Abyss Lector shouted.

Sea of sand bullets raining from the sky, a group of seven screams drowned out the world. Sand bullet rain continuing for minutes on end, everyone's backs had soon been targets. Laughter soon drowning out the screams, the gloved hands snapped in a rhythm.

Bullet rain coming to and end, Plata and Argenta closed their eyes, for a moment. Lower bodies soon transforming into a scorpion one, the two siblings turned their stingers towards the enemy. Venom blasted the Lector's way, corrosive acids teemed through the enemy's veins.

Lector soon weakened to the point of no return, Bogart placed his hands on the tip of his spear. Dashing with his weapon in hand, he slashed the polearm towards the chest, in quick precision. Man soon proclaiming this would not be the last that would be heard of him, a portal soon appeared behind him.

"You think you've won? Well, think again!" the Abyss Lector shouted. "You may have won today, but, my friend is coming! He'll finish you lot off!" Jumping into the portal, the enemy was soon gone.

But, a familiar face soon appeared in the man's place.

Tall, messy light brown haired alchemist standing where the Abyss Lector had just stood, the hyena gazed at the man's neck, for a moment. No star shaped mark on the man's neck, the early adult's body had begun to shake. The faux alchemist, just what was he doing here? Why is he everywhere, causing issues, all at once? Whatever he was causing, it needed to be stopped, immediately.

"It's you chimeras again," the faux alchemist said, shaking his head. "Don't interfere. We are recreating perfection."

Hearing the faux alchemist's words, the chimera's heart skipped four beats. The faux alchemist, had he been the true cause of the festival? He knew such had to have been the case, for sure. Whatever perfection he had possibly been creating, he knew such could not come to pass. But, no such words would leave the man's lips. Smirk appearing on his face, another revelation joined the party.

"So, you're going to continue to be a meddlesome fool," the faux alchemist chided. "Well, no matter, we've already collected all the energy we needed. We've already won." An unusual laugh overtook the nearly identical Mondstadt Knight from afar. "Soon, you'll see who truly belongs in this world." But, the monologue of corn had soon been interrupted.

"Look, we don't care what it is you've already won!" Velours shouted, fists shaking. "Open up the portal that dumb Lector friend of yours tossed us through, and return us to the Mare Jivari!"

Faux alchemist snapping his fingers, rolling his aquamarine eyes to the sky, the soldier turned his head towards the opposite direction. Did the faux alchemist just give attitude? Winners were sore, and cocky, for sure. Looking towards the lizards, a reluctant answer had come there way.

"Fine, I opened the portal for you. It is in the Passage of Ghouls," the faux alchemist reluctantly replied. "Consider it a return gift for the energy we took from you." Soon vanishing as he said such, the world had gone quiet.

Argenta and Plata soon exiting into nearby ruins, the group of seven had soon returned to five. No one waving goodbye to them, the quintet soon exited the area. Walk of silence heading south, a sea of thoughts pushed the chimera into a pit of nonexistent quicksand, in an instant.

The faux alchemist, why would he do something like this? Had he aligned himself with the Abyss? Just who had this near lookalike of the Chief Alchemist truly have been? But, he knew none of those questions would ever have a concrete answer. Lizard duo about to step into the portal, one final farewell had come their way.

Spirit from before devoid of any dark energy, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. The ghost man from earlier attempting to lead Soie and Velours into the festival, had he not been a mirage? He could not help but feel such had to have been the case. Spirit looking ready to speak, the early adult walked ten steps away. The two needed their privacy, for sure.

"Hey, Soie, Velours? It's me," Olann said, tone apologetic. "I'm sorry for all that...nonsense you heard me say." He clapped his nearly transparent hands together. "The abyss, they unleashed my departed soul from the rotted ley lines, and and had some fun with me." Keeping his hands into an apologetic stance, he continued. "I will be returning to the spirit world soon, but. Let me guide you back." Tears had soon come the spirit's way.

"Bro...that's really you?" Velours asked, desperate. "You. Really, truly?" A chuckle came hir, way.

"Of course, kiddo, really, truly," the ghost of Olann replied. "I told you I'd be watching you, didn't I?"

Hearing her brother had been watching over her over the years, a suspicion had begun to die down inside her. Olann, his spirit had been watching them from a world beyond, indeed. Tears rolling down her cheeks, she turned to face the ghost of her departed brother.

"You've really been watching us all this time?" Soie asked, sobbing. "I knew I always felt something." A chuckle had come her way, as well.

"Yes, I have been. Always, from the spirit world," Olann replied. "But, you two should get going before the portal disappears." But, he shook his head, for a moment. "But, first, apologize to these kids, over here. You two have been a bit bad behaved over the past two days, haven't you? Apologize to these nice people for causing arguments with them." His transparent hands were firmly crossed around his waist.

Look of bewilderment on the lizard duo's face, the hyena allowed a sigh to escape the esophagus. Had they not expected a scolding to come their way? But, he supposed it was unfair to pass such judgement. There was no way they could have predicted such outcome to ever arise. Lizards bowing their heads towards the panther twins, seas of apologies had begun to come their way.

"I apologize for our deceptive behavior, and fighting with you," Soie apologized. "We should not have taken out our situation on you."

"I am sorry, as well," Velours said. "I know I must have given you a hard time over many things." But another apology had soon joined the party.

"No, I should be the one apologizing to you two," Waiola replied, admitting her wrongdoings. "It was me who started this by calling you suspicious." Bowing her head, she continued apologizing. "I am truly sorry. That was uncalled for. I should not have jumped to such conclusion right away." Another apology had soon tagged into the wrong.

"Uh, yeah, sorry," Bogart said. "I shouldn't have accused you two of being in a Fontaine gang like that." Bowing his head as well, the round of apologies had come to an end.

"Good girl, Soie,"Olann praised. "And good job, kiddo." Guiding them towards the portal, a faint smile appeared on the ghost's face. "But, it's time for you to go back now. Let us go." Lizard trio soon inside the portal, the group disappeared into thin air.

Lizards soon gone, the soldier could feel his eyes begin to spin as the world of information drowned him at bay. The Abyss Order, did they have control over the ley lines? Rotting ley lines, unleashing spirits from the world of the dead, just what had they all been capable of?

Village soon reached faster than his body could keep up, the panther twins soon stepped into the house. Winter uniform placed into his hands, a look of concern from Waiola soon came his way. Seeing such, the soldier snapped himself out of such bouts of stupor. Why did she look so worried for?

"Are you alright, Siorc?" Waiola asked, tone of concern unable to hide from her voice. "You don't look well."

Returned to reality, the chimera pushed such thoughts away, for a moment. The ley lines and the Abyss Order, maybe it was best to not think about such topics, for now. Look of concern still decorating Waiola's face, he took a long, deep breath. He knew he needed to quell such worry, right away.

"I am alright, ma'am," Siorc replied, voice barely audible.

Shaking her head, Waiola let out a sigh. "Well, take care of yourself, regardless," she replied. "If anything else like this happens again, we will write a letter and pass it of to a masked man in the Akademiya." Bogart's farewells soon joined the party.

"See you," Bogart responded. "Don't be shy next time. Compliment my outfit! I saw you looking again!" Waving, the two stepped into their house.

Village soon quiet, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Opening the orb into map form, the soldier highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks, in an instant. Hallways upon him after a split second, the hyena trudged through the icy hallways, but a sea of thoughts poked thorns into the chimera's currently human feet.

The faux alchemist, just what were his motives, really? He could not help but feel the friend the Abyss Mages had spoken about had been him, as well. The incidents in Mondstadt a couple of week ago, had that been his doing, as well? Steel walled room upon him, he head begun to spin cycles.

Pushing such thoughts away, the early adult shook his head. He was overthinking it, surely. Pondering such was going to overwhelm him, for sure. He needed to put an end to such thoughts, once and for all. It was no use thinking about such things that would not guarantee an answer. Thoughts shot with a sniper rifle in the snow outside, the early adult collected himself.

Removing the awful purple forest ranger outfit from his body, the early adult quickly placed the layered shirts over his bare chest. Proper clothes soon on him once more, a wave of tiredness flowed through the hyena. Throwing the temporary Forest Ranger to the bottom of his uniform drawers, the outfit was out of sight, out of mind. Winter jacket soon put away as well, the soldier slammed the container shut.

Removing the weaponized hairpins and earrings as well, a wave of tiredness soon overtook the hyena. Everything put away, and glasses soon taken off, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. World of tormented dreams about to invite him back in as his head hit the pillow, one final thought wrapped vines around the hyena.

The desert energy harvest had not yet reached its end, for sure.

---

Originally, this wasn't going to exist, but I ended up extending the Hadramaveth saga. So... Yeah.

 

[Palamon]

30.The Yakshas, Boar's Rampage, and Jester's Summoning

"Looks like my Fatui life
Is back to normal, completely.
Yes, it would seem
Ultimately, no one is going easy.
Everything is back to the stress from before.

Here it is, back to being a pawn
Another day of possibly
Syphoning information out of me.

All and all, I must remain loyal, for the time being.

My departure has no timeframe, for now.
After all, Naofa's revenge has not yet come to pass.
Just about three months or so remain.
Oh, but I will not be joining.
Really, I do not trust it.

But, it has not yet tried to convince me
Once more, maybe it has stopped
Attempting. This is the
Right course of action, I won't be coming along.

Perhaps it knows I believe
Revenge is never the answer.
Obviously, that is true.
But I need focus on the day in front of me.
Looks like today is another day of training.
Everything is back to normal, so another
Mutated monster fights awaits me in this cold breeze."

Four days had passed since the hyena and lynx chimera performed Lantern Rite cleanup duty in Liyue. Odd jobs bubbling into overdrive, a half week of peculiarities took the chimera's Fatui life for a rainstorm. Nothing returning to normalcy, the soldier's orders had taken him for a ride.

Ordered by the Marionette to retrieve her dolls, a day long search around Liyue for discarded mini Ruin Guards in the hands of far too many children went on as if the hyena's career had almost changed completely overnight. Doll hunt coming to an end, a repeat order had made its unceremonious return.

Bobcat and rat chimera at his door once more, a day of collecting Chaos Oculi dragged about. Shrine Maiden and Omyouji rabbit chimeras helping along the way on the less inhabited islands, the battles had gone far quicker than past escapades. But, such had not been the end. Final machine decimated in an underground cave near Araumi, the odd job had reached its climax. Although, the peculiarities had not come to an end.

Mysterious letter telling him to head to Aaru Village, finding missing children in the Desert of Hadramaveth became the entire soldier's world for two days on end. Panther chimeras joining the fray and suspicious lizard chimeras lead astray from their home tagging along, the missing children ceased being.

Upon waking up for the morning, a wave of fatigue flowed through the chimera. Rubbing his eyes multiple times, the early adult attempted with any might to snap himself out of such tiredness. There as no time for such; the Agent could come at any moment. Knowing there was no time to waste, the soldier rose from the uncomfortable bed. The time had come to begin the morning routine of dressing the body.

As his uniform melted on his partially human person, the soldier had come to wonder. The Marionette, had she been the one making all of Her Majesty's technology? But, the chimera shook his head. He supposed the Harbingers and Her Majesty agendas did not align with one another.

Snapping the buttons on his uniform shut, the early adult adjusted his glasses. Lenses almost completely straight, the chimera removed the cover off the jewelry and accessory box. Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place, matching roses adorned his hair and ears. Perhaps, just maybe, the roses would give him the first wind he needed today.

Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the sinister yellow orb in the corner glared daggers at him. The Geo Delusion, should he use it today? But, the early adult pushed the orb of darkness aside. Perhaps today would not be the right day to use Her Majesty's gift.

As the hyena placed his heelless shoes over his currently human feet, unease devoured the chimera whole like a bowl of hot borsch. What could have possibly awaited him today? He knew whatever it was, anything was possible. His workdays had been unpredictable again, as usual.

Flavorless rations of sand devoured, the chimera let out a sigh. He supposed, whatever orders were to come his way, he needed to be ready for anything. Slapping his cheeks, and glasses adjusted once more, the hyena had finished the morning routine of dressing the body.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march onward, the chimera took a long deep breath. Time had run out, the hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Turning his attention towards the door, the chimera prepared himself. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the early adult put on the most ready 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 in arms. All soldiers should be at the peak of their strength for Her Majesty.

The hyena let out a barely audible sigh. Yet another day with Naofa awaited him. But, the soldier supposed anything was better than another odd job taking him by surprise. Readiness higher than the moon in the nighttime sky, the early adult looked into the Agent's mask.

"Yes, sir," the hyena responded autonomously. Holding his arm out, the early adult waited for the escort to begin.

Immediate answer given, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent, his subordinate had been ready today. A favorable outcome to be had, for sure. "Great, let's get going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he gripped the limb into a tight lock. Gripping prison as tight as a rusted key stuck in a keyhole, the hyena closed his eyes as the escort to the training grounds began.

What ridiculous story awaited him this time?

***

"These monsters I
Have been fighting on the training grounds, I am starting to suspect something.
Every time monsters join the battlefield, Naofa comments.

Right, it mentions the Doctor.
Even I do not think it is lying.
After all, that man, he
Loves tinkering with things. Tinkering with people. Tinkering with me. My body.

So, this must be the 'business' he has been attending to.
Now, I suppose anything is better than
Opening my eyes in his terrifying lair of malpractice.
Well, it seems, another fight with strange monsters awaits me.

But, I am quite confused, I hear a lot of
Oinking.
Am I hearing things?
Really, I must be truly tired. There is no way I heard that correctly.

Knowing what has happened, however,
I must remain wary. If I do not preform well,
Naofa will have my neck.
Guess I'll have to do my best that is key to successful living in this cold breeze."

Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the early adult proceeded to the weapons room as quickly as his currently human legs would allow. Removing a black greatsword claimed to be royal from the shelf, the early adulted headed towards the lynx chimera.

Naofa waiting for him in the corner with a polearm and Pyro Vision on its collar, the early adult's knees shook with a fervor. It was going to use its vision today? How absolutely terrifying. Time running out, the hyena turned his attention towards them. There was no time to be afraid, for sure.

"There you are, flea," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "Quit your pathetic shaking! I'm using my vision today, so get used to it, moth!"

The hyena took a deep, long breath. Right, he had to get it together and focus. He knew, no matter what, he had to fight at the best of his ability, or disappointment would reach Her Majesty. Perhaps, just maybe, if he turned his head away when the flames were to arise, fear would be parked outside the door, unable to be let in.

Seeing the pathetic look on Siorc's face, Naofa put on a sinister smirk. Phobias were weak, and pitiful. Perhaps, if it used its Pyro Vision even more today, it'll make the meek and useless hyena chimera kick into fight mode. But, as such thoughts cycled through it, the aggravating sound of the pathetic Fatui Captain's boots echoed on the frozen wind.

"Put your backs into it, soldiers!" the heavily armored Harbinger commanded. "These boars aren't going to fight themselves!" As he said such, his metallic boots exited the battlefield.

Siorc's eyes opened wide as the armored Harbinger's words hit his inhuman eardrums. He was fighting boars today? If such were the case, he needed to proceed with utmost caution. Killing woodland creatures could not come to pass. Cacophonous oinks filling the battlefield, the early adult turned his attention towards the noise.

Boars marching in like they owned the battleground, the early adult's eyes had begun to twitch at the sight before him. Huge light brown furred hog unlike he had ever seen before looking as though it belonged to many centuries past, the soldier titled his head. Had a boar been frozen in amber somewhere unknown? But the early adult shrugged. There was no time to think about the hog's origins. Eyes glowing red, the hyena steeled himself. A fight would be upon him shortly.

Seeing the doctor's pathetic clone of the Snowboar King, Naofa let out a cackle. How low the man had fallen, creating a clone of a dead boar king from Dragonspine. Perhaps, telling a story about another dying race would make the pitiful copy of the original die faster.

"Would you look at that! That pathetic doctor is making clones now!" Naofa shouted, tone noxious. "Can this man be any more of a failure?" Its cackle soon turned into sinister laughter. "Oh, but watch out for its tremors, flea! They're fierce!"

The hyena let out a gulp. The large boar was capable of such feat? He knew he needed to be careful, if such were indeed the case. Hog's eyes glowing red once more, an invisible target had been pinned on the chimera. Creature of many years long gone charging his way, a shock went down the early adult's partially human spine.

Boar ramming into his short body with full force, the soldier had been knocked back fifteen meters. Feeling a nick open up on his legs, the chimera let out a scream. What a powerful force to be reckoned with, for sure. Taking a deep breath, the soldier collected his potential anger into a jar inside him. Claymore in front of him, the hyena prepared himself for the next strike to come. The elements were useless, guaranteed.

Feral hog of centuries lost turning towards him for the second time, the woodland creature rubbed its trotters on the frozen floor. Air puffing out of its nostrils, the boar squealed an oink as it dashed forward. Head and the early adult's torso introducing themselves to one another, the soldier's possibly human rear and the frozen ground had become acquainted with one another, as well.

Seeing Siorc get tossed around by a pathetic clone far weaker than the original, Naofa let out another sinister cackle. How weak, and pathetic the hyena chimera had been getting hit twice by such a pitiful creature. He was such a leech, unable to use the defenses he had been trained for. Slashing the meek copy's backside with its spear, a reminder had formed on its lips.

"You know you can do better than that, leech!" Naofa exclaimed, tone seeping with venom. "I know you're defensively trained!"

The hyena flinched as the word leech echoed in his shark eardrums. Right, he had been defensively trained for years. He had to try harder, or Naofa would have his neck. Slapping his cheeks, the early adult sheathed the claymore behind him. Perhaps it was best to focus on dodging, for the time being.

Large hog on the rampage once again, the boar charged forward. Woodland creature looking as though it had been running towards the right, the soldier jumped towards the left. Collision course with his body avoided, the early adult placed the greatsword in front of him for the second time of the day.

Backside completely open, the early adult slashed the blade lightly. But, such attack had been met with immediate consequence. Feral hog painted red like a bull he had seen in storybooks, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Woodland creature's tempers had far lower capacity, for sure.

Arrow from afar hitting the boar's legs, the creature puffed out a loud snort. Jumping up and down rapidly like a toddler not getting any candy after dinner, snow from the dead trees and rooves nearby fell down onto the training grounds in a cluster. Piles of snow continuing to fall, the ground shook with a rapid clamor.

Tremors continuing for minutes on end, the early adult fell to his feet. Ground shaking harder and faster, the hyena placed his hands on the frozen ground. Lynx chimera charging forward, its spear pricked the rampaging boar's furry torso, in an instant. Opportunity opened, flames had soon joined the party. But, such had been a terrible miscalculation.

Boar letting out another squeal as the flames and its body smoldered into one, a group of five tiny piglets had joined the party. Babies coming his way as the soldier returned to his feet, the early adult prepared himself. He supposed he had no choice but to fight them. Perhaps, if he only slashed lightly, they would hop out of the battlefield into the open wilderness.

Holding himself back as the piglets readied their strikes one after another, the hyena's blade lightly cut the tiny boar's enough to leave a small sting. Five babies unfazed by such attack, the chimera lowered his weapon, for a moment. No matter what, he would not end the creature's lives. Such could not come to pass.

Young hog's heads lightly ramming into him as the seconds raged onward, the chimera jumped three steps back. Second light slash dealt to the biggest of the five piglets, the soldier prepared himself for the next non-lethal blow to come upon him. But, as he readied the next attack, Naofa's voice echoed on the frozen wind.

"Say, want to hear another story, flea?" Naofa asked.

Siorc rolled his eyes to the sky. Why did it want to tell him a story now, of all times? The battle would not go on for much longer, guaranteed. But, the hyena knew he had no choice but to answer. Tip of the royal black greatsword nicking two of the baby hogs lightly, the soldier nodded.

Piglets ramming into him like it was a game of rhythm, the hyena jumped another three steps back. Tip of the blade poking the tiny creature only enough to scrape, the chimera kept the the lesser momentum going. Baby boars squealing and dashing off one by one, the battle had gone from six to one.

Feral hog from many centuries past looking open for an attack, the early adult's legs erupted into a sprint. Spinning the claymore like a battle top in another universe, the boar and his blade shook hands for twenty seconds on end. Feeling his energy drain the chimera halted his spin.

Woodland creature not fighting back, the soldier slashed the greatsword twice more. Boar squealing an oink as it brushed its trotters on the ground for the second time of the battle, the hyena let out a gulp. Any minute now, another avalanche would come his way. Naofa's flames soon baking the boar for ten seconds, its squeals had reached their climax.

Seeing Siorc nods minutes before, Naofa grinned from ear to ear. The hyena chimera knew what mattered more than the pitiful battle in front of him. Flames baking the pitiful hog's weak little feet, its grin soon turned into a snarl. The time had come to tell him about the pathetic group of Yakshas.

"Good, then listen well, moth!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Have you ever heard of the Yakshas of Liyue?"

Hearing the lynx's question, bewilderment nibbled on the hyena's ear. Why was it bringing up the Yakshas now of all times? It was definitely about to say something disgusting about them, for sure. Whatever it was about to say, he knew he needed to bear with it. Anger was an unnecessary emotion that needed to stay off the battlefield.

Boar letting out a snort, it brushed its burned legs onto the cold ground. Feral hog charging his way, the chimera jumped in the opposite direction. Creature continuing to run, a loud slam echoed on the frozen wind. Metal fence and the enemy's body meeting each other for the first time, the boar had soon been seeing stars.

Enemy looking open, flames had smoked the boar's backside in an instant. Creature letting out a pained squeal, the early adult dashed towards the metal fence in a swift manner. Blade hitting the hog's fur, the fire had soon begun to spread. Defeat looking right around the snowy horizon, the soldier turned towards the lynx chimera.

Knowing Naofa expected an answer, the hyena nodded. Did it seriously think he had never heard of the Yakshas before? His father when amongst the living had been a historian; a purveyor of true history not fabricated by any sort of dishonesty. But, the chimera knew he could not say such. If he were to call attention to lies, more than his neck would be grabbed, for sure.

Seeing Siorc nod, another cackle broke loose from Naofa's throat. So, the hyena chimera knew about the Yakshas. Maybe he wasn't such a pathetic water flea, after all. But, perhaps telling him what happened to them would teach him a thing or two on how pitiful the illuminated beasts truly were.

"Oh, so you do know! Good, butterfly!" Naofa exclaimed, plastic tone stickling like glue. "There used to be five Yakshas, but four of them died!" It let out a sinister laugh, seeping with poison. "How pathetic of them! The Yakshas are so weak! Morax was a fool thinking they could protect his pitiful little nation of contracts!"

The hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Like Naofa was one to talk. Its nation had been destroyed in a cataclysmic event leaving barely any survivors. But, the chimera knew he could not say such. Putting such thoughts in his pocket, the early adult shrugged. He supposed the lynx chimera looking down on everyone and everything was normal for it.

Boar looking ready to meet its end, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Silk flower friend soon combined with flames, the hyena closed his eyes, for a moment. The fire was out of sight, out of mind. Wild hog from many centuries removed dropping onto the ground, the lynx chimera's voice bounced on his inhuman eardrums.

"The friend I summoned the other day was a Yaksha," Naofa quickly exclaimed, lunging itself forward.

Obvious fact presented to him, the hyena let out a sigh. Just how much did Naofa think he did not know? The name it had called the other day had belonged to the Mountain Demon. Such information had never escaped his memory even as his stolen childhood had vanished and transformed into early adulthood. But, the early adult kept his mouth shut. There was no time or such thoughts, the battle was about to reach its end.

Spear and claymore taking the stage, six hits had been blown upon the large boar's whiting fur. Polearm twisting into the feral hog's skin, the creature fell to the ground. One final poke taking the enemy for a ride, the woodland creature had become one with nature.

Fatui soldiers clapping into an uproar one after another, the early adult grabbed the lynx chimera's spear. Other soldiers handing him their weapons as well, the chimera let out a grunt. What was he, the gatherer of everyone's blades? But, no such complaint would escape his lips. Every single weapon returned to their respective shelves, the hyena returned to the battlefield.

Naofa relishing in the compliments, the chimera shook his head. The other soldiers on the battlefield could have just as easily joined the fight to make the battle end quicker, for sure. Lynx chimera soon turning his way, the soldier gave eye contact. Compliment storm drying up, its voice had begun to carry on the wind.

"You did good today, moth, keep up the good work!" Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "Oh, but, it seems this particular boar problem has escaped beyond this nation's borders. So, we'll be cleaning that up tomorrow, butterfly." Would an amiable person end the day here? It knew such had to be the case. "You can leave now." It then lowered its voice into a whisper. "But, you'd better be prepared for tomorrow. Don't keep me waiting!"

Dismissal being granted, the chimera exited the battlefield. As he walked through the barrack hallways, the soldier could not help but wonder. The malicious malpracticing doctor, had he truly been creating monsters in his den of malpractice? But, he supposed anything could be going on within the Harbinger's mentally unsound mind to lead to such possible creation.

Soundproof room upon him, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform removed as well, a wave of tiredness flowed through the hyena. Glasses soon put away, as well, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. Wave of sleep about to take him away for the evening, one final thought looped on repeat.

Another tiring day awaited him tomorrow.

***

"The lynx chimera, how much does it know, really?
Hearing it bring up the malicious Doctor yesterday,
Everything is beginning to make sense, truly.

So, I am starting to suspect something.
Even if it lies about many things, I
Cannot help but think this fact is the truth. I cannot
Object this. The Doctor, he is up to something.
Now, I do not believe he is behind everything.
Do not believe the Abyss Order and he are aligned.

However, that lookalike. The faux
Alchemist, is he to blame for some of the current happenings?
Really, I must be overthinking it.
But, I recall something, the Mage,
It said they could get their friends to make more dragons for them.
No. Surely, this is not connected.
Guess I am just connecting two unrelated
Events. I know I am making assumptions.
Right, assumptions. I am assuming.
So, it is best I do not get to accusing.

Even so, truly, I do not get it. These monsters lately, they must be
Xenobiotic. Created, invented, dumped.
Perhaps the lynx is right, these are failed
Experiments. These combined monsters,
Recreations, rejected.
If such fact is true, there
Must be a storm brewing, in Teyvat.
Even so, I must not question it. I must
Not say anything. I need
To remain silent.
Silence is my reckoning.

Here is to another day of boar fighting.
Another day of strange rampages.
Vehemently with reluctance, I suppose I must fight.
Even though nature should be left alone,

Guess I truly have no choice.
Obviously, I cannot stand around and do nothing,
Naofa will only get angry.
Even if I do not wish to hurt them, I

Really do not have a choice.
Obviously, I will not
Go into these fights in good conscience.
Unless they are suffering, I will feel guilt with
Every strike."

Waking up the next morning was a predictable sight beyond belief. Naofa standing by his door in a Millelith uniform, the hyena crossed his arms across his waist. Had Liyue still been having issues five days after Lantern Rite Cleanup Duty? But, he supposed that not everyone had time to deal with such inconveniences within the Geo Nation of Contracts.

"Liyue has a major boar problem we need to take care of!" Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "So, open up your map and highlight the waypoint near Dunyu Ruins!" It then pointed its left index finger at his heelless shoes. "Oh, and expect to get wet today! So, don't be pathetic and scream like a baby when your shoes and uniform get soaked!"

Opening the proxy orb into map form, the chimera pressed the four pointed star in the corner. Pressing the Liyue section of the map, the hyena dragged his finger forward. Only seeing one Waypoint close to Dunyu Ruins, the hyena placed his finger on the waypoint.

"I am ready," the hyena responded, words barely audible.

Gazing over the map created from stolen technology, Naofa smirked at the dark black statue icon in the corner. Pitiful Statue of the Seven icon not functioning as a Teleport Waypoint, it held back a chuckle. Her Pathetic Majesty's hacked technology could not activate any statues, how pitiful of her.

"Seems like your pathetic god has no access to the statues!" Naofa exclaimed, tone toxic. "That Waypoint will do! Press it already!" It pointed at the landmark with a fervor.

Doing as instructed, the hyena pressed the teleport button. Lynx chimera within close proximity, the soldier closed his eyes. Small mountain range upon the two of them as he opened his eyes, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. Stone monument covered with moss upon a large grassy hill, the early adult opened the orb back into map form.

Dunyu ruins a long distance away, the chimera blinked. The only way to the ruins was to traverse southwest. Knowing a long walk was upon Naofa and he, the soldier stepped towards the left. Grass hills going on for kilometers, the two kept walking. Hilichurls slumbering in grass with a Vishap friend, the chimera lowered his walk into a tiptoe.

Stone ruins in the corner, the soldier had come to wonder. Could that have been the Dunyu Ruins? Perhaps a quick jump down would let him reach the destination quicker. But, such attempt had been halted in an instant. Told to climb downward like a human would, the soldier had begun to descend down the mountain.

Statue of a warrior in his damaged line of sight, the soldier had come to wonder. His father, could he have visited the ruins in the past? But, the chimera snapped such thought away. There was no time to think about such, he was on the nonexistent clock. Stone area traversed through, another mountainous descension made its rounds known.

Second ruin entrance soon reached, a sea of water had soon been upon the hyena. Naofa swimming like it was nothing, the soldier hopped over towards the stone debris in the corner. If he had to swim any long distance, everything would be over, in an instant.

Large abandoned ruin with a pool of water in the center holding a platform in the center of the lake, an odd feeling flowed through the chimera. He could not help but feel he had seen such a place in his dreams before. But, the soldier pushed such thought into the wading river. There was no way he could have dreamt about a place he has never been to before. But, another sight caught the early adult's mismatched eyes.

Large, purple furred boars everywhere within the ruins on the top, lower, bottom floors and charging itself onto the platform submerged in the pool, the chimera took a long deep breath. Liyue had a boar problem, indeed. Lynx chimera handing him a deep red claymore named after Blackcliff Forge, instructions had begun to flow his way.

"Use your weak little flowers all you like," Naofa said, plastic tone sticking like glue. "Let's get this started, moth!"

Large feral hog crackling with electricity charging off towards the edge of the stone floor, the soldier threw down a flower friend. Seeds dropping down onto the rocky ground as the silk flower friend danced about, the battle had begun. Electrocuted boar gazing at the plant brought to life by his Dendro Vision, silent commands had been provided for the silk flower.

Vines hitting the feral electric hog's body, seeds exploded with a fervor. Electro and Dendro shaking hands, the enemy had faded into the ether in a matter of minutes. Feeling a stone sink into the pit of his chest, the soldier closed his eyes. Placing his hand on his chest, a wave of remorse flowed through him.

Naofa giving him a sour look, the chimera blinked. Why had it been giving him such a look? The boars were not monsters, they were innocent creatures that had only been wielding the elements. Lynx looking ready to shout, the hyena braced himself for impact.

"Do you seriously feel bad for these pathetic boars?!" Naofa shouted, tone seeping with poison. "They're monsters now! Quit feeling guilty, and keep fighting! Or I'll decorate that little wrist of yours with a little red present!"

Threat coming his way, the chimera flinched. Right, the boars were no longer innocent, woodland creatures, he had to fight them, the choice was not his. Bolts of electricity soon coming his way, the hyena placed the greatsword in front of him. Sea of flames practically cooking the hog tender enough to make raw meat, the soldier slashed about with a fervor.

Boar of electricity becoming one with nature after about six slashes, a loud oink spluttered from the floor underneath. Wild purple hog jumping ferociously on the stone floor knocking Hilichurls onto the next floor below, the early adult's mouth dropped wide open. The Electro Boar, had it been copying the movements of the whiting hog in the permafrost north? Seeing such, the soldier recalled a story from his stolen childhood.

Recalling the tale of the Snowboar King, a name swam around in his head like a school of fish. Proclaiming the enemy as the Electric Boar King, the early adult studied the creature's movements. Lightning shooting off in only fixed areas, the soldier threw down a flower friend. Monster quickly tiring out, the vines and the enemy soon met. Seeds blasting in an explosion, the hog faded into the ether.

Sounds of slimes exploding in the corner, a sea of flames had erupted underneath its feet. Fiery snake coiling around it making quick work of the boar nearby, the early adult jumped onto the platform beneath. Ground floor soon nearing, the early adult steeled himself. The fights were only just beginning, for sure.

Bolts of electricity coming his way from behind, the early adult flinched. But, the soldier snapped out of such in a matter of moments. He could not let such light crackle of electricity get to him. It was far too early to give into such weakness. Shaking off the light attack, another flower friend soon joined the party.

Windwheel Aster friend's vines slapping the electrified hog with gusto, a homing attack soon took the stage. Boar huffing and squealing as the power of nature left its mark, the monster brushed its leg onto the stone platform. Jumping seven steps back, the enemy had fallen off the edge.

Head soon rammed into a stone wall, a pained oink echoed off and around the area. Flaming arrow aimed at the electrified creature from afar, the feral hog had met its demise on a flaming platter. Lynx chimera's gloved hand grabbing his, a quick hop down towards the ground below took shape.

Final monster electrocuting the water beside the platform, the hyena let out a gulp. If he were to step near the pool, he would be zapped into oblivion in a matter of moments. But, such had not been a problem. Barrage of arrows tossed the creature's way, the lynx chimera's attacks kept going in succession.

Enemy soon dropped into the pool of electric charged water, the boar's fate had been sealed as though it were its destiny. Creature sinking to the pool's bottom, strange purple meat had begun to float across the water. Seeing such in the hog's place, a sea of questions crashed waves in the early adult's fading human brain. Had the monster been holding onto meat somewhere? But, such thought had been shot upon a rifle on the battlefield as the lynx chimera dragged him forward.

Guided towards a small cliffslide, the lynx chimera and he ascended upward. Small path of grass traversed through until a dirt road, the group of two kept walking. Group of Hilichurls sleeping next to a Lawachurl on the path ahead, the soldier puffed a sigh of relief. The monsters were not waking up to the sound of footsteps. Reaching the next area would certainly go smoothly.

Lower part of Lingju Pass reached after about thirty minutes of walking, the soldier gazed at the body of water in front of him. Waterfalls roaring about in the corner, the early adult waved an invisible white flag. His uniform was going to get wet guaranteed. But, he supposed nothing could be done about such, the lynx chimera had already warned about it hours before.

Shallow lakeside skidded through, a sight to behold appeared in the early adult's heterochromatic field of damaged vision. Multiple dark blue boars that looked as though they had been making the water levels near the stone ruins in the corner much higher than normal the early adult continued his observation, for a moment.

Hogs in the water and stone platforms shooting aquatic projectiles through their noses drowning Hilichurls from the strike, sweat poured down the early adult's brow. Today was every Hilichurls worst day. But, he supposed such was not his problem. Monsters were the enemy. Sympathies had to stay at the door, kicked out at all costs.

Boar splashing about on the edge of the tiny waterfall in the corner, the sound of Naofa's collar switching orbs had been drowned out by the roaring falls. Delusional electricity coming the creature's way, the base of the river had soon been a zapping pool of destruction in seconds.

Enemy quite far away from the chimera's standing point, Siorc placed his hands in front of him. Yellow light only visible to him appearing near the electrocuted water, the hyena aimed his flower friend. Windwheel Aster in the center of the zapped river, Electro and Dendro shook hands. Static taking the monster into its cycle of doom, the aquatic boar had soon become one with the water.

Boar squealing away as jets of water flared through its piggy nostrils, more Hilichurls had entered their watery grave. Only living Hilichurl soon tugging onto Naofa's uniform, the early adult placed his blade in front of him. Whatever the masked monster wanted from it was no business of his.

Slashing the blade forward, the enemy quickly turned around. Tusks redder than a sunset he was not supposed to stare at, aquatic projectiles soaked the early adult's uniform. Jetstream blasting his glasses a new one, visibility had been reduced to zero. Wiping the lenses dry, the early adult regained focus.

Pool of water close by, an idea had cracked like a firework in the early adult's fading human brain. Perhaps, just maybe, if he knocked the creature into the water, the lynx chimera could finish the deed with its electricity like moments before. Resolute on his decision, the hyena's blade and the hog shook hands once more.

Former woodland creature dropping into the water, the soldier turned towards Naofa. Head of raw cabbage handed to the feared Hilichurl, the monster dashed off as if its life depended on it. No more distractions making waves, delusional electricity and the pool of water had soon become one.

Monster electrocuted into its watery grave, a third feral hog had joined the battlefield. But, such fight had been short lived. Dim witted creature stepping onto the electrified pool, seven zaps of static took the enemy away as quickly as it had arrived. No more enemies falling for the watery bait, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left.

Hearing a loud oink in the distance, the chimera dashed off towards the noise. Two boars ramming their heads into statues beside a closed monument with a Geo Symbol on it, the hyena prepared his blade. Monsters looking rather dizzy from the collision, the early adult slashed the blade lightly.

Dual boars dropping into the pool of water beneath, Delusional electricity finishing the job, no more hogs remained in the area. Lynx soon stating Qingxu Pool was next, a cliffside had been scaled. Huffing a pant as the soldier hopped up onto the stone walkway above, the lynx took the lead.

Disgusting yellow patches of grass the chimera attempted to hold back a growl. Who let the grass get so unkempt? What a crime to nature. Qingxu Pool reached after descending downward, the hyena observed his surroundings, for a moment. Ruins scattered across a large pool of water with a small amount of trees to spare, Naofa had begun to lead the way.

Two hogs with rocky bodies and spiky shields munching away on Electro Crystals, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Had the boar's diet changed upon becoming a monster? Shield getting spikier as the boar oinked in satisfaction, the young soldier shrugged his shoulders. He supposed such was indeed the case.

Monsters turning around, the enemy's bounced about. Stones coming Naofa and he's way, the hyena's heart skipped two beats. Not enough room anywhere within the small space to jump back, the rocks and his hips had joined together. Stones slapping harder than any punch, the soldier let out a scream.

Gritting his teeth, Siorc slashed the claymore forward. But, such attempt was futile. Shield eating the blade's prowess up like a bowl of Jewelry Soup, the early adult huffed a hot breath. There was no way he would be able to break through the shield with a singular slash. Knowing he had to keep going, the early adult kept the momentum going.

Naofa's delusional electricity making quick work of the rocky boar in the corner, the hyena kept his focus forward. Shield cracked through after thirty slashes, the creature's head smashes into the mossy boulder adjacent to it. Monster seeing the stars, a cage of electricity ended the monster's new elemental life prematurely. But, the enemies no longer of this world had friends beyond the ground.

Squeals overtaking the skies, the hyena tilted his head towards the noise. Teal hogs with wings flittering about on the wind, a shock crawled down the early adult's partially human spine. How in the world had boars been flying? There was no way such act was possible; boars couldn't fly. He had to have been seeing things. It was almost as if, even in the world of Teyvat, pigs could not fly. But, such knowledge had been challenged before his very eyes.

Seeing the shocked look on Siorc's face, Naofa bellowed a laugh. Such anomaly shocked him? How pitiful. Placing itself into a launching stance, black electricity surrounded the tip of the arrow in a matter of seconds. Weak and pathetic flying pigs falling from the sky as the electricity intertwined with their bodies, it cracked its knuckles. Another quick and easy job done.

"This area is taken care of! Let's go!" Naofa shouted, grabbing the hyena's wrist. "We're heading for a beach in Minlin!"

Wrist gripped into a tight lock, the hyena surrendered. Small eroded beach by the grass reached after two hours of walking, and the sight of Wangshu Inn in the distance, the early adult absorbed the scenery like a sponge. Although, his attention had been elsewhere, in an instant.

Large, grassy boar sprouting mushrooms all over its body, the hyena placed his hand on his chin. Had the Shroomboars escaped from Sumeru? Perhaps it would have been better to capture them alive and bring them back to Gandharva Ville where they were commonly found. But, such thought could not come into fruition. No sort of nets on his partially human person, capture was impossibility to be had, for sure.

Having no idea how to reach Gandharva Ville on foot, either, the chimera allowed such thought die on the battlefield. Monsters squealing at the top of their lungs, the former woodland creatures shook about with ferocity. Red and white mushrooms riding on the wind a Hydro Slime had become the monster's test subject.

Slime paralyzed as the fungus entered its gelatinous mouth, the early adult's eyes twitched. The boars had learned a new toxic trick. Air around him getting dense, the chimera covered his nose. Innocence had been lost. The hogs had made their stance known.

Multiple slimes taken to their grave as the mushrooms were absorbed into their watery bodies, the chimera threw down a flower friend. Windwheel Aster barely able to do anything on its own, the early adult wondered. Did the Shroomboar resist its own element? He supposed such could have been a possibility at hand.

Noxious shroom attack continuing its rampage, the lynx chimera caught the projectiles with its left glove. Spores burning a hole into its glove, it tossed the hand covering into the water next to it. Seeing such vile act of littering, the chimera balled his currently human hand into a fist. Who did Naofa think it was, polluting the world's ocean with an article of clothing? But, such thought had been cancelled as quickly as it had appeared. Toxic aura disintegrating the object into nothing, the hyena's legs shook with a fervor.

The boar's toxins, had they been corrosive? If such was true, keeping it alive much longer would spell danger for the people of Liyue. Circling his greatsword about, multiple hits had begun to push the toxic Shroomboar towards the water. Monster submerged, the early adult turned towards Naofa.

Cage of electricity taking the boar out of the picture, a puddle of poison fell into the water. Ocean dimming in color as the monster faded into the ether, the chimera lowered his head. Lynx ramming its elbow into his hip, the early adult regained focus. Right, there was no time to feel downtrodden; the job had not yet reached its climax.

Toxic mushroom boars corroding the wooden boxes around them, the lynx chimera's delusional electricity ended the creature's elemental lives in a matter of moments. Noxious hogs paddling their feet on the water on the coastline of Wangshu Inn, a zapping demise had come for the feral creatures.

Enemies along the beach cleared out with Dendro and Electro combined, the group of two had begun to head south. Cuijue Slope a short walk away, multiple toxic boars new lives had been interrupted. Area cleared out faster than the early adult could breathe, the chimera had been led west.

Oink coming from upward, the soldier gazed towards the noise. Boar on top of a platform near a river, the soldier snapped his fingers in defeat. His flower friends could not reach up on platform far above him, he was useless beyond belief. Arrow of dark electricity knocking the hog into a river the lynx's singular visible blue eye glared daggers at his mismatched ones.

"Wipe that look off your face! I didn't give you a bow for a reason, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, tone noxious. "I've seen how you aim! Your accuracy is atrocious!" It then gave a toothy smirk. "You should be grateful I gave you the only weapon you're even good at using!" It then faked a clearing of the throat. "There's just one more place where the boars have gathered. Get ready to head for Luhua Pool. Don't fall behind!" Ascending the ladder, the wood and its legs met.

Facts spit his way, the soldier ascended the ladder in silence. Had his accuracy truly been atrocious? Words stinging like a Cicin in the open wilderness, the thought solidified into a rock harder than the mountain he had been scaling. Perhaps Naofa had been right. His archery skills were subpar. Such was a fact that could not be refuted, for sure.

Cloudy sky exposing the glowing orange monuments in the corner, the early adult kept climbing. Naofa already having reached the top, the early adult snapped himself out of such line of thinking. He supposed it was no use to think about it. Archery was not on in his blood.

Large pond a short distance away sporting a wet island surrounded by trees with orange leaves and ruins in the corner, the early adult lowered his eyes into a suspicious squint. Had it been his imagination, or had there been people by the ruins? He supposed he was about to find out.

Descending onto the sandy ground, the hyena's legs erupted into a speedy sprint. Loud squeal drowning out all the sounds around him, the soldier turned his head towards the noise. Large boar the size of the whiting furred hog from yesterday, the chimera backed six steps away. Had another boar king become a monster? Water around it freezing as it jumped about, the early adult steeled himself for the fight ahead.

Hog shooting a ray of water at a party of two in the corner, the soldier turned his attention towards the grunts from afar. Taller panda chimera joined together with his pink haired, frilly pink dressed sister pulling back red and yellow glowing arrows on their strings, flaming and rocky weapons came dashing off towards the monster.

Boar screaming in agony, the lynx chimera cupped its hands around its mouth. Naofa looking ready to shout, another barrage of elemental arrows had come the enemy's way. Shouts about to reach their climax, the early adult stepped two paces backwards as the screams travelled on the wind.

"Keep it up!" Naofa shouted, running towards the party of two. "I'll join in with my Electro Arrows. Brush yours against mine." It then turned towards Siorc. "You fight it directly. It's already weak!"

Pyro, Geo and Electro colliding with one another, the enemy had fell onto its tiny knees. Creature looking weak, the soldier dashed off towards the frozen water. Swinging the greatsword about, the soldier let out a battle cry. Hog falling into its own pool of ice as the twentieth slash had been dealt, the final monster had become one with nature.

Lynx chimera looking his way with a snide smirk on his face, the chimera let out a barely audible sigh. Just what was it smiling at? But, he supposed the grin could have been aimed at the panda chimeras in the corner. Naofa looking ready to speak, the soldier gave eye contact.

"I must admit you did better than I expected today," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. Pesky people around, charisma mode had been on. "So, you are free to leave. Your job is done today." Turning its back towards the opposite direction, it stepped forward. "But, we still have work to be done tomorrow, so don't relax just yet." Perhaps now, an amiable person would explain the situation before exiting the area. "I have other business in Liyue to attend to. Farewell." Leaving in the opposite direction, the lynx chimera had exited the area.

Job coming to an end for the day, the chimera turned his attention towards the panda siblings. Jiaolong and Qiulong, what had they been doing in Luhua Pool? But the chimera tossed such thought away into the pond. Perhaps they had been here on business. Taller panda chimera aiming his bow towards the sky, the hyena swore he could hear a loud oink in the distance.

Watching as the taller panda chimera placed his hands on the side of his temple, concern wrapped vines around the hyena. Had Jiaolong still been working too much since the intervention he had walked in on nearly a week before? If such were the case, another intervention was needed, for sure. Brother turning towards his sister, the chimera turned his head towards the opposite direction. Whatever conversation they were about to have, he needed to tune it out. Private words exchanged between family was not something he should hear, for sure.

"You didn't need to help me collect Cor Lapis today," Jiaolong said to Qiulong, but his hands upon the sides of his head did all the talking.

"I did, Jojo," Qiulong refuted. "Don't you remember what Dr. ------ said? He told you that you worked yourself into exhaustion. That's why your head hurts so much right now!" But a foreign scent interrupted her train of thought.

Whiffing a stench of wet boar, Qiulong turned her head towards the Yinlong's purple haired friend. Owner of the scent located, she placed her silky sleeved hands on her chin. Why did the young man smell like a wet boar? What a strange person. Whatever his profession might have been, it had certainly been a rather abnormal one.

"Busy day, boar hunter?" Qiulong asked. "Don't mind us, Jojo and I are just doing our jobs out here." But, the taller panda interrupted.

"You were with that millelith today..." Jiaolong said, continuing to hold the sides of his head. "Oh, dear. Should you be working with them?" He paused for a moment, head pounding further. "Boss told me your desert friends in Sumeru have caught it causing you great amounts of harm to you."

The soldier blinked of bewilderment. The furry eared man knew about what Naofa had done to him during their time in the desert? The panther twins had big mouths. Word friend used, the early adult's heart skipped a beat. Waiola and Bogart, was he even allowed to consider such people friends? If Her Majesty knew of such words being used, she would target them, for sure.

Knowing it was best to have the subject drop into the ocean, the chimera placed his hands in front of him. Full palms out beside his shoulder, the soldier pushed them downward. Grabbing his thumb for a moment, he looked into his eyes. Do not worry about it signed on private display, he retained eye contact.

"You know, Jojo, he doesn't seem like he wants to talk about this," Qiulong said, grabbing his gloved hands. "We should leave him be." Hauled away, the pond and ruins had gone silent.

Panda chimera gone without a trace, the chimera removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Highlighting the waypoint to the barracks, the soldier closed his eyes. Icy cold hallways soon upon him, the hyena kept walking. Steel walled room reached after about ten minutes of walking, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor.

Naofa claiming there had been more work tomorrow, the soldier kept pacing about. Had there been more boars than it had originally anticipated? He supposed such could have been the case. Wave of tiredness overtaking him after an hour had passed, the chimera ended his circular walk. Everything removed, the early adult slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, one final thought wrapped vines around the chimera as the world of sleep were about to take him away.

More boar battles awaited him tomorrow, for sure.

***

"This isn't right, that man, that
Harbinger. I am not supposed to meet him.
Even I know that, I am not supposed to meet him.

Fatui Director, the Jester. I'm not supposed to meet him.
Ah, if Her Majesty finds out about this, she'll kill me. If Her Majesty finds out about
This, she'll kill me.
Ultimately, I recall something,
I remember hearing my former practice partner telling me,

'Do not go near the Fatui Director, Pierro without being requested an audience,
Ingne.' No, I do not belong here.
Really, Naofa, what were you thinking? He'll tell Her Majesty.
Even if this audience was unexpected, I
Cannot be here. I cannot be here. I cannot,
That much is the truth,
Ordinarily, I do not question anything, but
Really, Naofa, what were you thinking? He'll have me killed, guaranteed.

Here, in this cold breeze. I do not want to die here.
After all, I was whisked away to this land, taken from my family.
Really, Naofa, what were you thinking? My life is in jeopardy.
Before long, he will want to be rid of me.
I know I am not supposed to be here.
Naofa, what were you thinking? What were you thinking?
Guess there was no time to send me away, but
Even now, I am terrified as he stares at me with his singular eye.
Really, Naofa what were you thinking? He will order my end, I am certain."

Next morning going as completely as expected, a sea of new information had come the hyena's way. Being told they were heading onto the path near Wangshu Inn to clean up the rest of the boar problem, the early adult highlighted the waypoint towards the inn in an instant.

Guili Plains upon the lynx chimera and he in a split second, a terrifying sight burned into the hyena's eyes on the wooden bridge across above the wading river. Flaming boar leaving a trail of fire rotting the wood away, the chimera closed his eyes. The flames were out of sight, out of mind.

Lynx chimera telling him to leave the boars to it today, Siorc could not help but feel a wave of unease. Why did such scenario seem so oddly familiar? But the chimera shook his head. He was overthinking it, surely. Combusting hog dropping six feet under after two strikes of the lynx's spear, it had begun to walk ahead.

Second flaming hog breathing fire upon the yellowing grass, delusional electricity had come the monster's way. Pyro and Electro shaking hands, the boar had soon become pork. Third hog with the terrifying element of Pyro defeated quicker than the soldier could blink, the bridge towards the inn had soon been reached.

Toxic mushroom boar looking ready to throw noxious spores of doom on the edge of the inn bridge, the soldier closed his eyes, for a moment. Human hand transformed into a hyena paw, the chimera slashed his claws forward. Pained oink vibrating on the wind as the creature of poison sunk into the river, the two kept walking.

Poisonous hogs vanquished as the inn approached, everything had come to a crashing halt in a matter of moments. Naofa ascending the staircase, a strange masked Millelith caught the early adult's attention. Watching as the masked man gave the lynx a letter, stating someone important requested an audience with it, unease hugged the chimera from behind.

The masked Millelith, he could not help but feel something was off about them. Naofa smirking as it read the letter to itself, the hyena let out a gulp. Who could this someone important have been that requested an audience with it? Whoever it was, he knew he was not welcome, in the slightest.

Letter written in Khaenri'ahn, Naofa put on a sinister smirk. So, the Jester requested its presence, did he? What a sorry mistake the pathetic man had made while it was in its Millelith disguise. No time to send the hyena chimera packing, it turned the weak and pitiful man's way. The Director of the Fatui's patience was far too thin, reaching the roof for his pitiful little summoning could not be delayed.

"It seems I'm wanted on the roof," Naofa said, tone noxious. "Pretend you're not there. Let's get going!"

Ordered to following behind, the chimera ascended the multiple wooden stairs in silence. But, as the roof approached ever so swiftly, a wave of unease swallowed the chimera whole. He was not supposed to be here, for sure. But, it had already been too late, he had already reached the roof.

Rooftop reached, a terrifying sight caught the chimera's bespectacled eyes. Standing in the corner with his arms folded beside him had been a tall, scary, spiky white haired man with his face half covered with a mask. Light blue eye with a diamond shaped pupil, and facial hair, and side burns draping over his shoulders, the soldier's legs shook like a leaf as the man's coat burned into his eyes. Dark blue furry coat with a Fatui Insignia on the right side, the soldier backed towards the corner of the rooftop.

The Fatui Director, The Jester, just what was he doing out in the open? He could not help but feel something horrifying was about to happen. He recalled something his former practice partner had told him about the leader many years prior. If one were to meet with the man without a requested audience, there would be serious consequences. Being on the roof uninvited, the chimera's heart skipped multiple beats.

What was Naofa thinking? He should not be here.

Seeing the royal mage in front of it, Naofa let out a sinister cackle. So, the Royal Mage from Khaenri'ah survived and had become the Director of the Fatui. How quaint of him to still be breathing and waste his time recruiting people into a pathetic army based on stealing their own technology. His audience was beneath it, and getting in the way.

"If it isn't the Royal Mage!" Naofa exclaimed in a mocking tone. "You were the one I hope croaked first during the cataclysm!" It gave a sinister smile. "Your pathetic royal blood let you live!"

Jester looking straight at Naofa with a terrifying look on his face, the chimera closed his eyes. Right, he was supposed to pretend he wasn't there. Nothing happening was any of his concern, for sure. Fatui director's voice booming in an echo, the early adult attempted with any energy to tune the conversation out. Right, he wasn't here. He was invisible.

"It would seem I am in the presence of Jörmungandr right now, am I not?" the Jester asked, words sounding heavily sophisticated.

Hearing its Khaenri'ahn name in name only, Naofa crinkled its nose. So, the pathetic man calling himself the Jester chose to call it by such a name in public? The Royal Family deserved to suffer five hundred years more for such casual drop of such moniker for the annoying passerbys to hear.

"So, you're going to call me by that name, are you?" Naofa exclaimed, pointing to itself. "Yes, that's correct. It's sleeping at the moment. And I won't let it meet with you! This body is mine now."

Jester turning his way, the hyena let out a yelp. The Director of the Fatui, why was he looking his way? Man quickly looking away and turning towards Naofa, the soldier placed his hand on his chest. He was not here, right, he had to pretend he was not here still. Remaining still as a statue, the soldier froze in place.

"It would seem you have made a lot of progress since awakening, Jörmungandr," the Jester said, hand moving up and down and he spoke. "How very impressive of you." The air of sophistication would not exit his words.

"Is that so? Well, I already have Liyue completely under my spell," Naofa exclaimed, hand moving up and down as it spoke as well. "Unlike you, who could only use Snezhnaya to form a big army. But, regardless, I commend you. Kudos to you!" Their toxic tone had been seeping with venom.

Jester's face turning towards him again with a sharp frown, the soldier's body had begun to shake. He swore as the man looked at him, his left visible eye had begun to glow red. Director of the Fatui turning back towards Naofa, fingers pointing his way, questions flooded the inn.

"Why is he here? I requested an audience with you only, Jörmungandr," the Jester asked, demanding tone of voice. "Get rid of him. But don't kill him. He has proven quite useful to Her Majesty."

Ordered demanded of it, Naofa rolled up its sleeves. Knowing it could not disobey the pathetic director the Fatui now, or it would risk its revenge going smoothly, a quick and sudden solution had pricked vines upon the floor around it. Walking towards the hyena chimera, the thought had begun to solidify and harden.

A quick push off the inn roof ought to not be too lethal.

Naofa approaching him with a blank look on its face, fear had ate the chimera up like a box of Fullmoon Egg. He needed to leave right away. But such chance to escape had been cut off in an instant. Heelless shoes ripped off his feet, the boots had soon been tossed over the edge.

Hands soon on his shoulders, the edge of the balcony and his body had met. Sharp and quick push throwing him backwards, his body had soon been falling at a speed no person or chimera would ever be able to track. Ground approaching swiftly, the early adult shut his eyes, readying for impact. At any moment now, his spine would hit the ground, cracking upon the landing.

Feeling small hands catching him like a glove as his rapid descent continued, the soldier could feel himself be placed on the ground gently. Eyes fluttering open, the hyena turned towards the left. Yaksha with an angry look on his face, the chimera's heart had begun to beat rapidly in his chest. Golden eyes looking at him, the early adult attempted to focus.

"Are you alright?" the Yaksha asked.

Heart continuing to pound wildly in his chest, the soldier looked downward. Human legs having transformed into hyena ones, his heart had only continued to beat harder, and faster as the seconds raged onward. Placing his hand on his chest, the chimera breathed in six times. Breathing exercises barely doing anything to quell the raging heartbeat within, the early adult haphazardly nodded. Perhaps it was best to not concern the Yaksha. But, such nod did not faze the mountain demon.

"I saw what the lynx did," the Yaksha said bluntly. "You need be more wary of them." His arms had been crossed upon his chest.

Yaksha informing him he had seen everything, the hyena's head spun in a cycle, for a moment. The mountain demon, he had seen what had happened? The rooftop, he had to have been there, seeking his time alone from everyone that resided there. Knowing such, an apology had to come his way, for sure. His alone time should not have been disturbed.

"I am sorry, sir," Siorc replied, words shaking. But, the blank look on the Yaksha's face spoke far louder.

"Why are you apologizing?" the Yaksha asked, arms remaining crossed. "Nevermind. If they attempt to harm you like you this again, call my name. But you need to be more careful." He then turned around.

Warning coming his way, the chimera nodded. Yaksha leaving in a trail of black aura, heelless shoes floating down the river as the mountain demon's presence vanished, the chimera's heart continued to beat harder and faster. Energy depleting as the minutes raged on, the soldier removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Military barracks soon highlighted, the early adult closed his eyes.

Shoes slipped on the incorrect feet, the hyena swerved through the frozen hallways. But, as he entered the soundproof room, the world of fuzz had begun to overtake him. Hearing muffling out as his heartbeat continued to go faster, the soldier's body and the frozen floor had met. No energy remaining, the chimera shut his eyes. As the world of unconsciousness was about to take him away, one final thought hugged him from behind.

Naofa was violent, indeed.

***

Coming to a few hours later, the soldier had found himself in his bed. Seeing such, a wave of confusion bit the chimera's cheek. How did he end up in his bed? Someone had to have come into his room in the military barracks for sure. Pompous footsteps approaching the room, the early adult placed his arm over his eyes, for a moment.

Naofa standing by his bedside with a snide look on its face, the chimera took a weak breath. Why had the lynx chimera been here? He knew it would not apologize for its actions. But, he supposed such had been a given. Perhaps he had not been entitled to such. His presence on the roof was not allowed to begin with. Naofa looking ready to speak, the soldier weakly turned his head towards it.

"You're that shocked that I had to push you that you collapsed? You're so weak willed, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, tone toxic. "Look, flea, I can't disobey the Director's orders!" It then put on a fake smile. "But, you did great against that boar on the bridge, so keep up the good work, butterfly." It then turned around, waving. "I only came here to tell you that. See you next time moth!"

No remorse in Naofa's voice, the chimera sighed. He supposed by now, such had been a given. Feeling a wave of fatigue flow through him once more, the hyena closed his eyes. As the world of sleep were about to claim him for the evening, one final thought wrapped vines around him.

He needed to be more wary of Naofa, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

31. Branch Off 15: Rogue Dragons in Dragonspine, Penguin Slayer!

"Don't know what's happening, but
Right now a note is on my door
Again. What is this writing? I have to
Go to Mondstadt immediately, apparently.
On this paper, there's demands of me.
No way this is Her Majesty's handwriting!
So bossy, so
Pushy.
I cannot fathom who this may be!
Now that I examine it closer, this is
Evidentially Knights handwriting.

Is this really happening?
Now, I have so many questions.

Just who wrote this?
Even I know most Knights have manners.
Obviously, this must be a
Pretty low ranking one.
A miniscule low
Rookie.
Don't know who it may be, but I must follow orders.
Yes, that is key."

The sound of morning alarm bells exploded with a deafening passion. As the alarm bells continued to scream in a discordant harmony, countless Fatui soldiers groaned in a constant chorus for minutes on end. Despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal.

The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially disturbed slumber. Memories from many hours before rushing into his breaking mind like a river, the early adult broke out into a scream. Tears streaming down his face, the memory would not cease being, even for a moment.

Taking a long, deep breath, the early adult rose from the uncomfortable bed. There was no time to allow such things to haunt him. The hourglasses' sand had begun to fall faster. Knowing that, at any moment, the Agent could arrive, the hyena had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As his uniform glued onto his partially human person, the early adult's body had begun to shake rapidly. Why would Naofa do something like that, pushing him off a high heighted roof? It could have just told him to take out his proxy map, for sure. But, the chimera shrugged. He supposed, the lynx only considered drastic measures.

Snapping the buttons into the incorrect holes, the hyena allowed a sigh to escape the esophagus. He could not let what happened bother him. He needed to get over it, guaranteed. Dwelling upon such would be a distraction beyond repair, for sure. Pushing such feelings off a snowy cliff, the chimera undid the fasteners on his uniform.

Buttons in the correct holes, the young soldier clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Matching sunflowers in his hair and ears, the hyena took another long, deep breath. Work mode switch flipping on, the chimera hooked the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants.

Heelless shoes on, the early adult gazed at the area where his rations would usually be. Greatsword imprinted with the Knights of Favonius logo on it, the hyena tilted his head. Why had there been a claymore in his room? Seeing such, the chimera walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor.

Blade glaring daggers at him from many meters away, a sea of thoughts crashed at bay. What odd job could possibly await him, this time? He knew, for sure, no routine awaited him today, whatsoever. Surely, whenever the Agent were to arrive, he would receive some answers.

But no footsteps had yet to arrive. Silence looping for minutes on end, the early adult gazed at the weapon sitting lifelessly on top of his uniform drawers. Why would Her Majesty have such weapon delivered to him? Surely, her alliance with them did not grant her access to any of their weaponry.

Still hearing no footsteps, the chimera stepped outside his door, for a moment. Surely, someone had to have been around that had answers. But, such answer had been given before it could even materialize. On his door, had been a note. Words loud, blocky, and in Mondstadt writing, the early adult read the paper carefully.

"You, Fatui!

Report to Knights of Favonius Headquarters immediately!

Get here, now, after reading this! Go!" the note screamed in his native writing language.


Reading such, Siorc rolled his eyes to the ceiling. Who in the world could have written such a ridiculously rude note? But, he supposed he could not ignore it, the letter had an unavoidable sense of urgency. Stepping back into the room for a moment, the hyena grabbed the greatsword from the top of his uniform drawers.

Sheathing the claymore from behind him, the hyena removed the proxy orb from his back pocket. Opening the orb into map form, the soldier highlighted the northwest waypoint within the capital city of Mondstadt. Pressing the teleport button, the early adult closed his eyes. As the fast travel to the city of freedom had begun, a sea of questions cracked an egg in the chimera's fading human brain.

What odd job could possibly be awaiting him this time?

***

"Why, brother would you make me come to your wretched
Occupation today? I would like nothing to do with your putrid,
Repulsing knightly duties! They're ugly! I,
Kaiser, will not get my hands dirty!
I will not be fighting, you can't make me!
No way will I be battling?
Get Prinz to do it!

Will you ever learn?
I won't ever join your organization!
Those knightly duties, they are wretched, disgusting!
How could you! Is this your way of silencing me?

After you stole my makeup, and paraded around with it!

So, is this payback?
Well, keep my lip gloss, you
Ogre! Keep my eyeliner, thief! It is
Ruined since you used it!
Don't worry, your secret is safe with me!

This form of payback is
Horrid! Fighting is icky!
And I won't be participating, no siree!
Today, I shall be leaving!
So, bye, bye! Toot suite!

Ugh, that makeup stealing fiend!
Glaring at me! Blah, blah, blah, 'stay put!' Oh,
Look at me! König Gefroren, makeup thief!
You brute! Let me leave!

I will sit here and Good Hunter! Loitering as I please!

Knights being busy, smights being lazy!
Ask the captain of your stupid company!
I am sure they'll join you!
So, quit dragging me!
Even if father kicks me out I'd
Rather not ruin my makeup! That's

A guarantee!
Move your orders onto someone else!

There's plenty of brute men who love fighting!
Oh, sure, these bombs will threat
Our home! Ho hum!

Prance me a line! I don't care, you see!
Really, Dragonspine can burn down to the ground, for all I care!
Everything you say is ridiculous!
There's no way those silly little explosives could do anything!
They're not even on, I bet!
You're wasting your hideous energy! Keep on

Flapping those gums!
Once this is over, you will
Realize! I won't be doing anything! I

Won't be fighting! This sword? It won't
Even move a centimeter!
And I won't be lifting a single finger!
Prinz, your students can wait!
Oh, just take my place!
No way will I listen to this!
Reach of a command!
You will pay, brother for ruining my day!"

Upon reaching the tower in Mondstadt City through the Teleport Waypoint, the early adult jumped off the ledge. Windglider deployed behind him, the hyena made a quick landing. Dropping down onto the staircase beneath, the early adult headed eastward. But, a disgusting sight awaited him as the entrance to Knights of Favonius Headquarters was approaching.

Standing in front of the door, tapping his boots in an impatient rhythm had been the tall, aggravating, pest of a penguin knight. Seeing such, the early adult grit his teeth. What could this bigger pest of a penguin possibly want from him? Whatever it was, a long day awaited him, for sure. Tap coming to an end, and eyes on him, a scream shook the streets.

"You girly Fatui! What took you so long? I've been waiting here for an hour!" König shouted, irritated. "Should have come here right away after reading that letter"! He resumed his boot tapping with a ferocity.

The hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Holding back a growl, he lowered his mismatched eyes into a glare. Who did this knight think he was? He had only just seen the note minutes before arriving. Whatever karma were to be paid today, he would get what's coming to him, for sure. But, another scream had come his way, in an instant.

"Stop staring around with that stupid look on your face!" König shouted, grabbing the girly man's weak wrist. "Get ready to head for Dragonspine right now!" Leading the way, he dragging the Fatui forward.

Wrist gripped into a tight lock, the early adult let out a begrudged sigh. He supposed he had no choice in the matter. His orders, no matter where they were to come from, were absolute. Hotel passed by, and staircases traversed, the windmills in the distance blew on the breeze, like always.

Fatui Diplomats chatting about negative happenings within the world of Teyvat as he had been dragged down the stairs near the board of bounties the forced escort southeast soon continued. Young woman arguing with her possible childhood friend about getting a discount on fruit, one final staircase had been ascended. But, yet another disgusting sight graced the early adult's damaged field of heterochromatic vision as Good Hunter closed in.

Kaiser seated in a wooden chair wearing a ridiculous, flashy, light blue dress, with feathers everywhere, and a peacock print in the center, the early adult attempted with any might that remained to not rip out hundreds of strands of his hair. Why had the even peskier thorn in his side been here, as well? Two penguin chimeras was two too many. Aggravating knight letting out a commanding scream, his wrist had soon been let go of.

"Kaiser, get up!" König shouted in a commanding manner. "It's time to get to work!"

Seeing the purple haired Fatui beside their obnoxious, ugly brother, Kaiser stood up immediately. Sure, he'd go do his stupid, wretched, dastardly job with him, but only because another feminine individual had been roped into the mix. But, agree to such orders willingly? No way. Not a chance. It was time to bite back for his crimes to beauty.

"Why do I have to do this ugly job with you?!" Kaiser shouted. "Have Prinz do it! Fighting will ruin my hair!" Immediate criticism had come his way.

"Shut up!" Prinz refused! He won't be joining us!" König retaliated. "Get over your stupid, girly hair!"

Kaiser let out a shout. Who did König think he was? He was so weak willed, not demanding others to join his wretched knightly duties. Seeing his lips shine a faint, light pink and eyelashes glossing, they balled up a fist. Had he stolen his beautiful, gorgeous, hand-picked makeup again? He would pay highly for such unwarranted thievery.

"Fine, I'll go!" Kaiser shouted, pointing his gloved hands at his brother's eyelashes. "But, only because you stole my lip gloss and eyeliner!"

Hearing such accusation, the hyena turned his attention towards König's eyes and lips. Gloss finishing decorating his eyelashes and lips, the early adult balled his hand into a fist. Who did this man think he was, insulting him and calling him girly when he was wearing layers of makeup himself?

Pot calling a kettle various names in the distance, nervous eyes had soon been on him. Aggravating knight soon turning his attention to Kaiser, the man's eyebrows soon twitched with a fervor. Shout about to crack the glass of a window nearby, everything vibrated on the wind.

"You, shut your mouth! Don't you dare say that in public!" König shouted Kaiser's way. He then turned towards the hyena. "And, you! Keep your eyes to yourself! You saw nothing!"

Letting out a sigh as the pesky penguin knight stepped in front of him, the soldier focused his attention forward. Right, he saw nothing. There was absolutely, positively, without a shatter of doubt, not any makeup on his face. Bridge soon crossed, booted feet in front of him marched forward.

Southwest path soon taken, silence had begun to push through. No words said between the brothers as Springvale had been all but ignored, a quick trip around the village had been done and dusted. Quick mountainscape scaled, and Hilichurl tribe tiptoed through, the westmost entrance towards Dragonspine was nearing.

Another small cliffside scaled by the party of three, the world of ice had been upon the penguins and he. Researcher beside a rock frantically pacing about, and adventurer discussing a failure with himself, a sharp turn towards the southeast had begun. Boots slipping off the men's feet as their limbs became webbed, the frigid air blew furiously upon the lesser permafrost north.

Snow traversed for minutes on end, a familiar path had soon been reached. Submerged walkway passed through, the early adult had come to wonder. Why build a wooden road if it would never be properly seen? But, the early adult pushed such thought into the frozen ground beneath. He supposed no one would care to do so.

Sharp right turn soon taken, a familiar camp within the discount cryo nation took shape. Chief Alchemist's workstation stepped into with various waddles about, the hyena followed behind in silence. But, a strange sight presented itself to the group of three as the Alchemist talked with his hands in deep conversation.

Alchemist, and short, blond knight soon observing a map within a thick, brown book conversing with one another, König let out an invasive clearing of the throat. Attention called to him, in an instant, the soldier held back an eyeroll. Where were this man's manners? What an obnoxious knight, he was.

"Excuse me, sir ------, but do you happen to know anything about the bomb situation?" König asked, interrupting the conversation. "Is your sister responsible for such act?" Head shake coming his way, rejection hit the floor.

"----? No, she's in solitary confinement," the alchemist replied, words coming out slowly. "Shouldn't you know that? You are at headquarters far more often than I."

Pyro Elf Girl of Doom locked up in a room, the hyena put on a toothy smile from ear to ear. The Knight's biggest problem was locked away somewhere, without a key, unable to cause trouble. What a terrific outcome to be had, for sure. It was almost as if, a God from the world beyond Teyvat did not wish to add such terrible person into the setting. But, such fact was unknown to the entire population.

"I'm not nearly high ranked enough to be passed along such information!" König responded, shouting. He then turned towards the small fry adjacent to the Chief Alchemist. "You, map boy! Give me a detailed map of where all the explosives are located!"

Watching as the young man proclaimed map boy scribbling away on a page spread within his large, brown book, the chimera held back a groan. How could König be so demanding when he wasn't even a highly ranked knight? Feather quilled pen brushing against the paper for many minutes on end, the cartography had soon reached its climax.

"Uh, yes, of course, sir!" the cartographer said, nervous. "Here you go. The bombs have been marked for you." Handing him the map, he bowed his head, a smidgeon. "I wish your group luck." He then turned his head back towards the alchemist.

Short man speaking about bombs once more, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. There were bombs placed around Dragonspine? If such were the case, he needed to proceed with caution, if such were truly the case. Forced gratitude coming out of the pesky penguin knight's mouth, the walk back towards where they had started slowly began.

Outer edge of Dragonspine reached once more, a terrifying sight to behold caught the chimera's eyes as a former Fatui camp had slowly approached. Group of six Hilichurls dancing about with small explosives in their hands, König unsheathed his sword. Rolling his hand into a fist, wind collected itself into the palm of his hands.

Strong gale force punch knocking the bombs out of the monster's hands, the knight waddled forward. Monsters as puzzled as ever, he raised his penguin feet upward. Webbed feet and sharp talons punting the monsters like a ball across a playing field, the creatures let out a loud shout as they fell to the ground.

Small explosives tossed into a basket, the southward walk soon continued. But, such traverse had soon been halted as Hilichurls with Cryo masks took the stage. Monsters juggling bombs as if they were putting on a show for no one to watch, the early adult tossed down a flower friend.

As his Silk Flower friend danced about, the chimera had come to wonder. How had Hilichurls come into contact with explosives? How could something like this even happen? Juggling show continuing its rampage, the early adult provided silent commands to the flower brought to life by his Dendro vision.

Bombs soon knocked out of the Hilichurls hands, the creatures let out a groan. König dashing onto the scene, his strong penguin feet, pushed the monsters onto the hard rock cliffsides in the corner. Creatures soon fading into the ether, another set of explosives had been tossed into the basket of doom.

Another group of horned monsters juggling the explosives as if it were a fun game, the hyena unsheathed the claymore from behind him. Spinning the greatsword about, the monster's palms had been hit with precise precision. Enemies attempting to fight back, another flower friend soon joined the party.

Windwheel Aster friend's vines doing numbers upon the monster's army, another gale force finished the job quickly. Pesky penguin in the corner doing nothing but watch, the early adult held back a sigh. How useless Kaiser was being, doing absolutely nothing. He would get the yell of his lifetime, for sure shortly.

Final group of Hilichurls becoming one with the snow, the entrance to Entombed City Outskirts had soon been reached. König glaring daggers at his brother, a shouting match was about to cause avalanches for the entire lesser frozen region to bear witness to.

"Kaiser, you'd better fight, or else!" König shouted at the top of his lungs, palms shaking in a furious manner.

Brother's ugly, chapped and unkempt fists beating on the air, Kaiser let out a gasp. Was he threatening them again with his wretched empty words of nothing? Slipping on gorgeous, black handmade gloves, they prepared a scream to the heavens. He would show him how ugly battling was. How horrid.

"Fine, I'll fight!" Kaiser responded, shouting back. "But, I will not get my hands dirty with disgusting blood!"

Argument coming to an end, the hyena gave Kaiser a quick glare. What an incredibly ridiculous thing to worry about. Did monsters even bleed? But, the soldier shook his head. Perhaps he had been far more delicate with enemies in battle, even when his brain would pop off sparks. Small staircase soon reached, a large battlefield was upon the party of three.

Groups of Mitachurls sitting upon the snowy arena clutching onto multiple bombs standing to their feet, Kaiser brushed their claws down onto the battlefield. Fire show soon beginning, beautiful blue flames danced around the horrific, grotesque monsters. Fur soon burning hotter than the sun, the detestable creatures let out pained shouts.

But, the battle would soon change course.

Mitachurl's fuse popping, the enemies lowered their horned heads. Head ramming into the pesky penguin, a loud, tearing sound echoed on the icy wind. Look of terror on his face, the hyena backed eight steps away. The fury of ten thousand suns was about to come down on the Mitachurl any moment. Seams bursting open on the train of the dress, a scream shook the snow off the mountains, in an instant.

"You ugly brute! How dare you ruin my gorgeous, handmade outfit!" Kaiser shouted at the top of his lungs. "You'll pay!"

Large, filleting knife unsheathed, in a matter of moments, Kaiser's blade and the Mitachurls entwined themselves with one another. Haphazard slashes about knocking the enemy to its knees, the early adult's mouth dropped wide open, Cicins ready to fly in at any moment. Messing with Kaiser's outfits was a sin to be paid with one's life, indeed.

Every enemy within the battlefield cleared out, the group of three had begun heading south. Singular Mitachurl juggling around four explosives, another fire show had taken the stage. Monster burned into oblivion, the early adult's blade joined the show. Hurricane punch ending the party, the basket of many dangers had increased threefold.

Samachurls balancing bombs on their long sticks of elemental prowess, another burning show took the stage. Magic wand of many possibilities no more, König's strong webbed feet rammed the shamanic creature a new one. Hilichurl friends taken out as well, the dangers had begun to lessen.

Primitive monsters attempting to attach their precious bombs onto larger Cryo Crystalflies, the soldier shook his head. Did the Hilichurls really think they'd be able to fly holding such things? Knowing such had to be put a stop to, the early adult lowered his blade towards the enemy's knees.

Monsters soon taken out of commission, many explosives had soon been reclaimed as the circle around the ancient city went about in silence. Long, forgotten city from however long ago conquered, the group of three looped back around towards the northward side.

Mountain scaled through, the young soldier broke out into a shiver. But, the hyena quickly snapped himself out of such. What was he doing, allowing the cold to get to him? He could not allow for the freezing air to bother him, there had still been a long way to go. Familiar area reached after about two hours of walking, a terrifying sight to behold presented itself to the team of three.

Large, icy blue cube sitting dormant within an icy battlefield surrounded by a large sea of bombs, the hyena's currently human legs had begun to shake with a fervor. Explosives embedded within the odd cube as well, the chimera tilted his head. How could such feat even be achieved? Hadn't such enemy awakened whenever someone were to approach it? Aggravating Knight stepping forward, his suspicions had been confirmed faster than the soldier could blink.

Cube shedding its defensive wall, it was soon raining bombs and ice. Explosives teeming down from above the tiny prism of destruction, the early adult prepared himself. Candles of heat lighting up as König tapped an invisible button, a scream joined the rain of many oddities.

"The core is exhibiting abnormal behavior!" König warned, shouting. "Be on guard!"

Prism's bomb rain continuing onward, the chimera tossed down a flower friend. Kaiser's show of flames joining the battle, König's gale wind punch about swirled itself within the fiery show of vanity. But the triple threat efforts had all been in vain. Flint sticks denotating, an explosion joined the party.

Second round of explosion kicking into overdrive, the hyena's back and the rocky wall had met. Sediment slamming him harder than a metal hammer, the early adult grit his teeth. Back stinging, the young soldier slammed his heelless on this ground with full force. How was this even possible? There was no way a tiny prism of ice was capable of such strong attacks without modifications to its core.

Prism becoming a wheel of ice, the party of three had been caught in the ice-fire. Knees encased into a frozen prison as it rammed itself into the stony wall, a Windwheel Aster friend danced in front of the core with vigor. Kaiser's flames surrounding the flower friend, Dendro and Pyro shook hands.

Core on fire for minutes on end, the enemy returned itself to cube form. Floating off towards the center of the battlefield, a quaky icicle barrage turned the ground into an avalanche beyond normalcy. Bombs raining down as the shingles of doom shafted onto the rink of frozen water, König rolled up his sleeves with gusto.

Punches of gale wind firing off one after another, the core had begun to quiver. Enemy encasing itself into a large icy cube shield, icy looking fruit crystals housing multiple explosives deep within them, a round of instructions had come the thorn in his side and Siorc's way. Informed to send the fallen projectiles of danger back the enemy's way, swords swung about with triple team effort.

Explosive fallen fruits sent back flying towards their owner, the core's shield popped like a balloon. Prism shaking rapidly, the penguin duo joined forces once more. No room for any extra input, the swirled flames put an end to the core's misery in a matter of minutes. Other projectiles soon collected, and peculiar wooden flower soon taking its place, the pesky penguin knight turned towards the hyena.

"Get out of here, Fatui! We're done here today!" König demanded, pointing at the Teleport Waypoint in the corner. "But, your job isn't completely done yet, so come back tomorrow, or else!" Waddling away, grabbing his brother's gloved hand, the battlefield soon grew silent.

Demands hitting his eardrums, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. What a bossy knight, ordering everyone around, even those who could have ranked far higher than him. Sky soon becoming a deep midnight blue, the early adult removed the teleport waypoint proxy map from his back pocket. Military barracks waypoint highlighted, the soldier closed his eyes.

Steel walled room soon reached, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, the soldier slumped into the rock hard bed. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow, one final thought crashed waves in the chimera's mind as he drifted off into the land of dreams.

Tomorrow would be another long day.

***

"Beetles bouncing bravely!
Oh no, oh man! What's this?
Unrest in Dragonspine!
Nasty monsters wrecking havoc!
This bounty is perfect!
'Yes, Kylling, this one!' I shouted, pointing at the wooden board.

Hertha sure can pick them!
Unrest in Dragonspine!
Now, we've sure been gone a long time!
Too long, if you ask me!
'I'mma ready! Kylling, let's get ramming!'
No pushback, we're both in it.
Golly geezers gosh, some monsters are about to get clocked out of commission!"

Waking up the next morning, the early adult prepared himself for the tiring day ahead of him. Clicking down his favorite matching moon hairpins and earrings, the soldier highlighted the waypoint in the capital city of Monstadt in an instant. Reaching Knights of Favonius headquarters after ten minutes of walking, a disgusting sight awaited him for the second day in a row.

Kaiser in a less ridiculous, long flowing gaudy purple dress with his hair down, the soldier held back a sigh. Couldn't the penguin of many annoyances ever dress normally? His outfit was going to get ripped again, for sure, and he would cause another ridiculous scene. Eyes sizing up his uniform, the early adult turned his head towards the opposite direction. What was he looking at? The penguin needed to keep his eyes to himself.

Unfashionable Fatui wearing the same drab, horrible to look at outfit as yesterday, Kaiser's gorgeous, sparkly eyelashes twitched. How could he wear the same clothes as the day before? What a horrible crime against beauty and fashion. Such needed to be called out immediately.

"How could you wear the same outfit as yesterday?!" Kaiser shouted at the top of their lungs. "That's a crime to look at!"

Siorc let out a groan. Placing his hands into a pleading stance, the early adult prayed to the Anemo Archon he was no longer supposed to worship for separation from the penguin duo, at all costs. But, such wishes would never be heard. König stepping out of headquarters makeupless, the escort to Dragonspine for the second day in a row had soon begun.

Alchemist's camp reached after a long, silent walk, a sea of new information had been awarded to the party of three. Informed Ruin Graders and machines had been spotted with bombs in their mechanical vessels, another peculiarity had joined the conversation.

Penguin knight informed the Frostbearing Tree had been acting odd as well, a chill had dropped down the hyena's spine. What had been happening to Dragonspine? Whatever had been causing such destruction about, it could not have possibly been a good thing. Told they would be heading for Snow Covered Path first, the group of three exited the camp.

Long walk east soon taking shape, the chimera could not help but wonder. Who could have possibly been the culprit of the bomb phenomenon? But, the early adult shook his head. There was definitely no way to find out. Anyone, except the Pyro Elf Girl of Doom, could have been the culprit.

Large white tree with glowing red crystals reached after about half an hour of trudging through snow, a sight of terror took the snowy world by storm. Tree of frost raining down a cluster of bombs through its branches, the soldier jumped six steps back. Explosives continuing to drop everywhere, the flints denotated one after another.

But, such had not been the end of the spectacle of explosives. Rain continuing about for minutes on end, the soldier kept jumping around. Bombs dodged in a continuous manner, the soldier slid around to the backside of the tree after countless evasive steps took shape. Slinking off towards the side, the culprit had been located.

Small, square machine clamped onto the tree, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. How did such object get inserted onto the Frostbearing Tree? Dislodging the chip off of the plant of many oddities, the explosives stopped falling one after another. Projectiles collected into the basket, a patrol bubbled into overdrive.

Multiple other machine chips dislodged from around Snow Covered Path, a wave of unease nibbled on the cartilage of the chimera's ear. Just how many machines had been spread throughout the area? If more had been around, it would wreck havoc upon Dragonspine, for sure.

Every other machine within the snowy path collected and dismantled, the group of three had begun to head south. Alchemist's camp looped back around as the southern walk about continued, a wave of bewilderment wrapped vines around the hyena. Had they just walked around in a circle? But, the soldier dismissed such thought. He was overthinking it, surely. The cavern had just been on the other side, for sure.

Starglow Cavern reached after about two hours of silent walking, the hyena's eyes opened wide as a mob of Ruin Graders and machines that looked like a mechanical flower flooded the high grounded cave for kilometers on end. Former war machine turning its back, a rain of bombs took the stage.

Enemy jumping about on the icy ledge, explosives dropping left, right and center, the early adult's legs broke into a sprint. Unsheathing the claymore from behind him, he swung the greatsword about with a fervor. Explosives soon returned to their owner, the enemy had been the victim of its own crime.

Ascending the steep, icy ramp, a machine soon awaited the party of three. But, such had soon become a fight with only one side. Inorganic enemy flying upward towards the ceiling of the cavern, a rain of bombs flittered from the ceiling above. Shoulders caught into the ice-fire, the soldier let out a scream.

Mechanical enemy soon lowering itself towards the ground, König thrusted a gale wind punch upward. Power of Anemo knocking the machine about, its own projectiles blew upon the elemental created wind. Enemy soon taken out, the fights soon continued. Second machine joining the party after fifteen more steps, the chimera threw down a flower friend.

Kaiser's flames joining the hyena's Windwheel Aster friend, the mechanical foe's core had soon been cooked into an inedible meal fit only for an iron creature that was also part rock who fed off on metal parts. Ramp upward continuing, a new obstacle took the stage.

Peculiar red device turning itself on as the pesky penguin knight approached it, a second Ruin Grader joined the world as though it had been summoned. Timer soon appearing on everyone's wrists, a shock shot down the hyena's spine. Had this fight been a timed one? He needed to be quick, for sure.

Robotic enemy taken out with the combined forces of three rather close to the time limit, the early adult broke into a cold, teeming sweat. Fighting under timed pressure was nerve wrecking beyond belief. Outside of the cavern soon approaching, two Ruin Graders blocked the exit as if their inorganic lives depended on it.

Enemies spinning their arms with a passion, the hyena attempted with any might to jump back. But, such dodge about was cancelled before it could even come into fruition. Metallic hands slapping him in a rhythm, the chimera let out a pained scream. Second spin about taking the cave for a ride, the soldier could feel his energy begin to deplete rapidly.

Strong, destructive forces of wind knocking the enemies onto their mechanical feet, König unleashed his Knights of Favonius issued sword in front of him. Favonius bladeworks making quick and short work of the war machines of time forgotten, the early adult's jaw dropped open. Just how strong had the penguin knight's winds been? Absolutely astonishing.

Cavern cleared out after multiple Ruin Graders had been reduced to nothing but piles of ashes, every bomb in the area had soon been retrieved. But, such had not been the end of the fights at hand. Group of machines crowding outside the exit of the cavern, strong punches of wind brought the inorganic machines to their mechanical grave of nonexistence. Although, the end of the fights had still not been in sight.

Generic Knight dashing onto the scene informing the pesky penguin knight explosives had been spotted near the domain entrance near Skyfrost Nail, the chase had been on. Multiple mountainsides scaled, and floating machines decimated, a long, tiring climb took Dragonspine by a snowstorm. But, such had only been the beginning.

Army of machines swarming the area, a sea of bombs had soon begun to drop about in an endless sea. Domain door afar joining the explosives party, as well, the area was a cesspool of destruction in a matter of seconds. Inorganic enemies defeated after seven punches of Anemo, the soldier dashed off towards the domain entrance.

Chip removed from the side of the domain door, a second gale force punch took the second part of the army out of the picture. Domain entrance slamming shut, and mechanical enemies dropping onto the snow, a demand had bounced on the early adult's eardrums as he returned to the dual penguin's side.

"Diffuse them," König demanded.

The hyena tilted his head. Seeing a bomb in the center of the machine's cores, a wave of unease dropped a weight onto the early adult's back. Diffuse a bomb lodged within a mechanical device? There was no way. He could not do such a thing. Such knowledge was beyond any skills he had ever been taught in his eight years as a member of the Fatui. Shaking his head, his eyes had begun to twitch with a fervor. But, another demand had soon come his way.

"Oh, please! Don't be so dramatic! You definitely know how to diffuse a bomb!" König chided, gloved hands moving up and down as he spoke. "Bet you Fatui do this all the time, cleaning up your dastardly messes you leave behind!" But, another shout soon joined the party!

"König, how could you!" Kaiser shrieked at the top of his lungs. "There's no way his ugly, unmoisturized hands know how to diffuse a bomb!"

The early adult let out an irritated grunt. He was getting quite tired of the penguin's annoying voices and demands. Knowing he had no choice but to listen to orders, the soldier lowered himself to his knees. Sea of wires soon in front of him, sweat flooded down the hyena's back like a waterfall. Sound of tick flicking as his hands closed in on the wires, the hyena yelped.

Sheers practically tossed at his cheek, the soldier placed the object into his hands. Sea of complicated wires glaring daggers at him, the hyena's mind had begun to fog. Which wire was he supposed to snip? The red wire, the blue wire, the green wire? Every string soon blending together, the early adult screamed to Celestia.

Wires bleeding into one as the sheers hovered over them, the chimera's thoughts had begun to muddle together. The red wire, surely, the red one was the correct one. But, his hands had frozen into place. No, there was no way the red one had been correct. Red was the color of doom, destruction, decimation. Green wire pulsating, the sharp object hovered over it for minutes on end.

The green wire, surely the green wire had been the correct one. Timer ticking faster and faster, the soldier's hands had begun to shake. No, there was no way the green wire had been the correct one. Sweat teeming down his chest and back, the early adult had been wetter than a swimmer about to dry off.

Sweaty palms continuing to shake, the chimera gazed at the blue wires. Surely, just maybe, the blue ones had been the correct ones. But, no such snipping ever came. Familiar screams soon echoing about the area, the soldier turned towards the noise coming from behind him. Sheep and goat chimeras running onto the scene, pointed fingers invited themselves to the conversation.

"Wowie, windy whistling!" Lang shouted, pointing. "Heyo, Kylling, that Knight is bullying the Fatoosy again!" But a correction had soon come her way.

"Fatuus, Lang," Kylling said to her girlfriend. She then turned towards the knight. "Hey, loser! Quit it! We'll defuse the bombs!" Rolling up her sleeves, she stood beside the machine, in an instant. "Step aside, Fatuus, this is a job for the seasoned bounty hunters of Teyvat!"

Siorc blinked of bewilderment as the sheep and goat bounty hunters quickly got down to business. Why had the bounty hunters been here? When had defusing explosives ever been on their agenda list of enemies? Weren't bounties a list of monsters wanted for many petty, or disruptive crimes? But, the soldier kept such thought to himself.

Multiple wires cut in specific precision, the soldier head spun about. Defusing of explosives, just how many steps did it take? Machines no longer a danger to the world one after another, a sea of questions continued to flow through the early adult. But, none would leave his lips. Questions were not allowed for a Diplomatic Fatui Soldier.

König rubbing the sides of his head with his gloved hands in irritation, the soldier held back a sheepish grin. The pest of a penguin knight deserved any sort of annoyances that were about to come his way, for sure. Final explosive defused from the machines, the bounty hunters stepped towards the domain door, investigating with a fervor.

"Wow, Lang, look at this!" Kylling exclaimed, pointing at the domain door. "Some weirdo wired this entire door with explosives! Let's clip them!"

Hearing such fact, the soldier's eyes had begun to pulsate. Who would wire explosives onto a door adventurers from far and wide definitely gathered often? Whoever had done such was a terrifying force to be reckoned with, for sure. Door soon defused after thirty minutes of careful precision cutting, safety had returned to the area. Rolling up her sleeves, Lang stood on the tip of her toes, looking into the knight's eyes.

"Simpler than a sponge cake seeping soap!" Lang exclaimed, glaring daggers at the penguin knight. "Now, quit your bullying, mmk, Mr. Knight of Favonius? Ears are everywhere!"

König rubbing his hands through his hair in frustration once more, Kaiser broke out into a barely audible girlish laugh. Seeing the thorn in his side do such, the hyena held himself back from joining in on the laughter. Do the same action the fashionable, and annoying penguin had just done? No way, what disgusting taste. He would do no such thing. Knight balling his fist, a shout had soon been delivered everyone's way.

"What are you laughing at?! Shut your mouth!" König shouted at Kaiser, he then turned towards the Fatui, gloved finger shaking and pointing. "And you! Fatuus, Fatui, whichever you are! Come back tomorrow, or else!" Finger still shaking, he continued. "Until further notice, you're under my orders. Got it? Get out of here already!" Stomping off like a child, the area soon grew quiet.

Bounty hunter couple leaving the area and Kaiser dashing off in his high heels, the chimera removed the proxy map from his back pocket for the second time of the day. Military barracks waypoint soon highlighted, the fast travel had soon begun. Steel walled room reached after fifteen minutes of walking, a wave of tiredness took over the hyena, in an instant.

Uniform soon removed, and weaponized hairpins and earrings put away, the soldier stared at the barricaded window. Who did König think he was, making assumptions about himself, his career forced upon him, and his appearance? He was quite unfit to be a knight, for sure. Such a judgmental person did not deserve such occupation, guaranteed.

Letting out a deep yawn, Siorc crawled into the uncomfortable bed. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow, a sea of thoughts poked the active shark grooves in his brain as the world of sleep had begun to drag him back into the land of tormented dreams.

Who let König Gefroren join the Knights of Favonius?

Big mistake, indeed.

***
"Dragons have been spotted in Dragonspine.
Right outside our home, I believe.
And yet, König told Holly and I,
'Get out of here! Go do your
Other commissions, or something!'
Now, this is kind of the usual response for him, but
Something is off about him lately.

I recall Prinz saying, 'König, you are quite jumpy lately.' He denied such.
'No, I am not! Your nose is too stuck up in your books!'

Did he just snap at Prinz?
Really, what's wrong with him lately?
And he's making Kai do work with him, also.
Generally speaking, something is
Off with my older brother, I just know it.
No matter how many times I inquire, however, he just denies it.
'Shut up, Regina! You don't know what you're talking about!'
Pivoted into silence.
Is something at work going wrong for him?
Nah, no way. That's silly. Maybe he got into a fight with papa.
Even if such is the case, taking it out on us is kind of draining.

Guess for now, Holly and I can take to Mondstadt.
Odd job and here and there?
I suppose that's all in a day's work.
No matter, if he does not want us helping with the dragons, it is best we do not
Get into his business while he is

Riled up and angry.
Off we go to Mondstadt City.
Getting whatever job that is away from Dragonspine as necessary.
Until this passes,
Each and every other commission at least counts for something."

Waking up the next morning, the soldier rolled up his sleeves. Whatever awaited him today, he knew he had to tune out any insults that might come his way. Kaiser standing outside Knights Headquarters waiting for König's arrival, the hyena could not help but look at the aggravating man's current outfit.

Pesky penguin wearing a tight skinned red dress with a fuzzy collar exposing the fakest looking breasts in the world, the hyena turned his head towards the opposite direction. How in the world did he achieve such a feat of looking as fake, and plastic as possible? Surely, there had to have been a way for a blow up chest to look real? But, the early adult snapped such thoughts away. What was he thinking? Why did he care? Kaiser was a prickly rose that he wished to avoid at all costs.

König stepping out of headquarters, the aggravating penguin knight shielded his eyes, for a moment. Yelling at Kaiser to put his disgusting fake breasts away, a shock hit the system. Penguin undoing the inflatables, normalcy had returned in an instant. Knight demanding they leave for Dragonspine, the party of three exited the city.

Entranceway reached after about an hour of walking, information had come everyone's way. Adventurers standing beside camps telling Kaiser, König and the hyena dragons had been spotted within Dragonspine's snowy world, the soldier lowered his eyes into a squint. How could this possibly have been news to them? Didn't they frequent Dragonspine regularly? But such thought had been absorbed into fear.

The Abyss Order, had they made more dragons? If such were the case, trouble had been a penguin foot. Broken brick bridge split up into three disheveled parts slowly crossed, a sight of terror soon caught the early adult's mismatched eyes. Small dragons that looked like tiny Dvalins burning the snow around them, even Treasure Hoarders had begun to head for the hills.

König's gale force fists making quick work of the first dragon, another soon followed as the group of three hopped onto the second-third of three broken bridge parts. Flames devastating the snow beneath it, another windy punch knocked the monster downward. Enemy looking open for an attack, the soldier swiped his blade about with a fervor.

Wind and blade combined taking the cloned dragon to its quick grave, the third of three bridge parts had been crossed. Knight growling under his breath, a sharp look had been tossed Kaiser's way. Gloved hand quickly balled into a fist, a round of shouts hit the burned up snow.

"Pathetic brother! React faster!" König shouted in a demanding tone. "Don't you care that our home is in trouble!" But, Kaiser bit back immediately.

"Easy for you to say!" they shouted at the top of their lungs. "I'm cowering at how hideous they are!"

Siorc rolled his eyes to the sky. Cowering at how hideous they were? How absolutely ridiculous. Placing his hands into a praying position, the hyena asked the Anemo Archon he was no longer supposed to worship to speed up time at the most earliest convenience available to him.

Snow Covered Path littered with dragons, the party of three had soon gotten on the offensive. Multiple purple flying lizards becoming dust on the wind after the triple threat of doom took the created monsters by storm, multiple enemies had been taken out of their alchemical created misery in a matter of moments.

Many more cloned alchemical abominations taken down with thirty combined sword strikes together as a unit, the Frostbearing Tree had soon neared for the second day in a row. Smaller, less powerful clones of Dvalin raging about, burning the snows falling off the trees, the early adult dashed off toward the culprit of draconic warming.

Claymore hitting the pine trees, slabs of wood dropped into the palms of his hands. Puny enemy continuing its fire breathing rampage, an idea had struck a chord within the hyena's chest. Tossing down a flower friend, the early adult handed the odd lump of wood into the Windwheel Aster's hand. Pointing with commando, the log had been tossed forward.

Second log handed to the flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision, the block of wood slammed down onto the enemy's wings. Monster dropping down onto the ground, the penguin's fire show finished the deed, once and for all. But, such had not been the end of the dragon's reign upon Dragonspine.

Larger cloned Dvalin blasting pure Anemo energy onto the snow, the blast decimated a row of trees, in an instant. Deciduous nature soon a causality of war, the early adult jumped eight steps back. König's punch of gale wind failing upon impact, and blue flames put out in an instant, the monster had rose upward towards the icy sky quicker than the six eyes could follow.

However, a commotion soon took the stage. Sheep and goat chimeras coming out of nowhere, ascending the Frostbearing Tree riding a wind current the bounty hunters had soon become airborne. Women riding the icy wind, an aquatic bow made out of nothing but water soon materialized into Lang's hands. Aquatic dual axes soon in Kylling's hands as well, the watery weapons zeroed in on their prey.

Larger dragon knocked onto the ground, the early adult rolled up his sleeves. Placing the claymore issued by the Knights of Favonius in front of him, the early adult spun the blade in a circle. Aquatic axes aimed for the monster's spiky back, another opening had been created.

Hydro and Pyro combining themselves into a vaporized explosion, one final hurricane punch ended the cloned life of the recreated dragon. Sea of claps joining the fray, a wave of compliments drowned out of the snows around them. Lang and Kylling saying they would join their party, the bounty hunters had invited themselves into the group.

König giving the bounty hunters a disgusted look, the early adult lowered his eyes into a glare. Did he have a problem with powerful ladies joining the dragon slaying team? He knew, if such were the case, he would not allow for any insults to come their way. Path next to the Frostbearing Tree stepped over, another round of fights had soon begun.

Small, black dragon covered with venomous spikes all over its back screaming in agony, aquatic projectiles drowned the cloned creature into its grave faster than the soldier could blink. But, the enemy had not been alone. Second dragon darker than night spewing out toxins from its breath.

Tossing down a flower friend, the hyena turned his attention towards Lang and Kylling. Pointing at their Hydro Visions on the sheep's belt on her waist, and dangling from the goat's ear, the early adult then turned his index finger towards the Windwheel Aster dancing about. Heads tilted, a question had come his way.

"Pancakes plopping on top of puppies!" Lang exclaimed, inquisitive. "What are you asking?" But Kylling soon chimed in.

"He's pointin' at the little flower fella over there!" Kylling exclaimed. "Do you want us to soak it, or something?" She tilted her head, placing her finger on her chin.

Nodding, the bounty hunters' aquatic projectiles soon surrounded the flower friend. Dendro seeds dropping onto the battlefield into a cluster, Kaiser dashed forward, joining the fray once more. Blue flames engulfing the seeds of Dendro creation, they exploded with a fiery passion, in an instant. Dragon soon seeing the stars, the pesky penguin knight finished the deed, once and for all.

Veering off towards the southwest, a sight for sore eyes took the area by an ice storm. Large dragon wrecking havoc beside the frigid lakes, the bounty hunters threw themselves into the icy waters. Seeing such, the soldier's jaw dropped open wider than a yard. Why would they take such a risk? There was no way they could stand such freezing temperatures.

Bounty hunters shaking rapidly as their aquatic axes and bows barely did anything to vanquish the monster rampaging about, König jumped into the frozen waters immediately. Lang and Kylling kicked to the curb, the penguin knight had soon been one with his true nature. Backside soon transformed into black, feathered penguin down, his backside floated on the freezing waters like nonexistent clockwork.

Dragon soon swooping down as he swam about, König leaped onto the air. Human hands soon transforming into penguin flippers, the pesky penguin knight flashed about with a fervor. Enemy crashing down into the lake, sinking to the bottom as his webbed feet joined the party, the monster had been no more. Slamming his flippers together, he closed his eyes, for a moment.

"And that's how you defeat a dragon over water!" König bragged. "Don't waste your time if you're going to freeze into a popsicle, bounty hunters!"

The hyena glared daggers at the penguin knight's remark. Who did König think he was, bragging? A penguin like him had obvious advantages over frozen waters, being a semi-aquatic chimera. But, the early adult kept his mouth shut. There was no time to crack a wise one whatsoever. Group of five continuing to head southwest, tiny dragons the size of Cicins buzzed around unwanted as the Entombed City Palace drew ever so closer.

Creatures swatted away onto the ground crushed underneath Kaiser's high heels, an obstacle had soon gotten in the way of the ancient lost city of many years gone. Bounty hunter couple informing everyone the only way to reach the Entombed City Palace was to scale a mountain, groans slammed snow from the pine trees onto the ground.

Kaiser whining scaling a mountain would chip his nail extensions, the soldier rolled his eyes into the back of his head. If such were a problem, couldn't he just remove the ridiculous accessories? Penguin knight shouting to put on his gloves, a shout had been tossed his way. Nails soon covered with fabric, the mountain scaling had soon begun.

Entombed City Palace soon reached, the early adult studied the area, for a moment. High platformed area with a red glowing statue off onto the edge above a circular dome, the chimera jumped back at the sight before him. Large mob of Vishap hatchling rolling around everywhere, confusion made a meal out of the hyena. Baby dragons looking fake and unnatural, questions rolled pebbles around the soldier's fading human brain.

Artificial looking Vishaps continuing to roll around the Entombed City, the growing questions would not cease, even for a moment. Had the Abyss Order created clones of Vishaps, as well? If such had been the case, they had gotten their general makeup wrong, for sure. Baby dragons far too large to truly be hatchlings, but not large enough to be their fully grown counterparts, a puzzle piece fell onto the floor. How would he be able to fight such creatures? A mystery to be had, for sure.

König soon holding his fist out for fifteen seconds, a gust of wind pulled all the dragons into a singular area. Gale wind punch knocking the army of Vishaps backwards, Kylling's dual aquatic axes joined in on the unfun. Lang combining her legs into her waters, he limbs had soon become the dragons of inconsistent ages worst enemy.

Enemies soon cleared out, more Vishaps had come rolling onto the scene as the party of five kept heading west. Multiple dragons taken to their early grave, larger ones had begun to join the party as the entrance to a small cavern with raised platforms above icy waters swiftly approached. But, surprise visitors had shown themselves as an icy flower bomb deep off into the distance blew the dragon into smithereens.

Outrider and Spindrift Knight on the other side of the partially submerged pillars vanquishing dragons as well, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Had his eyes been playing tricks on him, or had there been other knights been slaying dragons, as well? Fiery arrow tossing another Vishap into the lake, a condensed slime bomb had soon been lit up into an inferno.

Multiple dragons taken out of this world by the knight duo in the corner, the party of five jumped across the two stray platforms above the water. Icicles dropping down after everyone had crossed to the other side, the soldier's eyes twitched rapidly. If he had arrived any second later, he would have been done for, guaranteed. Outrider soon huffing a tired breath, a complaint sailed the seas.

"Man, these dragons are tough!" The Outrider exclaimed, energy bouncing back as quickly as it left. "Thank you for helping, ----!"

Spindrift Knight turning her head away, she crossed her arms around her chest. "Only because you insisted!" The Spindrift Knight lied with a snotty attitude. She then turned towards König's. "You! Gefroren! Aren't you supposed to be in charge of this operation? If you're slacking off, mark my words, vengeance will be mine!" She pointed at the man. "Don't you see how many are left rolling around?" But, König's barked back.

"Plenty more in Skyfrost Nail for me to take out!" König's barked back. "But, don't worry yourselves over this. Leave this to the men!"

Outrider and Spindrift Knight giving König glares of a lifetime, the early adult let out a loud groan. Slapping his hand on his face, the young soldier shook his head in disbelief. This Knight was absolutely backwards. Who allowed this man to join the knights with such disgusting ways of thinking? Such was beyond his understanding.

Group of a dozen Vishaps crowded into a mob shortly after such disgusting words had leaked themselves out of the penguin knight's filthy mouth, every single dragon within Entombed City Palace had been slain to oblivion. Skyfrost Nail reached for the second day in a row, a sense of Dejavu overtook the chimera as an Abyss Mage sung in the sky.

Icy blue, and red robed Abyss Mages swooping downward on their artificially created dragons setting everything around them into flames, the chimera's heart skipped two beats. The Abyss Order had finally shown themselves? If such were the case, a difficult battle was about to be upon him.

Mage of the world beneath soon spotting Kaiser and he, the icy blue enemy from the world beneath Teyvat vanished for a moment. Dragon dropping onto the ground near the domain entrance, the masked creature of the Abyss danced about. Icicles dropping onto Kaiser's dress, a shout tiled the enemy's mask.

Wretched, ugly, masked monster tossing their puny icicles on his gorgeous, one-of-a-kind skin tight outfit, Kaiser let out a shout. How dare this disgusting, mask wearing freaks think they could tarnish their dress? They would pay greatly for such despicable crime against fashion.

"How dare you make my dress wet with your ugly little icicles!" Kaiser shouted at the top of his lungs! "You'll pay!"

Kaiser's blue flames running hotter than his temper, the early adult jumped off the ledge towards the domain entrance. He supposed he had the Abyss Mage covered on his own, there was no need to wedge himself into such fight. Bounty hunters struggling against the dragon in the corner, the soldier threw himself into the ring.

Dragon of many alchemical properties slamming its head into the goat chimera's torso, the young woman had been knocked many meters backwards. Lang soon attempting to aim for the talons, a beam of energy released itself from the enemy's mouth. Sheep chimera knocked back, as well, the losing die had rolled a one.

Large Dragon of the East clone locking eyes onto Siorc, a sea of shooting stars took to the skies. Teal projectiles slamming down onto the snowy ground harder than a rock, the soldier had soon become a knocked back casualty, well. Rammed into the domain entrance as a rock slammed itself onto his short body, the chimera could feel his vitality drop quicker with every second.

Enemy roaring about as it summoned another sea of shooting stars, the hyena's left shoulder had soon been taken out of the picture. Boulders of teal space dust slamming him into a pillar, the bounty hunter's backs soon crashed into the stone, as well. Loud crack echoing on the icy wind as the dragon was about to open its mouth, a scream entered the battlefield.

"Gee wilikers! Time out, dragon!" Lang screamed. "Too rough!"

Penguin duo up above vanquishing the other dragon up above, the red robed Abyss Mage soon jumped onto the back of the rampaging enemy below. Masked monster breaking out into heavy laughter dancing on top of their possible creation, a beam of energy had been fired upon the sheep bounty hunter. Dropping onto the ground, she closed her eyes, for a moment.

Penguin knight slapping Lang's face hard until she woke up, Kylling had turned red as a tomato. Dual aquatic axes soon in her hands, she jumped up onto the cliffside on the corner, jumping down onto the dragon like a wild tiger in Sumeru. Lang joining in on the chaos, the early adult slowly regained energy, as well.

Witnessing König slap Lang awake, the early adult balled his hand into a fist. Was such brute force necessary whatsoever? He knew it had not been, but the young soldier kept his attention on the battle in front of him. Abyss Mage surrounding their dragon familiar into a shield, the hyena swung the greatsword forward.

Windy punch and flame show destroying the shield in a matter of moments, the early adult kept slashing about. Dragon slain after about fifteen slashes from the penguins efforts and he, one final aquatic axe had been the final nail in the coffin. Mage dropping down onto the snow, a pathetic losing speech bounced off the domain doors in the corner.

"It's not over yet!" the Abyss Mage shouted, pointing its wand. "More of our dragon friends will be here soon! You've lost, chimeras!" Poofing away, the Mage had the last laugh.

"More dragons?" Lang complained, voice tired. "Lettuce licking my legs! Let's get out of here, Kylling!"

Kylling agreeing with her partner, the bounty hunters had soon staged their exit. Watching as the two ran off into the distance, the early adult shrugged his shoulders. He supposed he would not be seeing them again if this odd job were to continue any longer. Penguin knight gazing at him with a sharp look on his face, a demand had been ready to be served to him upon a windy platter.

"You, girly Fatui! Go back to your stupid home up north!" König demanded. "But, you'd better come back tomorrow! Your job isn't done yet!"

Bellowing a growl the pesky penguin knight's way, the early adult opened the proxy orb into map form. Military barracks waypoint soon highlighted, he dissipated the map back into orb form. Steel walled room upon him after ten minutes of accelerated walking, the soldier slipped himself under the rock hard covers. World of dreams ready to invite him back in for the night, one final thought looped on repeat.

He was getting quite tired of König's constant demands.

***

"Bro doesn't want Regi and I fighting dragons?
And what's he gonna do if we show up?
The Adventurer's Guild assigned us this mission,
Okay, yesterday, Regi said
No, but Katheryne says, 'I am afraid this is the

Only commission I have for you two today.' Sis
Frowns. 'Are you sure, Katheryne? Our brother doesn't want us to take this one.'

Eh! She shook her head!
Looks like it really is the only one!
Eyeing sis, she looks nervous! I tug on her sleeve.
'C'mon, Regi!' I exclaimed, tugging harder. She
Turned to me, shaking my head.
Regi responds. 'Holly, no, König doesn't want us fighting the dragons.'
I persist! 'Sis, come on, I'm fourteen now, not five! I
Can take a little beating!' She turns to look the other way, eyes shut.
'I guess so, but, our brother's going to get angry.'
That has never stopped me! It won't this time!
'You and I can take on a little yelling, can't we?' I asked. Regi soon nodding, we leave for Dragonspine!"

Waking up the next morning, the soldier clicked matching rabbit hairpins and earrings into place. This time, for sure, if König ordered him around and flapped his gums unwanted, he would get what's coming to him, for sure. Reaching Knights Headquarters after jumping down from the waypoint in the tower, the hyena kept his head held high.

Kaiser in a plain white shirt and pleaded skirt, the chimera shrugged his shoulders. Had he run out of gaudy fashion? Dressing almost normal had to have been a difficult task for him, for sure. Bossy booted penguin knight slamming the headquarters doors wide open, the walk to the entrance of Dragonspine had soon begun. But, another surprise awaited the penguin duo in front of him as the outdoor camps slowly approached.

Regina and Hollander with cheesy grins on their faces as their older brother approached, the chimera shook his head. Why did they look so excited? König was about to say something incredibly backwards, for sure. Tallest penguin chimera shaking his head, as well, crossing his arms firmly across his waist, thinking more backwards than a summersault in a reverse rung the ears of every female in the area.

"Regina, Hollander? Didn't I tell you two not to come back out here after we all departed from home this morning?" König asked, irritated. "Leave this job to the men. Don't you have commissions elsewhere?"

Siorc's eyes twitched with a fervor. Why did it matter why they had been within the camp outside of Dragonspine? A woman could do any job a man could do. What a disgusting backwards man König had been. Folding his left hand into a fist, the soldier lowered his eyes into a glare. Enough had been enough. It was time to give the aggravating penguin knight ten pieces of his mind.

"Do you ever stop talking?" Siorc asked, voice raising. "Your sisters are just as capable of fighters as you are." He lowered his eyes into a glare, putting his foot down. "Keep your backwards opinions to yourself, and do your job."

Regina, Hollander and Kaiser giving him shocked glances as he finished speaking, the early adult tilted his head. Had he really said something so unbelievable that he had left the room speechless? Such surprised looks was unnecessary, for sure. He had spoken the truth. Regina, closing her mouth, her eyes wandered a bit.

"Thank you for your brave words," Regina said, voice trailing off. She then mumbled a whisper the hyena could not hear. Hollander's voice then joined the party.

"Bro, bosslady told us there were no other commissions for us!" Hollander explained. "We're helping out!"

"Archons, fine! You're already here, anyway!" König shouted, giving in to defeat.

Pesky penguin knight shooting him a glare, the early adult balled his right hand into a fist, as well. Penguin family crossing the bridge in front of him, a wave of unease flowed through the soldier as the party of five had headed towards the southwest direction. He could not help but feel something had been off within the frozen lesser permafrost north.

Such suspicions had been proven true as the cave with red grass had been stepped into. Scarlet Quartz smashed to pieces in the corner, and red chamber in the center of the cave empty, the early adult could feel his heart begin to race in his chest. Recalling in his father's notes the red glowing object in the center of the cave had been the heart of a dragon, the early adult could feel his heart beat harder and faster, in his chest as the sight of the missing dragon heart burned into his brain.

Cave darker than ever before, the hyena could feel his chest get tighter with every second passing. The dragon's heart, who could have possibly taken such a thing? Chambers broken, someone had to have broken their way into it, for sure. Seeing such, the hyena knew one thing for certain, and one thing only.

Dragonspine would soon be in jeopardy.

Wretched, ugly dragon heart stolen from its very atriums, Kaiser screamed at the top of their lungs. Who in their right mind would steal such a wretched thing? Wasn't the heart of the dragon Durin supposed to remain within Wyrmrest Valley for all eternity? Whoever could have possibly taken it would face the wrath of all seven gods combined.

Watching as König, Regina and Hollander exchanged nervous glances at one another, the hyena could not help but wonder. If the penguin family had lived in Dragonspine, how could they have not known what was going on around them? But, the early adult pushed such thought off the broken bridge. He supposed they were not clairvoyant, all knowing beings of what went on when they had been away from their homeland. Hollander soon raising her voice, information tagged itself into the ring.

"Regi, we saw someone head towards Starglow Cavern with that ball! this morning! Hollander shouted.

König screaming they all needed to run now, ten legs erupted into a speedy sprint. But an obstacle of dragons awaited the party of five as Starglow Cavern had been a long way off from the valley. Three dragons dropping down from the sky, they swiped their talons forward.

Monsters looking weaker than the others before, the soldier closed his eyes. Human hands transforming into hyena claws, the soldier swiped forward. Using the elements was not needed. First dragon vanquished with twenty swipes of his claws, the early adult cracked his inhuman knuckles.

Penguin family bringing down the other two dragons with their elements combined, the dash about continued onward. Starglow Cavern quickly reached as team of five threw themselves into the icy cave of tilted slopes, the early adult observed the area.

Seeing no person within the caves, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Had Hollander been certain she had seen someone carrying around the dragon heart? Maybe she had been mistaken. But, the hyena kept his mouth shut. Telling a young woman she had been wrong when she had been absolutely certain would be far too dismissive of him, for sure. Loud draconic roar down below on the lowest floor of the cavern, everyone jumped down to the floor beneath.

Alchemical clones of Dvalin on the floor near the exit of the cavern, Hollander jumped into action. Baton of electricity paralyzing the monsters into oblivion, the youngest of the penguin chimeras slashed her sword like she had been practicing for many years. Double dragon threat slain by the adolescent penguin dragon slayer, she brushed her hands together.

Hollander making quick work of the dragons of artificial creation, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. Had he just witnessed two dragons slain by the youngest member of the group? Age was an irrelevant measure of capabilities in one's strength, indeed. Everyone stepping outside the cavern, the icy wind blew with a fervor.

Multiple dragons slain by the penguin family and the hyena within the deepest outskirts of the less permafrost area, a sight to behold turned the snowstorm into a blizzard stronger than Snezhnaya's month long storms. Chief Alchemist standing on the edge of the snow glaring at a icy platform on the frozen lake, a sight to behold broke the odds into evens.

Faux alchemist standing upon thin ice holding the dragon heart in his left hand, the early adult rubbed his eyes underneath his glasses. Had he been seeing double? Chief Alchemist's look alike jumping onto the snow letting out a cheeky laugh, a look of bewilderment painted the penguin knight's annoying face. Every other one of his siblings shrugging such off, the true alchemist motioned his lips to speak.

"Subject No. 2, this is going too far, don't you think?" The Alchemist asked. There had been a long pause between sentences. "I can understand you being interested in alchemy, but you must return that." There was no emotion in his voice.

Hearing the true alchemist proclaim the faux alchemist as Subject Number Two, the hyena could feel his head spin as questions had begun to drown him at bay. Subject Number Two, what could that have possibly meant? The true and false alchemists, had they been a subject of an experiment? World spinning around him as the questions kept churning out, the faux alchemist shot an invisible arrow into his wanderlust.

"It's already too late for that, now isn't it?" The faux alchemist asked sarcastically. "And, really? Subject No. 2? I was Gold's true successful creation! You are the one that's her failure!" Snapping his fingers, a Ruin Grader stomped onto the snow. Opening the machine's core, the dragon heart had been tossed inside like a slime. He then let out a emotionless cackle. "Subject No. 2, funny name." His laugh grew more sinister with every passing second. "You, failure, and pathetic chimeras, can call me Rubedo." He smirked. "We'll show you who's the successful creation!" Snapping his fingers, the Ruin Grader's core had begun to glow.

Ruin Grader soon taking to the skies, a barrage of bombs rained down onto the snowy ground beneath. Seeing such attack, a realization switch had clicked on inside the hyena. The faux alchemist, he had to have been the one behind the explosives, for sure. Jumping back as the torrent of projectiles teemed downward, the soldier studied the enemy in silence.

True alchemist screaming a battle cry about coming into being, a rocky flower constructed by invisible alchemy dropped down onto the icy floor. Hollander soon riding the strange device, the youngest amongst the penguins had been propelled up towards the sky. Electro baton soon constructed in her hands, the projectile exploded with a crackle of electricity as it made contact with the robotic enemy.

Explosion knocking the mechanical enemy backwards, the rock hopping penguin had joined the battle. Shield soon surrounding Regina as her penguin friend fought alongside her, the early adult tilted his head. How had Regina already been able to unleash her ultimate attack? But, the soldier returned his attention to the battle in front of him. Kaiser and König oddly working together again and joining forces, the penguin's flames and wind swirled into one.

Ruin Grader looking weaker, the hyena tossed down a flower friend. Silk Flower friend joining in on the robotic fight of draconic heart madness, vines slapped the enemy's core for fifteen seconds. As such had taken shape, a flaw had presented itself to the party of five plus the alchemist guest.

Enemy's body soon corroding as the dragon heart pumped inside it, the modified war machine had become as still as a statue. Robot looking ready to power down, bombs tossed out of its barely movable mechanical hands. Blue flames making quick work of the explosives, however, the sound of a ping echoed throughout the area.

Feeling their elemental energy reach the maximum level, Kaiser's soul deep within burst into flames. Crown of flames on top of his head, he snapped his fingers in quick precision. Pointing their finger at the wretched monster's core, a scream had been on the top of his penguin lungs.

"The Empress casts their fiery judgement upon you!" Kaiser shouted at the top of their lungs.

Sea of flames burning the Ruin Grader's core crispy, a burst of energy had begun to flow through König, as well. Blast of Anemo energy flowing through him, storm clouds had been in the palm of his hands. Dropping down a vortex beneath the enemy's feet, winds stronger than any of his previous attacks dislodged the machine's legs into dismembered pieces in an instant. Vortex moving upwards towards the mechanical hands, all four limbs had popped off.

Mechanical enemy of sinister modifications sparking up a storm, the party of five swung their blades in unison. Alchemist staying out of the fight, the quadruple swords and singular claymore kept slashing about. Sparks increasing as the fury continued, the Ruin Grader soon dropped onto the snow beneath, fading into the ether. Dragon heart falling out of the vanishing core, the alchemist grabbed the stolen commodity swiftly, but surely.

"Your attempt failed!" König shouted, holding back a sarcastic laugh. "Go figure!" But, as he said such, a large portal opened.

"You don't know what I'm capable of, chimera," Rubedo responded, legs stepping into the portal. He then turned towards the pesky, purple haired hyena chimera in the corner. "And, you, feeble little hyena, soon you will witness the awakening of a new god!" Letting out a laugh, he exited into the portal, presence soon vanishing.

Hearing such information, the soldier's head had begun to spin faster. The faux alchemist and the Abyss Order in the Desert of Hadramaveth, had they achieved their goal already? Head continuing to spin, the early adult fell to his knees. The faux alchemist, just how deep had he already been within the Abyss Order? He could feel his head grow fuzzier as the questions pinned him down deeper on the snowy ground.

Hearing the sound of six feet exiting the area, the early adult attempted to catch his breath. Had the penguin family already left? He supposed he did not blame them for leaving when the job had already been done. Feeling a gloved hand grab his own, the soldier had soon been lifted back onto his feet.

Kaiser looking into his eyes with a peculiar look on their face, the chimera blinked of bewilderment. Why had they stayed behind? Surely, at the moment, his brother had been on temporary good terms. Vain penguin looking ready to say something, the early adult kept is fading gaze forward. What could they possibly have to say to him? If it were something about fashion, he would leave immediately.

"Thank you for standing up for what was right," Kaiser said, almost reluctantly. "I'll show König how ugly his thinking is!"

Siorc let out a sigh. He supposed Kaiser wasn't all that bad after all, despite how much he despised admitting to such line of thinking. But, a sea of predictable lines popped such bubble of a thought, in an instant, burning any bridge that still existed between the positive opinions and he.

"But, you need to refresh your wardrobe!" Kaiser shouted, pointing fingers at his winter coat. "Your uniform is drab!"

Penguin running off with such a ludicrous remark, the early adult flipped the positive thinking switch off. He changed his mind. Kaiser was annoying as ever. Alchemist soon looking at him with a emotionless, but concerned face, a predictable question had come his way.

"Are you alright?" the alchemist asked. "You fell over."

Nodding, the hyena looked into the alchemist's eyes. Was such concern necessary? It was unwarranted, for sure. Briefly falling over was no reason for any sort of worry. Alchemist continuing to study him for a few moments, the soldier could feel sweat drip down his brown. What more could he possibly have to say to him? Hadn't a nod been enough of a confirmation?

"Regardless, it would seem your job is finished, is it not?" the alchemist asked, words slow. "Perhaps it is best you head back to your basis of operations."

Nodding once again, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Icy cold hallways soon upon him, the chimera the soldier stepped into the soundproof room. Loud yawn breaking loose from his throat, everything had soon been removed. Glasses put away as well, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed.

But, a sea of questions buzzed in the hyena's mind as he closed his eyes. The faux alchemist, just what did he have against chimeras? World of sleep calling out to him, one final thought looped on repeat as the land of tormented dreams invited him back in for the night.

There would soon be an awakening of a new god.

The faux alchemist was still a threat, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

32. Abyss Order Origins, Acid Rain and The Withering Worsening

"Cannot help but feel everything is
Overwhelming lately. Dragonspine, the faux alchemist.
Really, it is everything.
Relatively speaking, every single day is
Overwhelming. But, I
Should not complain.
I mustn't falter. I know this is
Very much the beginning of
Every worse thing to come.

Alliances, but are they really?
Cannot help but feel
It is just means to use me.
Do not know how much longer this will go on, but

Even so. I need to keep working in this
Vicious, cool breeze.
Each and every day is unpredictable. I must be
Ready. Today will be normal.
Yes. Surely, today
Will be another day of training.
However, I must not
Expect such. I could be wrong.
Right. Except anything.
Expect every outcome. I am ready."

Four days had passed since the hyena and lynx chimera dealt with boar clones in Liyue. Oddities kicking into full swing, a half week of one singular odd job melted the snows of Dragonspine. Routines as dead as a corpse in the snow, stress had begun building itself a house within the early adult's body.

Letter taped on his door, a strange order had come the soldier's way. Knights requesting an audience of him, the pesky penguin family sans the tutor dealt with a growing dragon and bomb problem in Dragonspine. Threat decimated with the combined elements, and culprit located, the dragons in Dragonspine were no more.

Upon waking up for the morning, the early adult could feel his heart skip a beat. Performing his breathing exercises for a brief moment, the hyena had rose from the uncomfortable bed. Knowing that, at any moment, his orders could arrive, the chimera had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As his uniform glued itself onto his partially human person, the hyena had come to wonder. The faux alchemist, just what was his true goal? The abyss, alchemy. Just what was he after? But, the early adult shook his head. Perhaps, it was best to not think about such. The convictions of those who opposed him would never be something he would be allowed to know.

Snapping the buttons on his uniform shut, the early adult's heart skipped another beat. Slamming his hand onto his chest, the young soldier took another long, deep breath. But, such had not been enough. Feeling his heart begin to leap, the hyena kept the breathing exercises going. Everything dissipating into normalcy, the chimera removed the cover off the jewelry and accessory box.

Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place, Windwheel Asters adorned the hyena's hair and ears. Sharp tips clamping into his hair, the early adult gazed the box of marvels in front of him. Turning his prized possessions into weapons, was this truly what he wanted? Rational brain on at the moment, regret flowed through the chimera.

Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the soldier gazed at the yellow-green orb, for a moment. Watching as it glowed, the early adult could not help but ponder. Just what made everyone's Visions within Teyvat so different from one another? But, the hyena shook his head. Perhaps he was overthinking it. Surely, there had to have been other people with abilities similar to his own.

Everything else on, the chimera had finished the morning routine of dressing the body. Walking around in a circle upon the icy cold floor, another sea of questions flowed through the hyena. Delusions, Visions, the chess pieces the scorpion chimeras owned, why had their powers been so similar, but have such drastic differences in prowess? Gazing at the sinister yellow orb in the corner, unease flowed through the early adult.

Her Majesty's gift, what consequences would it bear upon him if he were to finally use it? Recalling the various times his heartbeat had become painful, and uneven from various uses of Delusions in the past, the early adult closed his eyes, for a moment. Turning around, the hyena returning to pacing about. The Delusion was out of sight, out of mind.

But, such sea of questions would not cease, even for a moment. Thoughts continuing to churn like butter, the soldier wondered once more. Why had no two vision bearers been the same? Such thought had been quickly halted, however, as the sound of footsteps had begun marching in.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march onward inexorably, the hyena halted his pace about. Steeling himself, the early adult put on the most diplomatic face possible. There was no time to continue thinking about such things; his orders were to arrive at any moment. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the chimera turned his attention to the door. 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 in arms. Another day, another progression of the soldier's strength.

The early adult let out a sigh. What ridiculous battles awaited him on the training grounds today? He knew, whatever awaited him, he had to prepare himself for anything. Preparedness through the roof, the hyena looked into the Agent's mask.

"Yes, sir," the chimera responded autonomously. Holding his arm out, the young soldier waited for the escort to begin.

Immediate response given, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent his subordinate had been ready today. A pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. "Good. We're going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he grasped the limb into a firm lock. Gripping prison as relentless as it always had been, the chimera closed his eyes. But, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brains as the escort began.

Hopefully, there would not be any leftover dragons today upon the battlefield.

***

"Scorpions today, really?
Cannot help but feel guilty.
Obviously, this is not right, defeating such creatures, no. This isn't
Right. I cannot do this, in good conscience. But,
Perhaps I am overthinking. There
Is no way these scorpions are related to their chimeras. I am
Overthinking. But, I cannot refuse to fight, or
Naofa will have my neck. Or worse, truly. This is

Vile. What if they are the scorpion chimera's familiars? Family?
Even now I feel like this is going to harm them.
Now, I remember how the lizards acted.
Of all the creatures that mad malpracticing doctor cloned, it had to be scorpions.
Madness. Leave such creatures alone.

Even so, I have no choice but to fight. But, I will
Vehemently be against such actions.
Everything is going to haunt me. Argenta, Plata, I am
Really, truly, sorry.
Yes, I am sorry, I apologize. I do not
Wish to bring harm to your possible family.
However, I have no choice.
Even so this not how it should be. Cloning is
Ridiculous, wrong. Especially frightening.
Everything about this is truly alarming. That doctor, just what is he planning?"

Having arrived at the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the early adult gulped. Had it just been his imagination, or was the atmosphere of the battlegrounds denser and heavier than normal? But, the early adult snapped himself back to reality. There was no time to think about such things. Naofa was waiting for him.

Stepping into the in the weapons room, the early adult's nose crinkled. What in the world had been that rancid smell? But, the young soldier attempted with all his might to waft the scent away. Removing a golden greatsword with an Inazuman sword hilt, the chimera walked towards the lynx chimera.

Naofa waiting for him with dual curved swords in its left and right hand, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Why had they been wielding a second blade? But, the early adult put a pin in such question. He supposed he had been used to the lynx using whatever weapons it wished. Turning towards it, the soldier gave eye contact.

"There you are, flea, be careful today!" Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "We're fighting some toxic creatures!" A wide smirk appeared on its face.

Hearing the word toxic, the early adult took a deep breath. But, the rancid air reigned supreme. Air feeling tighter and thinner as the seconds raged onward, the early adult held back a cough. The air, why had it been so thin? Whatever monsters he were about to fight today, their toxins had already been on a rampage, for sure.

Watching as the hyena chimera held back a cough, Naofa let out a cackle. How weak, and pitiful, the human lungs were to not be able to withstand heavily toxic air pressure. If he were to faint upon the battlefield today, such would not be its problem. The weak were pathetic creatures who fed off the strong. Pesky armored Harbinger stomping onto the battlegrounds, such thoughts were halted, in an instant.

"Put your backs into it, soldiers!" the heavily armored Harbinger commanded. "These scorpions aren't going to fight themselves!" As he said such, his metallic boots walked off into the opposite direction.

Large scorpions with heavy armor and large stingers crackling with electricity, fire, ice, wind, bubbles, air and rocks, the air got even heavier in a matter of moments. Monsters turning their tails to the sky, their venom had soon mixed with the icy wind. Atmosphere getting denser by the second, the rancid scent had begun to worsen.

Multiple Fatui soldiers collapsing onto the ground as though they were a collection of corpses, the soldier's shoulders jolted. Placing his hands over his nose, the hyena breathed into his hands. If he were not careful, he would lose consciousness, in an instant. Venomous creatures coming his way, the early adult prepared himself. Readiness was key.

Watching as multiple weak human soldiers collapsed in an instant, Naofa let out a a sinister laugh. How pitiful and meek the human lungs were. Watching as the scorpions crowded around the unconscious bodies of the useless soldiers, its laugh soon turned into a snarl. The doctor was even more pathetic for cloning scorpions from the desert and fusing them with elemental residue. Perhaps, telling a story about Abyss Order would cause them to die faster.

"Would you look at that! More of that pitiful doctor's pathetic clones!" Naofa exclaimed, tone more noxious than even the air. "Let's get this going, shall we?" It then pointed towards the hyena chimera's chest. "Oh, and don't be pathetic like those other soldiers, and faint!"

Letting out a sigh, the early adult attempted to withstand the rancid scent. Perhaps, just maybe, if he did not focus on such horrific stench, he would become used to the air quicker. But, as the monster approached, the thickness of the air had begun to increase. Holding back a cough, the young soldier steeled himself.

Large, yellow armored scorpion throwing rocks with potent toxins the hyena's way, the early adult let out a gulp. There was no way he would be able to make it to the end of the battle without losing consciousness, for sure. But, such thought was immediately halted as a teal tailed arachnid friend joined the party.

Air only getting thicker and denser as the creatures crawled by, the soldier covered his nose and mouth. No matter how many seconds were to pass, the rancidness would not cease, even for a moment. Naofa placing itself into a fighting stance, the early adult attempted to do so, as well. But, the noxious air remained.

As the chimera attempted with all his energy to tune the scent out, the lynx chimera's dual blades and the scorpion met. Monster dying quickly like a samurai finding an innocent victim in the middle of the night to try out their new blade, the hyena prepared himself once more. He needed to defeat the enemies quickly, or he would be called pathetic, for sure.

Preparedness was about to die a dishonorable death.

Large, yellow rocks coming out of the scorpion's pinchers, the early adult attempted to jump six steps back. But, the rancid air remained supreme. Spewing a cough, the boulders had begun speeding the hyena's way faster than a scared mouse running for its life. Rock slamming into his arms with full force, green goop spilled onto the soldier's limbs.

Green puddles burning his skin immediately, the chimera let out a scream. The monster's acids were potent, vile, rancid. Air only getting denser, and thicker as the rocks rode the sky, the early adult's hand returned over his nose as if they had been the best of friends. Lungs only beginning to feel tighter within, the hyena focused his attention on the battlefield. There was no time to allow for weakness, Her Majesty could be watching.

Tuning out the rancid stench, the early adult threw down a flower friend. But, such attack was futile. Silk Flower friend shriveling up in an instant, uselessness hugged the soldier from behind. Flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision unable to aid him in combat, failure had begun to whisper in his ears.

Watching as Siorc's pathetic little flowers wilted into nothing as he summoned them, Naofa shook its head. How pathetic he was, at this very moment. Did he not know acidic, noxious scorpion toxins killed plant life? It would remind him once and for all to get his weak, pitiful, and useless strategies in check.

"Are you stupid, leech? Don't summon your pathetic flowers!" Naofa shouted, tone toxic. It then launched fiery projectiles towards the weak and pathetic monster. "Try harder, and don't disappoint me, water flea!"

Siorc's heart skipped a beat upon hearing the lynx call him a water flea. Right, toxins and venom killed plant life, how could he forget? Summoning his flower friends would get him nowhere, for sure. Gazing at the monster's pinchers, the early adult attempted to aim for the vice gripping appendages, but such attempt was over before it could even begin.

Venomous rocks slamming into his arm once more, acids had begun to leak onto him like a chemical explosion. Letting out a scream, the limb had begun to sting with a fervor. Gritting his teeth as he attempted to regain focus, the soldier gazed at the enemy. Perhaps, just maybe, dodging and deflecting was the only option.

Such attempt to dodge was over before it could even begin. Air getting thinner, and denser as rocks rode the icy wind, the hyena could feel the air within him leave swifter. Second rock making its acquaintance with his partially human person, the chimera's limb burned with every second passing.

Naofa's dual blades slaughtering another scorpion into raw meat, the soldier attempted to focus on the monster's stinger from behind it. Perhaps, just maybe, if he relied on muscle memory, dodging would come to him faster. Focusing all his energy on his legs, the early adult readied to jump backwards as more boulders were about to come his way.

Muscle memory had been a quick, and utter failure. Feeling his breath get away from him, dodging had been an impossible feat. Rock slamming into his hips, the hyena grit his teeth. Noxious venom dripping off his uniform, the soldier focused his attention once more. This time, for sure, muscle memory would not fail him.

Enemy crawling about preparing the attack of its life, the early adult watched its movements carefully. Rancid scent tuned out, the chimera switched the position of his legs. Rock coming his way faster than a large pigeon capable of reaching a speed of mach two, the soldier readied the jump. But, such dodge was halted by the sound of Naofa's voice.

"Say, want to hear another story, flea?" Naofa asked.

The chimera rose an eyebrow as he jumped back. Is now really the time for such a thing? A battle tougher than many others was at his currently human hands. Boulder dodged, the hyena nodded. He knew he had no choice in the matter, or the lynx would call him a leech.

Another scorpion reduced to raw meat in a matter of seconds, the soldier locked eyes with the enemy. He needed to try harder to defeat the monster, guaranteed. Rock coming his way, the hyena jumped seven steps back. Boulder speeding past him, the early adult placed his hand over his nose. Taking a filtered breath, the chimera kept his focus forward.

Two more earthy projectiles coming his way, the soldier jumped to the right and left. Arm stinging as he lifted the greatsword, the hyena held back a scream. Perhaps, it would be best to numb himself before deflecting any more objects that were about to speed towards him.

Smaller, pointier, jagged sea of rocks heading for his back, Siorc jumped nine steps to the right. Sediments unable to reach him, the chimera kept his filtered breaths going. Air getting slightly thicker as more of the monsters became one with nature, the early adult turned towards the lynx chimera.

Seeing Siorc nod minutes before, Naofa put on a toothy grin. The time had come to talk about the only thing that mattered. Perhaps, he would finally be able to defeat the weak and pitiful cloned arachnid in front of him once its story started rolling out. Slashing another pathetic clone to bits, its smirk had only grown wider.

"Good! Then listen well, flea!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Did you know the Abyss Order came from Khaenri'ah?"

The hyena blinked as such information had come his way. Why did that sound so correct, and absolutely true? Brain popping a spark, the chimera lunged himself towards the scorpion. The enemy, it had to die. Its life had to end, right now. But, the early adult snapped himself out of it. Where had those violent thoughts come from, all of the sudden? He needed to remove such from his mind immediately. Rocks coming his way for what felt like the tenth time, the early adult placed the curved claymore in front of him.

Blade and the rock introducing themselves to one another, the boulder bounced itself off onto the enemy. Projectile colliding with the monster, the toxic creature of recreation's armored head had begun to spin. Creature looking open, the soldier slashed the claymore about with a quiet riot. Monster becoming one with nature after eight slashes, the air had begun to clean itself up. But, the battles had not yet reached their climax.

Large, icy blue arachnid dropping toxic shards of ice upon the ground it walked on, soon standing stationary upon the ice cold ground, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Monster remaining still for minutes on end enclosing itself into a barrier, the soldier turned his attention towards the lynx chimera, for a moment.

Five more crawling enemies vanquished by the lynx's dual blades, the early adult shrugged as its singular visible eye locked onto him. He supposed, it was best to act as though he did not know such information. Would acting as though he knew raise suspicions? He knew he had to avoid such outcome, at all costs.

Witnessing Siorc shrug, Naofa let out a sinister chuckle. So, he didn't know that the Abyss order hailed from Khaenri'ah. How typical of the modern water fleas of today. But, such was a common occurrence amongst the pathetic chimeras within the current society. How pitiful of him. It would remind him of the truth.

"So, you don't know? Typical for a water flea!" Naofa exclaimed, noxious tone returning. "The Abyss Order was created by Khaenri'ahns who wanted revenge. But, they use the pathetic powers of the abyss to do so!" It bellowed a sinister laugh. "How pitiful! The Abyss Order is weak! But, I'll get my revenge first, just you wait!"

The chimera rolled his eyes to the sky. Was getting revenge a competition? How incredibly ridiculous, there was no reason for such to be the case. Enemy retreating from its shield and moving its pinchers forward, the soldier focused his attention on the battlefield. Acidic icicles speeding towards him, the hyena swung his blade with a fervor.

Projectiles of ice sent back towards the enemy, the monster's pinchers had soon been encased in a block of ice. Knowing such was his chance to strike, the early adult slashed the scorpion's frozen pinchers. Hearing a loud shatter as the metallic edge pierced the opposing force, the arachnid had begun to flinch.

Monster looking ready to raise its stinger, the chimera took a deep, filtered breath. Dashing off towards its behind, the greatsword and the monster's backside had quickly become the best of friends. Creature looking weaker as the fight roared on, the early adult prepared to deal the final blow, but as he readied to do so, the lynx's voice interrupted once again.

"As for who founded the pathetic order? I don't know, moth!" Naofa said, tone seeping with poison. "But, whoever it is, I'll show them who's the one who shall reign supreme!"

Greatsword and the enemy's stinger shaking hands, the scorpion of icy toxins flipped over onto its backside. Lower body exposed for the entire conscious population of two to see, the early adult closed his eyes. Slicing the blade through the center of the creature's back, the enemy faded into the ether.

Denseness in the air dissipating, the hyena puffed a sigh of relief. No more scorpions on the battlefield, the chimera headed towards the weapons room. Placing the greatsword back onto the weapon rack, the hyena headed towards the lynx chimera. Other human soldiers coming to as he returned to the battlegrounds, groans and confusion muddled the atmosphere in minutes.

Fatui soldiers coming to their senses as they asked what happened, their pale white faces spoke volumes above the clouds. Naofa with a look of contempt on his face, a wave of unease flowed through the early adult. Were all the other soldiers upon the battle grounds about to get a lecture? If such were the case, he did not wish to bear witness to such event.

Multiple men getting the information they needed, a sea of heavy coughs poisoned the air. Hearing such, a wave of concern smacked the chimera around. Had the heavy toxins littered in the air taken a toll on the soldiers who had been knocked out? A pity cherry dropped into the center of the hyena's stomach as such cemented into place. Lynx chimera soon turning his way, the soldier made eye contact.

"For what it's worth, you did decent today, moth," Naofa said, plastic tone remaining. It then put on a smirk, placing its gloved hands beside its mouth. "Speaking of poison, it seems Sumeru is having a similar issue right now!" It let out a haughty laugh. "Expect to see me again tomorrow. You can go now!"

Hearing Naofa tell the weakened soldiers it would take them to The Doctor as he exited into the barracks, a second pity cherry dropped into the center of the hyena's stomach. Whatever were to happen to them off the battlefields, he knew they would be in for a world of pain. But, as he walked through the icy cold hallways, a spark popped off within the active shark grooves in his brain.

The Cavalry Captain, why did he feel related to the Abyss Order? But, the chimera snapped himself back to reality. What in the world was he thinking? There was no way that could have been true. Soundproof room almost upon him, the soldier rapidly shook his head. He needed to push such incorrect thoughts into the snow outside.

Wave of fatigue immediately overtaking him, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform put away as well, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Glasses soon removed as well, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera as the world of sleep were about to take him away for the night.

Will he be vanquishing toxic scorpions tomorrow, as well?

He needed to be ready for anything.

***

"Are you kidding me Naofa, a Forest Ranger outfit?
Could you be any more ridiculous with your disguises?
I know this one will not bode well. I
Do not recall it ever being

Regarded as a member of the Forest Rangers.
Ah, soon, you shall see, none of these disguises will work.
It will come crashing down on you, Naofa. But,
No way will I say anything, it will learn.

Because soon, all of the bridges around it will burn!
Ultimately, I must keep such thought to myself.
Really, that is key to successful living.
Now, I must focus on the day at hand.
It would seem another day of acid is upon me.
Nothing make sense, why is this happening?
Guess incidents around Teyvat have been piling up, slowly.

Even so, can't these sorts of incidents be prevented?
Venom in the air, has the world been polluted?
Everything is breaking, the problems are spreading,
Reaching, colliding.
Yes, it is happening, but it not the beginning.
Oh, no, certainly not. These problems, since
Naofa has arrived, they have been increasing.
Even so, I cannot blame it. It is not the cause.

Even so, I cannot blame it. I doubt its responsible. It would
Vehemently deny such, anyway. I must remain silent,
Even if it is guilty.
Really, these incidents, there is no way Naofa is connected to them.
Yes, I am overthinking, truly.
Well, another day of fighting the world of acid is upon me. The
Harsh world of toxins, infecting the air quickly.
Even so, I must not falter.
Right, I can't let a little bit of acid hurt me.
Every day, she's watching. I mustn't disappoint Her Majesty."

Waking up the next morning was a shocking sight to behold. Naofa standing by his door in a Forest Ranger outfit, the chimera tilted his head. What was it doing, wearing such a uniform? The disguise of its was the worst one yet. There was no way it had ever joined the Forest Rangers, for sure. Lynx chimera looking his way with an additional shirt in its hands, the early adult kept his eyes on the clothing.

"We're dealing with an acid rain problem in the rainforest today!" Naofa exclaimed, confidence leaking with venom. Slapping the article of clothing into his feeble hands, it pointed to the shirt with a rapid clamor. "Now, get changed! Quickly now! Don't keep me waiting!"

Naofa turning around, the soldier gazed at the outfit melting into his hands. Short sleeved green and white forest ranger outfit glaring daggers at him, the early adult lowered his head towards the lynx's hands. Deep black gloves covering its palms, the young soldier sifted through the pockets of the uniform's shirt. No gloves provided, the soldier's eyebrow twitched. His hands would be hit with acidic rain, for sure.

Undoing the buttons on his uniform, the chimera removed the layered shirts, as well. Uncomfortable scarf closing his neck shut, the air within the hyena's neck vanished. Why were scarves the tightest fabric in the entire world? Neck boxed into the land of fabric, the soldier removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket.

"I am ready," the hyena responded, flinching.

Seeing Siorc take out his map immediately upon getting ready, Naofa put on a sinister smile. The hyena chimera had been getting faster with his reaction times every single day. Orb not opened up into map form, however, the pace needed to pick up quicker. Wasting its time was a crime.

"Good! Now, highlight the waypoint near Gandharva Ville!" Naofa exclaimed, tone noxious. "Quickly now! Time is ticking!"

Opening the orb into map form, the chimera highlighted the waypoint closest to Gandharva Ville in an instant. Pressing the teleport button, the fast travel was soon confirmed. Naofa within close proximity of him, the hyena dissipated the map back into orb form. But, a terrifying surprise awaited him as he opened his eyes once more.

Torrential downpour teeming about in the rainforests of Sumeru, multiple alarms went off in the chimera's head at the scent presented to him. Was it just his imagination, or did the rain smell metallic, noxious? But, the early adult pushed such thought aside. Lynx chimera leading the way, the hyena followed behind in silence.

As the walk towards the treehouse continued, the chimera took a long deep, breath. But, as he breathed in, a sharp pain hit his chest. Every breath he took felt like knives. Rain continuing to fall, the soldier huffed. Today would be a difficult battle at hand, for sure.

Treehouse soon upon the lynx chimera and he, the chimera turned his head towards the left. Jiaolong in his usual chair working on herbal remedies, the hyena held back a sigh of relief. Had he recovered from exhaustion? If such were the case, it was pleasing outcome to be had, for sure.

Lynx chimera faking a bow and speaking plastic pleasantries, eyes had soon been on its Forest Ranger disguise. Look of suspicion immediately on the furry eared man's face, the chimera prepared himself for a grilling battle of questions. Its lies were about to get caught in a web. The lynx was about to have what's coming for it, for sure.

An astronomically incorrect assumption, on his part.

Forest watcher leader's ears moving about on his head, the chimera let out a weak sigh. Had the furry eared man already fallen for Naofa's trap? He supposed it knew its way around words to convince anyone its lies were the truth. Furry eared man looking ready to speak, the soldier turned his attention towards him, for a moment. Words of believed lies were about to rot some wood.

"It's nice to meet you, new recruit," the furry eared man said sarcastically, eyes lowered into a glare. "I take it you are here to inquire about the corrupted Specters and Fungi spotted in the northwest, northeast and around Apam Woods?" The sarcasm in his voice would not leave, even for a moment.

Lynx chimera quickly affirming such fact, the early adult could feel his heart skip three beats. What had happened to the monsters in Sumeru? Had the acid rain teeming about affected them in some way? If such were the case, he knew he needed to do something about it. Bow and arrows handed to them, another wave of information had come its way.

Forest Watcher Leader stating he would like to speak to its partner alone, sweat poured down the hyena's brow. The furry eared man, what could he possibly have to say to him? Lynx stating it would allow for some privacy, but don't keep it waiting too long, the chimera could feel his legs begin to shake. If the conversation about to break out were to take longer than expected, he would pay the price, for sure. Naofa stepping outside for a moment, loud crashes about took the room by storm.

Odd, yellow parasol with strings on the edges in the furry eared man's hands, the chimera tilted his head. Why was he holding such a tiny thing? There was no way such a small object would be able to protect him from the acid rain outside. Man soon crouching down onto his knees, a sea of cautious words flooded the wooden house.

"You need to be careful out there. I've been getting reports the acid rain is making it hard for others to breathe," the Forest Watcher Leader warned. Attaching the parasol to the back of his uniform, he looked into the young man's eyes. "This parasol should protect your head from the acid rain. Don't be reckless."

Shadow soon over his head, the chimera wondered. The parasol, would it truly help? He could not help but feel even the littlest of things would not grant him full protection from the rain of many poisons. Taller panda chimera soon looking the furry eared man's way, a predictable question joined the party.

"Boss," Jiaolong chirped, inquisitive. "Is that person really a Forest Ranger?" An immediate answer had come his way.

"No. But, play along," the Forest Watcher Leader said to Jiaolong. He then grabbed a Claymore from the wall, handing it to the young man. "Now, I'm going to let you borrow this. But, if you feel ill from the acid rain, come back here immediately."

Hearing the word ill as he sheathed the claymore behind him, the early adult turned his attention towards the taller panda chimera. Jiaolong, had he truly been alright now? Panda looking his way, the early adult pointed at him. Crossing his index and middle finger together and then separating them, he looked into his eyes. Inquiring if he was alright on private display, he remained still for a moment.

"Are you asking if I'm alright?" Jiaolong asked, puzzled. "Don't worry about me, I am fine now. I have gotten plenty of rest." He then turned his head towards the wall, for a moment. "Besides, Qiulong and Shénlóng won't allow me to leave the house without eating." A small smile appeared on his face. "I appreciate your concern. But, it is best you get going. That partner of yours is impatient, are they not?"

Knowing the taller panda chimera was right, the early adult quickly exited the area. Right, it was a crime to keep Naofa waiting. Exiting the treehouse, he turned towards the lynx. Gazing at the world outside, for a moment, the hyena's eyes twitched at sight before his mismatched eyes. Had the grass already been rotting? If devastation had already begun, he knew he needed to proceed with utmost caution.

Lynx chimera proclaiming they would be heading towards the Jadeplume Terrorshroom's abode, the hyena allowed a gulp to escape the partially human esophagus. Was he about to fight a tough enemy today? He knew, whatever was about to come his way, he needed to be prepared.

Informed they would be heading northwest, another sea of information had come the soldier's way as the lynx chimera had begun to take the lead. Saying it heard from its fellow Forest Rangers the fungi in the area were much more viscous than normal, unease ate the chimera up like a plate of Aaru Mixed Rice. A long day of battles awaited him, guaranteed.

Rain hitting harder as Gandharva Ville had been left behind, the hyena flinched as the acidic rainwaters hit the palms of his hands and arms. Was it just his imagination, or had the rain been hot? Droplets continuing to burn as the city approached, the soldier flinched. But, he quickly snapped himself out of it. There was no time to worry about such. He had to keep walking.

City quieter than ever before, fear flowed through the chimera. Had the citizens of Sumeru City holed themselves up on their houses as the rain drenched the land? He supposed such could have been the case. City soon exited, and bridge traversed, the rain poured about with a fervor.

Mossy hollow tree trunk passed through, the rainforest Parisa had resided in had been all but avoided. Southern west path near Vanarana reached after an hour and a half of running, rain had continued to fall with an acidic passion. Rain beginning to burn his skin further, the early adult held back a scream.

Fungi soon littering a dirt path along the rotted grass, the soldier steeled himself for battle. Enemies throwing their own acid into the ring, the chimera unsheathed the claymore from behind him. Slashing the monsters with all his might, shields of acid soon overtook the creatures of the forest.

Arrows soon joining the party dissipating a couple of the shields at hand, the early adult swung the weapon forward. But, such had not been enough to quell the monsters. Balls of noxious toxins splashing his uniform, the soldier had begun to shake. The acid rain, had it changed the way the fungus within Sumeru behaved? If such were the case, he knew the fight ahead of him would prove difficult.

Group of the fungus among him vanquished after fifty slashes and twenty electrified arrows from the lynx chimera's joined effort, the group of two had continued heading west. Rain waters of acid burning with every drip and drop, the soldier held back as many screams as he could muster.

Multiple fungi defeated along the way, and strange blue portal floating above the rainforest near the desert border soon jumped into with the assistance of a strange four pointed star symbol, a new area had soon been reached. But, an obstacle soon stood in the way as the lynx and he walked upon the rotted tree path towards a circular battlefield.

Group of brown fungi with a mushroom cap head with an x-shape in the center adorning glowing red eyes blasting ball of venom Naofa and he's way, the chimera steeled himself. But, such had not been the only obstacle at hand. Strange large bipedal green and white bird with mossy legs and a peacock like wingspan strolling about its yellow den surrounded by its fungus friends, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. He could not help but feel something had been off with the bird in the corner, but such thought was immediately interrupted as a tall fungus rammed its head into his chest.

Venomous spikes clasping onto his chest, the early adult could feel the air around him grow thin. Knowing he could not falter, the soldier swung the greatsword in front of him swiftly. But, the slashes about had not been enough to return the enemy to nature. Spikes of doom continuing their rampage, a long fight was upon the hyena.

Delusional electricity and fifty slashes making slow work of the enemy, multiple other fungus had become one with nature. But another enemy would soon join the battle as the circular den drew ever so closer. Large flightless bird roaring about spitting out acid, the hyena's eyes had begun to twitch. Something had been wrong with the bird, indeed.

Rain pouring down harder and faster as the lynx chimera dragged him onto the battlefield, the soldier's chest had begun to sting harder. Every breath he took felt like he was being slashed with a sword. Group of Specters joining the party as the bird's spits of acid continued, a catty grin soon appeared on Naofa's face.

"Well, it seems the Jadeplume Terrorshroom has summoned friends!" Naofa exclaimed, tone as noxious as the rain. "Let's take this monster out of its misery, shall we?" It then pointed at his vision, making an x-shape with its index fingers. "Oh, and don't bother summoning your pathetic little flowers! They won't be able to do anything!"

Knowing brute force was his only option, the early adult placed the greatsword in front of him. Delusional electricity nailed onto the Specters, the early adult focused his attention on the shroom of terror and doom. Monster dashing around the hyena switched the position of his legs. The fight was on, he needed to be ready for anything.

Monster prancing about blasting blobs of toxic balls of mushrooms his way, the blobs of toxins and his arms shook hands. Acids soaking through his skin, broiling it like an egg, the soldier let out a pained scream. The bird mushroom of doom, had its attacks been toxified? Acid continuing to bubble on his arm as his greatsword swung about, the hyena attempted to numb himself. Now was not the time to allow such distractions win.

Delusional electricity making slow work of the Jadeplume Terrorshroom's floating Specter friends, the early adult dashed towards the running flightless enemy. Purple balls of rancid fungi slamming down onto the heightened ground, the early adult slashed about in quick succession. But, with every swing of his sword, the burning bubbles on his arm continued to sting. Greatsword dropping onto the floor, an invisible target had been glued onto his chest.

Bird shroom of terror and doom running about faster than his mismatched eyes could follow, the creature's legs and the chimera's back had met. Punted across the battlefield as he was knocked back, the soldier had fallen onto his knees. Greatsword grabbed once more, the early adult stood to his bruised feet.

Final Specter shot with an arrow, a cage of electricity had closed in on the green bird of nature. Monster soon faster and stronger, various toxic seeds dropped from its backside. Dashing about for minutes on end until it rammed itself into the wall, the creature had begun to see the stars.

Rain of many poisons falling faster, and harder, Siorc could feel his breath get taken away by the skies above. Feeling as though he needed to gasp for air like he was swimming in the vast oceans, the hyena took a long, labored breath. But, such breath had been futile. Had his airways been clogged? No matter how many deep breaths he attempted to take, his breath would only continue to escape him.

Large clap of black electricity zapping the Jadeplume Terrorshroom a new one, the bird fell onto the ground in seconds. Creature soon fading into ashes and dust, a wooden flower soon took the creature's place. Naofa brushing its hands together, it lowered its eye into a glare. Seeing such, a chill went down the soldier's spine. He had barely pulled his weight upon the monster's den. His neck would was about to held into a tight lock, for sure.

Hyena chimera providing a terrible performance upon the battlefield, Naofa's blood had begun to boil. How pathetic Siorc was barely being able to fight. He needed to stop screaming over tiny little acid burning his pitiful, weak human arms. What an incredible disappoint he had been. Perhaps it was time to warn him what was next to come if it kept not putting in his own weight.

"Stop being so pathetic! A little acid shouldn't make you this weak!" Naofa shouted, grabbing the hyena chimera's scarved collar. "Don't disappoint me in Lokapala Jungle, or something's going to get decorated!" Its index finger pointed at his neck.

The hyena flinched as words of disappointment headed his way. Right, he had to contribute more to the battle, or the lynx chimera would have his neck. Stepping off the battlefield, Naofa soon clamped down on his wrist harder than ever before, the drag about had begun. But, as the lynx prepared to escort him out of the area, the sound of loud pants echoed in the distance.

Furry eared man and taller panda chimera catching their breath as they stopped running, the soldier's wrist had quickly been let go of. Air getting thinner as the rain continued to fall, the early adult held back a cough as the furry eared man and Jiaolong looked his way. Panda chimera looking ready to speak, the world stopped turning for a few moments.

"Oh, thank goodness we found you two," Jiaolong said, panting. He then turned towards Naofa. "Forest Ranger Naofa, was it? Might I ask you why you didn't give your partner gloves this morning?" Gloved hands pointing to his arm, a serious look had appeared on his face. "Look at him, his skin is bubbling with acid!"

Arm stinging as Jiaolong's conversation with Naofa continued, the soldier flinched. The acid rain, just what was causing it to burn him? But, such thought was interrupted as more droplets hit his arms. Skin on fire as more droplets submerged his skin, the hyena let out a labored scream. The rain was steaming, sizzling, burning; boiling. Lynx's words soon joining the party, dishonesty hit the rotted branches beneath.

"I forgot to bring an extra pair!" Naofa replied, dishonesty forming a target on its back. "Honest mistake!" But, the invisible target had soon been hit.

"Sure, you did," the furry eared man chided. "Just like how you conveniently forgot about the toxic mushrooms near The Withering, right?" There was a sarcastic tone in his voice.

Naofa grilled hotter than a mushroom skewer, large, cotton winter gloves had been slipped onto the early adult's arms. Limbs soon shielded from any further droplets of rain, the early adult blinked. Had the Forest Watcher Leader and Jiaolong come all the way out here just to give him gloves? He knew a thank you was in order for the two of them. Bowing his head in gratitude, a wave of concern painted the taller panda chimera's face.

"Now, now, you don't have to thank me for this," Jiaolong responded to his wordless gratitude. "Just, be careful, and don't push yourself, alright?" Exiting into the portal above, the group of two had soon been gone like the wind.

Lynx chimera reminding him once more they were heading to Lokapala Jungle, Naofa had begun to lead the way. Long walk east ahead of him, the early adult attempted to take another deep breath. Cough spewing out as the early adult's Teleport Waypoint proxy map had been yanked out of his back pocket, a blinding light soon engulfed him.

Large grassy hill reached in a split second, the lynx chimera's hands had soon been on the early adult's back. Falling off the edge of the cliff, the early adult deployed his wind glider as fast as his dying adrenaline would allow. Landing near an abandoned Hilichurl camp, rotting grass soon crunched underneath his feet.

Torrential downpour of acidic rain hitting the gloves as a long dirt road had been dashed through, the early adult could feel his breath get taken away as his run about accelerated. Mints, and sweet flowers rotting as the downpour hit them in full swing, a wave of pain flowed through the young soldier. Nature was dying at the hands of itself.

Zapped towards the odd four pointed star symbol above a boat in the waters of Yazadaha Pool, the early adult deployed his windglider for the second time of the day. Rotting grass on the other side soon reached, the silent capital city of Sumeru had been traversed through once more. Seeing such, a sea of confusion flowed through the young soldier. Had the lynx chimera and he looped back to where they started? But, such forbidden question had been answered as Naofa had begun to drag him north.

Chatrakam Cave area traversed through, the rain had begun to fall harder upon the decimated land. Every breath he took feeling like multiple arrows to the knees, the early adult attempted to steady his breathing. The acid rain, it had to have been getting worse, for sure.

Large wooden bridge looking about ready to give out as the droplets of acidic water hit it with a toxic fervor, the hyena walked slowly. Lynx demanding he hurry up, the early adult's legs erupted into a sprint. Catching his breath as the odd blue mushrooms were in his line of damaged sight, enemies had begun to take the stage on the jungle floors.

Floating Hydro Specter's singular eye twitching as they spewed balls of aquatic toxins, the early adult placed himself into a fighting stance. But, such had been futile. Monsters not lowering to the ground, fighting had been an impossibility to be had, for sure. Lynx chimera's delusional electric arrows making quick work of the aquatic floating creatures, the walk about continued.

Light brown floating Specters tossing corrosive rocks his way as they dropped towards the ground, the soldier swung the claymore as the boulder came his way. Mineral of pure acid smacking into the owner, the creature had become one with the dirt in a matter of moments. Multiple monsters on the path ahead, the various fights continued.

Aquatic Specters brought to their doom with a singular arrow of dark electricity, the hyena could feel himself begin to gasp for air. Was it just his imagination, or had the air been getting thinner? Wrist grabbed into a tight lock once more, the walk about continued.

Group of six green Specters wielding the power of toxified nature, electricity had soon turned the monsters to dust. Odd mushroom forest finally upon the lynx and he, a sight of disgust presented itself to the early adult. Grass almost completed rotted away, the hyena's chest sunk to the bottom of the ocean. Just how much damage had the acid rain already caused? Mushrooms on the ground brown and shriveled to nothing, nature had been shot with a sniper rifle.

Green floating fungus spewing balls of noxious energy as Naofa had begun to drag him right, the chimera's wrist had been let go of. Cages of electricity locking the monsters in place, the soldier attempted to slash the greatsword forward. Such attempted had been halted before it could even begin. Head beginning to spin as the atmosphere got thinner, breath had begun to escape him once more.

Fungus among him defeated as his breath had been caught, a sharp look of disdain had been shot his way. Wrist gripped tighter as the lynx chimera pushed him towards a small cave, a sea of shouts bounced off the walls as the drag about continued onward swifter than his mind could follow.

"Get it together, flea!" Naofa shouted, dragging him forward. "We're fighting the Electro Regisvine next! Don't make me fight this entire battle for you!"

Large, carnivorous purple flower rooted onto a battlefield roaring like a dragon, core on its head shining a bright gold, the monster slammed its head onto the ground. Acid bubbling at his feet as the enemy had begun its fight, the early adult let his weapon take the stage. But, such had been the incorrect jump.

Purple core on the center of the monster's roots harder than stone, the soldier's eyes twitched. Core impossible to break with a blade, failure nibbled on the early adult's ear. He was as useless a head of cabbage falling out a treasure chest. Naofa's flames decimating the core of electricity in four strikes, an opening had presented itself.

Blade and the monstrous plant's neck meeting, a sea of toxic roots slapped the early adult as the Regisvine slapped its vines downward. Uncontrollable cough breaking loose as the vines tanged around him, the soldier attempted to regain focus. No attacks of electricity ever coming his way, bewilderment swallowed the hyena whole.

Naofa's flames aiming for the neck ten times, the carnivorous plant fell to the ground it had been rooted to. Left handed talons soon pinching his wrist hard enough to leave a mark, the claws had begun to cruise upward towards the base of his neck. Talons leaving their mark, shouts soon joined the party.

"Didn't I tell you to stop being pathetic?" Naofa chided, digging its talons deeper into his neck. "Wearing heading north of Pardis Dhyai now. This will be the last stop for today. Don't disappoint me again, or I'll make sure Her Majesty hears of this!" A wide smirk appeared on its face.

Her Majesty's name brought into the equation, a shock of electricity shot down the hyena's spine. Right, he had to get it together, or disappointment would reach the Cryo Archon's ears. He knew, if one more failure had been brought to her attention, his life would be over, for sure.

Yazadaha Pool reached for the second time of the day after two hours of walking in the opposite direction, the lynx and he kept heading southwest. Apam Woods nearing as the rain fell harder, and faster, the early adult huffed about as the damp rainforest crunched underneath his feet. Had he been walking a marathon? He knew such had not been the case, but he felt like such had been, at the moment.

Grass eroding away as the weather of many poisons hit the ground, icy fungus on the floor soon awakened. Monsters equipped with unusual prowess beyond their normal capabilities, the ground shook from beneath them. Falling to the ground as their icy quakes shook hands with the corrosive weather above, the tremors would not cease.

Fungus among him ramming their frozen head into him as the hyena stood up once more, the creature resumed its hops about. Ground returning to shaking, the soldier's greatsword slammed onto the ground. Weaponless, the hyena dashed off towards the blade. But, the quakes only continued.

Reuniting with the claymore after twenty minutes of continued quakes, a question slapped itself into the center of the hyena's shark brain. When had the fungi of Apam Woods learned how to cause earthquakes? The weather of many poisons made them far too powerful. Not allowing himself to give up, the soldier would not falter.

Mossy trees beginning to join the world of erosion, the fungus among him's ice blasted his way. Frosty barrage of doom aimed at his chest, the early adult weakly jumped to the left. Greatsword slamming into the monster with full force, the creature's eyes had begun to spin.

Flames soon engulfing the frosty fungus, the monster had been scorched. Enemy shriveling up as the fire travelled up to its spiky helmet, spores had begun to join the fight. Such toxins had been vanquished in a matter of moments. Fiery snake coiling itself around the creature, the fungus had soon been no more.

Multiple fungi becoming one with nature, Pardis Dhyai had soon been upon the lynx and he. Heading onto the northern path, a sight to behold tossed an arrow into the early adult's chest as the final destination had been reached. Gazelle beside the wading river with a small, blue Aranara shaking as the droplets of rain hit it nonstop, a weak shout broke out of the innocent creature's throat.

"Nara, it hurts, help me!" the Aranara shouted.

Parisa's face growing dark as an aquatic fungus floated upwards towards the sky slapping down toxic waters, the child of the forest had begun to scream. Spear soon making quick work of the enemies, another sea of shouts crashed upon the river. Aranara crying out to not hurt the fungi, tears had begun to stream down the fawn's face.

Watching as the gazelle burst into tears, a wave of bewilderment flowed through the early adult. The weather, had it been affecting Parisa, as well? But, the early adult shook his head. He was making assumptions far too quickly. Different chimeras had to have different biologies. Gazelle continuing to shake, frantic words spilled out onto the riverbank.

"I know, I'm trying!" Parisa shouted, tears continuing to paint their face. "Those rogue fungus poisoned you! I know you're in pain. Please, just be patient! I'm doing the best I can!" The tears roared ferociously, not ending their trail. "I'm sorry for defeating your friends, but please understand! They were harming you!" Rain pouring down harder, droplets of acid intertwined with the Aranara's head.

"Nara knows! Please, help me!" the Aranara shouted again. "Rain hurts!"

Seeing the pathetic braided antler chimera in a disheveled Akademiya uniform screaming to themselves on the outskirts of a research facility, Naofa bellowed a deep chuckle. What an absolute lost cause this student was. This freak had gone mad from their studies; what a loser.

"Are you talking to yourself?" Naofa asked in a mocking tone, laughing. "What a freak you are! You should take your little show back to the Grand Bazar!" Snarling, it put on a toothy grin. "I bet they'd love your little performance there!"

Insults coming her way, Parisa wiped away her tears. What an incredibly rude person. Stranger stating they had been talking to themself, they held back a scoff. Someone as rude and judgmental as them did not deserve the Aranara's presence. Such person was beneath her, she would not give them any grace.

"Why don't you mind your own business and go back to whatever unimportant job you were up to before, Forest Ranger?" Parisa bit back, with fangs. "This doesn't concern you." But, another shout had hit her antlers.

"Nara, please! Take a shroomkin out of our bag!" the Aranara begged. Rain hitting their head, they could feel themselves begin to crack. "Quickly, Nara!"

Seeing the Fatui worm standing next to the rude and judgmental stranger, Parsia's eyes wandered towards the hyena chimera's uniform pants. Dendro Vision glowing on his belt, a memory came flowing back to them. The Fatui worm, he had flower creatures at his disposal. Surely, if it touched one of the starshrooms, the suffering Araycan felt would end. Mushroom soon in its hand, its fingers shook as their words spilled out.

"Fatui worm, summon one of those flower creatures and have it take this Starshroom to the Aranara!" Parisa shouted, shaking. "Please, I'm begging you! You have a Dendro Vision!" Her words continued to shake as she kept shouting. "Maybe it will ease their pain! Don't just stand there!"

Knowing he could not refuse the desperation, the early adult summoned a flower friend. But, such attempt to help failed before it could even begin. Starshroom scorched as the rain burned the mushroom's core, the Silk Flower friend wilted, as well. Aranara's screams of pain getting louder, a sinister laugh soon erupted onto the river.

"Are you stupid, leech?" Naofa asked, tone noxious. "Acid rain kills plant life!" Even more pathetic antler Akademiya Student screaming in the background that their nonexistent friend was glowing with black energy, it held back a laugh. Maybe it was time to see itself out. "You know what, Siorc? I'm leaving for today! Enjoy your invisible fight with that crazy student over there!" Turning its shoes into the opposite direction it waved a farewell. "But, don't think this means your job is done! I'll see you tomorrow. Bye bye, moth!" Exiting towards Pardis Dhyai, a smirk appeared on its face. The modern water fleas of today were all pathetic leeches.

Aranara seeping with an aura of corrosive darkness, the early adult's heart skipped another beat. The acid rain, had it caused the children of the forest to suffer, as well? Balls of toxins launching from their head, the early adult erupted into a fit of coughs. The air was getting thinner, noxious, unsustainable. Gazelle looking ready to shout, the hyena punched his chest. Breathe, he had to breathe. There was no time for such weakness. He needed to be ready for whatever was about to requested of him right away.

"Come on! Stay with me!" Parisa shouted, voice shaking. Bottle filled with water in its right hand, it opened the lid. "Place one of those flowers of yours in this bottle!" Pointing at the lid, tears rolled down their cheek. "Please! They need Dendro! I'm begging you, help me!"

Weakly nodding, the early adult tossed a flower friend into the submerged bottle. Starshrooms inserted into the bottle, the weapon rode the noxious wind. Windwheel Aster friend dancing about next to the Aranara, the dark aura of corrosion slowly dissipated.

Second bottle toss soon coming the Aranara's way, a second Starshroom rubbed against the child of the forest. Third, and final flower joining the battle, the small, innocent creature had returned to normalcy. But, as one door opened, another door closed. Chest filled with daggers as the early adult spluttered a cough, breathing had been a carcass in a casket. Dead and gone, with no one coming to the funeral.

Fatui worm coughing up a storm, Parisa had been on high alert. Had the hyena chimera been unable to breathe? She knew she had to quickly remedy such situation. Placing their hand on his chest, she prepared herself to steady his breathing. But, the hacking continued for minutes on end.

"Take a moment, and focus your attention on expanding your stomach," Parisa said, taking a deep breath. Coughs dissipating as she mirrored his pace, she kept going. "Like that. See? I know you can do it. Keep breathing in reverse. Like this." Focusing her attention on inhaling through her mouth, she kept her instructions going. Breathing steadying, she removed her hand from the Fatui worm's chest. "Just like that. Alright?" But, a small tug on her dirty sleeves ended her food cart of thought.

"Nara, a Withering Zone appeared in Vanarana!" the Aranara shouted. But, the gazelle let out a sigh.

"I am going. Do not rush me," Parisa replied, walking away. She then turned towards the Fatui worm. "You, don't follow me. Go back home to that God of yours. She is likely waiting for you, is she not?" Walking up further ahead, she had soon been gone.

Odd words coming his way, the early adult tilted his head towards the corrosive sky. Had the gazelle just made assumptions about his forced Fatui career? But, he supposed he could not blame her. She had no idea what his job truly entailed, for certain. Opening the orb into map form, the early adult highlighted the waypoint near the military barracks.

Steel walled room soon upon him, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena in an instant. Weaponized hairpins and earrings removed, the chimera took off the temporary uniform, as well. Gloves slipped off, and parasol above him pinched off, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, one final thought wrapped vines around him as the world of sleep took him away.

Another painful day awaited him tomorrow.

***

"Riftwolves are in Sumeru causing problems? How dare they!
I can't believe those foes, those absolute
Fiends! Their corrosive breath, they're harming nature!
Their otherworldly powers, they're
Harming flowers! They're harming animals!
Obviously, the acid rain is their doing!
Ultimately, that is the only answer!
Now, I am angry.
Do not want to hold back my emotions.
Suppressing them? I will break. Suppressing them? I will

Pop! These monsters, prepare your
Obituary!
I won't be going easy!
Striking nature like this, with your
Otherworldly powers, I will
Not let this crime pass!

Every flower they forced to wilt, creature they hurt,
Victory will be mine!
Every single part of Sumeru's ecosystem that was
Ransacked, I will correct this!
Yes, these monsters, I will make sure they pay! For
Watatsumi's crops, for Sumeru's plant life! These
Hounds are going down.
Even if I am not like myself, I will not falter!
Really, if nature is at stake, I will not sit by idly.
Even if I am not like myself, I will let those Rifthounds win. They will pay greatly for this crime!"

Next morning a sea of predictable words hit his inhuman eardrums. Naofa telling him they would be vanquishing Withering Zones today, the hyena highlighted the waypoint near Gandharva Ville, in an instant. But, as the rainforest village appeared in his line of damaged sight, a surprise awaited the early adult.

Multiple Withering Zones plaguing the area, a collection of unconscious Forest Rangers decorated the ground with their lifeless bodies. But, such had not been the only sight to behold. Forest Ranger Trainee by her lonesome struggling to quell the situation in front of her, vines of defeat flowed to her lips.

"Master, I'm sorry, I can't do it!" the Forest Ranger Trainee cried. "I've failed Avidya Forest!" But a chuckle had soon come her way.

"Look at you, kid, giving up before even getting started!" Naofa exclaimed, noxious tone seeping with poison. "You should just forget fighting those weeds! Let us take care of it!" Grabbing ahold of Siorc's wrist, they dragged him forward. "We're experts! Deal with the injured instead!"

Watching as the Forest Ranger Trainee ran around to the collection of bodies, the early adult rolled his eyes to the sky. Was such rudeness necessary? Acidic rain soon hitting his gloves as the withering soon neared, the early adult attempted to breathe in reverse. He had to focus. A fight of problematic weeds would soon be upon him. But, the root of the problem had friends.

Withering of Ghandharva Ville joined together with Rifthound Whelps, the early adult balled his hand into a fist. When had the pesky creatures who were destructive to nature get here? He would make them meet their end immediately. Dashing off towards the Dendrograma, the hyena yanked the claymore out of the lynx chimera's hands. While he knew such behavior was unlike him, he cared not, for the moment in time.

Problematic weeds not vanishing within three slashes and the spirits combined, the early adult bellowed a growl. Pesky wolf blowing its toxins onto the root of all the rainforest's problems, the young soldier turned his blade towards the enemy. How dare the Riftwolf add its otherworldly poisons upon the invasive weeds. He would end such nonsense immediately.

But, as the hyena attempted to knock the baby Rifthound out of it senses, the soldier's chest had begun to squeeze tight. Every breath he took felt like hands had been grabbing his neck. Holding back a cough, the early adult kept his attention forward.

Problematic weeds vanquished after twenty slashes between the lynx and he, the wretched Riftwolf let out a roar. Lowering itself to the ground, the hyena swung his blade about with no grace. Villain to all forms of nature slashed to smithereens in minutes, the early adult grit his teeth.

Main source of the problem nowhere to be seen, sweat poured down the hyena's back. The main problematic weed, where could it have possibly been? But, he supposed the Tumor of The Withering could have been farther ahead. Second Withering Zone with no main source attached, a shrug from the lynx came his way.

Rifthound blasting their wretched venom onto the glowing red weeds of many problems, sea of acids leaked onto the grass below. Bed of nature rotting away, the early adult folded his hand into a fist. Who did this creature think it was? He would end its sorry life for disrupting nature.

Slashing the otherworldly beast into nothing after twenty hits, clawed hands had soon pulled his ear. Lynx telling him to calm down, the early adult gave a defiant turn of the head. Calm down, when a vile villain was destroying nature right in front of him? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense, he would do no such thing. Second set of problematic weeds destroyed, another Withering Zone soon closed in.

Bouncing mushroom tempting him in the corner as another heinous bony wolf aided the red weeds of doom, the early adult deployed his windglider. Claymore in hand, the hyena plunged towards the monster. Villainous beast knocked onto the ground, the hyena slashed about wildly. Weeds wilting with the lynx chimera's charged arrows, another ear pull had come his way.

"Quit acting like such a barbarian, leech!" Naofa shouted, pulling on the skin of his ear harder. "Has the poisoned oxygen made you dumber?" Yanking on his ear even more, it held back a cackle. How pathetic Siorc had been, allowing pitiful monsters make him angry. "Fight properly, or else!"

Taking a pained deep breath, the soldier nodded. Right, anger was an emotion he should push away. Allowing rage to leave his body, the next withering zone had soon been upon the lynx chimera and he. Wretched wolf defeated after the lynx's flames burned it to charcoal, six more problematic weeds had gone with it into the portal whence it came.

Fifth Withering Zone vanquished into nothing, a large weed rooted into the rotting trees pulsated as the acidic rain eroded away the branches. Invisible button soon pressed, the rain within the area had been gone, he could see clearly now. But, such had not been the end. Acid rain continuing on within Ghanda Hill, the soldier dashed off northward.

As the early adult's dash about continued, the early adult could feel his chest get tighter. The acid rain in Ghanda Hill, had it been worse than it had been in Ghandharva Ville? He could not help but feel such had been the case. Vision blurring as the Withering Zone neared, the soldier turned his head towards the fuzzy lynx blob adjacent to him. Rubbing his eyes, the early adult gazed at Naofa.

No signs of struggle beyond fighting, the hyena had come to wonder. Had Naofa been unaffected by poisons, as well? Seeing it never tire after using Delusions, the possible fact solidified itself in the active shark grooves in his brain. Surely, such had to have been the case. The lynx chimera's body, it had to have run differently than any normal mortal within the world of Teyvat.

Taller panda chimera and Forest Watcher leader aiming bows of fire and nature at a rampaging Rifthound in the sky, the early adult backed eight steps away. Vile villain soon returning to whence it came, Naofa soon invited itself into the archer army. Torrential downpour joining together with the problematic weeds, The Withering had begun to glow a deep crimson.

Root of all Sumeru's problems leaking venom onto the grass beneath it, the bed of nature had begun to rot in seconds. Pool of poisons rotting the nature around it, the early adult dashed towards the Dendrograma as quickly as his currently human feet would allow. Spirits unable to dispel the root of all the problems, the early adult gasped for air. The rain was potent, corrosive; disastrous.

Lynx chimera taking out a charm glowing with a white aura, a blinding light soon engulfed the problematic weeds. Watching as the tiny charm absorbed the acids within the area, the chimera's jaw dropped wide open. If Naofa had such a tool at its disposal the entire time, why keep it hidden? But, the early adult kept his mouth shut. There was no way he could call attention to such.

Withering Zone decimated by the charm of many mysteries, the soldier dashed off towards the source of all the problems. But, such dash about ended before it could even begin. Breath leaving him as he sped up his run, the hyena broke out into a pant. Unable to inhale a deep breath, the huffs about continued. Every breath he took felt like he had been shot by a Fatui Bracer's sniper rifles.

Watching as Yínlóng's friend gasped for air after running, Jiaolong dashed over to the man's side, in an instant. Was he struggling to breathe in the unsafe weather conditions? Knowing such issue was certain to arise, he placed his hands on the man's back and chest. The time to steady him had to come now.

"Oh, dear, it is as I suspected. You're having trouble breathing, aren't you?" Jiaolong asked, closing his eyes. "This won't do. Inhale through your mouth instead of exhaling." Slowly guiding him, he continued. Tumor of the Withering vanquished as he kept the breathing exercise going, the man's breaths had begun to get less shallow as the minutes paraded on. "There we go. Are you feeling alright now?"

Feeling clear breaths as he inhaled, the soldier nodded. Small smile forming on the panda chimera's face, he soon turned towards Naofa. Sea of questions grilling it into a skewer over its reckless and lack of care towards his partner, the early adult could feel his stomach churn at the next set of words. Information about his heart issues blasted onto the playing field, the early adult shrugged his shoulders. Why was such information relevant? Breath fading because of the acidic properties of precipitation and the heart definitely had noting in common, for sure. Lynx chimera readying to turn on its charm, charisma mode had soon been on.

"I must apologize, I had no idea about his heart!" Naofa lied, charisma switch breaking. "We only became Forest Ranger partners recently. Please forgive my ignorance on the subject!" But, such lie had been awarded an eyeroll from the Forest Watcher Leader. Jiaolong's eyes gazing towards his boss, a response tossed a bullet onto the battlefield.

"Hmm, you are not being genuine with me, it would seem," Jiaolong replied, arms crossed around his waist. "I am joining your group. No ifs, ands or buts about it." He then turned towards his boss. "Boss, if you'll excuse me, I will be assisting them." He then stepped towards him, mumbling a quiet whisper. "To be honest, I do not trust them. It is best I keep an eye on that new Forest Ranger."

Forest Watcher Leader giving his nod of approval, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Was such addition to the party necessary? But, he knew he could not say no. Furry eared man informing Jiaolong, Naofa and he another group of Withering Zones had appeared in Yasna Monument, the lynx chimera had took the lead.

Rain of many poisons dissipating as Yasna Monument neared after two hours of walking, a sight to behold took the hyena for a storm. Eighteen problematic weeds glowing a dark aura, the early adult could feel his heart begin to race in his chest. When had six Withering Zones gathered together like this? They needed to be vanquished right away.

Problematic weeds intertwining themselves into the trees, the soldier attempted with all his might to exterminate the noxious root. But such had been far more difficult. Weeds sucking on the nutrients of the rotting trees formerly flourishing, the Withering had begun to glow brightly.

Red root of doom unable to be removed after six slashes, failure hugged the hyena from behind. How would he be able to vanquish such a root feeding off the living? Such would was a difficulty beyond belief, for sure. Gazing downward at his Vision, the chimera raised his hands towards the air. There was no way his flower friend would be able to help, the weed would steal its energy as well, guaranteed. Uselessness holding him tight, the soldier kept attempting to slash the problematic root into dust.

But, such had taken a leap and a bound beyond him. Lynx chimera releasing its acid dispelling charm once more, all eighteen weeds had begun to lose their luster, in an instant. Spirits from the Dendrograma able to do their duty, every root crumbled into dust in minutes. Charm acting as an invisible button, the largest weed within The Withering Zone had been blasted away, as well.

Lynx claiming there had been one more Withering Zone in the Ruins of Dahri, the soldier followed behind in silence. Taller panda chimera walking next to it, shifty eyed, the group of three headed south. Rain of many poisons kicking into full swing as the ruins approached after an hour and a half of walking, the hyena's chest tightened once more.

Three red weeds glowing with a sinister beat, the early adult tilted his head. Rain not falling within the ruins, bewilderment feasted on the chimera. Nothing had looked out of the ordinary. Had a normal Withering Zone shown itself amongst the toxic ones? But, such thoughts had been proven incorrect immediately.

Rifthound dropping down onto the ground, the otherworldly vermin let out a roar from its bony throat. Breathing its toxic air on the problematic weeds, pools of venom flooded the grounds. Weeds blasting dark energy everyone's way, the soldier's bottom and the ground had met.

Naofa switching its Pyro Vision with its Electro Delusion on its collar, arrows of black electricity had come the fiend's way. Jiaolong's flaming arrows joining the party, as well, the wretched wolf let out a howl. Monster looking weak, the hyena threw down a flower friend into the fray.

Windwheel Aster friend decimated in seconds as the acid shriveled it up into nothing, the early adult let out a meek sigh. His flowers brought to life by his Dendro Vision were of no use here. Using the Claymore was his only option. Blade slashing out, the wolf let out another bony roar.

Vile enemy to all nature shooting a beam of toxins from it's mouth, the early adult's hip had been caught in the crossfire. Beam of corrosive properties continuing its strike about, the young soldier's could feel his energy fade away. Vitality draining every second, the hyena dropped to his knees.

Energy no longer draining after thirty seconds had passed, the hyena rose back onto his feet. Cage of electricity zapping the wolf, paralysis had become the monster's best friend. Villain to plant life everywhere looking open for its demise, the soldier swung the greatsword with a fervor. Stamina depleting swiftly as his circling slashes took shape, the early adult ended the onslaught about.

Monster looking weak, Jiaolong's flaming arrows joined in on the festivities of destruction. Pyro and Electro shaking hands, the Rifthound soon returned from whence it came. Problematic weeds vanishing along with it, and rain of many toxins disappearing along with it, as well, confusion wrapped vines around the hyena.

Skies of Sumeru clear as though it had never rained, confusion continued to loop on repeat. Had the Rifthounds been tied to the acid rain teeming about? The hyena did not know, but he supposed such could have been the case. No other Withering Zones within the ruins, a sinister smile soon appeared on Naofa's face.

"You know what, I'm willing to overlook your near uselessness, just this once!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "I can't blame your weak flowers for not being able to handle acid. So, lucky you, you're off the hook today for your incompetence!" It held back a laugh. Perhaps now, an amiable person would send him on his way. "So, you can go now." It then lowered its voice into a whisper. "But, next time, try to find a better solution than brute force with your sword, or I won't be so kind!" Turning around, it had begun walking.

Naofa soon exiting, the early adult prepared to remove the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. But, as he readied to do so, a fit of coughs spluttered from his throat. Breath dying with any attempt to breathe, the soldier's coughs continued. Struggle not ceasing, questions polluted the early adult's mind. What was going on, why had his breath still being taken away? The acid rain had been quelled, shouldn't the toxins within the air have dissipated? Breath not returning, the loud hacks kept reigning supreme.

Jiaolong digging into his back pockets, an oval shaped container soon sat in the palms of his hands. Seeing such as his fits of coughs continued, the soldier closed his eyes. What was the taller panda chimera about to do? Twisting the cap off, a sea of concerned words bounced off and around the hyena's shark eardrums.

"I suspected this would happen," Jiaolong said, words stern. "It's a good thing I came along." Lifting the man's shirt, he rubbed the gel onto his chest. "That should help you. Now, breathe with me. Steady now." Coughs dissipating as the gel did its work, he placed the shirt back down. "Feeling better? That gel should do the trick. Please take care of yourself, and..." He hesitated for a moment. Would the warning he was about to say fall on deaf ears? He hoped such would not be the case. "...You must be wary of Forest Ranger Naofa. It was quite awful of them for not caring to take any precautionary measures in this dire situation."

Hearing Jiaolong's warning, the early adult bowed a thank you. He supposed he did not blame the taller panda chimera for being wary of the lynx chimera, as well. It disguise was beginning to slip, for sure. Nodding, the herbalist panda soon bid his farewells. Ruins growing quiet, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket.

Military barracks waypoint soon highlighted, the chimera closed his eyes. Soundproof room reached after fifteen minutes of walking, fatigue snuck up on the hyena from behind. Everything soon removed, the early adult slumped into the rock hard bed. But, as the land of tormented dreams was about to call him back in, a wave of thoughts crashed at bay.

Jiaolong had said Naofa did not care to take any precautionary measures. Recalling the charm the lynx had been hiding on its partially human person, the words had begun to stuck to the hyena like glue. Naofa not providing him gloves the first day it and he traversed through the acid rain, not showing concern when his breaths were fading. There was no caring bones in the lynx's body, for sure. But, he supposed such had been an obvious fact. It had never shown any emotion of true compassion, whatsoever. Wave of fatigue taking the hyena away, the chimera closed his eyes. Dream world inviting him back in, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in the soldier's brain.

Naofa does not care, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

33. Branch Off 16:Harrowing Hadramaveth 3: Skeletal Monstrosities

"Dreams have been
Rather more terrifying lately
Even in my adult life
All of them are still
Monumentally tormenting.
So much fire, it never leaves.

All these years, I still cannot
Remove that incident from my memory,
Eight years later, it's still here.

Fermenting in my dreams.
Always waiting for me. The mind always
Remembers, I can't escape

My phobia, the memory
Of terrifying flames.
Refueling the fire,
Every night is chilling.

Though, lately moreso.
Every night, they're here
Relighting the flame,
Redoing that scene.
It hurts, I'm going to break.
From night to night I'm being burned in my subconscious mind,
Yield this please.
It's cracking me.
No, I should not let these
Grating nightmares win.

Look ahead, stop worrying
After all, dreams aren't really,
They are merely fantasy
Every single one is not real.
Look ahead.
Yes, stop letting these fabrications win. Work is upon me."

Dreaming continued to be a tormenting ordeal within the hyena's adult life. The cycle of anguish would not cease, even as he were to cruise through the world of adulthood. Looping, reversing and repeating back to the beginning with every night passing. The circle of doom would continue onward in the night before him, as well.

Before him had been a field of Mourning Flowers. They were red, like a Dendrobium growing near the grave of a fisherman. But, the eerie plants had not been alone. Garden of carrots and radishes beside the field of blooming red, the hyena could not help but wonder. Just where had the dream world taken him to this time? Nothing adding up, the chimera sat down beside the tilled fields of produce. But, such lounge about within the garden of future eaten was short lived.

Subconscious body soon engulfed into a blinding light, the early adult closed his dream eyes in an instant. But, a bewildering sight soon awaited the soldier upon opening the dream eyes once more. Another garden soon in front of him, the chimera tilted his head at the sight before him. Field of swords mounted into soil, questions bloomed seeds inside the hyena's sleeping mind.

Sword garden continuing to drop puzzle pieces in the fields, the question seed soon rooted into place. Just where in the dream world was he, exactly? There was no way anyone in the mortal, waking world grew weapons in a garden, for sure. Curiosity pushing a kitten into a river, the questions inside him blossomed into a flower.

The blades within the soil fields, could they have just been a mimic flower? He knew, in the world of Teyvat, certain types of plants could disguise themselves as mints or sweet flowers. Knowing such could have been the case, the early adult stepped towards the possible disguised plant.

An astronomically, incorrect assumption, on his part.

Pressing his currently human hands onto the sword hilt was a grave mistake. Arms vanishing as his fingers wrapped around the blade's edges, gripping the weapon had become impossible in a matter of dream seconds. Soon hearing a loud crash upon the tilled soil, the hyena turned his head towards the cacophony.

Missing arms surrounded by mourning flowers, the soldier's eyes had begun to twitch rapidly as a sword removed itself from the dirt. Tip of the blade entwining itself with his former limbs, the chimera let out a shout. The weapons had a mind of their own; they could move, fight, cause damage. He needed to run, leave, vanish before he were the animate blade's next victim.

Running was a carcass in a casket. Dead and gone, buried six feet beneath the soil. Legs nowhere to be seen, the hyena remained stationary. He could not see his legs; he cannot run. Possible monster sword soon returning to its poking fury, his arms in the corner were decorated red for dream minutes on end.

Mourning Flowers leaves soaking the blood into their stems, a munching sound echoed throughout the field of disguised weapons. Seeing such, puzzle pieces dropped out of the hyena's subconscious mind. What was going on, was he in Wonderland? Reality, even in the dream world, was warping. But, Wonderland was a phenomenon never meant to last.

Mysterious robed figure with dark blue hair poking out of the hood holding a scythe half of their size, the early adult's subconscious stomach twisted itself into two knots. Wide, toothy grin on the stranger's face, the knot tightened. Any moment now, violence would come for him, guaranteed.

"Wellie, well, well, isn't this a fun dream? Hee hee," the stranger laughed. "Buuut, unfortunately, goooona havta reap ya, sooory!"

Palm of their hands soon in front of them, a sphere of Anemo had been channeled into the center of the stranger's chest. Coming in contact with invisible Pyro from absolutely nowhere, the early adult let out a scream as the flames approached ever so closer. He was toast, kaput, hyena stew. Legs nowhere to be seen, dodging was deader than a ghost on Wuwang Hill.

Scythe slicing and dicing him like tomatoes on a cutting board, swirled fire had soon joined the party. Short body roasted medium well, the chimera's body dropped down onto the soil feeds in a matter of dream minutes. Subconscious vision beginning to dim around him, the stranger's voice increased in volume.

"Ooooh! What should I do with the body?" the stranger asked in a singing voice. "Oh, hee hee, I knoooow! Trial by fire! Woo hoo! Let 'em burn!" Limp body picked up like a ragdoll, the journey had begun.

Feeling his body begin to move, the soldier's eyes opened wide at the sight before him. Raging volcano meters below, the early adult let out a weak, subconscious gulp. He was about to be toasted, kaput, magma food. Unable to move, the stranger's grip soon weakened as the seconds paraded about. Fingers of nothing soon letting go, the stranger's song increased in volume once more.

"In you go, weeeeh!!" the stranger squeaked, singing. Body dropping swiftly, they danced upon the molten air. "Woo hoo, soul reaped once again! Hee hee, only in my dreams though, yaaaay!!" Their dance of celebration continued.

Magma approaching swifter as his body dropped deeper into the mountain of molten liquid, the soldier closed the dream eyes. Body soon dropping into the bed of magma, everything burned, roasted, melted. Defeat readying to take him away, one final thought bounced around the dead Wonderland of doom.

The world is burning.

***

"Stress is beginning to eat away at me,
Knowing Her Majesty, this is just the beginning,
Everything will soon break.
Looks like the acid rain incident was the start of
Eerie happenings.
There's no rest for the wicked, I suppose.
After all, I am one of Her Majesty's Fatui,
Looming stress is a guarantee.

Maybe I am overthinking it,
Obviously, that could be the case.
No matter used to I am of this forced occupation,
So many jobs are unpredictable lately.
The rogue dragons, acid rain, everything.
Really, I cannot predict anything.
Ordinary days of diplomacy of nothing are gone,
So many days of unpredictability.
It has tripled since
The lynx chimera has arrived.
I'm certain that is the case.
Even so, I must not complain, I need to keep working.
Silence is key."

The sound of morning alarm bells clapped with disruptive echo. As the seconds raged onward, the bells rung louder, and harder with every minute passing. As the dissonance continued about, hundreds of Fatui soldiers groaned in a chorus. But, despite such complaints, every soldier remained loyal within the permafrost north.

The groans in an echo were more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially tormented slumber. Lifting himself up from the rock hard covers, the chimera burst into tears as the dream flashed through his fading human brain. Dream not letting him go, his face flowed like a river. But, the hyena snapped himself out of it. There was no time to let the world in his sleep bother him. Raising from the uncomfortable bed, the chimera had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As his uniform glued itself onto his partially human person, the hyena could not help but wonder. Would Sumeru's rainforest be able to recover from such devastation that the acid rain had brought to the land? But, he supposed, nature would heal itself in due time. Knowing Her Majesty would not send him out to the rainforest to deal with recovery, such was out of reach.

Buttons soon snapped into the correct holes, the hyena's heart beat harder, and faster in his chest. Taking a long deep breath, the soldier had begun his breathing exercises. Raging beat soon dissipating into normalcy, the early adult removed the cover off of his jewelry and accessory box.

Taking another deep breath, the chimera clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching blue stars in his hair and ears, a wave of calmness radiated throughout the early adult's small body. Hooking the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants, the soldier glared at the Geo Delusion in the corner of his uniform drawers.

Sinister yellow orb glaring daggers at him, the early adult placed the Delusion into his currently human hands. Her Majesty's gift, should he use it today? Perhaps, it was time to use it. But, the hyena dropped the orb back onto the top of his uniform drawers. No, absolutely not; Her Majesty's gift could wait. The right time had not yet arrived.

Heelless shoes on, the young soldier reached for the flavorless bowl of rations. Sandy food of flavorless nothing hitting his throat, the hyena turned his head towards the barricaded window. The Delusion was out of sight, out of mind. Rations devoured, the chimera had finished the morning routine of dressing the body. Any minute now, the Agent would arrive, for sure.

But, no footsteps ever came. Stepping towards the barricaded window, the early adult observed the world beyond the paned glass. Snow as deep as it had usually been, nothing had been out of the ordinary. Still hearing no footsteps for minutes on end, the hyena stepped towards his door. surely, someone had to have been coming. Although, such thought had been proven incorrect in an instant.

Piece of paper taped onto his door, the hyena walked towards the other barracks, for a moment. Seeing no other notes upon the chimera tilted his head. Was yet another odd job about to be upon him? Fancy lettered words in Snezhnayan writing in front of him, the soldier read the paper carefully.

"Report to Aaru Village at once upon reading this," the note in fancy Snezhnayan writing said.

No other information upon the piece of paper, the hyena allowed a sigh to escape the esophagus. Could the Grand Sage be any more vague? But, he supposed he would soon find out what is being requested of him. Knowing time was not a virtue in the military barracks, the early adult removed the teleport proxy map from his back pocket.

Tapping the four pointed star in the bottom right corner, the young soldier highlighted the Sumeru section of the map. Dragging his finger towards the left, the early adult tapped the Aaru Village waypoint, in an instant. Hitting the teleport button, the chimera dissipated the map back into orb form. Fast travel confirmed, the soldier closed as eyes as the the teleportation soon began. But, one thought poked the active shark grooves in the hyena's fading human brain.

What could possibly be waiting for him today?

***

"Meep! What? The Grand Sage is hiring us again!
Oh, Archons! What is this time?!
Now, artifacts have been stolen!
Shocking development, if I don't say!
There's something brewing in that Akademiya!
Egad! But, that's not all!
'Regarding the missing student, I request you look for them, as well," the
Sage demanded. Of course, of course! I, Xerxes

And Waiola, are on the case of student captor!
Ready for battle, here I go!
Though, he reminds us that he has requested another join us.
Is he underestimating us? Oh, the chimerity!
For Waiola and I can do this solo...duo!
Ah, who needs numbers? We came from the same seed! I
Could not look any more different from Waiola, but
Twins are a package, you see!
She might often get annoying with me,

Aggravated by my 'fashion antics', but she would
Never separate, we are a team, a pair!
Do I appreciate her dissing my fashion sense?

By golly, no! But
I know we just think differently. She has no taste, and that's fine,
Really! This world would surely explode if she started caring about fashion, but it
Doesn't matter! A battle is upon her and me!

Could a monster have looted all the stolen
Artifacts? This is exciting, a
Root of thrills!
Come on, where is teacher when I need him? I want to tell him
About our journey!
Shame he's a mahamatra, always
So busy!
Even so, life goes on. Paths break!
Soon, it will be off to the races! Let the search begin!"

Upon reaching Aaru Village through the teleport waypoint, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. Chief Villager's house in his line of sight, the soldier started walking. He supposed it was best to head there, for the time being. Hands on the door, the soldier pushed them slowly. Entrance cracked wide open, the chimera stepped inward.

Village Protector in the corner of the room looking ready for an outing, the early adult stepped towards the left. If she was preparing to leave, standing by the door would be incredibly rude of him. Mismatched eyes soon meeting his own, a sea of predictable words had come for him.

"You're here," the village protector said. "Your friends are waiting for you." She then turned towards the corner. "Waiola, Bogart, your friend has arrived." Her voice was monotone.

Word friend used once again, the hyena turned his head towards the corner. Waiola sitting down at the table in her usual outfit, the early adult turned his attention towards Bogart immediately. No mind paid to the taller panther twin, the soldier studied the outfit from afar. Bogart already standing, his eyes locked onto the dress. Shorter panther chimera wearing a light blue dress with his belly exposed, and rhinestones on the waist, the chimera attempted with all his might to hold back a blush. But, it had already been too late, his cheeks were bright red.

Slapping his cheeks, the early adult turned his head. Why was he letting himself get distracted by Bogart once again? Eyes soon on him, the hyena had been caught into a sand trap. It had already been too late, he had been spotted. Shorter panther's nose looking ready to grow, a sea of brags had come the chimera's way.

"Can't take your eyes off me, can you?" Bogart bragged. "Look at me all you'd like, I have that effect on people!" He twirled around, for a moment.

Hearing her brother's nonsensical brag about fashion, Waiola let out a tired groan. Turning her head towards Siorc, she immediately shook her head. Why was he wearing a winter jacket again? Whoever was responsible for his uniforms had to have other outfits suited for other environments. Stepping towards the door, she prepared herself.

"Siorc, I've told you before, you can't wear that winter coat in the desert heat," Waiola scolded, stepping towards the door. "I'll be right back." Exiting the house, the room soon grew quiet.

Door slamming shut, the chimera folded his arms across his waist. Was any of this truly necessary? Surely, wearing his current uniform out into the desert would not cause too many problems. Waiola soon returning with a desert cloak, another round of information had soon come his way.

"Ghandharva Ville is too busy right now, so this desert cloak will have to suffice," Waiola said, handing him the thin layer. "Could you get changed, please?"

Knowing he had no choice but to listen, the early adult undid the buttons on his winter jacket. second layer soon removed, the soldier slipped the cloaked hood over his body. Thin, brown coat of many uses soon upon him, the early adult finished changing.

Waiola and Bogart grabbing supplies from the back, the soldier waited. Knowing it was best to not rush, the chimera remained patient. Panther twins soon finished, they returned towards the front of the room. Everyone soon ready, the twins soon looked his way.

"Now that everyone is ready, we need to brief you on the situation," Waiola said in a stern tone. "The Grand Sage has informed us important artifacts have been stolen from the Akademiya." She placed her arms around her waist. "But, that's not all. It would seem that multiple students have been reported missing, and have been spotted wandering around the Desert of Hadramaveth. It is up to us to find them." But, Bogart soon interjected.

"Waiola, don't forget the skeletal monsters we have to fight!" Bogart interjected. "That's the most important part!"

Information cementing into place, the chimera nodded. There had been more missing students that wandered off into the Akademiya? If such were the case, he knew it was best to search for them. Confirmation soon coming the group's way, a small object had soon been placed into the palm of the soldier's hands.

Village Protector explaining she had given him a treasure compass, the early adult strapped the object to his uniform pants. Everything ready, the soldier bowed a thank you. Party of three exiting the Village Chief's house, the walk had soon begun. Aaru Village soon exited, information had come the chimera's way.

Panther twins informing him they would not be heading for the tunnels today, the chimera could not help but wonder. Where could the missing students possibly have been? But, he supposed, he was about to find out. Great Red Sand area quickly left behind, the trio kept heading north.

Not a sound stirring within the deep desert walls, the group of three kept walking. No one but Eremites and their Sumpter Beasts on the road, nothing had been out of the ordinary. Scorpions and scarabs going about their business, nature remained undisturbed.

Khaj Nisut soon reached, the trio had begun to step around the area. Waiola soon explaining they would be heading for the Passage of Ghouls first, the southern area of the desert had been out of sight, out of mind. Entrance to The Desert of Hadramaveth soon upon him, the panther twins and the hyena veered off towards the left.

Sandy road filled with stone monuments with glowing blue symbols everywhere and Ruin Grader stomping about with serpent audience, the compass on the hyena's waist had begun to leap on his belt ever so slightly. Vibrations getting stronger as a hill soon approached with a a strange floating yellow-green object, the group of three jumped off the ledge.

Compass continuing to vibrate harder and faster as the other side of the hill had been reached, the tool of treasure hunting pointed downward. Barely covered sand hole beside a tree soon uncovered, a shovel had been handed to the hyena. Readying to dig the first of many artifacts, the metallic excavating instrument hit the poorly covered crime, but a roar soon interrupted.

Turning his head towards the noise, a sight like no other burned into the hyena's eyes. Dragon made out of nothing but bones letting out a guttural roar, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. What was this monstrosity in front of him? Had someone gone to Watatsumi and attempted to recreate the discarded dragon fossil on their beaches? But, the hyena knew he was drawing ridiculous conclusions. Undead monster letting loose, the panther twins had risen into action.

Waiola soon turning her arms and legs into aquatic projectiles, her waters had soaked the bony monster of many contradictions. Bogart's electricity soon joining the fray, the elements shook hands with one another. But, such had been a spec a dust upon the wind. Elements doing absolutely nothing, the undead dragon let out an otherworldly shout.

Elements as useless a carp that only knew how to splash, tackle, and flail, the panther twins had been armed and ready. Spear in Bogart's hands, and bow in Waiola's, the hyena kept studying the enemy, for the moment. Polearm pointing about, and bows and arrows soaring on the air, another challenge had soon presented itself.

Spear, and arrows doing nothing, as well, the chimera placed his hand on his chin. Just how sturdy could the dragon of bones have been? Knowing he could not just stand by and watch as the twins fought by themselves, the soldier stood to his feet, ready for battle. Surely, something had to have been its weakness.

Bow and arrows, and her brother's spear doing absolutely nothing to quell the unusual skeleton of a monster, Waiola looked down at the sand below her. Sediment of soft minerals speaking to her, a sudden idea had come her way. The sand, perhaps, just maybe, it could aid Bogart, Siorc and she to victory. Idea solidifying into place, she let out a shout.

"This monster is undead! I know, Siorc, Bogart, throw sand at it!" Waiola shouted, idea glowing like the sun. "That might throw it off guard!"

Suggestion coming his way, the early adult dropped the shovel into the sandy wasteland below him. Brown minerals clumping onto the shovel, the hyena tossed the dirt the skeletal monstrosity's way. Bogart digging downward, as well, a barrage of minerals drowned the creature into a storm of sand, in a matter of moments.

Undead creature between many worlds soon weak, a Claymore had been tossed the early adult's way. Bogart digging his spear into the sand, the hyena followed in his footsteps. Slash of sediment taking the creature for another loop, Waiola dipped her black tail into the sand, as well. Triple threat mineral attack drowning the enemy, a pained roar escaped the dragon's boned esophagus.

Final attack coming for the enemy's bony torso, the creature dropped down to the ground. Monster fading into the ether, the monster had become a fossil of time forgotten. Pile of bones fading away, as well, the Passage of Ghouls had become a town of ghosts. No other enemies approaching, the early adult lowered himself to his knees.

Dropping the shovel into the dirt, Waiola and Bogart had begun digging, as well. Hole soon opened deep within the ground, a deposit of circlets had quickly been uncovered. Strange headpieces dropped into the bag behind Waiola's back, the party of three kept walking.

Desert fungus going about their business, and slimes hopping about without a care in the world, the party of three kept heading for the north west. No signs of any obvious holes anywhere and compass not vibrating, no new discoveries had yet to be made. Continuing onward for hours on end through the possible passageway for the undead, the compass soon vibrated once more.

Sand hole looking especially tampered with, the hyena lowered himself to his knees for what felt like the third time of the day. Set of strange looking earrings uncovered, the chimera tilted his head towards the sky. Were these really artifacts that belonged to the Akademiya? The soldier could not help but feel miscommunication had been an academic foot. But, the soldier could not say such. It was not in his place to question the Grand Sage's orders.

Continuing onward, a second hole near the edge of a hill had soon been reached. Waiola digging her clawed fingers down below into the sand, a group of hourglasses had soon been uncovered. Dials of sand glowing a strange aura, as well, the time pieces had been dropped down into the container.

Group of three continuing northward bound, Sumpter Beasts trotted on the sand blissfully. Nature oddly at peace despite the disturbances, the chimera held back a smile. At least, the monsters and animals were living in prosperity. Compass banging about on his waist as a strange machine approached, another round of digging had soon begun.

Group of dark green orbs scooped up into his hands, the chimera lowered his eyes into a squint. How had canned knowledge escaped the Akademiya? Whoever had stolen such things had to have grabbed lesser important artifacts as a means of distraction. But, the early adult shook his head. Perhaps the term artifact had been used loosely.

Stolen orbs of knowledge dropped into the bag, everything within the Passage of Ghouls had been taken care of. But, such had not been the end. Reaching the Quasar Al Inkhida, another sight to behold creeped up from behind as the sandstorm raged even harder.

Aquatic boned monster that looked similar to a Vishap Hatchling standing upon an unactivated elevator, the dragon bones and water attempted to roll about. But, such had proven to be impossible. Monster unable to act as it would naturally, its spikes had soon been out.

Rotten waters not even a desperate person would drink launched out of the bony Vishap baby's spikes, the world of dirt and grime quickly took over. But, an electrifying answer had soon taken the stage. Bogart dropping down a ring of electricity, the foul waters had been bounced back to their owner. Defiled aquatics zapping with a fervor, the chimera threw down a flower friend.

Silk flower friend's seeds joining the fray, the bony Vishap's rotting brain had become nothing. Bones beginning to decay as Electro, defiled Hydro and Dendro combined with one another, the monster rotted upon the elevator it had tossed itself onto. Monster soon no more, the party of three continued walking.

Self proclaimed treasure compass remaining still as the quasar had been cruised through, no more artifacts had yet to be discovered. But, another treasure soon awaited. Trio of three aquatic boned Vishaps decaying as they tried rolling themselves into balls, another fight had soon begun.

First undead, bony baby dragon successfully able to roll itself into a ball, the monster kept darting around as though it had still been alive. Bones crunching on the sand, the sediment had only served as an obstacle for the enemy. Roll about coming to an abrupt end, the aquatic creature of bone could not return itself to its normal nature.

Other boned dragons unable to roll into a ball, the enemies attempted with their undead strength to jump down into the ground, but such had been an embarrassing failure. Bony monsters limbs cracking as they attempted to dig downward, an opening had soon made itself known to the party of three.

Dirty sand soon decorating the boned Vishaps, Waiola placed herself into a launching stance. Barrage of arrows coming the enemy's way, a loud crack shattered upon the wind. Metallic point making quick work of the monster's limbs, the undead creatures had become immobile enough to be truly dead.

Bogart's spear combined with sand soon taking the undead Vishaps out of the picture, the northern walk kept on marching about. Compass not budging, the early adult held back a shrug. He supposed the artifact thief had some wits about them to not hide everything near one another. Eremite camp soon approaching, another bony monster obstacle took the stage.

Strange fossil of a frog ten times larger than a normal one, the chimera's eyes opened wide. Frogs had bones? The hyena did not know why, but such fact felt wrong. Slow croak of doom soon coming everyone's way, the skeletal legs kicked about in succession.

Rotted feet continuing their rampage, the bones and Bogart's hips had met. Waiola aiming arrows at the legs, a wave of paralysis stopped the frog of the undead world in its tracks. Spear and polearm finishing up the job, a pile of bones rotted into the sand beneath.

Final skeletal frog brought to its eternal rest, the Quasar had been all but vanquished. Area soon left behind, the Dunes of Steel had been upon the party of three after forty-five minutes of walking. Treasure compass bouncing about, the next hole had soon been discovered. But, a gift awaited as Waiola's claws pushed the final pit of sand away.

Skull sitting in the center of the pit with a set of metal plumes, Waiola's tail twitched behind her. Who would place a set of stolen artifacts near someone's remains? If they were to take the artifacts out of the hole, all of them would be cursed, for sure. A curse, with no survivors, screaming, all sense had been lost.

"What's a skull doing down there?!" Waiola shouted at the top of her lungs. "Siorc, Bogart, stop digging now!"

Waiola demanding he stop digging, Bogart placed its claws beside him. Peering down the hole, a skull had been sitting upon the sand, minding its own dead business. What was Waiola so worried about? She needed to calm herself down a peg. Pointing at the skull, the quelling of fears had been ready.

"Woah, hey, Waiola, calm down!" Bogart exclaimed, pointing at the skull. "It's just someone's skull! It can't hurt you!" But, a scream had fired back immediately.

"There's no way that's true, Bogart! Someone placed this skull here deliberately!" Waiola barked back. "What if it curses us?"

Hearing Waiola's concerns, the early adult gazed at the skull in the pit of sand below. How incredibly odd for there to be a skeletal remain of someone's head left here. The sand in the Desert of Hadramaveth was definitely not deep enough to bury a body, for sure. Surely, there was no curse to be had, either. Digging around it had to have been sufficive enough.

Bogart soon assuring Waiola they would not be cursed, the artifacts had soon been bagged. Compass beating like a drum as the group of three kept heading left, the next hole had soon been discovered after five minutes of searching. Shovel slapping down on the sand, a second bony terror wiggled itself amongst the buried canned knowledge.

Crooked femur bones sitting in the center next to the orbs of canned knowledge, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Had the thief been placing the artifacts near bone deposits on purpose? Waiola looking unnerved as her clawed hands avoided touching the decaying leg bone, the group kept heading east.

Skeletal remains in every hole the panther twins and he dug up, the early adult's suspicions had hit an invisible dial to eleven. Had the artifact captor robbed a grave, as well? He knew such probably was not the case, but he felt like it had to have been possible. Whoever had done such, they were a vile villain, for sure. Messing with the dead's remains was unforgivable. The fallen of this world deserved respect beyond the grave.

Every artifact dug up and retrieved, the group of three had begun to veer off eastward. Bony Vishaps blocking the path every step of the way, the enemies quickly, but surely, had been taken out of their undead misery. Multiple skeletal monsters returned to their grave, the large wall claimed to block out sandstorms was nearing.

Waiola and Bogart stepping through the crevices of the sand wall, the early adult followed behind the panther twins. Compass faintly jumping as the barrier had been stepped through, the soldier could not help but wonder. Why would anyone want to steal from the Akademiya in the first place? But, the chimera shook his head. He supposed anyone who had the motive to do so would take from someone else. Rainforest border soon reached, another digging session had begun.

But, in the bed of sand, a haunting present had been left for the Desert of Hadramaveth Excavation Team.

Fresh bird carcass sitting upon the hole, Waiola's heart flipped upside down, backwards, and inside out. Legs and tail shaking about, a knot had begun to form inside her chest. No, she could not take it. Not a dead bird, no way. She couldn't dig any further. No way, not a chance, never. Not in a million years, not even in another life.

"Nope! Sorry, not digging!" Waiola shouted, words boomeranging back. "Not digging!"

Bogart dragged out a sigh. Why was Waiola being such a baby today? But, he perished such thought. Right, the bird incident from their shared childhood had to still have been deeply rooted in her mind. It was best to zipper the lip on such subject. Thinking of a good distraction, he pointed his clawed finger off to the left.

"Waiola, look over there, a monster!" Bogart shouted. Waiola soon bolting away like lightning, the digging had soon begun once more. Bird moved out of the way, he let out a second sigh. Turning his head towards Siorc, an apology had bubbled onto his tongue. "Jeepers, Siorc, sorry about that. When Waiola and I were kids, some mean girls bullied her because of her tails and ears." Digging its claws deeper into the dirt, the artifacts had soon been uncovered. Scooping them into its hand, it continued. "One time, they pretended to call a truce, and acted like they were suddenly her friend, those brutes! They gave her a present, and it was a fresh dead bird!" Handing the artifacts off to him, the story kept going. "They tried to force her to eat it, but she wouldn't! And none of the adults would do anything because we're chimeras, and they didn't care!" Fists soon shaking, he huffed a breath. "So, whenever we're around tiny birds, it brings up bad memories."

Hearing Bogart's tale, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. Humans could be so cruel sometimes. Artifacts pocketed, for the time being, the hyena placed the bird back into the hole. Proper burial given, Waiola soon returned. Evening rolling in, the group had begun to backtrack.

Informed by Waiola he would be staying at their home until further notice, the early adult had no choice but to agree. He supposed, staying within Sumeru until the job had been done would be for the best. Returning to the permafrost north now was not an option.

Aaru Village reached after three hours of walking, the panther twins' house had soon been upon them and he. Bogart twisting the door open, everyone soon stepped in the village house. Panther's father the only one home, a discussion amongst the three fired off at earshot. Mr. Hakimi granting permission for him to use the guestroom for as long as he needed, everyone headed their separate ways within the house.

Guestroom upon him, a wave of tiredness immediately took the hyena away. Crawling under the covers, the soldier closed his eyes, in an instant. World of dreams readying to invite him back in, the early adult let out a tired sigh as he drifted off into the world of sleep. A long few days were definitely ahead of him.

Waking up the next morning, the hyena let out a deep throated yawn. Placing the glasses over his eyes, the soldier soon clicked the blue stars back into his hair and ears. Desert cloak melting onto his partially human person, Siorc stepped into the panther twins dining room.

Samosa and falafel breakfast served by the twins' mother, a wave of instructions had begun to crash at bay. Informed they would be starting off by heading for the Pane of Panjvahe, everyone's meals had been quickly devoured. Same path as the day before taken, Khaj Nisut was quickly stepped around. But, a monster mob awaited as the Passage of Ghouls had been cruised through without a hitch.

Skeletal monstrosities everywhere the six eyes could see, the fights had begun. Bony dragons putting up a fight beyond their age roared for their undead lives. Sandy spear taking the creature out of its misery, the battles continued onward throughout the Passage of Ghouls.

Second and third skeletal monster returned to their graves, the early adult could feel sweat pour down his brow. Just how many of these undead monsters were there? Surely, most of them had to have been vanquished by now. But, such had been wishful thinking. Vishap of bones and spikes on the elevator in the Quasar of Al Inkhida like the day before, a repeat fight took the desert by a sandstorm.

Boned enemies reduced to nothing but dust, the early adult's head spun, for a moment. Was he experiencing dejavu? How had the enemies from the day before been in the exact same place as yesterday? But the hyena shook his head. He was imagining it, surely. Perhaps, the monsters could only stay in one area, even if it were a different enemy from before.

Every single enemy on the pathway the same ones as before, quick work had been made of the remaining monsters. Mountainscape above the Debris of Panjvahe reached after about an hour of skeletal monstrosity vanquishing, the compass had begun to beat like a drum. Arrow pointing north, the hyena took the lead.

Shovel and claws digging into the dirt, a pelvis had shown itself amongst the stolen canned knowledge. Seeing such, the chimera rolled his eyes to the sandy sky. Hadn't the thief gotten tired of scattering the remains of someone within the scene of their crime? Tool of treasure vibrating shortly after the hole had been covered up, the next hole was quickly discovered.

Fibula bent up beside a group of metal flowers, the hyena let out a tired sigh. A grave had surely been robbed as well, indeed. Skeletal hand left in the next hole, as well, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. There was no helping it, he would continue to see the remains of a stranger in every hole, guaranteed.

Every single artifact in the area above the Debris of Panjvahe located, the group of three headed northwest. Informed the Three Sand Canals would be next, the panther twins broke out into a speedy sprint. Running far faster than he could keep up with, the soldier straggled behind.

Skeletal falcons dropping down from the sky as the dash about continued, Waiola's arrow and the enemy's bony cranium became the best of friends. Skull cracking, the enemy returned to its grave. Electricity taking out the remaining monsters, the run about had gained speed.

Unable to keep up, the soldier attempted to speed up his run about. Huffing and puffing as the twins kept getting farther away, a second white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. It was no use. A hyena chimera like himself could never catch up to a group of two panthers.

Second group of undead falcons kicking sand with their bony feet, the early adult threw down a flower friend. Silk Flower dancing about in the sediment, the chimera provided silent commands to the flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision. Pointing down at the sand below, the vines dug down deep into the minerals. Vines covered in dirt, the birds had turned into dust upon the wind.

Multiple bony monsters taken out of their misery as the Three Sand Canals were getting ever so closer, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. No normal monsters or living creatures within his line of damaged sight, bewilderment goggled the hyena up like a bowl of Butter Chicken. Where had all the normal monsters gone? But, the soldier shook his head. It was no use thinking about such things.

Next hole soon upon the trio, a gift had been lying in wait as the sand pit had been unveiled. Fresh Mora Weasel carcass sitting in the sand hole as though it were merely sleeping, the hyena's left eyebrow twitched with a fervor. Why would someone kill innocent animals just to mess with someone? Whoever this thief was, he would give them a piece of his mind for disturbing nature. Waiola shaking like a maraca as the weasel's remains had been moved out of the way, a predictable shout took the digging stage.

"I don't know who stole these artifacts and buried them," Waiola squealed, shaking. "But, whoever did this is a freak!" Continuing to shake, her claws dug at the sand weakly.

Hearing Waiola scream and shout, the early adult closed his eyes for a moment. What has gotten into Waiola? He supposed he could not help but agree that the thief was quite abnormal, but perhaps the word freak was quite too strong. But, the hyena knew he could not say such, or a argument would come his way. Returning to digging, the next set of artifacts had soon been uncovered.

Multiple artifacts excavated, the hyena and panther twins kept trudging north. Eremites going about their business, a sight to behold grabbed the soldier's attention, in an instant. Dark purple cloud in the corner of the sky, a wave of fascination bubbled inside the soldier's chest. What could that purple light in the sky have possibly been? How incredibly mysterious. Perhaps, just maybe, sometime in the near future, he could explore such phenomenon. But, such thought had been cut short as the compass upon his waist vibrated harder, and faster.

Hole leading to a darker sanded desert, the party of three stepped forward. Lowering himself to his knees, the hyena prepared the shovel. Readying to dig, the chimera pressed the digging utensil into the dirt. Such action, however, was quickly halted as the sound of barefoot footsteps drowned out everything. Loud giggle continuing the interruptions, the early adult rose his head, for a moment.

Standing six feet away giggling like a school kid had been a person slightly taller than him. The stranger had short, curly dark blue drilled hair with a curly cowlick that went down to about their shoulders. Slightly light brown skin and pointy gazelle horns looking ready and equipped with spiky hair pieces, the soldier looked at the stranger's eyes. Light, green blue eyes looking like they're ready for blood, and light grey robe exposing part of their flat chest, the early adult gulped at the sight of the person's hands. Scythe practically half their size held behind their back, the chimera backed for steps away. This person was not to be messed with, guaranteed. Ending his examination, his eyes twitched. A fight was about to break out if a wrong step was made.

Stranger playing with their scythe, the soldier returned his gaze to their antlers. Could this person have been related to Parisa, in any way? But, the early adult pushed such thought away into the sandstorm. Why was he thinking about such things at a time like this? He had to get to digging right away. Stranger soon laughing again, their lips motioned to speak.

"Hee hee, watchya doin' in my territory?" the stranger asked, spinning their scythe. They then walked towards Waiola, petting her chin. "Sweetie?" Their voice sounded neither male nor female.

Stranger getting grossly up close and personal with her, Waiola let out a yelp. Who was this person, and why were they already flirting with her? Whatever they were trying to accomplish, she would not award them with affection in return, guaranteed. Chin continued to be caressed for seconds on end, she readied to shout.

Gazelle horned stranger petting Waiola's face, the early adult held back a gag. What was this strange person doing? Was touching the panther chimera really necessary? Getting so up close and personal like that was quite ridiculous. If they were to not let go, he would break his silence, immediately. Shout breaking the sand, an argument had soon made waves.

"Don't touch me, please!" Waiola shouted, swatting the stranger's hand off of her chin. "I don't know what you're talking about, this is the Desert of Hadramaveth!" But Bogart's voice soon interrupted.

"Yeah, this is our territory!" Bogart shouted. The stranger belted out a giggle as he said such.

"You're on the border of the Girdle of Sands! Necromancer Onur's territory, meeee!" Onur shouted, singing. They then touched Waiola's tail. "You haven't heard of me, sweetheart? 'Onur has reaped another soul, ve has done it!' Hee, hee, honey, honestly, I'm famous!"

Stranger playing with her tail, Waiola's entire body had begun to shake. Why couldn't this person incorrectly labelling verself as a necromancer stop touching her? Ve had been flirting with the wrong person if ve seriously thought she would reciprocate a stranger's advances.

Watching as Waiola shook with a twisted look on her face, the early adult balled up a fist. Who did this person think they were, continuing to touch her like that? Whoever ve was, ve needed to stop. Touching someone without asking was uncalled for, and disgusting for sure. Readying to launch a punch, the soldier stepped forward, but Bogart stepped up to the plate first.

"Hey, loser, leave my sister alone!" Bogart shouted, hand in the air. "Back off, get your hands off her, you're making her uncomfortable! Dial down, or scram!" But, as he said such, a skeletal dragon roared from behind him.

Onur spinning ver scythe around like a toy, a sea of Anemo energy engulfed the weapon in an instant. Entire body joining in, ve slashed their scythe forward. Bony monstrosity reaped with the power of the Archon of Freedom, a soul had been reaped in front of the trio in a matter of moments. Bones soon gone without a trace, ve spun a small dance.

"Kaaaay, bigshot brother, I'll get loooost," Onur sang, spinning ver scythe around. "Bye byeeee!" Dashing north, the stranger had been gone like a light.

Compass continuing to scream on his hip, the chimera had begun digging. Odd head pieces that looked incredibly ancient uncovered, the soldier dropped the stolen goods into Waiola's satchel. Border to the Girlde of Sands soon left behind, the party of three had begun to return to the southward path.

Returning to the Passage of Ghouls after two hours of walking, skeletal monsters awaited the chimera trio. Boned dragons double the size of the ones they had been fighting previously, sand had soon not been enough. Beams of energy shooting from the undead enemy's mouths, the chimera could feel his energy drain as the beam hit his torso.

Clutching his greatsword, the soldier dropped the blade into the sand. Sediment hitting the dragon of bones doing absolutely nothing, the early adult's eyebrows had begun to twitch. Waiola's arrows combined with sand, and Bogart's spear doing nothing as well, Dendro, Hydro and Electro soon took the stage.

But the elements had done nothing. Bony creature's tail knocking the Windwheel Aster friend back, and shaking off the electricity and aquatic projectiles as well, a frame of invincibility had taken the stage. Panther twins ultimate attacks shaken off, as well, the undead dragon let out a happy roar.

Nothing working for minutes on end, an idea had come to the chimera. If sand and elements had not been working, could throwing a metallic chunk of rock do something instead? Spotting a rock deposit in the corner, the soldier spun his blade at the minerals. Metallic chunks dropping downward, he handed a rock to both panthers each.

Metallic minerals tossed at the dragon's bony craniums, the monsters had sunk into the sand. Creatures looking weak, the second set of rocks had been placed into everyone's hands. Triple rock threat making the dragons from beyond the grave unable to fight back, Bogart's spear finished the deed.

No more enemies upon the battlefield, one final stop had been upon the Desert of Hadramaveth Excavators. Suggestion to check the temple within Khaj Nisut, Waiola took the lead. Strange path high above the ground taken with peculiar four pointed stars grappling the chimera through the air, the temple had soon been reached.

Artifacts left out in the open, the early adult shook his head. Had the thief gotten lazy? Every single stolen commodity placed into the satchel, the panther twins had prepared to exit the ruins, but such departure had been cut short. Skeletal Mitachurl awakening, the monster beat its decayed hands onto its chest.

Rotted axe in the monster's hands, the creature from beyond the grave struck with vigor. Such attack, however, was met with immediate consequence. Boned hands cracking one after another, its brittle fingers of bone dropped onto the temple floor. Skeletal arms dropping as well, the axe swung backwards onto its owner.

Crack opened upon the Bonechurl's chest, Bogart's spear and the monster's torso danced together as one. Bony ribcage breaking into two as the tip of the polearm crunched inward, the Mitachurl had returned to its grave. No more monsters popping up within the temple, and every other artifact laying out in the open grabbed, the party of three staged their exit.

Loud yawns roaring about, Aaru Village was upon the panther twins and the hyena. House soon reached, the twins and he soon split off into separate rooms. Dispersing into the guestroom, the soldier allowed a yawn to escape the partially human throat. Wave of tiredness overtaking him, the soldier removed the desert cloak. Hairpins and earrings put away, as well, the early adult slumped into the guest bed. World of sleep taking him away, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Hopefully, everything would go over well tomorrow.

***

"At the crack of dawn, when the sunrise is at its
Zenith, Bogart and I awaken.
As we exit the house, and head for the Akademiya, I
Reach for my eye, rubbing them gently, but Bogart sees this and he

Immediately asks me, 'You're still tired, Waiola? Come on, look alive!'
So I bark back, 'I'm trying, Bogart!

Getting up this early isn't that easy!'
Even though I am an early morning person, dawn is far beyond my morning sand dial.
Trudging through the desert, we head south,
Though, I let out another yawn. Bogart is quick to criticize me,
I hear him yell, 'Come on, Waiola, we can't look tired in front of the Grand Sage! Get your
Ninety yawns out your system quickly!'
Great. I'm on a time limit now, Bogart, don't you dislike when your beauty sleep is interrupted?

Quickly, I remove any more yawns inside me. Time is almost
Up. The Akademiya is here, in front of me.
Inside we go, up the elevator, into the office,
The elderly man stares at me, disappointed.
Eyeing me, he asks, 'where are the students? How have you not found any of them by now?'

I feel my lip quiver. Oh, right, the students, we haven't found a single one. None, nobody.
My mouth moves on its own, 'I apologize, Grand Sage, we have been searching for the artifacts first!'
Perhaps I should not have spoken so soon, he slams his hands down on the table.
And screeches, 'Find the missing students immediately!'
Tossing a metallic orb my way, the edges hit my claws, I flinch.
Impatience brews the room into a stew, the
Elderly man says, 'And give that Delusion to that friend of yours.
Now, get out of my office, desertfolk!'
Taking our leave, I lower my head.

Ah, I really don't understand the Akademiya,
No matter how often we get work from them, I feel he says the word desertfolk as
Derogatory. Why can't he just keep such opinion to himself?

I know as a chimera, and a desertfolk I will never be
Seen as intelligent, as equal, I know as a chimera I will never be held with respect or high regard, but

Gutting such insults, why must I live like this?
Even the desertfolk humans are held with low regard.
That is wrong, and I know it.
That is wrong, I just don't get it.
It makes no sense, why act like this?
Now I see why that wall on the desert's border was built. The Akademiya, men like him, they want us to
Get out. They want us to stay in the

Desert, away from people like them.
Every time ----- told us this in the past, I chose to not believe her. I thought,
Maybe she's just being silly, but maybe I was the only choosing to keep my head in the sand.
After all, sometimes, I see strange eyes on Bogart and I.
No matter what, I will also just be some
Desertfolk to some people, a panther, to others, a cat to my childhood bullies.
If only this could stop.
Now I get it, I see. The wall, the rainforest,
Guess no matter how much I work on the other side, I will always be seen as lesser, guaranteed."

Upon waking up the next morning, silence overtook the house. Placing his desert cloak over his singular layered shirt and hairpins and earrings clicked into place, the soldier stepped into the dining room. Waiola and Bogart's mother hard at work cooking up a meal, the hyena wafted the scent of eggs on the house air. Mother's eyes soon on him, a greeting had come his way.

"Morning, sweetie. Are you looking for Waiola and Bogart?" Waiola and Bogart's mother asked, hands still above the stove. "They left at dawn to go talk to their boss in Sumeru City. But, they should be back any minute." Placing the food on the table, she put on a motherly smile.

Hearing the mother's words, the early adult shook his head. Waiola and Bogart had woken up at the crack of dawn to go see the Grand Sage in his office? They had been working far too hard, for sure. Door soon swinging open from the outside, a nervous look had been upon Waiola's face as she walked towards Siorc.

"We're back, mama," Waiola said to her mother. She then turned towards Siorc. "Siorc, I'm sorry, the Grand Sage is getting impatient." Pointing at the palm of his hands, her eyes twitched. "I need you to open up your hands for me. He asked me to give you this."

Nodding, the early adult opened up his hands. But, a terrifying present had been dropped into the center of his palms. Cryo Delusion glaring daggers at him, the early adult's knees had begun to shake with a fervor. He has to use a Delusion now? His heart skipped three beats as the realization settled in. Everything is going to break, for sure.

"Try not to overuse it, alright?" Waiola asked, voice stern. "We should hurry up and eat. The Grand Sage expects us to head to Wounded Shin Valley by this afternoon."

Panther twin's mother sitting on the edge of the table telling her children to be careful when heading out to the valley, the soldier attempted with all his might to not break out into tears. The warmth of a mother's words, it had been gone from his life for eight years. Waiola and Bogart were lucky. Pushing such thoughts away, the soldier bit down into the salty eggs.

Fruits on his plate bitter, the early adult held back a sour face. But, the soldier kept eating. Cold, harsh fruit dropping down the esophagus, the hyena held back a flinch. There was no way he could let such taste bother him, the panther twin's mother had been nice enough to feed him, he should not have any complaints. Everyone's meals soon finished, farewells had been said. Stepping towards the door's exit, the party of three left for the Wounded Shin Valley.

Valley reached after about two hours of walking, a sight to behold caught the hyena's attention. Multiple young adult students from the Akademiya wearing various different symbols upon their hats with their eyes deeply shut, a strange set of words had been mumbled out of their tired mouths.

Group of six students mumbling on and on about the Greater Lord as they walked about like an undead being, Waiola continuously tapped the student's shoulders. Taking multiple attempts, their eyes fluttered open. But, the utterances about the Greater Lord remained. Akasha's on their left ear starting to blink red in a rapid manner, the researchers lunged their half awake bodies forward.

Students soon on the offensive, the chimera let out a shout. Why were the students suddenly attacking? Akasha terminals continuing to beep red, the group lunged their entire bodies forward. Delusion on the early adult's belt glowing, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed he had no choice but the freeze them.

Channeling the delusional energy into the palm of his hands, ice of darkness turned the six researcher's legs into cocoons of ice. Students unable to move, they soon fell onto the ground. Returning to the world of unconsciousness, Waiola's finger pointed at the chimera's back pocket. Knowing that was his cue to take out his Teleport Waypoint Proxy Map, the soldier highlighted the waypoint to Aaru Village once more.

Spotting the mercenary bodyguard standing outside Aaru Village by the bridge, Waiola and Bogart sped towards her. Bogart panting out, he cracked his knuckles. Dress's skirt blowing on the wind for a moment, he let out a shout towards the mercenary bodyguard.

"-----, six students fainted in Wounded Shin Valley!" Bogart shouted, acting unlike himself every step of the way. "Get your pals to help you carry them!" Admitting defeat, he bowed his head. "I detest admitting it, but Waiola and I can't haul back six grown adults on our backs!"

"I got you, Bogart, I'll go tell the other Eremites, and we'll grab them," the mercenary bodyguard replied. "It's just like Dunyarzad told me. She said some students have been acting quite strangely." Rolling her shoulder, she continued. "Which reminds me. Spotted some students walking in a daze over to Safhe Shatranj. You three should check what that's all about."

Next location spelled out to them, the party of three's six legs erupted into an astronomically speedy sprint. Reaching the back entrance to the area after an hour of running, the group of three sped past a strange area with huge life size chess pieces. But, the hyena stopped in his tracks as the sight of two people standing about beside the large, possible life-sized game zeroed in on his damaged field of vision.

Argenta and Plata standing in the center of the pathway to the ruins within Safhe Shatranj, a sea of questions flooded the early adult's fading human brain. What had the scorpion siblings been doing here? Had the malpracticing malicious doctor hidden leg oil within the deep confines of the area once again? But, he supposed whatever reason they were here was no business of his.

Siorc and two panthers running alongside him, Argenta rose an eyebrow. What had they been doing here, running for their lives? Look of fret on all three of their faces, ter eyebrow of suspicion would not lower, even for a moment. Plata soon tilting eir head, a question had cut water in half.

"Why Siorc and pals running?" Plata asked.

Sibling interrupting ter line of thought, Argenta lowered ter eyes into a squint. Had the three of them been running from the law, or something? The frantic looks on their faces spoke louder than words. If they had been in trouble with such, tey would not lift a single finger to help them, but tey supposed asking them what was going on would not hurt.

"Are you three here about the missing persons report?" Argenta asked, suspicion evident in ter voice. "Or are you two helping this Fatui run from the law?" Tey crossed ter arms around ter waist.

The chimera let out a sigh. He supposed he did not blame Argenta for thinking such a thing. Fatui were regarded with disdain around the entire nation. Jumping to such conclusion had to have been normal for most people. Plata's bony hands waving about, a defense had stepped up to the plate.

"Siorc good guy!" Plata exclaimed in defense. "Not bad guy!" Ey then turned to Siorc. "We help you find students!"

Hearing ter sibling so quick to defend, Argenta dragged out a long, tired sigh. Plata had trusted far too easily. Was he really a good person like Plata claimed he had been? Tey knew, no matter what Plata and tey should remain wary of him. Shaking ter head, tey turned towards em.

"Alright, we'll help you," Argenta replied reluctantly. Waiola's voice soon joined the party.

"Honestly, for the record, we would never help someone run from the law," Waiola replied, words stern. "Not even if an Eremite begged us, I can assure you."

Argenta and Plata soon taking the lead, the entrance to the ruins were quickly upon the party of five. Familiar ruins upon the scorpions and he, the early adult stepped forward. But, as the rooms of familiarity blended together, an unusual sight of unease bounced off and around the temple walls.

Group of students mumbling to themselves about their god being back amongst them, the hyena tilted his head towards the ceiling. Why had all the students been muttering about the same thing? Their god, Lesser Lord Kusanali, hadn't she always been with them? But, the hyena recalled a particular tale within the Nation of Wisdom.

Hearing most citizens within the rainforest worshipped the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, the chimera could not help but wonder, which god had the students been mumbling about? Group soon awakened, such thoughts had been cut off with a pair of invisible scissors. Akashas beeping red, the researchers lunged at the group of five like wild animals.

Group of students a collection of icicles, everyone kept on walking, But, such incident looped on repeat as the ruins had been walked through. Students dropping to the ground as ice combined with their legs, the hyena's back had begun to weigh a ton. End of the ruins soon reached, a group of researchers proclaiming the real god has returned, questions flooded the temple walls.

Bogart inquiring what they had meant about the real god returning, a wave of arrogant answers had come his way. Students mouthing off about the Lesser Lord being inferior to the Greater Lord, a defiled chuckle hit the room. Eyes soon turning red as a sea of x-es floated through their eyes, an axe had appeared in the student's hands.

Waiola putting an end to such nonsense as a burst of energy flowed through her, a vortex of water sucked the students into the center. Researchers begging for mercy, their bodies had gone limp. No more students conscious within the ruins, the party of five left the area. Tanit Camps off towards the south reached next, a battle of many wrongs had been taking place within the small campsite.

Multiple young adult students with a green symbol on their hats squaring off with the residents in the area with their eyes closed, a wave of uneasiness nibbled on the cartilage of the chimera's ear. How could so many of these students fight so well while sleeping? He knew he needed to put a stop to such immediately. Bodies from below the neck frozen into a popsicle, the fight had ended before it could reach its climax.

But, such had not been the end. Students breaking out of the ice cocoons with their bare hands, fear swallowed the hyena whole. Had these particular students been skilled in martial arts? The hyena did not know, but he felt like such could have been the case. Argenta soon rolling ter eyes, the chess piece inside ter hoodie pocket had been out in front of tem.

Large rock projectile soon in the center of ter hands, Argenta lunged the boulder at the group of hostile sleepwalkers. Group of strangely behaved academics falling to the ground one after another, a sharp jab tapped ter stomach as ter chess piece did its job to a t. Tap of bony fingers pecking ter shoulder, tey looked at Plata. Pills in eir hand, the capsules had soon been transferred into ter own.

"Argenta hurting, take meds," Plata said in a serious tone. Ey then turned towards Siorc and the others. "Oh! By way! Rag tag students spotted in Wadi Al Maluj!" Finger pointing off towards the left. "We take everyone there!" Bringing eir legs into a sprint position, ey allowed a shout to escape eir throat. "No time! Siorc and pals, run!"

Eremites within the camps seeming alright from the sudden barrage to their home, the soldier bowed his head. Everyone dashing off as fast as their legs would carry them, Wadi Al Maluj had been reached in less than twenty minutes. Out of breath, the chimera sputtered a wheeze as he halted his dash about.

Multiple students looking to be in their late thirties wallowing about the Greater Lord returning pointing at absolutely nothing, the chimera snapped his fingers. There was no one there, the students must have been seeing their God in their dreams. Older adult researchers soon waking up, aggression had soon come everyone's way.

Finger nails digging into the early adult's left arm, the soldier let out a grunt. He supposed he had no choice but to fight back. But, his delusional ice had been blocked by an external force. Plata's flower crown glowing on eir head, massive energy had come the aggressor's way. Singular attack of Dendro knocking the students back, defeat had come for the group immediately. But, as they fell backwards, one student would soon have the last laugh.

"You think you've defeated us all? Well, this isn't over yet!" one of the rogue students shouted, Akasha beeping out of control. "This is just the beginning! You'll see!" Wobbling backwards, he soon fell to the ground, back into the world of sleep.

Argenta falling backwards, as well, Plata hooked eir arm around eir sibling. Turning towards Siorc and his pals, Plata announced eirself and plans to the word. "We go now, sorry," Plata said, bidding farewell. "Argenta tired. Plata take ter home." Stepping away, eir back had been turned.

Waiola stating it was time to go back home, as well, everyone had begun heading west. Aaru Village soon reached, the panther twins searched for the Eremites, for a moment. Information about the fallen students coming their way, the mercenary groups had been on the case. Everyone soon heading into the house, the soldier headed for the guestroom.

Wave of heavy fatigue taking the chimera for a ride, Siorc slumped into the guest bed. But, as he closed his eyes, a question poked the active shark grooves in his brain. What had been going on within the Desert of Hadramaveth, truly? World of sleep taking him away, the question repeated itself.

Just what was going on, truly?

***

Dreaming was still a cycle of never ending anguish within the hyena's life. But, the circle of torment was cut in half, neutral path dividing itself from the agony. Flames hitting the curb, and monsters dropped into a bubble, the night before him had been unlike most others.

Before him had been the familiar pink tree he had seen a few times before. Tree branch path in front of him like always, the soldier ascended. Reaching the end, an expected sight caught the early adult's dream eyes. Sitting on her swing, like usual upon the tree branches had been the mysterious swing appearing underneath him as he sat beside her, an inquiry had come his way.

"Are you struggling to find the culprit? I'll help you a little," the mysterious girl said, smiling. "I'll give you teeny hint: it's a mirage!"

Hearing the word mirage, the early adult scratched through his brain for an answer. A mirage? What did that mean? Thinking it over for many dream minutes on end, a sudden idea had popped into his brain like a balloon. The Eternal Oasis of Sumeru, could that have been it? Answer in front of him, words flowed out like a river.

"It's the Eternal Oasis!" Siorc blurted out, accidental confidence leaking through his voice.

Mysterious girl soon giggling, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. Had he gotten it right? Surely, that had to have been the case. Girl of many mysteries pushing her swing back for a moment, an answer was about to come his way, guaranteed. Grinning from ear to ear, a confirmation was playing itself out.

"That right, you got it!" the mysterious girl responded. Her face then turned serious, for a moment. "Someone is trying to create a never ending dream to extract data from the Akasha Terminals the host of this dream has been targeting, and it has to be stopped!" There was a tone of slight anger in her voice, but it quickly dissipated. "But, there is a solution. As a parting gift, I'll tell you where the dream dispeller is. It's in the Akademiya!" Reaching her hands out, there had been a sharp look in her eyes. "Please, retrieve it for me. It is beyond the reach of my bird cage."

Giving the mysterious girl a nod, she soon vanished. Knowing what was ahead of him tomorrow, the soldier pounded his dream fists together. The Akademiya, he had to go there in the morning, for sure. The dream dispeller, no matter what, he had to retrieve it.

He was ready to fight, if necessary.

***

"A new god has risen now?
Why is this happening? The faux
Alchemist, I knew it he was responsible for all of this.
Knowledge extracting, the angry students,
Everything had to have been his doing.
Now, I do not understand him.
It makes no sense to me,
Nothing is adding up.
Guess what he told me in Dragonspine was the truth.

Of course, this new god, I am skeptical, truly.
For these powers of his, are they just

As artificially created as he?

No, that cannot be it.
Even so, I have to remain on my guard.
Waiola and Bogart should do so, as well.

Guess I have to use my Delusion again today.
Obviously, the choice is no longer mine.
Do I have what it takes to fight a false god? I do not know, but I have to try."

Waking up the next morning, the soldier explained the situation to the panther twins. Party of three heading for the Akademiya, the soldier stormed the Grand Sage's office like a bunch of people in another universe heading for an area with the number fifty-one in the name. Slamming his hand onto the Sage's desk, the early adult took two deep breaths. The time had come to speak his mind.

"Give me the dream dispeller, sir," Siorc demanded. But, he knew manners were mandatory. "Please." But, the elderly man soon got on the defensive.

"I gave it to Riyad!" the Grand Sage responded defensively. "Go to the House of Daena!" Lowering his voice, he gave a sharp glare. "Hands off my desk, filthy chimera!"

Insulting words coming his way, the hyena stomped his heelless shoes off to the House of Daena. Door opening as though it was welcoming him, the early adult searched for the wretched shady gazelle within the library of flowing knowledge. But, such search party had gone on for minutes on end.

Soon spotting the familiar light burgundy hair, the early adult stopped walking. Riyad giving him a snide smirk, the young soldier rolled his eyes to the ceiling. Whatever he was about to say to him, he would take no ridiculous nonsense today. If Riyad were to say anything, words would come his way, for certain.

"Took you long enough to figure it out, failure!" Riyad chided. "How slow are you?"

Insult coming his way, the young soldier bellowed a growl. He had had quite enough of this man's constant berating and insults towards him and his sister. He had no time for such games; not today. He would put an end to this ludicrous nonsense once and for all.

"Give me the dream dispeller," Siorc demanded. "Please." Such had been laughed off in an instant.

"Oh, you mean this? Come and get it!" Riyad exclaimed, holding it above his head. "If you can reach it!"

Dark black orb above the tall gazelle's head, the soldier's eyebrows twitched. Why was this infuriating man playing games with him? Who did he think he was? This nonsense needed to be stopped. No more games, no more nonsense. It was time to put an end to Riyad's aggravating attitude. Slamming his hand down on the library table, a dark look appeared on the hyena's face.

"I don't have time for this, Riyad Saber," Siorc said, voice low, anger evident in his voice. "Don't play games with me." Fatui mode soon on, his eyes had been sharper than a tac. "Hand it over, or I'll have to use force." A laugh had been bestowed upon him.

"Failure's feisty today, isn't he?" Riyad chided, laughing. "You want this thing so bad, don't you? Here, take it." Slapping the orb into the palm of his hands, he let out another sinister laugh. "But, there's no way you'll find the oasis in Mt. Damanvad! So, good luck to you, failure! Bye bye!"

Location soon leaked, the soldier exited the Akademiya. Showing the panther twins the location that had been revealed, the group of three soon pressed the Teleport Waypoint together. Secret room within the mountain teleported to, in an instant, a familiar face had stood out amongst the empty room of many secrets.

Short, spiky red haired frog porcupine chimera wearing an abyssal outfit floating in the air slightly, the soldier's eyes opened wide. Garrán, had they been a part of the abyss order this entire time? The hyena did not know why, but he felt like such sign had been a long time coming.

Seeing a familiar face amongst the crowd, Waiola and Bogart looked at one another. Had Garry returned? It had been so many years since either of them had seen them last. Reunion after so many years right before their very eyes, Bogart placed his hands on his chest, readying for a greeting.

"Garry, is that you?" Bogart asked, hand on his chest. "Is that really you? It's been so long since you disappeared! Do you remember us?"

Familiar faces from the past referring to them as Garry, a gasket had blown inside Garrán's head. How dare people close to strangers in the present refer to them by such a name? Blood beginning to boil, they shook their hand with a burning fist. Who did these people think they were?

"Don't call me Garry!" Garrán shouted at the top of their lungs. "That makes me so angry!"

"But, we used to call you Garry all the time!" Bogart yelped, heart breaking. "Don't you remember us? We used to play in the rainforests when we were young together!" He then turned to Waiola! "Right, Waiola?"

But, Waiola shook her head, withdrawing her participation. Anger boiling over, eggs could boil on the ground. Seeing such, Siorc could not help but shake his head. Whatever past Garrán and the panther twins had between eachother, he knew they did not care anymore about such things. Shout readying itself, the frog porcupine's anger had reached its peak levels of rage.

"Silence!" Garrán shouted. "Witness the awakening of a new god!" But they stuttered as they spoke.

Garrán soon floating in mid-air, their gloved hands formed a triangle. Electricity joining together with the purple core on their abyssal outfit, a shout about beholding the power of the truth slammed as hard as their Electro Tome of spells in front of them. Waiola the first victim of the proclaimed God's forthcoming, crackles of electricity surrounded her.

Garrán rapidly flipping through the book of electric spells, a thunderbolt aligned itself with the ground. Circle right beside Waiola, Bogart jumped in front. Absorbing the attack into his polearm like a lightning rod, he dashed off towards the opposing opponent. Ring of his own electricity surrounding them, he responded in kind.

But, such had barely done a scratch of damage upon them. Shrugging the attack off like it was nothing, Garrán placed their hands towards the center of their chest. Two bolts of electricity coming Bogart's way, he soon jumped out of the way. Bolts having nowhere to go, they struck the ground.

Garrán looking open for an attack, the early adult sprinted towards them. Such attempt had been futile. Anticipating such had been coming, an implosion of electricity had come the hyena's way. Electromagnetic blast toasting him, the hyena's desert cloak zapped him a new one.

Three balls of electricity soon above their head, charging the chimera's way, the soldier jumped five steps back. Greatsword in front of him, the early adult boomeranged the projectiles back to their owner, but such had done nothing. Brushing the attack off, a sea of ten balls of electricity drowned out the original three.

Waiola's Hydro arrows joining into the fray after awhile, Electro and Hydro soon joined forces. Static electricity taking their former friend by storm, an opening had been upon them. Abyssal frog porcupine looking paralyzed enough, the early adult channeled his energy. Ice of darkness in the palm of his hands, the early adult stepped towards the enemy.

Knowing he had no choice but to use the delusional Cryo orb, the soldier's hand shot out beams of dark ice. Shoulders soon frozen, the chimera took a long, deep breath. Left hand soon freezing the enemy's legs, as well, Bogart's rings of electricity soon put an end to the fight. Garrán soon weak, a forced, line of defeat had been bellowed from their throat.

"Foolish surface world mortals," Garrán said, forcing out a villainous line. "You haven't won yet. Our god has awakened." But, such had been awarded an eye roll.

"Right, enough of this dumb script of yours," Waiola replied, suspicion evident in her voice. "Please, let us into the oasis."

"Ha, saw right through me, fine! Go in!" Garrán shouted, voice cracking multiple times. "Enter the oasis!" Stepping away, the path had been cleared.

Strange small portal stepped on inquiring to go to the Orchard of Pairdaeza, Waiola pressed an invisible button. Group of three taken inside the root of a tree, everyone exited. Long straight dirt road beside multiple long tree trunks, the panther twins and the hyena's legs bolted into a sprint. End of the path reached after five minutes, a paradise like no other soon awaited.

Paradise was lost, stolen, taken over.

Beautiful field of flowers, and river cut off from time, a familiar foe stood upon the unmoving water. Faux alchemist standing beside a figure of a godly woman with long white hair and light green streaks with pointy elven ears and white and golden dress, the early adult's heart sunk into the deep pits of his stomach at the sight before him.

Multiple students bowing down to the figure before them calling her Greater Lord Rukkhedevata, the chimera's eyes had opened wide. The faux alchemist, just what had he done? Akashas glowing red as a sea of energy clouded around him, it had come to the hyena in an instant.

Rubedo had been collecting energy through the Akashas, guaranteed.

Coming to such conclusion, the early adult rolled up his sleeves as the faux alchemist bellowed a deep, sinister laugh. Had he thought he had won already? If such were the case, whatever he had been planning had to be stopped, right this instant. Dropping a glare, the faux alchemist had begun flapping his synthetic gums.

"You're already too late, chimeras," the faux alchemist said, ending his maniacal laughter. "I've already collected all the Divine Knowledge from the students of the Akademyia." Eyes soon glowing, the students lost consciousness, in an instant. "I've already awakened. You lot don't stand a chance." Listless laugh coming out once more, a sinister smile appeared on his face. "Witness the awakening of a new god!"

Dream dispeller soon in front of him, the early adult prepared to end this nightmare once and for all. The faux alchemist, a god? In his dreams, maybe. Readying to throw down the orb, the chimera cracked his knuckles. No more nonsense, the time had come. But, such had been challenged in an instant.

Faux alchemist spotting the dream dispeller, the synthetic lookalike snapped his fingers. Mirage of the original God of Sumeru's awakening, her eyes soon glowed a deep red. Power of the woods spelling out of her body of lies, an explosion of Dendro had soon taken the stage.

Bogart rolling up his sleeves, the shorter panther had joined the battle. Fighting a god? Incredible, he was not worthy of such glorious fight. Clutching his spear with a fervor, he had lunged forward. But, the missing god right in front of him took the hit like a rock. Blast of the woods overtaking him, the results leaned towards the divine.

Watching as Bogart battled their God that had reportedly gone away, Waiola could feel her legs quiver. Should they really be fighting their God like this? Wouldn't she be angry? Surrendering her bow, she backed away. There was no way she could bring herself to harm the Greater Lord, no matter what.

Waiola looking hesitant and Bogart giving a look of unworthiness, the early adult's mind skipped a pebble around his brain. Had they fallen for the trap? The god was a mirage, she was not truly the Greater Lord they had grown and prayed to. Knowing he had to say something, the soldier cupped his hands around his lips.

"Waiola, Bogart! That's not your god!" Siorc shouted, words shaking. "That's a mirage!" But he stopped himself from speaking further. Maybe he had said nine words too many.

Aura of darkness surrounding their God, Waiola rolled up her sleeves. Examining further, she placed her bow in front of her. There was no way this could have been Greater Lord Rukkhedevata, she had been missing for so many years. Whatever that villain in the corner had done, she would not be fooled any longer. Bogart rolling up his sleeves, as well, Hydro and Electro joined forces once more.

Faux alchemist soon channeling a Godly attack, the hyena's Delusion glowed upon his waist. Delusional Cryo in the palms of his hands, the soldier prepared himself. God's alchemical justice cast upon him, the soldier grit his teeth. Had this been the divine knowledge he had stolen from the Akasha Terminals? He knew he needed to focus if such were the case.

Bolts of Godly judgement coming his way as the panther twins kept their fight going against their mirage of a god, the chimera kept his focus on the man proclaimed Rubedo. Delusional beams of ice aimed at the man's legs, the faux alchemist shook it off like it was nothing. Screaming about God's judgement once more, a spell of the gods rained down upon the hyena once more.

Five more judgement calls coming for the soldier, the early adult channeled the ice of darkness into his legs. Running behind the faux alchemist, his legs had soon been frozen into place. Hands still in the picture, however, multiple bolts of godly judgement had been cast upon the early adult, but such had been about to reach their end.

Unsheathing the claymore from behind him, the soldier let his blade do the talking. Seventeen strikes in succession taking the faux alchemist for a ride, the early adult channeled the Cryo Delusion once more. Hands frozen into popsicles, the chimera readied the final blow.

Mirage of the greater lord about to be taken down, the early adult placed the dream dispeller within his hands. Pod thrown onto the ground, a black mist overtook the oasis cut off from time. Mirage of the missing God soon dissolved into nothing, the mist exited the battlefield.

Faux alchemist devoid of divine powers, in an instant, and unconscious students Akashas green once more, the enemy soon crumbled onto his feet. Clicking his tongue, the man looked powerless, defeated, a shell of the man he had looked so drastically similar to. Tongue clicked a second time, reluctant words had come out of his synthetic mouth.

"Fine, you chimeras win, for now," the faux alchemist said reluctantly. "I hope you're happy." Portal opening up from behind him, he had soon been gone without a trace.

Akademiya students waking up one after another confused as to where they were, the panther twins explained the situation. Shock draining the color out of their faces, an escort had begun. Guided to the village, and then the Akademiya, the bewildered students staggered into their place of education.

Panther twins stating they had to step into the Akademyia for a moment, the soldier waited outside. He supposed he would not be welcome, for the moment, considering his behavior the other day. Waiola and Bogart soon exiting, the twins headed his way, tired looks on their faces.

"The Grand Sage told us your job should be done now," Waiola stated, voice tired. Sifting through her back pocket, she handed Siorc his winter uniform. "Here's your uniform back." She then gazed down at the Delusion on his waist. "I'll also take the Delusion and return it to him." Holding her hand out, she waited.

Knowing that was his cue to hand Waiola the sinister Cryo orb, the hyena unhooked the Delusion from his uniform belt. Pocketing the orb for the moment, the early adult's eyes had begun to twitch. Would it really be alright for her to bring it back to the Grand Sage? Delusions were dangerous, for sure. Waiola's eyes still on him, a final farewell was about to come his way.

"That will be all for today," Waiola said, voice still tired. "Please, take care of yourself, we'll see you next time." Bogart's farewells soon joined the part.

"See you," Bogart said, waving. "Come back soon, got it? I'll be waiting."

Watching as the twins left, the early adult broke out into a blush. What did Bogart mean he'll be waiting? What absolute nonsense. Removing the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket, the early adult opened the orb into map form. Highlighting the waypoint to the military barracks, he dissipated the map back into orb form.

Steel walled room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the early adult's heart had begun to beat hard in his chest. Feeling such, a realization solidified itself inside him. The Delusion had left its mark, the damage had begun once again. Heart only beating harder, and faster as the seconds raged onward, the hyena took a deep breath. But, such had not been enough. Beat continuing as he removed the desert cloak and hairpins and earrings, the young soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Painful unevenness continuing as the world of sleep were about to take him away, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

The monster is coming.

 

[Palamon]

FAIR WARNING THIS CHAPTER DEPICTS SYMPTOMS OF CARDIAC ARREST.

34. Revenge List, Desert Mirages, and Lynx Uncaring

"No matter how much time passes, delusions
Always harm me in
Obtrusive ways. I'm hurting, but
For now it seems
Another day of these sinister orbs

Awaits me. But, I am about to break.
Now, the monster is coming.
Don't have much longer

It is approaching, my heartbeat it is
Thumping harder, faster.
Soon, this stress will devour me. That's

Reality.
Even so, I mustn't complain, or
Violence might come for me, guaranteed.
Every moment, the monster may be coming quicker, but
No matter what, I need to keep working, keep
Going, remain quiet. Silence is key.
Each and every day is a stressful one, in this cold breeze.

Looks like I have another day of training.
I mustn't disappoint Her Majesty.
She could be watching me.
Today, I need to use the Delusion wisely."

Four days had passed since the hyena and lynx chimera dealt with the acid rain problem in Sumeru. Dendro Nation of Wisdom still not returning to normal, one odd job returned from the grave one final time. Stress cranking the invisible dial to eleven, everything had begun breaking.

Receiving yet another letter in fancy writing, the hyena returned to the Desert of Hadramaveth. Students from many Darshans reported missing, artifacts stolen from deep within the recesses of the Akademiya, and skeletal monsters terrorizing the northern desert, the chimera, the panther twins, and the scorpion siblings reaped the undead with a Delusion to boot. Mirage god, new proclaimed deity and the abyssal followers defeated, his duties within the northern desert had come to a close.

But, the monster is coming.

Upon waking up for the morning, the early adult could feel his heart beating hard, and fast in his chest. Head slightly fuzzy as he lifted his body upward from the stone cold sheets, hyena placed his hand on his sternum. Performing his breathing exercises to the best of his ability, his heartbeat dissipated into normalcy. Everything taken care of, the soldier rose from the uncomfortable bed. The time had come to begin the morning routine of dressing the body.

But, such had been a challenge upon the dressing battlefield. Stumbling as he walked forward, his possibly human rear and the icy cold floor soon met. Returning to his feet, the soldier dragged himself towards his uniform drawers. There was no time for such weakness. He had to get ready now. Brown containers soon upon him, the early adult attempted with any energy inside him to put on his uniform.

World of fuzz biting him as he placed his uniform over his layered shirts, the early adult could not help but wonder. Had the room gotten slightly foggy? But, the young soldier took another long, deep breath, and slapped his cheeks as hard a rock. His mind was playing tricks on him, surely.

Snapping the buttons on his uniform shut, the hyena staggered towards the weaponized hairpins and earring box. Clicking the matching rabbit set in his hair and ears, the chimera gazed at the foggy wall. Perhaps, just maybe, the rabbits would give him the first wind he needed today.

Dendro Vision hooked upside down on his uniform pants, the soldier fell backwards onto his currently human knees. World spinning around him like a windmill in Mondstadt, the early adult leaned against the furniture in front of him. Raising his head, the chimera dragged his feet towards the door. There was no time for this. He had to finish getting ready now.

Heelless shoes soon on, the soldier yanked the bland rations off the top of his uniform drawers. Perhaps, just maybe, if he were to devour his only given meal for the day, energy would come flowing through him shortly. World of fuzz kicking the curb slightly, the fog had begun to clear. Readjusting the position of his vision, the chimera had finished the morning routine of dressing the body.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march on inexorably, the hyena took one final deep breath. Breathing exercises reaching their conclusion, the early adult turned his attention to the door. Time was running out, the hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the soldier put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his workday to begin.

"Diplomatic Soldier Siorc," the Agent called out on cue. "You have been assigned training on the Vision and Delusion training grounds today." But an unseen look of concern soon twisted beneath the Agent's mask. Soldier's face as pale as snow, and cheeks slightly flushed, words had begun to change trajectory like a boomerang returning into the opposite direction. "You don't look well, are you alright? Perhaps, I should Tell Her Majesty." A weak soldier was a useless soldier.

Siorc let out a laugh as he jumped five steps back. There was no way the Agent could tell Her Majesty about his current condition. She would kill him, for sure if he were to not work today. Resting was out of the question, guaranteed. He knew he needed to tell the Agent such undeniable fact.

"I am fine, sir," the chimera responded, laughing uncharacteristically. "We need to get going." He held his arm out waiting for gripping prison to take him away, like always.

The Agent scratched the side of his mask. Did his subordinate just laugh? Something was wrong with him, for sure. Arm out in front of him, he supposed dropping the subject was the only option. "If you insist," the Agent responded. "It's time to go, soldier." Gripping the arm softer than usual, the early adult stared at the icy walls as the escort to the training grounds began.

What could possibly await him on the battlegrounds today?

***

"So another day of using Delusions today,
Well, I suppose this cannot be avoided,
Overall, this is what Her Majesty wants, that is
Reality. I cannot go against her word. A
Dendro Delusion today, really?
From what I know, these are the ones
I have never really seen many Fatui using.
So I must wonder: why is this the case?
How could this be?

Ah, no, I am overthinking it, truly.
Now, I must do my best.
Do everything I can to avoid the monster coming. The

Monster is creeping behind me.
As long as I do my breathing exercises, I'll be fine, surely.
No matter what I cannot show weakness, Her Majesty is watching me.
That much is the truth. So,
All and all, I cannot falter.

Really, that is key to successful living.
Another day of stress is upon me,
Yet, I must not complain.
Silence is key."

Upon reaching the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the early adult headed for the weapons room, staggering with every step. Spotting an unusual weapon upon the claymore rack, the chimera removed the blade from the top shelf. Greatsword in the shape of a blue fish, the hyena tilted his head. Had he been seeing things? Shaking his head, the soldier headed towards the lynx chimera.

Naofa waiting for him holding a peculiar circular blade that seemed like it could break apart into two halves, cutlass sheathed behind it, and triple delusion radiating dark aura on its collar, the hyena could not help but ponder. What could possibly await him today? He had never seen such weapon before in his double decade years upon this world. Lynx locking eyes with him, the chimera gave eye contact.

"There you are, butterfly, you kept me waiting!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Where's your Delusion? The enemies we're fighting today are immune to Visions, flea!"

The chimera's heart skipped more than five beats. He needed to use a Delusion today? If such were truly the case, he would not perform well, guaranteed. Having to use one two days in a row, adding a third one to the mix would end in disaster, for sure. But, he knew he could not say such. Her Majesty could be listening.

Seeing Siorc without a Delusion, Naofa reached into its back pocket. Wretched God's pathetic orb glowing a dark aura in its hand, it stepped forward. Pinning the orb onto the pathetic hyena chimera's chest, a sinister smile painted its face as the Delusion clicked into place.

"Make sure you use it, moth!" Naofa exclaimed, tone seeping with poison. "Oh, and don't summon your pathetic little flowers. They won't be able to do anything!"

Looking downward onto his uniform, the early adult's eyebrows twitched at the sight before him. Dendro Delusion glaring daggers at him, a wave of unease hugged the soldier from behind. There was no way he would survive the battle today. But, such thought had been cut short as the heavily armored Harbinger entered the training grounds.

"Put your backs into it, soldiers!" the heavily armored Harbinger commanded practically on cue. "These monsters aren't going to fight themselves!" As he said such, he exited the battlefield.

Large fish with flipper like wings crackling with electricity, and their flying friends with sword-like beaks, the early adult's eyes grew wide. How in the world had manta rays, betta fish and medakas been floating in the air? However such feat was possible, he knew he was in for a long and tough fight, for the day at hand.

Seeing the Doctor's failed monster fish experiments floating on the air, Naofa bellowed a sinister cackle. How pathetic of him, cloning sea creatures and fusing them with elemental residue. Perhaps, telling Siorc more about its revenge list would make them die faster.

"Would you look at that, more of that Doctor's failures!" Naofa shouted, tone toxic. "Let's get this going, shall we? And remember, don't summon those weak flowers! They're useless here!"

Taking a long deep breath, the chimera prepared himself. Right, his vision was useless here. He had no choice but to use the Delusion given to him. Larger than normal betta fish with its sword beak coming straight towards him, the soldier channeled any energy that remained into the Delusional Dendro orb thrusted upon him.

Monstrous fish slashing its sword beak rapidly with a fervor, the mini blade and the hyena's arm soon met. Attempting to regain focus, the early adult's orb of darkness protruded a sinister aura. Seeds of darkness looking ready to explode shooting out from the sinister orb, the soldier puffed a sigh of relief. But, such premature celebration was short lived.

Enemy slashing the seeds to bits, the early adult broke out into a sweat. Eyes covered in fuzz, the world around him had begun to blur. Shaking his head rapidly, the chimera snapped himself out of it. There was no way he could show weakness now, the battle had only just begun.

Lynx chimera breaking its circular blade into two, tossing them with a frenzy, the manta ray's torso had been slashed with timed precision. Seeing such, the early adult weakly cracked his knuckles. He needed to try harder. Delusion glowing a sinister aura once more, black seeds joined the fight for the second time of the day.

Fishy enemy barely taking a hit as it floated up into the air, the bladed medaka had soon become player number two. As their weapons slashed about on the air, the soldier unsheathed the odd Claymore behind him. Perhaps, just maybe, if he used his swordfish of literal proportions, the battle would curve in his favor.

Former aquatic monsters jumping on the air with their blades held high as the hyena kept slashing about, the claymore missed by a kilometer. Greatsword not meeting its mark for minutes on end, the early adult's uniform had soon been drenched with sweat. How in the world had these fish been so fast? He needed to try much harder. Failure was not an option.

Hearing the sound of a dial turning in the corner, Naofa's Delusion glowed a dark orange. Sea of flames engulfing the manta ray next to it, the fish of many oddities combusted into an explosion. Fire baking it as though it were placed into a cooking pot, the enemy had soon become a pile of seafood. Second enemy soon taking its place, its battled continued without a hitch.

Taking a long, deep breath, the hyena returned his attention to the sword fish in front of him. Monsters looking open for attack, the chimera dropped down more seeds of darkness. Black Dendro cores shooting off too far away to hit the monsters, the soldier's head had begun spin in circles.

Blade hitting the base of his wrist as the world spun around for minutes on end, the hyena let out a scream. Monster digging deeper, the joint had been carved into deeper. Swatting the creature away with his shaky right palm, a laugh soon rode the frozen wind.

Watching as Siorc failed to even defeat a tiny little monster betta fish and medaka, Naofa let out a laugh. How pathetic he was, losing such an easy battle. Breaking its chakram into two once more, it lunged forward. Second manta ray slashed to bits in seconds, its brushed its gloved hands together. The weak were pitiful creatures.

Lynx chimera's gloves slapping together, the early adult could feel a shock travel down his spine. Had Naofa already been disappointed in him? He needed to get back on track before it was too late, or he would be called a leech. Fishy greatsword in front of him once more, the soldier slashed about with a messy fervor.

Medaka swordfish jumping around swifter than a fox with two tails, his blade and the monster did not meet. Odd bubbles soon coming his way, the chimera's glasses were soaked in seconds. World covered in mist, the early adult rubbed the lenses dry as swift as his fingers would allow.

Enemies lunging forward with their sharp, weaponized beaks, the chimera backed five steps away. Metallic sea creature sword curved towards the left, the hyena swung the weapon, but such had been another failure to add to the collection. Monsters continuing to jump towards the opposite side, the fish turned monsters had remained supreme.

Third manta ray destroyed beside him, the early adult switched the position of his feet. Perhaps, just maybe, if he swung the greatsword in the opposite direction, at least one of the monsters would be removed from the equation. Jumping towards the right, the soldier kept swinging.

Attack almost landing, the hyena attempted with any might to keep the momentum going. Jumping to the left, the betta fish moved towards the right. Copying the step, the early adult moved the fishy blade towards the left. Swiping once more, the claymore had been centimeters away from the enemy. But, his attack had soon been interrupted by the sound of Naofa's voice.

"Say, want to hear my full revenge list, flea?" Naofa asked.

The hyena titled his head. What did Naofa just say? Surely, his ears had to have been playing tricks on him. Sudden wave of concentration flowing through him, the early adult jumped behind the enemy. Large monster fish tossed onto the ground, the betta fish had soon become one with nature.

Swordfish monstrous medaka knocked down onto the ground as well, the chimera dropped down four seeds of darkness. Delusional pods of Dendro exploding in a chorus, the medaka had soon been put out of its cloned misery. Knowing that, hearing things or not, Naofa expected an answer, the soldier turned towards the lynx chimera. Nodding, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. Who else could it have possibly wanted revenge on? The early adult did not know, but he supposed he was about to find out.

Seeing Siorc nod moments before, Naofa put on a catty smirk. The time had come to reveal the rest of its revenge list; the only fact that mattered on Her Majesty's meek little training grounds. Cracking its knuckles, it placed its hands on its chest, information ready and waiting.

"So, you are curious! I'll tell you then, moth!" Naofa exclaimed, plastic tone returning. "Here's who I want to get revenge on besides the Gods, and the Abyss Order! The Twilight Sword! Have you heard of him, flea?"

The early adult jumped three steps back. The Twilight Sword? Who was that? He had never heard of such person. Feeling fog enter his brain as he sifted through his mind for an answer, the battlefield had begun to get covered with fuzz. Snapping himself out of it, the soldier slapped his cheeks. Maybe it was best he did not think of such things, for the moment.

Large manta ray lunging downward from the sky, the early adult returned his attention to the battle in front of him. Naofa stepping towards the monster, the chimera joined in. Curving the swordfish blade towards the left, the hyena dashed towards the enemy. Lynx chimera unsheathing its cutlass from behind it, the dual swordfight began.

Hearing a plink and clank as the blades hit the manta ray's wings, the soldier's eyebrows twitched. Had the monster been encased in armor? Cutlass and fishy greatsword continuing to hit the metallic wings, no progress had been made. Aiming for the belly, another clank roared on the air.

Lynx soon sheathing the cutlass behind it, the circular blades took the stage. Party of two aiming for the stomach for minutes on end, the armor would not budge, even for a moment. Creature doing backflips on the air as it tossed down bullets from the center of its plated formerly aquatic chest, the enemy's weapons locked onto the hyena.

Jumping back four steps as the bullets darted his way, the early adult turned towards Naofa. Lynx turning the dial on its delusion, the sinister orb had soon been resonated to Electro. Singular eye looking at him, the young soldier took a long, deep breath. Vile seeds of darkness dropped onto the ground as the armored ray swooped downward, black lightning joined the party.

Seeds blasting into an explosion as the delusional electricity zapped the cores of darkness, the enemy's armor had begun zapping with multiple layers of static. Creature unable to move, the soldier shook his head. The Twilight Sword, why would he know who that is? He was an unknown person, for sure.

Naofa guffawed as the hyena chimera shook his head. Of course he wouldn't remember who the Twilight Sword was; the memory had been erased. The ley line manipulation to remove such memories had been a success, indeed. Perhaps not telling him who he was was the best course of action, for now. Speaking about its revenge was all that mattered.

"So, you don't know? That's fine, moth! I didn't expect you to know who that is!" Naofa exclaimed, noxious tone seeping with poison. "The Twilight Sword should have croaked by now! But, he's still alive! And, I want my revenge on him!" It then pointed at nothing, wearing a wide grin on its face. "The royal family, I want to get revenge on them, too! But, just you wait, they'll get what's coming to them!" It let out a guttural laugh, gloved hands on the sides of its hips.

Lynx soon switching back to pyro on its tri delusion dial, the manta ray's armor had begun to burn enough to make the fish crispy enough to eat. Creature's stomach soon open, the lynx's cutlass and the chimera's swordfish of literal proportions aimed for the center. Ten slashes together putting an end to the monster, the manta ray faded into the ether.

But, such had not been the end of the fight. Three manta rays speeding onto the scene with their wings covered with strange devices hooked with the core of a Ruin Grader on the end, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. Just what had the Doctor done to these poor, innocent creatures? Cores soon glowing, a barrage of bullets darted on the air.

Placing the greatsword in front of him, the early adult's blade and the manta ray's weapons met. Attack turned back onto the creature, the enemy had begun to see stars. Lynx's delusional flames burning the odd device to ashes, black seeds had been dropped onto the icy ground. Fire engulfing them, the large, energy saplings combusted into an explosion.

Enemy flipping backwards, its tail shimmered on the cold air. Swiping the tail forward, the metallic point and the chimera's torso met. But, such attack had been ended before it could reach its climax. Lynx turning the dial on its delusion once more, beams of ice shot through its gloves.

Manta ray practically a popsicle, the early adult swung the greatsword forward. Hearing a shatter sound as the blade hit the enemy's frozen stomach, another turn of the dial echoed on the icy wind. Delusional electricity hitting the ice, the frozen water conducted into overdrive. creature unable to move, the lynx readied its circular blades for battle once more.

Curved breakable blades soon turning the manta ray into future sushi, the two remaining enemies twisted their tails together. Wings curving as the two channeled energy at the center of their torsos, a large ball of energy entwined with ice and electricity had been lunged forward.

Creatures combining forces, the early adult jumped six steps back. Had the Doctor given the manta rays capabilities of the Vishaps that lived in the deep depths of Enkanomiya? Knowing such had to have been a possibility, the early adult braced himself. He needed to prepare himself for an unavoidable attack, for sure.

Lynx telling him to snap his fingers, a wave of bewilderment flowed through the chimera. Snap his fingers now of all times? But, he supposed he had no choice in the matter. Delusion glowing as the snap had been completed, his weapon had been encased into vines. Blade soon transformed into a thorny whip, the prickles had done their duty.

Black electricity and blade turned Dendro whip putting one more manta ray into its fishy grave, Naofa's cutlass swiped about with a fervor. Enemy dropping onto the ground as its partner was no longer of this world, the lynx's blade made quick work of the enemy's torso. Creature squirming for life, the end was soon nearing.

Monster whaling about on the frozen ground, the soldier whipped the thorny weapon of delusional creation forward. Creature letting out an echoed yelp, guilt hugged the chimera from behind. There was no way he could end the manta ray's life, not like this. Lynx soon snapping its fingers, multiple bolts of dark electricity zapped the cloned fish into a crisp.

Slash of the cutlass dealing the final blow, the manta ray had become one with nature. No more monsters upon the battlefield, the early adult headed for the weapon room. But, as he stepped towards it, his head spun cycles. Staggering about as the claymore shelf had been upon him, the soldier returned the greatsword to the rack in silence.

Returning to the lynx chimera, the early adult placed his hands on the side of his head. Seeing a smirk on its face, the early adult blinked with bewilderment. Why did it have such a look on its face? Surely, his performance on the battlefield had not been at its best today.

"Good job, butterfly, you did pretty well today!" Naofa chirped, clapping its gloved hands together. Its smirk grew wider as the seconds marched onward. "Oh, but, something fun awaits you tomorrow in Sumeru!" It then bent its knees, lowering its voice into a whisper. "So, be ready for me tomorrow, moth." It stepped backwards, cheesy grin not leaving, even for a moment.

Dismissal soon granted, the early adult dragged his heelless shoes through the hallway. Walls around him covered with fuzz, his stagger about continued. Soundproof room reached after about half an hour of stumbling, the young soldier removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform removed as well, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed.

But, a sea of questions flowed through the hyena as his head hit the pillow. Something fun awaited him tomorrow? Why would Naofa say something like that? Heart beating hard in his chest as the world of sleep was about to take him away, all his thought evaporated into smoke.

The monster has arrived.

***

"My entire body hurts,
I'm dizzy, the world is spinning. Has something
Ruptured inside me?
Arrhythmia, be still, I need to breathe. Breathe, breathe.
Gasping, I feel a wave of nausea. No, no, the monster is here.
Everything is hurting.

Maybe I'm imagining it. Right, this is just a dream.
Obviously, I cannot let this pain beat me.
Naofa certainly won't let me.
So, I need to shake it off.
This dizziness, this pain,
Everything. Right,
Right, right, this isn't a game.
So, I need to focus. I need to breathe.

I can't let such distraction get to me.
No amount of arrhythmia should stop me.

That is key. I have to be ready.
Have to numb myself.
Even if I struggle to breathe.

Don't falter.
Even if I am in pain, I
Shouldn't stumble.
Even if I my heart is beating
Rapidly, I cannot give in.
That is key. I need to keep working."

Waking up the next morning, the world of fuzz devoured the soldier. Body shaking, and sound drowned out around him, the soldier swore he could see stars in his vision. Attempting to perform his breathing exercises, the hyena's heart beat harder, and faster as the deep breaths failed. Muffled footsteps stomping about, the early adult rubbed his eyes. Fuzz barely dissipating, he studied the lynx chimera quietly.

Naofa standing by his door in an Eremite outfit, the early adult's head had been empty. Too tired to question such, a realization seeded itself into the chimera's fuzzy brain. He was going to Sumeru today, guaranteed. He supposed, such had not been a problem. Perhaps, just maybe, an easy day was ahead of him. But, such had been proven wrong in a matter of moments.

"We're dealing with a big mirage problem in the desert today!" Naofa exclaimed, confidence through the roof. "So, highlight the Waypoint to Gandharva Ville, and let's get going!"

A wave of confusion hit the hyena as Naofa's muffled words hit his eardrums. Why were they heading to Ghandharva Ville if the were going to the desert? Shouldn't they have been going to Aaru Village? He had to have been hearing things. But, he knew he could not take any chances. One wrong step, and the lynx's claws would sink into him, for sure. Opening the proxy orb into map form, the early adult's fingers shook rapidly as he highlighted the waypoint nearest to Gandharva Ville.

"I am ready," the hyena rasped out, voice weak and labored.

Seeing Siorc shake like a leaf, Naofa held back a snicker. Had his body been responding negatively to the delusions again? How pathetic. He needed to get over such complication. Folding its arms into a fist, it punched the pitiful hyena chimera's chest. Modern water flea of today not even flinching, the sound of a pin locking down onto his waist bounced off and around the steel walls. Feeble little Fatui still shaking, it pointed at the map.

"Look who's starting to get the hang of time management!" Naofa exclaimed, tone seeping with poison. "Now, press the teleport button, and let's going! Don't keep me waiting!"

Pressing the teleport button, the early adult closed his eyes. Lynx within close proximity of him, the early adult dissipated the map back into orb form with slight struggle. Gandharva Ville a short walk away as he opened his eyes, the soldier attempted with any might that remained to walk normally, but such had been an impossibility to be had, for sure.

Wrist grabbed into a tight lock, the soldier blinked. Was it just his imagination, or had his arms been pins and needles? Hand of nothing dragging him about, the familiar treehouse had soon been reached. Furry eared man and taller panda chimera already hard at work within the small wooden home, a sea of muffled information hit the butterfly display on the wall.

Arm soon let go of, the early adult tilted his head. Had Naofa just asked the furry eared man to take out his desert uniform? Lynx soon stepping outside as the clothing had been plopped into his hands, the soldier undid the buttons on his uniform. Sharp eyes soon on him, the chimera's heart skipped a beat.

Stumbling onto the wooden floor as his winter jacket had been removed, the hyena's heart had begun to beat harder and faster in his chest as the seconds raged onward. Temporary desert uniform upon him after ten minutes of struggling, the chimera closed his eyes, for a moment.

Lifted to his shaking feet, a numb gloved hand had soon been on his forehead. Jiaolong's fingers soon on his wrist for an entire minute, the two men's eyes locked onto him. Sharp look on their faces not leaving, even for a moment, the gloved hands soon travelled down to the waist as the numb fingers of nothing left his wrist.

"Why are you wearing a Delusion again?" the furry eared man scolded, undoing the pin. "I'll be taking that!"

Delusion unhooked from his uniform pants, confusion wrapped vines around the chimera. When had a Delusion been placed on his uniform? But, there was no time think about such things. Naofa was waiting. He had to exit the treehouse immediately. Attempting to stagger towards the door, his wrist had soon been gripped into a tight lock.

"Hey, where are you going?" Jiaolong asked, words stern. "You're in no condition to be working today." Clamping down harder, he gave him a sharp look. "Your heart is beating at about two-hundred-sixty beats per minute. It's far too fast. You're in a very unstable condition, you need to rest. Please, forget about the desert today." Attempting to guide him to the bed in the corner, he would not falter, but the other party had begun his silent argument.

Right wrist grabbed into a lock, the early adult slapped the taller panda chimera's hand off of him with his left wrist. Arm soon free, he dragged his feet forward. He was in an unstable condition? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. Weak, or not, he had no choice but to work, or Naofa would do something drastic. Feet at the door, he let his defiance be known.

"I have to go," Siorc responded, words labored. "Or Naofa will kill me." Outside the treehouse, he soon turned towards the lynx chimera.

Naofa giving him an eerie smile, the hyena tilted his head. What were they so happy about, all of a sudden? Lynx chimera soon telling him he was in luck, they were teleporting to the desert today, the soldier removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Waypoint in the village soon highlighted, the chimera closed his eyes.

Desert village upon him after a split second, the lynx soon took the lead. Feet pins and needles as he continued to stagger about, two familiar faces exited one of the village houses. Waiola in her usual black outfit, the early adult turned towards Bogart. Bogart in a hooded dress he swore he could feel his knees shake.

Seeing Siorc with the shady Corps of Thirty member shaking, Bogart's panther ears perked from underneath its hood. Skin as pale as winter and looking rather out of it, he dashed over to his side in a matter of moments. Waiola running to him as well, he took the lead on the questions.

"Hey!" Bogart shouted. "Siorc, are you alright?"

Barely audible concern coming his way, the early adult turned towards the panther twins. Was such worry necessary? He knew he needed to quell their concerns immediately. Forcing a nod, he attempted to look the twins in the eyes. But, their faces did not budge, even a smidgeon.

"I don't buy it," Waiola responded to the nod. She then turned to Naofa. "Naofa, didn't you care to notice Siorc isn't feeling well?" But, the scolding had soon fallen on deaf ears.

"He didn't tell me, how was I supposed to know?" Naofa responded, tone seeping with noxious toxins. But, its words had soon been spoken over.

"Making excuses, I see!" Bogart scolded. He then turned towards Siorc. "Do you want to see -------- for some medicine?" He then turned towards Waiola. "Waiola, let's bring him back to Gandharva Ville!" But the self proclaimed Eremite let out a loud chuckle.

Watching as the pitiful panther chimeras fussed over the hyena chimera's condition, the lynx chimera let out a sinister cackle. How pathetic these two were, calling attention to Siorc's heart. They were wasting its time. Didn't they remember their stupid little nation of wisdom had just been ransacked by corrosive acid rain? Desertfolk were unintelligent, slow witted people.

"Don't you remember that Sumeru is in a crisis right now?" Naofa asked, laughing with an arrogant look on its face. "There's no medicine for him to take!" It spread its arms out like a over righteous villain in an Inazuman light novel. "But, you're free to tag along if you care so much!"

Arrogant voice with no care to be had shouting back at Bogart and she, Waiola could feel her blood boil. This person was even more heartless than some of the most ruthless Eremites. Who did they think they were going around, wearing the outfit of the Corps of Thirty when all they cared about was themself? Bogart looking ready to shout, she surrendered her words to the graveyard.

"We won't work with you!" Bogart shouted to the sky. "So, don't get the wrong idea!" Waiola's words soon joined the protest.

"We'll stay with you and help you out, alright?" Waiola said to Siorc. She then pointed at Naofa. "Since Naofa is being so inconsiderate."

Group of four soon leaving the village near the Statue of Seven, the party had begun to head south. But a sight to behold stopped the hyena in his staggering tracks. Had it just been his imagination, or had there been boars made out of sand looking ready to attack him? Claymore handed to him after a few minutes, he supposed such had to have been the case.

Lynx laughing that the mirage monsters were now amongst them, the soldier paced himself. He needed to prepare himself for battle, no matter what. Group of five sandy boars soon joining the singular hog, the fight had soon begun. Creature snorting sand out of its nostrils, the sediment had begun to dance around the soldier. Vision soon obscured, the world was a beach.

Rubbing the sand out of his eyes, the early adult swung the greatsword forward. But, such attempt was futile. Unable to remain steady, his blade missed the target by a kilometer. Trying to regain focus, the early adult dragged his feet forward. Hog looking ready to ram him against the desert cliffs, the early adult swung his sword to the left.

Sandy desert boar squealing an oink as it left into the world of mirages, its five enemies ran off in a panic. Party of three in front of him chasing the enemies like their lives depended on it, the early adult attempted to run, as well. But, such was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Out of breath in seconds as he accelerated his walk into a sprint, the soldier stopped running.

Catching up to the panther twins and lynx chimera, Siorc dragged his heelless shoes towards Bogart. Mirage monster puffing its nostrils, the monster hopped about, pools of sand soon surrounding it. Scarabs absorbed into its sand pit of debris, rings of electricity from Bogart soon devoured the mirage creature.

Feeling himself begin to sway as the chimera swung the claymore, Bogart's clawed hands locked down onto his shoulders. Kept steady, Waiola's water projectiles wet the sand hole in a matter of moments. Pit stopped in its tracks, the early adult's blade and the sandy mirage shook hands.

Three other hogs trying to run, the lynx chimera's cage of delusional electricity imprisoned the remaining sand boars. Enemies squealing up a storm, a strange looking spear that looked like it came straight from Inazuma put one of the three remaining enemies out of its misery.

Waiola taking out her bow, she placed herself into a launching stance. Holding her arrow for ten seconds, the weapon had soon been infused with Hydro energy. Pulling the string back, the arrow soon darted on the sandy wind. Sandy boar soon electrocuted into nothing but a pile of sediment, she reset her position.

Final sandy mirage hog soon removed from the mortal, waking world, the party of four kept heading south. But, an oddity had soon caught the early adult's fuzzy eyes as Dal Ar Shifa slowly zeroed in. Strange, disheveled building that looked like it had been abandoned for years, everyone soon stepped into the uninhabited room of many mysteries.

Large looking hospital all but abandoned with rotting wooden floors and sand everywhere the eyes could see, the early adult dropped to his knees as the panther twins and lynx investigated the hospital. Large cactus sitting in the sand protruding dark aura, the chimera's eyes had begun to twitch. Head spinning as the succulent's energy only got stronger, a sea of questions polluted the soldier's fuzzy mind.

Cactus looking ready to move around and cause chaos upon the no longer functioning medical center, the early adult's knees had begun to shake harder. Why was this happening? Where did this cactus come from? But the plant had not been alone. Naofa screaming the cacti were all around the hospital, the battle had soon begun.

Succulent enemy shooting its needles like a shotgun, the early adult staggered backwards. Barrage missing him, the young soldier stared at the possibly newly awakened monster. His blade, would it even be able to hit such an enemy? But, he knew he had no choice in the matter. He had try, with any might that remained.

Second needle attack incoming, the soldier dragged his feet towards the left. Knocking the attack back with his greatsword, the barrage had been returned to its owner. Succulent soon shaking as its prickly thorned skin became devoid of its own defenses after five more failed barrages, the early adult cut his blade into the enemy like a fruit ninja.

Hearing the sound of chaos on the bottom floor, the early adult dragged himself towards the hole in the corner. Group of cacti Floating in the air, joined together in a pack like a den of wolves sucking up the water of Waiola's aquatic arrows, the enemies had the advantage.

Barely audible Naofa shouting that cacti absorb water, a cheeky reply had come its way. But, the hyena could not hear it. Enemies joining their planted arms together as though they were holding hands, a dark spotlight shone over the group of four sentient plants of the desert. Enemies fusing their needles together, a prickly gun soon took the hospital by storm.

Leftmost cactus ripping off its Henna Berries from its trunk, it tossed the ammunition into the head of their brand new weapon. Fruits shooting off in quick succession, the cores of the berries had soon been encased in a layer of thorns. Fruits landing on the panther's toes, the two let out a pained scream.

Lynx howling a laugh as the Henna Berries shot out of the needle gun, Naofa switched its Delusion out with its Vision. Fruits of labor coming its way, the projectiles had been engulfed in flames in a matter of moments. Inazuman spear knocking the scorched bullets back towards their owners, the desert plants burst into flames, roasted dry.

Rest of the cacti cleared out, the party of four soon exited the hospital. Returning to the desert path before them, everyone had begun to head southwest. Soldier trudging behind in silence, sandy birds cooed as they landed upon the desert floor. Creatures pulling back their wings, sharp, rocky feathers joined the fight.

Bogart's rings of electricity making short work of the mirage monster, the group of three kept going. Although, an obstacle soon stood in the way. Only way to the oasis being to climb, the soldier attempted to ascend the mountainscape. But, such had been an immediate and utter failure. Breath running out in a mere instant, climbing had been impossible.

Lynx chimera gripping him into a bridal carry as it ascended the desert mountains, a wave of embarrassment flowed through the soldier. Did it really have to carry him like he was someone's wife? There had to have been other ways to ascend the mountain. But, the early adult kept his mouth shut. He knew he could not ask a single question.

Removed from the princess carry, the party of four had begun to head northwest. Mirage monster in the form of sand birds on every hill, Waiola and Bogart soon joined forces. Electro and Hydro shaking hands, the birds had returned to their land of nonexistence after four strikes.

More sandy feathered fiends taken out after an hour of walking, the oasis soon neared. Lynx chimera's numb gloves locking onto his wrist, everyone jumped down towards the Sobek Oasis. But, as the sandy waters soon approached, the soldier broke out into a cold sweat.

Twins eyes soon on him, the sweat continued to pour down the early adult's back. Sun beaming onto his face, the desert cloak had soon been soaked. Feeling such, the early adult titled his head. Where had all this sweat come from? The world was unfeeling. There no was no heat, there was no cold. The pins and needles in his arms and legs and hammering heart were the only remaining feelings within him. Flask soon handed him, muffled words had begun to come his way.

"You're sweating far too much," Waiola said sternly. "Stop moving for a moment, and drink some water."

Bogart untwisting the cap on the flask, the small water tin had been placed underneath his chin. Chugging the water, a wave of nausea flowed through him. But, the soldier shook it off. There was no time to let such a thing bother him. Towel rubbed onto his back, the southward walk continued. But, a sight of horror soon stopped the quartet in their tracks.

Large nut bearing trees wiggling about, moving away from the oasis, the early adult could feel his heart leap into his throat. Was he going to have to fight nature? Sweat beginning to pour out once more, the early adult closed his eyes as the fuzzy tree approached him.

Weakly tossing down a flower friend, the early adult stammered as he provided silent commands to the Windwheel Aster friend. Vines slapping the tree's trunk, electricity, and water projectiles soon joined the party. Everything soon defeated, trees popped up in the place of the old ones as though they never even moved.

Southward walk continuing, cacti had soon joined the party. But, the mirage monsters brought to life by their own energy of darkness had not been alone. Prism desert machines standing beside the succulents, the early adult rolled up his submerged sleeves. Lynx and panther twins turning their focus towards the cacti, the Primal Constructs were delegated to him, for the moment.

Beams of energy Coming from the center of the prism shaped machine, the soldier bit his tongue. Jaw throbbing as he had done such, the chimera placed the greatsword in front of him. Attempting to slash the machine into parts, the early adult swung towards the right. Machine moving to the left, his efforts had been in vain.

Second beam closing in on his knees, the soldier held back a shout. Third beam coming for his legs, as well, the early adult grit his aching teeth. Why was he letting the machine monster win so easily? He had to get back on track right away. Cacti beasts forming a mob in the corner, he knew he had to finish his part of the fights. Leaving everything to everyone else would be lazy of him, for sure.

Throwing down another flower friend, the Silk Flower had been blasted to dust quicker than the hyena could blink. Dark aura around the prism device only getting stronger as multiple flowers withered away, the soldier let out a breathy sigh. Perhaps it was best to just use his greatsword, for the time being.

Spinning his claymore as though it were a battle top in another world, the blade and the Primal Construct soon met. Ten hits soon taken as his spin about came to an end, the enemy had soon gone invisible. Bolts dropping down onto the sand, the soldier's eye twitched. Claymore doing nothing to the dropped down projectiles, doom loomed over the hyena.

Rings of electricity destroying the bolts into nothing, the rogue machine sparked up. Enemy unable to move as purple lightning crackled around it, the chimera slashed about. Primal Construct breaking up into parts as it had become nothing but materials, the fight soon continued.

Cacti all but vanquished, another Primal Construct soon joined the ring as the southward walk towards the Ruins of Dahri had begun. But, quick work had been made of the machine monsters. But as the Ruins had been about two hundred meters away, the early adult's ears had begun to buzz.

Hearing cut off from the world and fuzz eating away at him, the world was in layers of fog. Had he dropped his glasses somewhere? He knew such had not been the case, but he felt like it could have been. Fuzzy hand soon on his wrist, the soldier had been dragged forward.

But, such had been halted, in an instant. Blurry, gigantic machine firing lazars on the sand, the early adult's entire body had begun to shake rapidly. Barely visible figure readying its rampage, the hyena placed his blade in front of him. Such was a mistake of the ages.

Sword in front of him a bunch of colorful blocks, the greatsword, and a peach colored clump in front of him soon introduced themselves to one another. Blurry blade swiping across the clump of fuzz in front of him, a realization had soon hit the early adult as blocks of red added themselves to the mix.

Heart beating harder and faster in his chest as the realization sit in, the soldier's body had begun to fall backwards. Back hitting the sand, the soldier swore he could hear the panther chimeras begin to scream as his eyes fluttered closed. Beat intensifying as the world of unconsciousness slipped away, one final thought cracked glass in his fading brain.

Goodbye, world.

***

"Hearing the sound of a sword, I turn my head. And as Bogart would always say,
Egad! Did Siorc just...?

No. He's bleeding. This isn't good!
Energy looking as though it's leaving him, he begins to fall.
Eventually, seconds pass, I scream. Bogart joins me.
Dashing off towards him, we shout some more.
'Siorc! Hey!' Bogart shouted. I join him.

Momentarily, his body hits the sand. He is an
Empty, unconscious husk of nothing.
Don't know why, but I feel afraid.
I am shaking.
Could it be my imagination, or is chest thumping hard.
Archons, hear me.
Leave him alive!

As I reach for my back pocket, I remove the stretcher.
Though, that 'Corps of Thirty' member, or so they proclaim,
They attempt to stop me.
Every moment they speak, it's enraging.
Naofa, shut up.
'That stretcher won't hold him for long! Your pathetic hands will get tired!
I knew you desertfolk were stupid, but
Obviously, you don't have brains at all!'
Naofa, shut up. shut up. Shut your mouth. Quit flapping your gums.

No, calm down. It wants us to be angry.
Oxygen, oxygen. In, out, in out.

Moving the stretcher, I say. 'Stick a can of beans in your mouth.'
Oh, the look on their face was
Rich after I said that. But, it had not been fazed.
Eyeing me, it responded. 'Maybe if you were smart, you'd check his pockets!' Bogart

Opening the patch, the strange map was in his hands.
Fumbling around, he shouted, 'Jeepers, Waiola! Gandharva Ville is over there!'

The pin is clicked.
He presses Teleport, whatever that means.
I give Naofa the stink eye.
Soon, they begin to

Say, 'Fine, I commend you for being smart enough to figure it out.
Though, who knows if that dumb little fox is in his little house!'
Ugh, this Eremite, annoying. But,
Perhaps it is right. Blinding light engulfing us,
I see the path to --------'s house.
Dragging the stretcher, we step inside.

Now, the look on the faces of that odd panda herbalist and -------- told all. Painted
On their faces were looks of concerns.
Nudging the stretcher closer, fingers were on
Siorc's wrist. An alerting set of words had come our way. 'This isn't good. If we don't act now, he might go into cardiac arrest!'
Egad, as Bogart would say!
No, does that mean he could...? I scream, 'You
Should have stopped him! What were you thinking!'
Eyes of guilt fill the room.

Eyes of pain decorate the floor.
Now, the herbalist panda man, he
Opens his mouth and says nonsense.
Utter foolishness. 'We tried to, but, we could not stop him. He teleported away.'
Gripping my hands together, I form a fist.
How is this person calling himself an herbalist if he can't be more persistent?

I have never been so angry, so seething.
'So, you'd have rather he go out in the desert like this, knowing the dangers and risk?'

Eyes of guilt on me, I swear I hear Bogart ask what's gotten into me, and
Now, I say, please, silence your thoughts, a life is on the line, don't you see?
Oh, and --------'s answer, rich as gold! 'And you could have brought him to
Us! You didn't stop him either!'
Guess he's right, I'm as guilty as they.
Helping bring Siorc onto the bed in the corner, I

Take a deep breath, and pose the eerie question, 'Is
He going to die?'
I shouldn't have asked that. Bogart
Shouts, "Woah! Waiola, way to get

Extremely grim!' But, assurance comes my way.
'Not if we act fast,' the Herbalist panda said.
'Do not worry, boss is going to get a heart doctor
Shortly. We assure you, he will not die.'

Now, that's a relief, I think.
Oh, but, now something is said to Bogart, and I. 'That's settled, now,
'Waiola, Bogart, I do apologize, but it is best you leave. Boss and I would like to speak privately. We exit, heavy headed. Is this how it should be?"

Coming to some time later, the early adult rose from the covers ever so slightly. But, a wave of dizziness overtook him as soon as he did such action. Blurry room in front of him, the hyena had come to wonder. Where was he? Weakly putting his glasses over his eyes, he turned his head towards the left, a smidgeon. Butterfly display on the wall, the early adult let out a yelp.

When had he been taken to Gandharva Ville? He knew he had to return to the desert immediately, or Naofa would have his neck. Taller panda chimera soon walking over to him, the early adult had begun to shake once more. Jiaolong soon beside him, a sea of muddled words had come his way.

"Oh, thank goodness you're awake," Jiaolong said, placing his hand over his own chest. "You lost consciousness in the desert, but your friends brought you here."

Hearing the fact Waiola and Bogart had brought him to the treehouse, the chimera could feel himself begin to shake even more. There's no way he can stay here. He has to get back to work, or Naofa will kill him. Words flowing to his lips, the soldier had begun to blurt out fears like he could no longer hold a secret.

"Please, sir, I need to leave," Siorc responded, words rasping out and barely audible. "If I don't go back to work, Naofa will kill me!"

Hearing Yinlong's friend beg to leave, Jiaolong shook his head. It was just like his cousin had told him back during the broken rib incident; this young man was incredibly stubborn. Grabbing his shoulders, he placed him back down into a laying position. No way would he let him escape again. Not this time time.

"It's already tried to kill you, though," Jiaolong replied, letting out a nervous chuckle. "And, I can't send you back out there. Your body almost completely shut down. It's far too dangerous right now, the state your heart is in." Removing his glasses, he placed them on his boss's desk. "Boss is getting a doctor for you in the city to try and bring you to a stable condition." Moving away for a moment, he takes out a portable cooking pot. "Now, it's almost time for you eat. Would you like me to feed you?"

Offering of feeding him coming his way, the early adult crinkled his nose. Feed him? How absolutely ridiculous. He could feed himself. But, his mind soon wandered as he gazed at the panda stirring the pot slowly. Had Jiaolong eaten today? He knew he needed to ask. Forbidden question flowing to his lips, the soldier's question possessed him like a ghost.

"But, have you eaten, sir?" the hyena accidentally asked.

Pouring the medicinal soup into the bowl, Jiaolong's panda ears perked as the unusual question had come his way. How unusual for him to be talking so much. Perhaps his higher temperature had made him chattier. But, he tucked such thoughts away. He supposed he did not mind him being a little more talkative than normal. Burying such thoughts, he placed the finished bowl of soup into his hands, heading towards the bed.

"Now, why are you worried about me? You're the patient today, are you not?" Jiaolong asked, unable to hold back a chuckle. "I had a wonderful bamboo sandwich while on a break. You need not worry about me." Handing him the bowl, a stern look had soon been on his face. "Be careful, it's hot."

Bowl of blurry soup in front of him, the early adult went through the motions. Bitter herbs hitting his mouth as the liquids hit his throat, a realization had come to the hyena in an instant. The soup was medicine. Bitter, cold, medicine of silence. Eyes beginning to get heavy as the herbs hit his throat, the chimera closed his eyes. Drug induced sleep soon taking him away, everything went black.

Coming to a few hours later, soreness radiated throughout the chimera's short body. Fatigue flowing through him, energy had been a carcass in a casket. Lowering his eyes into a squint, Siorc turned his head towards the right. Furry eared man and taller panda chimera by his bedside, a sea of information had begun to flow through his tired eardrums.

"Welcome back," Jiaolong said in a quiet voice. "Multiple doctors from the Akademiya worked together to stabilize you with many machines."

Fact presented to him, the early adult attempted to leave the bed. If he was stable now, he had no reason to stay cooped up in a bed prison. But, such act had been met with immediate criticism. Placed back into a laying position in an instant, an unwarranted, unneeded, unasked for opinion came his way, buzzing nonsense like a Cicin in the open wilderness.

"Could you stop being so stubborn for once?!" the forest watcher leader asked in an exasperated tone. "The doctors said to us both you need to take it easy for a few days. There's a chance you might relapse, so we're keeping you here overnight." He let out a tired sigh, placing his hand over his face. "Don't worry about Naofa, or the desert. Waiola, Bogart and it are finishing the work there." More protests had soon come his way.

"It is best you get some sleep for now, no?" Jiaolong said, fingertips on the cuff of the hyena's bangs. "If you're doing better tomorrow, we'll let you go back to work, I assure you." Removing his fingers through the man's hair, he put on a tiny smile. "Don't worry about anything today, and just rest."

Furry eared man and taller panda giving him space, the early adult closed his eyes. He supposed he had not choice but to sleep. Energy depleting to zero as he closed his eyes, the world of sleep had begun to invite him back in. Slinking off into the land of dreams, one final thought poked his fading brain.

Take it easy, indeed.

***

Dreaming was still a tormenting ordeal within the early adult's life. But, the cycle of anguish had been broken, foreign entry reversing the wheel backwards in the night before him. Light shining about in the world, a guiding star vanquished the loop, breaking the path off into a divergent road only enterable once in a jade moon.

Before him had been a bed of peculiar blue, dream-like flowers he had never seen before in the mortal, waking world. Strange purple lotuses next to a hammock, a familiar sight soon caught the chimera's subconscious eyes. Mysterious white haired girl standing by the draw string bed as various birds flew away, she soon turned towards him.

"You've been in a lot of pain lately, haven't you?" the mysterious girl asked. "The flowers have felt your suffering, and want you to rest with them."

Guided to the hammock, the early adult could not help but wonder again. The mysterious girl, just who was she? Was she some sort of dream angel? Surely, that had to have been the case, never having appeared in the mortal, waking world. Hearing a giggle, the early adult titled his head. Had he been right? He supposed he was about to find out.

"I'm a not a dream angel, silly," the mysterious girl responded. "Just a bird, passing by, as usual." Small hand soon in his, she smiled gently. "Now, rest your spirit. I'm sorry that this is all I can do."

Apology coming his way, the early adult blinked. Just who was this girl? But, he knew he would never get an answer to such question. Soon on her swing, the early adult close his eyes as he laid in the hammock. Flowerbed soon surrounding him, the chimera put on a barely visible smile.

He felt refreshed.

***

"Today, I feel refreshed, did all of what I was told yesterday, truly
Happen? It all feels like a dream.
Even if I think about it, none of it feel real. The

Gods, are they watching over me? No, I'm
Overthinking it, really.
Do not think the Archons can intervene.
So, maybe it could have been a dream.

Although, that mysterious girl. Just who is she? Why have I never met her in
Reality? I've heard a saying within Sumeru, not a single citizen
Ever dreams here.

Well, I suppose that has already been proven false. But
It would seem the incidents in Hadramaveth for a special exception to
This rule that seems to be in place.
However, I should not think about this, really.

Maybe now, I can return to work.
Even if it not something heavy, I need to prepare myself for anything."

Waking up the next morning, fingers had been on his wrist in minutes. Jiaolong counting to himself for an entire minute, an astonished looked appeared on his face. Seeing such, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. What was with the look of bewilderment on the taller panda chimera's face? Clearing his throat, his eyes had been on the hyena.

"My, this rather unusual. The doctors told us you would probably still have a slightly faster pulse for awhile, but. Your pulse seems normal," Jiaolong said, trying to hide shock in his voice. "Maybe the gods came by and blessed you." Clearing his throat, lifted the young man to his feet. "But, you aren't going to the desert. Why don't you join Naofa and your friends and plant some seeds around Gandharva Ville?" Plopping seed packets into his hands, instructions had come the chimera's way. "Start in Chinvat Ravine and make your way towards Mawtimiya Forest."

Seed packets given to him, the soldier shrugged. He supposed replanting crops would do for now. Bowing a thank you, the early adult exited the treehouse. Exiting Gandharva Ville, the early adult headed for the ravine. Reaching the area closest to the city after a short walk, the soldier's heart fluttered at the sight before him.

Plant life all but gone around the ravine, Siorc ripped open the seed packets. Seed package showing a picture of orange flowers the hyena sprinkled the seeds into the dirt. Elderly woman in the corner of the house giving him a warm smile as he dropped the flower seeds in the dirt next to her, the chimera returned to the area near the bridge.

Flower and herb seeds planted close to the bridge, the soldier stepped onto the crossroad. Recalling there had been flowers on there, as well, the early adult sprinkled down a packet. Herbs planted on the road in Yazadaha Pool for hours on end, the early adult soon returned to Gandharva Ville.

As he planted mint seeds and Zaytun Peach crops, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Had he been hearing footsteps? But, the chimera shook his head. Surely, he was imagining it. Replanting quest continuing throughout Gandharva Ville, the hyena kept the momentum going.

Still hearing footsteps as his planting throughout the village continued, the early adult tuned out such stomping about. Perhaps, the Forest Rangers in the village had been plating, as well. That had to have been it, surely. Bed medicinal herb seeds laid down into the ground, the chimera headed north.

Gandha Hill upon him after additional replanting, the early adult ascended a small cliffside. But, he could not help but feel someone had been following him. Pushing such thought into the cave nearby, he sauntered onward. He needed to stay focused. Now was not the time to let such thoughts of unease win.

Such suspicions had soon been proven correct as his planting around Gandha Hill had begun. Seeing a familiar tail peeking behind a tree, the hyena lowered his eyes into a squint. Someone had been following him, indeed. But, he supposed for now, calling out to such obvious fact would be too accusatory. Continuing his planting, the soldier kept going.

Such sneaking about would soon come full circle. Furry eared man and Jiaolong out in the open as the soldier planted more medicinal herb crops, the young soldier crossed his arms around his waist. Had the two of them finally come out of hiding? How obvious they were. Their footsteps were impossible to hide. Lowering his eyes into a squint, the early adult glared daggers at the two terrible hiders.

"Oops! Well, it looks like we've been caught!" the furry eared man said, sarcasm evident in his voice.

The chimera rolled his eyes towards the say. Was the forest watcher leader being serious right now? If he was joking, he certainly was not being funny right now. Ears on the top of his head bouncing about, the early adult turned his attention to Jiaolong. Apologetic look on his face, his dark pink eyes would not face his mismatched ones.

"We apologize for following you around, but we wanted to keep an eye on you," Jiaolong admitted, not meeting him at eye level. "I assure you, we were planting seeds, as well." Darting his eyes towards a tree in the corner, he attempting to change the subject. "Usually, by now, I'd be working in Liyue in the commerce guild, handing some meetings for grandfather. But, I took some extra shifts in Gandharva Ville." Finally looking into the young man's eyes, he paused for a moment. "I've been rather worried about you."

Words of concern coming his way, the early adult shook his head. Was such concern necessary? He had been alright now, no more worries were needed. Furry eared man and taller panda chimera soon excusing themselves, a wave of farewells had come his way. Being told to come back to the treehouse later, however, he knew the goodbye would be short lived. Returning to planting, the soldier dropped the seeds into the ground.

More Zaytun Peach crops planted on the edges of the grass, the early adult kept heading north. Lokapala Jungle soon nearing as the hill had been in the past, the chimera kept placing the seeds down into the dead grass patches. Mint seeds soon planted as well, his northward walk kept marching onward.

Multiple seeds planted within the jungle, an Aranara in the corner of its house smiled at the hyena. Returning a grin in kind, motivation had hit its maximum peak. Every single mint seed on the path towards Mawtimiya Forest done and dusted, the early adult stepped foot into the odd blue mushroom jungle.

Odd blue mushrooms towering towards the sky still breathing life, the hyena had come to wonder. Had the blue fungus been magical? Surely, they had to have been resistant to acid, if they were not destroyed by the corrosive rain the week before. Stepping into the damp puddle in the corner, the planting had soon begun.

Hearing chatter about far away as seeds dropped into the ground, the early adult's eardrums perked. Naofa, Waiola, and Bogart, had they been on top of the blue mushrooms already? He supposed it wouldn't hurt to look. Stepping onto a springy fungus, the soldier had soon been airborne.

Panther twins and lynx chimera planting medicinal herbs together upon a small mushroom head island with a neighboring connected fungus next to it, everyone had soon gone quiet. Six eyes soon on him, sweat poured down the hyena's brow. Multiple eye contacts at once was terrifying to a mild degree.

"You look better today," Waiola said, smile on her face. "I'm glad." But Bogart soon interrupted her food cart of thought, voice drowning out hers.

"He's here now, Naofa, don't push him too hard!" Bogart demanded. He pointed his clawed index finger at it. "No funny business!" Such had been awarded an eyeroll.

"We're planting these stupid crops! That's hardly enough to even be consider manual labor!" Naofa barked back, eyes rolled to the back of its head. "If he keels over from something this simple, then he's pathetic!"

Daggers glared Naofa's way, the mushroom forest grew silent. Sound of frogs croaking on the air, the early adult kept planting. Mushroom heads slowly, but surely, covered with small crops, the party of four soon descended towards the ground. Packets of mushrooms handed to the soldier, the hyena.

Spores soon planted, the quartet kept heading north. Soon informed by Waiola the forest watcher leader wanted a few medicinal deposits planted at the very edge of the mushroom forest, the planting session continued. Multiple seeds dropped near the damp area populated by a few slimes, the end of the forest was soon nearing.

Final mushroom spore placed onto the grass, a strange pathway with various Hilichurl huts appeared in the soldier's distanced field of damaged vision. Monsters snoring away in their homes, not a creature had stirred within the deepest crevices of the forest. Tap soon on his shoulder as the huts grew further away, multiple seed packets had been plopped into the early adult's hands.

Informed the medicinal herb crop deposit had to be placed within the damp waters near a domain entrance, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Was such a place really a good spot for a medicinal herb deposit? But, he supposed it was best to not question the forest watcher leader's judgement.

Seeds dropped into the small lake, the early adult could not help but wonder. Would this really work? There had been no dirt within the water. But, perhaps, just maybe, the herbs he had been planting into the stream were aquatic plants. Told to drop some seeds within the grass as well, the soldier sauntered onward.

Burying the next set of seeds near a totem with a Dendro symbol on top of it, the hyena placed his hand on his chin. Had an adventurer with a Dendro Vision come out to the depths of the forest to solve a specific puzzle? It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, certain domains that could only be visited once required a puzzle to unlock. But, such fact was unknown to the chimera.

Secret crop planted near the second totem of Dendro, the early adult kept going. Two seed packets remaining, the soldier moved towards the third grass patch beside the strange monument. Future medicine farm having one more crop, the final seed package was in his currently human palms.

Final seeds soon planted, a smirk soon appeared on Naofa's face. Seeing such, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Was there a towel anywhere? It needed to use one to wipe that smile off its face. But, the chimera kept such thought to himself. There was no way he could crack a wise one, or the lynx chimera would have his neck. Singular eye looking at him, the soldier made eye contact.

"Looks like we're done here today! You're hereby dismissed," Naofa said tone fake and plastic. "I have other business to attend to here in Sumeru, so I'll be going now!" It bent over towards the hyena chimera's ears, bellowing a baited whisper. "But, you really need to learn how to withstand delusions!" Its voice had increased in volume, whisper dying. "Try harder next time to overcome them!" Waving, it had begun speeding off into the opposite direction, gone like the wind.

"Wowzas! What an inconsiderate person! Can't believe them!" Bogart shouted, fists raising to the air. "This is why we won't work with it!" He then turned to Waiola. "Right, Waiola?"

Put on the spot, Waiola's tail stuck up from behind her. Was Bogart saying exactly what she was thinking? She had never believed the twins were telepathic rumor, but she swore her brother always took words out of her mouth from the beginning. Turning her head towards Siorc, she soon joined the conversation.

"Bogart, that was my line," Waiola responded, sighing. "Yes, this is exactly why we will not work with someone like them." Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself. "I'm going to be honest with you right here and right now, Siorc. When you collapsed yesterday, Naofa could not care less." Closing her eyes for a moment, she paused. "Before you lost consciousness, you slit your wrist by accident with your greatsword. And, Naofa laughed. It does not care about you." Gazing at his wrist for a moment, no scar had been upon the joint. How incredibly unusual. "Strange, your wrist is healed." Shaking her head, she returned to giving eye contact. "Nevermind that. I was thinking to myself out loud. My apologies." Regaining focus, the final blow had been ready. "It is best you try to stop working with them."

Predictable line coming his way, the early adult placed his hands in front of him. Signing he knows, but he can't, the early adult sighed. He knew that, as long as the lynx chimera's revenge plot had continued within the Fatui, he would not be able to escape its grasp. Collective sighs hitting the water, shrugs soon joined in, as well.

"Regardless, Bogart and I will help you escape them if you ever need," Waiola said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Don't ever feel like you cannot reach out to us. Our house is always open to you."

"Yeah, what Waiola said!" Bogart chimed in. He then turned towards Waiola. "You're stealing my lines right out of my craw!"

Waiola rolling her eyes at Bogart's remark. The early adult shook his head. He knew, no matter what, an early escape was not an option. Placing his hands into a pleading position underneath his chin, silent gratitude had come the twins way. Readying to say their farewells, the soldier retained eye contact one final time.

"It's getting late, we need to start heading back to Aaru Village now," Waiola said, waving. "See you next time. And please, take care of yourself. Don't push yourself so hard." Bogart's voice soon joined the party.

"You gave us a real scare, you know?!" Bogart exclaimed, voice trailing off. "Knocked the fashion right out of me! I'm not even wearing a dress today!" Stepping off towards his sister, he waved a goodbye. "But, see you. Team up with us again soon!"

Panthers soon gone, the early adult removed his teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Recalling Jiaolong had told him to come back to Gandharva Ville in the evening, the soldier highlighted the waypoint closest to the area. Treehouse soon upon him, the chimera stepped inside. Winter uniform given back to him by the furry eared man, the hyena placed the winter jacket over his layered shirts.

Forest watcher leader giving him one last scolding about taking it easy, the soldier nodded. While he knew he would have work tomorrow, he supposed he could pedal back a bit. Returning the orb into map form, the hyena highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks. Hallways soon upon him, the chimera returned to the steel walled room.

Wave of tiredness not yet overtaking him, the chimera placed the weaponized hairpins and earrings back into the jewelry and accessory box. Staring out the window watching the snow fall for hours on end. Fatigue soon setting in, the hyena soon removed his uniform, as well.

Glasses put aside, the hyena slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, Waiola's words had soon begun to echo in the chimera's fading human brain. Closing his eyes as the world of sleep were about to take him away, one final thought cemented itself into place.

Naofa doesn't care, indeed.

---

Yeah. That happened. Siorc almost had a heart attack. Not metaphorical. Literal.

 

[Palamon]

TW: DEPICTIONS OF PARENTAL ABUSE.

35. Branch Off 17: Girdle of Sands Journalist 1: Drum Gatherer, Bird Spotter

"Cannot help but feel a little tired today
Honestly, I am sore, but that should not stop me,
Really. Work is definitely upon me.
Obviously, Her Majesty was
Not informed about what happened,
I have to be ready for anything.
Could another day of training be waiting?
Looks like
Everything will be the same as always,
So I need to prepare.

Oh, no footsteps. Surely, he's coming.
For sure, Her Majesty was not informed.

After all, even if she knows, I am a mere chess piece.

Do not doubt she does not care,
Even if I were close to breaking,
Shattering, life force
Extinguishing. So I need to be
Ready for anything. Odd job,
Training, diplomacy of nothing?

Just stay focused,
Or she'll kill me
Unless no is coming. Still hear no
Rumbling. No footsteps,
Nothing.
Ah, surely someone is coming
Likely soon, any minute now.
It is snowing in this cold breeze,
So delays in movement are possible.
That has to be it, surely."

Upon waking up the next morning, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena. Soreness kicking into overdrive in the chest area, as well, the early adult closed his eyes once more for a few extra moments. But the chimera quickly snapped himself out of it. There was no time for extra resting, he had to get ready now. Raising himself from the rock hard covers, the soldier had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As he placed his uniform over his layered shirts, the chimera stared at the frozen wall. Just what could possibly await him today? Surely, Her Majesty had not been informed on what had happened while in Sumeru. Snapping the buttons shut, the hyena removed the cover off the jewelry and accessory box.

Clicking the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place, matching black hearts adorned the hyena's hair and ears. Knowing that, at any moment, the Agent could arrive to relay his orders, the soldier hooked the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants. Yellow-Green orb glowing, the chimera stepped towards the edge of the room.

Slipping the heelless shoes over his currently human feet, the chimera headed back towards the uniform drawers. As the hyena devoured the flavorless rations, he turned his head towards the barricaded window. Snow flittering down with a silent roar, the early adult kept staring off into space.

Only meal of the day devoured, Siorc stepped towards the window. Continuing to observe the falling flakes, the early adult gazed at the piles outside the paned glass. Snow as high as it usually is, the soldier kept watching. But, after fifteen minutes, the hyena ended his observation. What was he doing, letting himself get distracted by the snow? Any minute now, the Agent could arrive. Turning his attention towards the door, the chimera waited.

But, no such footsteps ever came. Silence looping on repeat, the early adult returned his attention towards the barricaded window. Snow looking to be about ninety one centimeters deep, a seed planted itself into the center of the hyena's brain. Perhaps, just maybe, the snow outside was slowing the Agent down. Surely, that had to have been the case.

Still hearing no footsteps, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. Was no one coming today? Surely, his subordinate was late today. There was no way Her Majesty had been informed about what happened, the lynx chimera only cared about its revenge, for sure.

Hearing the sound of tape peeling off his door, the soldier stepped outside, for a moment. Piece of paper in Snezhnayan writing looking ready to fall off on the center of the wooden entrance, the chimera shifted an eyebrow. Not having the energy to check the other doors, the early adult read the words upon the sheet in a careful manner.

"You have three days off," the note in clear Snezhnayan writing said.

Words solidifying themselves into the chimera's mismatched eyes, a shock shot down the hyena's spine. Her Majesty had been informed on what happened, she was disappointed him, for sure. Looking over the paper once more for any hidden words, the soldier's heart skipped a beat. This sudden vacation was not a good thing, guaranteed.

Stepping back into the steel walled room for a moment, the early adult turned his head towards the ceiling. What could he possibly do with the sudden vacation tossed his way? Not wishing to search for Hase, blankness swam through the hyena's mind. Opening up the proxy orb into map form, the young soldier cruised his fingers through the digital planes.

Moving his fingers towards the Sumeru section, an unusual, unknown area screamed at the soldier like a man named Wilhelm. Strange desert area accompanied by a swamp and oasis, the early adult could not help but wonder. When had such area been added to his map? He had never noticed such place before. Spotting a coastline as well, a wave of intrigue flowed through the chimera.

The new area on his proxy map, he wished to explore it. The swamp, the oasis, perhaps beautiful flowers lived there that were nowhere else in Teyvat. But, another forbidden desire soon took shape. Maybe he should record his findings while exploring the northernmost desert area.

No notepads lying around within the soundproof room, another idea blossomed the seed in his mind into a flower. The furry eared man, perhaps, just maybe, he had information about the swamp. Resolute on his decision, the chimera highlighted the waypoint closest to Ghandharva Ville.

Hitting the teleport button, the chimera closed his eyes. Fast travel soon confirmed, the early adult took a long, deep breath. Knowing the village would be busy, like always, one thought looped on repeat as the teleportation to the rainforest was about to reach its end.

He hoped he would not be a bother.

***

"Great, what am
I getting myself
Roped into?
Drum gathering, really?
Looks like my vacation is already cancelled.
Everyone is looking at me,

Obviously expecting me to help them.
For what it's worth, I suppose I have no choice.

Should not say no, I do not wish to hurt
Anyone's feelings. It would be rude of me to say
No. I suppose it best to assist for the time being. I
Doubt this will go on for long,
Surely, it is only a few drums I will be help gather.

Drum forgeries, though, who would make something like that for a living?
Reaching for any sort of Mora to be gained, money is the
Ultimate motivator to greed.
Morax, if you can hear me,

Greed is terrifying.
At any rate, whatever happens, I just need
To keep helping silently. Niesha and
Her partner, they really ought to not ask a stranger like me for assistance so
Easily. It is what it is,
Really. I cannot say no. I suppose,
Every drum found will be more exploration of this area before me.
Right, I suppose that is a plus at least momentarily."

Upon reaching the cliffside near Gandharva Ville through the teleport waypoint, a wave of desperation flowed through the hyena. The world was busy, he needed to be quick, guaranteed. Placing his right leg in front of him as he walked towards the southeast, the chimera's legs erupted into a speedy sprint.

Wooden walkway soon in front of him, the early adult accelerated his sprint. Treehouse nearing, the hyena kept running, but as he was about to step foot into the wooden house, the chimera's heart leap out of his chest. Breath dying as he gazed at the butterfly display on the wall, the soldier broke out into a pant.

Furry eared man's ears perking on his head as he ended his run, the soldier's pants continued. Why was he so out of breath from a short run? Sharp eyes soon on him, the early adult surrendered himself. He was about to get scolded, for sure. Stern words about to come his way, an invisible white flag waved itself about.

"Excuse me! Why are you running?" the forest watcher leader scolded. "You just had a procedure the other day. Don't undo all the hard work the doctors did!"

Forest watcher leader not looking particularly busy, the early adult blinked. Why was he running, anyway? The treehouse wasn't going anywhere. Performing his breathing exercises, his heartbeat soon returned to normalcy. Eyes watching him like the hawk chimera, the soldier off duty removed the proxy orb from his back pocket.

Opening the orb back into map form, the early adult pointed at the swam and oasis area in the northernmost corner. Dissipating the map back into orb form, the soldier off duty placed his hands in front of him. Forming his left thumb and index finger into an o-shape, the hyena swiped the tips onto the palm of his right hand. Pinkie soon touching, the chimera folded his hands out as though they were a book. Notebook signed on private display he looked into the furry eared man's eyes.

Wordless language getting through, the forest watcher leader stepped aside for a moment. Small leaflet and feather quilled pen placed into the pam of his hands, an inquisitive look painted the furry eared man's face. Predictable sea of questions about to come his way, the chimera retained eye contact.

Furry eared man asking him if he intended to go to the swamp to research the area, the chimera nodded. Had the Gods blessed him today? Readying to exit the area, the soldier prepared to step outside the treehouse, but a strange set of words bounced off his eardrums as he readied himself to turn around.

"If you intend to do some research in the Girdle of Sands, it is best you play the part," the furry eared man said, folding up clothing into his hands.

Akademiya uniform handed to him, the early adult lowered his eyes into a suspicious squint. How had he gotten ahold of such a thing? The furry eared man was definitely not a student anymore. But, he supposed it was not in his place to question such a thing. Undoing the buttons on his uniform, his winter coat had soon been removed.

Temporary outfit melting into place, the soldier hooked the Dendro Vision onto the center of his chest. Satchel packed to the brim with bottles of water, sharp eyes continued to look his way. Bag placed straight on his back, the furry eared man looked ready to speak once more.

"Keep yourself hydrated," the furry eared man said in a stern tone. "And come back here immediately if at any point you don't feel well."

Predictable warning coming his way, the early adult bowed a thank you. Nodding as well, the hyena exited the treehouse. Knowing the Girdle of Sands was quite a long walk away, the soldier off duty removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb lodged deep within his back pocket one final time for the morning. Highlighting the waypoint near the Three Sand Canals, the chimera closed his eyes.

Hillside in the Desert of Hadramaveth reached in a split second, the chimera jumped of the edge, windglider deployed behind him. Sand crunching beneath his feet, the hyena kept heading northwest. Placing the proxy orb on the side of his temporary uniform, a mini-map beamed in the corner of his line of sight.

Abandoned robot in the corner, the hyena kept walking straight. Three disheveled wooden planks littered within the sand, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. Had the entrance to the Girdle of Sands already been upon him?

Border between two worlds, the early adult kept his eyes open. He needed to proceed with caution, or the reaper gazelle would be out to get him, for sure. Heading towards the right, the sandstorm desert kept getting farther behind. There was no turning back, he was getting closer with every step.

Seeing purple clouds in the sky, a realization had settled in. He had reached the Girdle of Sands, indeed. Taking a deep breath, the soldier off duty pressed onward. He had stepped foot into unknown territory. The time to begin document his findings was upon him. Removing the leaflet from the satchel, the soldier observed his surroundings.

Stepping by a teleport waypoint in the corner, the early adult gazed at the purple clouds in the sky. Recording the strange phenomenon into the notebook, the hyena wrote down his hypothesis. Proposing the dark force in the sky was some form of energy, the chimera inked a dot onto the sheet of Dendro creation.

Spotting a cave in the corner, the hyena walked towards the stone passageway. Passing through, the early adult continued his quiet observations of the area. Spotting a strange tall Hilichurl in the corner wielding a scythe, the soldier off duty let out a gulp. If any creature spotted him, he would be a monster's butter and toast. But, such had not been the only distraction upon the sand wind.

Slightly familiar pink haired woman with panther ears and a tail looking rather nervous by a large desert tree, the soldier stepped forward. Stranger beside her as well, the hyena could not help but wonder. What was the possible swimmer doing here? There definitely wasn't anywhere to swim in the desert.

Turning towards the stranger, the early adult observed the second person, for a moment. Standing next to Niesha had been a man that towered over him and the possible panther swimmer. The stranger had short messy red hair that looked like strawberries. Hair going about down to his shoulders and covering his left eye, the chimera could not help but wonder. Had this man never brushed his hair? But, he supposed it could have been a fashion statement. Natlan style orange robe exposing his brown six pack abs, and necklace hanging right above them with light blue pants adorning diamond patterns, the chimera turned his attention to the man's eyes. Pitch black frog eyes with tiny pupils barely anywhere to be seen, it had come to the soldier off duty in an instant. This man had been related to the frog porcupine chimera. Ending his examination, a sea of questions flowed through him.

Seeing Niesha and the stranger together, the hyena could not help but wonder. Why had they been out here in the desert? Weren't they from Natlan? But, he supposed why they had ventured out to such a place was no business of his. Panther and possible frog porcupine chimera in deep conversation about family, the early adult excused himself. Whatever they were talking about was not something he should be allowed to hear. But, a sigh soon accidentally released from his throat.

Eyes soon on him, Siorc allowed a gulp to escape the esophagus. He had done it now, he had definitely made the stranger mad. Hand soon on his chin, the early adult prepared himself to relay an apology. If he had heard something he was not supposed to, a sorry had to come their way immediately.

Kid from the Natlan Medical Ward a month ago standing upon the sand in Akademiya attire holding a notebook, Niesha could not help but wonder. Had this young man been a student and a member of the Fatui at the same time? Perhaps he had been in the area looking to do some research. Coming to such conclusion, an idea went through her mind.

Maybe he could help out with the current situation.

"Omigawd, you're that kid from the medical ward! So, you're a researcher?" Niesha asked. She then clasped her hands together. "Totes sorry to ask, but could you help us out, please? Mama lost her drums around here." She points at his notebook. "They're scattered around here. Maybe it could help you further your own research!" But, the stranger soon butt in.

"Cupcake, is that a good idea?" the stranger asked. "Your mother might not like this."

Knowing her mother had been far too out of it right now to remember anything anyway, Niesha shrugged. She knew if she did not find the drums rage would double over upon her. Giving her partner a smile, she placed her hands behind her back for a moment.

"Aww, babe, I know, but he looks like he might know a thing or two!" Niesha said to her partner. She then turned towards the student. "Terribly sorry for asking this of you, but please help us search!" There was a tone of desperation in her voice.

Practical puppy dog eyes looking his way, the chimera's eyebrows had begun to twitch. Why was he being dragged down into someone else's problems? He had just come here to have a nice day alone in the desert to search for the oasis and record his findings.

Hearing the deep desperation in Niesha's voice, the early adult felt a large weight toss itself onto his back. There was no way he could say no, wouldn't that hurt her feelings? Knowing it was no longer his choice, the soldier reluctantly nodded. Perhaps, for now, it would be best to help her out, for the time being.

Seeing the young man nod, Niesha placed her hand on her chin. If he were going to help her find the drums, perhaps it was best to finally get the young man's name. Looking into his eyes, she bared a slightly toothed smile. There was no reason to be strangers anymore.

"Thank you for agreeing to help," Niesha replied, extending her hand for a shake. "But, come to think of it, I dunno your name. Mind telling us what it is?"

Inquiry about his name coming his way, the chimera's heart skipped two beats. Legs beginning to shake rapidly, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. The walls had ears, Her Majesty could be listening. He knew, as a member of the Fatui, he could not give his name out so casually anymore. But, he supposed he didn't have a choice in the matter.

"My name is Siorc, ma'am," the hyena replied, voice barely audible. The other stranger then introduced himself, as well.

"Siorc, huh? Interesting name," the stranger replied. "My name is Goma. Nice to meet you." Extending his hand, he shook the man's hand. "We should get going before it afternoon hits."

Round of introductions coming to an end, the hunt had been on. Stepping by a cactus, the early adult searched around the succulent. Not spotting any percussion instruments, the group kept walking. Fungus among him minding their own business, barely a sound stirred in the desert.

Keeping his eyes open for anything unusual, the chimera wondered. What could the drums look like? He supposed it would be easy to tell either way. Checking the area around another cactus on the path, the early adult kept searching. No drums hidden within scattered bushes beside the desert plants, every hand remained empty.

Spotting a domain door in the corner, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. Spotting boxes beside cacti the hyena stepped towards the wooden cartons. Boxes submerged in the sand too buried within to be opened, the chimera shrugged. It was no use attempting to rip such open.

Hillside near the domain entrance, Niesha climbed upward. Scantily dressed panther coming up empty as well, the group headed towards the path below. Strange, grey crystals along the pathway, the hyena opened up the notebook. Recording his findings, the chimera wondered. Why were there hard, grey crystals on the ground? Perhaps breaking into them would lead to answers.

No excavation tools on him, the early adult placed a pin into such thought. Perhaps, just maybe, tomorrow he could do so. Spotting more boxes in the corner by a fire place, the hyena dashed off towards the crates. Strange notes placed on top of them scribbled by an unknown person, the soldier off duty shook his head. There was no way any drum could have been hidden in there. Tent next to it having nothing as well, the search continued.

Goma climbing up the hillside nearby coming up empty, the drum hunt kept going. Only way to continue being to climb up a small sand hill, the chimera ascended. Strange purple clouds in the corner getting thicker, the early adult wrote down his findings in the research log. He could not help but feel continuing to take note of such phenomenon was important.

Long, barren road of sand adorning a strange device glowing yellow, the early adult stopped walking for a moment. What could this device be? He could not help but feel it was an incredibly important artifact. Taking note, the early adult kept searching the hill around for any percussion instrument.

Spotting nothing but the strange devices along the way, the soldier turned his attention towards Niesha, silent questions coming her way about whether the objects were drums or not, a firm shake of the head solidified itself into cement. He supposed it wasn't going to be as simple as he thought.

Strange purple vortex only getting closer as the barren empty wastelands had been traversed through, the soldier gazed at the oddity. Just what could that have been? Party of two in front of him veering off towards the west, the early adult followed behind in silence. Perhaps he could check out the odd purple clouds at a later point when he was by himself.

Beautiful, pink flowered trees off in the distance, the early adult immediately took note of such in the research log. What incredibly gorgeous plants. The desert was full of life. Hands remaining empty, the soldier turned his attention towards the mini-map beaming beside him.

Triangular mark in the corner indicating he had been in Temir Mountains, the chimera quickly observed the area in front of him. Large mountainscape with a deep, dark purple vortex swirling around it, and a wooden walkway in the corner, the soldier had begun climbing downward. Surely, a drum had to have been nearby within the mountains. Descending the cliffside, the hyena jumped down onto the sand beneath him.

Reaching the lowest level of the mountains after about fifteen minutes of climbing downward and descending, the search had resumed. Multiple abandoned campsites everywhere, everyone did their part into searching. But no drums had been located. Every tent barren as the wasteland, the three chimeras kept heading north.

Ascending the wooden walkway and ladders in the corner, a statue glowing red stood out amongst the many boxes in the corner. No drums beside the strange monument as well, the early adult placed his hands into a praying position. Sending his prayers to the the Dendro Archon he was not supposed to worship, the soldier off duty hoped the Gods would hear his wishes for the drums to be found soon.

Descending the ladder, the group headed towards the west side of the mountains. No drums on the west side, either, the early adult turned towards Niesha. Had she mistaken about there being drums in the Girdle of Sands? But, the hyena kept his mouth shut. Reaching the end of the mountain, the trio turned their shoes in the opposite direction.

Steps retraced towards the entrance, a peculiar wooden drum with a strange symbol on it poked its head out in the sand. Niesha gathering it into her hands, she studied the percussion instrument with a fervor. Look of affirmation on her face, the young panther woman nodded.

"This is one of them, Babe, could you put this in your bag?" Niesha asked Goma. She then placed her hand on her chin for a moment. "Mama told me she lost twelve of 'em around here. So, there's eleven more to find!"

"Twelve? Why so many?" Goma asked, puzzled. An answer had immediately come his way.

"You know how mama is. Made a lotta forgeries." Niesha responded, talons scratching through her hair. "Said something about wanting to sell them to some merchant that stops by here to make figures."

Hearing Mora brought into the conversation, a wave of bewilderment flowed through the chimera. What an odd way to go about earning one's keep. But, he supposed he should not judge how people went about getting the money they needed to survive their environment.

Wondering if more drums could have been hiding amongst mountaintops, the search had soon begun anew. Returning his attention towards the God statue, the early adult ascended the ladders for the second time of the day. Perhaps, just maybe, one of the eleven remaining could have been hiding in hard to reach places.

Ascending upward with much trials and tribulations, the hyena kept his eyes open. But, no drums had yet to be spotted higher above the ground. Checking everywhere he could, the hunt did not cease, even for a moment. Barren wasteland devoid of any monsters, silence still looped on repeat.

Dashing around the badlands of sand for hours on end, the early adult climbed upward one final time. Unusual put of sand shimmering on the daytime sky, the early adult closed his eyes, for a moment. Hyena tail behind him, the early adult brushed the pit away. Tail soon filthy with sediment, the soldier off duty shook the dirt away.

Wooden drum with a symbol on the top as filthy as ever, the soldier handed the drum off to Niesha. Forged instrument placed into a satchel, the search kept ramping itself up with no results to be had. No more drums found within the mountains, the hyena peered downward as the view presented itself to him.

Spotting the trees off in the distance again, the chimera had come to wonder. Could there have been some drums lodged in between the branches? Area down below seeming like a far drop down, the hyena prepared himself for the deep descend downward.

Multiple cautious descends to the bottom of the mountains, the early adult observed the mini-map in the corner. Area in the corner with two strange markers labelled p1 and p2 next to him, the hyena tilted his head. What in the world did those labels mean? It was almost as if, in the world of Teyvat, people could collaborate together in cooperative situations to adventure together and fight alongside one another in the form of joining a world. But, such fact was unknown to the hyena.

Triangle indicating the couple and he had been in Tunigi Hollow, the chimera observed his surroundings. Ominous hole in the center of the beautiful white trees with pink flower petals, the hyena prepared himself for the climb for what felt like the third time of the day. But, the soldier off duty could not help but feel he had stepped foot into a wasteland.

Crystals in the area as well, Siorc could not help but wonder. Why had there been so many crystals within the Girdle of Sands? Taking note of such in the research log, the chimera dashed off towards the white trees. Climbing upward, the early adult attempted to find any drums that might have lost themselves within the only plant life in the area.

No drums within the first tree, the soldier ascended the second one. Niesha and Goma scouring around the area as his ascension continued, no drums had been on the second flowering tree. But, the hyena would not falter. Surely, one of the forged percussion instruments had to have been wedged in between the plants somewhere.

Third tree a bust, as well, the early adult gazed downward from the tip of the wood. Deep purple vortex Spiraling about in a large, hollow looking area, the chimera could not help but ponder. Could there have been something hidden beneath it? There had to have been some sort of secret underneath.

Joining up with the panther and frogupine couple, no more progress had yet to be made. Goma having a shifty look in his singular visible eye, the early adult blinked. Was he wary of the vortex in the center of the wasteland? Circling around the area near the dark white crystals, the drum hunt kept going.

Dark minerals not sporting any drums to speak of, the hyena turned his attention towards the odd vortex. Placing his hand inches away from his forehead, the early adult scouted the area. Spotting a drum in the center of the violet forcefield, the soldier off duty steeled himself. Danger could come for him at any moment.

Feeling a sense of unease as he approached the hole, the hyena sauntered onward. Niesha tiptoeing beside him with a nervous look on her face, as well, Goma reached for the panther woman's hand. Couple's palms interlinked with one another, their slow high off their heels walk kept going slower with every step.

Vortex soon nearing, the hyena let out a gulp. Purple forcefield looking as though it could have been a deep hole, the soldier prepared himself for anything. Niesha soon letting go of her partner's hand, she took one for the team. Stepping onto the field of darkness first, her tail scrunched up behind her.

Ground not crumbling underneath them, Niesha picked up the forged drum with caution. But, the chimera could not help but feel a wave of unease. Had the instrument been placed here deliberately? He could not help but feel such was the case. Readying to move on to the next area, Goma reached out for his partner's hand, but such grab forward had been cancelled in a matter of moments.

Hilichurl dropping down onto the scene, the chimera rose an eyebrow at the sight before him. Monster not looking alive in the slightest, a sea of questions boiled water inside the soldier off duty's fading human brain. Had something happened to all the monsters within the Girdle of Sands? Keeping a mental note inside him to write such findings down, the hyena prepared himself for battle.

Hearing the sound of Niesha and Goma slipping on red and blue gloves with only a thumb visible, the early adult backed six steps away. Couple looking like they had the battle in their own hands, the chimera supposed it was best to stay out of the fight for the time being.

Niesha's gloves combusting into flames launching an uppercut of fire, the early adult covered his eyes. Niesha had a Pyro Vision? How absolutely terrifying. Opening two of his fingers, the early adult observed the fight. Goma punching with torrents of water within his sturdy gloves, as well dual thrusts upward did their dirty work.

But no punches did any damage to speak of. Duo keeping their lunges going, the hyena recalled a fact he had seen written down in one of his father's notebooks in his studies in his stolen childhood. Punches looking like a particular fighting style, the chimera could not help but wonder. Had Niesha and Goma been boxers? He could not help but feel such had to have been a possibility at hand.

Possible boxing duo looking as though they were still struggling, Siorc stepped into the ring. It was not fair to leave the battle to the two of them, for sure. Tossing down a flower friend the lifeless looking Hilichurl's way, the chimera provided silent commands to the Windwheel Aster.

But, his flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision was useless. Vines unable to do anything, the early adult snapped his fingers. Flower leaving the battlefield, and Niesha breaking into a sweat, failure hugged everyone from behind. But, as the white flag was about to be waived, a scythe sliced through the enemy.

Territorial gazelle chimera slicing and dicing, the Hilichurl had soon been no more. Soul dropping down to the ground, Onur's eyes sized up Niesha in a split second. Big toothy smirk on vis face, ve stepped towards her. Knowing that, at any moment, something disgusting was about to happen, the early adult prepared a fist. This time, for sure, he would not let this person get away with any over the top behavior.

"He he, look who stepped foot into my territory!" Onur exclaimed, walking towards Niesha. Ve then placed vis hand on her chin. "You shouldn't be here. Tunigi Hollow is miiiine." Ve moved vis hand to her cheeks.

Watching another man touch his girlfriend, Goma wound up his shoulder. Who did this creep think he was, getting all touchy and feely with another man's woman? This person was about to get a punch of his lifetime if he didn't lay his hands off of her. But, perhaps a stern talking to would have him lay off. Violence could be saved for if he did not stop. Boxing glove shaking, he readied to get on the wordy defensive.

"Yo. Mind getting your hands off my girlfriend?" Goma asked, annoyed. "I see you're very touched starved. But your own body is right there."

Onur's hands all over Niesha's cheeks, the early adult's fist shook from behind him. Who did the reaper gazelle think he was, touching a taken woman and flirting with her without her consent? Why couldn't ve just keep vis hands to verself? Keeping his palm clenched, he resisted the urge to lunge. If such continued, he would not hesitate. No one should touch someone else if they didn't ask for it.

The reaper gazelle was a bad, rotten egg.

"Te hee, you have room for oooone more, don't you?" Onur teased, caressing Niesha's tail. "Ya know, you're in myyyy territory, sweetheart."

Absolutely disgusting, slimy, dirty stranger playing with her tail, Niesha's veins had begun to pop off inside her. If this filthy scoundrel did not get her hands off of her, she would snap like a match over a fire. But, she knew it was best to remain calm. Anger and violence were never the answer. Perhaps, if she let him down gently, his hands would go back to himself.

"I'm already taken by my two lovely partners, and the three of us are very happy together," Niesha replied, voice remaining calm. She then wrapped her arms around Goma, breasts pushing up against her lover's bare abs. "Sorry, there's no room for a third." She then removed herself from her partner, giving the stranger a look. "We're just here looking for drums, don't mind us."

Onur agreeing with heavy reluctance, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. Reaper gazelle leaving the area with a walk of a criminal, the chimera shook his head. What a creep this person was. Ve needed to respect other's boundaries. Disgusting fawn nowhere to be seen, the search resumed.

Stepping off the vortex, the early adult gazed off towards the corner. Huge trees looking as though they had a wall in between them, the soldier off duty walked off into the distance. Opening soon found, a particular peculiarity caught the hyena's eye. Odd looking tree lodged deep within the larger one, the early adult took out the research log. Recording his findings, the early adult wrote down a hypothesis about the Tunigi Hollows.

No drum found within the wall, the hyena kept walking. Niesha and Goma observing the other side of the hollow, the chimera kept looking towards every odd tree in the area. No percussion instruments beside such plants, progress continued to grind to a halt.

Neither party making any progress for hours on end, every area within the hollows had been scoured through. Drum discovered inside an odd looking circular tree, the fourth of twelve percussion instruments had been retrieved. Tunigi Hollow soon behind the party of three, the group headed northeast.

Scaling another mountain, the early adult let out a huff. Why had there been so many cliffsides in the desert? Sumeru bordered Liyue indeed. Strange glowing devices from before greeting the soldier off duty as he finished climbing, the chimera looked towards the right and left. Multiple mountains off in the distance he let out a tired sigh. He supposed he had no choice but to keep climbing.

Empty hills of nothing but eels poking their heads out of the sand, the party of three kept their eyes open. Nothing of especial note within the hills and the mountainside, dropping down below the cliffs was the only option that remained. Spotting a teleport waypoint off in the distance, the party of three dropped off the ledge.

Area unnamed on the mini-map in front of him, the early adult stepped behind the couple. Gate to the unknown holding no drums to speak of, the scour around continued. But, such remained futile. Progress remaining in a stasis, the trio kept looking.

Looping back around to the same spot multiple times, steps continue to retrace themselves. Nothing discovered whatsoever, a suggestion had come Goma and the hyena's way. Niesha stating they should check underground, a nod of agreement had come her way. Dashing through the hills for minutes on end, a ledge was reached.

Spotting a sea of tree branches in the corner the party of three took the leap of faith. Unusual tunnel beside a sea of bark, Niesha took the lead. Deep, damp, dark cave removed from any form of sunlight, the chimera scouted the secluded underground area. Entranceway off in the distance not looking anything like it was truly part of the desert, the early adult recorded such discovery in the notebook.

Tree branches growing inside the cave, as well, the chimera had come to wonder. How was such possible? There was no sunlight inside a cave. But, such had been proven wrong in a matter of moments. Light shining from a large hole in the corner, the soldier off duty kept walking.

Two empty tents pitched up with no one to to use them, the early adult stepped through the entrance. One drum sitting as though it was waiting for him in the center of the tent, the chimera picked up the instrument. Forged merchandise handed off to Goma, the hyena stepped outside the possible abandoned home.

Stepping down onto the ground, the hyena eyed the entrance off into the distance. What could have awaited him on the other side of the door? He could not help but feel feel an overwhelming sense of curiosity. But, the hyena stopped himself from stepping any further. If he were to wander off now, he would be left behind, for sure.

Thorough check through the small cave turning up empty every step of the way, the hyena could not help but wonder. Could a drum have been placed inside one of the tree trunks beside the hole leading up to the surface? the soldier off duty supposed checking would not hurt.

Heading towards the hole, the early adult had begun climbing. Steep ascend upward taking minutes, the soldier let out a pant. Reaching the top after thirty minutes of scaling the thin pathway, a surprise awaited the chimera. Drum on the edge of the hole's entrance, the hyena scooped the instrument up into his currently human hands. Placing it into the back of his satchel, the soldier prepared the descent back downward.

Returning back to ground level, the hyena creaked his head upwards towards the hole on the ceiling. Light beaming down no longer visible, the chimera blinked. Had sundown already come and gone? Cave darker than before, the sixth of twelve fake instruments changed hands.

No more drums discovered within the crevices of the underground cave, the party of three returned to the surface. Sky a deep midnight blue, Niesha's body had begun to shake. Tail puffed out beyond recognition, her rapid quivers continued. Face growing darker than the sky above, a wave of words broke a hole in the ozone layer.

"Aww, no, oh, no, oh, no. No. I'm out past desert curfew!" Niesha shouted, body still shaking. "I need to go back to mama's tent right now!"

Girlfriend panicking right in front of him, Goma crossed his arms across his waist. Why did Niesha's mother still put her on a curfew at her age? She was a grown woman, independent to make her own choices. Was the leash still tied tight around her neck?

"Your mother still has you on a curfew when you're with her?" Goma asked, disgust present in his voice. He bit the bottom of his lip as he continued. "She knows you're not a teenager anymore. You're a grown woman!"

Hearing the word curfew alarm bells rung in the hyena's mind. Why did a clearly grown adult chimera woman have a curfew? Something was off about Niesha's mother, for sure, but the chimera kept his mouth shut. It was not his business to comment on other people's home lives whatsoever. Niesha looking his way, the chimera gave eye contact.

"Siorc, terribly sorry, could you help us again tomorrow?" Niesha asked, practically begging. "There's only six drums left. Promise after we find 'em all, we'll bugger out of your hair."

Vacation already dead in the water, the chimera simply nodded. He supposed it would be best to continue assisting the lady panther and her boyfriend until all the remaining drums had been found. Couple running off minutes after his confirmation, the hyena removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket.

Highlighting the waypoint to the military barracks, the soldier off duty closed his eyes. Hallways soon upon him, the soldier headed for the soundproof room. Steel walled room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the early adult stepped inside. Wave of tiredness immediately overtaking him, everything had soon been removed.

Slumping into the uncomfortable bed, the early adult closed his eyes as soon as his head hit the rock hard pillow. World of sleep about to take him away, one final thought looped on repeat as the land of tormenting dreams was ready to pull him back in for the night.

He should have just said no.

***

"Curfew, anger, shouting. I'm tired of Niesha's mother.
All the times she leaves
Natlan to help out her mother,
Nothing good ever comes
Out of it. Sometimes, she is covered in bruises.
That's not right.

Believe me when I say I don't want her heading for the Girdle of Sands knowing what awaits.
Even though the bruises haven't been as common in the past few months,
Looking at her all cut up like that causes me to break.
I am struck with a sense of disgust,
Every time she comes back home to Natlan hurt like this. Is her mother a
Villain? I would like to think so.
Every time, Niesha says the divorce has been hard on her mother.

So, I tell her she should not taking it out on
Her, but she insists she is just not in the right might.
Even if that is the case, hitting your own daughter is wrong.

It is vile, disgusting. And I know her mother is onto me,
She knows I know what's she is doing.

But this time, I will not be silent.
Looking for those drums? Why couldn't she have just done it? If
Aega were here with us, she'd let her
Mother have it. I know she would not be so kind. But,
It is only the two of us in the desert,
Niesha told Aega to stay behind. My frog
Gut feels heavy watching from the sidelines.

If this goes on any further,
This time, I will not sit by.

Oh, this woman has another thing coming if she thinks she can take out her anger on
Niesha. Parents are beast sometimes.

This is why I did not want her to come out here.
Her father is far more loving.
Even though he is a human, he would never lay a hand on her.

Dirty, disgusting punches of grime.
I've had it up to here. This
Vicious cycle must end.
Opening my fist if she tries to
Round up a punch, I won't let this slide.
Cannot let this go on anymore,
Even if I die."

Upon waking up the next morning, the hyena reluctantly highlighted the waypoint towards the entrance of the Girdle of Sands. It was far too late to back out now, he had already begun helping. Returning to the tree he had reached the day before, Niesha and Goma were waiting.

Niesha asking for his help again stating she needed extra hands, the early adult sighed in tedium. It would certainly be horrible of him to back out now. Nodding, the hyena joined the drum gatherer's group once more. Panther lady telling Goma and he her mother said she might have left a couple drums around the Hills of Barsom a long walk north kicked into overdrive.

Temir Mountain scaled and skipped over, the hyena had come to wonder. Niesha's mother, why couldn't she have just went and looked for the drums by herself instead of making her own daughter do it? But, the early adult pushed such thought into the sand beneath. Perhaps, just maybe, she had been unable to do so.

Tunigi Hollow stepped around, the hyena stared at the vortex between the trees once more. Just what in the world laid beneath the hole of darkness? He knew something had to have awaited beneath it. Distractions causing him to stray behind, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint. Why was he letting his thoughts eat away at him? There was no time for such.

Northeast hillside conquered, the party of three curved towards the southeast. Petals flittering across the wind, a beautiful surprise awaited the hyena as the Hills of Barsom were closing in. Beautiful huge tree with pink petals dancing on the air, the chimera's eyes almost sparkled. What an incredible looking tree. If he had not been forced to be a member of the Fatui, he would make this area his home, guaranteed.

Spotting drums in the area by stumps glowing a bright green, the early adult sprinted towards the light. But, something had caught his attention, in an instant. Wood on the instrument feeling real, the chimera tilted his head. Had the Hills contained the authentic drums? He knew he had to look with caution if such were indeed the case.

Dashing off towards the other side of the tree, the soldier gazed the next drum. Wood still feeling real, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. Had there been no forgeries by the hills at all? He knew he had to keep looking. Niesha and Goma looking on the opposite side, dead ends kept rearing their head.

Third real drum discovered, the hyena took out the research log. The instruments next to the tree stumps, they had to have a reason for being here. Recording his theories in the notebook, the search resumed after a few minutes had passed. Slamming the book shut, the early adult turned his head towards the three.

Wondering if the tree could have been hiding any instruments, the soldier barked up the wrong tree. No drums anywhere to be seen the early adult returned to the ground. Maybe it was a waste of time looking up in the trees for forged drums, there was no way anyone would place something like that so high off the ground.

Exiting towards the northern path, two forged drums out of phony wood stood next to one another beside a bed of white crystals. Niesha and Goma stepping towards the instruments, a strange green fairy flew onto the scene. Crystalized Rifthounds removed from their mineral prison, the monsters let out a roar.

Niesha and Goma putting on their martial artist gloves, the hyena rolled up his sleeves, but a wave of rejection had come his way. Goma saying he and his cupcake could handle it, the soldier let out a sigh. He supposed if he was not wanted in the battle he should not butt in.

Array of elemental punches knocking the Rifthounds a new one, the soldier off duty resisted the urge to toss down a flower friend. If the lynx chimera were here, it would call him useless for sure. Goma soon lifting the monster up and slamming it down onto the sand harder than a rock, aquatic and flaming punches took the enemy out of its misery.

Dual phony drums gathered, the group of three headed north. Taking note of an odd green shrine off into the distance, the hyena had come to wonder. Who would build a shrine in the middle of nowhere? But, the chimera returned his attention to the walk ahead of him.

Reaching a vast and barren coastline after an hour and a half of walking, the soldier gazed at the mini-map in the corner. Arrow stating the couple and he had been in Samudra Coast, a ray of intuition shined a light on the ocean. A drum was definitely lying in wait here, guaranteed. Placing his feet by the ocean, the early adult would not falter. Pointing at the water, he looked into Niesha and Goma's three eyes.

Siorc calling attention to the ocean in rapid fire, Goma's singular visible frog eye blinked. Had he found a drum across the ocean from a bird's eye view? Ocean water looking like a rather deep swim, a question layered itself down onto the sand. Asking if the young man could swim was necessary.

"Do you see a drum somewhere across the water? Is that what you're pointing to?" Goma asked, pointing in tandem. "We'll go look, but more importantly, can you swim?"

Inquiry about whether he could swim coming his way, the hyena shook his head. Ocean looking far too deep, there was no way he would be able to, for certain. Goma taking note of his silent response, his hands sifted through the bag behind him. Raft dropped into the river after air had been blown into it, Goma jumped in, patting the inflatable.

"Then, hop on," Goma said patting the inflatable some more. He then turned towards Niesha. "You hop in as well, cupcake." But a wave of uncertainty had come his way.

"Babe, I dunno, wouldn't it be too heavy if all three of us hopped in?" Niesha asked, nervous. "I can swim just fine, no biggie!" Quick reassurance had stepped up to the plate.

"Sweet cakes, you're light as a feather. Don't worry about it," Goma responded immediately, assuring her. He then pointed at Siorc. "Kid over there looks like he only eats scraps of food. He's puny. The raft won't sink if you're in it, too, I promise."

Niesha hopping onto the raft next to her boyfriend, the early adult placed himself on the edge of the inflatable boat. Comment ringing in his ears as the couple cruised the raft forward, the early adult gazed at his torso. Had he really looked like he did not get enough to eat? He supposed the world looked different to other people than himself.

Sea splashing around the raft, the soldier off duty kept his attention forward. Land on the opposite end shining on the sunlight, the hyena knew. There had to have been a drum here. Boat continuing its journey, the chimera remained still as a statue. If he were to move more than necessary, he would fall into the water, for sure.

Forged drum glaring daggers at him as the end of the coast was slowly approaching, the soldier prepared himself. Any minute now, it would be time to jump. Gap between the sea and land closing in on one another, the hyena readied himself for the jump of a lifetime.

Opposite end thirty meters away, the chimera rose to his feet. Leaping in the air, the water and his body almost met. Just barely landing on the sand across from him, the hyena reached for the drum. Goma soon telling him such move was reckless, the early adult bowed an apology.

Taking note that there had been another land area upon the coastline, Goma cruised the raft upon the water once more. Reaching the eastern side of the desert beach, the party of three investigated the area. Hunt going on for hours, the tenth of twelve phony drums was located.

Exiting the coast, a suggestion had come the early adult and Goma's way. Niesha thinking the last two drums could have been in Asipattravana Swamp the group turned their heels off towards the opposite direction. Hills cleared through, the trio descended downward.

Damp, swampy area murky underground riverbed flowing with a roar, the investigation had soon begun. Spinal crocodiles relaxing in the swamp bellowing a yawn, the drum search remained undisturbed. No drum sitting on the rocks between the water way, the party of three continued to skid the waves.

Small scalable waterfall walked through, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. No forged drums floating above the water, the soldier off duty turned his attention towards the scaled areas beside the riverbed. Removing himself from the water, the hyena climbed upward for what felt like the tenth time in two days.

Upper level of the swamp barren of any phony instruments as well the group of three had begun heading south. Swamp having no answers, another suggestion had come Goma and the soldier's way. Idea of heading for the oasis presenting itself to the table, the early adult attempted to hide any sort of sparks in his eyes.

The oasis what a perfect place to search for forged drums. But, the hyena kept such thoughts to himself. He knew, no matter what, he could not let his personal opinions be added to the mix. Swamp left behind after thirty minutes of skidding the waters, an extravagant sight awaited the chimera.

Gorgeous oasis with lush greenery and a light blue tree, the soldier of duty's eyes sparkled like stars. What an absolutely fascinating area within the world of the northernmost desert. But, such view of beauty was soon taken away. Small cave inside the tree taken, the swamplands soon returned.

Soon reaching the deep depths of the oasis, a sight to behold crushed the chimera's heart into three hundred pieces. Group of adorable little fairies that looked like a green onion creature whose name was a corruption of the word celery getting attacked left and right by a sea of bullets, the early adult's eyes twitched in a rapid manner.

"Stop!" the tiny fairy shouted. "Cease this at once!"

But, such attempt was futile. Perpetrator of the crime soon identified, a wave of disgust took the hyena by a sandstorm. Two young women launching bullets at such cute, innocent little creatures? No way he could allow such a horrible crime go unpunished. Closing his eyes for a moment, his human hand transformed into a hyena paw.

Bullets continuing to rain down towards the fairies, Siorc rose his claws to the air. Enemy's barrage coming faster with every second, the soldier jumped in front of the small creatures. Projectiles knocked back, the bullets pressed against his fur. But, the soldier would not falter.

Onslaught pressing onward, Niesha stepped up to the plate. Slipping on her boxing gloves, a clean hit had been blown upon the center of both women's chests. Goma tapping himself out of the battle stepping backwards, the early adult pressed onward. Chivalry would never die for some people, he supposed.

Attacks coming to an end, the two young women hugged their knees for minutes on end. Heads buried into their limbs, the early adult gazed at the strangers, for a moment. He could not help but feel there had been no malicious intent. Culprits of the onslaught standing up shaky words had let themselves out.

"Lady Pari, I'm sorry! Forgive me, please!" one of the strangers begged, tears rolling down her face. "My core went berserk!" More shouts soon joined the party.

"And whose fault do you think that is, huh Dove?" the other stranger asked, voice loud. "It's your fault! You! You're the one who let this happen! No one but you!"

Hearing the word core, the chimera examined the two strangers looking ready to bicker for hours on end. Turning his attention towards the woman shouting, the hyena studied them, for a moment. Standing about with a furious look on her face had been a young lady moderately taller than him. The ball of anger had long, dark brown hair tied back into a low ponytail that looked like it reached to about her backside. Brown eyes matching her hair almost exactly, the soldier turned his attention towards her outfit. Fancy green blouse suit with a hawk tail sticking out from behind her, the chimera's palms broke out into a sweat. Had she been related to the Justice Hawk of Fontaine? If such were the case, he was done for. Ending his examination, he turned his head towards the other stranger.

Standing about looking ready to cry from the argument blaring about had been another young woman no more than twelve centimeters taller than him. The young lady had dark, shadowy hair pulled back into a coily ponytail. Rose hairclip clicked onto the left side of her head, the soldier held back a smile. The young woman had good taste to be had, for sure. Turquoise eyes filled with pain, the hyena observed the person's outfit. Light blue blouse with a skirt and falcon wings on her backside, the early adult ended his examination, but a peculiarity struck a chord within him.

Ruin Guard Cores locked into the center of both women's chests, the chimera had come to wonder. Could these ladies have been humanoid dolls brought to life with alchemy? But, the hyena shook his head. No, there was no way that was the case. Dolls couldn't ever come to life and live among mortals, deities or chimeras, that was impossible, for sure. One proclaimed Dove bursting into tears, more shouts joined the party in an instant.

"I know that, Wren! I'm sorry! I know this is all my fault!" Dove cried. Her tears tossed oil into the oasis. "Maybe the Doctor broke me again!"

Malpracticing Malicious Doctor brought into the conversation, the early adult grit his teeth. The horrific Harbinger had claimed other victims? What a disgusting man. He needed to leave people alone, and rot in the ocean. Why did he feel the need to experiment on so many? Absolutely disgusting.

Goma soon coming across the final two phony drums, Niesha and the hyena dashed off towards the forgeries. But, an interruption soon broke everything. Sound of bullets firing up once more, the early adult turned his head towards the cacophony. Ruin Guard cores taking control of the situation, the projectiles headed for the instruments.

Unable to stop the barrage from coming, the bullet rain and the drum forgeries shook hands with one another. Projectiles leaving holes like termites had munched on the wood as their snack, the instruments fell into the swampy waters. Although, such attack had only been the beginning.

Bullet rain firing off into multiple directions, more fairies were soon caught into the cross fire. Small creatures begging for their lives, screams drowned out all the sound. Pandemonium filling the room, plead screams for help joined the chaos brought upon the land.

"Panther lady! Help up, please!" Dove shouted in agony. "Punch my chest again! Quickly! Please! Please, now!"

Niesha dashing off towards the young falcon woman going berserk, a punch of justice had been blown upon the core in the center of her chest. Goma reluctantly punching Wren's chest, as well, the Ruin Guard cores sparked up like a fire. Bullets soon ceasing, Dove soon groveled to her feet.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Dove cried, looping her apology on repeat. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please forgive me, I'm sorry!"

Apologies going on for almost five minutes without interruption, the early adult tuned out the sea of sorries flowing out almost nonstop. Stepping towards the drums in the corner, the soldier off duty looked at the forged instruments. Holes everywhere the eyes could see, a wave of unease flowed through him.

Niesha's mother, if she had put her on a curfew, would she be angry if the drums she was selling were damaged, as well? He knew such was a possibility at his constantly transforming hands. But, he supposed nothing could be done, the damage had already been dealt.

Apology play continuing in rapid for minutes on end, the chaos continued onward. Goma and Niesha trying to console Dove for minutes on end, the hyena kept tuning out the world around him. Everything was loud, chaotic, messy. The chaos, however, was about to reach its end with one final shout.

"Oh, for crying out loud, Dove, shut up already!" Wren shouted, anger speaking louder than her words. "No amount of apologies will ever erase what you did or what just happened!" She balled her hand into a fist.

Scene looking ready to get violent, the hyena handed the drums off to Goma. Niesha continuing to console Dove, the early adult sat down upon the swampy lake. Knowing he would probably be here for hours on end, the chimera took out his researcher log. Writing down his findings about the adorable fairies, the swamp oasis and bird women, the soldier placed a dot at the end of the last letter. Dove eventually calming down after a couple hours had passed, one final apology had come the trio and Wren's way.

"I know I've apologized over a hundred times already, but really, I'm sorry!" Dove cried, lowering her head onto her knees. "Ever since our expedition team abandoned us here, we've been trapped here forever!" Tears streaming down her face once again, she held back a loud whine. "They never came back for us and now that Doctor he's d--" But such phrase had been cut off by a blinding light.

Wren and Dove gone in an instant, three jaws collectively dropped open. Did the bird ladies just disappear into thin air? How was that even possible? Gazing at his proxy map, sweat poured down the hyena's back. Had his map teleported them somewhere? Shaking his head, confusion looped on repeat. There was no way. His map only activated if someone pressed it. Surely, he was overthinking it. Maybe outside forces were involved. Shock of the situation wearing off, the party of three exited the oasis.

Returning to the Hill of Barsom, a small cave with two drums was reached. Niesha walking towards a large white tent, a tall, middle aged panther woman with greying pink hair stepped outside of the makeshift home. Look of searing rage on the woman's face, the hyena gulped. Peering outside for a moment, fear nibbled on the cartilage of his ear.

It was nighttime.

Past curfew for Niesha.

"Mama, I got your drums back for you," Niesha said. Her voice was shaking. Goma handing her the bag, the satchel traded hands one final time. "Here you go, they're in this bag."

Niesha's mother opening the satchel up, her eyes had begun to twitch in rapid fire as she observed the drum filled with bullet holes. Grinding her teeth, the middle aged mother's knuckles had begun cracking one another another. Bark readying to turn into a bite, the atmosphere had become thicker than oil.

"Not only did you come back after curfew, you brought back my precious merchandise damaged!" Niesha's mother shouted, raising her fist. Swinging forward, her knuckles collided with her daughter's face leaving black and blue marks. "Look at this thing, I can't sell it now! It's your fault!" Her swings continued, hitting like a metal bat.

Middle aged panther continuing to swing punches, the early adult could hardly believe his eyes. How could a mother punch her own child? How disgusting, what a vile mother. Balling his own hand into a fist, the soldier off duty readied to get on the offensive. While he knew he was not strong enough to stop an older woman, he needed to put a stop to this now.

Watching as Niesha's mother took her anger out on his girlfriend, Goma slammed his fist onto his hands. Lunging forward at the woman, Goma swung forward. While he knew boxing was never meant for violence, hitting others for their mistakes was wrong. Blow upon the sorry state of a mother's torso, she tumbled backwards onto the ground. Woman looking ready to punch again, a second blow had been cast upon her sides. Enough was enough, he had had it up to here with this nonsense.

"Ms. Hakimi, stop. Get your hands off my girlfriend!" Goma shouted at the top of his lungs. He took a deep, baited breath. "Just because you're angry doesn't mean you can raise a hand to your own adult child over a stupid forged drum." He then took Niesha's hand and moved her away. "Just make another one, and sell them later." He then turned towards Niesha. "Cupcake, are you alright?"

Goma coming to her rescue, Niesha hid a slight smile. Her boyfriend was her hero. When she returned to Natlan, she was ready to tell Aega all about his heroic deeds to save her from her mother's hostile confrontation. But, she kept such thoughts to herself. Now was not the time to gush about that.

"I'm okay. Used to it. Get hit all the time in boxing, anyway," Niesha said to Goma. She then turned towards her mother. "Mama, I'm sorry about the drums."

Niesha apologizing to her mother, the hyena shook his head. Why was she apologizing to her when her mother should have been the one to apologize? None of what had transpired over the past few hours had been her fault, whatsoever. But, the soldier knew he could not say such. He needed to stay silent. Middle aged mother finally looking ready to apologize, the early adult turned his head towards her.

"I'm sorry for hitting you," Niesha's mother replied, but there was a sense of dishonesty in her words. "But, the divorce makes me so angry!"

Excuse for her behavior coming Niesha's way, the soldier off duty held back the urge to spit on the woman's face. What an awful mother using her own divorce as a reason for her own actions. How disgusting of her. Goma looking his way after a few minutes had passed, the soldier gave eye contact.

"Kid, I think it's best you get out of here," Goma said, eyes wandering. "Thank you for all your help."

Knowing he was being sent away, the early adult removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Highlighting the waypoint to the military barracks, the hyena stomped through the hallways. Soundproof room soon upon him, the hyena tossed the Akademiya uniform across the room.

Slumping into the bed, the soldier let out a grunt. He had had enough. He was done with his cancelled moments of relaxation. Everything had crashed and burned. His vacation was ruined beyond repair. World of sleep readying to take him away, one final thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

Liyue was his only hope to save his final day off.

***

"To be honest, I am done. This
Holiday is ruined. I've had enough.
I've worked every single day of this proclaimed vacation.
Searching for drums? That was enough. It was all fine until that

Horrid mother soured everything.
Ordinarily, I do not feel much anger, that emotion should not course through me. But
Locked into this fetch quest, and witnessing all that,
I should have just said no, but that word is not in my
Dictionary. Well, no matter,
At least I recorded my findings. Today, I will go see the panda chimera.
Yínlóng, surely he wouldn't mind going on a walk around Bishui Plains for me.

If not, then this vacation is no longer salvageable. It is not worth
Saving. It is not worth anything. These past two days were

Ruined, if a third day goes unplanned with surprises, I will
Undo the button onto my kindness. But,
I suppose it is what it is,
Nothing is ever predictable within my life.
Everything is always a unpredictable forever, and always. I must
Deal with it. That is key. Control is beyond the scope of my ability."

Upon waking up the next morning, the early adult cracked his knuckles. Fatui uniform placed over his layered jackets, a decision had been made. No more Misses Nice Hyena. If any stranger were to ask for his help today, the magic spell of the two letter word would be cast upon them.

Hovering his finger over the waypoint in Yaoguang Shoal, the hyena took a deep breath. Surely, the panda chimera would have time to go on a nice nature walk with him around Bishui Plain. Resolute on his decision, the soldier off duty hit the teleport button. Beach upon him after a split second the soldier looked around the shore.

Yínlóng already deep within his morning exercises, the hyena's legs erupted into a speedy sprint. But, as he caught up to the panda chimera, his breath had died. Letting out a pant, the early adult attempted with all his might to let his breath catch up to him. Panda chimera soon looking his way, the chimera hid the tiniest of smiles.

"Oh, hey, Siorc," Yínlóng said, words slow. But, such greeting was halted in a matter of moments. Seeing Siorc out breath seconds before, a wave of concern flowed through them. Recalling what Jiaolong had told them the other day, their face turned grey. "Jiaolong told me what happened to you recently. Are you doing okay?" They wrapped their arms around him, holding him tight.

Hearing the panda chimera's concern, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. What in the world happened to patient confidentiality? But, he supposed it could not be helped. Giving Yínlóng a nod, the soldier placed his hands in front of him. Signing he wanted to go for a walk with him in Bishui Plain, the hyena looked into their eyes. This time, for sure, his day off would not be ruined.

Examining Siorc's hands closely, color continued to drain from Yínlóng's face. Did Siorc just invite them to go on a walk with him around Bishui Plain? Looking like he really wanted to go, their head sunk down towards their shoulders. Why did today have to be a day they were working? They knew they had to break the news to him gently.

"Are you inviting me to go on a walk with you around Bishui Plain?" Yínlóng asked, words slow and lulled. "I'm sorry, but, I can't today. The Big Boss at the teahouse has an important job for me today that I can't step away from." Would letting him know what kind of job they had in store today soften the blow? They had hoped so. "I have to make medicinal dishes for sick children and the elderly." Slowly blinking, they wondered. Maybe Siorc would want to help with something like this? He supposed leaving the door open was worth a shot. "If you want, it's okay if you come with me and help out. But, no pressure if you don't want to!"

Panda chimera stating he could not go on a nature walk with him multiple waves of disappointment pushed the chimera out to sea. But, he supposed such was the way of life. Yínlóng had just as busy of a life as he did. Panda not being a stranger, the soldier nodded. Maybe helping out by making medicinal food for the ill children and elderly wasn't so bad. Nodding, the early adult looked into his eyes, but the crestfallen look would not vanish, even for a moment.

Deep look of sadness on Siorc's face, Yínlóng frowned in unison. Was Siorc disappointed the two of them couldn't go on a walk together? They knew such had to have been the case. Would reassuring him they could have boy time alone together another day cheer him up a little? They had certainly hoped so.

"Hey, while I can't go on a walk with you today, I can next time!" Yínlóng said, waving their hands around slowly. "I promise!" They then looked at their wrist mysterious unknown device ticking with a fervor. "Oh, no! I'm going to be late! Teleport me to the Harbor, please?"

Knowing sick elderly people could not be kept waiting even for a moment, the early adult removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Why hadn't Yínlóng said something sooner if he was about to be late? Some habits never died. Opening the orb into map form, the hyena clicked the Liyue Harbor Waypoint in an instant.

Panda proclaimed teahouse soon adjacent from them and he, the chimera blinked at the sight across from him. Yínlóng's three cousins waiting with impatience by the entrance to the indoors area of Third Round Knockout standing beside the tall brunette and Bubu Pharmacy's doctor, the redheaded panda chimera feet stomped the loudest amongst the crowd.

"Yínlóng, you're so slow!" Shénlóng complained shoes stamping on the ground. "Quit stalling everyone and holding us all back!"

"Now, now, miss Shénlóng," the snake doctor interjected. "Patience is a virtue."

Shénlóng continuing to complain as everyone stepped inside the kitchen, the early adult could not help but wonder. Just how big was this job about to be? Tall brunette joining as well, it had to have been a tall order. Pandas heading to different areas of the room, a finger had soon been pointed at the hyena.

"Yínlóng, I can't believe you!" Shénlóng shouted, pointing at Siorc. "Why did you bring your boyfriend here with you?!" Her finger point of doom kept going.

"He's not my boyfriend!" Yínlóng shouted back. But, Shénlóng's bark had a bite.

"Ugh, whatever! I don't care!" Shénlóng barked back, continuing to point at her annoying cousin's apparent not boyfriend. "He'd better not distract you while we're cooking!"

Noise dying down, Qiulong, Jiaolong and the tall brunette walked over towards the chimera. Wise man of many years suggesting the four of them cook together, instructions had been placed in front of everyone. Recipe for medicinal soups, jelly and tofu, the soldier studied the recipes.

Tofu looking to be the most difficult of the three, the soldier took a deep breath. Cutting the block of vegetarian cubes into small bits and pieces, the chimera tossed them into the pot. Qiulong dropping milk into the pot, as well, other final touches had been added into the mix.

Watching as Jiaolong took the snake doctor's medicines and grinded them into powder, proper guidance had been given to the taller panda chimera. Correct dosage added to the dish, the tall brunette stirred the pot slowly. Medicinal tofu done cooking after twenty minutes, the dish had been wrapped up. Steps repeated five times further, the next food was ready to be tackled.

Fruit soup mixed with small dosages of medicine cooked for minutes on end, the soldier could not help but wonder. Would the patients everyone was cooking for know they're eating their medicine? He recalled hearing a rumor the snake doctor's medicines were always incredibly bitter. Five servings of Jade Fruit Soup cooked up, the bowls were soon packed tightly.

Yínlóng and Shénlóng on the other side of the kitchen cooking quietly, the chimera turned his attention back to his side of the work. Medicinal mint jelly done after a few hours of chilling the combined bitter gelatin, the cooking had reached its end. But, such had not been the end of the workload. Snake doctor telling the party of five the dishes had to be delivered as soon as possible, a quick round of information had stood out amongst the rest.

"Now, after delivering, I need all of you to come back here," the snake doctor instructed. "I have a very stubborn patient who might get a little feisty." A question had come his way immediately.

"Dr. ------, are you talking about little lady with the twintails?" Qiulong asked. "Jojo and I can take care of her. We'll cook her medicine into her favorite dish!"

Group of five split into two groups, Yínlóng and Shénlóng exited the kitchen. Tall brunette staying behind, the pink panda and her taller brother joined forces with the hyena. Other team making their way towards Qingce Village, the second delivery squad prepared to head around the Harbor.

Young mother sitting patiently near the chop suey booth in the corner, the early adult handed the bowl of fruit soup her way. Generic nobody bowing a thank you, the first round of medicinal food had been delivered in full. Group of three walking off towards the docks, the next customer was soon upon them.

Fisherman handed a plate of the herbal blended tofu a second round of gratitude had come the pandas and hyena's way. Fisher saying his daughter could finally start to get better without realizing she was taking medicine, the chimera held back a shake of the head. Children were stubborn creatures.

Reaching the wharf after twenty minutes of walking, a second bowl of fruit soup was handed off to a young mother. Second bowl handed off to another young parent, as well, the wharf had been done and dealt with. Ready to move onto the shopping district next, everyone's shoes turned off towards the opposite direction.

Multiple plates of medicinal tofu handed off to the customers, the other end of Liyue Harbor was soon reached. Jiaolong stating many of the patient's parents were waiting around the Pavilion, the race was on. Young mother and her small ill daughter complaining about her medicine being too bitter, a soft tap on the shoulder had come the parent's way.

Bowl of fruit soup handed to the mother, the young child fired off a list of complaints, but Jiaolong would not falter. Informed the new medicine would not be bitter, skepticism had come his way, but the taller panda chimera pressed on. Convinced after a long while, the deliveries kept going.

Final five deliveries around the Harbor completed, a new round of information had come the hyena's way. Told they had a few medicinal mint jelly to bring out to Qingce Village, the party of three exited the capital city of Liyue through the pavilion exit. Long walk ahead, the soldier off duty kept himself focused.

Qingce Village reached after an hour of fast walking, Shénlóng heaved a sigh as her sister and brother stepped into the elderly getaway. Hotheaded panda saying Yínlóng and she had already been done, they stepped aside. Final round of deliveries upon Qiulong, Jiaolong and he, Siorc placed one of the mint jelly deliveries into the palm of his hands.

Final sets of jelly delivered to the ill elderly individuals, the chimera's heart sunk. Would the wise people of many years be alright? He knew sometimes age would come back to bite normal humans when they least expected it. But, the soldier stopped himself from thinking about such. It was rude to think such things, for sure.

Qingce Village quickly left behind, the four pandas and the hyena returned to the kitchen with a swift press of the teleport button. Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb returning the party of five to Liyue Harbor in an instant everyone returned to the kitchen. Ingredients already laid out on the table a complicated sea of cooking was upon the group of five and the wiser, older figures.

Bowl of a dish known as Adeptus Temptation slow cooked for multiple hours, another oddity had taken the kitchen by storm. Snake doctor handing the hyena heart pills and other medicines, a wave of intricate instructions had been relayed to him. Told to crush the multiple pills into cooked squirrel fish, the hyena did as instructed.

Dishes of many complications finished after two hours, the chimera could not help but wonder. Just who could these dishes be for? But, such thoughts were interrupted as the tall brunette told the hyena to set the table outside. Placing the fish plates on the table with chopsticks, everything had been prepared. Adeptus Temptation placed in the middle of the table, the early adult waited for the mystery patient to arrive.

Customers soon flocking in, the tall brunette and the four pandas stepped outside. But, seeing the people who were approaching the hyena's eyes opened wide. Pulao, Chiwen and Qiongqi seating themselves at the table, the chimera tilted his head. These are the stubborn patients the snake doctor mentioned? Surely, Pulao learned her lesson from a month ago.

Fèng walking to the table as well with his hair pulled back into a tiny high ponytail wearing a sparkly feminine nightgown, the chimera blinked. Had Fèng assumed the full role of a sister? If such were the case, the early adult had come to wonder. Would ma'am now be the correct form of address? He supposed he would find out later. Linggui wearing a Liyuean style shirt with a turtle on the side looking rather serious, the hyena turned his attention back towards the seated otters. Was trouble about to brew? Stubbornness should die a dishonorable death.

"Miss Fèng, you look absolutely stunning in your dress today," the tall brunette said to Fèng.

Tension dying in the air in an instant, Fèng's face grew red. "M-Miss?" Fèng asked, blushing. "Oh, thank you so much, Mr. -------!" But, Linggui soon interrupted.

"We gathered our cousins together just like ya asked," Linggui said to the snake doctor.

Pulao squirming as she sat down at the table, the soldier observed the otter triplets dug into their squirrel fish laced with medication. Chiwen and Qiongqi eating slowly, Pulao picked at her dish for minutes on end. Chopsticks jabbing the fish tail, the fish and her mouth soon met. But, paradise was lost in a matter of seconds.

Bitter, disgusting taste in her mouth as her favorite food laid in front of her, Pulao chopsticks hung on the air. Why had the awful taste of her heart medication been inside the squirrel fish she had just been eating? Taking one more bite, the realization had sunk in. She had tricked, duped, forced into taking her terrible, awful, no good, very bad medicine.

Lifting the plate up off the table, Pulao tossed the dish across the tavern. How dare her siblings trick her into taking her medicine by having it placed into her favorite food? How low of them she would never forgive them for such a thing. Food sliding off the walls, a stern scolding had come her way.

"Pulao! That's no way to behave!" Qiongqi shouted. "Apologize right now!" Another voice soon joined the party.

"My goodness, Pulao!" Chiwen shouted as well. Aer hands had been on aer chin. "What's gotten into you? Squirrel Fish is your favorite!" Defensive screams shut down such points in a matter of seconds.

"You two tricked me! I'm not apologizing!" Pulao screamed at the top of her lungs. Tears streamed down her face like a hurricane. "No way! Nuh uh!" Standing up from the table, she dashed off like a lightning bolt.

Recalling Pulao was not supposed to run, the hyena dashed off. Otter chimera quartet running off as well, everyone had been off to the races. Finding Pulao by the boats in the wharf, the early adult attempted to catch his breath. Chiwen helping to steady his breathing for a moment, the soldier mouthed a thank you. Shortest otter looking ready to run off once more, the young lady was soon cornered. Nowhere to run, another round of scolding had come her way.

"Pulao, ya got to stop this," Linggui said, crossing his arms around his waist. "Yer bein' childish." Fèng soon tapped himself into the ring.

"Lin's right, throwing food like that is incredibly wasteful!" Fèng scolded in a sisterly tone of voice. "Dr. ------ is doing this for your own good." He wagged his finger back and forth, disappointed look on his face.

"You haven't been taking your medication lately," Qiongqi chimed in. "We did this for you. Chiwen and I knew this would be the only way we would be able to get you to take them since mother is always away on business." Chiwen soon put the final nail in the coffin.

"Pulao, dear, we're all very disappointed in you right now," Chiwen said, shaking aer head. "You almost ended up in the hospital recently!" Placing aer heart on aer chest, ae flinched. "Me oh my, why must you be so difficult all the time?"

Pulao giving her siblings and cousins a sour look, the hyena rolled his eyes to the sky. This young lady was being such a brat right now. Why couldn't she have just listened to her family and the doctors? If he were given a medication that would ease his heart problems if he were to take them as instructed he would never cause such pain for everyone around him by not taking them. Protest about getting on the offensive, the early adult shook his head. The fussle and bustle was never going to end.

"You guys ruined my favorite food!" Pulao retaliated, tears rolling down her cheeks profusely. Begrudged sighs immediately came her way.

"Fine, alright, we're sorry for that. I'll take the prize for being the worst older triplet ever," Qiongqi replied, exasperated. "We'll ask the doctor at the pharmacy to give you less bitter medicines, okay?" He slapped his palm over his face shaking his head. "Now, stop being such a baby."

Pulao reluctantly agreeing, the early adult let out a tired sigh. Did she just get her own way? Mischievous look on her face, the early adult slammed his palm over his face in tandem. The young lady was reveling in her win, for sure. Otter family saying they would all be heading home now, the smirk on Pulao's face would not leave, even for a moment. But, such look was called out upon, in an instant.

"My, my, why are you smiling, Pulao?" Chiwen asked, tugging on Pulao's ear. "You're in big trouble when we get back home, young lady!"

Three otters leaving the wharf, the hyena shook his head. Pulao needed to grow up for sure. Fèng and Linggui looking his way with cheesy grins on their faces, the hyena allowed a sigh to escape the throat. Did they have something to say to him? He supposed he was about to find out.

"C'mon Siorc, we're taking ya back to the restaurant," Linggui said hands on the hyena's back. "Yer boyfriend probably misses ya!"

Escort back to the teahouse soon upon him, the early adult held back a second sigh. Why did Fèng and Linggui enjoy acting like Yínlóng was his boyfriend? They were not a couple. He knew, if he were to bring himself into a relationship while a Fatui, the panda's life would be in jeopardy. There was no way he could risk such.

Returning to the teahouse was surprise of a lifetime. Plate of Barbatos Ratatouille waiting for him at the table, the soldier could feel tears ready to fall at any moment. Seeing such a dish, the hyena could not help but wonder. Who could have made this? He had never told Yínlóng about the dishes from his stolen childhood. Tall brunette's gold eyes on him, the highest candidate suspect exposed himself to the world.

"A long time ago when your father was between jobs here in Liyue, he told me a story," the tall brunette explained, hands talking more than his mouth. "He told me his wife would always make him Barbatos Ratatouille as a special occasion." His hand continued to move up and down as he spoke. "Since you were Hart's son, I figured the taste of home would be a welcoming surprise after a long day."

Sitting down at the table, the hyena gazed at the vegetarian dish in front of him. Readying the chopsticks, the early adult had come to wonder. Had there been medicine inside the food? He supposed, if such were the case he would be fine with it. Yínlóng looking his way, he tilted his head.

"Are you wondering if there's medicine in your meal?" Yínlóng asked, words faster than normal. "I promise you, it's clean! Mr. ------- didn't put anything in it!"

Reassurance coming his way, the soldier dove the chopsticks into the dish. Nostalgic tastes dancing around on his taste buds, the chimera burst into tears. The carrots and onions tasted like home. Panda chimera telling him he had to leave as he kept on eating, the hyena waved goodbye. Final carrot devoured, the early adult dried up his tears.

Bowing a thank you to the tall brunette, the wise man exited the area, as well. Everyone soon gone, the taller panda chimera soon stepped out of the kitchen. Jiaolong giving him a stern look, a wave of bewilderment ate the chimera up like a bowl of Jewelry Soup. What more could anyone want from him?

"Good, you're still here," Jiaolong said. He extended his hand out. "I told Dr. ------ what happened to you. He wants to take a look at you." Grabbing ahold of his hand, the escort was ready to begin. "Come now, I'll be taking you to the pharmacy."

Not given a choice in the matter, the chimera let the taller panda chimera drag him along. Pharmacy reached after fifteen minutes of walking, a back room had been entered. Ordered to sit on the bed for a moment, orders of removing his shirts had come his way.

Hideous, bare chest on private display, the chimera closed his eyes. The snake doctor had to have been disgusted seeing his horrific scars, for sure. Cold, heart instrument pressed onto his skin, the hyena attempted with all his might to bear it. Doctor telling him to breathe in an out as well, the chimera did as instructed. Cold, sterile heart device removed from his his sternum, the early adult quickly placed his layers back over him.

"Your heart rate seems to be normal," the snake doctor said. "Try not to overwork yourself."

Snake around the doctor's neck hissing at him, the early adult's knees buckled. Was the serpent going to turn him into stone if he did not comply? Giving the doctor a nod, the early adult exited the back rooms of the pharmacy. Late evening kicking into full force, the chimera removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket.

Military barracks waypoint highlighted, the early adult closed his eyes. Steel walled room upon him after ten minutes of slightly accelerated walking, a wave of tiredness overtook the chimera in an instant. Weaponized hairpins, earring and uniform removed the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed.

Glasses soon removed as well, the early adult closed his eyes. Wave of sleep ready to take him away for the late evening, the soldier let out a tired sigh. His vacation had become nothing but workdays. But, he supposed nothing could be done about such turn of events. Land of tormented dreams awaiting him, one final thought wrapped vines around his fading human brain.

His true workdays would resume tomorrow guaranteed.

 

[Palamon]

36. Godless Nation, Excavation, and Robot Building

"How could this be happening?
Your Majesty, what are you allowing? No,
Don't question it, that is forbidden.
Really, I shouldn't question this.
After all, she could be listening.
She is always watching.

All and all, I need to fight,
No need for suspicions,
Do not question anything.

Maybe if I close my eyes,
Every suspicion inside me will stop,
Cease, vanish instantly.
After all, I mustn't overthink,
Nothing but the battle should be
Inside my flow of thinking.
Close my eyes,
And take a deep breath.
Look at the monster in front of me.

Pop the bubble on my suspicions,
Unleash everything.
Perhaps, just maybe, if I do well, Naofa won't call me a flea.
Perhaps, just maybe if I do well,
Every flea said will be butterfly instead.
That is wishful thinking, I
Suppose, but I need to do my best. That is key to successful living."

Four days had passed since the hyena and lynx chimera dealt with the mirage monsters in the desert and planted medicinal herbs in the rainforest. Sudden vacation sneaking up on the early adult from behind, the soldier had come to notice a new area placed upon his Teleport Waypoint Proxy Map.

Oddly wanting to record his findings, Journalist Siorc's temporary career had wound up a ball of beginnings. But, interruptions forced their way into the equation. Spotted by the panther twins scantily dressed cousin, the hyena was dragged into a drum forgery hunt. Frog porcupine boyfriend joining the party, as well, his holidays had quickly dissolved into workdays. Coming across odd bird chimeras along the way, his vacation within the Girdle of Sands was ruined.

Final day off used up in Liyue quickly turned into a medicinal food cooking and delivery service, no moment of respite had come for the chimera. Diplomacy of nothing overtaking the final day, normalcy was ready to return at any given moment, waiting in line like it was a midnight release for a new board game ready to launch.

Upon waking up for the morning, the early adult let out a deep yawn. Reaching for his glasses, the hyena placed the lenses over his mismatched eyes. Knowing that time was not a virtue within the military barracks, the soldier 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 soldier had come to wonder. Naofa's revenge, just what did it truly entail? But the hyena shook his head. It was none of his business, whatsoever. Pushing such thought aside, the early adult snapped the uniform buttons shut.

Buttons in the correct holes, the early adult clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Sharp ends of the matching sunflowers sticking into his hair and ears, the young soldier gazed at the jewelry and accessory box. Was turning his prized possessions into weapons truly what he wanted? Rational brain on at the moment, regret devoured the chimera.

As the hyena hooked the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants, the soldier gazed at the yellow-green orb. Had Visions truly been the blessings of a god? But, the early adult pushed such thought into the snow outside. It was best to not think about such things. Removing such thoughts, the hyena headed towards the edge of the room.

Heelless shoes on and rations devoured, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the frozen floor. Thought not leaving his mind for even a moment, the pace about continued. Visions, if they had truly been a blessing brought by the gods, how could they not have any sort of consequences? Reversing the circle, the questions continued.

Recalling what his parents told him in his stolen childhood about gaining a Vision, the early adult kept his pace about going. Ambitions being recognized by the gods, was that truly why such pieces of elemental powers are given to people? But, the sound of footsteps interrupted the chimera's food cart of thought.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march onward with a fervor, the hyena ended his circle about. Right, there was no time to be lost in thought. The hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Work mode switch flipping on, the early adult turned his attention towards the door. There was no time. He had to focus. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the chimera put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his militaristic workday 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 in arms. All soldiers should be at the peak of their strength for Her Majesty.

The hyena let out a sigh. What ridiculous story would await him today? He knew, whatever it may be, he needed to prepare himself for anything. Placing his hand in front of him, the early adult looked into the Agent's mask. Time had run out. He needed to be ready for anything.

"Yes, sir," the hyena replied autonomously. Arm already out in front of him, he waited for the gripping prison to take him away like it always had.

Immediate answer given, an unseen smirk formed underneath the Agent's mask. Excellent, the soldier had been ready today. A pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. "Good. Let's go, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he gripped the limb into a squeeze tight enough to bruise. Grip as tight as a medical needle locked onto a vein, the chimera closed his eyes as the escort to the training grounds began.

What battle awaited him on the training grounds today?

***

"Knowing Naofa, it will expect me to pick up the pace. I
Heard what it said five days prior, I
Absolutely must not break.
Every underperformance will bring me closer to my end,
Now is not the time for such, I need to bring my best. That is
Required. I know if I continue to show weakness, Her Majesty will kill me.
I know if I disappoint Naofa, a world of violence will come for me.
Another day of fighting cloned monsters, no matter
How many times this outcome is upon me I need to fight smoothly.

After all, I have been underperforming, guaranteed.

Get back into it, aim to
Overperform, so she won't end me.
Do as much as I can, diligently.
Look to dodge successfully.
Even if I am given another Delusion, I need to overcome its
Sharp side effects.
So, no matter what, I cannot falter.

No matter what, I cannot stagger.
As long as I remain here,
That much is key.
It is imperative I fight well,
Or disappointment will be brought to Her Majesty.
Now, I must aim to perform well. That is key."

Upon reaching the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the hyena headed for the weapons room. Walking towards the claymore rack, the chimera removed a greatsword from the wall. White claymore that looked like it had been crafted from the spine of serpent in his hands, the soldier headed towards the lynx chimera. But, as he headed towards it, an odd sight caught the early adult's eyes.

Pool of frozen water in the corner of the battlefield, the chimera tilted his head. What purpose did such strange pool serve? But, there was no time to think about such things. Lynx chimera's boots tapping loudly upon the frozen ground, the early adult turned his attention towards them.

"There you are, moth, you kept me waiting!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Prepare yourself, flea, we're fighting something big today!"

Naofa holding a large scythe behind its back and daggers mounted onto both wrists, the soldier could not help but wonder. Just what were the lynx and he about to fight today? Sound of the aggravating Eleventh Harbinger's voice ready to break glass echoing on the battlefield, the soldier turned his attention towards him.

"Hey, buddy, wake up, it's time for battle," the Eleventh Harbinger said to the pool of ice. Ice soon cracking, a battle hungry grin appeared on his face. "Can you lot take on these? Prepare for battle!" Monsters rearing their heads, the Eleventh had been gone as quickly as he arrived.

Large, serpentine monsters poking their heads out the large pool of frozen water, screams filled the battlefield. Hydras sporting multiple elements, but not Hydro, the early adult's knees buckled. He had to fight monsters like that today? There was no way he would stand a chance.

Weak, and pitiful hydras roaring in their meek ice pool, Naofa let out a sinister laugh. How pathetic of the wretched doctor, attempting to clone Osial and fuse the failed copies with elemental residue. The weak were pitiful creatures, relying on the strong. Perhaps, just maybe, telling a story about why its superior nation was godless would make them die faster.

"Would you look at that! More of that doctor's failures!" Naofa shouted, tone noxious. "Let's get this going, shall we? And be on the lookout for another surprise later!" It put on a toothy grin.

The chimera gulped. Would he really be able to fight such a thing? Group of hydras letting out a collective roar, the purple serpentine enemy removed itself from the icy pool. Ball of electricity coming his way, the chimera let out a scream. Attack ready to lock onto him as it approached ever so closer, the early adult prepared himself. He needed to get it together.

Togetherness was a dead soldier upon the battlefield. Ball of electricity coming his way, static clung to the soldier's winter uniform. Zap continuing its rampage, the hyena clicked his tongue. Focus, he needed to focus. Second ball of electricity zapping him dry, the static only continued to grow.

Lynx chimera tossing its dagger at a yellow-green hydra, weakened upon immediate impact, the early adult returned his attention towards the Electro serpentine enemy. He needed to try harder, guaranteed. Monster looking open for an attack, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Silk Flower friend dancing upon the battlefield, the soldier took a deep breath. Readying to provide commands, the soldier pointed his finger at the cloned God with commando.

But, no such attack ever came. Monster blasting a beam of electric energy, the flower friend had been dust in an instant. Enemy ready to drop down another fast one, the early adult switched the position of his legs. Perhaps aiming his flowers at another point on the hydra's body would bring an advantage to the frozen table.

Naofa soon fusing delusional electricity with its scythe, the Dendro Hydra had soon been paralyzed into immobility. Seeing such, the early adult placed his hands in front of him. Yellow light only visible to him on the ground, the young soldier moved the light upward. Flower friend tossed at the dragon's torso, the chimera pointed once more.

Windwheel Aster friend unable to do anything, a wave of failure flowed through the chimera. The Hydra, had it been immune to Dendro? If such were the case, there was no way he would get anywhere. Lynx chimera bellowing a deep laugh, the soldier's eyebrow twitched. He needed to figure something out, quickly, or he would be called a leech.

Watching as Siorc's pathetic little flowers were unable to do anything, Naofa let out a deep maniacal laugh. How pathetic he was being right now, continuing to use his weak little friends that barely did anything. Hydra looking weak, it lunged itself forward. Dagger mincing the dragon's skin into meat, the meek creature faded into nothing. Cloned Gods were as pitiful as the real deal.

Lynx chimera's dagger defeating the enemy with ease, the chimera placed his claymore in front of him. Perhaps, just maybe, using his weapons was his only option. Readying to slash the blade forward, the chimera placed himself into a fighting stance. But, such formation had been destroyed in a matter of moments.

Enemy slinking around on the ground like a snake at breakneck speed, the early adult dashed off towards the serpentine monster. Creature continuing to slither away faster than his damaged eyes could follow, the hyena's run about continued. Hydra speeding off into the opposite direction, the chimera veered off towards the left.

High speed snake chase only ramping up in speed, the chimera accelerated his sprint. But, such had been a waste. Hydra's slither about continuing onward, the soldier kept running. Electricity ramping up the speed to eleven, catching up to the enemy had been beyond any possibility.

Monster ramming itself into the fence after minutes of blinding slithering, the creature had become as still as a statue. Knowing that was his chance to attack, the early adult dashed off towards the enemy. But, as his blade was about to meet the hydra's body, Naofa's voice carried on the icy wind.

"Say, want to hear another story, flea?" Naofa asked.

The hyena rose an eyebrow. Naofa wanted to tell another one its ridiculous stories now, of all times? What incredibly poor timing, on the lynx's part. Hydra looking ready to start moving again at any moment, the chimera slashed the greatsword with a fervor. Six strikes connecting together like beads on a necklace, the soldier threw down another flower friend.

Seeds around the Silk Flower blasting with an explosion as its vines slapped them softly, the serpentine monster was soon vanquished into nothing. Creature fading into the ether, the chimera turned towards the lynx chimera. Knowing it expected an answer from him no matter what, the hyena nodded. What ridiculous story stretching the truth awaited him this time?

Pathetic Hydra defeated by Siorc's weak little Silk Flower, Naofa put on a sinister catty smile. It was already working, words were more potent than any weapons, for sure. Hyena chimera nodding many seconds before, it rubbed its daggers together. The time had come to talk about the only thing that mattered.

"Good! Then listen well, butterfly!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "I'll tell you why Khaenri'ah was a nation without gods! Are you interested?" As it said such, it switched its Delusion on its collar with its vision. Snake of flames reducing another Hydra into a puddle of ashes, it swung the scythe behind it rapidly.

Weak looking Hydra of ice crawling towards him, the early adult titled his head. Did it truly matter why Khaenri'ah was a godless nation when it was thriving more than five hundred years ago? But, he supposed curiosity was about to best him in battle. Why had Khaenri'ah been a godless nation? He supposed he was about to find out.

Flames engulfing the floor, the enemy of ice had been cooking fodder in a matter of moments. Monster already looking weak, the soldier dashed off towards the hydra. Greatsword in front of him, the hyena slashed about six times in succession. Creature looking ready to return to its grave, the early adult would not falter.

Enemy still standing, the sound of orbs switching echoed on the training grounds. Delusional electricity combining with the lynx chimera's scythe, the monster's icy body and electricity conducted twice as hard. Cryo and Electro becoming the monster's worst enemy, the deed of defeat had been done.

No more Hydras slinking upon the battlefield, the early adult nodded. He knew, no matter what, he had to look interested, or Naofa would call him a leech. Training grounds soon growing quiet, for a moment, the soldier took a deep breath. The fight was not yet over, for sure. A surprise awaited him. Turning towards the lynx chimera for now, the hyena gave eye contact.

Seeing Siorc nod again, Naofa's smirk only grew wider upon its face. So, the hyena chimera was interested. Maybe he wasn't so pathetic after all. Pitiful weak clones all but cleared out, it removed the mounted daggers from its wrists, for a moment, rubbing its palms together like a dastardly, diabolical racer in another world. It was time to continue talking about the only thing that held any importance.

"So, you are interested! I'll tell you then, butterfly!" Naofa responded, plastic tone sticking like glue. "We were a Nation without Gods because we didn't need the divine!" It let out a sinister chuckle. "You modern citizens are pathetic for relying on the gods so much!" But, such conversation had been cut short in a matter of moments.

Strange puppet appearing in the center of the battlefield, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Was it just his imagination, or did the puppet almost look human? Large, mechanical looking female inorganic life form sporting dark, shadowy hair that was almost black, and beady turquoise eyes, sweat poured down the early adult's back.

Fragile looking puppet adorning a Ruin Guard core in the center of its chest and a sword in its left hand, Naofa remounted the daggers onto its gloves. What a weak, and pitiful surprise left by the doctor. The mechanical lifeform would be dead in a matter of moments.

"So, that doctor made us a puppet! How kind of him!" Naofa shouted out sarcastically. "That man stole our technology just like Her pathetic Majesty! But, I'll get my revenge on her, just you wait!"

Gazing at the puppet once more, the soldier's eyes had begun to twitch. Was it just his imagination, or had the enemy looked exactly like the bird stranger Dove he had only met the other day? Shaking his head, the early adult prepared himself for battle. There was no way it could have been her. It was merely a lookalike. He had to fight it. The choice was not his.

Naofa's flames quickly setting the puppet ablaze, a round of enthusiastic shouts had come the soldier's way. Told to toss down one of his flowers, the hyena blinked. Did Naofa just encourage him? He had to have been hearing things. Knowing this was his chance, the soldier tossed down a flower friend.

Windwheel Aster aiding the fire's quick and assured spread, the puppet had begun to grow weaker with every given second. Enemy looking ready to become scrap metal any moment now, the early adult slashed the spiny claymore onto the metallic enemy's torso. Clean hits causing sparks to fly, the young soldier kept the momentum going.

Second set of flames looking ready to toast the puppet into the ground, the soldier aimed for the puppet's legs. Mechanical limbs popping off as the hyena's slashes about continued, the manmade inorganic life form was many centimeters shorter. Created monster squirming on the frozen ground, Naofa's flames soon continued.

Enemy's torso burned into useless hunks of junk, the early adult's blade and the puppet's arm holes met. Limbs soon dropping off, the robotic puppet's mechanical eyes glowed with a fervor. Rain of bullets dropping out of their chest, the chimera jumped ten steps back.

Bullets returned to their owner, the deed had almost been done. Mechanical enemy ready to live its last artificial moment, Naofa's wrist mounted daggers cruised around the enemy's neck. Incision formed on the baseline, its scythe had been in both its hands. Cutting into the metallic puppet's neck with no grace, the lifeless head rolled upon the battlefield, in an instant.

Puppet head rolling on the battlefield, the chimera's knees shook. Why did Naofa have to go to such lengths? Surely, just removing the limbs like he had done was more than enough. Lynx looking ready to bring its scythe to the enemy's chest, an invisible white flag had been waved upon the battlefield. It was no use, he was going to see something unpleasant whether he liked it or not. Daggers getting closer to the chest, a snicker had soon come the soldier's way.

"This fake will never live up to our technology!" Naofa shouted, dagger getting closer to the pathetic doll's chest. "You know, Khaenri'ah was so technologically advanced on our own without the help from the wretched gods! That's why we didn't need them!" Chest of the puppet sliced and diced like tomatoes, the weak enemy faded into nothing. "You God reliant fleas will never shape up or amount to anything!"

The early adult rolled his eyes to the sky. Did Naofa think the entire world was beneath its feet? But, he supposed, such had been a given, at this point. Change was dead; the lynx chimera would remain the way it was in its thinking for all eternity. Sheathing the greatsword from behind him, the early adult headed back towards the weapons room.

Returning the weapon of bone onto the rack, the hyena returned to the battlefield. Round of applause coming the lynx chimera's way, the soldier allowed a sigh to escape the partially human esophagus. Was its performance truly worthy of such cheers? The other soldiers should have pulled their own weight, as well. Battle grounds soon growing quiet, Naofa's singular visible eyes had soon been on the hyena.

"Good job today, butterfly! Keep working on your elemental reactions!" Naofa exclaimed, plastic tone sticking like glue. It then bent its knees, lowering its voice into a whisper. "But, wait until you see what I have planned for you tomorrow! We're going to do something fun!" Stepping off to the side, it pointed at the exit. "Run along now, these wimps need far more training than you!"

Dismissal granted, the hyena exited the battlefield. But, as his walk through the hallways continued, the early adult could not help but ponder. What fun thing could possibly await him tomorrow? He knew, whatever it was, it would not be a thrill for the ages, for sure.

Soundproof room soon upon him, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon put away as well, a wave of tiredness overtook the soldier. Slinking into the rock hard bed, the hyena closed his eyes. But, as the world of sleep were about to take him away, a repeat question wrapped vines around the chimera.

What could possibly await him tomorrow?

It would not be fun, guaranteed.

***

"It would seem Faxi wants to play a game with me!
Needlessly scattering Ruin Grader parts around Sumeru, are we, pitiful little cousin?

So! You think you can challenge me, do you?
Ultimate mistake when I have a normal body, and you don't!
Maybe go back to being a stupid little Hilichurl!
Everyone has come to me while I was in the Sumeru the other day,
Rioting about some strange Hilichurl playing with robotic appendages!
Ugly look for you, Faxi!

Ripping apart a Ruin Grader, scattering the pieces?
Oh, what a desperate cry for help!
Beautifully ugly, if you ask me!
Of all days to have nothing better to do, I suppose
This is the perfect opportunity! The

Perfect time to show that pathetic hyena chimera how
A true robot is built! He'd better be
Ready! I'll have him collect everything with me!
That weak man, he never refuses anything,
So this will be so easy!

After all that's said and done, the fun will really begin! This
Ruin Grader Faxi did the honors of scattering, we'll find
Each and every part!

So, just you wait! I'll win your little game!
Cry for attention all you want!
Adventurers will spot you and knock you down!
The fact you think you can mess with me is comical!
The weakness of blood relations doesn't matter!
Even in this state you're in, I'll be superior!
Righteous, the one on the top!
Everyone will see I'm better than this
Dumb and pathetic challenge you've left for me! When

Each part is gathered around, I'll contact that professor, spell ready.
Vie for attention all you'd like Faxi!
Each moment in your cursed body is wasted!
Really, it's time you kick that bucket!
Your time is limited!
Well, I'll show him!
He'll see that he's no match for me!
Even if he thinks he's won, he'll see!
Reap what you sow, pathetic little cousin! You're just an
Eyesore, don't you see?"

Waking up the next morning was a ridiculous sight to behold. Naofa in a Corps of Thirty uniform once again, the chimera rolled his eyes. There was no way that disguise would work anymore. Holes were forming. Knowing that, it was a crime to keep it waiting, the early adult looked into its singular visible eye.

"We're going to build a robot in Sumeru today!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "But, it would seem some thing scattered all the parts around! So, get ready to climb and excavate, flea!"

Hearing Naofa's words, a wave of bewilderment flowed through the hyena. He was going to build a robot today? There was no way he would succeed in such feat; robotics were gibberish. Told they would be gathering parts, the soldier placed his hands in front of him. Folding both palms into backwards fists, the chimera released his palms. Hands out in front of him, the early adult furrowed his brow. How many signed on private display, he retained eye contact.

Siorc using his hands to talk instead of his mouth, Naofa held back a chuckle. Why couldn't he just ask like a normal person? How incredibly pathetic of him using gestures instead of speaking like everyone else. But, it supposed it would humor him with an answer anyway.

"Fifty!" Naofa replied, tone noxious. "Now, hurry up, take out your map, and highlight the waypoint in Sumeru City!" It then pointed at the hyena chimera's hands. "Oh, and ask with your mouth next time, not your hands!"

The chimera let out a sigh. He supposed he had seen it coming that Naofa would not care for the world of wordless language. Knowing a long day was ahead of him, the hyena opened the proxy orb into map form. Sumeru City waypoint highlighted, his finger hovered over the teleport button.

"I am ready," the hyena responded, voice barely audible.

Hearing a pin tapped on the hyena chimera's stolen map of marvels, a smirk grew from ear to ear on Naofa's face. He had already highlighted the correct waypoint. He had finally mastered the art of never keeping it waiting. No more time to waste, it pointed its finger forward.

"That's the one!" Naofa said, pointing. "Now, click teleport already!"

Knowing he could not waste any time, the soldier pressed teleport. Fast travel soon confirmed, the early adult dissipated the map back into orb form. Blinding light soon engulfing him, the chimera closed his eyes. Sumeru City within his line of sight after a split second, the soldier steeled himself.

City of scholars bustling with activity, the soldier took a deep breath. With so many people around, would searching for robot parts scattered around truly be easy? But, an immediate challenge had presented itself in a matter of moments. Instructions more wild than a rampaging Sumpter Beast coming his way, the early adult almost had to do a double take.

Lynx chimera informing him they had to climb the Akademiya roof, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. Was Naofa being serious right now? There was no way the guards would allow such action. Personnel soon caught into the lynx's spell, ascending to the roof had been upon the chimera.

Small grey toe piece soon discovered upon a bed of moss between the teal brick, a wave of bewilderment nibbled on the cartilage of the hyena's ear. How could something like this have possibly gotten up here? He could not help but feel foul play had been to blame, but the chimera kept his mouth shut. It was unfair to assume such things.

No more pieces discovered upon the rooftops, the party of two descended. Heading for the ramp on the side of the academic institution, the hyena kept walking behind the lynx in silence. Razan Garden reached after a short walk, another toe piece had been discovered buried within the bushes.

Hands soon sifting through the other bushes within the garden, no other parts had been discovered. Nothing of note on the lower ground of the area, the next ramp had soon been ascended. Dome in between ramps empty as well, the ascension soon continued. Glowing potted plants as empty as everything else, the party of two had continued to head northward.

Corps of Thirty members not allowing further entrance, the early adult looked around. Sanctuary of Surasthana drawing close, the hyena shrugged. He supposed such location was forbidden. Lynx unable to charm itself out of this one, the chimera held back a smirk. Its disguise was breaking into a thousand pieces. Wrist soon grabbed into a tight lock, the soldier had been dragged downward.

Garden exited, and Akademiya behind them, the loud, bustling city streets were soon upon the lynx and he. Researchers chattering about, the search within the city had been on. Checking every bush possible along the way, hands continued to empty themselves.

Lynx inquiring about robot parts to every merchant within reach, the early adult shook his head in tandem as multiple rejections had come its way. Not a single salesperson within the city having any answers, the search continued. But, such continued to be a waste of time.

Heading for the edge of the city, progress continued to screech to a halt. Absolutely nothing discovered as the hunt around the streets kept going, the lynx chimera turned its heels around as the exit approached swiftly. Passageway soon in front of Naofa and he, the soldier's wrist had soon been let go of.

Familiar Secret Bazaar area soon upon the lynx and he, the soldier tilted his head at the sight before him. Dance hall rather quiet, a wave of confusion flowed through the hyena. Why had the hidden part within the city been so quiet? Hadn't there always been performing arts within the hidden shopping district of secrecy? Eerie silence looping on repeat, the soldier headed for the dance hall.

Red haired dancer looking rather distressed, the early adult walked up the ramp. Lynx chimera soon joining him, a sea of questions had been directed at the young woman. Dejected look on her face as a robot piece sat in her hands, a new round of information hit the dance floor.

"Are you looking for this?" the red haired dancer asked, stretching her hands out. "A really strange Hilichurl left it behind after dancing on stage with us! It was the oddest thing!"

Naofa ripping the robot part out of the dancer's hands, the early adult could feel his jaw practically drop to the floor. A Hilichurl with a completely fluid mind? What a strange phenomenon indeed. Lynx looking ready to bring the dancer into its spell, Siorc backed five steps away. Another innocent citizen was about to be charmed into their ridiculous spell.

"Could you tell me where that odd Hilichurl headed after leaving here?" Naofa asked, tone fake and plastic. "It is my job as a Corps of Thirty Member to deal with this pest!"

Dancer hesitating for a moment, the hyena shook his head. There was no way the whereabouts of a Hilichurl had been recorded by anyone. Young woman soon looking back at Naofa, the soldier shrugged. Perhaps it was rude of him to assume such a thing. Dancer looking ready to speak once more, he turned his head towards her.

"Come to think of it, a group of students said they saw the strange Hilichurl strolling around the Akademiya!" the dancer replied.

Lead soon given, the chimera's wrist had been gripped into a tight lock once more. Bazaar soon exited, the path back to the Akademiya had been upon the party of two. Doors opening as though he was always welcome, a strange sight caught the soldier's bespectacled eyes near the fountain area.

Pale, hooded elven astrologist student gazing down a robotic toe piece, a wave of concern jabbed the hyena's shoulders. Why did the young lady look so sickly? Had the Akademiya been working her too hard? Young student's long, dark blue hair twirling about as she continued to study the the robot piece, a predictable question hit the water.

"What is this thing?" the sleepy student asked, placing the robotic foot piece into her hands. "Maybe I should ask Madam ------- about it..." A name had been said, but the hyena could not hear it.

Naofa swiping the toe from the sleepy student's hands, insulting words had leaked from its throat. Lynx saying it would be taking that, the part belonged to it, the early adult balled his hand into a fist. Who did Naofa think it was, snatching it from the young woman like that? If it did not apologize, they would be sorry.

"That belonged to you?" the sleepy student asked nervously. "I-I'm sorry for touching i-it..." Her words had begun to stutter.

Lynx chimera continuing to respond with rude utterances, the hyena balled his other arm into a fist. Look of extreme stress on the sleepy student's face, the early adult resisted the urge to lunge a punch. Bestowing a glare Naofa's way, the young soldier hid his fists behind him. It needed to put its manners where its mouth is.

Other students soon stating something odd had happened within the House of Daena recently, the hyena's wrist had been locked once again. Fists unfolded as the drag about towards the library continued, the chimera pushed such thought into the fountain. It was no use dwelling on such thoughts of the lynx's poor manners. He needed to keep his attention forward.

Akademiya library bustling with activity, a suggestion of splitting up for the time being had been presented to the hyena. Party of two split into solo investigation teams, the early adult veered off towards the left. Lynx headed towards the right, the chimera kept his eyes open.

Multiple researchers studying away reading books aplenty, Siorc could not help but wonder. Could a robot toe have been wedged into a book or shelf? He supposed it was worth a shot. Stepping towards a bookcase, the hyena picked up a book. Nothing within the pages, the early adult grabbed a stack of tomes.

No mechanical pieces lodged within the stack of books, the early adult returned the tomes to the shelf. As he did such, a realization had come to him. Could Hilichurls even read? Always wearing masks, there was no way they could see words on paper. Forgoing the book search, the soldier scoured the library tables.

Searching a few tables in silence, the soldier remained empty handed. Generic nobody students shaking their heads, as well, early defeat had begun to hug the early adult from behind. Continuing to search every table on the ground floor, no leads had come his way.

Lynx chimera having no leads, as well, the early adult turned his attention towards the elevator. Surely, just maybe, the Grand Sage had to have some answers. Stepping onto the circular lift device, the lynx slowly followed behind. Third floor reached after about twenty seconds, a disappointing sight caught the soldier by surprise.

Grand Sage nowhere to be seen, confusion ate the hyena up like a plate of Lambad Fish Roll. Had the Grand Sage been out today? But, the early adult shook his head. No, surely, he had other engagements besides sitting in his office and doing nothing all day. No signs of any robot pieces anywhere within the third floor, the soldier returned to the elevator.

Descending to the second floor, the hyena scoured the area. But, an unpleasant sight caught the chimera's attention as his search around the area continued. Lynx standing by the Akademiya's Scribe in the corner with a snarky look on his face, the hyena stepped forward. Scribe looking ready to put on a layer of sass, the soldier watched from a short distance as a garden of words readied itself for the audience of no one else to hear.

"You really must think you're clever, don't you, pretending to be a Corps of Thirty member?" the Scribe asked, sarcastic tone evident in his voice. "Your disguise isn't fooling anyone." He let out a snide chuckle.

Naofa called out on its nonsense, a wide toothed grin formed on the hyena's face. Its disguises had finally been blowing up on it. A deserving outcome to be had, for sure. Lynx immediately brushing off such fact and ignoring it like it didn't even hear such remark, the soldier rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. It was about to get caught into a web of its own lies, for sure.

Lynx soon asking about a robot part, an even deeper smirk appeared on the scribe's face. Seeing such, the early adult blinked. Was the scribe about to play a game with it? If such were indeed the case, it was not going to end well. Violence would come the man's way, guaranteed.

Scribe soon placing a mechanical part in Naofa's palms, the early adult blinked. He was just handing the piece off to it without any sassy remarks? Had his attitude decided to jump off a cliff and perish in the water? But, such assumption had been proven wrong in a matter of moments. Sass kicking up once more, a hint had presented itself in a box of sarcasm.

Gift of sarcasm opening itself up, a predictable suggestion had come the lynx's way. Told to try going to Vanarana to ask the runaway student, Naofa's singular visible eye had soon been on the hyena. Told they would be heading there, no wave of gratitude had come the Scribe's way.

Akademiya exited, the lynx stepped in front of the chimera. City of Wisdom soon behind him as the northwest exit was taken, the soldier followed behind in silence. Usual mossy bridge crossed, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. Plant life flourishing once more, the young soldier put on the tiniest of smiles. Nature was beginning to heal.

Hollowed tree trunk traversed through, the early adult could not help but wonder. Would the fawn have any answers? Surely, Hilichurls never step foot within the rainforest of dreams. This would only lead to a dead end, for sure. Continuing to head west, the walk continued.

Rishbound tigers on the path looking ready to pounce, Naofa tossed down a sea of powder. Wildlife put to sleep in an instant, the soldier's mouth gaped wide open. Why was it carrying such a thing around? But, he supposed the lynx had always come prepared in every situation.

Vanarana reached after fifteen minutes of walking, the lynx straddled on ahead. Multiple Aranara shutting themselves into their homes as it walked by, the chimera sauntered onward. He supposed he didn't blame them for going into hiding. Lynx looking at every patch of grass imaginable within the forest of dreams, their hands remained empty, for the time being.

Strolling Aranara giving Naofa a sharp glare, the soldier blinked. The children of the forest were oddly more expressive today. Lynx heading south towards a cave, the soldier followed behind. Crossing the dream-like lavender riverbank, a familiar sound of graceful footsteps echoed on the water. Waddling sound soon joining in as well, the hyena stopped walking.

Gazelle in nothing but a knitted white shirt and pleaded skirt holding her disheveled Akademiya uniform in her hands, the soldier tilted his head. Had Parisa been in the middle of washing her clothes? If such were the case, he needed to leave her in peace. Naofa already looking ready to go on ahead, the chimera backed four steps away. Fawn's Aranara friend pointing at the lynx chimera, eyebrows forming a sharp v, shouts had come its way.

"Nara Parisa!" the Aranara shouted, pointing at Naofa. "Bad Nara has entered the forest!"

Rude blonde disguising itself as a Corps of Thirty member this time, Parisa slapped its free hand across their face. What was this shady person doing in Vanarana? Their presence was not welcome here. Person of many dishonesties turning their head as though they had been looking for something, she rolled her eyes into the back of her head. Had they been looking for those cursed mechanical limbs that had been dropped inside the forest by an even more unwelcome Hilichurl? She would send them on their way immediately.

"I know, I'm sorry. I'll take care of this," Parisa said to the Aranara. They then turned towards the shady fake Corps of Thirty member. "I venture to guess you're here to collect those robot parts dropped around here, no? Go dig them up." She then turned her head towards the left. Fatui worm in the corner, she shook her head. Why was he here with them? Grabbing a hold of his wrist, she returned her attention towards the shady individual. "However, I'm taking him." Pointing at the cave's exit, no grace had been within her voice. "And get out of here when you're done! You're not welcome in this forest!"

Lynx exiting the cave, the early adult let out an exasperated sigh. Why did everyone always have to hold his wrist prisoner? But, the hyena kept such question to himself. Fawn guiding him forward with their Aranara friend waddling beside them, a familiar pathway had been taken.

Glowing white flowers shimmering as the gazelle guided him up the hill, multiple other Aranara's eyes had been glued on the fawn. Parisa's disheveled uniform soon removed from their free hand, a group of the forest children beat the uniform down like it was a monster. Seeing such as the purple radish drew ever so closer, the early adult blinked. He had come at the wrong time, for sure.

Sparkling clean uniform handed to the gazelle as the tree of dreams was six meters away, the early adult closed his eyes, for a moment. Wrist removed from the fawn's grip, the hyena opened his eyes after forty-five seconds. Beaten up uniform covering them up nicely, a quiet sigh released from Parisa's throat as her attention returned to the hyena. Questions looking ready to come his way, the early adult gave eye contact.

"Why are you working with that person?" Parisa asked, exasperated tone of voice. "They're worse than Riyad."

Hearing the fawn's question, the early adult shook his head. There was no way he could answer such inquiry. Any wrong words, and the lynx chimera would have his neck. Zipper closing his lips shut, silence looped on repeat. Gazelle giving him a look, he kept himself silent.

Predictable silence coming from the Fatui worm, Parisa let out a sigh. The hyena chimera was quite unintelligent for working with a person that was clearly using him. Crossing their arms around their waist, their thoughts had soon vocalized themselves in full swing.

"You're rather unintelligent for working with someone like that, don't you think?" Parsia asked, sighing in exasperation. They then pushed him towards a hole beside the Tree of Dreams. "Now, go ahead and dig. Then, get out here. Don't come here again when you're with that person."

Small, wooden spoon handed to him by an Aranara in the corner, the hyena had begun digging. Small, robotic finger unearthed, the early adult headed for the forest's exit. Naofa already finished collecting their own pieces, three parts been collected between the two of them.

Suggestion of heading to Apam Woods next, the lynx led the way. Southward path taken, the Old Vanarana of time forgotten had been within the chimera's line of damaged sight. Hills beside it stepped around, the party of two kept heading south. Mossy tree stump stepped over, mushroom boars ran off as the lynx stepped closer towards them.

Yasna Monument reached after about an hour of walking, the early adult lowered his eyes in to a squint as the woods were getting closer. Was it just his imagination, or had he been hearing Ruin Guards stomping around off in the distance? But, the early adult pushed such thoughts into the river. There was no way. Ruin Guards weren't spotted in Apam Woods ever. But, his suspicions had soon been proven true as the party of two stepped upon the rainforest floor.

Ruin Guards stomping around in unison as Naofa had begun its search within the woods, hostilities had come its way in a matter of moments. Search put on hold, the lynx removed a set of weapons from deep within its pockets. Daggers soon mounted onto its wrist, the fight began.

Naofa stating to leave the Ruin Guards to it, the early adult let out a gulp. Surely, there was no way it meant that. If he did not put in his own weight, violence would come his way, for sure. Dagger dancing upon the Ruin Guard's core, the war machine weakened quickly.

Weapon thrown into the center of the war machine's chest, the enemy had come apart into pieces after four swipes of the lynx's daggers. But, the Ruin Guard had not been alone. Second one soon joining the party, swinging its arms about with a ferocity, the solo attacks continued.

Attempting to throw down a flower friend, a loud hissing noise had been directed at the hyena. Message heard loud and clear, the soldier surrendered. He supposed it was Naofa's fight, and Naofa's fight only. Two more war machines brought to their mechanical grave, the search had soon resumed.

One robot part dug up in a small hill near a submerged area, the lynx kept walking forward. But, a group of two Ruin Guards had hit the scene once more. Enemies looking far more hostile than the last, the early adult closed his eyes, for a moment. Human hand transforming into a hyena claw, the early adult had been armed, and ready. But, such was shut down almost immediately.

Enemies slashed to bits by the lynx's wrist mounted daggers, Naofa pointed at the mossy tree beside it. Shovel tossed into the soldier's currently hyena hand, the early adult ascended the tree. He supposed that was his cue to climb upward without it. Small wooden area reached after a short climb, the early adult had begun digging.

Two mechanical parts uncovered, the hyena scooped the missing pieces into the palm of his currently hyena hand. Furry palm leaving its mark on the robot appendages, the early adult closed his eyes. Paw returning to a human hand, the soldier sat down in a crisscross formation as the lynx's battle continued.

Five more Ruin Guards vanquished by the lynx alone, the early adult could not help but feel a sense of unease. Was it just him, or had the Ruin Guards been far more hostile today than normal? He had to have been imagining it, for sure. Naofa soon joining him after one final enemy had been taken out, the path towards the side of the large tree had been taken.

Apam Woods soon behind him, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Was someone watching him? He swore he could feel eyes on him the entire time he had been in Apam Woods. Hills traversed through, and cocoon of vines burned away, the pathway to Port Ormos was nearing. But, a disgusting voice echoed near a wooden boat on the edge of the city.

"Come one, come all, dear customers!" an annoying, familiar voice chanted. "If you have Mora, ----'s door is always open!" In her hand had been laid robot parts shining on the sunlight.

Naofa stepping towards the shady, scammer of a merchant, the hyena placed his arms around his waist. What were they doing? Was it about to let itself get swindled by a definite phony? It had to have been able to smell someone just as manipulative as it had been. Merchant's tiny sunglasses practically glowing as the lynx sifted through its pocket, the early adult's eyebrows practically melted at the scene playing out in front of him.

"I need those robot parts," Naofa said, slamming a big bag of Mora into the merchant's hands. "Will you take five million for them?"

"Your wish is my command, dear customer!" the scammy merchant exclaimed as a her pockets had become loaded. "Here you go!" She let out a giggle, dancing as the money had become hers.

The hyena let out a groan as Naofa dropped more than three times his own salary in a year had been given to the fraudulent merchant. Was the lynx loaded? How did it have so much Mora on it? But, such had not been the end. Another bag of Mora dropped into the merchant's hands, another transaction had taken place.

Inquires about where more robot parts had been hiding, a sea of information had flooded the lynx's way. Phony merchant stating she had seen more in Devantaka Mountain, a wave of plastic gratitude had come the petit woman's way. Merchant's Mora dance continuing as the journey towards the mountains was upon the duo.

Lynx claiming a wooden boat for itself, a small river was crossed in a matter of minutes. Small cliffside scaled as well, Devantaka Mountain had been swiftly approaching. Familiar mossy robot in the corner of the soldier's field of distanced vision, the walk continued.

Long dirt road path dashed through, the mountains had soon been reached. Hearing the sound of Ruin Guards stomping off in the distance, the lynx jumped off the cliffside's ledge. Jumping off as well, the soldier deployed his windglider. Landing after four minutes of falling, the soldier's eyes twitched at the sight playing out in front of his eyes.

Group of four Ruin Guards stomping about near three deep holes, a red crosshair appeared on the hyena's chest. Locked onto like a target, the early adult closed his eyes. Human hands transforming into hyena claws once more, the soldier had gotten on the offensive. There was no way he was going to sit by and watch Naofa battle this time.

Watching as the pitifully hostile Field Tiller dragged Siorc into the crossfire, Naofa shrugged. Perhaps leaving the weakest one to him would do it some favors. Hyena chimera already transforming himself, preparing for battle, it slipped its daggers onto the mounts on its gloves. The rest of these pathetically overly aggressive war machines could be left to it.

"You know what? I'll leave that one to you!" Naofa said, locking the daggers onto the mounts. "Have fun, moth!" Weapon slashing through a Ruin Guard's core, it returned its focus onto its own battle.

Permission to fight granted, the early adult slashed his hyena claws forward. Claws only able to do a bit of damage, the early adult steeled himself. His raw chimera capabilities would never cut it. But, he knew, if he were to summon his flower friends now, they would not be able to do much, either. Continuing to sink his claws into the enemy, the fight dragged on.

Lynx's blades already taking out one war machine, the early adult took a deep breath. He had to keep trying. Rain of bullets coming his way, the soldier jumped six steps back. Turning towards his back, the chimera's tail bounced the projectiles back. Bullets returning to their owner, sparks had begun to fly.

Two other Ruin Guards vanquished by the lynx after ten minutes, the solder's claws sunk into the sparking Ruin Guard. Final enemy brought to its mechanical demise after fifty hits with his hyena claws, every enemy had been no more. Shovel tossed his way the early adult lowered himself to his knees.

First hole looking covered haphazardly, the young soldier had begun digging. Mechanical part retrieved after a deep drop down into the ground, the early adult studied the piece, for a moment. Part of a hand looking rather rusted, the chimera tilted his head. Had this truly been the part to Naofa's robot? He could not help but think such had been a trap.

Lynx uncovering two more parts of its own, the lynx and he headed northward. Gandharva Ville and Gandha Hill stepped through and ignored, an eastward path was soon taken. Edge of Lokapala Jungle cruised through and Mawtimiya Forest stepped around, a crossroad between two nations was upon him.

Liyue right beside him as the early adult resumed digging, a sea of questions flowed through the hyena. Why would the culprit who buried all these robot parts leave some near the border of Liyue? If the Nation of Contracts had spotted them, the people would call attention to it, for sure.

Three more parts excavated from deep within the ground, a wave of tiredness had begun to hug the hyena from behind. But, the soldier snapped himself out of it. What was he doing, allowing fatigue to come for him now? The mission was far from over, he could not show any signs of weakness now.

Crossroads between nations done and dealt with, a long walk took the rainforests by storm. Reaching the entrance towards Caravan Ribat after three hours of travelling, the lynx stepped through the outskirts of the city bordering the desert. Large hole by the entrance, it had begun digging once more.

Four discarded mechanical parts retrieved, a snarky look appeared on the lynx's face. Placing every single part onto the grassy area in front of it, a loud count hit the wind. Hearing the number twenty-five, the soldier's ears had been stung by an invisible Cicin. They had only retrieved half? He was about to work double overtime, for sure.

Naofa scooping up the robot pieces into a tiny bag, the search was ready to resume at any given moment. However, the hunt was halted as an enemy dropped down from the sky. Ruin Drake dropping a barrage of bullets as it landed upon the grass, the early adult placed himself into a fighting stance.

Mechanical enemy getting on the offensive, the early adult dropped down a flower friend. Lynx's flames joining in as well, the drake was set ablaze. Fire spreading everywhere, the struggle had begun. Although, such had been short lived. Tubes on the enemy's back glowing a deep orange, the flames transformed themselves into fuel.

Fire no longer a threat to the enemy, the Ruin Drake soared into the sky. Mechanical wings taking flight, the mechanical monster returned the flames in kind. Pyro as useless as a nebula child that could only slash about or teleport, the chimera let out a gulp. Naofa was about to boil over if it could not do anything in the battle at hand.

Tossing down another flower friend, the hyena provided silent commands to the Silk Flower. Vines slapping the enemy's knees, the lynx's daggers had been thrown upon the air. Small blades aimed at the creature's wings, the Ruin Drake had begun sparking like a firework show.

Second flower friend hitting the other knee, the Ruin Drake dropped down onto the ground as a third dagger intertwined itself into the enemy's wings. Fuel used up as the sparks only continued to spread, flames soon engulfed the monster one final time. Lynx's claws bidding the mechanical dragon farewell, it had soon become one with nature.

Fatigue gripping the soldier into a tight lock, the hyena accidentally let out a loud yawn. Realizing such, sweat poured down the chimera's back. Lynx's singular eye gazing at him, his uniform continued to bathe in perspiration. Naofa had definitely heard that, he was in trouble now. Bracing for impact, the hyena closed his eyes. But, a smirk awaited him as he opened them.

"Tired, are we, butterfly? Go on, then, you can go home for today," Naofa said, fake niceties playing out like they were scripted. "We'll pick up where we left off tomorrow." Turning towards its backside, it left area.

Removing the proxy orb from his back pocket, the soldier gazed at the Wall of Samiel in the corner. Strange Geo Hilichurl peaking out in the corner, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Had it been watching him? Highlighting the waypoint to the military barracks, the chimera closed his eyes. The Hilichurl was out of region, out of mind.

Steel walled room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, a wave of fatigue overtook the soldier once more. Everything soon removed, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, as the world of sleep were about to invite him back in a question looped on repeat.

Why was that Hilichurl watching him?

***

"That Hilichurl I can't
Help but feel it's watching me.
Evidentially, I feel this is the same one that

Had been scattering around the robot parts.
It's messing around with Naofa, I believe.
Looks like not all Hilichurls are friendly with it after all.
I must have been mistaken to think such a thing.
Could a rebellion within the
Hilichurl's world be starting?
Unless it is just this one, I
Really cannot be certain. It is highly
Likely this monster is not what it seems.

If I recall correctly, some creatures can mimic other
Species. Is this Hilichurl merely pretending?

Why go to such lengths? If this creature is merely a mimic, I commend its
Acting. But, I cannot dismiss the information from yesterday,
'There was a strange Hilichurl dancing.'
Could this one be the same one
Hiding the robot parts?
It has to be connected.
Naofa, whatever you did to make this monster your enemy,
Get ready to face responsibility.

Monsters going rogue is not all that peculiar, but
Even so, my suspicions are rising."

Waking up the next morning had been the same as yesterday. Corps of Thirty disguise returning once again, the early adult scratched his head. Why even bother pretending it as a Eremite anymore? The spell was no longer working. But, the chimera did not say such. Throwing such words away, the young soldier kept looking into Naofa's singular visible eye.

Lynx chimera soon demanding he highlight in Apam Woods, Siorc did as instructed. Damp rainforest in front of him after a split second, a sea of instructions graced the soldier's inhuman eardrums. Informed they needed to look for a cave deep within the forest, a memory came back to the hyena.

Recalling there had been an underground cave across the submerged pathway, the hyena took the lead. Leaping over the water for minutes on end, the entrance was upon the lynx and he. Dropping downward, Naofa followed behind him. Cave where rain ended descended into, a sight to behold took the area by storm.

Three robot parts out in the open, the hyena scooped up the triple triad pieces into his arms. Handing them over to the lynx, the chimera could not help but wonder: how in the world did these get down here? Surely, not that many people had known about the cave deep below Apam Woods. No other mechanical limbs within the cave at the end of the rain, the long ascension back upwards towards the surface had begun.

Climbing back upward towards the surface world taking half an hour, a new sea of information had come the soldier's way. Naofa telling him to get used to walking, the early adult's eyebrows had begun to twitch as the next location echoed in his shark eardrums. Ruins of Dahri the next location, the hyena steeled himself for the long walk ahead.

Ruins of Dahri reached after three hours of walking, a gift awaited the party of two. Group of Ruin Drakes far more hostile than normal surrounding three mechanical parts, the early adult rolled up his sleeves. It was time for yet another battle. But, his participation was cancelled before it could even begin. Lynx claws making short work of the monsters, their artificial lives had been over in an instant.

Torso pieces soon gathered, Caravan Ribat's entrance was swiftly passed through. Aaru Village dashed through as well, the desert excavation project possessed the rainforest's edge like the Scarlet King's ghost. Sandstorm looking ready to kick into overdrive, the chimera sauntered onward.

Lynx walking off towards the west, Abdju Pit was soon behind the duo. World of sand engulfing him, the pathway kept itself going. Familiar oasis waters looking dirty as the party of two stepped through it, the early adult broke out into a beating sweat. Direct sunlight toasting him as the dirty oasis water drew further away, the dry air ramped up the heat.

Familiar temple off into the distance, the lynx kept taking the lead. Dune of Elusion getting closer with every step of the way, the soldier turned his attention towards the ground. Any moment now, a hole would be present within his line of sight. Keeping his eyes open, the hyena kept going.

Terribly covered hole on the sand floor soon discovered, the hyena allowed a sigh to escape the esophagus. Was the person scattering the robot parts around Sumeru even trying anymore? Digging deep with the shovel tossed his way, the excavation had soon begun.

Naofa tagging itself into the excavation ring, three more mechanical pieces had been uncovered. Lynx yanking the parts from the soldier's hands, the chimera covered the hole up once more. Announcement coming his way they would be checking the area around the Dune of Carouses next, the trudge through the desert continued.

Dune of Magma skipped over, the chimera had come to wonder. Was a Hilichurl even smart enough to drop pieces of a broken up robot inside a temple? Shrugging his shoulders as he headed north, the early adult pushed such thoughts off a building. There was no time to think about such things.

Long, empty trail dashed through, the ground shook from underneath him for minutes on end. Falling to his knees, the early adult stood back up onto his feet. Why did there have to be an earthquake now of all times? Shaking reaching its climax, the lynx had been hundreds of meters ahead.

Knowing that if he did not catch up soon, a barrage of shouts would come his way, the hyena's legs erupted into a speedy sprint. Heading off towards the east, the Dunes of Carouses were nearing with every step. Temple soon reached, the party of two stormed the outside of the ruins.

Scarabs falling into a deep pitted hole in the sands towards the backside of the ruins, the early adult took the leap of faith. Singular mechanical piece retrieved, the lynx had split off into the opposite direction. Second mechanical part excavated beside the temple's front entrance, two more lost husks were added to the collection.

Odd, sharp turn back towards the opposite direction taken, the desert path near Caravan Ribat had been returned to like a boomerang. Three leg connectors discovered beside the wall the soldier let out a barely audible groan as the next location was brought to his attention.

Needing to head to the Dunes of Steel next, the chimera braced himself. How could one singular Hilichurl reach such places without tiring itself out? Monster's endurance was a level beyond his own. Familiar pathway through Khaj Nisut taken, the duo kept heading north.

Passage of Ghouls traversed through on a curve, a Wenut poked its way through the sand, shockwaves taking the stage. Naofa taking the monster out with a sea of flames, the northeast walk continued. Dunes of Steel reached after an hour of walking, a sight caught the soldier's eyes.

Scorpion siblings fighting a bird with all their might, a cherry pit dropped into Siorc's stomach. Large, flaming vulture exuding high hostility, talons aiming for a group of robot parts, the early adult's eyes opened wide. Did other monsters want the mechanical pieces, as well? Artificial body part thievery was a fad that needed to die before it could blow up.

Large rock projectile knocking the creature down, the vulture faded into the ether. Second vulture cooing from behind, its talons readied to grab the pieces. But, the power of Plata's flower crown and Argenta's boulders of judgement removed the enemy from the equation. Reptile eyes gazing at the sky, a shout hit the wind.

"Birds weird today!" Plata exclaimed. "Why want robot part so bad?"

"Do not know," Argenta replied, sweating. No birds come back for vengeance, tey turned towards Plata. "Birds gone now. We head back home." But, tey stopped temself as a shady figure appeared in ter peripheral reptile vision.

Shady blond haired Eremite adorning butterfly hairclips gazing at the discarded mechanical robot parts beside tem, Argenta lowered ter eyes into a squint. Why was this person glaring at tem? Suspicion bubbled into overdrive as their eyes wandered to ter legs. Reaching for the discarded machine parts, tey scooped them up into ter hands, but hands had soon been around ter mechanical limbs.

Eremite's hands on the edge of the bolts connecting ter legs to ter body, Argenta boiled up a scream. If this person wouldn't stop, tey would unleash ter scorpion venom, no questions asked. Bolt about to come undone, the scream boiled over into steam. It was time to put a stop to this freak's odd behavior.

"Hands off! These are mine!" Argenta shouted, swatting the Eremite's hands away. It then placed the machines parts into the stranger's hands. "Take your machine parts, and leave my legs alone, alright? They're not yours to take, period."

Naofa not apologizing as it retrieved the mechanical pieces, a wave of disgust washed over the chimera. How dare it try to steal Argenta's legs right in front of it? What an absolutely vile crime it was about to commit. Bowing an apology on the lynx's behalf, the soldier balled his hand into a fist. Karma should come for Naofa and cast judgement upon it, for sure.

Siorc apologizing on the Eremite's behalf, Argenta crossed ter arms around ter waist. Why was he apologizing for someone else? The suspicious blond was definitely not sorry. Apologizing was a waste of everyone's time. Screwing the bolts back in tightly onto ter mechanical legs, tey stood up onto ter feet.

"Why are you apologizing on behalf of the Eremite?" Argenta asked, aggravated. "Don't waste your time." But, Plata soon interrupted.

"Siorc! Partner leaving you!" Plata shouted, pointing. "Go catch up!"

Shady Eremite leaps and bounds already, Argenta shook ter head. Did the Fatui just work with anyone, and everyone, not matter how suspicious they might have been? The organization was a group of fools, desperate to work alongside anyone that crossed paths with them.

"You Fatui sure are a desperate bunch, aren't you?" Argenta asked, suspicions evident in voice. "Working with anyone, and everyone that has similar alignments to you." Shaking ter head, tey pointed ter hand towards the opposite direction. "That Eremite is getting further away. You should start running. I won't help you if they get too far away."

Predictable judgement coming his way, the early adult's legs erupted into a speedy sprint. Scorpion siblings getting farther away, the young soldier picked up the pace. Soon caught up to the lynx chimera, the hyena broke out into a pant. Running was a cardiovascular exercise, indeed.

Naofa not even noticing he had returned behind its backside, the hyena shrugged. He supposed Argenta was right to continuously have suspicions about him, being a member of the Fatui. Three Sand Canals passed through, Wounded Shin Valley was three hundred meters away. But, a predictable sight welcomed itself back as the soldier stepped foot into the area.

Group of hostile Ruin Guards turning their backsides as the lynx appeared onto the scene, shockwaves swallowed the ground hole. But, the quakes about had not been enough to stop it. Mob of Ruin Guards destroyed in one fell swoop with a sea of flames burning the sand around them, the enemies were rusted piles of garbage in seconds.

Waist core and arm pieces retrieved, the chimera gazed down at the machine parts, for a moment. Why did Naofa need him for this? It clearly was able to do everything on its own. But, he knew he could not question such, or words worse than leech would be thrown his way. Catty smile forming on its lips, half-baked praise had come his way.

"Great job, moth! We've found forty-six parts!" Naofa cheered, tone fake and plastic. "We're almost done now! The last three parts are near Aaru Village!" It then formed its thumbs and index fingers into a heart shape. "Oh, and, don't worry too much about struggling to put this robot together with me! I hired someone special to help us out!"

The hyena rolled his eyes towards the dusty sky. Naofa hired someone special today? Whoever it was, they had definitely been manipulated into doing so. Edge of Aaru Village reached after two hours, the four final machine pieces had been obtained in broad daylight.

Heading for the Village entrance, a familiar sight caught the hyena's eyes. Short, teal haired professor stamping her feet on the sandy ground, the chimera's heart leaped out of his chest. The special person the lynx had haired was the professor from the Akademiya that claimed she was old? What an incredibly strange choice to be had, for sure. It was almost as if, in a world outside Teyvat a word of a God had decided such course of action was going to occur, but the hyena was none the wiser to such fact existing.

"Naofa, you kept me waiting!" the sassy, self proclaimed one-hundred-year-old professor complained. "I'm old, I don't have all day to wait for you, you know!"

Gazing at the as young looking as ever professor, the early adult tilted his head. Why did she keep on saying she was old? She didn't look any older than twenty-four. But, the hyena kept his mouth shut. Perhaps, she had truly been far older than she looked. Lynx looking ready to speak, the hyena turned his attention towards it.

"Apologies, Madam -------, I was busy with prior engagements," Naofa responded, plastic tone sticking like glue. "Would it still be alright to help my friend and I rebuild this robot together? He's very interested in robotics!"

A wave of flabbergast bubbled inside the early adult's stomach. Did Naofa just lie and say they were friends? Unbelievable, he would never be friends with a manipulative liar, for sure. Not even if someone offered him a brand new garden for him to attend in exchange.

"Of course I can!" the sassy professor responded. "I have one hundred years of experience in machinery!"

Naofa let out a chuckle. This professor had one hundred years of experiences in machinery? Sure, she did. Cracking its knuckles, a sinister smile appeared on its face. How pathetic this woman was, thinking it could compare to five hundred years of dormant experience. Rolling up its sleeves, the bite back was ready.

"Oh, really, do you?" Naofa bit back, laughing. "Well, I have five hundred years of experience!"

Hotly debated contest breaking between the lynx and sassy professor, the hyena covered his ears. What a ludicrous and ridiculous argument the two of them were having. But, the hot seated, uninteresting debate soon ended. Fifty mechanical parts scattered onto the ground, the reconstruction had begun.

Professor connecting the torso pieces together, the husk of the Ruin Grader had already been complete. First leg bolt in the early adult's hand, the soldier locked the first part of the limb into place. Second bolt soon connected, the early adult reached for the third and final one.

Leg and toe pieces in front of him, the early adult connected the foot. Instructed to lodge the limb onto the black part underneath the leg coils, the soldier did as instructed. Core in the center connected, the lynx worked on the left leg. Left limb connected after five minutes, the arms were next.

Professor screwing the head on tightly, the arm coils were soon locked down upon the robot's sides. Limbs still not yet attached, the chimera placed the first arm piece onto the brown connector. Lynx connecting the second one, the hyena gazed at the fisted hand.

Placing the fist into the arm, Naofa connected the other arm in the corner. Final branch like back pieces inserted, as well, the soldier blinked. Was the Ruin Grader truly done? There had to have been a couple pieces missing, for sure. Robot looking deader than night, he knew such had to have been the case.

Head soon screwed in tighter, the sound of a beam soon entered the desert village. Ruin Grader raising to its legs, a round of applause overtook the area. But, such celebration had been cut short. Machine turning to its backside, the lynx chimera had been locked onto, in an instant.

Hostilities aimed at the party of three, bullets soared through the hole on the machine's back. Knowing that, if the Ruin Grader were to get deeper into the village, it would hurt innocent people uninvolved, the chimera tossed down a flower friend. While destroying a recreation that had just been brought to life was an awful worst case scenario, the choice was not his; lives were on the line.

Quickly tossing down a second flower friend, Naofa's flames soon joined the party. Pyro and Dendro shaking hands, the seeds exploded into a burgeon. Ruin Grader soon jumping on the ground, the sands beneath them shook with a fervor. Tremors coming to an end after ten seconds, a strange looking polearm seated itself in the lynx's left hand.

"This looks like a job for my trusty Man Catcher!" Naofa shouted, semi-circular polearm risen above its head.

Peculiar looking weapon soon infused with Pyro, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. The weapon was called a man catcher? What an impractical name for such a thing. It would not be catching any man with it. He was neither a man, nor a woman. Whoever named the polearm such a thing was stranger than the sheep chimera bounty hunter and her goat girlfriend.

Final flower friend tossed onto the battlefield, the lynx chimera grabbed the Silk Flower friend. Placing it into the hook of the pole, flames joined together with the flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision. Dendro and Pyro shaking hands once again, defeat had come the Ruin Grader's way, but its life had not reached its end.

Hearing a dial pressed as the flames dissipated, the Ruin Grader roamed off outside the Aaru Village gates. Robot walking away in peace, the early adult turned his head towards the professor. Had the self proclaimed senior just done something?

"Oops, I accidentally pressed the attack button," the sassy professor admitted. "I've turned that setting off now, and let it roam free!" She then turned towards Naofa. "You're welcome!"

Naofa soon turning to look at him, the early adult looked into its eye. He supposed he knew what was about to come his way. Cheesy looking smile on its face as its eye had been on it, the chimera shook his had. Another round of fake praises was about to come his way any second now.

"You did great today!" Naofa said, singing fake praises. "You can go on home now! I'll see you later!" Stepping towards the professor, its cheesy grin stayed on its face for minutes on end. "Madam ------- and I have other business to attend to, so I'll be taking my leave!" It then bent over towards the hyena chimera's ear, bellowing a whisper. "But, next time, there won't be any outside help! Don't get used to this, flea!" Professor and lynx soon gone, the village grew quiet.

Knowing that was his cue to leave, the chimera removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. But, as he readied to highlight the waypoint to the Military Barracks, a soft paw tugged his uniform. Dissipating the map back into orb form, the soldier lowered himself onto his knees.

Hilichurl grabbing his uniform, the early adult blinked. Why is a monster trying to get his attention like this? How incredibly peculiar. Masked creature collapsing as its tugs got weaker, a spirit soon appeared above it. Blond nearly transparent person floating in the air, a wave of shock flowed through the chimera. Did the Hilichurl just die at the sight of a ghost? Transparent man looking ready to speak, the young soldier prepared himself.

"What's wrong? Never seen an unconscious Hilichurl before?" Faxi asked in a sarcastic tone. "Don't worry about that, I'm just...borrowing that body." But such had been an obvious lie. "Ah, you know what? Actually, that's a lie. I'd rather you not learn the truth." He let out a sigh. "You saw me watching you, didn't you?"

The hyena could not comprehend the information presented to him. Just what was this person lying about? He was a ghost, wasn't he? Recalling the odd Hilichurl that had been watching him from behind the walls and the strange feeling he had gotten in Apam Woods, the chimera simply nodded.

Silent person giving him a nod, Faxi's astral projection let out a quiet laugh. If he had already caught on that he had been watching him, everything would go over easy now. Translucent eyes gazing at the man amongst the uncursed living, he prepared to break the ice.

"Then I may as well skip the pleasantries. Stop working with Naofa," Faxi said sternly. "I know my dear 'sibling' is manipulating you, and many others. Leave it, and let it get the comeuppance it deserves."

Hearing the urgency in Faxi's voice, the chimera shook his head. He knew he could not stop working, no matter what, or Her Majesty would kill him. Knowing such applied to Naofa, as well, the early adult placed his hands in front of him, Signing he cannot on private display, he formed his index fingers into an x-shape.

Jörmungandr's lackey shaking his head, Faxi returned such gesture in tandem. Just how deeply had this man been trapped within Naofa's clutches? He supposed it was impossible to escape such situation easily. Dropping his judgement in the opposite direction, he let out a tired sigh.

"I see, you can't escape. How unfortunate for you," Faxi sighed. "Worry not, young man, the presents I left for Naofa today were only the beginning." Feeling his projection begin to slip, he sped up his words a little. "We'll meet again, but next time, I'll be in a new body. Look forward to seeing Jörmungandr get its deserved payment in karma. Goodbye."

Faxi soon gone as if he had never been there, the early adult held the sides of his head, for a moment. What in the world had just happened? Highlighting the waypoint to the military barracks, the chimera closed his eyes. Walking through the icy cold hallways, the hyena stared at the icy walls. Steel walled room upon him after ten minutes of walking, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the ice cold floor.

Pace about continuing for minutes on end, the hyena could not help but wonder. Faxi, just how much did he know, truly? Surely, he did not know everything that had gone on between Naofa and he, nor the other people lured into its spell. He had to have been stretching the truth, just like its sibling.

Wave of tiredness soon overtaking him, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform removed as well, the hyena slumped into the rock hard bed. Land of tormented dreams ready to take him away, the early adult put on a fanged smile. Faxi was right, the lynx's comeuppance would soon come. Naofa's disguises were beginning to die, karma was ready to serve its punishment right around the corner. World of sleep ready to invite him back in, one final thought looped on repeat within the chimera's fading human brain.

Naofa should get what's coming to it, indeed.

 

[Palamon]

37. Branch Off 18: Girdle of Sands Journalist 2: Photo Taker, Machine Queller

"Perhaps Her Majesty is watching me
How did she know about me exploring
On my vacation?
The walls have ears. She's
Observing me.
Guess someone took the notebook to her.
Regretfully, nothing escapes her.
All is known by her.
Perhaps I am overthinking.
Perhaps it's a coincidence.
How could it be?
I know she's watching me.
Nothing isn't seen.
Girdle of Sands, here I come.

Photography is upon me.
Her request is baffling,
Everything she wants from me
Needs photos
Over what I wrote. Your
Majesty, isn't all I wrote down
Enough? Why is it
Not sufficient? Why is it
Anything but adequate?

I am confused, truly.
Nothing is making sense.

Though, I cannot question anything.
Her Majesty's words are absolute.
Everything she requests of me I have to do

Guaranteed, or she'll kill me.
If I have to go to the desert and
Record photos, that is how it is.
Don't complain, get going.
Look alive, get to snapping.
Eyes on everything.

Open my broken sight.
For, if I miss something,

She will be disappointed in me
And I cannot let this happen.
Nothing should escape me.
Diligence is key
Silence is my reckoning."

The sound of morning alarm bells shrieked with a grating echo. As the alarm bells continued their rampage, the countless groans of hundreds of Fatui Soldiers broke out in a dissonant harmony for minutes on end. But, despite such protest about, every soldier remained loyal within the permafrost north.

The sound of groans was more than enough to awaken Siorc from his especially deep slumber. Never being alerted to any sort of alarm bells, the soldier reached for his glasses. Lenses over his mismatched eyes, the hyena rose from the uncomfortable bed. The time had come to begin the morning routine of dressing the body.

As he placed his uniform over his layered shirts, the early adult the hyena could not help but wonder. Did Naofa really have five hundred years of experience in robotics? He could not help but feel it had made the fact up to sound superior. But, the chimera shook his head. He was definitely overthinking it.

Snapping the buttons on his uniform shut, the early adult removed the cover off his hairpins and earrings box. Clicking the weaponized jewelry and accessories into place, the soldier stared at the rest of the charms within the box. Was turning his prized possessions into weapons what he truly wanted? Regret flowed through the hyena.

Hooking the Dendro Vision on his uniform pants, the chimera gazed down at the yellow-green orb. Jade heart symbol glaring daggers at him, a sea of questions flowed through the hyena. Do people's visions truly come from their own ambitions? He couldn't help but feel this fact was just something everyone collectively believed. But, the early adult snapped himself out of it. Why was he overthinking so much today? He needed to put a cork in such thoughts, for sure.

Heelless shoes on and rations devoured, the chimera had finished the morning routine of dressing the body. Knowing that, at any moment, the Agent could arrive, the soldier turned his attention to the door. Removing any remaining thoughts, the work mode switch flipped on. Time was running out, the hourglasses' sand was falling faster.

But, no footsteps had yet to arrive. Silence looping on repeat for minutes on end, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. Surely, the Agent was coming. Perhaps, just maybe, he was running a little late today. He knew that had to have been a possibility at his constantly transforming hands.

Still hearing no marching about after ten minutes, the early adult stopped his pace about. Stepping towards the barricaded window, the hyena gazed through the paned glass. Snow as high as it usually was, the soldier resumed his circling about. The Agent was just running late, that had to have been the case.

Hearing the sound of tape peeling off the door, the chimera rose an eyebrow. Stepping outside to investigate for a moment, the soldier's eyes opened wide at the sight before him. On his door, had been a note. But such had not been the only thing. Kamera taped to the bottom, the hyena blinked of bewilderment.

What was a Kamera doing on his door? Note written in Snezhnayan writing as usual, the soldier blinked. Did Her Majesty want something from him? Stepping towards the other doors within the hallway, for a moment, the chimera observed the rooms adjacent to his. Seeing no other sheets of paper anywhere else, the early adult returned to the loose leaflet in front of him. Knowing there was no more time to waste, the hyena read the words carefully.

"You are to head to the Girdle of Sands and photograph everything you wrote down," the note in clear Snezhnayan writing said.

Siorc jumped three steps back as he finished reading the note. How did Her Majesty find the notebook he borrowed? Returning to the soundproof room, the soldier's mouth gaped open as he gazed at the satchel's front side left wide open. How could he forget to return the furry eared man's bag? He needed to give it back to him immediately.

Knowing he would need to continue to borrow the notebook for the time being, the early adult slipped the leaflet into his back pants pocket. Slipping the Kamera onto the buckles of his uniform pants, the hyena took out the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb. Orb opened up into map form, the soldier highlighted the waypoint nearest to Gandharva Ville. Fast travel soon confirmed the chimera closed his eyes.

Hopefully, the forest watcher leader would not be mad at him for his forgetfulness.

***

"Dove, all of this is your fault! All
Of this is because of you! If I could, I exact
Vengeance on you!
Ever since we were abandoned here, you

Became so needy!
Every second, you refused to leave me!
Could not give me space to think!
And then some time later, that happened, my
Ultimate end. Cardiac arrest, game over, finito! But
She decided to bring me back! How could you? You should have just let me meet my
End! You're an adult, Dove! Act like

One! Now, I'm in this stupid modified body, robot heart, oil pumping!
For the love of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, I didn't want this!

You know that! I know that you know I'd have rather stayed
Out of the picture! Learn to adapt without me! You are,
Utmost of all, the cruelest bird,

I can't even look at you! I don't want

Anything to do with you anymore!
Maybe if you had a mirror, you could see how ugly you've become!

I despise that you think this was the right decision! Do you
Not realize how much I am suffering? The

Pain I'm constantly feeling?
All of this oil pumping through me,
It's burning! All of these bullets that come out of me,
Nothing is doing! All of this is your fault!

Everything is because of you! All of this because you couldn't just let me die! If I could seek
Vengeance, I would, but that wouldn't be
Enough! Maybe I'll haunt you when the robot part stops function. Dove, I
Resent you for what you did! I despise
You for this, forever, and always! That

Doctor isn't helping, he's doing as he pleases!
And, all that torture he puts
You through as well, you deserve it all the same! This is all your fault! You're not sane!"

Upon reaching the cliffside near Gandharva Ville through the teleport waypoint, the early adult made haste. He had to hurry, or he would be out of time. Dashing through the wooden walkway, the soldier kept sprinting. There was no time, he had to make this quick, or Her Majesty would think he was dawdling.

Treehouse soon nearing, the hyena accelerated his sprint. Breath fading away as he stepped inside, the soldier huffed and puffed for minutes on end. Catching his breath after a few minutes, the early adult prepared himself. Apology on the back of his hands, he readied to return the satchel to the forest watcher leader.

But, the furry eared man was nowhere to be seen. Forest Ranger Trainee sitting in his chair studying rather intensely, the early adult crouched down onto the ground. If the young lady was doing her homework for the Akademiya, he knew he had to place the bag down quietly.

Luck and the archons were not on his side. Satchel making a loud thud on the ground, the young student soon turned around. Face growing dark as she stopped doing her work, doom and gloom dark enough to grow mushrooms on his back flowed through the hyena. He had done it now. He had disturbed someone while they were working. Clapping his hands together, he placed the tips of his fingers under his chin. But, such apologies fell of blind eyes.

"Are you looking for Master?" the forest ranger trainee asked, placing her quilled pen down on the table. "He's not here, at the moment. He had to go to Aaru Village to grab some Henna Berries for a hard to make medicine."

Knowing he had no choice but to apologize for keeping her teacher's bag for too long, the hyena pointed at the satchel in the corner. Bowing an apology, he kept his finger forward. Would his wordless language get through? The chimera hoped so. Trainee eventually looking as though she understood, she spoke once more.

"Oh, I see now, you came here to return one of his bags to him!" the forest ranger trainee exclaimed. "Thank you for returning it to him! I'll let him know when he comes back!"

Not wishing to let the young student's work be interrupted any further, the early adult highlighted the waypoint in Aaru Village. Perhaps it was best he let the furry eared man know himself. Resolute on his decision, the hyena pressed the teleport button. Desert portion of Sumeru in front of him as he opened his eyes, the forest watcher leader search party began.

Searching every possible area around the village for the furry eared man, the hyena had come up empty. Shrugging his shoulders, the soldier decided to forgo the hunt. He supposed he had already left into the depths of the desert, henna berry hunting like his life depended on it. Preparing himself to head for the exit to make the journey towards the Girdle of Sands, the chimera turned his heelless shoes off towards the opposite direction.

Such path forward towards the bridge had been blocked off by a third party. Three familiar faces chattering away with one another, the soldier supposed he could wait for them to finish talking. Waiola in her usual outfit, the soldier did not pay her any single piece of mind. Turning his attention towards Bogart, the chimera gazed at his outfit.

Bogart in a long sleeved, peach colored robe style Sumeran dress, the hyena attempted with any might in his short body to not turn instantly crimson. Niesha in a long, v-neck split battered dress with her legs on full display, the soldier turned around. Maybe he shouldn't be eyeing a taken woman's outfit. If Goma found out, he'd be in trouble, guaranteed.

Panther party deep into a conversation, the soldier tuned them out. Whatever they were discussing with one another was no business of his. Although, such tune out was unsuccessful in a matter of moments. Sigh accidentally escaping the chambers of the hyena's throat, everyone soon turned to look at him. Niesha's eyes gazing on him the sharpest, sweat poured down the soldier's back. He had to apologize immediately, guaranteed.

Seeing Siorc with an apologetic look on his face, Niesha could not help but wonder. Had the kid been heading out to the Girdle of Sands, as well? What a coincidence if that was true. Maybe they could head out there together in order to reach there faster? She supposed it wouldn't hurt to ask.

"Sup. You headin' to the Girdle of Sands, too?" Niesha asked, back shaking from behind her back. "Let's go together!"

Siorc wearing his winter uniform out into the desert once again, Waiola shook her head. How did he not have any other uniforms suited for other environments? There was no way she could allow such overheating hazard go uncorrected. Folding her arms across her waist, stern words had been on the tip of her tongue.

"Siorc, I've told you so many times. You can't wear that winter coat into the desert," Waiola scolded, shaking her head firmly. "You need to take it off." But, Bogart soon cut in.

"Yowch, Siorc! Just looking at you in that jacket makes me sweat!" Bogart exclaimed, tail shriveling up from behind him. "That boss of yours definitely doesn't care a lick about you if they haven't given you a uniform suited for warmer climates!"

Undoing the buttons on his jacket, the early adult let out a sigh. There was no way he would ever receive a permanent uniform suited for warmer climates if other Fatui had not been given one, as well. Uniform soon removed, the soldier folded the coat up at the corners. Sea of eyes soon on him, sweat continued to pour down the soldier's back. Multiple layers of eye contact was terrifying.

Niesha offering to hold onto his uniform for the time being, the soldier handed the jacket off to her. Less scantily dressed panther stepping off towards the bridge, she waved at the twins. Telling them she would say they said hello to her mother, she kept heading towards the exit, but as she had done so, a realization had flowed through the soldier.

The Girdle of Sands was quite a far distance away from Aaru Village. If they were to walk there, it would take all day. Racing ahead towards the panther in front of him, the chimera tapped on her shoulder. Soon standing still, the early adult removed the Teleport Waypoint Proxy Orb from his back pocket. Orb folded out into map form, he dragged his finger forward. Entrance to the Girdle of Sands waypoint soon highlighted, the soldier waited for her confirmation.

Odd looking circular contraption folded out into an even stranger map, Niesha's tail practically formed a question mark behind her. Pin pressed in the northern corner stating teleport underneath it, she scratched her head. Did the Akademiya hand out these fancy thingmajiggies to all their students? She supposed she could play along with it, if that were the case.

"I dunno what teleport means," Niesha said, scratching her head. "But, go ahead."

Given the word to go ahead, the chimera pressed the teleport button. Fast travel soon confirmed, and Niesha within close proximity to him, the early adult closed his eyes. Entrance to the Girdle of Sands upon the fancily dressed panther and he, the soldier stepped forward. But, a predictable sight awaited him as he stepped towards the cactus in the corner.

Goma looking at a strange device on his wrist tapping his nearly bare feet on the sand, a lump dropped itself into the center of the hyena's throat. Had he run out of patience? If such were the case, he knew he needed to apologize, for sure. Look of impatience quickly off his face as his partner stepped beside him, his pitch black frog eyes soon called their attention towards the soldier.

Watching as Niesha walked by with the Akademiya student, Goma placed his hand on his chin. What was the kid doing here again? The Akademiya must have kept their researchers hard at work at any given time. Kamera strapped onto his wrist, he shrugged.

"Photography today, huh, kid? Good luck with that," Goma said to Siorc. He then turned towards Niesha. "Do you really need to collect wood for your mother's new tent, cupcake? I thought she hired an architect." He lowered his eyes into a suspicious squint.

Rubbing her temples, she let out a sigh. "You know mama, I havta help her when she asks, babe," Niesha responded. She then turned towards Siorc. "Siorc, look for me later, and I'll return your jacket!" Turning around, she readied herself to run. "But, we gotta go, sorry! Good luck journalin' for your research!"

Party of two dashing off into the opposite direction, the soldier gazed off towards the small hole in front of him. The time had come to begin his short photography career for Her Majesty. Turning his head towards the right and left as he walked north, the soldier searched for photo worthy moments.

Coming across nothing of note as the short cave was upon him, the hyena kept his eyes open. He needed to keep on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, for sure. Continuing to head onto the northward path, the early adult kept looking forward. Nothing but the usual Hilichurls and tiny totems with blue lights in them, the hyena shook his head. There was no way Her Majesty would be interested in common occurrences.

Curving towards a small rock, nothing of note stood out to the hyena. The desert was a barren world with absolutely nothing. Had everything he witnessed a week prior been a mirage? But, the early adult slapped his cheeks. Why was he already letting defeat get to him? It was too early to let himself give up.

Wiping away any doubts, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Still spotting nothing out of the ordinary, the early adult shrugged. He supposed he was expecting far too much too early on. Nothing peculiar ever stood out in the entrance to a new area.

Domain passed by, the early adult removed the Kamera from his uniform belt. Should he snap a photo of the building? But, the soldier placed the device back onto his pants. There was no way Her Majesty would be interested in seeing photos of something she has seen countless times before.

Stepping past the domain, the soldier turned his feet towards the opposite direction. Passing by the teleport waypoint in the corner, a strange sight awaited the hyena. Strange looking block of orange rock sitting beside a sea of red minerals, the soldier placed the lensed device in front of him. Surely, Her Majesty would find such thing interesting.

Snapping a photo, the early adult could not help but wonder. Could the rock be broken and hold some sort of secret? But, the early adult shrugged. He was unarmed. He had nothing to test the rocky waters with. Stepping forward, the hyena prepared to leave the mineral deposit behind. But, a strange sound stopped him in his tracks.

Chest appearing out of nowhere, the hyena jumped two steps back. How, and when did a treasure chest appear in the sand? It was almost as if, a word of a god placed such convenience to push a story along. Undoing the lock on the trove, a greatsword fell out of the container.

Dark brown claymore dropping onto the sand, the hyena placed the blade into the palm of his hands. Turning his attention back towards the orange block of rock, the chimera wondered. Could this greatsword be the key to breaking the minerals in front of him? Swiping through the rock, hope, and no god was at his side.

Blade unable to cut through the rock for minutes on end, the soldier sheathed the blade behind him. He supposed a random greatsword he found in the wild wouldn't be sturdy enough to pierce through a block of possible amber. Sticking the photo into the notebook, the early adult blotted the feather quilled pen on the paper.

Writing a small passage underneath the photo, the unbreakable rock had attention called to it. Figuring a paragraph had been enough for an explanation, the hyena slammed the research log shut. Slipping the leaflet back into his pockets, the soldier resumed his walk.

Small swampland in front of him after fifteen minutes of walking, Spinocrocodiles littered the waters. Lowering his walk into a tiptoe, the soldier took a long deep breath. If he were to make any noise, he would be reptile food. Mourning Flowers everywhere the eye could see, the early adult could not help but wonder. How did such flowers grow? The reaper gazelle certainly did not look like ve cared to grow anything in vis territory.

Snapping a photo of the bright red flowers, the soldier jotted down a theory below the picture. Hypothesizing the Mourning Flowers were plants that grew on their own in the badlands, the hyena returned his notebook to the back of his pants pocket. Nothing of interesting note as the small pool got further away, the early adult kept walking.

Spotting the odd white crystals once again, the early adult unsheathed the wild greatsword from behind him. Could his blade break through the peculiar minerals? He supposed it was worth a try. Slashing the crystal for minutes on end, nothing broke. Knowing it was best to give up if the claymore was not sharp enough, the young soldier stepped towards the left.

Long deserted wooden walkway soon upon him, the hyena stepped onto the raised platform. Seeing such a long winded walkway, the chimera could not help but wonder. Had the Girdle of Sands used to be inhabited by humans? There was no way the reaper gazelle built any of this with vis two hands.

Ascending the first bridge, a ladder soon awaited him. Ascending the ramp, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. Bridge continuing onward, he dashed through the slanting wooden path. Continuing the silent journey forward, the hyena gazed upward.

Cliffside beside the ladders, the soldier rose an eyebrow. Who would build a wooden ladder onto a cliff? But, the early adult kept walking forward. There was no reason to climb up a dead end; he would lose time. Next ladder soon ascended, an abandoned tent zeroed in on his damaged field of vision.

Snapping a photo of the abandoned tents, the early adult wrote down a hypothesis as he slammed the picture onto the page. Jotting down that uninhabited tents laid everywhere in the Girdle of Sands, the hyena titled his head towards the sky. Did Her Majesty even care about such things? But, he knew, if any information were missing, his life would be the price for his incompetence.

Small wooden walkway spotted once more, the soldier ascended the ladder. Terrifyingly lit fire next to the second one, the hyena's knees shook. Who lit a flame over here? How absolutely horrifying. Strange tent with nothing but a wooden path below him, the early adult crossed his arms around his waist. Whoever built the shelter was lazy, for sure.

Jumping down onto the platform below, the mountainside soon awaited him. Beautiful pink petals on large trees as the early adult headed for the west, the chimera snapped a photo. Snapping an extra picture, the hyena slipped the paper into his back pocket. One for himself couldn't possibly hurt.

Strange bell glowing a light yellow as he kept heading towards the left, the hyena's camera was hot and ready. Photo snapped, the early adult rung the ornament. Pointer on his map glowing as the metal swung back and forth the early adult dashed towards the yellow mechanism in the corner.

Yellow pointer suggesting he head for the next mechanism, the soldier kept running. Fourth and final one soon reached, the light inside the devices soon faded. Taking a photo of the faded light, the hyena could not help but ponder. Did ringing the bells start a challenge? He supposed such had been the case.

Abandoned Fatui camps coming up in his heterochromatic field of damaged vision, the early adult blinked. Had Her Majesty sent other soldiers out here in the past? Such had to have been a possibility. He was not special, he was merely one of her hundreds upon thousands of soldiers who had to have been sent out here.

Leaving the tent behind, the soldier turned his head back towards the sky. Spotting the purple vortex, the hyena took a photo from afar. He needed to go back to Tunigi Hollow later, for sure. Grey crystals ignored, and rusting robot wheel left in the sand, the chimera had begun head deeper towards the west.

Mountainside coming to an abrupt end, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. Strange cave littered with a sea of glowing green balls embedded into the trees, the young soldier snapped a picture. What in the world were those strange spheres of energy? He knew he would need to attempt to break them later. But, the fascinations would soon come to an end.

Deep, dark cave swallowing him whole, the soldier let out a gulp. Where had he walked off to? Opening the orb into map form, the soldier observed the blue triangle for a moment. Seeing a location known as Gate of Zulqarnain beside the pointer, the soldier steeled himself. Anything was possible down underground.

Descending downward onto the path for awhile, a peculiar sight caught the chimera's eyes. Strange battlefield in the center of the gate, the young soldier stepped upon the grounds of fighting. Seeing three balls glowing red, purple and dark blue, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. He needed to step carefully to avoid stepping into an unwanted battle.

The world was absolutely, positively out to get him today.

Large robed man in abyssal clothing stepping out of a portal, the tall, figure let out a laugh. Proclaimed a lost lamb, his chuckles continued for a few seconds. Elemental stakes dropping on the ground, a wave of anxiety flowed through the soldier. What was he supposed to do? Faceless man calling him a sinner, the early adult placed the claymore in front of him.

Swiping his blade through the stakes, nothing happened. Enemy laughing as balls of electricity dropped beside him, abyssal energy overtook the area. Electricity coming his way, his uniform had soon been zapped silly. Static clinging to him for seconds on end, shouts about the truth bounced off the cave walls.

Blind spots cut off from behind him, the enemy splashed a torrent of water upon the hyena. Electricity charging itself into overdrive, the soldier let out a scream. Unable to move as the conduction kept up with its rampage, the chimera was open target practice. Balls of fire raining over him, the water soon vaporized, skin scorched for minutes on end.

Feeling his energy begin to leave him, the soldier's evasion had dropped down to zero, in an instant. Onslaught continuing for minutes on end, abyssal judgement had been laid upon the hyena. Blade reversed towards him as the soldier grit his teeth, a deep mark had been blown upon the chimera.

Abyssal enemy looking ready to launch an attack from the palm of his hands, the early adult dashed off the battlefield. Invisible white flag waved, the soldier surrendered. There was no way he could beat this man. He was outmatched, weaker, the lesser opponent. Masked enemy getting further out of his reach, the soldier quickly snapped a photo. Huffing an puffing as a hollowed out entrance was approaching, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena.

Reaching the end of the gate after thirty minutes of tired running, a new area had been reached through the hole. Taking note he had come to an underground place known as Hangneh Afrisiyab, the soldier gazed at what was in front of him. White crystals everywhere the eye could see, the chimera observed everything within his line of damaged sight.

Strange crystallized spinal dragon in front of him, the early adult weakly backed two steps away. Would his kamera be able to capture the whole picture? Maybe he needed to step back slightly further. Reaching a far enough distance, the soldier raised the lens. Perfect angle found, the chimera placed the picture onto a new sheet of paper. Hypothesizing a dragon had been petrified here, the hyena kept walking through the area.

Nothing else of note around the crystallized dragon, the hyena headed off towards the left. Fungus among him minding their own business, the early adult kept going. Coming across nothing special, the soldier kept heading straight, for awhile. Turning his head back towards the dragon, a sea of questions flowed through him.

The Girdle of Sands, why had there been so many crystalized creatures lying around? He could not help but feel something catastrophic had happened to the area quite long ago. Perhaps, just maybe, in the future, if he had another day off, he could search for a book about the northernmost desert in the House of Daena.

Continuing down the path in complete silence, the hyena gazed at the ceiling. Spotting a hole that lead back to the surface, the early adult shook his head. Climbing all the way up to the surface through such hole was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Turning back around, the chimera kept his eyes peeled like an apple's skin.

But, a dead end had set itself between the cave and he. Deep white crystals glowing purple blocking the pathway out, the soldier unsheathed the claymore from behind him for what felt like the fifth time today. Perhaps, just maybe, his blade could break through the minerals. Resolute on his decision, the greatsword swiped through.

Slashes about continuing leading to no conclusion, the hyena let out a huff. The crystals would not budge, they were as hard as diamond. Trying one final time, no progress had been made. White flag waved about, the chimera gazed at the ceiling. Four pointed clover shaped stars glowing, the light soon grappled him forward.

Four other lights grappling him towards the surface, Siorc snapped a photo of the phenomenon. Noting such objects had been all around Sumeru, the early adult let out a breathy sigh. Maybe such picture was useless to Her Majesty. He supposed he would scrap it later if it were of no use to her.

Looping back around towards the mountain path, the early adult's body ached. But, the hyena would not falter. The day was not over yet. He had to keep going. Nothing of especial note spotted on the pathway back around to the mountain, the chimera sauntered onward.

Barren badlands of nothing remaining empty with the same phenomena, the soldier kept trudging. Surely, he had to have missed something around Temir Mountains. He couldn't have possibly not missed something here, or there. Heading towards the entrance towards Tunigi Hollow, something of note soon caught the chimera's eye.

Small green fairy sitting upon the sand that looked tiny enough to grab, the early adult snapped a photograph of the peculiar creature. What was a fairy doing all the way out in the Girdle of Sands? Turning his head towards the left, another oddity caught his eye.

Spotting a petrified Rifthound encased in crystal in the corner, the chimera held back the urge to laugh. What a fitting fate for a disgusting nature ruining monster. Adding the picture to the collection, the early adult opened up the orb back into map form. Seeing an unusual flower symbol on the east side of the map, a decision had been made, in an instant.

The flower landmark, he wished to seek it out. He needed to go there, guaranteed. Walking back towards the mountain's entrance, the early adult prepared himself for the long path ahead. Curving around the wall, the soldier zigzagged through the mountains. Wave of fatigue sneaking up on him as his stroll continued, the hyena slapped his cheeks. There was no time to be tired. He had to keep going.

Reaching the area beside the swamp after an hour of walking, the early adult dashed off towards the walkway in the corner. Ascending the ladder slowly, the unfinished tent had been reached after another ten minutes. Body stinging as he had begun to scale the mountainside, the soldier bared the pain. He could not let the slight injuries from the battle he caught himself in to win.

Reaching the top of the mountainside through a disheveled wooden platform in between, the hyena's breath had begun to leave his body. But, the soldier attempted to snap himself out of it. Why was he letting himself get so tired? He did not have time for such, the day was still ahead of him.

Reaching the oasis after another hour of walking, the early adult opened up his map once more. Flower symbol off towards the right, the soldier gazed at the world around him. Spotting a cave off into the distance, the chimera headed towards the edge of the world.

Small area beside a teleport waypoint soon reached, the hyena stepped into the cave. Turning his head towards the left, adorable fairies floating beside a pool of water caught the chimera's attention in an instant. Stepping towards the cute creatures, the early adult lifted the kamera beside his glasses. The fairies were picturesque, stunning, beautiful.

Creatures appearing in the instant photo, the chimera aimed the device towards the aquatic pool, as well. Space looking as though it was a place for the fairies to accept offerings, the early adult wrote down his theories. But, as his pen stroked the paper, his body had begun to throb.

Entire body feeling like it was on fire as his chest and limbs throbbed, the hyena had begun to fall backwards. The abyssal enemy had won. The sword reversal he had blown upon him reigned victorious. Back hitting the ground near the pool, fuzz floated around the young soldier's vision. He could fight it no longer, fatigue was setting in. Closing his eyes, unconsciousness readied to sell him to the pool beside him.

Injuries won the battle.

***

"Down here, Wren is
Always so mean to me. Why?
You only have me. I'm all you have left, Wren!

That hurts my feelings!
Why don't you understand, I did this for you!
Oh, to live such a short life, I couldn't allow that!

Oh, I just can't be without you, dying alone is scary! Curve your
Fury, I did this for you! I did this you!

Just see that this was for your best interest! Be more
Open to my side of the story! At least you no longer feel any
Unmanageable pain, you have a
Robot core for a heart! The Doctor said so!
No more pain! No more of anything!
After all, I want you to be mine...I did this so you would
Like me... no, wait! I take it back! I take it back! That isn't true,
I take it back! I take it back! I did this for you!
No ulterior motives! I just wanted you to live, don't you see?
Getting angry won't solve anything!"

Coming to some time later, the early adult could feel a tap on his shoulder. Rubbing his eyes, the hyena turned his head towards the perpetrator of the action. Goma beside him with a worried look on his face, the chimera blinked. Why was the boxer frogupine here? Wasn't he helping out his girlfriend with her mother's tent? Goma looking ready to speak, he gave eye contact.

"Hey, you can't sleep here," Goma said, stern tone of voice. "You'll get wet. You'll make yourself ill if you sleep soaked to the bone."

Knowing Goma was right, Siorc attempted to stand up onto his feet. But, no such action ever came. Entire body stinging as he tried to stand, the hyena let out a hiss. It was impossible. He could not raise to his feet. Pitch black eyes giving him a worried look, the soldier remained stationary. He was as stuck as a yellow honey eating bear who got caught inside his own house exit.

Witnessing Siorc wince in pain, Goma sighed. What had this young man gotten himself into? Had he gotten himself into some deep trouble while taking photographs? Looking as though he could not stand to his feet, he knew carrying him had to come into fruition. Readying himself, he lowered himself to his knees.

"Are you hurt? Do you need a doctor?" Goma asked, concern leaking through his tone. "Niesha and my second partner's sister is a doctor."

Goma bringing up a doctor, the hyena shook his head. There was no time for any sort of medical attention, he needed to keep working. Any detours would be a waste of time. He could shake off his miniscule, insignificant injury in no time. Still unable to move, the early adult let out a grunt. Why wouldn't his body move? He did not have time for this.

Seeing the kid shake his head, Goma shook his head in tandem. But, he supposed that he could not force medical intervention on someone who did not wish to have it done. Knowing, without a doubt, he would need to be lifted out of here, he placed his hands around the man's torso.

"Then, I'll go ahead and carry you," Goma said, lifting the man up. "I'm taking you to a tent where you can rest properly." He then let out another sigh. "Did you get yourself into some trouble, kid? You need to watch your step around here. No one really lives around here to protect you from danger."

Placed onto Goma's back as he brought him outside the cave, the chimera blinked. How incredibly responsible this man was. Closing his eyes while his short body moved forward. Goma not breaking a sweat as he kept going forward, the soldier could not help but wonder. Wasn't he heavy? Carrying an entire partially human person had to have been a hefty load.

Unable to keep his eyes open, the soldier's head lowered onto the boxing frog chimera's backside. But, the early adult snapped himself out of it. What was he doing? He couldn't let himself pass out now, or he would be an even heavier weight upon this man's back, for sure.

Reaching a cave, an abandoned tent had soon been reached. Goma soon releasing him from his back, his body had been placed upon the small shelter. Sharp look soon shot his way, sweat poured down the soldier's back. Had he been heavy after all? He knew he needed to ask if such were the case.

Placing his hands out in front of him, the early adult placed the palms of his hand in an open position in front of him. All ten digits out in front of him, the soldier attempted to slouch his aching back. Shoulders curled, as well, the hyena placed his palms by his waist. Word heavy signed on private display, he looked into the man's eyes.

Wordless inquiry about his weight brought to his attention, Goma rose an eyebrow. Why was the kid asking him if he was heavy? Did that really matter? He was not heavy in the slightest. Such concern was incredibly unnecessary. He needed to let him know such was not, and never will be, the case.

"Are you heavy? Of course not," Goma replied, shaking his head. "You look like you only get fed scraps of food. I could probably lift two of you, if not, three." Stepping backwards, he gave the young man space. "I'll get out of your hair. Don't push yourself."

Goma soon gone, the early adult closed his eyes. He supposed a quick rest would not hurt any matters. World of sleep immediately taking him away as his body hit the tent's wooden floor, everything around him quickly grew silent as the hyena nodded off into the world of tormented dreams.

Waking up the next morning, a decision had quickly been made. Deciding it was best to look around the area Goma had taken to for any phenomena to photograph, the hyena stood up to his feet. Pain lingering for a singular moment as he stepped outside the tent, the early adult braced himself.

Looking around the area for anything out of the ordinary, the soldier blinked. Was it just his imagination, or had there been nothing of especial note here to see? Perhaps, just maybe, if he kept heading towards Tunigi Hollow, he would discover something of note.

Continuing to head south, the world was barren, empty, full of nothing he had already not seen before. Seeing such, the hyena allowed a sigh to escape the partially human esophagus. Had he already discovered all there was to see? He had hoped such was not the case.

Southward walk still coming up empty, the soldier kept walking. But one peculiarity stuck out amongst the sea of sand and cliffsides. Strange orange bulb floating above a pit of sand, the early adult snapped a photo of the phenomenon. Stepping by the odd figure, the chimera attempted to grab the object.

Hands phasing through the object, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. Why couldn't he touch the orange bulb in front of him? Object not moving as well, the hyena jotted down a passage beside the photo. Writing down that there was a ghastly bulb laying in the desert, the chimera moved on.

Nothing of note coming up as his southward walk towards Tunigi Hollow continued, the early adult kept sauntering onward. He supposed anything else he were to find would be few and far in between at this point in time. Continuing onto the sandy path of nothing, the vortex drew closer.

Gazing at the purple light in the sky again, the early adult pondered. What could be causing such array of energy? He could not help but feel whatever was the reason for it being had to have been why no human had lived in the area. Hips soon hitting a wooden trunk, the hyena stopped walking.

Circular tree trunk standing amongst a sea of other branches, the hyena gazed at the center of the hollowed out hole. Ghostly green Pari sitting in the center of the tree asking for a woman known as Lady Sorush, a sea of questions flowed through the early adult. Who was Lady Sorush? Whoever she was, there was no way she was around here anymore.

Taking a photo of the ghostly tree, the hyena looked at the photo. Pari caught on kamera, shock shot down the soldier's spine. This ghost could be photographed? If he had just made them mad for snapping a picture of them, he knew he needed to watch his back going forward.

Reaching Tunigi Hollow after two hours of walking, the early adult observed the area. Dark vortex in the center of the hill still going strong, the hyena stepped towards the portal. Snapping multiple photos of the world of darkness, the young soldier wrote down multiple theories about the hollow and what it could be possibly hiding like a man referring to himself as a game theorist in a world of webs.

Nothing else of note calling out to him in the hollows, the early adult cracked his knuckles. It was time to head north towards Samudra Coast. Perhaps, just maybe, if he reached the end of the sea towards the opposite side where the phony drum once stood, he would find something useful.

Cruising through the backside of the hollows, the early adult ascended the cliffside. Heading up north, the soldier looked off towards the distance. Spotting the strange glowing green room in the distance one again, the chimera gazed at the possible secret door from afar. He needed to get closer to the area, guaranteed.

But, as he walked towards the chamber, another sight caught the soldier's eyes. Spotting another petrified Rifthound down on the ground from afar, the early adult flipped back towards the page in the notebook documenting such phenomenon. Updating the entry with an addendum that there had been multiple dormant otherworldly wolves around the desert, the chimera kept heading for the mysterious door.

Ascending another cliffside and darting off towards the east, the door of many mysteries was four meters away from the soldier. Chamber with an x-shaped symbol with intricate double bulb shapes around it, the early adult snapped a photo of the small building. Attempting to step inside, the chimera had been instantly repelled.

Chamber looking as though it needed a key, defeat waved its victory flag on the sand. There was no way he could step inside without a key, such was an impossibility to be had, for sure. Knowing it was in his best interest to continue onward towards the beach, the soldier descended toward the ground.

Reaching the coast after half an hour of walking, another defeat flag waved on the sands. There was no raft or boat anywhere. He could not continue further towards the other side of the island. Supposing his only choice was to attempt to hop towards the other side that was not too far off, the soldier dipped his heelless shoes into the water.

Barely reaching the eastern side without falling in, the early adult walked around the coastline. Palm trees littering the area everywhere, and small scalable surfaces, the hyena ascended the tiny rocks nearby. Discovering absolutely nothing, the young soldier kept heading north. Surely, if he kept walking off towards the edge of the coast, he had to find something, anything of note.

Reaching the edge of the coastline, a sight to behold caught the chimera off guard. Vast landscape off into the distance, the soldier could not help but wonder. What could possibly await him on the other side of the coast? The hyena did not know. It was too far beyond his damaged field of vision to make out what the area could have been.

Stepping back onto the sand, the early adult readied himself to head for the hills. The beautiful, pink tree and its surrounding drums, surely, Her Majesty would want to see photos of those. Coast soon behind him, the hyena dashed off towards the southeast. There was far more interesting things to record than the empty beaches of nowhere.

Spotting a domain as he kept walking, the early adult had come to wonder. How, and when did such appear in Teyvat? But the early adult supposed such question did not have an answer. Continuing onto the beaten, empty path of nothing but sand, the swamp was soon nearing.

Continuing his walk towards the southeast, the sight of petals floating off into the distance boiled an egg of excitement inside the hyena. Soon, he would be in the presence of the beautiful tree within the Hill of Barsom. The oasis of beauty, the flowers of grace, the tree of purity.

Back entrance towards the hills soon reached, the early adult got the kamera ready. Finding the perfect angle, the soldier snapped away. Snapping seven photos, the hyena had enough pictures to set down a royal flush in a suited number card game. Slipping six of the angled photos into his back pocket, the highest quality snapshot had been slid into the notebook.

Spotting one of the drums in the corner of the branches, the early adult snapped a photo of the percussion instrument, as well. Seeing a set of instructions in a language he could not comprehend, the young soldier retook the picture. Set of symbols included as well, he dashed off towards the second drum.

Second, and third drums photographed as well, the hyena had come to wonder. What would happen if he attempted to play the instrument? Placing his hand on the head, the chimera patted the center. Drum soon glowing, the early adult tapped the head once more. But, as he continued to do so, the light had begun to fade. Gazing down at the instructions again, the soldier shrugged. He supposed he should not attempt to do the melody until he learned how to read symbols.

Fourth and fifth drums captured on kamera, the chimera prepared himself. The cave was next. If Niesha's mother was lying in wait, there, he needed to proceed with caution, for sure. Cave of secrets located, the early adult took one final deep breath. He needed to continue proceeding with utmost caution.

Stepping into the cave was an unpleasant surprise indeed. Niesha's mother nagging away at a blonde architect with red, x-shaped hairpins mounted into the back of his hair, and Niesha holding a ton of wood in her hands, the early adult steeled himself for damage to shake the cave apart.

Architect's head obscuring a strange tree symbol on the cave walls, the early adult held back a sigh. He supposed he would have to wait for the chaos about to unfold to disappear. Niesha handing off blocks of tree wood to her mother, a barrage of shouts was about to head her way.

"Where did you get this low quality wood from?!" Niesha's mother shouted, hands balled into fists. "This isn't good enough!" Her fists shook harder, and faster, readying to swing and hit. "I told you to go out to Samudra Coast and chop wood there! It's higher quality than these pieces of junk!" Log raised above her shoulder, she readied the toss of the century. But, the architect lowered her shoulder.

"Ma'am, there's no need for that," the architect said, removing the log of wood from her hands. "Your daughter had no reason to go out and cut wood for me. I have all tool that I need right here with me." Toolbox creature floating beside him, the eyes in the center of the bag blinked.

Niesha's mother looking ready to punch the architect, as well, the early adult rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. Did she really think violence solved everything? Punching, and throwing things solved nothing. She was making a fool out of herself if she thought hurting people would do her any favors.

"You'd better make my new tent perfect," Niesha's mother demanded. "Or, I'm not paying you a single Mora!"

Middle aged woman making demands of the youthful with a job, the early adult rolled his eyes back towards the ceiling again. Who did this woman think she was, saying she would not pay for a service if it wasn't perfect? Did she intend to rob a man of his hard earned labor costs if he did not do the build exactly as she wanted? What a ridiculous woman with too high standards.

Demands continuing to grow with every given second, the early adult stepped forward. He had had enough of this woman's screeching voice. He needed to get a photo of the tree symbol now. Tapping on the architect's shoulder, the tall man turned to face him. Pointing at the symbols behind him, the architect turned towards where his finger had been attempting to reach.

"Hmm? Young man, do you want to look at something behind me?" the architect asked.

Nodding, the architect stepped out of the way. Full tree symbol finally visible, the early adult snapped a photo. Drum beside it caught on the instant snapshot wagon, as well, the early adult dashed off outside the cave. He could not put up with the ridiculous mother's terrible behavior any longer.

Passing through the tree once more, the early adult headed south. Riverbed near the swamp soon reached, an oddity stuck out amongst the small seas of shallow water. Large blue Spinocrocodile infused with endless amounts of Hydro energy, the soldier proceeded with caution as he took a picture of the strange phenomenon. Had one of the malicious malpracticing doctor's experiments escaped into the Girdle of Sands? He needed to get his clones under control.

Reaching the edge of the oasis, more fascinating happening awaited the chimera. Spotting tiny green glowing mayflies surrounding themselves around multiple treasure chests, the soldier snapped as many photographs as he could muster. Continuing to step forward, the moment he had been waiting for had been upon him.

Oasis soon upon him, a strange green portal hung on the air. Taking a photo of such, the early adult gazed at the world of the Pari realm around him. Larger green fairies floating around on the air in addition to the mayflies floating around treasure chests, the early adult sat down into a pretzel shape as he recorded his findings underneath the photos.

Writing down a passage about the mayflies and portal, the early adult slammed the notebook shut. Would any of this information provide anything useful to Her Majesty? He could not help but feel nothing he had been noting would be something she could make any use of. But, the soldier would not falter. Surely, something of substance would lie within his photo notes.

Standing back up as he placed the paper tome of knowledge back into his pants pockets, the early adult walked around the oasis once more. Pari floating around living their lives in peace, the early adult kept on going. Beautiful, blue plants flourishing beside the trees, the hyena almost wanted to lay down in the grass.

Spotting a bed of beautiful green flowers whose bulbs remained closed, the soldier snapped multiple photos. What incredibly gorgeous buds. Dark red fairy floating around the plants near the ground, the seeds soon blossomed. Seeing such, the early adult kept his kamera out.

Red fairy soon spotting him with the device, the creature soon turned towards him. Pari saying how dare he take photos of her without her permission, the soldier bowed an apology. Right, fairies had rights to decline being captured on kamera, as well. Pari referring to herself as Lady Sorush, the soldier's eyes opened wide.

The red Pari had been the legendary Lady Sorush the ghost fairy inside the circular tree had been talking about? The world was far smaller than he thought it was. Walking off towards the sandy area near the oasis, for a moment, another domain caught the soldier's eyes.

Spotting a group of orange mayflies residing above lotuses that had yet to bloom, the early adult took a photo of such phenomenon. Small blue Pari with a hat gaining power from the small insects, the hyena adjusted his glasses. Fairies were incredibly fascinating creatures.

Nightfall looking ready to sneak up on him from behind, the early adult looked around the oasis one final time. Pari everywhere near small lakes, in tiny caves, and even beside the large amber encased rocks, the early adult wrote down a large passage into the research log.

Recording that the oasis was an area filled with tiny fairies holding some sort of powers, the early adult let out a yawn. Sky a deep midnight blue as his notes had wrapped themselves up, the hyena stood up onto his feet. Exiting off towards the northward side, the Hills of Barsom were upon the chimera once more.

Underground cave reached after about an hour of slow walking, the soldier crawled back into the abandoned tent. But, as the hyena prepared to return to the world of sleep, strange noises echoed from afar. Too tired to investigate, the chimera closed his eyes.

He would take a look tomorrow.

***

"Looks like something is going on in the energy plant.
It is loud over there. Noise
Echoing, screeches and shouts
Shaking the cave.

This morning, Goma came back to the tent,
Anxious look on his face. Nieshaless. I
Know something is up now, I should have made the
Effort to check out the area before going to sleep.

This is my fault, guaranteed.
Have to put my photography on halt and investigate these
Eerie happenings down in the robotic entrance nearby.

Something tells me trouble is brewing,
That reaper gazelle, is ve up to something?
After all, this is vis territory.
Guess ve is using the
Energy plant for vis personal gain.

Cannot help but feel that isn't a major issue,
However, Goma seems concerned, I cannot leave this be.
After all, I feel he is
Never wrong about something.
Guess brain and brawn are equally strong
Inside of him.
Niesha, I doubt I will see you again for awhile, but I'll make sure your partner remains in one piece.
Getting nervous as I ready to step into the door.

Everything is freezing. The Doctor, could he be here instead, planning a
Vile deed? Anything is possible,
Everything is on the table.
Right, I need to prepare.
Yes, I have to be ready for anything.
That is key.
Here's to being on guard.
I mustn't step too lightly.
Now, I have to remain on the defense. I have
Get ready for any sort of monster behind that door immediately."

Shoulders nudged for minutes on end, the early adult reached for his glasses. Goma standing outside the tent handing him his winter uniform, the soldier blinked in a tired daze. Why was he getting his uniform handed back to him? Had Niesha disappeared? But, no such questions would leave his lips.

Small Mondstadt style biscuit handed off to him, the early adult nibbled the small breakfast like a squirrel. Goma shaking his head commenting how he had been acting like he had not eaten in weeks, the young soldier ignored such wild comment tossed his way. Small meal soon finished, a tidal wave of news washed the hyena out to sea.

"Something is very wrong here," Goma explained, fingers pointing downward. "There's been strange sounds coming from that entrance over there." Standing up to his feet, he stepped forward. "It's best we check it out. It might be that reaper again causing trouble."

Knowing that the reaper gazelle could very much indeed be down there, the early adult stood up to his feet. He supposed continued to photograph could wait. He had plans to check out the area beyond the door himself, anyway and document his findings. Nodding, the hyena followed behind the boxing frog chimera in silence.

Stepping through the entrance, the chimera's eyes opened wide at the sight before him. Large room with a huge device in the center crackling with electricity, a wave of unease flowed through the hyena. Had he set foot in an energy plant? He could not help but feel had had stepped somewhere forbidden.

Goma picking up a strange yellow crystal and placing it down into a grid on the ground, a door soon opened. Strange machine on the floor next to an abandoned copper wire, Goma advised the early adult to watch his step. Keeping an eye out for any loose wires, the chimera proceeded with caution.

Curving towards the left, Goma turned his head towards the right and left. Placing his hands by the backs of his ears, he listened carefully to the sounds around him. Hearing the sound of familiar laughter, he prepared himself to use any force necessary. It was time to prepare for battle.

"Come on, kid, it's the reaper again, he's behind this door," Goma said, grabbing ahold of Siorc's wrist. "Be on guard, we have to stop him."

Dragged forward towards a shut door, Goma's strong, trained feet broke the entrance open. Reaper gazelle surrounding verself with the robotic bird girls in a sea of mechanical energy devices, the soldier gazed down at his kamera. Maybe it was best to take photos of the energy plant before things were to get messy.

Hoping Onur would back off and leave the bird ladies, the hyena broke free from Goma's grip, pointing towards his kamera, the early adult stepped around. Singular photo coming out of the bottom of the device, the chimera prepared to keep going, but all hope was lost.

Onur's eyes were soon on him.

"Looookie here at who's in my territory again!" Onur shouted, dancing with vis scythe. "Buuuuz ooooff, I'm on a date with my giiiirlfriends."

Freak of all nature proclaiming himself to be her girlfriend Wren wound up a punch. Yeah, right, he was her boyfriend. This man was trying to kill her with his stupidly gigantic scythe from behind his back. He was trying to cover up his attempted crime that she did not want any part of.

Reaper guy making up such an obvious lie to get out of his responsibilities of trying to take Wren's life, Dove closed her eyes, for a moment. Bird talons replacing her human hands, she sharpened her claws. She was his girlfriend? No way. Wren was the only one for her. No one else. No one else could have her. She would remind this man of his crimes.

"I'm not your girlfriend, stop saying that!" Dove cried. "I'm a lesbian! And you... you're covering up a crime!" But, Wren soon interrupted her.

"Shut up, Dove! No one cares!" Wren screamed. She then turned towards the reaper. "And, you! When will you stop trying to reap our souls every week? When will you go away?!" Her body shook, core activating. "Go reap souls somewhere else! I'll die again when I decide to!"

Bullet barrage coming Onur's way, the reaper gazelle dodged with no beauty or grace. Seeing such, the hyena shook his head. How could this chimera be related to Parisa in any way? There was no way they had any blood relation to one another. Fight continuing on, the early adult continued gazing around the energy plant.

Snapping photos of the floor machines and connectors underneath, the soldier moved towards the elevator in the corner. Taking a picture of that as well, eyes had soon been on the hyena. Onur moving vis head downward, vis eyes had soon been on his kamera. Hands soon rubbing together, the early adult gulped. Something horrifying was about to come out of vis mouth, guaranteed.

Spotting a series of ladders beside grey crystals, the soldier prepared himself. If the reaper gazelle were about to say anything, he needed to prepare himself to run. Get away, disappear, run when the lemon turned sour. Finger pointed at him and his kamera, shouts had come the hyena's way.

"Ooooh, weeeeh, girls, look at this freeeako, he's taking phooootos of you!" Onur shouted, pointing. "Hehe, wiiiithout consent!"

Siorc could feel his heart pounding in his chest like a jackhammer. While he knew such lie was about to come his way, he could not believe his ears. Why would Onur stretch the truth about something like this? Ve was a cruel liar that knew no bounds. But, perhaps, just maybe, they would not believe ver. Holding onto a slither of hope, the early adult prayed to the Dendro Archon he was not supposed to worship.

Accusatory point coming a complete stranger's way, Dove turned towards the kamera. Shaking her head, she closed the case in the book in her bird brain. Onur was definitely lying. There was no way that man's kamera took any photos of her or Wren. She needed to convince her right away.

"Don't listen to ver, Wren!" Dove shouted. But her shouts fell on deaf hawk ears.

"Dove, shut up! He's guilty! He's holding a Kamera!" Wren shouted. She then turned towards the other freak in the corner with red hair. "And, you! Are you enjoying this? Freak! Quit watching!" Her chest had begun to spark, bullets ready. "Take this!"

Bullets darting the hyena's way, the early adult placed the kamera back onto his uniform belt. It was too late, Wren had fallen for Onur's incredibly obvious malicious lies. Barrage or projectiles riding the heavy air, they beaded downward, aiming towards the ground.

Projectiles nailing themselves into the chimera's right hip, the soldier let out a scream. Bullets nailing themselves into him, flames sparked up as their rampage continued. Weapons soon falling to the ground, the next onslaught had raced the soldier's way. Ruin Guard projectiles coming at him faster than an Anemo slime riding the wind, the early adult remained as still as a statue. He could not dodge, he could not move. He could not do anything.

Weapons racing towards his left hip, the chimera's shouts only continued to get louder. What in the world had Wren's bullets been made out of, gunpowder? Flames crowding around him as the hawk woman wound her fist up, bullets rained out from the palm of her hands.

Barrage of bullets speeding at him quicker than a whistle on the wind, the early adult's chest and the weapons had met. Heart beating harder and faster as the attack kept going, the soldier's head had begun to spin. The flames, the pain biting at his hips, he could take no more.

Swaying back and forth, the soldier's body and the electric floor soon met. Head only spinner more as his body hit the pavement, the hyena's eyes fluttered closed. Sound around him dulling as everything faded to black, one final thought flowed through the chimera as his consciousness faded away.

Lies overpower everything.

***

"Onur, that liar! That
Nasty little liar! He made my Wren angry!
Ugly loser, he made her angry, she is
Raging! She's mine, you hear me?

Idiot liar, I should have told him off sooner! I
Should have told him off sooner! He made my precious Wren

Angry! My bird, my angel, my

Fawn, my princess! I'd get
Revenge, but I need to play nicely!
Even if it's killing me inside to,
Ahhh, why did she believe this freak's lies? This is
Killing me! This is killing me! This is killing me!

All men are ugly. All of them! Every single one!

Liars, creepers, I am fortunate
I am stuck here in the Girdle of Sands forever
And never have to interact with anyone beside him!
Really grateful! I'm glad I cannot leave.

Maybe I can convince Wren this guy is lying!
Everything this reaper says is
Never the truth!

All of these half truths he tells,
Ridiculous she would fall for something that is
Easy low hanging bait, but that's what makes her my cute, little

Fawn. She's mine, she's mine, she's mine.
Rahahaha, if I just do some convicting, maybe she'll
Easily believe me!
And she'll stop using her silly little powers, and leave the
Knock out to me.
She should rely on me, solely.

Ah, no, silly me, that was a mistake. No.
Looks like I slipped on my words, oh dear!
Looks like I slipped on my words, what I meant to say was...

Oh, Wren, you're so strong when you're
Fighting! Protect me!

That's wrong, too. I want
Her all to myself. I want her power all to myself.
Even if the doctor has modified me, too,
My powers aren't as up to par as hers, but I'll convince her Onur's lying shortly."

Coming to in his borrowed tent the next morning, the early adult let out a groan. When, and how did he get back outside the energy plant? Had someone stopped the battle? Goma looking as though he had been watching over him for a long while, the soldier rubbed his eyes. Had he been seeing things, or had Goma not been alone this time?

Two young women standing beside Goma with a nervous look on their faces, the soldier tilted his head. Had there been other people secretly living in the Girdle of Sands? Maybe the boxer frog had left to go search for other people after hauling him off into the tent.

Turning his attention towards the nervous girl on the left, the soldier studied the young woman, for a moment. Standing about, eyes twitching had been a light brown skinned young woman five centimeters shorter than him. Girl looking to be around the age of sixteen, the early adult shook his head. This place was far too dangerous for a person in between childhood and adulthood, but the early adult kept such thought to himself. Messy, curly light brown hair that went down to about her shoulders left hanging down with black rabbit hairpins on the top, the hyena turned his attention towards her outfit. White and blue blouse that looked like it came straight out of Fontaine, pitch black lizard eyes and striped lizard tail behind her, he turned his attention towards the other stranger.

Standing next to the stranger, knees buckling had been a young woman the exact same height as the girl next to her. Girl looking no older than the person next to her, the soldier had come to wonder. Had these two been twins? Light brown curly hair pulled back into twintails going down to her chin glowing against her light brown skin, the hyena gazed at the girl's hair for a moment longer. Dark blue violet lacy headband in her hair, the soldier kept his observations going. Light blue and violet blouse looking like it also came straight out of Fontaine, the early adult rose an eyebrow. Had these two possible twin lizard chimeras come here through the Nation of Justice? He could not help but feel such had been the case. But, such had been proven wrong in a matter of moments.

"While you were unconscious, I borrowed your map thing and went back to Natlan for a moment," Goma admitted. "Sorry for taking your belongings, but I went to go get the neighbor kids." He then took a long deep breath. "As for the girls, they've moved deeper within the energy plant. I believe they're underneath Tunigi Hollows now."

Siorc's eyes opened wide at the sea of information coming towards him. If Wren and Dove had moved towards the area underneath Tunigi Hollows, something terrible would happen, for sure. Goma looking ready to continue his speech, the hyena kept listening.

"I should probably explain why I brought the neighbor kids here, shouldn't I?" Goma asked as a statement. "I think they can calm down the girls enough to get them to stop attacking."

Hearing her brother refer to her as the neighbor kid, a sting of pain shot through the rabbit barrettes in the curly girl's hair. Why did big brother Goma have to be so distant with her while she was in public? Is it because they were and never will be blood related? She knew that, but he didn't have to pretend they weren't family to others.

Brother placing distance between himself, his sister and she, the pigtail girl's eyes welled up. Why was he acting like they barely knew each other in front of the purple haired stranger? There was no reason to force a line so chilly between them in the middle of nowhere out in the deepest depths of Sumeru.

"B-- Neighbor, why us?" the bunny hairclip girl asked.

"Laine, you have a knack for calming people down," Goma replied. But, the other sister soon chimed in.

"But, b-- I mean, neighbor," the other girl interjected. "You could have asked Niesha! She's a girl! We're not that good at this!" But such point was shut down faster than a transport balloon.

"No, Cordón, Niesha isn't a girl," Goma replied, nostrils flaring. "She's a woman! Please, girls, be a kind neighbor and help us out."

Laine and Cordón accepting Goma's offer, the early adult gazed as the young ladies. Why did they have such a sad look on their face? He could not help but feel something had been amiss with the usage of the word neighbor. But the soldier pushed such thought away into the oasis. Whatever was going on with those three was absolutely no business of his.

Exiting into the energy plant through the first door, a long walk through various entrances took place. Some doorways locked, a wild chase for a way to get in picked up in a rapid fire pace. Goma coming across a small green fairy, he grabbed the small light. Door opened, the walk towards the deepest depths of the energy plant kept marching onward.

Multiple machines everywhere within the energy plant, a strange realization had come to the chimera. Had this plant been filled with stolen Khaenri'ahn technology? He did not know why, but such thought felt like the undeniable, unrefuteable truth. Keeping such thought to himself, the walk towards the deepest depths of the energy plant kept going.

Climbing up a series of ladders and riding an elevator, a door that attempted to close from the other side as people approached it Goma's feet and the fickle entrance met. Forced pathway created, the travel towards the end of the plant kept on going. Ruin Guards beaten to a pulp a long series of deep, damp crevices had been cruised through.

Reaching a broken circular door with a small entrance way to get in, the early adult squeezed through the thin passage. Laine, Cordón and Goma slipping through as well, the early adult removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Map soon out in front of him, the hyena observed the triangular pointer in the corner. Deep underneath Tunigi Hollow, the early adult kept his eyes open.

Multiple energy tanks powered up with green fairies blocking out crystal sand from covering them up, the early adult photographed the phenomenon. Had someone already powered up the machines in here? He supposed such could have been a possibility at his constantly transforming hands.

Hearing raging grunts from the floor underneath, the hyena prepared himself to jump. Hips stinging as he made the jump, a sight to behold caught the soldier's attention in a matter of moments as he, the lizard sisters and Goma landed on the ground below them. Wren's face beat red with rage, a slew of shouts had come her way.

"Oil was pouring out of me again this morning!" Wren shouted, wounding up a fist. "Dove, because of you, everything hurts! My blood is oil! I'm not normal anymore! I can no longer fly because my wings are metal! All of this is your fault! You did this to me!"

Tears welling up in Dove's face, the early adult blinked. What in the world was he witnessing. Were the bird ladies fighting with one another? Rage continuing to boil hotter than a stove, the soldier backed three steps away. Maybe coming here wasn't such a good idea after all. Why did Goma insist on this? Their arguments were not something that anyone could quell.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm sorry!" Dove cried, tears rolling faster. "I did this to you, but! I wanted you to stay alive, I had to!" But, the shouts coming her way only got louder.

"You had to? That's a joke you tell yourself, and you know it!" Wren shouted at the top of her lungs. "You did this for you sick pleasure! Get over the stupid crush of yours! I barely ever want to put up with you! I only do because I'm stuck down here with you forever!" But, she then spotted the creep club gluing their disgusting eyes on her. Now they had brought girls they picked up into the mix? Freaks. "Can my life get any worse?! Now the creep club is here!" Shouts reaching their maximum level, she dashed off towards a Ruin Guard. Slashing her modified wing through the seams of the edges, heads were rolling. Opening upon her, she jumped into the robot. "Get out of here, get out of here! Go away!"

Wren strapping herself into a headless Ruin Guard, the hyena's eyes twitched. Wren meant business, he was about to become target practice any second now. Running off as far away as possible, a target had soon been locked onto the soldier's hips for the second day in a row, bullets speeding off towards him faster than his eyes could follow, metal projectiles and his hips shook hands.

Second round of the bullet barrage coming for him, his left hip had been rammed into harder than a stack of bricks. Letting out a scream as multiple attacks made their acquaintance with his small, curved hips, the hyena let out a wail. Unable to move, his body stood still as a statue. He was stuck, he could not dodge, evasion was a dead soldier upon the battlefield. But, a shout soon entered the fray.

"Wren! Stop!" Dove shouted at the top of her lungs. "Don't do this, please!"

But, Dove's words did not reach Wren. Third bullet rain locking onto the hyena's chest, sweat drenched the hyena into a puddle. Hip stinging every second, moving out of the way was impossible. He was a statue, a sitting duck, the instant target that could never be missed.

A hero without a cape would soon take the stage.

Arms stretched out in front of him as the bullets approached ever so slowly, the projectiles and Goma's hands soon met. Muscular hands snapping the weapons into two like they were toothpicks between his teeth, Laine and Cordón stood in front of their apparent neighbor.

Girls singing a soft tune similar to the deaconess in the church, the early adult dropped down onto his knees. Why were the lizard girls singing a song all of the sudden? Wren's eyes twitching as Laine and Cordón put on boxing gloves alongside Goma, punches of wind, electricity and water caused a sea of reactions to fire off against one another.

Laine dealing the final punch of air, the Ruin Guard sparked up into smoke. Scent of fire flaring through the early adult's nostrils, the hyena's legs shook. Why did everything have to be a sea of flames today? Fire was a terrifying beast to behold. Machine soon crumbling around her, the lizard girls stepped forward.

"Um, miss bird, we're sorry, but you're mistaken," Laine said, hands folded into a praying position. "Mr. Gazelle was lying. He was using you." Cordón soon stepped up to the plate.

"B--, um, I mean, our next door neighbor, and I took care of him. We knocked him out silly! Are you still mad about the photo thing?" Cordón asked, almost speaking a mile a minute. She then turned towards the stranger. "I don't know Mr. Purple at all, but he didn't take any photos of you! Please, don't take this all out on your friend, or complete strangers!" Her hands had been in a praying position as well.

Hearing the lizard girls speeches, the early adult turned towards the boxer frog chimera. Just how much did Goma tell them? Had he briefed them on the entire situation while he had been unconscious in the tent he was borrowing? Some people had too big of mouths. He could have left the fact Onur lied out of the conversation, for sure.

"Prove it!" Wren shouted. "Show me proof he didn't take any photos of me!"

Knowing that was his cue to take out his research log, Siorc attempted to reach into his back pocket. But no such digging ever came. All his energy depleting as his body ached, the soldier's arms laid still beside him. Goma letting out a sigh and slipping his hands into his back pocket, the notebook had been secured into his hands. Opening the leaflet, he placed the log into her hands.

"The proof is right here," Goma replied, crossing her arms across his waist. "Flip through this book, and I guarantee you won't find a single photo of you in there."

Pages flipped, the early adult could feel his vision getting darker. Entire body continuing to ache even more, the soldier struggled to keep his eyes open. Any minute now, the world of unconsciousness would open the door once more, inviting him back in. Time was ticking, sound was dimming, sights were fuzzing into darkness. Barely hearing Wren's words, the soldier did not turn to look at her.

"Fine, whatever," Wren reluctantly responded. "I have the proof I need." No apology coming from her lips, Dove soon clapped her hands together.

"I'm really sorry!" Dove shouted. "Please forgive us!"

But the words did not reach the hyena. World around him numbing, the soldier slumped onto the energy plant floor for what felt like the third time in a row in two days. The world was quiet, numb, empty. Feeling his mind slip away, everything had gone black once more.

Coming to sometime later in the energy plant once more, the room had been quiet. Wren, Dove and Goma already gone, a dazed question danced around in the soldier's brain. Had Goma taken the bird ladies somewhere else? But, the early adult shook his head. Wherever he went off to, it was no business of his.

Laine and Cordón soon beside him with worried looks on their faces, their tails behind them swished rapidly. Why did they always look like they were engulfed by a such a deep level of sadness? But, he supposed some people just had a certain look on their face all the time, no matter how they might have been feeling.

"Sit still," Laine said sternly.

"We're going to heal you," Cordón chimed in. "Please don't move!"

Boxing gloves slipped on, a small zap of electricity flowed through the soldier's left hip. Feeling refreshed as the static continued to do its job, Laine moved towards the hyena's right hip. Soft turbulence colliding with the joint, a wave of revitalization flowed through the early adult.

Feeling a sharp pain in his chest, Cordón took notice in a matter of moments, electricity zapped into the center of his torso, relief washed over the chimera. No more aches and pains, flowing through him, astonishment flowed through the soldier. Electricity could heal? Absolutely amazing. Visions were full of unique powers, for sure.

Bowing a thank you, the early adult shook the girl's gloves. Lizard sisters bowing as well almost in complete unison with one another, the chimera held back a shrug. These girls were definitely twins, guaranteed. They were moving in perfect sync with one another.

"We're glad you're okay now," Laine said. She then turned her heels off towards the opposite direction.

"But we have to catch up with our brother now!" Cordón explained, almost as if she was finishing Laine's sentence. "Bye!"

Girls running off, the energy plant soon grew quiet. Having enough energy to continue exploring, the early adult soon discovered something he had not noticed before. Center of the room having a small foot elevator, the chimera hopped on. Device taking him down a floor, a sight caught the hyena's eyes.

Second floor underneath the energy plant containing multiple dormant Ruin Graders, the hyena snapped a photo. Just how deep did the energy plant go? Small elevator taking one final floor down, the early adult took a few more photos of everything around him. But, one final door soon awaited him.

One last entrance soon upon him, the soldier walked forward. But something had been off as he kept moving forward. On the end of the road had been a strange door separated by a broken bridge. Knowing he had to take a look at it, the early adult deployed his wind glider.

Reaching the other side, the hyena could feel his heart pound wildly at the sight before him. The brown door with the eight pointed star and red symbol in the center, why did it feel so familiar? Mourning flower set beside the entrance, the early adult raised the camera towards the wood.

But, as he snapped the photo of the entrance, the early adult's head had begun pounding. He could not help but feel he was not welcome here. He had to leave now. He supposed he had enough information for Her Majesty. The job was done. Teleporting back to the underground cave beside the energy plant, the soldier stepped into the tent for a moment. Winter uniform grabbed, the early adult highlighted the waypoint to the military barracks.

Frozen hallways soon upon him, the soldier headed for the soundproof room. Steel walled room reached after fifteen minutes of walking, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena in an instant. Placing the winter jacket back into the drawers, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings, as well. Taping the notebook and kamera onto the door where his instructions had been before, everything had been taken care of.

Glasses set aside as well, the soldier slumped into the uncomfortable bed. Wave of fatigue only getting stronger as the minutes creeped by, the early adult closed his eyes. But, as the world of sleep were about to take him away, one final thought poked around in his fading human brain.

His journalist career is over.

---

This is the final branch off. Everything after this is the climax and finale.

 

[Palamon]

THE CLIMAX BEGINS HERE

38. Eels Towering, Spiral Abyss, and Ghost Dog Investigation

"I see now, Your Majesty.

Why you wanted me,
After all these years,
Now I see the truth in why you
Took me away from my family.

Took my childhood without any
Overt thinking. I see now! I

Get it, truly. You just wanted a little worm to
Easily plant everywhere!
That makes sense now!

So many places I have been! All for
The purpose of syphoning information from me.
Readily sending me wherever you
Need to get information from me,
Gather a conclusion from my findings.
Even if I don't know how you do it when I am not
Recording information directly, but

All and all, I know you're up to something!
Now I am certain, I will leave the Fatui.
Do not know when, but it will

Finally come to be someday.
After Naofa leaves,
Soon, it will be time.
Time to be begin planning.
Even if it is not immediate, but
Really, I cannot stay here much longer. Time is ticking!"

Four days had passed since the hyena and lynx chimera built a robot with the professor in Sumeru. Walls having ears, an unexpected odd job had come out of hiding. Note taped on his door with a Kamera attached to it, a predictable odd job had shaken the chimera to his very core.

Tasked with photographing creatures known as Pari, and surrounding phenomena around the northernmost desert, multiple pictures had been snapshotted by the hyena. But, such job had been interrupted halfway through. Ruin Guard modified bird chimeras causing a rampage in a large underground energy plant, the soldier had been caught in the crossfire.

Boxer frogupine chimera bringing the neighbor kids with him to the underground robot facility, the hyena's journalist career had abruptly reached its end. Just about enough photos recorded, the ends had reached their means, for the time being within the permafrost north.

Upon waking up for the morning, the hyena rubbed his eyes, for a moment. Feeling more awake after doing such, he placed the lenses around the back of his ears. Blurred world vanishing around him, the early adult rose from the uncomfortable bed. Hourglasses' sand begin to fall faster, the soldier had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As he placed his uniform over his layered shirts, the chimera had come to wonder. Her Majesty, was she watching him? Requesting he head for the Girdle of Sands only a week after going there in his own time, she had to have here eyes on him, for sure. But, the hyena shook his head. He supposed, if such were indeed the case, nothing could be done. The walls had ears.

Snapping the buttons shut, the early adult clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching sunflowers in his hair and ears, the soldier hooked the Dendro Vision onto his uniform pants. Everything in the right place, the hyena walked towards the edge of the room.

But, as the hyena walked towards his heelless shoes, the chimera's hip stung like a Cicin had struck him in the open wilderness. Turning his attention towards the footwear, the early adult tuned out the pain with any energy that remained. He did not have time for such things. He needed to get ready now.

Heelless shoes on, and rations devoured, the chimera let out a sigh. There was no way he could show any weakness. Her Majesty could be watching from her palace at any given moment. Returning his focus to the workday that was about to be upon him, the work mode switch flipped upward. Adjusting his glasses, the early adult had finished the morning routine of dressing the body.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march onward inexorably, the early adult turned his attention to the door. Time had run out, the hourglasses' sand had reached the bottom. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the young soldier put on the most diplomatic face possible. The time had come for his militaristic workday 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 in arms. Another day, another opportunity for the soldier to increase his strength.

The early adult allowed a sigh to escape the esophagus. What type of monsters awaited him this time? He knew, whatever enemies awaited him, he needed to fight to the best of his ability, or disappointment would come Her Majesty's way. Time only ticking faster, the soldier looked into the Agent's mask.

"Yes, sir," the hyena replied autonomously. Arm out in front of him, the chimera waited for the escort to begin.

Immediate response given, the Agent smirked underneath the mask. Excellent, the soldier had been ready far more often lately. A pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. "Great. We're going, soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he grabbed the limb tight enough to bruise. Gripping prison was as relentless as it always had been. Closing his eyes as the escort to the training grounds began, one thought reigned supreme within the early adult's fading human brain.

What ridiculous monster awaited him this time?

***

"Guess that malicious doctor will do anything,
Is there any creature he hasn't tried experimenting with?
Ah, eels today. Is this man
Never done? Why does he keep doing this, truly?
This malicious man's curiosity is disgusting.

Every time he creates these monsters, I roll my eyes.
Every time he creates these monsters, questions arise.
Looks like he will never be done with his
Shenanigans. Even if Naofa claims these experiments are failures is that

Really, truly the case?
Even if it thinks so, all the monsters he creates function as intended.
As much as I do not like admitting it, he is producing
Results. That much is true, guaranteed.
If I press on, and fight with all my power,
No disappointment will reach Her Majesty.
Generally speaking, these eels couldn't possibly be

That difficult of a challenge.
Here's to a fight I might get the hang of almost instantly.
Even if I get knocked back a few times, I am certain, I can do it.
I have to be confident, that is key. Naofa's departure is
Rapidly approaching. Almost two months remain.

Looks like in its time left here, training will keep
At the pace its at, always.
Right now, it is once a week. I need to
Get as much out of this as I can.
Every day, I am getting slightly stronger,

After all, I am defensively trained. Even before
Naofa had arrived, training had some frequencies.
Now, I know I should not rely on such schedule to last.
Obviously, my life here is unpredictable.
Yes, any moment now, a curve ball could be thrown my way.
In my life, nothing is ever certain. In my life
Nothing is set into stone.
Getting to train even once a week is probably a luxury.

Here, in this cold breeze,
Everything is given as quickly
As it is taken away.
Do not know how much longer this will last,
So I need to be ready for anything."

Upon reaching the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the chimera headed towards the weapons room. Walking to the claymore rack, the hyena removed a greatsword from the wall. Blue claymore claiming to be tombed out of snow and made out of star silver retrieved, the early adult headed towards the lynx chimera.

Naofa holding a dual bladed axe in its left hand, and rapier in its right, the hyena lowered his eyes into a squint. Just how many weapons had the lynx chimera been able to use? He could not help but feel it could wield anything. even a sniper rifle if it wanted to. But, the early adult pushed such thought aside. He was giving it too much credit, for sure. There was no way it could wield anything. Singular visible eye soon on him, the soldier gave eye contact.

"There you are, moth, you kept me waiting!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Prepare yourself today, we're fighting something big!"

Hearing the fact that a huge enemy would soon be upon him, the early adult let out a gulp. If he were truly fighting a large monster today, he knew he had to perform at his best, or Her Majesty would hear of his failures for sure this time. Strange song soon littering the battlefield, unease hit the fence outside.

Third Harbinger singing a tune of doom, multiple Fatui soldiers let out unnerving shouts onto the battlefield. Countless other generic masked soldiers backing many meters away, unrest only grew as the seconds raged onward. Song of peril soon coming to its end, the third harbinger's voice fluttered on the frozen wind.

"Fight my pets," the third Harbinger said sleepily. "Okay, goodnight." Humming once more as she left the battlefield, the unrest continued.

Soldier's screams only continuing for minutes on end, the early adult tilted his head towards the icy sky. Just what were these soldiers so afraid of? But, the hyena recalled something his former practice partner had told him in the past when he had still been his training partner.

Memory about the first three Harbingers being the most powerful, and having skills akin to the gods, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. He supposed he did not blame the other Fatui for feeling fear if such were the truth of the matter. But, such thoughts were interrupted in a matter of moments as the ground underneath him rumbled.

Gigantic group of eels large enough to tower a small windmill in Mondstadt adorning many colors of the elements of Teyvat, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. Multiple Fatui screaming as if their lives depended on it as the building of a creature, the chimera gazed lifelessly as the monsters let out a roar.

Eels looking ready to break the world around them, the hyena took a long, deep breath. He had to perform well today, guaranteed, or his life would be over, for sure. Cracking his knuckles, the early adult placed the greatsword in front of him. He had to prepare himself for battle right away.

Weak, pitiful little eels nearly ten times their size looking ready to attack with useless beams of energy that would go nowhere, Naofa let out a sinister cackle. How pathetic of that wretched doctor, continuing to clone creatures around the world of Teyvat and fusing them with elemental energy, ballooning them in size. Perhaps, just maybe, introducing the hyena chimera to the spiral abyss would make them die faster.

"Would you look at that, another failed experiment!" Naofa exclaimed, tone noxious. "How does that pathetic doctor still have a job? He's a failure!" A sinister smirk appeared on its face. "Let's get this going, shall we?"

Eels letting out another roar, the early adult steeled himself. Had Naofa been right? Had these experiments truly been a failure? He could not help but feel the lynx had been exaggerating. Eels hopping towards him with full force, the hyena placed himself into a fighting stance. Today, for sure, he would get through the fight quickly.

Gigantic wormy fish blasting elemental energy in the direction of the faceless soldiers, a loud, collective scream overtook the battlefield. Rampage continuing for minutes on end, the generic men fell to the icy ground. Delusions falling off their uniforms as they fell backwards, the chimera let out a gulp. He needed to do his best, or he would be eel food.

Sprinting towards the fishy building sized fiend, the hyena threw down a flower friend. Providing silent commands to the Windwheel Aster, the early adult pointed his finger at the creature above. But, such attack never came. Eel soon spotting the ant upon the ground, a beam of ice had come the flower's way.

Flower friend withering into nothing, the early adult swung the greatsword forward. Although, such attempt had been futile. Icy breath freezing the blade into a popsicle, a wave of uselessness overtook the hyena. There was no way he could fight with a frozen weapon, for sure. Fishy fiend lowering its ginormous slinky body downward, its tail had been out in front of it.

Tail lowered towards the early adult's stomach, the soft appendage and his torso soon shook hands. Shockwave tossing him backwards, the soldier's back and the metal fence soon met. Harsh steel pressing against his backside for many seconds, the hyena let out a scream. Large creatures were intense beasts.

Standing back up after sixty seconds, the early adult folded his arms into a fist. He needed to get right back into the battle. If he were to take too many hits, Her Majesty would kill him, for sure. Sprinting back towards the enemy, the soldier tossed down another flower friend.

Windwheel Aster friend unable to do anything as the fishy fiend swiped its tail at it, the chimera gulped. His vision was useless. The Elements were doing nothing. Blade still a frozen husk of metal, the soldier's legs had begun to shake. He has to try harder, for sure.

Lynx chimera releasing an Electro cage around an enemy, the eel beside it was no longer in moving order. Naofa soon sprinting behind the creature, its axe broke through the creature's slimy skin like it was bread. Three strikes knocking the monster for a loop, an idea had come to the hyena.

The monster's backside, surely, that had to have been an easy weak spot to aim for. Dashing off towards the eel's backside, the soldier returned the frozen blade in front of him. Readying to strike with the snowy weapon onto the back of the enemy's neck, the hyena swung forward.

Such attempt was over before it could even begin. Monster turning around, its tail and his torso met one another once again. Tumbling down onto the ground, the early adult grit his teeth. He supposed, finding a weak spot would take more than striking aimlessly. Ready to find a weak spot once more, the soldier dashed off towards the creature's backside for the second time of the day.

The second attempt was a dead soldier upon the battlefield. Frosty breath entombing the rest of his weapon into solid snow, the early adult's eyes had begun to twitch. He was useless, his match had been met. Head whacking him eight meters away, the soldier grit his teeth.

Monster bouncing towards him, the ground shook underneath him. Eel right beside the hyena once more, the solder attempted with all his might to unthaw the greatsword in the palms of his hands. Monster's head ramming into the blade, a shatter sound overtook the battlefield.

Claymore free from its icy prison, the hyena dashed towards the monster's backside for what felt like the third time of the day. The tail, perhaps, just maybe, the lower half of its body was the fishy fiend's weakness. Ready to swipe towards the creature's wormy bottom, the early adult prepared himself for pushback. But, the lynx's voice soon interrupted the fight, in an instant.

"Say, flea. Want to hear about a cool place to test your strength?" Naofa asked as if it were its cue.

The chimera blinked of bewilderment. A place to test his strength? Weren't the training grounds an area for such purpose? But, a spark soon popped off in the active shark grooves in the hyena's brain. There was a place other than the training grounds to test his strength? A sharp toothed grin appeared on the chimera's face as the fact solidified further inside him.

Words ringing in his inhuman eardrums, another spark popped off in the chimera's fading human mind. He wanted to get stronger, faster. Eel looking the other way, the soldier's blade and the creature's back soon met. Eight slashes taking the enemy for a ride, the fishy fiend and the ground had soon become the best of friends.

Eel look weaker than a sleeping Hilichurl, the soldier tossed down a flower friend. Silk Flower beside the enemy's eyes, the soldier returned his attention towards Naofa. A place to test one's strength? If such place indeed existed, outside Snezhnaya's training grounds, he was interested, for sure. Nodding, he returned his attention to the battlefield.

Providing silent commands to the flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision, the vines and the eel's eyes whipped the creature a new one. Creature letting out a barely audible scream, the enemy's movements had become as aimless as a moving target. Slimy head attempting to borrow into the icy ground, the monster was becoming lesser in a matter of moments.

Seeing Siorc nod and smirk, Naofa returned the expression in kind. Of course, he was interested. The weak would do anything they could to get stronger. Pitiful eel in front of it looking ready to be turned into a pile of meat, its axe sliced the pathetic creature into an edible meal. Enemy no more, it turned towards the hyena chimera.

"Good, you are interested! I would have told you about it even if you weren't, butterfly!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Have you heard of the Spiral Abyss, Siorc?"

The early adult titled his head towards the sky. The Spiral Abyss? He had never heard of such a place before. Had that been the true name of the Abyss that lied deep beneath Teyvat? He supposed he was about to find out. Returning his attention to the eel in the corner, the early adult resumed the fight in front of him.

Monster struggling to lift its head from the ground, beady eyes blinking rapidly, another spark popped off in the young soldier's brain. Opening his jaw, the early adult lunged forward. His teeth, they had to sink into the creature. Its neck was open, it was his for the taking. Legs wrapped around the fishy fiend, his canines sunk into the monster's neck like a vampire.

Eel not knowing what was coming for it, the early adult released himself from the enemy. But, such had not been enough. More; his teeth had to dig in deeper. The monster's neck had to be taken out of the picture. Fangs sinking lower, the soldier kept the onslaught going.

Bite of a lifetime pressing deep into the monster's veins, the vital popped in an explosion. Fishy fiend's nape a dark shade of violet, the early adult's blade dealt the final blow. Enemy becoming one with nature, the hyena stood to his feet. But, another eel soon hoped onto the scene.

Bending his right knee off the ground, the soldier swung his leg like a metal bat. Creature sinking towards the ground, the hyena lunged forward. Legs locked onto the gigantic creature's back, the early adult's jaw locked onto the monster, in an instant. Body punctured up like holes on a paper, the chimera blinked of bewilderment as awareness returned to him.

Biters latched off the creature, the early adult broke out into a cold sweat. What in the world has gotten into him today? He needed to stop. Getting a hold of himself, the young soldier rose to his feet. Why did he let his violent urges take over? Rational brain back on, he returned his attention towards Naofa. Shaking his head, he gazed back towards the weakened enemy once more.

Watching as Siorc had lost all control, Naofa broke out into hysterical laughter. Had it hit a berserk button in his pitiful little shark brain? Her pathetic Majesty would be pleased to hear it had found an easy way to bring out the hyena chimera's utmost potential. Look of confusion on his face, an insult had been on the tip of its tongue.

"Enjoying your meal, flea? I didn't know sharks ate eels!" Naofa exclaimed, tone seeping with poison. "The Spiral Abyss is an area in Musk Reef that allows people to test their strength!" Unsheathing its rapier, it aimed for the eel's neck, weak point secured. "What do you say, moth? If you're interested, I'll take you there tomorrow!"

Rapier leaving an opening, the early adult placed the greatsword back into his hands. Enemy looking ready to become one with nature, the early adult swung the blade forward. Monster unable to fight back in any capacity, the chimera kept his attacks going for minutes on end.

Eel fading into the ether, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. No more enemies upon the battlefield, the chimera shrugged. He supposed, the lynx chimera had taken out the rest of the creatures while his rational brain had flipped off. Nothing else to fight, the early adult walked back towards the weapons room.

Returning the blade onto the shelf, the soldier stepped out of the weapons room. Countless Fatui coming to in succession of one another, a chorus of groans overtook the battlefield. Lynx dashing towards their side, a sea of phony concern had come their way. Men lifted to their feet, lectures danced around the training grounds.

Lecture coming to an end after half an hour, the early adult turned his attention towards the lynx chimera. Naofa looking ready to start a battle class, the hyena tapped its shoulder. Singular visible eye soon on him, the hyena gave eye contact. Toothy grin on the lynx's lips, praise had invited itself to the party.

"You did good today, flea! Unlike these weaklings over here!" Naofa exclaimed, pointing at the confused soldiers. "You can go now, moth. I have some weak soldiers to teach how to fight properly!" It then bent over to the hyena's chimera's ear, bellowing a whisper. "Don't you worry, I'll still take you to the Spiral Abyss tomorrow." Stepping aside, its battle class had begun in full force.

Dismissal granted, the chimera exited the battlefield. Reaching the soundproof room after fifteen minutes of walking, the early adult gazed at the barricaded window. What would the Spiral Abyss entail for him tomorrow? If it was truly a challenge, he would need to prepare himself for anything.

Wave of tiredness soon overtaking him, the early adult removed the hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. Glasses put away, the soldier closed his eyes. But, a sea of thoughts looped on repeat as the world of sleep were about to take the hyena away for the night.

He was ready for a challenge tomorrow.

***

"I am confused. The Spiral Abyss is a domain? Did
Naofa exaggerate? I cannot help but feel
This place is just an
Ordinary area, lost out in the expanding sea.

Though, I suppose, if that were true, it would be more accessible.
How did such a place get out here?
Even my father's books never spoke about this

Spherical portal I have definitely never seen.
Perhaps it is something that was built recently.
Inside this domain cut off from the world, what awaits?
Relishing in my anxieties will not help me.
After all, I need to prepare myself.
Looks like anything could happen out here, in this isolated

Area off the coast of the sea.
But, I must wonder, Naofa, how did
You know about this place?
Surely, this is not commonly known knowledge outside certain
Specific circles. Although, I suppose,

It has its ways. Its charisma is a disease.

Guess when it was a Knight, it
Obtained all the information it needed

From the Captains. But,
I suspect that is not the case. The Acting
Grand Master, what was her last name? Gunnhildr?
Her family is of high breed.
Though, I doubt she knows about the Spiral Abyss.
Information can be gathered anywhere,
Naofa is slimy, able to not look suspicious.
Gathering information from anyone is

Easy. It is best I do not question it. Silence is key.
Now I look at the portal,
Eyes on the center.
Musk Reef, what kind of secrets are you holding?
It would seem there are plenty.
Even so, I cannot explore deeper,
Soon, I will be pulled into the portal, guaranteed.

Looking around for a moment,
I stare at the sand beneath. The
Knights, adventurers, the Guild, that young woman pretending she's a princess with her Raven,
Even I do not think they know of this place.

Maybe I am overthinking. Surely, adventurers have been here.
Yes, Naofa said so. Or was it

Lying? I can never fully believe a word of what
It says. Dishonesty
Flows through it, constantly.
Everything it says could be a stretch of the truth.

Doubt is inside me.
Every step I take towards this
Portal, they're piling up quickly.
Every step I take towards this portal,
Naofa's words lose potency.
Does a challenge truly await me?
Something tells me nothing

Overtly difficult awaits me.
Naofa, if you are not being honest, I won't believe you any longer.

I will doubt your claims forever.
That will soon be the case if disappointment awaits me."

Waking up the next morning was a confusing sight to behold. Naofa standing by his door in a golden, male Adventurer's Guild Uniform, Siorc shook his head. There was no way it had been a member of the Guild. Its disguise was already breaking. Every nobody within Teyvat had already known them as a member of many governing bodies or armies. Its trick would not work today, for sure. Knowing the lynx expected his full attention immediately, the chimera gazed into their singular visible eye.

"Remember, we're going to Musk Reef today!" Naofa exclaimed, pointing at the hyena chimera's back pocket. "So, hurry up and highlight a diamond shaped waypoint on the edge of the map in Mondstadt, and let's get going!"

Doing as instructed, the early adult opened up the proxy orb into map form. Tapping the Mondstadt section of the map, the young soldier dragged his fingers off onto the southeastern most edge of the area. But, an obstacle soon took the stage. Lock in the center of the waypoint, the early adult tilted his head.

Waypoint not functioning, bewilderment ate the early adult up like a bowl of hot kasha. Had Her Majesty locked the teleport point near the Spiral Abyss? Shaking his head, he pointed at the cut off access point. Lynx chimera guffawing away at such a sight, the hyena let out a sigh. Was it enjoying this? How peculiar.

Waypoint near the Spiral Abyss locked, Naofa let out a deep, guttural laugh. Her Majesty had cut off access to Musk Reef? How pathetic of her to do so. Wasn't she all about her soldiers being the strongest people within all of Teyvat? Her weakness would be exposed greatly in due time if she didn't shape up.

"Since you haven't been there, the Waypoint must be locked!" Naofa replied, shrugging its shoulders. "It can't be helped, we'll have to get there another way! Highlight the waypoint in Cape Oath instead."

Knowing that, he could not waste any time, the early adult placed his finger over the Waypoint in Cape Oath. Body of water all over the edge, the chimera gulped. If he had to swim out to the reef he would not making it guaranteed. Lynx looking ready to stomp its boots on the icy ground, the soldier pressed the teleport button. He was out of time.

"I am ready," the hyena responded, words barely audible.

Siorc highlighting the waypoint in a matter of moments, a smirk grew from ear to ear on Naofa's face. The hyena chimera's reaction time had gotten much faster, a pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. Looking ready to press the teleport button, it stepped beside the modern water flea of today.

"There you go, right there!" Naofa replied, pointing. "Now, press teleport already!"

Lynx chimera within close proximity of him, the soldier pressed the teleport button. Fast travel confirmed in an instant, the hyena dissipated the map back into orb form. Blinding light engulfing him like it always does, the early adult closed his eyes. Cape Oath in his line of sight in a split second, the chimera observed his surroundings.

Naofa gripping his wrist into a tight lock, the early adult was dragged forward. Cliffside reached after about twenty minutes of walking, the hyena gazed off into the world of water below. Island out in the middle of nowhere the only place in the barren seas, sweat poured down the chimera's brow.

Endless sea in the middle of nowhere glaring daggers at him, a knot formed in the center of the hyena's partially human throat. Was there no other way to reach Musk Reef? A challenge more difficult than battles awaited him, for sure. Wrist soon let go of, the lynx jumped off the ledge.

Knowing he had no choice but to jump off as well, the soldier had begun to drop downward. Lynx snapping its fingers in midair as it dropped down, a boat appeared out of nowhere as though it were summoned. Boat dropped into, the early adult placed himself into the wooden vessel.

Oars cruising the boat forward onto the endless sea of nothing, the chimera remained as still as a statue. He knew, if he moved even a centimeter, the vessel would tip over. Gazing at the world around him, the land of water was his only world, for the time being.

Island getting closer slowly, the chimera gazed at the land far away. When had an island formed in the middle of nowhere? There had to have been some sort of eruption somewhere at some point in the past. But, the early adult shook his head. That was impossible. Mondstadt did not have any volcanos.

As Musk Reef kept approaching from afar, the early adult gazed at the island once more. Could the Anemo Archon have just left this plot of land in the middle of nowhere because he didn't know where to put it? He recalled in a story book from his stolen childhood, the God of Freedom shaped Mondstadt to his liking thousands of years ago.

Pushing such thoughts aside, the early adult shrugged. He supposed he was overthinking it. One island being separated from the rest of the Nation of Freedom was nothing to worry about. Geography was not something an uninformed person like himself would ever have the answer to.

Boat hitting the sand, the lynx chimera walked forward. Stepping up from the wooden vessel as well, the hyena observed his surroundings. Empty beach deader than the air on a hot summer day, the early adult took a long deep breath. If anything happened to him while he was inside the Spiral Abyss, no one would hear him, for sure.

Spiral portal glowing red sitting upon a submerged cement path, the early adult tilted his head. Was he going to be able to step into such a thing? The domain looked closed off from the rest of the world, for sure. Naofa's gloved hands soon on his back pushing him across the water, the entrance soon glowed a dark blue.

Party of two stepping inside, a blinding light overtook the hyena once more. Closing his eyes for a moment, a world of mystery awaited him as he opened them once more. White staircase in front of him, an oddity presented itself to the soldier as he stepped towards the path to ascension. Strange white cards floating in midair that contained a bunch of nonsense, a wave of question crashed at bay.

First card proclaiming he would gain a twenty-five percent defense boost, the soldier tilted his head. What in the world was a defense boost? He had never heard of such a thing in his twenty-one years of living upon this world. Second card not doing him any favors, either, confusion looped on repeat. Elemental Mastery increasing by twenty-five percent? What was Elemental Mastery? Surely, he had gotten the hang of his Dendro Vision already. Was there more that he needed to know about it? Third card removing a puzzle piece from his mind, the chimera let out a noise. Energy Recharge? What, in all of Teyvat, was Energy Recharge? He did not know, he was none the wiser to such terminology ever existing. It was almost as if, the world of Teyvat was a game. But, such fact was unknown to the soldier. Terms swimming around in his head, nothing was clear.

Hyena chimera looking confused as ever while observing the benefactors of the abyss, Naofa closed its eyes shrugging its shoulders. Was Siorc confused about the words right in front of him? Perhaps, just maybe, explaining it into a way he would understand would do him a favor.

"You look confused, so I'll explain what's going on!" Naofa said, index finger wagging on the air. "Think of the Spiral Abyss like it's a game of Genius Invocation with special rules!" It then pointed at the cards floating on the air. "See those cards? Those are the benefactors you can choose from! They're temporary armor to assist you while you're in here!" Look of confusion not leaving his face, it held back a chuckle. Was he still not getting it? Perhaps, telling him none of this means anything would help wipe the stupid look on his face. "But, don't worry, they don't mean anything outside of here. So, wipe that look off your face!"

Explanation not making much sense, the early adult gazed at the floating cards once more. Defense card seeming enticing enough, the soldier placed his hand onto the air. Card glowing, the rest soon vanished. Feeling an invisible layer of steel cover him, the hyena blinked. He did not know why, but he felt like was inside a tank.

Ascending the staircase, a red key appeared in the center of a bright grey room with nothing but spacious walls. Lynx pressing the key as a device appeared in its left hand, the early adult's eyes twitched as a sea of purple and yellow slimes bounced onto the floor. Claymore tossed his way, a bombshell soon dropped itself onto the ground.

"Oh, by the way, I won't be fighting!" Naofa explained, fingers tinkering through the strange device beside it. "You're doing this on your own. I'm just here to record your progress for Her Majesty!" Multiple buttons pressed, a timer appeared on the hyena chimera's wrist. "This entire floor is timed, so get to it!"

Timer reading five minutes upon his wrist, the chimera let out a yelp. He was on a time limit? How was he supposed to defeat monsters if there was an expiration ticking away? Slimes bouncing about around him, the soldier placed the claymore in front of him. Knight of Favonius issued Greatsword in his hands, the hyena swung forward.

Numbers on his wrist getting smaller as the seconds raged onward, the hyena's blade haphazardly swiped through the tiny Slimes scattered around the barren room in front of him. Two enemies becoming gelatinous puddles in thirty seconds, the timer on his wrist soon read four minutes and thirty seconds.

Time only ticking faster, the soldier dashed off towards the smaller enemies off towards the edge of the room. Slimes looking right at him, electricity joined together with his uniform. Static locking him into place, the hyena grit his teeth. Lightning strike dissipating after a few seconds, the chimera's blade turned three more lesser creatures into condensate.

Numbers counting down quicker, a strange sound had come out of the lynx's chimera's device, the early adult's eyebrows twitched. Only three-and-a-half minutes remaining, he knew he needed to speed up, for sure. Monsters too far spread out, the soldier sprinted off towards the wall off in the opposite direction.

Four small Electro blobs surrounding a larger purple slime with its antenna flopping about, the early adult prepared himself for battle. But, his attack had been cancelled before it could even begin. Five enemies ramming themselves into his uniform, static danced around him like it was child's play. Immobility overtaking him for sixty seconds, time kept getting away from him.

Quintet of gelatinous blobs defeated after another thirty seconds, buckets of sweat poured down the hyena's back. Only two minutes remained. Slimes everywhere in the small room looking ready to pounce on him, the soldier waved an invisible white flag. There was no way he could finish this fight, he was done for.

Dashing off towards the center of the room, five more slimes awaited the chimera. But, a challenge soon returned from the war. Monsters grouping together to gift him with electricity, movement was a dead soldier upon the battlefield. Static taking his fighting out of the picture for a minute and a half, the numbers on his wrist beeped a deep red.

Thirty seconds remaining, the hyena swiped the greatsword with a fervor. There was no time, he had to keep going. He had to win. Two slimes kicking the bucket, fifteen seconds remained. Three more fading into the ether as the clocked ticked downward, the soldier dashed off towards the walls, but as he did such, everything vanished as the timer reached triple zeroes.

Text reading challenge failed beaming in the center of the room, the early adult lowered himself to his knees. He failed? How could he let himself hit the time limit without finishing the challenge? Loud click of the tongue bouncing off the walls, the young soldier turned towards the lynx chimera. Arms around its waist, sweat poured down the hyena's back. It was over, he was finished, gone, neck about to be a sacrifice.

"You failed on the first chamber of the first floor? You're pathetic!" Naofa shouted, irritated tone of voice. "Don't focus too much on the time! Focus on winning!" Stepping towards the red key as it reappeared in the center of the room, it readied itself to press it. "You're starting over! Get going!"

Slapping his cheeks as the timer was moments away from reappearing, the soldier's eyes were lazar focused. Right, he had to focus on winning, or he would disappoint Her Majesty, guaranteed. Enemies appearing on the battlefield once again, the hyena prepared himself.

Flower friend joining the battle alongside his greatsword, quick work had been made of the Slimes in the surrounding areas. Electro and Dendro shaking hands with one another, the tides had curved in the hyena's favor. Twenty-three enemies turned to dust in two minutes, the sound of three pings played on Naofa's device.

Battle over, the hyena puffed a sigh of relief. But, such had not been the end. Lynx telling him there were far more chambers and floors where that came from, the lynx took the lead. Staircase soon in front of him once more, cards floated upon the air. Wordy nonsense about attack, burst damage increasing and movement speed, the early adult clicked the card on the left. All of this was a game; none of this mattered.

Naofa handing him a Mist Flower, the soldier tilted his head. Why was the lynx giving him a flower? Whatever reason it had, he knew he could not waste any time. Pointing at the plant in his finger, the early adult tilted his head. What purpose did the corolla serve? He supposed he was about to find out.

"Her Majesty told me that your Vision has the ability to bring flowers to life to help them aid you in battle," Naofa said. Its gloved fingers pointed at the Mist Flower. "She wants you to bring this mist flower to life. Do it now!" It then stepped backwards. "Oh, but this one won't be able to exit this domain once we leave it, so don't get comfortable with your new little friend!"

Placing the gifted flower next to the yellow-green orb, the tiny plant in his hands had begun to glow. Dendro energy surrounding it, the misty petals flourished with life. Leaves growing into hand-like stems as the energy kept leaking through, the transformation continued. Tiny green leafy feet growing as the light dissipated, the soldier gazed at his newest friend.

Cryo flower friend looking ready for battle, the hyena blinked. Should he give his new companion a name? But, such thought was interrupted in an instant. He had no time to think about such things, the battle was about to begin. Naofa touching the red key in the corner, Hilichurls released their battle cries.

Primitive masked enemies holding crossbows, shields and wooden clubs, the early adult prepared himself for battle. But, the early adult steeled himself. Hilichurls weren't all that strong. Defeating them would be simple, for sure. Timer ticking on his wrist, the battle had begun anew.

Temporary Cryo flower friend decimating ten enemies in one and half minutes, time was of the essence. Two red furred Hilichurls joining the party as their companions fell on the battlefield, the hyena's blade had begun to do the talking. Two more enemies taken out of the picture, the soldier dashed off towards the center of the room.

Six more enemies taken out of their misery after another minute had passed, the soldier kept going. Two more Hilichurls with clubs remaining, the monsters were taken out of the picture. Nothing else appearing for the next few seconds, the early adult readied for celebration, but such unheard of cheers could not come into fruition.

Mitachurls swinging its axe about, and partner next to it charging with its heavy metal shield, the hyena placed the greatsword in front of him. Knowing that it was best to aim for the shield first, the soldier struck the wall in front of him. Defenses taking sixty seconds to pierce through, the chimera's blade took the first enemy by storm.

Second Mitachurl taken out after thirty seconds, a singular ping on Naofa's device echoed on the walls. Third chamber soon upon him, everything had gone accordingly as the Slimes, Hilichurl and shielded Mitachurl met their end one another another. But, the easy switch turned itself off, in an instant as a familiar laugh took the stage.

Cicin Mage summoning her pretties, a shock shot down the chimera's spine. What was one of Her Majesty's Fatui doing inside the Spiral Abyss? Did she plant one of her Mages in here to test his abilities? Fatui Mage and her pets taking him for a ride, the tables soon turned against him.

Struggling for minutes on end, the early adult took a deep breath. If Her Majesty were truly testing him, he needed to give it his all. Cicin Mage defeated after another minute, the challenge had reached its first end. Lynx stating he had obtained six stars, a button had been pressed on its device.

Second floor upon him, the hyena gazed at the white staircase in front of him. Just how long, and deep did the Spiral Abyss go? Benefactor soon picked, a deal with the devil was presented to him. Naofa telling him that it would give him any Delusions he needed going forward, the soldier shook his head. There was no need for such. He could win this long challenge ahead of him without those sinister orbs.

First chamber on the second floor almost exactly the same as the one of the first floor, the fifteen slimes he had defeated on his first attempt many minutes before had been taken care of in less than two minutes. But, easy street dissipated into challenge mode as the soldier proceeded towards the second room.

Peculiar looking monolith in the center of the room glowing blue, instructions beamed across the ceiling. Tasked with protecting the Monolith from enemies, the soldier prepared himself to get on the defensive. But, such had been futile. Slimes slamming their heads onto the device, destruction had come its way.

Unable to break the monsters apart from the monolith, the device kept taking multiple beatings for minutes on end. Number percentage on his wrist ticking downward as the destruction continued, a wave of unease swallowed the chimera whole. Machine's vitality reaching zero as the Slime's team hit one final strike, failure washed over the hyena.

Trying again, every attempt was futile. Slimes breaking the machine every single time, the soldier could feel Naofa's covered eye glaring at him through its eyepatch. The monolith, how could he possibly protect it if the monsters were constantly on the offensive? Lynx letting out a shout, irritation baked him into an oven at blazing heat.

"What are you doing, leech? Don't just stand there expecting the monolith to stay intact!" Naofa shouted, singular visible pupil almost on fire. "Fight the enemies to get them away from it!" Pressing the red key again, it snapped its gloved fingers. "Try again! Don't disappoint me!"

Taking the lynx's advice like it was a bag of candy, the early adult cracked his knuckles. Maybe aiming for the enemies instead of defending was the only option. Onslaught of monsters pushed away from the device after four minutes, the second chamber had been completed. Monolith remaining at seventy-five percent in the end, the third chamber had been reached.

Third chamber full of a mob of Hydro Slimes, a Mitachurl with a fiery axe, and a Hydro Abyss Mage, quick work had been made of the twelve enemies. Report of receiving nine stars coming his way, the hyena and lynx chimera ascended to the third floor. Offer of Delusions coming his way for the second time, the early adult shook his head. There was no way he would use Delusions today. He would press on with his own capabilities. The strings would not attach themselves to him.

First chamber of the third floor remaining easy with the assistance of his flower friends and borrowed greatsword, the second chamber was soon upon him. But, the early adult was in for a surprise as the countdown on his wrist struck five minutes. Treasure Hoarders coming towards him, Siorc's knees had begun to buckle.

Face covered criminals readying to launch potions at him, the hyena's legs continued to shake. He had to fight humans? Was he about to get blood on his hands? There was no way he could do such a thing. Gravely injuring humans was not right, challenge or not. Lynx soon rolling its eyes as the Treasure Hoarders surrounded him, a fact threw itself into the ring.

"You are such a pathetic little softie, you flea!" Naofa shouted, waving its hands in the air. "Are you afraid of hurting people? You're so weak! Since you're so scared, let me tell you something!" Fingers pointing at the Treasure Hoarders, its frown could pop a blood vessel. "Those Treasure Hoarders aren't real people! They're not alive, nor are they breathing! They're simply projections created by the Spiral Abyss as enemies for those who step foot in here to fight!" Moving its hands onto its hips, the pitch in it voice went higher. "You're not killing anyone, or anything that's remotely real! They reset themselves anytime someone leaves!" Disgust littered every single word it spoke. "Stop being such a wimp, and get to fighting! You're wasting time!"

Fact laid out to dry in front of him, a wave of relief flowed through the chimera. None of this was real; it was just a game of testing strength. He had no reason to hold back. Treasure Hoarder projections defeated after a couple of minutes, the third chamber was soon upon him.

Ruin Guard and Mitachurl waiting for him on the final chamber of third floor, the early adult allowed a gulp to escape the esophagus. He needed to proceed with caution, or the war machine would take him out of the picture. Mechanical arms spinning about as his flower friend took the stage, the fight took a sharp turn towards the opposite direction.

Dynamic duo taken out after a few minutes, seven stars had been added to the soldier's overall counter. Fourth floor ready to be raided by him, the hyena had begun to get on the offensive. But, easy mode had soon turned to medium. Enemies only beginning to get stronger, more time had been eaten up to reach a conclusion.

Monolith returning on the second chamber, a struggle fight was upon the chimera. Device protected with only forty-five vitality remaining, the third and final chamber had begun to put the hyena on the wringer. Barely succeeding, six stars had been added to the hyena's challenge pool.

Fifth floor ready to be conquered, a new challenge had added itself to the mix. Lynx explaining to him starting from the fifth floor onward, chambers were now split into two halves, the soldier blinked. How could one person conquer six chambers by themselves? Surely, this place was meant for more than one person to do together in a team.

Turning towards Naofa, Siorc titled his head. Was he really going to do both halves of a chamber by himself? Surely, those were not the rules. He could not help but feel some sort of guidelines had been broken by them. But, he supposed nothing could be done if such were the case.

First chamber filled with many Cryo Slimes and other enemies, the chimera let out a sigh. His Vision would be useless here, for sure. Cryo and Dendro did not react to one another whatsoever. Flower friend not bringing much to the battle table, the soldier's greatsword and the monsters met. First half cleared after five minutes, the lynx dragged the soldier onto the other side of the wall.

Red key pressed, fear nibbled on the cartilage of the chimera's ear. Pyro Abyss Mages waving their wands, a sea of flames surrounded the soldier. He had to fight monsters who wielded fire? Absolutely terrifying. Uniform singed at the tips as the three robed monstrosities kept going, the early adult threw down his temporary Cryo flower friend. He couldn't just stand there. He had to fight.

Mages fading into the ether after three minutes passed by him, the second chamber took the soldier for a transport balloon ride. Monsters taking more than thirty hits to defeat, four minutes had been nearly wasted. Second half ramping up the challenge to eleven, only three minutes on the clock remained.

Final enemy on the second half of the second chamber teasing him for seconds on end, the hyena prepared himself for possible failure. Last enemy soon defeated, the third and final chamber upon the fifth floor was about to throw spikes upon the ground. Monsters lasting longer, the chimera broke out into a teeming sweat.

First half finished in almost four minutes, the second half placed oil into the nonexistent water. Fatui Agent projection screaming at him to pay his dues, the early adult let out a scream. How was he supposed to conquer an Agent? Real or not, he knew there was no way he would win unscathed.

Daggers decorating his uniform as the fake Fatui Agent dashed around him like it was nothing, the early adult flinched. Even if the enemies were not real, the damage dealt was not a dream, guaranteed. Blades swiped across his hips, his shouts only grew louder.

Every other enemy taken out, the faux, projection Fatui Agent kept running around at lightning speed. Masked man disappearing, shadow clones joined the battle like a certain spiky blond ramen named ninja in another universe. Agent's shadow soon glowing red as he ran, the soldier placed his blade in front of him.

Blade slashing the nearly invisible man, the enemy had come out of hiding. Daggers soon on fire, the hyena jumped four steps back. Sprinting around in a circle, the soldier dashed towards the man's backside. Back slashed to oblivion, the faux Agent fell to his knees.

Squeaking by with six stars accumulated, the sixth floor had been upon the chimera. Letting out a huff, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena. There was still more floors he had to conquer? Did the Spiral Abyss go on forever? If there was no end in sight, he knew the day at hand would be a long one.

First chamber on the sixth floor littered with Slimes, Hilichurls, Whopperflowers and Samachurls, the soldier steeled himself. Slimes and Hilichurls again? Wasn't this place supposed to be a challenge? Readying to have the monsters become one with nature back into the world of resets, the early adult threw down a flower friend. Creatures taking a major hit, the hyena put on a small smile. This floor would be easy, for sure.

Complacency was a disease.

Samachurls soon chanting a spell in their own language, rain poured down on the enemies. Energy regained, the Hilichurls danced on the battlefield. Monsters back to their highest point of vitality, everything had reversed back to the first square on the board.

Knowing that, if he let the Samachurls stay on the battlefield, they would revitalize their allies, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint. Shamanic monsters defeated, the chimera locked his mismatched eyes onto the Whopperflowers. Monster plants taken out after three minutes, the rest of the monsters fell to the floor one after another.

But, the medium switch soon flipped over to hard mode. Finishing the second half with only ninety seconds remaining, the second chamber was a cluster of noise. More than twenty enemies throwing the soldier for a loop on the first half, the hyena huffed and weak breath. Why were all the monsters and projections of people getting so much harder, of a sudden?

Second half's double dozen monsters with two extra members defeated with only twenty seconds on the timer, the soldier let out a sigh. There was no way he was going to be able to reach whatever end the domain had to offer. Third chamber taking the hyena for a ride, barely any time remained on the second half.

Timer on the chimera's wrist blinking as the final enemy beat him a bruised pulp, the early adult's palms shook. Ten seconds left, he had to win, the choice was not his. Blade slicing the projection as the timer was about two seconds to zero, the soldier was not saved by the bell.

Lynx's device glowing red as the challenge ended, a wave of unease wrapped vines around the chimera. He had failed. Naofa was going to wrap its hands around his neck any minute now. But, no such violence ever came. Lynx escorting him outside, the outside world was upon him once more. Eye on him, the soldier gave eye contact.

Siorc making it all the way to the end of the sixth floor with some guidance along the way, Naofa shrugged its shoulders. He had performed exactly as it had predicted. How incredibly disappointing. Perhaps, stopping here was for the best. Dealing with a problem tomorrow could take the place of conquering the final six floors. Decision made, a sneaky smile graced its face. Maybe it was time to send him on his way for the evening.

"We're done for today. I see no point in continuing this," Naofa said, tone fake and plastic. "You did decent today. I was hoping you'd make it to the twelfth floor, but your skill levels are far too average." Shaking its head, a hint of disappointment littered its voice. "We won't be coming back here tomorrow. We'll be doing something else instead!" It then pointed at his back pocket with a fervor. "Go on, now, go back to Snezhnaya. I'll see you in the morning." It then bent over towards the chimera's ear, lowering its voice into a whisper. "By the way, I didn't help you because I could clear this entire dungeon in a matter of seconds." Raising back to its knees, it turned towards the opposite direction. "Run along now, I wouldn't stay in this area, if I were you! There's nothing here."

Knowing that was his cue to leave, the early adult opened the proxy orb back into map form. Military Barracks waypoint highlighted, the chimera closed his eyes. Soundproof room soon upon him, the hyena let out a deep yawn. Uniform soon removed, the soldier studied the winter jacket, for a moment.

No signs of damage on the winter coat, the hyena tilted his head. Had all the injuries he sustained in the Spiral Abyss healed themselves upon exiting? He supposed Naofa was right, the domain was only a game. Everything else removed, and glasses put away, the chimera slumped into the uncomfortable bed. But, one final thought looped on repeat as the land of dreams was ready to invite him back in.

Whatever they were doing tomorrow, he was not looking forward to it.

***

"Looks like Irpa is challenging me in Inazuma!
If that's how it is, this will be easy!
That little glasses wearing crybaby, she won't be able to do anything!
Though, I guess I'll take Siorc with me, and act
Like it's a problem plaguing the nation
Especially! He won't question me! Little, puny zombified

Ghost dogs with your pathetic alchemy?
How pitiful can you be?
Over all these years of that
Stupid little curse of yours, you can't make anything meaningful!
That much remains the same, as you can see!
Little, weak and pitiful Irpa,
You should give up on challenging me!

Don't think these little, puny puppies are enough to stop me.
One after another, I'll defeat them, and
Grind your dumb little alchemy
Stunt to a halt!

Oh, but I guess I won't be alone, that pathetic hyena chimera will be
Next to me, fighting alongside me!

Noxious thorn in my side of a cousin,
All your dogs will go back to
Rotting! You're five hundred twenty years too late to
Unleash a challenge upon me!
Knowing you, you told Faxi what I told you!
As big mouthed as ever,
My human side of the brain was always wrong about you being
Intelligent, and sweet! You're so pitiful,

It makes me weak!
So, I'll do you that favor, and make you
Look worse than me!
After all, your alchemy is subpar!
Nothing in comparison to the ley lines,
Don't you see?

All of your attempts to best me won't work! I,
Naofa, am the one who is supreme! The one on top, the one rolling the
Dice! Tuck your little tail

Between your legs, and give up! In
Every aspect, I am at the top,
You are at the bottom! It's so
Obvious to me!
Now, I'll just play along with your little game!
Don't breathe!"

Waking up the next morning, a sea of questions swam through the soldier's mind. Lynx chimera in Shogunate attire, confusion kept looping circles around the hyena. Why was it wearing their Inazuma attire? Surely, the nation was still closed to outsiders. But the questions within him only continued to grow as the next round of information laid itself out to him.

Told the lynx and he would be fighting a legion of zombified ghost dogs around Inazuma, alarm bells danced around in the soldier's head. He had to fight cute, innocent, dogs that were between two worlds? How awful. There was no way he could do such a thing, in good conscience Knowing he did not have a choice in the matter, the chimera closed his eyes.

Nodding at the lynx chimera, the early adult held back another sigh. Was Naofa taking advantage of his love for small, cute animals? He knew such was definitely not out of the question. Soon told to highlight the waypoint in Konda Village, the soldier did as instructed, but another wave of predictable words had soon come the hyena's way.

Naofa informing him it was a girl named Rena today, the soldier rolled his eyes to the ceiling as he pressed the teleport button. Did they really think their poorly disguised name would work anymore? Blondes in Inazuma were rarer than finding nothing but cabbages in a treasure chest.

Small village beside a short riverbed reached through the teleport waypoint, panic filled the streets. Generic Inazuman citizens screaming and running about as ghastly looking pack of three Shiba Inus with eyes that looked ready to rot off, swords between their filthy teeth, foxes and children had soon been caught into the mess.

Poor little dogs swiping their tiny little swords forward, the foxes on the grass let out a loud whine. Young village children stubbed with the creature between two borders as well, a sea of conflict flowed through the chimera. Surely, the dog was just defending itself. Hurt an innocent, adorable group of pups who were unwell, and confused? Absolutely not. He would not raise a hand to them. But, such refusal was challenged in a matter of moments.

Siorc refusing to fight a stupid little zombified dog, Rena grabbed the hyena chimera's wrist. Did he really think they'd let him sit by and do nothing? He had another thing coming if he thought she would allow such a thing. Gripping the leech's wrist tight, they twisted his hand backwards.

"Do you really think I'm going to let you refuse to participate?" Rena asked, digging their claws into the hyena chimera's wrist. "Nice try, not happening!" They then prepared the final blow, no mercy. "If you don't battle, I'll tell Her Majesty you shirked work today! I bet she'd love to hear that!" A sinister laugh broke loose from their throat.

Life placed on the line, the chimera flinched. Right, he had no choice in the matter. He had to fight the zombified dogs, whether he liked it or not. The choice was not his if he wished to keep on living. Inazuman style claymore handed to him as the pups were getting on the offensive as they spotted the lynx and he, the soldier took a long, deep breath.

First dog swiping its blade towards his feet, the soldier reluctantly threw down a flower friend. Windwheel Aster friend's vines doing numbers onto the poor, innocent dog's rotting fur, the unfriendly foe fell backwards onto its back. Flower doing far more damage than he expected, a heavy weight formed a knot in the center of the hyena's throat.

Second dog knocked back by Rena's flaming snake of doom, the hyena's eyes opened wide. Did they have to be so rough? She had to dial it down a notch, for sure. Dogs were still friends, no matter what shape or state of life they were in. Rotten fur melting away, the pack of three had soon become a party of one.

Third raging dog coming towards him, the early adult reluctantly swung the greatsword forward. Defenseless pet unable to fight back after four slashes, the creature between two worlds decomposed into the world's fertilizer. Knot growing tighter in his throat as the lynx grabbed his wrist into a tight lock, another round of chaos brewed within the village.

Ghostly pups patrolling in a straight line around the pathway towards Byakko Plain, deep claws dug themselves into the elderly man on patrol at the edge of the village. Rena mincing the undead dog not of this world into nothing but rancid, smelly fur, the fight continue along the dirt road.

Multiple dogs dashing off towards an electric barrier upon being spotted, their decomposing bodies crackled with bright, yellow static. Beams of bolting lightning coming the early adult's way, the young soldiers knees were zapped into immobility for minutes on end.

Rena's flames overloading the ghastly critters electricity into overdrive, their attacks backfired onto the owner. Static dissipating after awhile, the hyena threw down a flower friend, conscience screaming at him from every angle. Lynx's fire shaking hands with the Windwheel Aster, the seeds dropping downward burgeoned into an explosion.

Pack of pups fading into the ether as Byakko Plain was traversed through, a weight dropped down onto the center of the hyena's chest. Surely, there had to be a way to let the dogs live the world happily in their undead states. Violence was far too drastic an answer. But, he knew he could not say such, Rena would shut down his point straight away.

Multiple bewildered enemies defeated in a matter of moments, a sharp curve towards the east was soon upon the lynx and he. Ghastly woofs echoing on the wind as an island in the corner with beautiful sakura trees approached ever so closer, the hyena placed his hand on his chest. More poor little pups were about bellow their last bark.

Black and white hounds whose bodies were looking ready to fall apart holding up a mask, food stall merchant and young woman in the corner beside a gate, the soldier's eyebrows had begun to twitch. Rancid claws ruining the merchandise, then sinking into the generic salesman's feet, a scream broke loose through the small Island.

Flaming projectiles setting the rotted dog's back ablaze, the early adult's heart had begun to weigh twice its size. Couldn't Rena and he have just taken the clearly unwell pets to an animal doctor? Surely, they could cure them. Lynx pulling on his ear as his thoughts lost him, the hyena returned to the battle. He supposed he still had no choice in the matter, he had to continue fighting.

First merchant set free, the early adult let out a sigh. Lightly swiping the blade onto the dog's foul smelling back, the soldier closed his eyes. He could not watch. Fighting with his eyes closed was for the best. Weapon continuing to strike blind, the pup between two worlds faded into the ether.

Final zombie dog not of this world vanquished in Amakane Island with the lynx and hyena's elements combined, a new round of information had come their way. Woman wearing a kimono informing Rena more of the rabid dogs had been spotted around Chinju Forest disturbing the Baketanuki, the chimera's wrist had been gripped into a tight lock, in an instant.

Reaching the dark, blue grass river forest after an hour of walking, the chimera turned his head to the right and left. Was it just his imagination, or was he hearing the sound of voices causing a racket by the tanuki statute in the corner? Knowing he had to check it out, the hyena broke free from Rena's tight grip. But, preparedness died upon arrival.

Washboard ab oni with three rowdy men causing a racket with the Baketanuki in the forest and a short, green haired woman wearing a mask over her mouth looking ready to punch every single one of them, the soldier turned his attention towards them. Sacred racoon dogs dancing about attempting to do various tricks for a small, brown dog, bones visible everywhere through its long gone fur, a race of questions flowed through the hyena.

What was a gang doing in the middle of a forest dancing with the tanuki that lived here? Exposed abs soon taunting him, the early adult covered his eyes. Why did the oni have to have such a perfect looking body? But, he knew he could not allow such distraction get in the way. Dance show continuing about, the oni soon bragged out into the grassy streets.

"How do you like my dance moves, demon dog?" the oni asked, hint of challenge in his voice. "I, Arataki ----, am the one and oni, Number One Dog Tamer!" A round of cheers from the peanut gallery soon took over.

"You go, boss!" one of the gang members cheered.

"You got him now! He looks happier!" another gang member cheered. But, the tides soon turned.

Zombie dog no longer of this world looking ready to pop, the undead pet lunged into the air upon its bony hind legs. Chompers out and ready, its fangs crunched on the oni's hips like they were an afternoon snack. Blood trickling down as their bite of doom continued, hostilities hit the wind.

"You little rascal!" the oni shouted, shaking the dog off of him. "You think you can challenge me?!" More dogs soon joining the fray, another voice from the peanut gallery invited itself to the conversation.

"You idiot!" the masked girl shouted. Her words seethed with anger. "You made him angry!" Dogs surrounding her, ready to pounce, her fist shook. "Great, now his friends are here! You guys better clean up this mess you created!" Unsheathing a sword from her pocket, an electric whip surrounded her.

Rena inviting herself to join the gang's party, the soldier had been elected as a member, as well. Green haired deputy chief of the gang saying this was her gang's mess to take care of, Rena kept insisting. Charisma winning the battle, the Arataki Gang plus two addons begun the fight with a fervor.

Proclaimed demon dogs defeated from the oni's bull friend, Rena's flames, and the hyena's flower friend infused with electricity by the only female member of the Arataki Gang, the first round of ghostly dogs from world beyond had become one with nature. Rest of the creatures fended off as well, the forest had been all but cleared out.

Forest soon behind the soldier and lynx, a sight to behold took the soldier by storm. Large estate west from the blue grassed woods full of noticeable damages even from afar, the hyena sprinted towards Yashiro Commission property. While he knew if members of the Shogun army spotted him, he would be escorted away, trouble was a dog foot.

Blond housekeeper and the famous Himegimi observing a pack of dogs laying on their bellies, intestines completely visible, a great look of concern painted the young woman and her housekeeper's faces. Blond lowering himself to his knees, his eyes were on the pup's stomachs.

"My lady, whatever happened to these dogs, they're certainly not well," the housekeeper said. "We should take them inside and take care of them!" But, his words were soon cut off as a barrage of arrows came raining down in an onslaught.

Arrows lodging themselves into the pup's visible intestines, the early adult shook his head. Why did Rena have to do that? The dogs were not even attacking. Blond and the Himegimi glaring daggers at her, the soldier backed four steps away. Whatever was about to happen, he would not step into help if the lynx demanded him to.

"Hey! Why would you do something like that?!" the housekeeper shouted. "Attacking dogs are suffering like this? You should be ashamed of yourself, Rena." The Himegimi soon joined the conversation.

"Rena-san! That was uncalled for!" the Himegimi exclaimed. "My, so rude!"

More rounds of scolding coming Rena's way, a deep, toothy smirk appeared on the chimera's face. Rena deserved all the criticism they were getting right now, for sure. Small wooden basket in the corner grabbed, the soldier handed the bucket off to the housekeeper.

Housekeeper scooping up the dogs into the small basket meant for drawing water, a shout blazed through the estate as the Himegimi and the blond dashed towards the estate door. Rounds of words from the two stating they would take care of the ill puppies, the weight upon the hyena's chest grew lighter. Maybe these dogs were in good hands for now.

Rena locking the early adult's wrist into a tight grip, the next location had their sights set. Told they would be heading to Kannazuka, Amakane Island was quickly returned to. Boat summoned by a strange waypoint, the vessel cruised towards the west. North of the Kujou Encampment reached after about an hour of sailing, an unsettling sight took over the area as a battlefield was reached.

Fiery red cube spilling piping hot lava on its den next to a pure white dog rotted fur singed into nothing, the ghostly zombified creature between worlds soon got on the offensive. Flaming cube swirling alongside it, the chimera prepared himself. He supposed there was no getting out of it. He had to fight the pup and its ball.

Rena switching out its vision with its delusion, searing flame traps took the stage as the cube rolled itself up into a flaming ball. Dog chasing the ball like it was its toy, flames glowed around the creature. Lynx placing itself into a launching stance as the ball of fire rolled around the battlefield, delusional electricity slowly did the deed.

Ball soon undone, the soldier closed his eyes, for a moment. Claymore and the cube shaking hands, a few hits had connected themselves. Lynx shooting electricity the dog's way, the hyena's heart skipped a beat. Why couldn't they just leave them alone? The dog was only playing in their afterlife. But, he knew he had to keep fighting. The choice was not his.

Cube coiling itself into a barrier as flaming pits of lava pooled onto the battlefield, a sea of instructions had come the soldier's way. Told to toss one of his flowers at the searing pool of heat, the hyena obliged. Cage of electricity surrounding the Windwheel Aster, one pool had been removed.

Second and third pools deflated, the core had soon grown weak. Dog between two worlds in the heat of the moment barking at their toy, the soldier could feel his chest grow heavier once more. Hypostasis taken out of the picture, the blade hit the pup, as well.

Cube and world's pet fading into the ether, a ton had been thrown down upon the hyena's back. Why couldn't this stop? This was far too cruel. Lynx dragging him off the battlefield, the next order of business was about to be upon him. Tatarasuna next on the list, the chimera held back tears. More poor, innocent, confused dogs were about to get hurt.

Kujou Encampment skipped over and ignored, the party of two kept heading south. Rabid ghost dogs blocking the path as Tatarasuna was swiftly approaching, the early adult hesitated as he threw the flower friend. Vines smacking the visible bones, the hyena fought back the tears as the pups fells onto the ground. But, such had not yet been the end of the battles at hand.

Multiple dogs with rotted jaws squaring off with samurai beside a cliffside in a rainy area within Tatarasuna, the hyena let out a sigh as Rena forced him to join the fight once more. Electricity and nature removing the dogs from their extended visit in this world, another ton had been tossed upon the soldier's back.

Pups guarding a domain off in the corner howling in pain, the soldier closed his eyes as his blade pressed through the animals. He could no longer watch his monstrous actions. Rena dealing the final blow, he turned his head off into the opposite direction. No more, he couldn't watch for another moment.

Final set of undead zombified pets taken out of the equation, Rena veered off towards the northeast. But, something had been off as Nazuchi Beach had been crossed through. Lynx turning their head towards the right and left, the chimera tilted his head. Why was Naofa suddenly wary out of nowhere? If someone were watching them, they definitely deserved it.

But, as the end of the beach had been reached, the soldier turned his head to the right and left as well. He could not help but feel eyes were also on him. But, the hyena shook off such feeling. Surely, he had been swept up in Rena's unease. Higi Village reached after thirty minutes of silent walking, a peculiar sight took the soldier by a thunderstorm.

Sharp dressed rabbit chimera in a blouse suit attempting to pacify vicious looking dogs with a demonic look on their face beside a large tree blossoming with beautiful orange leaves, a tired sigh released from her throat. Pups looking ready to attack, she let out a deep sigh.

"I really don't have time to deal with this right now," Kouneko complained, gloved palm slapping across her forehead. "I have to pick up my brother in two hours." But the undead bark soon prepared its bite. Rotting chompers sinking into her shoulder, the fabric on her fancy outfit tore off. "Looks like I'm going to have throw this suit out later." Sighing, she attempted to shake the dog off her shoulder. "Hii-chan, that's enough. Let go of me now." Rena rolling up her sleeves, she soon threw herself into the ring.

"Your little friend there could use a lesson in obedience!" Rena exclaimed. "Follow my lead, but you're going to have to attack it whether you like it or not, Hogo-san!"

Kouneko barely agreeing to the plan, the dog proclaimed Hii-chan had been knocked off the rabbit chimera's shoulder. But, more pups had soon joined the party, rage boiling over as their friend took the fall. Bony snouts falling off as they readied to get onto the offensive, a moon-like orb appeared in front of the well dressed rabbit's hands.

Spells of wind knocking the dog mob back, delusional Electro added itself to the mix. Anemo swirling the electricity into its vortex, the elements shook hands with one another. Lynx's eyes soon on the hyena, the early adult closed his eyes deeply shut as his flower friend had been tossed the dog's way. Lightning projectiles combining forces with the dropped seeds on the ground, the cores hyper bloomed into an explosion.

Dogs beginning to fall one after another from the combined elemental forces, the early adult placed his hands on his chest. Pups looking as though they were suffering as they had become one with nature, the hyena turned his head towards the opposite direction. But, eyes were soon on him. Question coming his way, the soldier's eyes wandered towards the noise.

"Are you alright?" Kouneko asked.

Not giving the well dressed rabbit an answer, the chimera's gazed down towards the grass. He was a terrible vile, villain, fighting dogs, even if they were demonic ghost zombies. They did not deserve such violence upon them. They were just trying to live their undead lives. He was a monster, the poor dogs did not deserve this. But, such food cart of thought was interrupted in a matter of moments.

"That look on your face tells all," Kouneko replied to the nonexistent answer. "You look quite troubled by all this." But, Rena's voice soon rudely interrupted.

"Hogo-san, just ignore him! He's fine!" Rena replied, cutting in. "Don't think twice about that look on his face! He always looks like that!"

Feelings dismissed in a matter of moments, the early adult kept his attention on the grass beneath him. He supposed he expected such outcome, at this point. Kouneko dropping the subject faster than the speed of sound, a new round of information had come the lynx and hyena's way.

Well dressed rabbit informing Rena a group of large, flying dogs with bat wings on their back circling around the Serpent's Head slightly southeast of the village, the lynx sped off like a bullet. Attempting with all his might to catch up, a sight for sore eyes took the snake monument in the corner for a ride.

Demonic group of pups twice the size of a normal full grown dog flapping their bat wings about, the hyena's heart skipped a beat. First, pigs were flying, now dogs? But, he supposed, anything was possible in his journeys around Teyvat with Naofa. Enemy landing onto the ground, the batty pet from a world unknown blew its dirty breath upon the air.

Rancid breath puffing from the dog's mouth in rapid fire, the early adult held back the urge to gag. Why did the pup's breath smell like wet, rotting soil? Breath attack overtaking him, a wave of light dizziness overtook the chimera. Enemy letting out an echoing bark, a blade rode the wind. Sword now in its mouth, the armed canine parried.

Pup sword art slashing the tips of Rena's uniform, the early adult regained focus as his energy restored after two minutes. But, the disgusting breath trap soon returned. Beam of the horrific scent flowing through his nostrils, the soldier covered his mouth and nose. Energy sapping further as the putrid scent continued its rampage, the hyena attempted with all his might to tune out the smell.

Rena rummaging through the sack on its back, a naginata had been unsheathed from the container hidden behind its uniform. Inazuman style polearm slashing the dog a new one, an opening had been upon him. Claymore joining forces with the spear, the duo slashed about in unison.

Dog falling onto the grass after about thirty combined slashes, the pup faded into the ether. Rena soon switching back to its bow, every other enemy flapping about had fallen out of the air, crashing far downward into the Mikage Furnace. Area soon growing quiet, their head turned towards the right and left.

Rena looking around from every single angle, the hyena shook his head. Was she worried about someone spotting her attack dogs? If such were the case, whatever punishment they and he would get was a well deserved sentence. Face soon turning towards him, the chimera looked into the lynx's eye.

"You're done for today," Naofa said, turning its head towards the right and left. "It would seem suddenly something came up elsewhere, and I have to deal with it, pronto." Turning off towards the opposite direction, it readied to run away. "I have to go now! Bye, bye, butterfly!" Dashing off faster than he could keep up, the lynx was gone.

Watching as Naofa dashed off like its life depended on it, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. What had gotten into it all of a sudden? Nothing ever bothered the lynx chimera. It always had a way to manipulate everyone with its charm. But, a realization had soon flowed through the hyena. Someone was definitely watching him.

Turning around towards his backside, a predictable sight presented itself to the hyena. Maroon haired detective looking deeply lost in thought, emotion broke a straw on the chimera's back. He could no longer hold it in. Everything was breaking. Tears flowing like a river, a sea of thought beat the soldier up.

He was a monster, a disgusting dog vanquisher. If the detective were here to arrest him, he would not surrender. He deserved such outcome guaranteed. Tears continuing to fall for minutes on end, the barrage of thoughts would not cease, even for a moment, but the young man's voice soon cut water like a jitte breaking swords.

"Wipe your tears," the detective said, serious look on his face. "Those dogs you fought were not real. I suspect they were artificial creations."

Words not reaching him, the early adult placed his hands in front of him. Spotting a sword cutter attached to his outfit, the soldier surrendered himself. This man was part of the police, wasn't he? He surrendered, guilty as charged, a dog criminal. But, the detective quickly shook his head.

"Slow down, I'm not here to arrest you," the detective replied the man's movements. "You seem particularly troubled by these series of events. Why don't we investigate this further?"

Offer of an investigation coming his way, the chimera nodded. Was he truly allowed to join forces with a detective when he had been the one who fought the pups? Detective soon telling him they're going to head for the beach, the soldier had soon been on high alert.

Investigation kicking into full swing, a peculiar sight caught the detective's eyes. Noting there had been lynx footprints on the wet ground, the hyena could not help but wonder. Had Naofa done all this? But, the chimera shook his head. Maybe its brother was messing with it again. Although, such conclusion was not adding up to one plus one equaling two.

"How strange to see lynx footprints," the detective noted. "Those species of felines do not live around here, as far as I am aware."

Trail leading to Nazuchi beach as expected, the culprit had been locked down in a matter of minutes. Short young woman with long blonde hair and icy blue pigtails barely hiding her face with a dark black cloak, a sea of confusion pushed the chimera out to sea. What had Irpa been doing here? How had Irpa been here? Wasn't she a wandering spirit?

"You must be the culprit of this artificial dog case," the detective said, index finger pointing in an accusatory manner. "There is artificial dog fur all over you." Culprit looking nervous, he pointed again. "The truth is out there now."

Lynx's sister turning around with a feigned smile on her face, the soldier rubbed his eyes. Was Irpa really here in front of him, or was he imagining it? Detective pointing her out, he shook his head. There was no way this was imagination. She was right here. Looking ready to admit to the crime, the hooded girl spoke the truth.

"Yes, that's correct, detective, you deduced right," Irpa said, laughing. "I didn't intend for any harm. I just wanted to play a little with alchemy."

Alchemy brought to the table, the soldier's mouth gaped wide open. Did alchemy have the ability to create entire beings? Knowing now the dogs had been created by scientific arts, tears flowed down the chimera's face like a river once more. He had hurt, poor innocent, alchemical creatures.

He was a monster.

"Ah, you're not from Inazuma, are you?" the detective deduced. "I will let you off the hook this time. But, next time, please do not mess with the demonic arts." An answer had come his way immediately.

"I'll be leaving soon, Mr. Detective. Don't you worry one bit, I won't be creating any more dogs," Irpa replied, faking a smile. "You won't have to deal with me anymore. I assure you."

Detective taking his leave, the young man regarded the case closed. Feigned smile still painting Irpa's face, the early adult buried his face into his hands, palms soaked to the bone. The dogs he had fought, they were living, breathing, creations of alchemy, no matter what state they were in. He had to apologize to their creator immediately.

Young, purple haired detective's plus one trying to cover his eyes attempting to hide his crying face, Irpa rolled her eyes towards the sandy ground beneath her. What was this person crying for? Did he seriously feel bad for the dogs she had created through alchemy? She would set the record straight once and for all. Crying people were quite the annoying pest that needed to sprayed with repellent.

"Why are you crying?" Irpa asked, irritated. "Those dogs weren't real, or breathing. I artificially created them, okay?"

Hearing Irpa's response, a shock shot down the hyena's spine. What a sudden change in attitude. Was this the same person who burst into tears over being referred to as someone's cousin? But, he supposed spirits projecting themselves changed as well. Placing his hands in front of him, the soldier signed a question upon the air. Inquiring about what happened to her, the soldier tilted his head. Had she grown a second spine?

Young, silent man using sign language to communicate with her, Irpa held back a laugh. She remembered now. This person had been one of the two guys who had tagged along with Naofa a few months prior when her astral projection was in Wuwang Hill. What a coincidence he had appeared here in Nazuchi Beach now when she was stirring up trouble. She supposed she could humor him with an answer about what was going on with her.

"Oh, I'm not that weak, five-hundred-year old crybaby anymore. Faxi told me what Naofa did," Irpa responded, giving a closed eye smile. She then gazed back towards the young man. "And now that I have my new, physical body, no more Ms. Nice Guy. I'm through letting my sibling control people." She let out another laugh. "Those ghost demon dog zombies were supposed to be a present for them. But, little did I know, they took you along for the ride!" She shook her head, adjusting her glasses. "But, I have no ill will towards you for interfering."

The chimera could feel his head spin as the information clouded inside him. Irpa has a body now? He did not quite understand what she had meant. Tilting his head, the confusion continued. Words continuing to baffle him, he looked into the young woman's bespectacled eyes.

"What confuses you about this? Well, don't worry about it, I guess it doesn't really matter," Irpa said, turning her heels in the opposite direction. "I'll see you again in a week. My siblings and I are going to finally give it what it deserves." Stepping towards the edge of the beach, she waved a goodbye. "Tata, for now!"

Head continuing to spin, the soldier removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Highlighting the waypoint to the barracks, the hyena dissipated the map back into orb form. Reaching the soundproof room after ten minutes of walking, a wave of tiredness overtook the hyena. Everything soon removed, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed, but one final thought looped on repeat as the world of sleep took him away.

Naofa would soon get its comeuppance.

Well deserved comeuppance, indeed.

---

At first, when I had the idea to write the spiral abyss, this was meant to be the final chapter, but I eventually decided I had to do two more, but originally during the planning phases, this would have been the end.

That didn't happen because I decided there had to be a different conclusion. So yeah.

 

[Palamon]

39. Nonroyal Nobodies, Snake Outbreak, and Synthetic Siblings

"Stop these dreams, I am hurting.
Now, I want to scream,
And, I am crying. This is
Killing me inside, I'm breaking.
Everything is burning,
Stop, please, that incident was years ago. Stop,

Please, I am begging
Let me sleep in peace.
All of this is terrifying
Get me away
Unleash something to free me,
I'm used to this, but
Never do I feel safe when asleep.
Get me away from my dreams. Get

Me away from this terror, please.
Yes, please, Archons, I'm begging.

Don't do this to me.
Release me from this torture
Everything is burning
All of my dreams are terrifying. All of
My dreams are tormenting. But, I
Shouldn't complain, should I? That's not allowed, to me, as a Fatui."

Dreaming continued its never ending cycle of torment within the hyena's diplomatic Fatui life. The cycle of anguish would loop and reverse, taking turns that would never flip over to the positive side of the coin. The circle of doom would continue to have the coin face tails in the night before him, as well.

Before him had been a field of hydrangeas. They were a beautiful deep blue and glowed against the rain. Droplets pitter pattering within the dream world, the early adult had come to wonder. Just where had the dream world taken him this time? He had rarely ever seen the flower in the mortal waking world.

Sitting beside the plants, the early adult let out a sigh. There was no way he could lay down in such flowers. Hydrangeas were poisonous, even in the dream world, guaranteed. Folding his legs into the shape of a pretzel, the hyena stared off into dream space, for the time being.

Nothing happening for dream minutes on end, the soldier kept gazing at the not reality presented to him blissfully. Everything remaining silent as time ticked faster, a small smile appeared on the subconscious face. Perhaps, just maybe nothing horrifying would happen in the dream world today.

A challenger would soon arrive upon the dream battlefield.

Rain soon tinted a deep orange, the grass around the hyena burst into flames. Fire teeming down from the skies, the early adult let out a shout. Where had this burning rain come from? Placing his hands over the top of his head, the young soldier ducked for cover, but such attempt was futile.

Grass beneath the soldier's feet burning one after another, the hyena slumped over. The world was burning, rotting, becoming charcoal. Flames soon reaching from underneath him, a hole soon took the field's place as though it had always been in the picture.

Gravity working against him, the early adult's dream body raced downward upon the nonexistent air. Dropping down faster than the subconscious eyes could keep up, the hyena closed his eyes. In a matter of moments, he would be an orange splat upon the ground, for sure.

Feeling his possibly human rear hit the ground, the soldier opened his dream eyes once more. Turning his head towards the right and left, the early adult observed the area in front of him. But, a shock soon shot down the young soldier's unfeeling spine as the world around him cemented into place.

Before him had been a rainforest, but the world had been a tarot card flipped in reverse. Trees flipped upside down, a wave of bewilderment crashed through the hyena. Everything doing an entire one-eighty, the hyena's dream eyebrows twitched. Where was he, in Wonderland? The dream world had been a ridiculous place with no physics applied.

Hearing a loud boom, the reversed trees had become unusable fertilizer in a matter of dream moments. Hearing a crackle dream seconds later, the early adult turned his head toward the left. Sparkly flames of terror combining themselves with the trees, more plants had become piles of soil as the seconds raged onward.

Fireworks looking ready to come his way, the early adult attempted to run with all his might. But, such had been an impossibility to behold. World around him flipping, everything reversed, turned, bent itself out shape beyond recognition. Sparklers taking more trees out of the picture, the hyena attempted one more time to sprint.

But, such attempt to sprint continued to flip the impossible switch for dream minutes on end. World around him flipping some more, he had reached position zero, reversal. The grass is the sky, the sky is the ground. Dream legs moving as though he were a bunch of one and zeroes in no control of his own body, the early adult's head crooked to the right. Culprit front and center, the hyena let out a gulp.

Long, coiled snakes with firework flints wrapped inside their tails, the early adult shouted at the top of his dream lungs. How had a bunch of serpents gotten their teeth on highly explosive sparklers? The dream world was a land where all logic died, in an instant. Creatures soon looking his way, their scaly eyes soon saw red.

Snake tongues firing off in rapid succession, hisses echoed throughout the burning trees. Enemies turning their tails towards him, the sparklers flints burned into overdrive. Fireworks tossed the soldier's way, the hyena's eyes opened wide. A sea of colorful fire would soon reach him. Run, he had run. He had to get out of the flame's way now, or he would become a spectacle.

The fireworks show would begin without a hitch.

Feeling a nonexistent lock glue the early adult's currently hyena legs in place, all the chimera could do was watch. Stand there, as the sparklers were about to begin their rampage upon his subconscious body. Flint soon reaching the bottom, the firework show began with a bang. Purple sparkly flames shooting the soldier's way, his uniform had become a shimmering, burning light for the entire dream snake population to see.

Sparkly fire shooting off around him in close proximity one after another, his winter jacket had been nothing but cinders. Layered shirts joining fireworks show, as well, his chest had soon been caught into the mix. Flames continuing their rampage, the early adult's subconscious body fell backwards.

Sky engulfing him as the firework show kept going, the early adult closed the dream eyes. Safety had died, torment had hugged him from behind. As blackness overtook the hyena, one final thought jabbed thorns into the young soldier's subconscious mind.

Snakes are terrifying.

***

"Now that my time in Her Majesty's stupid army is wrapping up,
I'm ready to plot the final stages of my revenge!
Next six weeks, it'll finally be time, Your pathetic Majesty.
Just you wait, you won't see it coming!
Although, for now, I have to keep pretending. It's still too early!

Now, that wretched God requested something
Annoying as I stepped into her stupid little glass castle!
Offering me this pathetic little crossbow, she
Flapped her weak little gums!
And said, 'Give this crossbow to my lovely chimera.'

Oh, how rich of you, Your Majesty, another weapon, I see.
Now, as I take it, I look inside!

There are shurikens inside, ha! How pathetic!
Her Pathetic Majesty
Expects that meek little hyena chimera to play ninja?

She's beyond pitiful! I'll show her who's the real ninja here! But, I
Cannot refuse. Remember Naofa, charisma!
Everything in hand, I say, 'Alright, Your Majesty, we'll play
Ninja!' I step out of her pathetic castle, smirking. Yes, perfect.
Everything is going all according to plan! Two more months of this, and then I'll strike. Get ready, Your Majesty!"

Upon waking up for the morning, a scream bounced off and around the steel walls. The dream he had would not leave the hyena's partially human brain. But, the chimera knew he had to get over such. There was no time. He had to get ready for the workday at hand, now. Raising from the uncomfortable bed, the early adult had begun the morning routine of dressing the body.

As he put on his uniform, the soldier stared at the steel walls. Recalling what Irpa had said yesterday, the hyena could not help but ponder. What had she meant by a new body? Wasn't she a ghost projecting herself to be visible? Perhaps, just maybe, she had possessed someone else's body and claimed it as her own. But, the chimera shook his head. He was definitely overthinking it.

Pushing such thoughts out into the snow outside, the hyena clicked the weaponized hairpins and earrings into place. Adorning matching roses in his hair and ears, the early adult gazed at the rest of the jewelry and accessories within the box in front of him. An unweaponized set of hairpins and earrings, should he buy them on his next day off? But, the chimera shook his head once more. There was no way he would have time to do such. His Fatui life was unpredictable.

Dendro Vision hooked onto his uniform pants, the early adult walked towards the edge of the room. Heelless shoes soon slipped over his currently human feet, the chimera walked back towards his uniform drawers. Flavorless rations soon devoured, wind slapped the paned glass with a roar.

Wind continuing its rampage outside, the early adult let out a sigh. A storm was about to arrive in the permafrost north at any given moment. Wind kicking up in speed as the seconds raged onward, the hyena prepared himself for anything. Wiping his glasses for a moment, the chimera had finished the morning routine of dressing the body.

Hearing the louder than ever before militaristic footsteps march on inexorably, the work mode switch flipped on inside the hyena. Time had run out. His workday of anything was about to begin. Volume of footsteps eventually reaching zero, the soldier turned his attention towards the door. Any second now, his orders would be relayed to him.

"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 in arms. Every soldier should be at the peak of their strength for Her Majesty.

The hyena allowed another sigh to escape the esophagus. What ridiculous battle awaited him today? He knew, no matter what it was that he was fighting today, he had to be ready for anything. Turning his head, he looked into the Agent's mask. Time was ticking.

"Yes, sir," the chimera replied autonomously. Arm out in front of him, he waited for the escort the begin.

Immediate response given, the Agent smirked from underneath the mask. Excellent, the soldier had been far more responsive lately. A pleasing outcome to be had, for sure. "Good. Let's go soldier," the Agent responded. Arm out in front of him, he gripped the wrist into a firm grasp. Gripping prison as relentless as it always had been the early adult gazed at the walls as the escort to the training grounds began.

What modified monster awaited him this time?

***

"Something is off with Naofa today.
Here in this cold breeze, it is
Uttering strange things. Nin nin, what does that mean?
Really, I do not understand anything
It is ever thinking.
Knowing it this is yet another stunt in its revenge.
Even so, I am not joining.
Nothing will ever convince me.

Maybe if it weren't so fake, I would consider the
Offering. But, I will not be joining. That is the
Ultimatum. No matter what, I will not be joining.
No matter what, I won't be assisting.
The lynx is on its own.
Every day, is one step closer to it leaving. When that
Day comes, I will be free. Free to

Continue planning my own departure. Leaving early will only
Rise suspicions. Yes, I need to continue to plan carefully.
Onward to the battles in front of me.
Something may be off with it today,
Something may be different,
But regardless, I cannot falter. I cannot be
Open to failure. I need to
Win today. That is key."

Upon reaching the Vision and Delusion training grounds, the early adult headed for the weapons room. Taking the usual greatsword made out of white iron off the rack, the soldier walked towards Naofa. But, a surprise awaited the soldier as he stepped towards the lynx chimera.

Lynx chimera adorning a strange black jumpsuit with red ribbons everywhere, the hyena turned his attention towards its hands. Tiny, star shaped weapons with razor edges in its left hand, and mace in its right, the early adult blinked. Why was it dressed like that? But, the chimera kept his mouth shut. Naofa turning towards him, the soldier made eye contact.

"There you are, cicada, nin nin!" Naofa said, tone oddly faking an Inazuman accent. "I'm a ninja today! Prepare yourself, ladybug!" It then handed the hyena chimera a modified crossbow. "You'll be needing this today. Get ready for battle, grasshopper!"

Peculiar looking crossbow handed to him, the early adult gazed at the weapon. Object feeling far heavier than normal, the early adult cruised his hands through the hole where the arrows would normally go. Throwing stars mounted deep in the center of the device, the early adult broke out into a teeming sweat. How was he supposed to use this thing? He has never used a modified weapon to this extent before.

But, such thoughts were cut short with a pair of invisible scissors. Hearing the heavily armored boots stomp upon the battlefield, the early adult turned his attention towards the noise. He had no time to think about such things. Heavily armored Harbinger's voice booming with commando, the soldier pushed such thoughts aside.

"Put your backs into it, soldiers," the heavily armored harbinger commanded. "These Eyes of the Storm aren't going to fight themselves." As he said such, he exited the battlefield.

Orbs of doom soon crashing onto the scene, the early adult tilted his head upwards towards the sky. Spherical beings adorning every element except Anemo, the soldier gulped. If the Eyes of the Storm were to remain airborne on the battlefield, he would definitely fail today.

Seeing the Elemental Eyes of the Storm flying around with their pathetic bodies, Naofa shrugged. The wretched Doctor hadn't made these pitiful creatures; someone else had done so. Whoever had made the creatures was far more successful at cloning and fusing their creations with elemental residue, for sure. But, perhaps, just maybe, telling a story about the Royal families of Khaenri'ah would make the Eyes of the Storm die faster.

"What do you know, someone made a successful experiment for a change!" Naofa exclaiming, tone oddly sounding conflicted. "Let's get this going, cicada. And, just so you know, some of the shurikens in there automatically apply an element when thrown! Have fun, praying mantis!"

Hearing Naofa's words, the early adult blinked. Had Naofa not laughed at all when speaking to him just now? What had gotten into them today? It had been acting quite unlike itself. Spherical Ice orb monster with a thick wall protecting it coming towards him, the soldier prepared himself for battle. Mounting the crossbow onto his left wrist, the early adult prepared to fire, ready, aim.

Eye of the Storm blasting chilling air his way, the early adult placed his right hand on the crossbow. Attempting with all his might to aim at the creature's center, the soldier pinched back the string. But, as the throwing stars aligned themselves with the bow, his fingers slipped off. Shuriken darting towards the ground, flames engulfed the metal, in an instant.

Flames exploding upon the icy ground like a firework, the enemy had been on high alert. Icy wind circling around it as it crashed onto the ground, spheres of ice surrounded the round ball of elemental energy. Legs encased into a frozen popsicle prison like a certain bard from Mondstadt, the soldier was a statue.

Enemy floating right in front of him looking ready to turn him into a frozen, life-sized icicle, the early adult unsheathed the greatsword from behind him. His right hand was free, he still had a chance to fight. But, such swing of his blade with a singular hand was an immediate failure. Storm ball floating up back towards the sky, nothing connected.

Icicle rain pouring down upon the early adult's head, the soldier attempted to hold for cover. But, such attempt was futile. Left arm far too heavy, placing his hands over the back of his head was impossible. Sharp, shingles of ice dropping down in a rapid manner, the young soldier had been at mercy of the elements.

Orb monster spinning about as the icy downpour halted itself, the soldier remained still as a statue. Claymore missing once more as the enemy kept ramping up speed, the early adult broke out into a sweat. He was a useless husk. If Her Majesty had seen him right now, she would be disappointed in him, for sure.

Unable to do anything as the Cryo Eye of the Storm floated upwards towards the sky, the hyena turned towards the lynx chimera. Naofa moving at blistering speed, its throwing stars moved faster than his mismatched eyes could follow. Electro spherical enemy knocked onto the ground, flaming ninjutsu, whatever that was, took the stage. Mace infused with flames, heat swam around the early adult's legs.

Ice cracking into tiny pieces of nothing, the early adult aimed the crossbow once more. Fingers slipping as another shuriken rode the wind, the weapon missed its mark. Throwing star hitting a target dummy in the corner, spheres of ice surrounded the enemy for the second time of the day.

Icicles raining down once more, the soldier threw down a flower friend. Perhaps, just maybe, his Silk Flower friend could catch the icicles with its leafy hands. But, such had been the incorrect decision. Shards of ice coming at the flower at blistering speed, it soon crumbled.

Flower friend unable to aid him, the soldier swung around the greatsword once more. Landing three hits upon the enemy's core, relief watched over the early adult. But such relief was dead upon arrival. Spherical enemy turning itself ninety degrees to the left, smoking icicles had shot the soldier's way like a sniper rifle. Shards colliding themselves with his knees, the joints burned.

Steamy ice continuing to burn with a passion, the early adult let out a scream. The ice was dry, subzero, smoky. Elemental storm ball spinning his way, a trail of spiky ice treaded underneath the enemy. Battlefield a steaming, frozen ice rink of many contradictions, multiple soldiers slipped and slid around upon the frozen ground.

Rapidly rubbing his knees, the hyena switched the position of his legs. He needed to try harder to hit the enemy, or his life would be over. Bending the string on the crossbow once more, the next throwing star rode the wind. Creature above dodging the starry bullet, it spun around as if it were celebrating.

Clicking his tongue as the faceless enemy threw itself a party, the hyena turned his attention towards the lynx chimera. Naofa looking as though it had completely disappeared into the shadows, shurikens soon hit two Eyes of the Storm from behind. Lynx appearing from their backside as if it had snuck up from behind them, its mace finished the deed.

Seeing Naofa defeat two enemies at once, Siorc returned his attention towards the battlefield. He needed to try harder, or he would be called a leech. Knowing he needed to avoid such outcome, the hyena placed his greatsword in front of him for what felt like the third time for the day. Enemy looking distracted by its circular dance as it lowered itself back towards the icy ground, the soldier swung towards the creature's core. But, as his attacks were turning the tides, the lynx's voice echoed on the wind.

"Say, want to hear another story, grasshopper?" Naofa asked.

The chimera rose an eyebrow. Naofa wanted to tell a story now, of all times? What incredibly poor timing, on the lynx's part. Enemy looking open as it kept doing its ridiculous dance, the early adult slid upon the ice underneath him. Distance between the Cryo Eye of the Storm and he closed in, the hyena swung the greatsword with his singular free hand forward. Armor cracking a smidgeon, the spherical monster returned itself to the sky.

Feeling a wave of concentration flowing through him, the hyena aimed the crossbow towards the sky. Eyes on the elemental being's core, the soldier pinched back the string on the mechanical weapon. Shuriken bursting into flames as it danced upon the icy air, the monster moved out of the way, in an instant.

Fiery tips only managing to hit the icy orb's center, slight color dimmed around the enemy's center. Creature looking weaker, the early adult turned towards Naofa. Knowing that, no matter what he had to respond, the hyena nodded. What ridiculous stretching of the truth awaited him this time? He supposed he was about to find out.

Returning his attention to the battlefield, the early adult eyed the monster's core once more. Perhaps it was best to continue aiming for the center, for the time being. Throwing star crackling with electricity as it danced upon the wind, a cage of lightning locked the enemy into place. Seeing such, the young soldier could not help but wonder. Had Naofa infused the weapons within the crossbow with delusions? The chimera did not know, but he felt like such had to have been the case.

Seeing Siorc nod, Naofa's face remained listless. So, he was ready to hear its story, how quaint of him. Keeping a flat look on its face, it cracked its knuckles. The time had come to talk about the only thing that mattered. Another pathetic enemy taken out of the equation, it turned towards the hyena chimera.

"Good! Then listen well, ladybug!" Naofa exclaimed, tone far chipper than normal. "Now, allow me to tell you more about Khaenri'ah! It was a region mostly full of royals! Are you surprised, cicada?"

The early adult let out a groan. Ninja Naofa seems quite excited to talk about its nation today. Feeling a small wind gust underneath his feet, the soldier leaped. Tiny wind current thrusting him upward thirty centimeters off the ground, the soldier removed a shuriken from the crossbow. Throwing the weapon directly at the enemy, the Eyes of the Storm was hit by a metallic surprise.

Icy sphere dropping onto the ground with a loud thud, the hyena staged his landing. Eye of the Storm looking too weak to move, the soldier threw down a flower friend. Windwheel Aster friend slapping its vines around the enemy, seeds dealt the final blow. Monster ball of elemental energy no more, he looked into Naofa's eye.

Ridiculously obvious fact laid out in front of him, the hyena shook his head. Was this supposed to surprise him? Absolutely ludicrous nonsense. It wasn't shocking, in the slightest. Hadn't the lynx spoken about the royal family before? Did it think he had memory retention shorter than the life of a bug? It was underestimating him, for sure, if such were the case.

Seeing Siorc shake his head, Naofa shrugged. Had the hyena chimera already figured it out by now? It supposed all the stories it had told him already would lead to him reaching such a conclusion. Folding its arms around its chest, the time had come to continue speaking about the only thing that mattered.

"Figured it wouldn't, grasshopper. I'll tell you more, then!" Naofa exclaimed, tone oddly chipper. "In Khaenri'ah, we were actually a kingdom!" Go figure, the royal family practically ran everything! But, not everyone was royal there." Throwing another shuriken, a Geo Eye of the Storm was soon defeated. "I'll tell you more in a bit, though. Watch your step, cicada, a big one is coming!"

Sound of a tidal wave crashing on the icy wind, the early adult tilted his head towards the sky. Gigantic dark blue orb enemy with a spiky shield surrounding it, the hyena shook his head. How careless of the enemy, the temperature had been nearly zero degrees celsius. Pool of water freezing into an icicle, the Hydro Eye of the Storm was a statue of ice, in an instant.

Pathetic monster frozen in place, the early adult rolled his eyes to the sky. How incredible. The brainless monster was dumber than a pile of rocks. Pinching back the string once more, a throwing star hit the enemy like ton of bricks with metallic edges. Monster crashing down, another flower friend joined the party.

Ice breaking apart as the soldier provided silent commands to the flower brought to life by his Dendro Vision, seeds joined the party. Hydro and Dendro shaking hands, the enemy remained still upon the freezing ground. Monster looking open, the soldier's legs erupted into a sprint.

Moving the crossbow further upon his arm, the soldier held the greatsword with two hands. Slashing the blade forward, the early adult kept going. Shields breaking off after ten strikes, the hyena kept up the momentum. Striking the claymore across the spherical enemy's core five more times, the elemental creature soon became one with nature.

Seeing Siorc defeat the larger than normal Eye of the Storm, the lynx hid a barely visible grin. The hyena chimera had been improving, how impressive. Its stories were working after all. Pathetic elemental monsters nowhere to be seen, it placed its hands on its chest. Eyes soon on it, it readied to continue.

"Like I said, not everyone in Khaenri'ah was royal! There were Regents, the Alberich family!" Naofa exclaimed, rubbing its palms together. "But, my family? We were just nobodies! Nonroyal nobodies some person took a liking to! And I suppose, migrants lived there, too." It then put on the first smirk of the day. "But, the Alberich family, I want my revenge on them, too. Just you wait, they'll get what's coming to them!" It let out a sinister laugh.

No more enemies upon the battlefield, the early adult returned towards the weapons room. Unmounting the crossbow upon his wrist, a large weight had been lifted from his arm. Placing the modified weapon on the rack, the soldier headed for the claymore shelf.

Placing the greatsword back onto the rack, the hyena headed towards Naofa. Lynx scolding a bunch of generic soldiers, the chimera shook his head. If the other recruits in Her Majesty's army could not handle enemies, they would never be suited for the front lines. But, the early adult snapped himself out of such thinking. What was he thinking? Other soldier's fighting capabilities were the least of his issues. Lynx soon turning towards him, the chimera gave eye contact.

"I must admit, you did pretty well today, so you can go," Naofa said, tone still oddly far chipper than normal. "These weaklings need far more training than you do!" Gloved hands pointing towards the door, it cracked a toothy smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, ladybug. Nin nin!"

Naofa returning to training the generic soldiers, the early adult exited the battlefield. But, as he walked through the hallways, a spark popped off in the soldier's brain. The Alberich family, why did that name sound so familiar? He could not help but feel the lynx had been telling the truth, for a change.

Soundproof room reached after about fifteen minutes of walking, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. The Regents of Khaenri'ah being the Alberich family. All of it sounded so familiar. Sparks popping off in his brain once more, another thought poked the active shark grooves in his brain.

The Cavalry Captain, he was an Alberich, guaranteed. His indigo eye. His eyepatch, there was no way he was normal. But, the early adult slapped his cheeks. What in the world was he thinking? He needed to snap out of it. Pushing such thoughts aside, a wave of tiredness immediately overtook the soldier.

Late evening soon kicking in, the early adult removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform soon removed as well, the soldier slumped into the rock hard bed. Glasses put aside, the hyena closed his eyes as his head hit the pillow. But, one final thought wrapped vines around the chimera as the world of sleep were about to take him away.

Nonroyal nobodies, indeed.

***

"Something isn't right here in this false
Nation of Freedom. I hear it. Rasping tongues, hissing.
Ah, my medusa senses are tingling. That annoying bard, he has a
Knack for causing trouble!
Everyone should know by now, not to disturb me.

Oh, this make me want to jump! People are so
Unsightly! The snakes are everywhere,
The aggravating citizens are screaming.
Be quiet already! You are all disturbing my daily knife sharpening!
Relax already! But, they just keep on screaming! My
Ears are ringing!
Ah, this makes me want to jump even more! Pocketing my
Knife, I step outside my

Apartment, chaos in the streets.
Looking around, I see golden snakes rattling about. Bard speeding towards me, he
Looks at me with those aggravating eyes of his. Go away! Can't you see I'm busy? I have

A death to try and reach!
Cape flowing on the wind, I
Roll my eyes as he approaches me. Halt, leave! Go
On and bother someone else! I have a windmill that I need to jump off of!
Stupid eyes on me, he giggles. "Well, look what we have here, Kígyó,
Snakes!' the stupid bard shouted, sticking out his tongue.

Maybe it's time to put a sock in it, Bard! I won't work to help you anymore!
Oh, but those annoying eyes of his, he's expecting something of me! 'If you take care of them, I'll tell you a secret!'
Now, I'm interested. Sure, stupid bard, I'll go investigate the snakes! 'Only if the secret is something that'll kill me.'
Dumb dimpled mouth smiling, why do I
Say anything to this aggravating creature? 'Of course, you got my word!' He did a
Tehee. What a moron. What
An absolutely bumbling fool.
Don't expect me to fight them, or anything. I am only doing
This because you promised your secret can kill me! Get on that, please!"

Waking up the next morning was a ridiculous sight to behold. Naofa standing by his door in a Knights of Favonius uniform, the early adult rolled his eyes to the sky. How much longer did it think that disguise would work? Its charm was already slipping. Shaking his head, the hyena looked into the lynx's singular visible eye. Whatever awaited him today, he knew he had to be ready for it.

"There seems to be a snake outbreak in Mondstadt today!" Naofa exclaimed, pointing at the hyena's back pocket. "We're going to be taking care of that, so highlight the waypoint near the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, and let's get going, flea!"

Hearing the word snake, the early adult's legs shook with a fervor. He was fighting serpentine creatures today? How absolutely terrifying. Snakes were scarier than any monster that walked the continent. But, the hyena knew he had to get over such. He had to fight, the choice was not his if he wished to keep on living.

Taking the proxy orb out from his back pocket, the hyena opened the orb into map form. Clicking the four pointed star in the corner, the soldier tapped the Mondstadt section of the map. Hovering his finger over the northwest waypoint in the capital city of Mondstadt, he turned towards Naofa.

"I am ready," the chimera replied, voice barely audible.

Seeing Siorc highlight the waypoint immediately, a wide smirk glued onto Naofa's face. The hyena chimera had already been set up. He had finally gotten the hang of not keeping it waiting, even for a moment. Finger hovering over the teleport button it stepped near him.

"Good job, butterfly! You highlighted it right away!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "Now, press teleport and let's get going already!"

Lynx chimera within a singular meter of him, the soldier pressed the teleport button. Fast travel confirmed in an instant, the hyena closed his eyes. Tower in the capital city upon the lynx and he in a split second, the hyena deployed his wind glider. Naofa jumping down onto the ground as well, it took the lead.

Headquarters soon upon the lynx and he after ten minutes of walking, the early adult turned his head towards the right and left. No Knights outside the doors, the early adult blinked. Why weren't the guards on duty? He could not help but feel everyone had been on the snake frontlines today.

Naofa gripping the hyena's wrist into a tight lock, the doors to headquarters were soon opened. Dragged into the Acting Grand Master's office, a sight to behold presented itself to the chimera. Young, dirty blonde knight scribbling away with deep dark circles under her eyes, the hyena shook his head. The Acting Grand Master needed a vacation, for sure. Lynx knocking on the desk wood, she soon rose her head from her intense paperwork session.

"I'm glad you came, Knight Naofa," the Acting Grand Master said, voice tired. "The snakes spotted around Mondstadt seem to be impenetrable." Firmly shaking her head, she rubbed her temples. "Not even ----'s bombs seem to be able to defeat them. I'm sorry for asking you and your partner here for assistance out of the blue like this, but could you take care of it?"

Watching as Naofa slapped its gloves together, the hyena slapped his palm across his forehead. If the Pyro Elf Girl of Doom couldn't defeat snakes with her bombs, what makes the Acting Grand Master think the lynx would be able to defeat serpents possibly encased in steel? But such sea of thoughts was proven wrong in a matter of moments.

"Have no fear, Master ----! I have anti snake equipment!" Naofa said to the Acting Grand Master. It then turned towards the hyena chimera. "Let's go, Siorc. We have snakes to kill!" Leading the way, the office had soon been exited.

Lynx leading the way, the soldier followed behind in silence. City soon exited, the barren streets of freedom remained quieter than the rat chimera. No guards on duty even at the front Mondstadt gate, the soldier shook his head. He supposed, everyone in the City of Freedom had a snake phobia.

Heading towards the east, the hyena's eyes opened wide at the sight before him. Was it just his imagination, or had the entirety of Cider Lake been frozen solid? Ice slightly tinged purple as the walk continued, a wave of unease flowed through the soldier. Deep edges of the city soon reached, the early adult peered downward at the icy lake.

Large river looking icy enough to skate on, the lynx stood upon the grass hill meters towards the frozen bed of liquid. Fingers pointing downward at serpents slinking upon their own ice rink of doom, the hyena took a deep breath. Any minute now, he would have to fight the most terrifying animal in the world.

"Here you go, moth, the Handy Dandy Anti Snake Killer Gloves!" Naofa exclaimed, handing the hyena chimera a pair of pitch black fingerless gloves. "And, while you're at it, go ahead and munch on those snakes all you like today! Put your shark teeth to good use!"

The early adult rolled his eyes to the sky. Did Naofa really expect him to bite the snakes? Absolutely ridiculous. He would go into toxic shock, for sure, if he were to sink his teeth into the snakes' scales. Slipping on the bogus fingerless gloves, the chimera closed his eyes, for a moment. Human arms and legs transforming into hyena limbs, the soldier's heelless shoes slid down the grassy hill. Lynx depositing his shoes into a small bag, the hyena jumped off the ledge.

Spotting a triple dozen snakes sliding around on their bed of toxic ice, the lynx and hyena split up into singular parties of one. Furry knuckles ready and waiting as a serpent slithered by him, the soldier wound up a fist. Self proclaimed snake repellent glove knocking the life out the enemy, the reptile had soon been reduced into nothing.

Three more snakes slithering the chimera's way, the soldier's fist lunged forward. Hearing the sound of spray dousing the serpents with every fist of fury, the reptilian triad met their doom as the soldier's fuzzy fists continued to do their bidding. Spray soon taking out two more, an island in the center of the lake was soon reached.

Lynx punching snakes on the other side of the lake, the soldier observed the small island in front of him. Spotting a strange monument with an Anemo symbol, the hyena let out a sigh. There was no way he would be able to activate such a thing with his Dendro Vision for sure. Trio of serpents slithering onto the grass, the early adult readied for battle.

Snake repellent gloves making short work of the slithering enemies, the soldier's hyena feet slid upon the icy floor. Vipers of doom approaching, the early adult skid the frozen bed. Trio of snakes sinking their teeth into their icy sea, fish had become members of the afterlife. Bending his knees, the early adult punted the reptiles across the lake. Six punches getting the job done, two more taken out of the picture, the chimera kept his slip about going.

Lynx soon taking out every snake except for four, the hyena dashed off towards the enemies. Tiny finches chomped between the enemy's teeth, the poor, innocent, avian creatures perished in seconds. Seeing such, the soldier wound up another fist. These creatures would pay for bringing birds into the mix. Quartet of reptiles brought to their demise, the ice beneath the early adult's feet had begun to crack.

Knowing that, if he stayed on the ice any longer, he would fall into the water, the early adult dashed off towards the island in the corner. Venomous bed of ice melting away as if it had never been there, the lynx had soon been submerged into the lake. Seeing such, the early adult turned around in the opposite direction. If it were about to drown, he did not wish to bare witness to such event.

Naofa soon doing strokes at rapid speed, the hyena's eyes opened wide. How had the lynx been able to swim so swiftly? Lynx soon grabbing him by the torso, it rode the waves. Placed on its backside as it propelled itself through the water, a sea of questions flowed through the soldier. How could they swim so easily with an entire partially human person on its back? But, he knew such question would never have an answer.

Sea of trees soon upon the lynx and he, Siorc removed the Teleport Waypoint proxy map from his back pocket. Blue triangle in the corner showing they had been in Brightcrown Canyon, the early adult tilted his head. The other side of Cider Lake lead to the mountains? Following behind in silence as the sea of trees was upon him, a sight to behold overtook the area.

Abyss Mages dancing around blowing air into flutes in their shield bubbles, confusion ate the hyena up like a plate of Fisherman's Toast. What in the world were the Mages doing? Snakes joining the party as their high pitched tune came to an end, the robed enemies bellowed a laugh. Poofing away as a sea of snakes hissed in unison, the soldier's eyebrows twitched.

Feeling something strapped down onto his legs and tail, the the early adult turned towards Naofa. Snake repellent ankle bracelets slapped onto his legs, and sprayer on his tail, as well, a wave of encouragement had been tossed the soldier's way. Told to put his legs to good use, the young soldier steeled himself. He supposed he was kicking some snakes.

Serpents slinking his way, the early adult readied his legs for action. Clawed feet ready to get on the offensive, his toes took the initiative. Spray doing its duty as three serpents had been kicked across the sand, the lynx's feet soon joined the kicking battle, as well.

Abyss Mage soon leering in the background as wings broke out onto a few of the snakes backs, the soldier's eyebrows twitched. First pigs, then dogs, now snakes were flying as well? Reality around him was breaking into a thousand pieces. Other serpents slithering by a bed of dark and light blue crystal, the hyena's repellent gloves were at the ready like the Outrider.

Multiple enemies taken out with his punches of spray, the serpents faded into the ether as his punts about continued. Lynx launching arrows in the air, the early adult kept his attention on the ground. He supposed the sky would constantly be covered as long as arrows were available.

Triple triad of snake doom towering the hilly cliffsides, the early adult scaled the mountaintops. Enemies kicked to their doom on the ground beneath them, the creatures had soon become one with nature. but dozens of reptiles awaited their similar demise. Lynx still on archery duty from afar, ground duty remained.

Twelve snakes fading into the ether, an extra reptile had turned their defeat into a baker's dozen. Naofa dashing towards him, a small stone entrance was passed through. Enemies a plenty, the lynx's gloved fingers pointed at the chimera's tail. Told to not leave his tail out of the fun, the early adult shrugged. He supposed he could put its suggestion to use.

Dozens of serpents slithering around the secluded stone area, the early adult turned to his backside. Hyena knees bent down, the snake ensemble lifted their coiled bodies upward. Creatures within close range, his tail swept the reptiles away like a chinchilla creature in another universe that loved cleaning dust and grime.

Dashing off towards the west, another gate had been upon the soldier. Edge of Stormterror's Lair leaking with serpents galore, the hyena lowered himself to his knees. Legs sweeping the entire cliffside snake nation, a group of serpents rattled about. Lynx's gloves finishing off the remainder, the chimera's wrist had soon been gripped into a tight lock.

Reversing back onto the path the party of two came, an hour of running had been upon the lynx and he. Enemies removed from their existence after one punch from the two chimera's efforts combined, the soldier gazed at the fingerless gloves. Just what could the snake repellent been made out of? The early adult did not know, but he knew it had to have been made from something sinister. Pushing such thoughts away, the beach had soon been upon him once more.

Dragged towards a hill with stone monuments, a strange wind current made out of dandelion seeds stood above the water. Wrist soon let go of, the lynx jumped through the hoop of air. Old looking wind glider looking ready to fall apart appearing on its back, the hyena shook his head. If the lynx's plastic wings broke, he would not lend it his. Air current thrusting him forward as well, he landed upon a rock nearby.

End of the shoreline reached after about fifteen minutes, the soldier turned his head towards the left. Back end of Wolvendom upon the lynx and he, a wave of unease crashed waves around the early adult. Was the atmosphere in the woods thicker than usual? Something had been off, for sure.

His fears were confirmed in a matter of minutes as the grey platform in the corner appeared in his damaged field of distanced vision. Hooded boy lunged over sweating up a fierce storm, the hyena's legs broke into an astronomically speedy sprint. The wolf boy in the hood, had something terrible happened to him? If such were the case, the snakes could wait.

Spotting the sheep and goat bounty hunters by the hooded boy's side, the soldier halted his sprint. Wolf boy looking as white as ghost with holes punctured into his neck, the soldier's heart skipped more than three beats. Had the hooded boy been trying to fight the snakes without his wolf family? How valiant of him. Lang looking ready to shout, the early adult held back a sigh. What ridiculous nonsense was she about to babble this time?

"Wallowing weeping wisterias!" Lang shouted, pointing at the boy's neck. "Kylling, those bites look deep!" A whimper soon entered the woods.

"Feel... icky..." the hooded boy whined.

Angry look on Kylling's face, the hyena crossed his furry arms across his waist. Was the goat bounty hunter already done with her partner's nonsense? If such were the case, he did not wish to become a witness to any relationship problems that were about to occur.

"Gosh, Lang, pointing isn't gonna do nothing!" Kylling exclaimed. "We need to make him a potion, stat!" But, such point was cancelled faster than a rejected light novel in Inazuma.

"Uh, heyo, Kylling! I don't know to do that!" Lang responded, pointing. "And, last time I checked, neither do you!" She then turned her head, fatoosy spotted. "Oi, Fatoosy! Go get the deaconess. Now, now! Hippity hoppity hoopity over there!"

Naofa dropping by onto the battlefield, the early adult looked into its singular blue eye. There was no time to waste. He had to go get the deaconess now. Gloved hands out in front of him, his hyena paws signed in rapid fire. Requesting the lynx's permission to leave, he left his paws out, for a moment. Hearing it click its tongue, the soldier could feel his knees buckle. He would get in trouble later, for sure.

"Fine, go right ahead! Get the deaconess!" Naofa replied to his wordless language. "Go get his teacher too, while you're at it! She's a witch, or something!" Pointing at his map, it clicked its tongue again. "Quickly, now! She's at the Library in Knights Headquarters!"

Knowing he had to be back in an instant, the early adult highlighted the northernmost waypoint in the capital city of Mondstadt in an instant. Dashing off towards the church, the hyena took a deep breath. While he knew a Fatui like himself was not welcome in the cathedral, the deaconess' help was mandatory.

Deaconess looking hard at work in the church, the early adult steeled himself. Tapping on the young woman's soldier, the girl's blue eyes looked his way. Opening his gloved hands out in front of him, the early adult folded his left hand outward. Slapping his right palm on top of his hyena paw, the soldier left the his hands out, for a moment. Help signed on private display, the early adult howled like a wolf.

Church giving him bewildered looks, the soldier lowered his head. Had his wordless language failed? But, such had been proven wrong in a matter of moments. Deaconess looking as though she had understood, she soon turned to face the hyena. Look of worry on her face, her lips motioned to speak.

"Oh, no! Is something wrong with -----?" the deaconess asked, concerned toned of voice. "Of course, I'll heal him! Lead the way!"

Young church idol joining the party, the hyena led the way. Favonius library dashed to, the early adult walked towards the librarian. Woman proclaimed as a witch by Naofa looking at some book, the early adult tapped on her shoulder. While the Favonius Librarian was the last person he wished to ever get involved with, he had no choice in the matter.

"Hi there, sweetie," the Favonius Library greeted in a flirtatious matter. "Do you need something?"

The early adult dragged out a sigh. Why did the Favonius Librarian always have to be so quick to flirt? He was definitely not within her thirty plus years age range to be someone she should be sweet talking to. Deaconess soon explaining the situation, the knight's librarian joined the party of two. Both women soon next to him, the chimera opened up the proxy orb back into map form.

Leading the way, the stone platform was soon upon the deaconess and the librarian. Lady party of two attending to the hooded boy in a matter of moments, the hyena's could feel a weight lifted off his back. Letting the church's idol and lazy librarian attend to the wolf boy, the soldier searched for the lynx chimera.

Bounty hunter couple and lynx hard at work vanquishing the vipers in the woods, the soldier veered off towards the opposite direction. He supposed he could finish off the remaining enemies that the party of three had not been fighting. Serpents hanging from the trees, the early adult kicked the bark with a fervor.

Vipers of doom slamming down onto the ground, the early adult's tail took the stage. Spray blasting the venomous enemies into their graves, the soldier headed towards the small lake in the corner. Serpents with rattling tails mixing their toxins into the water, the hyena wound up a punch.

Serpents punted onto the rocky cliff nearby, the soldier took a long deep breath. Just how many snakes were there in Mondstadt? If there were any more, he knew he had to keep fighting, no matter what. Enemies slithering about on top of multiple wooden boxes, his currently hyena knuckles did the talking.

Lang and Kylling soon dashing off towards the grey battle dome, Naofa headed back towards the chimera. Bounty hunters looking hard at work, the early adult shrugged. He supposed their alliance would remain short lived. Wolvendom's entrance soon upon the lynx and he, the westward path was taken out of the area.

Long winding path crossed through for about an hour, the early adult let out a gulp as a building of note appeared in his distanced field of heterochromatic vision. Large mansion getting closer with every second, fear nibbled on the cartilage of the soldier's ear. There were snakes around Dawn Winery? If they were heading there, he would be kicked out once spotted, in a heartbeat.

As the soldier stepped foot in Dawn Winery, sweat mounted upon the young soldier's back. There was no way he would be welcome here. Any minute now, judgement would be cast upon him by the property's owner. But, as he stepped foot onto the mansion's grounds, a peculiar sight caught the hyena's eyes.

Spotting a familiar high blond ponytail in the corner hauling crates of wine, the early adult blinked of bewilderment. What was his former practice partner doing at the Dawn Winery? But, the early adult pushed such thought into the river nearby. There was no way that could have been him. The owner of the mansion despised Fatui. He would never allow someone like him help out. But, looks were not deceiving.

Silver eyes that glowed like the moon, the hyena blinked once more. Was his former practice partner really here? Surely, his eyes were playing tricks on him. The snake's venom had to have hit him. He was seeing things, guaranteed. Such line of thought, however was interrupted as loud hissing overtook the area. Angel Share's owner attempting to vanquish them, nothing had happened. The serpents lived to see another second. Redhead struggling for minutes on end, he turned towards the lynx after awhile.

"What's a Knight doing here?" the angel share's owner grunted. "If you're here to take care of the snakes, make it quick." He then turned towards the hyena. "You, too Fatui." His arms were firmly crossed onto his waist.

Impatient tone in the man's voice, the early adult prepared himself. Right. He had to make this quick, or he would be trespassing on private property. Four eyes watching him as the cobras slithered towards the grape vineyards, the chimera got to work. Repellent punch stopping the viper in its tracks, the young soldier sprinted through the fruit vines.

Serpents looking ready to poison the fruit supply, the soldier brushed his tail against the enemies. Spray taking the snakes out of the picture, the early adult kept going. Lynx dealing with the vipers around the mansion, the soldier crept cruising through the bushes around the estate.

Former practice partner stepping inside the mansion, two less eyes had soon been on him. serpents bouncing around on a river nearby the winery, the soldier rose his leg upward. Creatures kicked to the curb, the anti snake spray did its magic. Dashing back around to the mansion, more vipers awaited.

Final group of serpents taken out of their outbreaking misery, the sound of an arrow took to the skies. Cobras knocked off the eaves of the mansion, the early adult's eyes pulsated. The snakes were in the Angel Share's owners walls. He was in jeopardy. Final viper removed from the edges of the winery, the soldier's wrist had been grabbed once more.

Lynx dragging the soldier off towards the east, the hyena held back a grunt. Just how many more snakes were left at this point? Surely, there couldn't have been too many more to worry about. Snakes punched along the way to Springvale, the path had soon been cleared. But, as the windmills of the village soon approached, a wave of unease flowed through the chimera.

Kígyó standing horrified beside Springvale's huge windmill, the early adult dashed off towards the scene. Snakes littered throughout the quiet village the soldier turned his attention towards Mondstadt's most cherished symbol. What was the gorgon so terrified over? Seeing nothing but a person on the stairs, the hyena studied the stranger, for a moment.

Standing upon the windmill stairs had been a young looking woman who looked slightly shorter than him. Or, so the chimera thought. Height from a higher altitude could have been a lie. Straight, golden hair with a slightly curly piece underneath her ears standing out, the early adult turned his attention towards the lady's eyes. Pitch black tiny eyes that almost looked like they had been dead, the chimera gazed at the person's outfit. Orange sweater vest with a white skirt looking as though they had been haphazardly thrown on, and red ribbon holding her hair together, the soldier ended his examination. But, as he did such, a chill went down his spine. What was this unsettling feeling he was getting, all of the sudden?

Watching as Kígyó vanquished all the snakes in Springvale, in an instant, the soldier's heart beat hard in his chest. How did the medusa just do that? But, he supposed a snake chimera would have power over the kind the person was directly. Look of absolute terror painting the face, the hyena backed two steps away. Were these two related? If they were about to have a family squabble, he needed to stay out of it.

Snakes defeated like the bard specified, Kígyó's eyes pulsated at the sight before the pupils. What was the dead sister doing here? The eyes were hallucinating. The eyes were hallucinating. The eyes were hallucinating. There was no way the sister could be here on the windmill in Springvale. She had died five-hundred-twenty years ago. the eyes were hallucinating, the eyes were hallucinating, the eyes were hallucinating. Definitely not there sister beginning to speak, the ears joined in on the trap.

"Ezrek, long time no see! It's been... Since my virus killed me, huh?" the girl spoke, smiling. "It's been five-hundred-twenty years, I missed you!" Exiting the windmill, she attempted to wrap her arms around her sibling, but the arms shot back.

Hearing the commotion, the early adult tilted his head. How could someone who had died five-hundred-twenty years ago be alive again? He misheard that, guaranteed. But, perhaps, just maybe, she had found a way to bring herself back from the world of the dead. He supposed anything was possible.

Lifelike trap speaking like she was truly the sister acting all friendly, Kígyó's teeth chattered. The body was dreaming, the mind was not awake. There was no way any of this was real. Definitely, certainly, positively not. This was a dream, a hallucination, the imagination. This had to end now.

"Stop! Get out of my head!" Kígyó shouted. "Valaha is dead! Long dead! You're not real! You're a hallucination!"

Hearing her sibling say such cold things to her, Valaha lowered her head. So that's how it was going to be, huh? She supposed she didn't blame Kígyó for feeling such a way. But, she knew she needed to prove that she was really here right now, in the present; in the flesh.

Looking as though she had been crushed in the chest by a thousand boulders, the early adult's heart leaped. Had Kígyó's rejection stung her? He supposed such had to have been the case. He knew if, his sister had pretended he was a hallucination whenever they met again, he would become broken glass, in an instant. Young woman looking ready to speak, the young soldier walked five steps back. She needed her space, for sure.

"Ezrek, I'm real! I'm right here in front of you!" Valaha exclaimed. She then turned towards the strangers in the corner. "Say, you two can see me, right?"

Question tossed his way, the early adult nodded. Would responding in a positive manner cause Kígyó's to stop saying such cold and heartless words? The hyena hoped such would be the case. Naofa breaking out into sinister laugher, the chimera's eyebrows twitched. What it scheming something? He knew its cackle was not a good thing.

"Of course I can see you! Your sibling over there is so heartless for pretending you're not real!" Naofa replied, faking a charismatic attitude as it spoke. But, a bombshell was soon tossed upon the windmill. "Say, I have a question for you, Valaha. You were created through the art of Khaenri'ahn syntheticism, weren't you?" A sinister smile appeared on its face.

Hearing Valaha laugh in tandem, a wave of bewilderment flowed through the early adult. Khaenri'ahn syntheticism? What did any of that mean? Wide grin appearing on the golden haired woman's face, sweat poured down the chimera's back. He could not help but feel something sinister was about to go down in a matter of moments.

"Ha. Impressive, and very perceptive of you," Valaha replied. "Correct, I am a synthetic doll created by..." She paused for a moment. "...We'll just call him The Doctor."

The early adult's eyes opened wide. The Doctor had done more experiments? Why didn't the malicious malpracticing harbinger ever stop? But such food cart of thought was interrupted. Kígyó shouting on repeat Valaha was not real, the windmill had begun to shake on the air.

Valaha continuing to insist she was not a trick, the early adult backed multiple steps way. Point continuously dismissed by the snake, the hyena shrugged his shoulders. He supposed he did not blame the gorgon for rejecting the sister had been alive once more. Confusion was a contagious disease of disbelief. But, the tables soon turned as the argument kicked up speed.

"You know what, Ezrek? Fine. Don't believe me," Valaha replied, sighing. "If you're going to just keep on denying that I exist, I'll just go." Turning around, she waved. "I'll see you again later when you're willing to believe me. Bye." Walking away, she was gone like the breeze.

Doll soon long gone, the early adult prepared himself to stage his exit towards the next location the lynx were to pull him towards. But, such attempt was cancelled before it could even begin. Gorgon sprinting up the windmill stairs, the snake had reached the top in less than ten seconds. Pushing the self off the edge of the highest point on the tower, the soldier's heart skipped a beat.

Lynx dashing onto the scene as the snake hurdled towards the ground, Naofa stretched its gloved arms out. Snake caught, a wave of anger had come the lynx's way. Placing the person onto the ground, a sea of shouts had begun to slap across the fading wind.

"What are you doing?!" Kígyó shouted at the top of the lungs. "Don't stop me! I came out here to die! You're getting in my way!"

Snake looking ready to get on the offensive, the hyena's wrist had been gripped into a firm lock. Naofa dashing off onto the dirt road path, the Windrise tree had been upon the party of two within half an hour of running. Snakes littered throughout the trees, Naofa's bow had soon been deployed beside it.

Vipers brought down to their misery from the large tree beside the glowing red statue, the early adult's tail finished the deed. Dozens of snakes taken out of the picture, the fight kept going for hours on end. Hundreds of serpents becoming one with nature the synthetic doll soon walked upon the dirt road. Dashing towards the tree, she put on a smile.

"Oh, so you're the ones taking care of all the snakes for me," Valaha said with a flavor of surprise. "Thank you so much for all that! I might have accidentally summoned all of them because of my uncontrollable ley line powers!" Reaching for the lynx's glove, she shook their hands. "Truly, thank you so much for this!"

Hearing the pathetic synthetic doll mention the ley lines, a wide toothed smirk appeared on Naofa's face. This little doll could manipulate the ley lines with her powers? How incredibly impressive. It was time to learn more. Perhaps it was time to send Siorc on his way for the day. Turning towards him, a fake grin graced its face.

"Oh, well, it would seem something has suddenly come up!" Naofa exclaimed, gloved hands around the hyena's paws. "Go on, go back home to Snezhnaya! I'll be back tomorrow to get you." Removing the gloves from his hands, it removed the anklets and tail sprayer as well. "There, I removed everything for you. Get going now! I have other business to attend to!"

Sudden dismissal granted, the early adult removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Soundproof room upon him after fifteen minutes of walking, the hyena closed his eyes for a moment. Hyena limbs returning to human form, the soldier removed his uniform. Jewelry and accessories put away as well, the chimera slumped into the rock hard bed. But, as the dream world invited him back him, one final question flowed through him.

What in the world was The Doctor doing?

***

"This doesn't make any sense.
Why would The Doctor do something like this?
Of all his experiments, this doesn't add up.

Something isn't right. Naofa, what aren't
You saying? There's more to this, isn't there?
No, surely I am overthinking.
This is something that
Horrible man would do. Truly. But,
Everything isn't adding up,
There has to be something else happening.
I can't help but feel there is more to this situation.
Cannot help but feel other parties were involved.

Surely, I'm overthinking. There's
No way. This was a solo project, definitely.
After all, Naofa did not seem to
Know. It was just as surprised as the gorgon.
Even so, this isn't right.

Defiling the dead, that can't be a good thing. But, all
Of this is confusing. How did he bring back those removed from
Life five centuries ago? Surely, their bodies have far rotten.
Life again in that situation is impossible, surely. But, I suppose I do not understand
Syntheticism. But, I cannot ask. Questions are not allowed to me."

Next morning almost exactly the same as the day before, the early adult heaved a sigh. Were they fighting snakes again? He supposed the job had not yet reached its conclusion. Capital city reached in an instant, panic broke through the streets. Vipers everywhere the eye could see, screams echoed around the area.

Serpents resting on the benches of the city as though they thought they owned the place, the gloves and anklets had soon been on once more. Human arms and legs soon transformed back into hyena form, the chimera and lynx readied for the punches and kicks of the ages.

Snakes knocked onto the grass and fountain nearby the creatures had become one with nature once more. Every single serpent cleared away from the furniture around the city, loud hisses overtook the rooftops. Hearing such, the early adult let out a sigh. He supposed he had no choice but to raid the roof.

Serpents curling themselves up into the chimneys of people's houses, the early adult tossed the creature out of the smoke stack. Lynx clearing out the serpents in the eaves of the houses coiled around the growing mushrooms, the hyena descended from the roof. The vipers had sure made themselves at home.

Climbing up the stairs in the corner, a sight to behold caught the hyena's eyes. Serpents resting upon the main windmill in the city, the early adult turned towards the lynx chimera. Flaming arrows taking out the viper group of doom, the hunt continued. Grey brick walls scaled, hissing combined with the wind.

Creatures repelled from the brick, one final patrol around the city had come full circle. No other serpents laying around, panic had reduced itself to zero within the city walls. Lynx soon informing him more pesky cobras had been spotted slithering around Windrise, the early adult dashed through the Mondstadt gates.

Bridge sped through, the soldier and lynx sprinted towards the east. Large tree almost upon them, the early adult rolled up his sleeves. It was time for round two of the snake fight to come in full swing. Cobras making themselves right at home, the early adult ascended up the bark.

But, such had been a hasty move upon the battle ground. Serpents crawling around him, their fangs sunk into the fur upon his currently hyena legs. Sharp biters continuing their rampage, the soldier released a deep throated shout. Snake's teeth, they were noxious, poisonous, toxic. Any minute now, he would be a venerable waste of space, guaranteed.

But no such feelings of weakness ever came. Nothing happening for minutes on end, a wave of bewilderment flowed through the hyena. Shouldn't the toxins have settled in my by now? He knew snake bite venom worked quickly upon the body. Naofa tapping its food upon the ground, shouts had come his way.

"Why are you just standing there, flea? Kick the snakes already!" Naofa shouted, irritated tone of voice. "If you're worried about getting poisoned, you're pathetic! Those anklets around your legs repel any venom, even if it comes into contact with you!" It folded its arm into a fist. "So, stop sitting there and doing nothing!" Punching a snake on the ground, the repellent ended its life, in an instant. "Unless, of course, you want something of yours decorated! I'll happily oblige!"

Threat coming his way, the early adult's fists and the serpents met. Right, he was on the nonexistent clock right now. Why was he just sitting here? Every single cobra removed from the trees as the anti snake spray took them out of their misery, the soldier descended the tree trunk.

Windrise cleared out after another hour had passed, Naofa and he had begun to head north. Returning back towards the crossroads, the west path not travelled was soon taken. Whispering Woods reached after heading north, a wave of unease flowed through the soldier. Serpents holding fire crackers inside their coiled bodies, fear feasted inside him. The snakes had been equipped with explosives? Absolutely terrifying.

Lynx knocking the explosives out from the serpent's tails, a wave of relief washed over the chimera. The threat had been stopped in its tracks. Enemies looking ready to break out into a scaly sweat, the early adult's tail and the creatures met. Vipers soon becoming dust upon the Modnstadt wind, the fight kept going.

Rattling creatures knocked onto the trees with a slap of the soldier's tail, Naofa's claws soon joined the party. Lynx transformed, as well, the early adult blinked. When had it turned into lynx form? But, he supposed he had just not been paying attention to the world around him while the battles kicked into overdrive.

Final set of snakes within the woods taken out of their summoned misery, the lynx started heading north. But, such walk about had begun to work itself up into a challenge. Ice littering the streets, the hyena tread carefully. Frozen lake reached after an hour of stepping with caution, a predictable sight overtook the river.

Icy blue serpents munching away on the fish in the lake, the hyena rose an eyebrow. Was it normal for serpents to eat fish? He could not help but feel their brains had been frozen over from their sudden outbreak in numbers. Lynx soon raising its claws, it talons ran deep.

Snakes ripped apart one after another, reptile guts swam through the thawing lake. Naofa soon blowing on its claws, the early adult turned his face towards the opposite direction. Why had it suddenly ramped up its violence? Surely, punching the repellent into them had to have been enough.

Rest of the serpents vanquished with a claw's mark, the soldier studied the lynx chimera for a moment. Naofa turning its head towards the right and left, eyes wandering, the chimera blinked. What were they so afraid of, all of the sudden? Wrist gripped into yet another tight lock, the hyena had been dragged forward.

"Let's go, flea, we're heading towards the city gates again," Naofa said with an uncharacteristic amount of unease. "A certain something is playing games with me!"

Abyss Mage playing a tune with its flute, the early adult jumped five steps back as the lynx let go of his furry wrist. What was with the Mages lately? Whoever had been the current leader of the Abyss Order had lost a few dozen marbles, for sure. Robed denizen of the realm underneath Teyvat turning around, mockery had made a fool out of itself in a matter of moments.

"You're too late, Jormungandr!" the Abyss Mage shouted in a mocking tone. "We've already called our new friends here!" Other Mages finishing their flute tune, the monster laughed. "Say hello to the boa constrictor those little dollies accidentally summoned!" Tune reaching the serpent's invisible ears, power flowed through the creature.

Naofa letting out a sinister chuckle as the Abyss Mages vanished, its claws had been ready for action. Talons pressed against the viper's torso, the nails sunk deep enough form holes. Slashes about continuing, the pit only grew larger as the seconds raged onward. Sea of cold snake blood decorating the gates, the early adult covered his eyes. How horrid. Why was he even here anymore?

One sided claw fight continuing onward for minutes on end, seas of red decorated the edge of the Mondstadt bridge. Multiple enemies removed with a talon's' swipe, the early adult faced the opposite direction. Had the Abyss Mages struck a nerve within the lynx's mind? Such ramp up on its attacks had certainly been unnecessary.

Shouts soon coming his way to stop standing around, the early adult let out a yelp. Right. He was supposed to fighting the snakes, as well. Wiping up the sea of red from near the bridge, the reverse back onto the path taken previously had taken shape. Starfell Lake returned to after about an hour of backtracking, the party of two headed east.

Reaching the beachside of Starsnatch Cliff after about two hours of walking, the soldier turned his head towards the right and left. Sea lion sisters nowhere to be seen, the soldier puffed a sigh of relief. Thank the Archons Savon and Eau had been absent, at the moment. Them getting bitten would be a disaster, for sure.

Spotting serpents upon the cliffsides, the early adult had begun his ascension towards the mountains. Golden vipers with big black eyes looking as though they had just woken up from a five-hundred-twenty year nap, the early adult took a deep breath. Punch of snake repellent knocking the enemy onto the ground below, they had become one with nature.

Veering off towards the left, a mob of golden vipers awaited the lynx and he. Knees bent once more, the soldier's tail and the spray shook hands with one another. Twelve vipers taken out of the equation, the lynx chimera's legs joined the party. Dialing down its attacks, the early adult lowered its eyes into a squint. What a revolving door of battle styles Naofa had been.

Spotting a watchtower off into the distance as the Stormbearer Mountains' invading serpents had been taken care of, the hyena could not help but wonder. Would Valaha be here on the edge of the hills today? He could not help but feel he would see her if he were to keep walking towards the edge of the cliffsides.

Final snakes around the Stormbearer Mountains vanquished, the early adult dashed off towards the edge of the mountains. Kígyó's knees shaking like a leaf as he approached the watchtower, the hyena puffed a bated breath. If the gorgon were here, everything would turn sour shortly. Turning his head towards the top of the watchtower, a person soon descended the ladders. Person soon gazing at the medusa, the hyena studied the new challenger upon the denial battlefield.

Standing on the ladder of the watchtower had been a man who looked slightly taller than him. Short golden hair going down to the man's ears with spiky bangs off on the right and left arched with a centered widow's peak, the early adult placed his hand on his chin. Could this person have been related to Kígyó, as well? Small black eyes and olden looking red and gold royal outfit, doubt died in the instant. This person was related to the gorgon, for sure. Ending his examination, the hyena prepared himself for the denial showdown. Stranger turning towards the medusa, the player stepped onto the battlefield.

"It's great to see you again, dear Ezrek," the stranger greeted, smiling. "Your big bro is back after..." He hesitated for a moment. "Well, huh. When did I die again? Well, who cares. I'm here now." He wrapped his sibling into a hug. "Ah, warmth after all these years feels so good."

Mechanical body wrapping its slimy hands around the torso, Kígyó pushed the creature off of the chest. Were the hallucinations causing the body to feel realistic simulations now? These hallucinations were playing sick games in the head. The game had to end now.

"You're not Élénk, he's dead!" Kígyó shouted at the top of the lungs. The snake then turned towards the annoying peanut gallery. "And, you over there, Ingne! Don't pretend like you can see him! Don't mess with me!"

Seeing the dejected look on Élénk's face, the hyena would do no such thing. How dare Kígyó forsake the family like this? These cold, and terrible words the mouth was saying had to stop this instant. Hyena index finger sharply pointing at the clearly there person, the soldier would not budge, even for a moment.

Ingne making their defiance known, Kígyó wrapped the arms around the neck. Why was this infuriating thorn doing the exact opposite of what the lips just said? Did their entire family intend to continue to be aggravating for all of eternity? Hallucination of a brother flapping his gums, the teeth were grit. No more of these sick games already. This was a dream, a hallucination, the imagination.

"Ezrek, you just touched me. I'm very real," Élénk replied, exasperated. "And, I'm here to stay this time. My body is mechanical now. I promise I won't die." But, such point had been rejected, in an instant.

"You're not real!" Kígyó protested. "Stop haunting me!" Digging through the robed pockets, a steel cooking object glinted on the sunlight.

Knife pressed onto the base of the gorgon's neck, deep incisions made their presence known as the cooking utensil swiped back and forth upon the skin. Medusa keeping the momentum going, the early adult removed his glasses. Blurred world around him as the scent of flesh bled through his nostrils, the early adult held back the urge to gag. Turning his heelless shoes off into the barely visible opposite direction, the hyena attempted to run. But, such was impossible, the world was a blob.

Watching as the pathetic immortal slashed the neck with an even more pitiful kitchen knife, Naofa let out a laugh. What a weak person this chimera was, in so much denial. This was the final member of the immortal Tüzes family? What a joke. This so called gorgon was a leech upon the sand. The ancient race were a bunch of water fleas.

Ezrek continuing to cause harm to the body for minutes on end, Élénk closed his eyes. Ezrek had still been a danger to the self? No more. Time to end this. Mechanical body soon replaced with a snake body below the neck, Élénk turned his tail to the backside. Knife knocked out of his sibling's hands, a scolding had been on the tip of his synthetic tongue.

"Stop it, Ezrek. You're still suicidal?" Élénk scolded, stern tone of voice. "You're immortal. You know that won't work. Please stop harming yourself like this. You needn't do that." He then took out a towel, wiping the blood away. "This is why I asked Flosshilde to remove, and preserve my brain and DNA right after I died." He took a deep breath. "Valaha and I didn't want you to do dangerous things to yourself. Why did it take five-hundred-twenty years to put me in this body?" But, a protest had come his way.

"You won't ever convince me you're real! Leave my sight!" Kígyó shouted, shaking. "Now!"

Élénk shaking his head, he closed his eyes once more. Snake body retracted back into human form, he stepped off the watchtower. If the snake weren't willing to see things as they were, there was no use in trying to keep pressing onward. Pressing his heels deep into the dirt, he readied to bid one last farewell.

"In that case, if you're going to continue to be unreasonable like this, I'm going," Élénk replied. "Ezrek, consider this a warning, if this continuous denial of yours keeps up, I might decide I don't want to be your brother anymore." Waving, his turned his heels in the opposite direction.

Words not reaching the gorgon, the snake sprinted up the watchtower. Heading off towards the ledge, the hyena let out a huff. Could the medusa be any more dramatic today? The person was worse than the pesky penguin chimera. Readying to drop off the ledge, an even more grating voice soon joined the battle.

Adjusting his glasses, the early adult lowered his eyes into a squint. What had the Cavalry Captain been doing here? Had he been here the entire time? But, the soldier put a pin in such thought. Did it really matter if he had been watching, or not? Perhaps he had been on snake duty, as well.

"Oh, my, Kígyó. Causing trouble again?" the Cavalry Captain asked. "Now, get down from there! You're scaring your good old friend!" Bard soon next to him, he cupped his hands around his mouth.

"Hey, Kígyó!" the bard shouted. "You defeated those big mean snakes for me! I'll tell you the secret if you get down!" He stuck out his tongue.

Kígyó descending the watch tower, the early adult's mouth gaped open. What had just happened? What power did the drunkard bard from Mondstadt have over the snake? Bard escorting the gorgon off the premises the Cavalry Captain spun a mora coin on his knuckles. But, as he did such, the atmosphere had grown thicker.

Turning towards the lynx chimera, the early adult broke out into a shiver. Deep, cold look on the lynx's face, the soldier backed ten steps away. Why did Naofa have such a dark look as it looked at the cavalry captain? Whatever issue it had with him, he knew he had to pretend like he saw nothing, or his neck would be the next one decorated red.

"Well, if it isn't ----- Alberich! Look at you, living a cushy life," Naofa said in a mocking tone. "Remember your roots, leech!" But, a laugh had come the lynx's way.

"You mean the abyss order?" the cavalry captain asked. "I wash my hands of them. I quite like my life here in Mondstadt." A laugh had been returned in tandem.

"You'll go back to your family roots one day, Alberich!" Naofa shouted. "Just you wait, when that day comes, I'll get revenge and you and the regents!"

Cavalry captain getting the last laugh, he soon exited the area. One final golden viper dropping down from the top of the watch tower, the early adult raised his leg upward. Anklet spraying the anti snake repellent as his kicks ramped up in speed, the enemy had soon become dust upon the wind.

Evening soon kicking in, the early adult let out a yawn. It had been night already? The day had been quite the fast one. Knowing he could not leave until he was granted his dismissal, the soldier followed behind the lynx in silence. But such walk about was halted in a matter of moments. Spotting a red headband off in the distance, Naofa stopped walking. Outrider soon heading toward the hyena, strange words had come the soldier's way.

"Hey there, your name is Ingne, right?" the Outrider asked in a friendly tone. "Your subordinate wants to see you at Angel's Share right away!"

The early adult tilted his head. Who could have possibly been asking for him a the Angel's Share? Hearing his last name, a switch clicked inside his fading human brain. Was it who he suspected it was? Outrider leading the way, the capital city of Mondstadt was reached after an hour of mountain scaling. But, an obstacle soon stood at the city gates.

Bespectacled light green haired alchemist girl looking expectantly at Naofa, the early adult blinked. What had the alchemist knight been doing here? Wasn't she supposed to be at the crafting bench doing her work? Lensed eyes looking ready to sparkle, her hobbies had begun to speak for themselves.

"Um, excuse me, Naofa?" the alchemist girl asked, expectant look not leaving her face. "Master ---- told me you and your partner were fighting snakes today. Do you happen to have any teeth, or bones? I would like to take a look at them."

"Sure thing, I'll help you look for some around Windrise!" Naofa said, tone take and plastic. It then turned towards the hyena chimera. "Go on, and have your dinner! I'll wait for you outside Angel's Share until you're done!" Grabbing the alchemist's glove, it waved. "I have something to show you later, so don't leave until I say you can!"

Lynx soon gone, the Outrider lead the way. Door to Angel's Share opened, a surprise awaited the hyena. Plate of Sticky Honey Roast set aside at one of the tables, the early adult turned his head. Former practice partner sitting by the table as though he were holding his seat, the soldier sat down. Turning towards the tavern's owner, a sour look had been on his face.

"Don't look at me, I had nothing to do with this," the Angel's Share owner responded, arms crossed. "Sonne insisted on doing this for you. So, eat your fill, and leave."

Fork and knife placed down in front of him, the early adult stared at the Monstadt dish in front of him. His former practice partner did this for him? Did he really deserve to be treated to a meal like this? Taking out his wallet, he opened the pouch, but hands covered the flap before he could do such.

"No need for that, Ingne, I already paid for it," his former practice partner said. "You've been working hard today. Consider it a token of appreciation from the people of Mondstadt."

Token of Mondstadt's appreciation in front of him, the hyena dug the fork into the meal in front of him. Honey hitting his throat, the soldier held back the tears. The food tasted like home. Roast finished after some time, the soldier bowed a thank you. Stepping outside the tavern, the early adult turned his attention towards the tables outside.

Naofa sitting down at a tavern table waiting, the early adult headed towards the lynx. What did it want to show him? Whatever it was, he knew he had to act like he was interested, no matter what. Sitting on the opposite end of the table, the young soldier looked into the lynx chimera's singular visible eye.

"There you are, butterfly, you're just in time!" Naofa exclaimed, tone fake and plastic. "I'm feeling a little nice today, so I'll show you my right eye!" Undoing the flower eyepatch, a deep red snake eye with a triangular iris appeared in front before the early adult's mismatched eyes. "Congratulations, flea! You've seen the real me. The sacred eye of Jormungandr. But, don't get too comfortable! You'll never see it again!" It then smirked. "Now that you've finally seen my eye, why don't you join my revenge?"

Deep red snake eye glaring daggers at him, a realization had come over the chimera. He sees now. Naofa's hidden eye behind the patch was a snake eye. Shaking his head, he formed his two index fingers into an x-shape. Join Naofa's revenge? No way, not happening. Even if it offered him a flower field in exchange, he would never join it.

Watching as Siorc shake his head, Naofa shrugged. It supposed it had seen it coming rejecting its offer to join its revenge plot once again. Perhaps, just maybe, an amiable person would dismiss him right about now. Feeling especially generous today, a fake smiled beamed across its face from ear to ear.

"Suit yourself, then!" Naofa replied, plastic tone sticking like glue. "There's only two months left until then, so keep thinking about joining me, and I'll let you have a spot in my plan!" It then pointed at the hyena chimera's back pocket. "You can go now, you handled those snakes pretty well!" Standing up from the table, it readied to stage its exit. "I'll let Her Majesty know you're doing good. See you later, butterfly!" Heading towards the staircase, the lynx was gone.

Dismissal granted, the early adult removed the teleport waypoint proxy orb from his back pocket. Highlighting the waypoint to the military barracks, the early adult closed his eyes. Hallways soon upon him, the soldier headed for the steel walled room. Soundproof room soon upon him, the soldier removed the anti snake repellent gloves and anklets.

Closing his eyes once more, his hyena arms and legs retracted back into human form. Tail repellent falling onto the ground, the early adult walked around in a circle upon the icy cold floor. Naofa's eye, the abyss order, all of it had begun to click together.

Wave of tiredness overtaking the hyena, the soldier removed the weaponized hairpins and earrings. Uniform removed and glasses removed as well, the chimera slumped in the uncomfortable bed. Closing his eyes as soon as his head hit the pillow, one final thought wrapped vines around the early adult as the world of sleep were about to take him away.

Naofa was the true snake all along.

---

Yeah, originally, way back when, this chapter wasn't planned at the start. But, around the second time I did the chapter plot arrow, I decided to do two finale parts after Spiral Abyss & this was what came out of it.